2-21-18

The Pitt News

The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | February 21, 2018 | Volume 108 | Issue 116

PITT CFO RAMICONE TO RETIRE John Hamilton Managing Editor Pitt’s chief financial officer and senior vice chancellor, Arthur Ramicone, will retire in August after a 30-year career at Pitt, the University announced Tuesday.

Ramicone, 64, is the second senior vice chancellor who will step down in 2018, following Provost Patricia Beeson’s announcement that she will leave her post next fall.

Ramicone began his Pitt career in 1988 as an internal audit manager. He became CFO in 1996 and was appointed to also serve as senior vice chancellor in 2015.

“He is a leader known for his honesty, integrity and sense of humor — and for bringing great teams together to tackle the right challenges,” Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a press release. “As a result, the University finds itself in an enviable position of exceptional financial strength.”

Pitt’s press release credited Ramicone with implementing cost-saving methods and strengthening Pitt’s bond ratings.

Ramicone also oversees Pitt’s $3.52 billion endowment — the 26th largest in the country — which has increased from about $660 million when Ramicone became CFO. The Office of Finance manages the endowment with oversight from the Board of Trustees. The investment pool has come under scrutiny recently with student organizations pushing the Board of Trustees to divest the $26 million Pitt has invested in the fossil fuel industry.

As CFO, Ramicone is responsible for 14 departments, including payroll and risk management. His 2015 salary was $457,543.

Maggie Kennedy celebrates with her slate after winning the election for SGB president Tuesday night.

Thomas Yang VISUAL EDITOR

Looking to the Horizon: Kennedy wins SGB Presidency

The Pitt News Staff

Maggie Kennedy couldn’t stop smiling Tuesday night after hearing she received 56 percent of the vote to secure the Student Government Board presidency for next year.

Kennedy, a junior political science and communication major running on the Horizon slate, received 1,889 votes to defeat junior marketing major Saket Rajprohat for the position.

Compared to last year’s almost 29 percent voter turnout with three presidential candidates, this year saw just 18 percent of the student body cast votes — a decrease to 3,481 students from last year’s 5,177.

But Kennedy said both slates with presidential candidates — Horizon and Neighbors — worked hard to ensure students knew their respective platforms leading up to the election.

“I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet but it’s surreal and I’m so grateful,” Kennedy said. “Now, my main priority is revamping orientation to [get] education about sexual violence and cultural competency into the curriculum to make our students better members of the community.”

Current SGB President Max Kneis tried to move through allocations requests quickly during Tuesday night’s weekly public meeting after accepting a motion to bypass board reports from then-board member candidate and current Allocations Chair Cory Stillman. The room was packed with candidates and supporters awaiting the results of the annual election.

Delaney Regan, a junior psychology and English writing major, served as the campaign manager for the Horizon slate and said she voted for all Horizon candidates.

“I’m very happy with the results, we’re all very pleased,” she said. “I wasn’t very worried, I’m just very proud of all of them.”

Jahari Mercer, a junior industrial engineering major, was overjoyed and cried triumphantly upon hearing he received 1,265 votes — more than any other board candidate — meaning he will serve as executive vice president next year. He then stepped aside to call his parents and deliver the good news.

“It’s just gonna be great to give a voice to the student population,” he said. “It’s our job to amplify student voices, and I’m really excited to be able to do that.”

Jessa Chong, a sophomore political science and communication major, received the second highest number of votes with 1,137. Junior See Kennedy on page 4

News

STUDENTS DISCUSS DIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING

Karl Reid, the executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, explores the factors of success Tuesday afternoon at Benedum Hall.

Anas Dighriri STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Zane Crowell Staff Writer Since joining the National Society of Black Engineers in 1980, Karl Reid has dedicated his career to advancing opportunity and inclusion for African-American engineers across the country.

“I got my leadership experience largely through NSBE, and I discovered my passion, which is to increase access and opportunity for young people who are largely underserved and underrepresented,” Reid said.

More than 45 students and faculty gathered in Benedum Hall to listen to Reid, the executive director of NSBE, speak about the international nonprofit organization of more than 17,000 members and his experiences in the field.

Reid began as the society’s executive director in 2014 and has since worked toward improving the success of minority students

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in engineering. He developed a “tool kit” that considers aspects like social environment of a university and provides organizations with tools to increase the academic achievement of underrepresented students.

“This is an institutional tool kit,” Reid said, “This looks at things like culture and climate of a university, how to engage leaders at a university, how to put together a great summer bridge programs, how to structure a scholarship to enable student success.”

Reid emphasized mental and financial stability as keys for success as well. He also spoke from his experience working at the United Negro College Fund, where they found that $5,000 awarded to an AfricanAmerican in their first year was associated with an 8 percent increase in graduation rate in five years.

“Money matters, so we’ve been working with United Technologies, with Chevron,

etc., to increase the number of scholarships we can award to students because money should not be a barrier to becoming an engineer,” he said.

Reid touched on Pitt’s current stance on diversity and inclusion advancements. He said the Pitt chapter of NSBE partnered with the admissions office several years ago to increase the number of African-American students who apply and are accepted to Swanson.

He also argued that the success rate of minority students can increase through more encouraging environments, saying students who perceive social constraints — whether or not they are really there — are much less likely to excel. “[If I believe that] no amount of effort that I put into this will result in any change in outcome, what will happen? I’ll start putting up my hands, I’ll find excuses as to whether or not I can be successful here,” Reid said.

But diversity and inclusion are only a means to an end, Reid said. The core of Reid’s strategy is providing students with the belief that it is possible for them to be successful. He said students need to be aware of their potential to avoid immediate despair in the face of failure. “[Getting] a 38 on that first physical chemistry test, and wondering if I can really be here, if I should be here, was I admitted because my older brother was here?” Reid said.

When someone asked Reid after his pre-

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sentation how the new leaders in Swanson can foster an inclusive environment, Reid stressed roundtables with student groups such as NSBE as a step toward involving and acting on behalf of more student input.

“Any great leader is a greater listener,” Reid said. “You have to create a safe environment where we’re engaging with them, because it is a two-way learning experience.”

Deanna Sinex, a graduate student studying bioengineering, liked the leadership opportunities and social participation that NSBE provided her with.

“I was the conference planning chair and also president of my chapter for two different years,” Sinex said. “You have that extra support not only from the faculty that mentored, but also the other NSBE members.”

Malik Roberts, a junior civil engineering major, agreed with much of Reid’s presentation, but built upon his thoughts regarding diversity as a tool for change.

“He mentioned diversity as the means to the end, and I feel that is very true,” Roberts said. “But I feel it should be more emphasized as one of the roots rather than Malik Roberts just the method to get there.”

Roberts has been a NSBE member since high school, and said he stayed involved because of the positive social aspects and relationships that he’s formed.

“It gives me a community to plug into, people that I know have similar mindsets, similar experiences to me, that can actually relate to struggles I face as a minority engineer,” Roberts said.

It gives me a community to plug into, people ... that can actually relate to struggles I face as a minority engineer.

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SENATE COUNCIL ADDRESSES PARRAN HALL, TITUSVILLE Hannah Schneider Staff Writer The University Senate Council held its second meeting of the spring semester Tuesday afternoon and addressed recently contentious topics such as building names and budget concerns.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher started the meeting by discussing the current controversy about Parran Hall, which houses the Graduate School of Public Health.

The building — located on De Soto Street — is named after former Surgeon General Thomas Parran, who was the first dean of the School of Public Health.

The debate rises out of questionable ethical standards Parran practiced in experiments on STDs and STIs. In a Twitter thread on Feb. 13, the Pitt graduate union organizers condemned

Parran Hall as a “constant reminder of the legacy of racism” in Pitt’s scientific and medical communities. Gallagher said the best way for the University to address this issue was through “deliberate thought.”

Pitt’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion asked the University Senate to nominate representatives for a committee that will address the building’s name. The Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Discriminatory Advocacy Committee within the University Senate also plans to file a statement regarding the name.

“We have tried to create a process where these kinds of issues could be systematically looked at,” Gallagher said.

“We felt it was important to not have a reactive process that was doing this ... through media attention or something Chancellor Patrick Gallagher discusses the renaming of Parran Hall at Tuesday’s Senate Council meeting. Sarah Cutshall STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER where pressure was being put on.”

See Senate on page 9

The Pitt News SuDoku 2/21/18 courtesy of dailysudoku.com

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February 21, 2018

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Kennedy, pg. 1 biology major Pooja Humar came in third with 1,094 votes and Stillman, a sophomore film studies major, finished just four votes behind her with 1,090. Rajaab Nadeem, a junior economics and political science major, finished in fifth with 1,057 votes and sophomore accounting and finance major Cole Dunn received 944 votes.

Zechariah Brown, a junior political science and economics major finished with 696 votes and sophomore computer science major Albert Tanjaya finished with 631 votes.

Voters also answered a referendum on a change to the SGB constitution. The changes were mostly to the document’s formatting, and the referendum passed 2,592–137.

Nadeem, a board member-elect from the Horizon slate, was “absolutely ecstatic” about winning. This will be his first involvement with SGB. “I’m excited and I’m looking forward to learning the ropes from the many experienced people around me, especially on my slate, from Maggie, from Corey [and] from Jessa,” Nadeem said.

When asked what he hopes SGB looks like after next year, Kneis said he hopes the open educational resource initiative, which SGB introduced at its public meeting Jan. 9, expands and becomes more popular.

“My goal would be a lot of students are using the resources, and teachers and administrators are making a big push for implementing it,” he said. “With every transition there’s always nerves and things that fall through the crack, [but] I’m excited to have a group of candidates who’ve shown how passionate they are in this election.”

After the election results were announced, Rajprohat, who is a former Pitt News columnist, declined to be interviewed. Executive Vice President-elect Mercer, who ran with Rajprohat on the Neighbors slate, said the loss was difficult for the slate’s other candidates but they were accepting the mixed results as a team.

“I think he’s definitely more than qualified for the position and it just didn’t work out the way we had wanted it to,” Mercer said. “I hope that his influence can be transferred through the board, through us and other people as well.”

Allocations: Club Powerlifting Team requested $2,000 for airfare for 15 people to attend Collegiate Nationals. The board approved in full.

Panther Judo Club requested $1,236 for registration, ground transportation and lodging for their 2018 USA Judo Youth National Championship. The board approved in full.

Panthers for Animal Welfare requested

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February 21, 2018

$93.50 for a purchase, rental and service. The board approved in full.

College Republicans requested $2,240.09 for registration, ground transportation, lodging, parking and meals for CPAC 2018. The board approved $1,620.09 and denied $620.

Hindu Students Council requested $1,200 for a purchase, rental and service. The board approved $1,160.80 and denied $39.20.

Pitt Triathlon requested $1,592 for lodging for 15 people to attend USAT Collegiate Club Nationals. The board approved in full.

Exercise Science Club requested $3,256 for ground transportation and lodging for their ACSM International Health and Fitness Summit. The board approved $657.90 and denied $2,598.10.

Pitt Men’s Club Soccer requested $581 for a competition expense. The board approved in full.

Panther Crossfit requested $800 for general travel. The board denied in full.

Animal Lovers Club requested $400 for general travel. The board approved in full.

First Class Bhangra requested $350 for a competition expense. The board approved in full.

Pittsburgh Women’s Volleyball Club requested $916.84 for a purchase, rental and service. The board approved in full.

Student Slovak Club requested $900 for a program expense. The board approved $730 and denied $170.

FORGE requested $998 for a program expense. The board approved $578 and denied $420.

Panther Team Handball Club requested $288.08 for general travel. The board approved in full.

Ski and Snowboard Team requested $1,373.14 for lift tickets, race fees, gatekeeper fees and ground transportation for their Regional Conference Championship. The board approved in full.

Panhellenic Association requested $2,370 for registration for their Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference. The board approved in full.

Muslim Student Association requested $3,244.84 for honorarium, airfare, lodging and custodial fees for their annual Fastathon. The board approved $3,222.94 and denied $21.90.

Robotics and Automation Society requested $11,688.56 for their Aerial Robotics Project expenses. The board approved $6,362.05 and denied $5,326.51.

Robotics and Automation Society requested $2,065.68 for ground transportation and lodging for their International Aerial Robotics Competition. The board approved in full.

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Opinions p

SGB responds to voter turnout column pittnews.com

from the editorial board

Despite new map, parties still responsible for success

The Supreme Court released a new Pennsylvania Congressional District map Monday, redrawn to correct the state’s 2011 Republican-drawn version of the map, which the Supreme Court ruled as being an “unconstitutional partisan gerrymander.”

Democrats feel encouraged by the new map, while Republicans are understandably concerned this new congressional map could take away some of the party’s control.

But behind these concerns is the truth that both Democrats and Republicans put too much weight on the power of a congressional map to carry their party to victory at the polls.

Under old district lines, Democrats could partly blame their inability to secure seats in Congress on partisan district lines.

But if they meet the same fate in upcoming elections, Democrats won’t be able to blame district lines on the loss because the new map, in theory, doesn’t favor either party.

The redrawn map is much cleaner and more compact than its 2011 predecessor, and the districts align much more with county lines. This new map will make Pennsylvania a more competitive state for seats in Congress, too, leveling the playing field between Republicans and Democrats — and potentially making it easier for Democrats to take control of Congress.

In typical fashion, President Donald Trump was quick to voice his displeasure on Twitter at the thought of the Republican party facing a potential disadvantage.

Even though the old map gave Republicans a legally-affirmed unfair advantage in district voting, Trump is urging Republicans to fight against the new version of the map.

“Hope Republicans in the Great State

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of Pennsylvania challenge the new ‘pushed’ Congressional Map, all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary,” Trump tweeted. “Your Original was correct! Don’t let the Dems take elections away from you so that they can raise taxes & waste money!”

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, and House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, quickly followed suit, calling the new map a “constitutional crisis.”

“It’s the ultimate gerrymander,” said Scarnati and Turzai, examining the map.

But partisan gerrymandering shouldn’t be an issue, considering Nathaniel Persily, a redistricting expert and Stanford University Law professor, drew the new map to correct gerrymandering.

Republicans shouldn’t be so quick to worry about the new map’s effects, but instead, take this opportunity to stand firm in their party values and platforms.

State Rep. Rick Saccone, a Republican running for a congressional seat in March, said though the judiciary should not have stepped into legislative territory in redrawing the map, he won’t let it deter him in winning the race against former federal prosecutor Conor Lamb, a Democrat.

“I’m going to run and win in whatever district I compete in because it’s not about the lines that are drawn,” Saccone said, “but about the values I represent.”

Whatever party affiliations they have, Pennsylvania voters can take this new map as a cue to participate in upcoming elections, knowing their votes will not be subject to unfair treatment from erroneously drawn district lines.

And those running for a seat in upcoming elections no longer can rely on their district advantages or disadvantages as a crutch to justify their losses or wins.

column Former U.S. Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses the audience during the Child Mind Institute Summit on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at the Paley Center for Media in Manhattan, New York.

James Keivom TNS

#YOUTOO:

BOSSES, TAKE ACTION FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES Alexis Buncich Columnist You’re a young person, freshly starting your career and beginning to make a name for yourself. You are entrusted with big tasks, like handling confidential material, managing the business’ account and leading the new public relations campaign.

Now, imagine that, like an unfortunate mirror of your own accomplishments, your sexual assaulter is allowed the same responsibilities — maybe an office a branch away or a county away.

Maybe their tasks are even bigger than your own. Even though they acted in a terrible way, their privilege is just as strong as before, and the cycle of assault will likely continue. It hardly seems fair.

Across the news, countless stories from sexual assault survivors have finally

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begun to surface, such as those of U.S. Olympic gymnasts like Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas and actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie.

Although the survivors undoubtedly deserve to speak the truth, this coverage can cause the media to ignore the bystanders behind the scenes — the bosses.

These are the supervisors who knew and did nothing or took minimal action to protect accusers and punish the accused.

There may not be a solution to sexual assault, but one important step is evident — people in charge must start taking more drastic measures to punish offenders. Only then will the enabling culture for sexual assault finally begin to change.

Earlier this month, an article in The New York Times revealed Hillary Clinton protected senior adviser Burns See Bosses on page 6

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Strider, who was accused of sexually harassing a woman on Clinton’s team during her 2008 presidential campaign.

Clinton was aware of the harassment, and her campaign manager even advised that she fire Strider. Instead, Clinton simply moved the woman to a new job within the campaign, docked Strider’s pay and sent him to counseling — only to fire him months later after additional misconduct allegations.

Clinton’s response to the accusation is inexcusable. As a candidate who claimed to stand for the rights of women, she refused to stand up for her female staffer in this situation — instead doing only what suited her own individual success.

And this issue isn’t limited to the political sphere. Radio DJ David Mueller, who groped Taylor Swift in 2013, now has a shiny new gig at Mississippi radio station Delta Radio.

Mueller was fired from his old DJ job in Denver after Swift said Mueller grabbed her butt during a meet and greet session. Mueller sued Swift for losing his job, and she countersued for just $1. A judge threw out Mueller’s lawsuit, and a jury found him guilty of battery and assault.

Now, not even a year after Swift reigned triumphant in the lawsuit, the Mississippi station picked up Mueller to give him a fresh, undeserved start. And his new employer doesn’t seem to care about the reality of his past.

The head executive of Delta Radio, Larry Fuss, received swathes of angry emails protesting the new hire — and his response was anything but respectful to Swift or the nature of sexual assault in general.

“There is no hard evidence that Mr. Mueller is a ‘sexual predator,’” Fuss said.

“Attempting to crucify the man for what was, even if he did do it, not on the same level as an actual sexual assault, is out of line.”

Fuss’s response is almost ironic, and clearly way more out of line than punishing a man for inappropriate touching — which, by the way, is “actual” sexual assault. RAINN, an anti-sexual violence organization, includes unwanted sexual touching in the definition of “assault.”

He even denies Mueller ever groped

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Swift, although a damning photo of Mueller’s hand uncomfortably behind Swift with the singer awkwardly leaning as far as possible in the other direction is available with a quick Google search.

Fuss giving Mueller a second chance is one thing. Even though it is irresponsible in light of the recent court case and the #MeToo movement, it is at least comprehensible. Fuss’s denial, however, of Swift’s assault is despicable.

Denying a harassment case that was actually proven in a trial has consequences beyond the case in question. If a harassment incident occurred at the Mississippi station, it would be much more difficult for the survivor to come forward — especially if the culprit were Mueller.

If Fuss did not believe an assault proven in a court of law, why would he believe an assault reported to him by his employees?

The commonality between Clinton’s and Fuss’ cases is the inability of two superiors to take into account the widespread repercussions of harassers’ actions. Both employers’ actions were problematic — in Clinton’s case, dismissing the seriousness of assault, and in Fuss’ case, denying that they ever happened.

In a 2017 Pew Research Center poll, 22 percent of employed women said they had experienced sexual assault at work.

It is time for bosses to step up and take charge of their employees by refusing to brush these statistics and stories aside.

If an employee is accused of harassment, the conversation should not end with the accused and the superior.

Supervisors need to actively engage in conversations with employees about what is considered harassment — and not only listen to them, but take strong action when workers come forward with harassment or assault claims.

Changing the workplace culture will, in turn, help to create an environment where employees know they cannot get away with abuse.

But nothing will change unless those around the survivors begin to speak out as well, especially when it comes to workplace superiors.

Alexis primarily writes about local issues and student life for The Pitt News.

Write to Alexis at alb413@pitt.edu.

The Pitt news crossword 2/21/18

Bosses, pg. 5

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Sports point

counterpoint

PYEONGCHANG

WINTER OLYMPICS BRINGS THE LEAVE FANS HEAT DESPITE ICED OUT

Brandon Glass

CRITIQUES

those of the summer. They aren’t a mustsee television event in the same way — What’s the biggest story from the 2018 you don’t gather around with loved ones and get excited to watch skeleton and Pyeongchang Winter Olympics so far?

It could be Adam Rippon’s spat with curling in the same way you watch Ash- Jordan Mondell Vice President Mike Pence, or Pence and ton Eaton dominate the decathlon and Assistant Sports Editor North Korean propaganda vice director Katie Ledecky win golds and set records If you don’t know what’s been happenKim Yo Jong’s awkward non-interaction. in swimming. ing during this year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, you’re sorely missing out.

That shirtless Tongan flag bearer you fell in love with during the Rio Games made an appearance, an Austrian snowboarder finished a race after literally breaking his neck and all-American sweetheart skier Lindsey Vonn is doing commercials for paper towels.

For some, though, the thrill of the Winter Olympics falters in comparison to the Summer Olympics. Popular claims are that the sports are elitist, unusual and, above all, boring.

Illustrations by Liam McFadden It’s obvious from observation that many winter sports attract people who can afford to ski, snowboard and play ice At least I don’t.

Is the answer legendary snowboarder I’ve caught a highlight here and there, hockey. Those athletes tend to be white Shaun White’s third halfpipe Olympic gold win in dramatic fashion, or the sub- but most of my Winter Olympic viewing and have had parents who could afford sequent trivialization of assault allega- time is on bar televisions and through lift tickets every weekend of the winter my phone in a particularly boring class. growing up. Statistics show that, of the tions against him?

What the Winter Olympic athletes do 9.4 million skiers in the United States, In the week and a half since the grand opening ceremony, headlines have fea- is hard, and we all know it’s hard — I’m 72 percent of them are white, and a little tured a decidedly depressing reminder of certainly not trying to say that it isn’t. over half make more than $100,000 per the strife of everyday life, and not tales Imagine yourself in their shoes, or in this year.

Despite thus fair criticism, the games of Olympic struggle and awe-inspiring case, their skis, speeding down the side still feature compelling narratives. of a mountain. athletic achievement.

This year, 17-year-old protege Chloe Though it may be hard, that doesn’t The truth is, the Winter Olympics just Kim won gold for the USA in the Ladies’ can’t hold a torch — pun intended — to See Point on page 8 Staff Writer

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February 21, 2018

Halfpipe fin a l s — besting athletes from around the world, many of whom are much older than her. Kim actually qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, but couldn’t compete. Why? She was 13 years old, three years shy of the minimum age requirement.

As the daughter of two first-generation immigrants from South Korea, Kim has set a precedent for a lot of young women in America, especially those of color.

There are other stories of unlikely heroes at the Winter Games, too, like the Jamaican bobsled team that — though from the balmy beaches of the Caribbean — set venue records in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Olympic Games.

The team then went on a qualifying drought for the next two games, but made a surprise comeback at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi and is participating in Pyeongchang.

It is understandable that the Summer Olympics feel more relatable to most American viewers beyond these uplifting and inspiring stories of snow-sport underdogs. Lots of kids grew up playing See Counterpoint on page 8

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Point, pg. 7 make it interesting.

The excitement, or lack thereof, was the same in 2014 Sochi Olympics and 2010 Vancouver Olympics before that — and the ratings show that Americans agree, with the summer games being viewed by millions more fans.

The issue with the Winter Olympics is clearly systemic — it is difficult to start out in many sports featured at the games due to the high cost most the sports carry.

Pricey sports are played by affluent people, and affluent people are often lacking in want. Wealth doesn’t necessarily make life easier, but it does open rarified doors more easily, while closing common ones.

In Pittsburgh for example, the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department has an ice-skating rink with open skate hours -- Unfortunately, they take place during the day when most people are at work or school. But, you can rent the facility for the low cost of $305 an hour, if you are a resident. That’s not to disparage the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department — it’s pricey to run an ice rink.

Growing up, most of us ran around

Counterpoint, pg. 7 basketball, running track for their high school team or swimming at the community pool.

But why not become a expert on obscure athletics every four winters?

Impress that girl at the bar with your extensive knowledge on the difference between slalom and giant slalom. Fall asleep at night to videos of ice dancing as you silently score the performances in your dreams.

But seriously, curling is not that bad to watch — it’s actually kind of interesting. Summer sports like basketball, boxing and golf already get enough coverage — I need to immerse myself in something fresh and exciting.

And sure, there are obscure summer sports — rhythmic gymnastics, tae kwon do, fencing — but do they involve sliding headfirst down a track of solid ice at 90 miles per hour? To answer your question, no — that would be luge, which is

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outside and jumped rope, maybe occasionally played basketball and badminton with friends and family. Some public elementary schools have track and field days, and most high schools have track and field teams.

I’d venture to say rarely, if ever, has a family gotten together for a fun run in a bobsled. As kids sled down hills head first, they don’t imagine themselves as Lizzy Yarnold, a two-time British skeleton gold medalist — they’re more afraid of their mom seeing them risking their skeleton.

And figure skating, while dazzling, is a remarkably hard sport to follow. The skater flies in the air and does more revolutions than humanly possible — I’m in awe. Then the announcer, who knows the minutia of the sport, comes over the television set and says what a disaster the run was. I’m baffled.

I wish Rippon the best, but I don’t know what move I’m wishing for him to land.

The Winter Olympics are fighting an uphill battle to compete with the majesty of the Summer Olympics, but it’s not entirely anyone’s fault. Wealth inequality is exceptionally high, and there are increasingly more warm places on earth than cold. awesome and scary.

The summer sports also don’t include my personal favorite — figure skating — which should be on the top of everyone’s list.

Figure skating — and ice dancing, if we’re being generous — brings every facet of television together that I need in my life. There is drama — like the notoriously tragic tale of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan — and there is the sexual tension, like the will-they won’t-they situation between longtime partners Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada.

There are also dazzling, sparkling costumes — rife with more sequins, fringe and chiffon my little heart can take — though there have been a few unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions this Olympics alone.

No matter the case, the Winter Olympics are nothing to look down on. If you fancy fun in the sun more than that of subzero temperatures, go ahead — just leave room for the rest of us to enjoy it.

The Pitt News

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Marketing Manager KATIE BOZZO Production Manager MAYA PUSKARIC Account Executives

Rachel Buck Kavi Galal Isabel Scrabis James Gavaghan Andrew Restrepo Dave Barone Paige Franjione Sean Hennessy

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Senate, pg. 3 Gallagher then spoke on state budget changes and federal tax reform and how new policy would impact access to higher education. Gallagher said the proposed PROSPER Act is a “punitive bill” for many students. The PROSPER — Promoting Real Opportunity, Success and Prosperity through Education Reform — Act is intended to reauthorize the Higher Education Act of 1965, which was intended to strengthen educational resources and financial assistance for higher education among lower and middle income families.

“It’s very bad for low-income students,” Gallagher said. “It has some real problems for graduate students by limiting student loan eligibility for graduate student programs.”

House Republicans proposed the bill in 2017 as a way of decreasing government spending. The current Democratic stance on the PROSPER Act is it will do more harm because it will cut federal support students rely on.

The Council addressed another issue that directly affects students — the state of the Titusville campus. Student Government Board President Max Kneis expressed SGB’s support in repurposing the campus into an educational and training hub. If the University decided to repurpose the Titusville campus it would be owned by a third-party, Pitt and other higher education institutions.

SGB passed a resolution Feb. 13, which urged Pitt to make the Titusville campus into an education and training hub instead of closing it.

“We believe the hub will serve a wide range of constituencies in need, as well as improved collaboration in resource sharing,” Kneis said. “While we at SGB

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only represent undergraduates on this campus, we … believe the hub to be an innovative and exciting opportunity for the University.”

Andy Stephany, president of the Staff Council, also expressed support in repurposing the campus, advocating for the jobs of Titusville staff.

“Staff Council asks that University administration to provide clear and consistent employment support and communication to all Titusville staff members throughout the transition process,” Stephany said.

Frank Wilson, president of the Senate, applauded the University for its handling of the Titusville campus. He said Titusville sounded like a “good opportunity” to turn an unfavorable situation into a positive one.

“I would commend the University for the effort they put in for ... a long period of time now trying to figure out how we could avoid the thing that we all don’t want to see happen, which is a closure,” Wilson said. “Just because Titusville is the smallest of us doesn’t mean that ... they cannot be excellent too.”

February 21, 2018

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I N D E X

Rentals & Sublet • NORTH OAKLAND • SOUTH OAKLAND • SHADYSIDE • SQUIRREL HILL • SOUTHSIDE • NORTHSIDE • BLOOMFIELD • ROOMMATES • OTHER

For Rent North Oakland 3764 Bigelow Blvd, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, newly renovated. Equipped kitchen, balcony, washer and dryer provided. Single garage.

Alarm system. Central air-conditioning. $1300+. Available August 2018. Call 412-600-6933.

Awesome and affordable studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments close to campus- renting for Summer 2018 move in. Find your perfect home- call for more info and a tour!

412-441-1400 North Oakland - 264 Melwood Avenue - 3 & 4 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, wall to wall carpet and hardwood, central air, coin op washers & dryers in basement, on

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Employment • CHILDCARE • FOOD SERVICES • UNIVERSITY • INTERNSHIPS • RESEARCH • VOLUNTEERING • OTHER

campus shuttle route and bus line, close to universities and hospitals.

Rent - $1,600.00 $1,850.00 + G/E 412-462-1296 North Oakland - 335 N. Craig Street - 3 & 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, fully equipped kitchen, Coin op washer & dryer in basement on campus shuttle route and bus line, close to universities ahd hospitals.

Rent $1,550.00-$1,700.00 + G/E 412-462-1296

South Oakland 1 or 2 bedroom apartments available for Fall 2018, one block from Forbes Ave. Washer/dryer onsite. 1 year lease begins Aug 1st. Call 412-621-2742.

Classifieds

For sale

• AUTO • BIKES • BOOKS • MERCHANDISE • FURNITURE • REAL ESTATE • PETS

notices

services

• EDUCATIONAL • TRAVEL • HEALTH • PARKING • INSURANCE

• ADOPTION • EVENTS • LOST AND FOUND • STUDENT GROUPS • WANTED • OTHER

R A T E S

Insertions

1X

2X

3X

4X

5X

6X

1-15 Words

$6.30

$11.90

$17.30

$22.00

$27.00

$30.20

+ $5.00

16-30 Words

$7.50

$14.20

$20.00

$25.00

$29.10

$32.30

+ $5.40

(Each Additional Word: $0.10)

Deadline:

Two business days prior by 3pm | Email: advertising@pittnews.com | Phone: 412.648.7978

South Oakland

South Oakland

South Oakland

3 & 4 Bedroom Apartments on Semple, Bates, Atwood & Juliet. August availability. $1425-$2600.

Call John CR Kelly Reality. 412-683-7300 Visit: www.jcrkelly. com

3 Bedroom & 1.5 Bath House for rent. 2 car garage. Full house air conditioning, dish washer, self-cleaning oven, full basement.

Steps from campus shuttle. Back deck over garage with view. $1650+ utilities.

August 2018. Call 412-736-8095.

Apartments for rent.

2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments available. Some available on Dawson street, Atwood street, and Mckee Place. Newly remodeled. Some have laundry on site.

Minutes from the University. For more info please call Mike at 412-849-8694

3 Bedroom (duplex) freshly painted with large bonus room, living room, kitchen, dining room, 1 full bath, 1 half bath, plus toilet/shower in basement. Small backyard, front porch. $1,500/ month plus utilities.

2 Bedroom, upper level of duplex, living room, large kitchen, small backyard. 1 full bath. $950 plus utilities.

5 minutes from bus, Panera, Carlow, Pitt.Both available immediately. 412-339-3671

Add.

4 BR HOME - SEMPLE STREET, LOCATED NEAR LOUISA. EQUIPPED KITCHEN, FULL BASEMENT. NEW CENTRAL AIR ADDED. RENTING FOR AUGUST 2018.

(412) 343-4289 or 412-330-9498.

Before signing a lease, be aware that no more than 3 unrelated people can share a single unit. Check property’s compliance with codes. Call City’s Permits, Licensing & Inspections.

412-255-2175.

Apartment/house for rent. Available immediately. Newly remodeled 2, 3 or 7 BR, utilities included, laundry available.

37 Welsford St. 412-337-5736 or email hfarah1964@ yahoo.com

FOR RENT AUGUST 1, 2018: Remodeled, spacious 3BR, 1.5BA home near Schenley Park. $1725/mo + utilities. Central air, laundry, dishwasher, patio. Parking spot available. Pitt shuttle

February 21, 2018

& bus across street.

Panther Properties of PA, showing: pantherproperties2@ gmail.com, photos: panther-life.com/ available

M.J. Kelly Realty.

Studio, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Apartments, Duplexes and Houses.

N. & S. Oakland from $750-$2500. mjkellyrealty@gmail. com. 412-271-5550. www.mjkellyrealty. com

South Oakland Ward & S. Bouquet Streets - Studio, 1, 2 & 3BR apartments. Free parking.

Move in May 1 or Aug. 1, 2018. Call 412-361-2695

Shadyside A variety of beautiful studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes- available Summer 2018. Features may include

granite, hardwood, parking, and laundry.

Close to restaurants and shopping. Call today! 412-441-1400

Squirrel Hill Stunning 2, 3 and 5 bedroom duplexes on tree lined residential streets. Available Summer 2018. Features may include hardwood, granite, porch, A/C, parking, laundry. Near buses, shopping and restaurants! 412-441-1400

STUDENT HOUSING. Updated 4, 5 & 6 Bedroom Houses w/ multiple baths. Dishwasher, laundry, some w/ air conditioning and/or parking.

August availability.

412-445-6117.

Studio & 1 Bedrooms Available Fall 2018. Heat included.

412-261-4620.

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The best studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in town- for the best prices! Close to buses, shopping and great restaurants.

Renting for Summer 2018 move in. Call today! 412-441-1400

Employment Research Studies Participants Wanted for Paid Psychology Research Participants wanted for an alcohol research study at Carnegie Mellon University To be eligible for this study, you must: •Be 21-25 yrs. old and own a smartphone •Drink alcohol at least weekly •Be able to show valid photo ID •Be willing to consume alcohol You may earn up to $365 for your participation in this multi-session study.

For more information, call The Behavioral Health Research Lab (412-268-3029) Note: Unfortunately, our lab is not wheelchair accessible.

Employment Other Comfort Keepers, a Post-Gazette Top Workplace, is seeking caring individuals.

Caregivers work alongside seniors to provide companionship, light housekeeping, personal care services. Flexible hours available. If interested call 412-363-5500

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Employment Other Guardian Angel Ambulance is actively seeking EMTs and Medics. Immediate openings. Flexible schedules. Apply in person 700 Lebanon Road, West Mifflin or email guardianangelambulance@msn. com. 412-462-1400 Join KEYS Service Corps, AmeriCorps.

Mentor, tutor, and inspire Pittsburgh area youth. Summer and fall positions with bi-weekly stipend and education award. Full and part-time. Possible internship credit.

Call 412-350-2739. www.keysservicecorps.org OFFICE INTERN Shadyside Management Company seeks person w/min 2 yrs. college, for upcoming spring semester to interview & process rental applicants, do internet postings & help staff our action-central office.

Part-time or full time. AVAILABLE NOW; full time over summer. $13/hour.

Perfect job for current sophomores & juniors, graduating seniors set to enter grad school, returning grad students, and first-year law students!

Mozart Management 412-682-7003 thane@ mozartrents.com

four days/week from 9am-6pm. Saturday and/or Sunday hours a must; some flexibility in days and hours will be considered; most hours will be solitary on the computer with no phone work; 40 words per minute and strong computer skills required; no experience needed & we will train you at our Shadyside office; free parking. $13/hour plus generous season end bonus.

Mozart Management 412-682-7003. thane@mozartrents. com

Services Parking GARAGE PARKING available in the heart of Oakland. Protect your car while parked.

Only $80/month! Call 412-692-1770.

Seasonal Marketing Assistant Shadyside property management firm established in 1960 needs two Seasonal Marketing Assistants to work with Excel, Word and the internet from approximately NOW to August;

February 21, 2018

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February 21, 2018

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