Spring 2016, February-Vol 40, Issue 1

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Spring 2016, Vol. 40, Issue 1, February

Computer Center enforces new printing policy

By Kreeshia Aquino For Triton’s Call The UOG Computer Center has implemented a new Smart Card ID policy at the start of the spring semester.

According to Randy Dahilig, junior computer operator, the new policy was implemented for the safety and verification of UOG students using the Computer Center.

First, the changes limit computer users to strictly UOG students.

Second, a lot of money has been spent on reams of paper for printing, so the changes can limit paper waste and let students be aware of how much and what they are printing.

A new policy adopted by the Computer Center requires students to use a Smart Card to print documents and limits the amount of pages students can print. Photo

by Kreeshia Aquino

“We have conducted a survey last semester to justify these changes.

From what we found, students preferred to spend less on paper and more on the improvement of band-

width,” Dahilig said.

IT Support Technician, Eugene Adanzo, assured that the microchip on the Smart Card ID does not infringe on the user’s privacy. The only data it tracks are the

user’s number of printed pages, type of file, and file name.

ITRC Director Luan Nguyen, Ph.D., said the Computer Center is working closely with students.

“We listen to the students, and we also try to figure out how to protect and spend students’ fees wisely,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen pointed out that the Computer Center wants to provide the best service to students, but they are also aware of people who misuse abuse the computers and printers.

Students must visit the EMSS Student Center to get the Smart Card ID. After receiving the card, students are encouraged to visit the RFK Library to receive a barcode and current semester sticker.

Students can visit the ITRC Computer Center and ask staff for Continued on page 8

University administration responds to criminal allegations

By Yvonne Manglona For Triton’s Call

In light of the Guam Superior Court’s Jan. 12 indictment of Michael B. Ehlert Ph.D,. associate professor of psychology, the University of Guam administration has been making progress to ensure the safety and welfare of the students and faculty at the University of Guam.

Ehlert was indicted for criminal sexual conduct and official misconduct after two UOG students filed complaints of sexual assault that occurred at his home at the end

of the Fall 2014 semester.

The UOG community has responded to the Ehlert case by helping to empower students with knowledge and available resources about sexual assault and harassment and by proposing new campus policies and procedures.

UOG President Robert Underwood encourages anyone to bring a concern or issue directly to his attention or to the attention of the Senior Vice President Anita Enriquez and EEO institutional compliance

Underwood

officer Elaine Faculo-Gogue.

President Underwood said, “I want everyone both staff member and student to feel absolutely comfortable and secure here at the University of Guam. We have followed our policies.

We have followed our procedures. Sometimes the decisions that people make are not the same decisions. But I followed our policies and procedures. Our outreach has not been as strong as it could be but we are endeavoring to make every effort and every person safe and secure.”

At a recent community forum, President Underwood emphasized that there are three major changes to the UOG Sexual Misconduct Policy that include banning amorous relationships

between faculty, staff, and students, a Yes Means Yes affirmative consent, and finalizing the protocol for reporting sexual harassment.

Aside from directly contacting UOG President Underwood, SVP Enriquez, and EEO Faculo-Gogue, students can also seek help regarding sexual misconduct by contacting GPD, UOG Isla Psychological Services, and UOG Violence Against Women Prevention Program.

Continued on page 3

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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UOG opens phone lines to complaints of sexual misconduct

By Ashley Sablan For Triton’s Call The University of Guam opened a new telephone helpline that now allows both students and faculty to phone in allegations of sexual misconduct more easily at their own discretion. ​ The line opened up Tuesday, Feb. 9 as just one of the recent measures the University has taken to curb campus-related sexual harassment. ​According to UOG’s Institutional Compliance Officer, Elaine Faculo-Gogue, all calls should be strictly made to report incidents of improper sexual behavior directly related to the University’s workplace,

educational programs, activities, or service.

This may mean reports of sexual harassment or assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or inappropriate amorous relationships. ​ The helpline can be reached at 735-4357 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Voicemails can be left after hours, to which UOG will respond the following business day. All calls will be handled

by Faculo-Gogue.

Along with details of an alleged incident, she might also ask callers for basic information, such as their name and contact number.

However, she assured all calls would be kept confidential, and if a

UOG’s EEO/ADA & Title IX office, shown above, is where one can file sexual misconduct complaints . The office is located in Room 104 on the first floor of the Iya Hami Residence Hall. Photo by Ashley Sablan caller insists, he or she may opt to remain anonymous. ​ Faculo-Gogue also assured that every

caller would be asked whether or not he or she would like to contact the police immediately, and if so, the

helpline will proceed with calling the Guam Police Department.

Continued on page 9

Hidalgo arrives as university’s new chief information officer Swetha Kotwal Triton’s Call Staff When Rommel Hidalgo heard that UOG was in search for a chief information officer, he knew he had to apply for the job.

An individual desire to give something back to UOG, his alma mater, compelled him to return to Guam, despite that he was already serving as an assistant vice president for information technology at California State University-Fullerton.

He was eventually offered the position as UOG’s CIO.

As a young child, Hidalgo had emigrated from the Philippines to Guam with his family.

Even at a young age, Hidalgo was astute.

When he was in the third grade, his teacher, Mrs. Annie Camacho, saw potential in him after Hidalgo pointed out that the test he was Hidalgo taking had the teacher’s answers on it.

Hidalgo ended up Today, Hidalgo credits his education at making it into the Gifted UOG to being the key and Talented Education (GATE) program during to his success. elementary school.

“The thing is, I had a Years later, Hidalgo very good foundation from the University of graduated in the top-10 Guam,” Hidalgo said. percent at Simon SanPublisher Francis Dalisay, Ph.D. Editor-in-chief Alissa Eclavea Staff writers Swetha Kotwal Anton Rosario Dray Thompson

Contributors Kreeshia Aquino Blaze Hubbard Yvonne Manglona Marlon Molinos Rianne Peredo Ashley Sablan Kevin Tano Kyle Twardowski Elizabeth Wells

chez High School. He was awarded a merit scholarship and decided to attend college in New York.

However, because of financial constraints, he decided to return to Guam, where he eventually earned both a BA in psychology and a MBA from UOG. He then traveled to California to join his brother who lived there.

Hidalgo attended California State University Fullerton, earning a Master of Science in computer management.

Hidalgo seeks to Copy editors Jenika Ballesta Jeff Bautista Marlon Molinos Rianne Peredo Ashley Quintanilla Ari Santos Kevin Tano Kyle Twardowski Elizabeth Wells

bring some of his knowledge and experience with technology from his previous job at Cal State-Fullerton to UOG. As UOG’s new CIO, Hidalgo looks forward to bringing faster internet and better Wi-Fi on campus; increasing access points for Wi-Fi; improving the university’s information system to make it easier for students to schedule their classes; improving software; and automating various manual processes.

Email us: tritonscalluog@ gmail.com tritonscall.com facebook.com/tritonscall twitter.com/tritonscalluog

By Blaze Hubbard For Triton’s Call UOG President Robert Underwood and the committee that was tasked with creating a new sexual misconduct policy held a community hearing for the public to voice their opinions, comments and concerns on Feb. 17.

President Robert Underwood detailed the current draft of the sexual misconduct policy, which is still in the works of being revised until March 3, when it will be up for action at the UOG Board of Regents meeting.

“We will treat the policy as the warning,” Underwood said, as he shed light on the proposed policy’s No Tolerance section.

“There is no warning in this.”

Underwood explained the policy’s ban on amorous relationships between employees and students of the university.

An amorous relationship is defined as any romantic or sexual relationship between two people of unequal power; for example, a teacher and a student.

Addressing the issue of acquiring affirmative consent, or the “Yes Means Yes” Policy, President Underwood noted that to abide by these guidelines, “it is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and affirmative responses through words and/or actions, Continued on page 9

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WASC on-site accreditation slated for April

By Kevin Tano For Triton’s Call Representatives from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) will be visiting UOG this April to conduct an on-site accreditation review.

Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A., UOG senior vice president for academic and student affairs, said after the previous accreditation that occurred in 2008-2009, the WASC team made recommendations regarding areas that the university should improve. These included its financial sustainability, enrollment growth and recruitment, student assessment and retention.

"Since then, the university has had to provide interim prog-

Enriquez ress reports on what progress we were making across those four different areas," Enriquez said.

According to Enriquez, UOG submitted its last progress report to WASC in Fall 2013. In January 2014, WASC praised the university for making marked progress across those areas.

Aside from UOG's interim progress reports, institutional reports were submitted, which

outlined the university's self-reflection on how it is complying with the WASC standards of accreditation.

In Nov. 13, 2015, WASC's evaluation team conducted an offsite review of UOG via conference call.

The WASC evaluation team gave their feedback regarding UOG's institutional report, which was uploaded late August 2015, as to where UOG stands in regards to accreditation.

As a result, WASC has given several commendations.

These included the university's fiscal stewardship, ongoing enrollment growth, and it's efforts in first year retention.

Enriquez added that the WASC team also

praised the university's focus and commitment to its regional needs, demonstrating its value in doing public good across the areas of education, research, extension efforts, as well as the different service initiatives out in the community.

Enriquez also said the WASC team was very impressed by UOG's "Good to Great" initiative, calling it a comprehensive and ambitious plan.

The WASC team detailed five lines of inquiry, or areas that UOG needs to provide further information on in order to move forward with accreditation.

Enriquez said the five lines of inquiry deal

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

UOG implements new sexual misconduct policy

Continued on page 4

Cont’d: University encourages students to report and speak out about harrassment incidences Continued from page 1

According to EEO Elaine Faculo-Gogue, “sexual misconduct” includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and may include domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and inappropriate amorous relationships.”

Faculo-Gogue says there have only been two complaints since the Ehlert case and 17 official cases in the past ten years.

“I want everyone to have a good and pleasant college experience. If any student has a concern, please do something.

These kind of issues (sexual misconduct and discrimination) we cannot afford to

keep quiet about. Ask friends and classmates,” said Faculo-Gogue.

The EEO/ADA office handles sexual misconduct and discrimination complaints and the Violence Against Women Prevention Program handles sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

However, not many students are aware of the protocols and policies.

Selene Santos, a UOG junior majoring in linguistics said, “All I have heard is that there is this professor who allegedly is harassing students. My parents told me about it and they said to

just be careful. Now that I’ve heard about it, I’m kind of scared because I have a late night class. I know there is a G4S escort service and counseling that is free in the HSS building.

Some students raised concerns about Ehlert having connections with Isa Psychological Services and VAWPP because he was part of the psychology department.

When asked if Ehlert ever worked at the VAWPP and Isa, Twaddle explained that as Ehlert is an experimental psychologist, he was not affiliated with either program.

“We have a big

team of supervisors and graduate students in both VAWPP and Isa. It’s a good team of people,” he said.

VAWPP education and training coordinator, Jean Macalinao, mentioned that UOG’s sexual assault statistics are very low in comparison to other college campuses.

“I am very proud of the students who have come forward and I admire their courage and persistence because that takes a lot of effort on their part and I want everyone to feel like they can do that,” said Underwood.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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Gunn takes on role as new dean of EMSS

Swetha Kotwal Triton’s Call Staff In Sept. 2015, Michael Gunn, Ph.D., arrived to UOG with an eagerness to serve as the dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services.

Gunn’s desire to help college students succeed in their journey to earn their degrees has been an ongoing passion for over 30 years.

“I am what one might call an ‘educational junkie,’” Gunn said.

Gunn holds three masters degrees, a

Ph.D., and six educational certifications beyond the undergraduate level.

Gunn developed a passion for helping students after entering the military as a logistics officer, serving for 30 years.

His last position in the U.S. Army was commander of regional for the ROTC group, a position which further inspired him to work with college students.

EMSS oversees the admission, retention, and the records of stu-

Gunn dents.

EMSS also deals with students and their experience on campus.

Gunn takes prides in UOG because the university has a 2% increase in semester enrollment each year for the past five years.

There has been

Student Government Association seeks student input for WASC review

By Anton Rosario Triton’s Call Staff Representatives from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges will be on campus in April to conduct an on-site review of the University of Guam.

This review will help WASC determine the university’s eligibility for accreditation.

In preparation for the on-site review, the 54th Student Government Association was tasked to form an event binder holding all documents of past events hosted by the 53rd SGA. SGA President Jericho Tobias encourages students to voice their concerns in the general sessions held

by SGA every Friday at 3:30p.m in the Student Hall.

Tobias noted that the administration will be sending out an anonymous emails informing students to email WASC their

concerns. This will allow students to directly contact WASC representatives.

Also, SGA encourages students to get involved in events coming up to increase student participation.

Events include Blue Night, Charter Day and some community service events.

Encouraging students to participate in the university’s activities will show great school spirit resulting in better WASC reviews. Students interested in participating in up-coming events should stay updated with the Student Government Association announcements.

The WASC visit serves as a follow up to UOG’s institutional report, which was submitted in Sept.

2015.

That report made recommendations on improvements made in the past eight years.

WASC’s last review occurred in 2008.

Deborah Leon Guerrero, director of Academic Assessment and Institutional Research, said the report informs WASC of the university’s activities and quality of its students.

“It is a reflection of what we have done over the past eight years,” Leon Guerrero said. “It’s our story of what we are promoting here at the university.”

The report includes statistics of enrollment, graduates, events, and financial assistance. Leon Guerrero said in 2008, UOG received eight years of reaffirmation of accreditation.

“That is the longest [span of accreditation] the university had ever received,” Leon Guerrero said. “We do not anticipate losing accreditation.”

a 50% decrease in enrollment for students who are non-degree seeking/non-declared student.

This decrease shows that UOG is excelling in helping students to choose their career paths.

Gunn revealed that UOG has a long term goal of reaching students from around the world through the expansion of the university’s dormitory service.

Gunn also believes that the quality of the college experience at

UOG can be enhanced by students’ college preparation and developing an academic support service.

He appreciates that the university has students who take an interest in diverse studies including liberal arts, business, and nursing to name a few compared to students who were focused on the STEM curriculum at his previous job in South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

WASC accreditation: Cont’d Continued from page 3

with the university's progress on "Good to Great,” its plans to increase capacity of its institutional research, its annual program assessment, graduate education, and under graduate student success.

Enriquez said undergraduate students’ success could be the most critical. Student success covers retention, high student achievement, and degree completion.

As a result, a student success innovation team has been established, said Enriquez.

It is a16-member team that includes a representative from the Student Government Association, that helps students progress through developmental education.

"We're looking at other ways in which we improve upon the student experience and assure their success throughout their respective degree pathway," said En-

riquez.

"Retention and graduation rates show the academic health of the unversity as it were," said James Sellmann, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Sellmann explained the four-year degree plan has changed nationwide. Part of it maybe because students are occupied with their jobs and families, as a result, this could interfere with graduating on a timely manner, said Sellmann.

The assessment of student learning plays a major role in accreditation. This coming review, they will be assessing students critical thinking skills and written communication, said Sellman.

"The real challenge for us will be the next accreditation cycle, where we have to also assess oral communication, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning," Sellmann said.

UOG Press offers a home for local writers Leon Guerrero said she would like to have the UOG Press function as a publishing arm for the pacific region, for not only professors but the community as well.

“We would really like to be a place for writers to prepare and publish their books,” said Leon Guerrero. By becoming an archive for local books, UOG Press will ensure the longevity of Guam local literature.

This includes academic research books, novelty books and children’s books.

UOG Press comprises of two sections: MARC publications and Taiguini books.

MARC publications is the partnership between the UOG Press and the university’s Micronesian Area Research Center housing all local academic research books.

Taiguini books is the section that will publish

From left to right, Victoria Leon Guerrero, Dolores Camacho, and Andrea Grajek discuss artwork for a children’s book. Photo by Anton Rosario cultural literature and creative writing books, most of which will be written in the Chamoru language.

Both sections are planning to launch their first published books by May 2016.

There are about three books being launched, including a history book

titled “The History of the Mariana Islands” and the children’s books, “I Malingu Na Påtgon” (the Lost Child) and “Pedro yan i Oran Ko’ko’” (Pedro and the Golden Ko’ko’).

The launch of these books will parallel the establishment of UOG Press. Leon Guerrero

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

By Anton Rosario Triton’s Call Staff As a part of the Good to Great Program established by President Underwood, the UOG Press has been revived to serve as a publishing house for local books.

Managing Editor Victoria Leon Guerrero hopes to develop a home for all local writers in the Mariana Islands with the UOG Press.

“We would really like to be a place for writers to prepare and publish their books,” Leon Guerrero said.

By becoming an archive for local books, UOG Press will ensure the longevity of Guam local literature. This includes academic research books, novelty books, and even children’s books.

The UOG Press will act as an outlet for local writers to publish and keep record of books.

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said she is excited for the launch because she hopes it will inspire local authors to get active and involved.

Providing a home for writers will benefit the Chamoru culture and language. Events regarding the launch will be announced soon.

MARC seminar chronicles life of Chamorro who fought in Normandy

By Dray Thompson Triton’s Call Staff Francisco Blas was the subject of a talk held at the UOG CLASS Lecture Hall on Jan 22 as part of the MARC Seminar Series.

Blas was the only Chamorro who witnessed the Battle of Normandy in WWII, where four hundred twenty five thousand allied and German soilders were slain, wounded or missing in action.

The seminar featured the research on Blas conducted by Lazaro Quinata, a senior at Father Duenas Memorial School and Anthony Blas, a teacher of Chamorro history. Both Quinata and Blas participated in a research

program as a part of the National History Day program at the Albert H. Small Student and Teacher Institute alongside with.

The research program comprised of about 15 student/ teacher teams, who each presented for the Summer Institute based on what research they have gathered. Lazaro is also the youngest researcher of the program.

Paying tribute to fallen and silent heroes from the Battle of Normandy was the topic for the teams.

“Every year they choose 15 teams from across the country to pay tribute to 15 fallen soldiers, or sailors or silent heroes,” Blas said.

Anthony Blas and Lazaro Quinata pose in front of the memorial plaque in Normandy. Photo courtesy of Lazaro Quinata.

“There were people from Kansas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, most of the east coast.

Lazaro and Blas conducted over six months’ worth of research about Francisco Blas and found out that he joined the Navy with other Chamorros.

However, he was separated from the other Chamorros once they were assigned to station on different ships.

Francisco Blas was stationed at the USS Boise CL-47. Many of the chamorro soldiers were assigned as stewards or cooks.

In result of completion, Quinata and Blas went to Washington to participate in a week of lectures and field trips.

They also visited Normandy for one week of tours to the battlefields.

While there, Lazaro provided a eulogy and recited it when he saw Blas’s named engraved on the memorial plaque.

“Regardless of this fact, Francisco Blas volunteered to serve the American nation, not out of traditional service to the military as many who served among him and not out of forced draft like countless others, but rather because he believed in the American ideals with such an unwavering passion,” Quinata said.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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GDOE adopts RAM protocol for potential bomb threats

By Marlon Molinos For Triton’s Call Numerous bomb threats have been reported since February 2016, causing students in Guam’s public school system to miss several days of instructional time.

Parents have expressed concerns that their children may have to miss school because of a potential bomb threat happening on a weekly basis.

Schools such as Simon Sanchez High School and FB Leon Guerrero Middle School missed a day of instructional time while others missed hours.

According to Chris Anderson, deputy superintendent of schools for the Guam Department of Education, GDOE has partnered with the Marshalls, Guam Fire Department, GPD, Port Authority, Guam Airport Authority, the Guam Customs, as well as other law enforcement agencies, to tackle the problem of bomb

threats.

This partnership, which represents the Guam Fusion Center, has adapted the Risk Assessment Matrix or RAM, a protocol utilized by the FBI. RAM is a protocol that would determine the threat level of potential bomb threats to Guam’s public school system.

According to Anderson, “Prior to the adoption of the RAM, the standard protocol that schools would take involved contacting GPD and evacuating the campus.

“Given the brash of bomb threats that we’ve been receiving it was becoming a huge strain on public resources,” Anderson said. “It was also reinforcing behaviors in students that we were trying to avoid.”

RAM consists of several questions to help administrators determine the level of threat a bomb scare poses to their facility.

With these questions,

administrators use a scoring system to help them determine whether the threat is high, medium, or low.

In turn, this decision can help them decide on whether class will be canceled or only be on hold for several hours.

This can help alleviate the unnecessary use of public resources.

Bomb threats are always taken seriously and are considered a terrorist act. Students who are caught making the threats face expulsion from the school system and jail time.

According to Anderson, school administrators met Monday to discuss how simple and helpful the RAM was to help them determine the threat level of the bomb threats they had received in previous weeks.

Anderson said the administrators who used the RAM had positive remarks regarding its protocol.

With the RAM pro-

tocol in place, school administrators will now have an instrument to help determine how high of a threat level a potential bomb scare would be causing them to avoid missing precious instructional time in the future.

Although there were several bomb threats to several businesses in the community, the RAM protocol is only utilized within the school system at this time.

Businesses are encouraged to work with the Marianas fusion Center to help determine the level of the bomb threat.

According to Anderson, parents have called him to say that they were happy to hear there was another instrument that can use to determine the threats.

Julie Hernandez, a UOG student, stated that although she is not as informed about the RAM, she hopes it will help keep the community safe because it’s

frustrating to have to change up your plans to deal with these threats.

Parents and students can approach their respective school administrators to give suggestions to improve the protocol as well as contacting the deputy superintendent’s office to give their suggestions.

GDOE takes the safety and well-being of students seriously, and asks the community continue to help in maintaining the level of support.

Based on his observation, Anderson feels the community has shown tremendous support toward the RAM protocol.

Lost Days In order to make up for hours and days that were missed due to these bomb threats, the calendar committee had decided to either increase the amount of instructional days or instructional time.

No final decision has yet to be made.

UOG safety and security stays alert on potential bomb threats

By Dray Thompson Triton’s Call Staff The recent bomb threats targeting businesses and schools on the island have alerted UOG safety and security officials toward the importance of having an effective crisis management plan.

David Okada, UOG’s chief planning officer, and Felix Mansapit, UOG’s

safety and security administrator, discussed what would happen if there was a bomb threat on campus.

Both Okada and Mansapit created a draft incident command pan for crisis management in a form of a checklist.

The checklist includes bomb threat procedures, such as if the threat was received from a

phone call an e-mail, handwritten note, and packages that have suspicious signs.

Also included on the checklist is the phone number for University Security, which faculty and students are urged to call if any of these instances were to occur.

“There are standard procedures for rally points and accountability for

people when and if such a situation need to be done in terms of evacuation,” Okada said.

Each checklist has been read and distributed to all employees within the facilities. The first step of the checklist is to assess the threat and call 911 or University Security.

There are different levels of threats, depending on where

the threat falls on the checklist. It is up to University Security or the first responder to figure out the next step once the level of the threat is issued “The university does take bomb threats seriously and if/when it does happen, we are prepared to respond,” Okada stated.

For more information call the University Security at: 888-2456

By Alissa Eclavea Triton’s Call Staff UOG recently welcomed Miguel Vilar, Ph.D., project manager and scientific lead for the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project, who presented his studies on “Researching the Origins and Genetic Distinctiveness of Chamorro’s: A Bi-åparental Analysis” on Jan. 26 in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Lecture Hall.

“We’re very happy to be able to have you share with us this special event to provide more clues about the origin of the Chamorro people,” said President Dr.Robert Underwood during his opening remarks.

Vilar gave his first lecture at the Univer-

sity of Guam in 2013 concentrating on mitochondrial (maternal) DNA. During his visit, Vilar took approximately 85 samples and presented his results with his latest findings associated with Bi-parental (both maternal and paternal) DNA. “Through the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project, we can argue about the origins of the people, not just by the stroke of a pen or a written article or the physical remains, but by something like this.

A cotton swab.”

Through the cotton swab sample, Vilar was able to discover the geno chromosome make up of DNA. Vilar has conducted studies using the mtDNA and Y-DNA diversity by observing haplogroups,

UOG President Robert Underwood and Miguel Vilar pose for the camera.

Photo by Michelle Conerly

which are groups or lineages that share mutations and are thus related. Haplogroup K is exclusive to the Chamorro people.

Origin of Y-DNA Haplogroup O1 (P164) are found in 48% of Chamorro men. It is found in men with eight diffefrent surnames including Camacho,

Reyes, Molani, Cepeda, Sablan, Agoun, Flores and Martinez.

On the genographic website, after you have submitted your test kit, 10 weeks later it will display your results of lineage where your haplogroups are from.

If you are interested in purchasing a kit to better understand your

ancestry, please visit https://genographic. nationalgeographic. com/.

Geno 2.0 Next Generation Genographic Project Participation and DNA Ancestry Kit costs $150 to the general public, however Students are eligible for a discounted price of $130.

PALS works to increase voter registration among young adults

By Elizabeth Wells For Triton’s Call The Public Administration and Legal Studies (PALS) student organization is engaging in an ongoing voter registration drive throughout the Spring semester. The drive targets students under the age of 25.

PALS President Keith Quinata said the drive is a cross-campus initiative and the club will be reaching out to all colleges. He said the goal for this campaign is to engage young voters in the political process.

“These generations are the future,” Qui-

nata said. “They are the ones that are going to have the voice for whatever happens to the island.”

According to Ron McNinch, Ph.D., UOG professor and PALS member for more than 20 years, about 80 percent of students at UOG are under 25, but only about 20 percent of these students are registered to vote.

Quinata said students may not be aware of where to go to register, or whom to ask if they have questions, which could explain why a percentage of young adults are not reg-

istered to vote. The PALS’s campaign is working to bridge that gap.

“The main thing is for a lot of young people, they want to vote, they like the idea of voting, but they don’t make the connection of registering to vote and voting,” McNinch said. “And that’s not their fault. We want to make it easy.”

McNinch said he believes once students realize how easy it is to register, they will readily do it.

PALS will be collaborating with the Guam Election Commission (GEC) in order to have their

members become registrars. At their first general meeting on Feb. 9, the organization set a goal of getting 2,000 students to register to vote by the end of the semester.

“Go big or go home,” McNinch said.

Both Quinata and Trinidad are already registrars, meaning students can go directly to them in order to register. PALS said they are planning to have around 40 members become registrars by May. PALS plans to start the campaign at UOG, move to Guam Community College

by April, and then on

to high schools by May. Quinata said they plan to have a registration booth set up on campus at least once this semester.

PALS will be encouraging students to take selfies when they register to vote and share them on social media in order to spread the idea that young people should be voting.

Quinata said students can register to vote with them or by visiting the GEC at the GCIC building in Agana.

7 University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

UOG lecture discusses Chamorro genetics

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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Students voice opinions on UOG’s no smoking policy

By Kyle Twardowski For Triton’s Call Although the tobacco-free policy at UOG has been around since Fall 2007, some students still choose to smoke or vape in areas where they should not Brandon Franquez, a UOG junior, said he frequents the area in front of the RFK library to smoke, and he does this almost on a daily basis. Franquez said he was caught smoking on campus twice.

However, he walked away both times with only a warning.

“I don’t really care that there is a smoking-policy,” Franquez said. “I’d rather there just be a designated smoking area instead of taking away from others personal enjoyment.”

The smoking policy, printed in the UOG student handbook issued to all incoming students, states that “smoking and the use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes shall not be permitted in any enclosed place,

including privately owned vehicles.” The policy also states that “smoking and the use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes shall also be prohibited outdoors on all UOG properties, including the campus and parking lots.”

The policy applies to all students, UOG faculty/employees and any other visitor on the campus.

UOG faculty members, in particular, not only have to abide by the policy, but the Students gather in front of the RFK Library between classes to smoke. must enforce it as well. Photo by Kyle Twardowski However, according to times, Underwood had Management and Stubeing caught and dealt Felix Mansipit, UOG told him to stop smokdent Success (EMSS) the requirement of safety administrator, Office. ing on campus. community service, he there are limitations to However, with faculty, “I was stopped twice was hospitalized due what can be done to for vaping, and once to an unrelated medprevent tobacco usage they can only advise students of the policy for smoking”, Dixon ical reason, and he on campus. since Mansipit and his stated. could not complete the “Security staff can Dixon said he conworks. only approach a person team are not a part of tinued to smoke on law enforcement.

Dixon said a UOG and inform them that campus, but after Cody Dixon, a fordean’s assistant had there is a no smoking the third time he was tried to set up a date policy and that the Uni- mer student at UOG, said during the Fall caught and told to stop, for him to complete the versity does not allow 2015 semester, UOG he was required to parwork. Dixon said he smoking anywhere on President Robert Unticipate in community informed the assistant the campus.” derwood caught him service.

This has been about his predicament, Mansipit’s security smoking on campus. verified by two individuand then advised that team does have the Dixon said Underals that were present at he no longer was reauthority to turn over wood had caught him the scene. quired to complete the information on a stutwice, and during both Dixon said after community service. dent to the Enrollment

Computer Center: New Smart Cart ID policies subject-to- change Continued from page 1 have their IDs, can also use a guest card during more help, such as the Add/Drop period. setting up the card for These guest users do computer access. If not have a personal students do not have storage, but can print a barcode and current up to 30 pages per sticker, proof of current session. semester schedule Surveys will continmust be shown. ue to be conducted to For exchange stuobtain more feedback dents, faculty and other people interested in us- from students on how to better accommodate ing the computers, but them. Parts of the new who do not have the Smart Card ID, a guest policy are subject to change, such as the card can be available 300-page limit. upon request.

“We are here to serStudents who are envice the students, not rolled, but who do not to restrict them. We just

want to stop the paper waste abuse,” Dahilig said.

Zyra Sanchez, a student in her junior year, learned about the changes when she walked in the computer center and saw the newly installed card reader. Sanchez agrees that the changes are reasonable, but students should have been notified of the changes.

“In a way it’s good to minimize the number of pages that students are printing, because

some take it for granted,” Sanchez said. “It’s just that we weren’t aware of these changes that are happening.

They should have sent a mass email to the students.”

Sanchez mentioned that the 300-page limit for printing might not be enough for one semester. In her opinion, a 500-page limit sounded better.

Mira Hernandez, a student in her senior year, found out about the changes after her friends told her. She

has not been able to get the new ID, so she has not been at the Computer Center since she found out about the changes.

“It is an inconvenience to many students who didn’t know about the changes,” Hernandez said.

For more information, visit the ITRC Computer Center or website at: http://www. uog.edu/student-services/computer-center/faq.

Guam Regional Transit Authority delays bid procurement process 9 For Triton’s Call Last year, Kloppenburg Enterprises Incorporated submitted a bid to continue as the bus provider for the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) mass transit.

As of February, GRTA is still in the initial phase of the procurement process of this bid, leaving some riders to adjust to any changes as they are implemented.

Currently, GRTA has 11 buses in service.

Five are fixed route buses, while six are paratransit buses.

The paratransit bus service requires certification by GRTA of ADA Eligible Certified individuals, as well as advance reservations two days prior made during GRTA’s regular

business hours. GRTA also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for riders that are approved for eligible certification to use the paratransit service.

Currently, GRTA does not have rider demographics of the 11 buses that they have in operation. However, GRTA Executive Manager Enrique Agustin said riders are using the transit buses to reach many different destinations such as work and school. There are also riders that utilize the bus for recreational purposes.

GRTA’s Riders Information pamphlet contains the common rules of courtesy section to ensure the safety of both the drivers and passengers.

When asked about any specific incidents

Cont’d: UOG opens helpline to receive complaints Continued from page 2

Information will then be reviewed and assessed, and the investigation process to determine the validity of the complaint will begin. ​ “If corrective action is warranted, appropriate measures will be taken to address the complaint promptly,” said Faculo-Gogue.

Raising student awareness Giana Escamilla is a UOG student who also works at the Campus Café located in the School of Business and Public Administration building.

As both a student and employee, Escamilla said she feels safer now that she knows who to call. ​ “Having [the helpline] is reassuring because I spend so much time on campus, and now I know who to talk to if anything ever happened,” said Escamilla, adding, “Before, I never actually knew who it was we were supposed to speak to in that situation.”

For more information stop by Faculo-Gogue Office in the Iya Hami Residence Hall.

concerning passengers that have engaged in disruptive behavior, Agustin said that usually the bus driver while stop the vehicle, contact a dispatcher and police officer, then continue on the scheduled route that was assigned.

No individuals have been temporarily or permanently banned from using the transit bus system; however, Agustin added that Guam does not have transit police to handle these specific instances due to funding restraints. Future implementation of transit police officers would bring Guam to the level of transit systems in the United States.

When asked about details regarding the procurement, Agustin said that those questions would remain

unanswered.

According to Agustin, the process is ongoing; therefore, further disclosure is not allowed to the general public.

Agustin also stated that he is leaving off-island for the next GRTA board meeting scheduled for Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. and returns on Feb. 22.

He held a discussion with the acting executive manager and chief planner, Rudy Cabana, before his departure.

However, Agustin said “[t]he Executive Manager does not have a vote on any policy matters that is to be voted on by the board members.”

The GRTA board meetings are open to the general public and occur once a month for a total of 12 meetings per fiscal year. A portion of each meeting is

open for public commentary/input.

When contacted for further comment from the GRTA Secretary, Penelope Gates, Agustin said that Gates is the newest employee on staff and does not have the extensive corporate knowledge to answer questions dealing with the company. Because of those provided reasons, Agustin said that Gates is unavailable for interview purposes.

For more information on GRTA such as the transit hours of operation, routes, and schedules, check their website grta.guam.gov. The GRTA staff can also be contacted via the following phone numbers: 300-7262/475-4603.

Their office hours are Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

By Rianne Peredo

Cont’d: Sexual harrassment traning required for students starting Fall 2016 Continued from page 3 which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity at each stage of sexual involvement.”

Underwood also noted that “previous sexual encounters is not an invitation to have sex in the future.”

Senior Vice-President Anita Borja Enriquez spoke on “Na’mas Saffo’ UOG,” which are a few new protocols to spread awareness and encourage safety.

The new policy makes sexual harassment training mandatory for all employees

and students.

Since Sept. 2015, employees have been completing sexual harassment training. “[At the] beginning of Fall 2016, all students will be required, as a condition for registration, to go through the online sexual harassment training,” says Dr. Enriquez. This training will be required on an annual basis.

The committee has established a HELP line and HELP line website, where complaints can be filed anonymously or openly. The HELP line can be reached at 735HELP (4357) or on the web at www.uog.edu/

helpline.

The hearing was open for public comment, and featured four speakers.

The first speaker,, UOG Associate Professor Ronald McNinch voiced pproval of the proposed policy.

The following three speakers were from SWSA, the Social Work Student Alliance.

The last speaker, Vera Ferrera, gave a courageous testimony to everyone, whom she referred to as her UOG family, about the struggle of being a victim.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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Student competes in Mrs. Globe World Finals in China

By Eric Gianan For Triton’s Call University of Guam student Kara Camille Cruz, 26, represented Guam at the 2015 Mrs. Globe “World Finals” pageant at Shenzhen, China.

Cruz, a full time student, mother, Cruz wife, and army reservist has come back to Guam with distinctive awards, but more importantly a humbling experience.

Cruz competed with 64 delegates from countries all around the world.

She had placed in the Top-15 in no particular order and received the Culture Pride Award in her best effort to represent Guam.

Although she placed in the Top15 and received the Culture Pride Award, she said it was definitely an unforgettable and humbling experience.

“Guam being the newest and smallest country to be represented in the pageant, I felt like I had to work twice as hard because of the high caliber of competition being represented from the other countries,” Cruz said.

While she did not win the crown, her goal to enter the pageant with every intent to leave a lasting impression to the pageant staff, delegates, the press, and audience on what Guam represents.

“Although I did not win the crown, as long as everyone knew who Guam was, that we are a paradise island with hospitable people who are rich in culture, strength, and humility, that would be the ultimate prize other than the winning the crown,” Cruz said.

Cruz’s experience at the “World Finals” not only humbled her but also made her determined to guide future contestants to represent Guam for the Mrs. Globe Pageant.

“I see myself as a role model to married women and mothers. Married women and mothers can be just as beautiful as the younger beauty queens,” Cruz said.

Finding the right balance is key for future Mrs. Globe contestants.

“Life doesn’t end when you get married or have children. It’s like leveling up in a game, it gets more difficult, but the prize in the end is worth it,” Cruz said.

International Friendship Club bridges cultural gaps

By Neomi Wolford For Triton’s Call The International Friendship Club is one of the University of Guam’s most diverse, long-standing and busiest organizations.

Members of IFC volunteer to interact with foreign students from China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Local students take them on campus tours, cultural activities, and have student-to-student conversations.

There are at least a minimum of three tours each week and three different functions in one day with 20 to 250 students.

During the summer, IFC accommodates at least 17 different universities from Japan and Korea and the students stay a total of two to six weeks depending on the program they are in.

IFC also partners up with the English Adventure Program (EAP) by helping foreign students with their English reading, writing, and speaking skills.

The International Friendship Club’s mission is to “strive to establish close friendships with students locally and internationally and to promote the internationalization of Guam’s culture and hospitality.”

Some may compare it to the “Japanese exchange” held at local high schools because both create long-lasting friendships and

unforgettable memories.

IFC is known as a diverse club because it is not limited to ESL (English Second Language) or foreign language majors. IFC members major in subjects like economics, business, accounting, administration, biology, marketing, mathematics, psychology, East Asian Studies, and Japanese Studies.

IFC is not only an enriching experience for foreign students, but for the local students as well. Local members are also given the chance to attend international universities in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This gives them the opportunity to get more into depth about diverse cultures around the world. These members are part of UOG’s “Good to Great” campaign and are known as Ambassadors of our beautiful island.

The former president of IFC is Erickson Aquino who majors in East Asian Studies and Philosophy. He minors in Biology and Japanese Studies and has been a member since Sept. 2012.

“It is a great opportunity to expand our social network and friendships from across the globe. It is definitely a great experience internationalizing the University of Guam and being Ambassadors of our island.”

Angelenne Serafico is the former vice president and majors in mathematics and has been an active member since June 2012.

She explained that the workload in the club can be overwhelming at first but it is definitely rewarding.

“You’ll be able to create lasting friendships, not with just foreign students but also with our local students in the club.

Being able to interact with foreign students has made me realize that although we are from different places in the world and speak different languages, we are all human with the capability to have feelings, wants, needs and fears. Not only has this club inspired me to change as a person for the better, but also this club gave me the opportunity to inspire others. This club is great for you to grow as a person and to broaden your perspective about others and the world.”

If you have an interest in joining the International Friendship Club, you need to meet some requirements.

One must be a high school, UOG, or GCC student and complete all membership forms.

To participate in the scholarship trips, one must have at least a GPA of 2.5 or better and have accumulated a certain amount of hours or points.

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The four paintings shown to the left were displayed at the recent UOG Faculty Biennial held at the Isla Center for the Arts.

The paintings, created by UOG Art Professor Ric Castro, are named (from left to right) “Yellow Lemai Leaf,” “Bed of Bamboo,” “Fonte River Reflections” and “Bamboo Mirror Sky.” Isla’s next exhibit opens on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of Isla Center for the Arts staff

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

February Isla exhibit featured UOG faculty artwork

The month’s Valentine’s Day celebration holds historical roots

By Alissa Eclavea Triton’s Call Staff There is no doubt that Valentines Day is the holiday of love. However, let us not forget how Valentines Day came to be.

This holiday is actually short for Saint Valentines Day. The popular story about how Saint Valentine became a martyr derived from third century Rome.

Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made for better soldiers and forbid young men to marry.

Father Valentine defied Claudius by continuing to marry young couples and did so until

Monday, Feb. 29 Deadline to submit application for degree

his actions were discovered. In result, he was ordered to be put to death.

Even while he was imprisoned, couples sought him, and Valentine continued to marry them.

Another interesting spin on Saint Valentine’s Day is the time he spent imprisoned by the Romans.

He fell in love with a girl who would visit him, presumably his jailers daughter, and wrote her a letter. Before Valentine was put to death, he ended it with the popular phrase, “From your Valentine.”

The Greeting Card Association shared that

Valentines Day cards, with about 1 billion cards sent all over the world each year, comes second to selling Christmas cards.

America did not start the tradition of Valentines Day until the 1700s.

In 2015, it was estimated that 250 Million flowers were sold and surveyed that Americans in 2016 will buy flowers spending a total of $1.9 billion.

The heart shaped boxes that are filled with chocolate is another symbol of love on Valentines Day. According to Neilson, America will spend $345 million on Valen-

A red rose singifies love and is a symbol associated with Valentine’s Day. Photo by Alissa Eclavea tines Day chocolate.

Valentines Day is more than about exchanging cards and eating chocolate.

It is in remembrance of how Saint Valentine

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Tuesday, March 1Wednesday, March 2 Career Development Office (SGA Hall)

did what he felt was right and continued to marry couples regardless of the penalty.

All in the name of love.

Wednesday, March 2

Monday, March 7

Tuesday, March 8

Summer 2016 Early Registration by Class Level

Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day

Charter Day

University of Guam Triton’s Call, February 2016

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