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The Volante W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 7

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

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USD takes final steps toward Dakota Days preparations Lauren Soulek

Lauren.Soulek@coyotes.usd.edu

Planning for Dakota Days starts as early as the previous November. This year’s homecoming theme is “Backed by Tradition.”

School spirit and tradition are at the forefront of the minds of students, faculty and alumni as Dakota Days approaches.

Whether it’s planning events or ensuring student safety, several organizations are involved in preparing the weeklong homecoming festivities.

Jessie Sadlon, a senior medical biology major and overall chair of the Dakota Days committee, said planning begins as early as November the year before.

“We recruit and put together our new board around November and then the end of December, before Christmas break, we try to have a good idea of what the theme will be next year,” Sadlon said. “In January, we start planning right away.”

Sadlon said planning begins with the basics – the committee starts with the theme then moves on to outlining what each day will look like. After that, their planning gets more and more detailed as the week gets closer. This year’s theme is “Backed by Tradition.”

“We’ve stuck to similar events with changes just over the years depending on what students like and what brings them into certain events,” Sadlon said.

“The same things that happen in the past and then we try to add on, I guess like building on tradition just according to what’s popular.”

Student life also helps plan Dakota Days. Kim Grieve, dean of students and vice president of student services, said most events are planned by the Dakota Days committee, but student life helps by incorporating some alcohol-free events into the week.

“We have a Zumba

PLANNING DAKOTA DAYS IN A YEAR NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BEFORE WINTER BREAK

JANUARY

APRIL / MAY

MAY

BEFORE STUDENTS LEAVE

OCTOBER

EVENT

PLACE

SUNDAY

7:30-9:30 PM

YOTES GOT TALENT & ROYALTY REVEAL

AALFS AUDITORIUM

MONDAY

7-8:30 PM

COMEDIAN KEVIN YEE

AALFS AUDITORIUM

TUESDAY

7:30-9 PM

DAKOTA DAYS BINGO

MUC

7 PM

VOLLEYBALL VS. ORAL ROBERTS

SCSC

WEDNESDAY

5-10 PM

VERMTOWN BASH & COMMUNITY FAIR

DOWNTOWN

The Alumni Association works with other campus organizations to showcase USD as a whole.

THURSDAY

5 PM

DAKOTA DAYS FUN RUN

MUC LAWN

FRIDAY

2 PM

STEVE MANOLIS: “PAINTING VERMILLION RED” DONATION

MUC

4 PM

SOCCER VS. DENVER

SOCCER COMPLEX

5:30 PM-6 PM

DAKOTA DAYS PEP RALLY

MUC

6:30-8 PM

ZUMBA PARTY

WELLNESS CENTER

5:30-8:30 PM

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS RECEPTION

MUC

9-11 AM

DAKOTA DAYS PARADE

MAIN STREET

11 AM-2 PM

TAILGATE

DAKOTA DOME PARKING LOT

2 PM

FOOTBALL VS. YOUNGSTOWN STATE

DAKOTA DOME

The Committee decides who to honor as parade marshall and the best order of events throughout the week, so students can attend all big events.

SATURDAY

D-Days takes place Oct. 1-7.

party that goes through the Wellness Center and the Wellness Center planned Dakota Fun Run, so just some other things the students have an opportunity to be involved in,” Grieve said.

Keeping tradition

Many Dakota Days events remain constants from year to year because of their historical significance, Grieve said.

“Of course the parade and the king and queen — those events are historical,” she said. “Some of the other events change each year, but usually

Graphics by Leah Dusterhoft | The Volante

the Wellness Center does their alcohol-free events each year and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) also usually plans some sort of event as well. This year they have a comedian.”

The Alumni Association and USD Foundation are also very involved in planning Dakota Days events.

Michelle Green, vice president for constituent engagement at the USD Foundation, said their planning begins in April or May. “We have to get a couple of things really organized before our wonderful students leave for the summer,” Green said. “We

New dean of Arts and Sciences ‘thrilled’ USD’s new Arts and Sciences dean is looking to lead the college to success.

Dean Michael Kruger came to USD over the summer. He has 24 years of experience in higher education, and 13 years in administration.

Kruger said his previous experience as associate dean of Arts and Sciences at University of MissouriKansas City has helped him fit into his new role at USD. “In my previous KRUGER role I had worked closely with the dean and on pretty much all aspects of being dean,” he said.

Kruger got his start in administration when the role of physics department chair at UM-KC needed to be filled. He said he declined the offer at first because he had no interest in administration, but eventually accepted the position and found that he enjoyed it.

“What I liked about it was that I was able to help people in many ways,” Kruger said. “I liked setting goals for the department in collaboration with my faculty.

I liked developing strategies to achieve those goals.”

Kruger found he could impact more people in the new role, and said he appreciated that.

“Once I saw how much good I

TIME

The Committee works with the Alumni Association to decide a theme for the coming year.

The Committee solidifies the remaining details, like where parking is available for guests and where to get tickets for the football game.

AUGUST

Alison.Boysen@coyotes.usd.edu

DAY

The Alumni Association figures out how shows should flow, what’s needed to set up each show and contacts anyone who’s needed in the fall to make everything run smoothly.

OVER THE SUMMER

Ali Boysen

2017 DAKOTA DAYS SCHEDULE

The new D-Days Board is assembled by the student run D-Days Committee.

The events will happen on each day of D-Days week are selected. This outline becomes more and more detailed as the year progresses.

was able to do, then when I was asked to serve other administrative roles, it was no problem,” Kruger said. “I was thrilled I had been asked.”

Kruger’s predecessor, Matthew Moen, left the position last spring.

Kruger decided to apply for the USD position because he wanted to continue to give students opportunities in higher education.

“I was attracted when I was reading about it (USD) when I was trying to decide whether or not I should apply, and I learned about the number of students that received national awards,” Kruger said. “The faculty are doing everything at an amazingly high level, and our students are both fantastic and very fortunate to have such dedicated educators.”

Before he makes any changes, Kruger said he intends to spend time listening to students to improve the quality of education and expand the college’s reach.

“I’d like to have a bigger impact on the state, on the region and on the world,” Kruger said. “And USD’s College of Arts and Sciences – it’s primed to do it.”

Junior Erica Miller said she likes that Kruger is working to make the College of Arts and Sciences more well-known.

“Usually people don’t look at USD and think arts and science — they think of the law, the medical and the business school... the first thing they See DEAN, Page A6

ries: service to the university, public service, professional achievement and emerging leader.

“We have a set of criteria for each of those awards and we have a committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors who reviews all of the nominees,” Green said. “We had a wonderful pool of nominations this year; more than we’ve had in awhile. So it really speaks to the caliber of alum here at USD.” Dan Gaston, senior associate athletic director, said when it comes to preparations for the athletics department, they bring in more help wherever they can.

“Concessions staff up and everyone is always worried about the restrooms,” Gaston said.

Gaston said the homecoming game is really no different than any other game, other than its high attendance.

“You still set up all the parking lots, you still set up your staff, it just gets ramped up a little bit more,” Gaston said. “With D-Days comes just more people here on campus.

The west lot will close down, we won’t have any parking. The student tailgate, that will be the difference between any game, there’s no other time where that’s the way it is.”

have a couple of things that we try to decide before the students take off in May, and that kind of varies a little bit. We try to have some conversation about who the parade marshall will be and about the timing of each of the activities to make sure that we don’t have things that are competing for crowds.”

Green said they also try to have a schedule mapped out by the time everybody leaves in May. During the summer the Alumni Association “gets to dig into the details” by talking about show flows and event setups.

“Then details, details,

details,” Green said.

“That’s an events planner’s secret weapon — just remembering all those details. Everything from making sure our guests have a place to park to making sure that they know where to get their tickets for the great football game and they know what time the parade starts.”

The Alumni Association’s signature event is the alumni achievements awards banquet that takes place on Friday of Dakota Days. Green said this year they’re presenting awards in the following catego-

Making priority

safety

a

Jef Rice, University Police Department lieutenant, said UPD’s main priority during D-Days is remaining visible.

Jef Rice, University Police Department lieutenant, said UPD’s main priority during Dakota Days is remaining visible.

“We want everybody to know we’re here, all they need to do is call us if they need us,” Rice said. “I just want everybody to have a safe D-Days. Just like every year I want everybody to See PREP, Page A3

“

Most buildings that are older than 30 years often have some type of asbestos...

Any time we do a repair, renovation or project within a building we survey to ensure we can remove it with the project.

Bob Oehler, vice president of facilities management

Asbestos abatement an ongoing project Ally Krupinsky

Ally.Krupinsky@coyotes.usd.edu

Asbestos was abated in 33 Brookman Hall rooms over the summer.

The abatement cost about $18,000, said Bob Oehler, Facilities Management associate vice president, in an email.

According to the American Cancer Society, “There is no health risk if the asbestos is bonded into intact finished products, such as walls and tiles. As long as the material is not damaged or disturbed (for example, by drilling or remodeling), the fibers are not released into the air.”

Oehler said if asbestos is covered and/or not airborne, it doesn’t pose a risk.

“In Brookman Hall it was contained in old floor tile that was safely removed,” Oehler said. “Most buildings that are older than 30 years often have

some type of asbestos. Either in the plumbing insulation (outside of the pipes), flooring and/ or ceiling tiles. Any time we do a repair, renovation or project within a building we survey to ensure we can remove it with the project.”

There are around 15 buildings on campus that are more than 30 years old.

Oehler said the damaged tile was discovered during an annual maintenance check after students moved out.

“When tile of this 9X9 size shows excessive wear or needs to be replaced, it is routinely checked,” he said.

According to a National Cancer Institute asbestos fact sheet, everyone is exposed to asbestos at some point.

“People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the

material or through substantial environmental contact,” the article states.

The fact sheet goes on to say that there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure.

“Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures,” the fact sheet states.

According to an American Cancer Society article, it’s important to assess the amount of asbestos exposure.

“If you were exposed only very briefly, or only at very low levels, your risk of a resulting disease is probably low,” the article states.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, various asbestosSee PROJECT, Page A3

News

A2 Wednesday, September 27, 2017

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CRAFTING WITH CAB

Cheyenne Alexis I The Volante

Campus Activities Board hosted “Crafting with CAB” Tuesday afternoon where students decorated koozies for Dakota Days.

City of Vermillion Police Blotter Highlights >> Sept. 17 - 23

2

2

reported assaults

Sept. 17 Officers responded to a noise complaint of a house party. Officers located the noise and issued the renters citations for noise violations.

Sept. 17 An officer stopped a car for a headlight violation. Officers discovered persons under the age of 21 who were intoxicated.

Citations were issued.

Sept. 17 responded Officers to a 911 call, which was found to be an accidental dial. No emergency was discovered.

1

family disputes

1

DWI

Sept. 18 Officers responded to the alarm of a local business. Officers discovered no criminal activity.

Sept. 19 Officers investigated a family dispute. The incident was resolved peacefully.

Sept. 21 Officers received information of a bank scam. The case is under

Sept. 18 Officers responded to a report of shoplifting at a local business. The suspect was detained and arrested for petty theft.

Sept. 20 Officers responded to an apartment building fire alarm. While on scene, officers observed a subject with outstanding warrants.

The subject was arrested.

Sept. 21 Officers received information of a suspicious man at Cotton Park. Officers responded but were unable to locate the man. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 20 Officers responded to an injury accident on Princeton Ave. One driver had minor injuries.

Both vehicles had minor

Sept. 21 An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding. The driver admitted to drinking alcohol and was arrested for DWI.

Sept. 19 Officers responded to a call of prescription drug abuse. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 19 received a Officers report of theft. The case is under investigation.

damage.

investigation.

Sept. 21 Officers mediated a family dispute and found an acceptable resolution for both parties.

report of theft identification card. The suspect was identified and was arrested.

Sept. 22 An officer stopped a person for an open container of alcohol in a public place. The person was

Sept. 23 A caller reported being assaulted by an ex-boyfriend. The man was located and an investigation resulted in his arrest for

cited and released.

felony assault.

Sept. 22 Officers assisted Child Protection Services in an ongoing investigation.

Sept. 23 A subject came to the police department to bail out a relative. She had a warrant for her arrest out of Clay County. She was arrested.

Sept. 22 Officers received a call from a local business that sells alcohol. The business had seized a fraudulent

Honors Program sees increase in first-year student enrollment Kara Tesch

Kara.Tesch@coyotes.usd.edu

USD’s Honors Program is setting records outside of the classroom this fall.

This school year, 158 firstyear students were accepted into the program, making this the largest incoming class of Honors students in the history of USD. “I think that the increase in the numbers reflects the fact that the students coming to USD are well-prepared and interested in engaging with the faculty and other students in the Honors Program,” said Scott Breuninger, the honors program director.

“I’m happy that we’re having more interest among the students.”

The program also boasts a record number of students enrolled in the program in the fall throughout all grades, with a total of 441 students.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve really made great strides in recruiting students, retaining students and pro-

viding students with what we hope is a strong, challenging and rewarding program,” Breuninger said.

First-year Katie Larson said the program’s high numbers are beneficial.

“It gives more people that have the same morals and goals that I have to achieve and be a better student,” Larson said. “I know that everyone in the Honors Program has the same goal as me.”

The senior class in the Honors Program, which includes fourth-year and fifthyear students, shows a slight deficit in enrollment, with 92 students in the program. This difference of 66 students can partially be attributed to students leaving USD or leaving the Honors Program because they want to dedicate their time to other interests, Breuninger said.

According to the USD Honors website, Honors students hold more than 25 percent of all campus leadership positions. Additionally, it states that Honors graduates

LIVE AT FIVE

have had a 96 percent placement rate in graduate and professional programs over the past five years.

“It seemed like the best track for me to go into an Honors program in college,” Larson said. “It gives me a jumpstart on a lot of other things I need to get done in college.”

Breuninger said the record number will create a better learning environment.

“The Honors program provides rigorous courses to challenge advanced students, providing a quality education to advance students in their fields of study,” said Sarah Lane, a first-year.

Breuninger said bigger classes allow for more diverse discussion.

“The more voices you have in that discussion, the more sort of diversity points that are voiced,” he said.

“I just think that makes it a better experience for the students.”

TUNE IN AT FOUR

Tune into Channel 21 today at 5 p.m. for a story about the blood drives on campus and how the Biotest Center is affecting their numbers.

Tune into KAOR 91.1 today at 4 p.m. for a live stream of the State of the University Address.

COYOTEHistory 1997 National crime statistics showed that while crime was down, rape President I.D. Weeks rates were still high. announced there would Vermillion had the be no mid-semester highest amount of tests due to the Asian rapes compared to flu epidemic that struck other South Dakota campus. However, no suspension of classes was cities of similar population. planned.

1957

Leah Dusterhoft I The Volante

The Volante Volume 142, N0. 4 September 27, 2017 www.volanteonline.com Al Neuharth Media Center 555 Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Adviser Chuck Baldwin Mission statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students. Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view. The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers. The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor.

The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494.

The Volante is distributed Wednesdays during the academic year free of charge locally with the cost of $1 for each additional copy. One year subscription rates are $40, which solely covers the mailing costs.

The Volante does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any production service advertised in this paper. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

The Volante disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The Volante reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Ally Krupinsky editor-in-chief Cheyenne Alexis managing editor Heather Egbert advertising manager Dustin VanHunnik news editor Devin Martin news presentation editor Lauren Soulek assistant news editor Morgan Matzen verve editor Rachel Newville verve presentation editor Mason Dockter sports presentation editor Molly Schiermeyer photo editor Seth Gerberding opinion editor

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News

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 A3

Dustin VanHunnik I The Volante

The ROTC program traveled to Yankton this past weekend for their annual Field Training Exercise.

Annual ROTC field training exercise sees increased attendance Dustin VanHunnik

Dustin.VanHunnik@coyotes.usd.edu

The Reserve Officers Training Corps held a twoday field training exercise this weekend at the Lewis and Clark Boy Scout Camp in Yankton.

Thirty-two USD students of all grade levels in ROTC attended.

ROTC prepares students to become officers in the U.S. military. Students who enroll in ROTC receive a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, and commit to serve in the military post-gradua-

tion, according to the organization’s website.

ROTC does a field training exercise once each semester.

“I think it’s important to have an event like this because it helps me come in as a freshman and learn as much as I can since I want to eventually go into active duty,” said Christina Vogel, a first-year political science major.

The weekend’s event included several instructors with prior military experience to lead and assist in some of the training modules. This was the first year ROTC included the instruc-

tors in the camp.

Some of the weekend’s exercises included team training activities, running through an obstacle course, climbing and rappelling a rappel tower and several classes.

Senior Ashley Flood, a criminal justice major and cadet battle commander, said this is their first field training exercise of the year.

“We have a lot of new freshman cadets this year, so this is basically our kind of fun, beginning of the year exercise,” she said.

Some of the class topics included land navigation,

leaders recon, an objective rally point (ORP) and suicide prevention.

The annual event has seen an increase in numbers in previous years, but showed its highest numbers to date this year. There was also a record high amount of first-year students participating.

“I think the numbers definitely show a positive outlook for us,” Flood said. “Looking forward, this is what helps builds the program.”

There was a variety of majors and experience levels – ranging from those with no experience to some who’ve

$1 million is the projected cost of hazardous materials abatement, including asbestos and lead paint, from the fiscal years 2019-2028.

$315,000

has been spent by USD on the abatement of hazardous materials from the 2013 fiscal year to the 2017 fiscal year.

Averaging out to about

$63,000

each year

PREP From Page A1

have fun, and if they need anything, we’re here to help them. Doesn’t matter how little they think it is, we’ll answer their questions for them.”

Grieve said she wants everybody to remember what they learned at the alcohol trainings in the residence halls and at the safety training during orientation.

“At tailgate we make sure all students that are

It takes a university

Grieve said the entire university is involved in making the week as wonderful as it can be.

“The students are involved, the staff of student life is involved, the Alumni Foundation are involved with getting the

grand marshall for the parade,” she said.

Green said the week requires collaboration from all departments on campus.

“This is really our one shot to bring back the greatest crowd of alumni throughout the year,” Green said. “We really have to work as a team in order to be prepared to welcome all these great (alumni) back. There is something about Dakota Days. There’s a buzz in the air, and you can feel the excitement and it builds that whole week.”

PROJECT

a year.

The cost estimate of hazardous materials abatement, which includes asbestos and lead paint, from the fiscal year of 2019 to the fiscal year of 2028 totals $1 million, according to USD’s 10-year maintenance plan.

Julian Hall and Noteboom Hall are two buildings that will require asbestos abatement during their demolitions.

According to a 2015 Volante article, the two were scheduled to be torn down in 2019, but demolition of both buildings has been pushed back to 2021, according to the current maintenance plan. It’s estimated that demolition of each building will cost $750,000.

Oehler said he’s unable to estimate how much of that $1.5 million will go toward asbestos abatement.

containing products such as spray-applied surfacing materials and pipe insulation were banned throughout the ‘70s.

“Any buildings… that were built before 1986 could possibly have asbestos unless we have done renovation and/or completed abatement as part of another project,” Oehler said. “Unfortunately, there is no way to know with absolute certainty, so we take testing and sampling very seriously when there is a suspicion that asbestos may be present.”

A costly project

Leah Dusterhoft I The Volante

21 are ID’d and have a bracelet,” she said. “We have police officers there that will be watching to make sure everyone is safe, and we’ll be watching during the week to make sure everyone is safe as well.”

friends and they trust each other for when it comes to these field exercises,” she said regarding the training.

“It is a good way to integrate all of the MS1s and it gets you to know your battle buddies better and learn that you can trust them.”

From Page A1

Asbestos abatement by the numbers

33 rooms in Brookman Hall were abated of Asbestos over the summer, totalling $18,000

already been enlisted – represented in the 32 cadets, Flood said.

First-year medical biology major Mariah Volesky, who enlisted when she was 17, was formerly stationed in Fort Jackson until she received the Minuteman Scholarship.

The Minuteman Scholarship allows Volesky to stay in the ROTC and attend school.

Instead of re-enlisting, the scholarship requires that she only be a part of the National Guard following graduation.

“A lot of the upperclassmen, and higher MS1s, already kind of have their

From the 2013 fiscal year to the 2017 fiscal year, USD has spent about $315,000 on hazardous materials abatement, including the reapplication of insulation that was removed because it contained asbestos, Oehler said. That’s about $63,000

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Take Mandarin online at NSU

Introductory Chinese 101 & 102 offered year-round Satisfy graduation requirements Learn an in-demand language & boost your resume Open up travel and study abroad oppurtunities Have fun and impress your friends

File Photo I The Volante

Jef Rice, University Police Department lieutenant, said UPD’s main priority during

Dakota Days is remaining visible.

605.626.3293 confucius@northern.edu facebook.com/confuciusnorthernstateu

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/OPINION

Learn to de-stress with organization: My tips for managing coursework

VOLANTE EDITORIAL

SARAH JONES is a senior majoring in English.

Molly Schiermeyer I The Volante

Written across the front of the Al Neuharth Media Center, the First Amendment plays an important role in the lives of students.

Free speech policy updates are necessary at USD Across the outer wall of the Al Neuharth Media Center are the words of the renowned First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Regarded by many as the greatest of our liberties, freedom of speech is something Americans appreciate. The ability to speak our minds, even when deemed dangerous or controversial, is partly why America is the center of cultural enterprise and intellectual endeavor.

Unfortunately, USD doesn’t live up to this principle. While the etchings on the Neuharth Center are encouraging, the actual university policy is less so.

The Foundation for Individual Right in Education, or FIRE, has taken note of USD’s policies, and has given the university a “red” designation.

This means that USD has at least one policy that “clearly and substantially restricts free speech.” According to FIRE, there are two policies that

warrant a “red” label at USD. The first resides in the Student Handbook under Guidelines for the Awareness and Prevention of Acts of Cultural Insensitivity and Bullying at USD. Specifically, section five states: “Using university property (i.e. the USD internet server) to bully other students (cyber bullying) or express feelings of hatred via Facebook, Twitter, email or other forms of social media is not allowed.”

Unkind or insensitive words are things we all should do our best to avoid. Nonetheless, “hate speech” is protected by the Constitution, and since USD is public institution, it must abide by the First Amendment. In fact, policies similar to ours have fallen in federal court. While preventing bullying is an admirable pursuit, sacrificing free speech is a line no university should cross.

The second red light policy lies in USD’s Free Speech Policy, which outlines areas where free speech is allowed.

The policy states that the Muenster University Center, Muenster University Center Courtyard and the I.D. Weeks Library Courtyard are the only areas where free speech is allowed.

Much like hate speech codes, free speech zones have

come under legal scrutiny.

The University of Cincinnati’s speech zones were recently ruled unconstitutional in federal court.

Beyond the legal issues, there’s a principle at stake: the principle of free thought and free inquiry.

Socrates, the philosopher who’s considered the beginning of western tradition, was sentenced to death because his way of thinking “corrupted” the minds of young people. Galileo, the astronomer who said that the Sun was the center of the Solar System, went to trial for challenging the predominant religious view of the cosmos.

Western values, whether it be science or politics, rest in the freedom of speech.

USD, in solidarity with the words spread across the Al Neuharth building, should revisit its free speech policies.

To be fair, these policies aren’t strictly enforced and more just words on a page. Nonetheless, changes should be made so that students’ rights are clearly upheld in policy, both in legal terms and in principle.

We take pride in our diversity: let’s extend that diversity to our intellects, and allow students to freely express their thoughts, good or bad, and let others freely challenge those thoughts.

The Volante THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

EDITORIAL BOARD

Part of staying stress free in college is knowing where everything you need for class is located.

Half the battle in college is knowing where all of the instructions for your assignments are, along with the assignments themselves.

For students who have flash drives, they can get lost under a mound of clothes, too. No one knows how, but it happens.

A way to stay organized, and de-stress, is to invest in the lovely supplies found in the office section.

Different folders for different classes help a lot because papers within binders tend to get ripped easily, unless you invest in sheet protectors.

When purchasing said folders, it’s important to consider folders of different colors, rather than buying multiple folders of the same color.

With organization there’s less chance of panicking over the loss of an assignment when the Wi-Fi isn’t working and the only available copy is a hard one.

The difference between a backpack and a folder is that when papers are stuffed inside a backpack they’re rarely ever seen again. With a backpack, it’s easy to forget when a paper’s been thrown in there when a heavy schedule is put in the mix.

With a folder, it’s always at the top of the inside of the backpack and the papers are safely tucked inside and therefore impossible to lose.

A tip for students who are in a hurry is to stack

“

Learning how to get and stay organized allows for a less stressful college experience.

the books and folders for Monday in a pile on a bookshelf. Then do the same for Tuesday through Friday and label each stack for each day of the week.

This way it’s easier to keep track of what classes you have that day and eventually be able to recall what assignments are coming up for each class.

Distractions also add to stress for students, as they’re often sources of procrastination.

One tip is to hide anything that’s a temptation until the homework or studying is finished.

While easier said than done, it’s a lot simpler to concentrate once the iPhone, tablets and video games are stuffed in a drawer.

Another tip is to get rid of what’s no longer needed, like books or graded papers.

More often than not, all they’re going to do is take up space.

Learning how to get and stay organized allows for a less stressful college experience.

Photo Illustration I The Volante

Part of staying stress-free in college is knowing where everything you need for class is located.

OVERHEARDS

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week. Context is for suckers.

Ally Krupinsky, editor-in-chief

Seth Gerberding, opinion editor

“Weed doesn’t have the same effect. It’s not cool anymore when your grandma does it.”

Cheyenne Alexis, managing editor

Morgan Matzen, verve editor

— Muenster University Center

CONTACT US The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows.

Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue.

Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante.

We will not publish anonymous letters.

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Opinion

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 A5

Constitutional convenience store

Morgan Matzen I The Volante

Students should try to meet new people in community MARIA BRADY is a junior majoring in political science.

Growing up, we’re constantly told not to talk to strangers.

I believe, at this age, students should do the opposite. Some of the most important interactions and strongest friendships have come from picking up a conversation with a complete stranger.

For some, this may seem daunting not only because of “stranger danger,” but because it

forces us to leave our comfort zones. However, putting yourself out there can have some amazing results.

People never know the story of the person sitting next to them until they ask. So many preconceived ideas we develop about others are purely based on their superficial appearances.

The clothing they wear, the cars they drive and the way they greet people with a handshake can all lead to misplaced stereotypes.

Actually sitting down with someone and asking how his or her day is going can lead to a

better understanding of the complexity of each and every person.

Moving forward, learning the stories of others can reveal the story of one’s self.

Describing one’s self to another person can help them discover more about themselves.

Verbalizing one’s own traits helps to clarify what those traits are, even to the individual.

In a unique way, getting to know someone else is way to get in touch with one’s own individuality.

One of my most cherished and challenging friendships

“

was formed at Café Brulé. A simple question from a stranger about what I was working on led to a two-hour conversation covering topics ranging from our respective childhoods to the political culture of the United States following World War II. Who did I meet?

A retired farmer and Vermillion native who drove a big red pick-up and who happened to have been in the same sorority as me. Our friendship has continued since that conversation, and I’m grateful for its humble though odd beginnings.

“

In a unique way, getting to know someone else is way to get in touch with one’s own individuality.

Making a connection with someone who would’ve remained a stranger can have a big impact. Whether it’s simply making someone smile or experiencing a new view on life, talking to a stranger can have amazing results.

USD provides the

perfect opportunity to do this – Vermillion encapsulates what a small-town Midwestern college is.

To truly take advantage of what this community has to offer, reach out to others.

Writing skills are imperative

When I found out that my history class here at USD requires a digital textbook, I was anything but thrilled.

Digital textbooks have some benefits over hard copies JOE VITO MOUBRY is a sophomore majoring in studio art.

I’m old school when it comes to reading books — I love having the physical copy in front of me. There’s nothing more exciting than touching the pages or feeling of your highlighter dragging across the page or watching the ink dry after writing a note in the margins.

According to a statistics report in 2016 for Tech Times, I’m like 80 percent of college students surveyed in 2013 who prefer reading physical textbooks. This number is down from 92 percent in 2010.

The Washington Post published statistics in February of 2015 that put e-book sales at 9 percent of textbook sales.

I’ve only read articles and blog posts online.

I finally got into audio books back in 2015.

Yet, I’ve never read a digital book, whether it be for leisure or school.

The concept was to foreign for me, because

e-book technology emerged around my senior year of high school.

When I found out that my history of world art I class here at USD requires a digital textbook, I was anything but thrilled.

Although I wasn’t looking forward to carrying around a heavy art history textbook, I was looking forward to seeing the examples of artwork in print.

Yet, my digital textbook has an improvement over a physical book: I can zoom in to see better detail of the artwork.

I can also highlight text, make notes and view occasional videos throughout the digital textbook.

What really got me over the hump of disappointment, besides the fact that I could buy a loose-leaf coup for $20, is that I can listen to it as if were an audio book.

Although this feature has its limitations — I have to press the audio button for each section — it’s a perk I like when reading in the busy Muenster University Center.

USD bookstore

manager Angela Miller said it’s hard to say how many courses at USD use digital textbooks.

This is because how after a professor submits their book list, the system automatically generates an e-book option if there is one.

Miller said that several courses, such as the intro English comp course, now utilize First Day Access.

First Day Access allows students enrolled in these courses to gain access to their digital textbooks and have them paid for as part of their tuition. Miller said she worked with textbook publishers to have this as an option at a costeffective price.

And like everything these days, there’s an app I’m able to use to access my textbook on my iPhone. The app tells me what the current assignment is, my performance on assignments and offers an alert option for when an assignment is due.

Despite my initial reservations, digital textbooks have some perks that are starting to make them contenders to use.

SETH GERBERDING is a sophomore majoring in math and philosophy.

Growing up, I was never concerned with writing. I figured as long as my point came across, that was all I needed.

But now, with a little experience under my belt and a small pinch of education, I’ve realized that good writing is not a nice skill to have; it’s essential to any successful career. Even people in business need strong writing abilities. And, from what I’ve read from various sources, there’s little good writing in the world.

Now, when I say “good” writing, I don’t simply mean using good grammar.

Grammar, quite frankly, is a loosely defined set of rules where exceptions exist for seemingly no particular reason. Using proper grammar doesn’t guarantee a good piece of writing.

A long, convoluted sentence could be grammatically correct, but nonetheless is confusing to the reader.

Being clear and concise are just as, if not more, important as having good grammar. It’s in this area that most people struggle.

And it’s not just journalists or novelists who need to be good writers: scientists and

“

Good writing is not a nice skill to have; it’s essential to any successful career. Even people in business need strong writing abilities.

researchers must have strong writing skills as well. If a scientist discovered a new ground-breaking theory, it isn’t worth much if they can’t effectively communicate it with the rest of the scientific community. The same goes for nearly all fields.

A lawyer may be an expert on the intricate details of statue or ruling. It won’t amount to much if they can’t argue it in a brief.

While there are numerous suggestions for good writing, here are a few tips I recommend.

First, find a writing idol. Mine is the late Christopher Hitchens.

I may not agree with every word he wrote, but I strive to emulate the way he writes. He has amazing clarity and precision, yet isn’t dry.

His works are enjoyable to read and always provide an insightful point of view.

Second, develop a personal style.

Plagiarism is usually thought of as copying someone else’s work. I think you can plagiarize someone’s style as well. It’s important to develop a personal style

of writing, unique to one’s own individuality.

When a reader can identify the author just from the cadence, phrasing and word choice, the author has good style. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk and E.B. White is a fantastic little book I’ve been reading on how to improve style.

Third, write a lot.

Writing is an art, and mastery requires practice, a lot of practice. The rule of thumb I was taught is write every day. I’m guilty of not always following this rule, but I’ve noticed my writing improving the more often I put words on paper. The first few drafts will be rough — I’ve cringed after reading my earlier works — but keep working at it.

There will be a day when a sense of pride comes with writing. I know I’ve felt it.

A6 Wednesday, September 27, 2017

News

The Volante I volanteonline.com

Chemistry professor awarded for hard work Kelli Susemihl

Kelli.Susemihl@coyotes.usd.edu

USD chemistry professor and dean of USD’s graduate school Ranjit Koodali was recently recognized for his commitment to research and teaching.

Earlier this year, Koodali was awarded the Salutes to Excellence Award from the American Chemical Society. The award is given to individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the field, according to the organization’s website.

“It has an emphasis on trying to see how chemistry can help society and mankind in general,” Koodali said.

Dylan Fox, a senior studying medical biology, said he thinks Koodali is worthy of this honor.

“Dr. Koodali is very deserving of this award because he is an extraordinary person,” Fox said. “He knows above and beyond about chemistry and does a great job of portraying that knowledge. He is an amazing person who deeply cares about the study of chemistry.”

Koodali was nominated for the award by the Energy and Fuel division of the ACS, which he’s been a member of since 2011. Each division has the opportunity to nominate someone who’s made exceptional contributions to the department. He now joins more than 500 honorees who’ve received the Salutes to Excellence Award.

He has held leadership positions in the Energy and Fuels (ENFL) technical division, and has been

a member of the executive committee since 2011.

He also served as the national president chair in charge of overall symposia for the calendar year of 2014.

“In addition, I also served as the program secretary to help guide new national program chairs and provide direction about what symposia may be best, and I was also a co-chair for our 2013 meeting,” Koodali said.

Koodali began his chemistry career at Loyola College in India, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

“I was fascinated by sciences in general because I grew up in an academic environment, although my father was a CPA,” he said. “Many of my friends’ parents were in academia, including in chemistry, which is why I had an inkling for chemistry — and I was good at it.”

Koodali came to USD in 2005 and became dean of the graduate school in 2016.

Along with his passion for chemistry, Koodali said he has a passion for his students.

“Following my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a master’s en route to get a Ph.D., and I was fascinated by academia because we have the opportunity to mentor students,” he said. “Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students is something that excites me.”

Kulatheepa Thanabalasingam, a graduate student who works closely with Koodali and also teaches

a chemistry class of his own, said he appreciates Koodali’s passion for mentoring students.

“He is a really good mentor for the students doing research in the field of material chemistry and environmental aspects,” Thanabalasingam said.

Koodali said he enjoys being able to remain active in research and other projects that he cares about. “(In academia), we have the freedom to pursue projects that one is passionate about,” he said.

Koodali makes a point to encourage students to pursue research as well.

Balaranjan Selvaratnam, a third-year graduate student in the material chemistry program, said he appreciates the encouragement Koodali provides throughout the research process.

“When it comes to research, he is challenging, and yet supportive and always available to his students to guide through research problems,” Selvaratnam said. “In addition, he also takes interest and care of his students’ academic good standing and general well-being.”

Koodali said the Salutes to Excellence Award is very meaningful to him because it represents the work he’s done.

“It’s a recognition that your services and contributions are valued by your colleagues and peers in the division,” he said. “It’s symbolic of the hard work and efforts that you have put into the program.”

Kelli Susemihl I The Volante

USD chemistry professor and dean of USD’s graduate school Ranjit Koodali poses with his “Salute to Excellence” award.

USD sees enrollment increase Rachel Newville

Rachel.Newville@coyotes.usd.edu

There are 10,261 students enrolled in USD this fall, a 2.2 percent increase from last year’s 10,038 students.

The university has seen one of the biggest increases in students from Iowa, which had a 9.2 percent

Source: USD Admissions

increase. Scott Pohlson, vice president for enrollment, marketing & university relations, said this was due to offering in-state tuition to Iowans.

“It certainly feels good,” he said.

USD was second in the state for highest enrollment increase.

“This is the first time as long as I’ve been here in seven years that we’ve been on top,” he said.

Pohlson said campus improvements and creating stronger athletic programs helped with enrollment numbers.

“Making our campus better and better athletics

Leah Dusterhoft I The Volante

really made a difference,” he said. “Certainly, this year feels good. We’ve reversed downward trends.”

Pohlson said the whole campus should be excited.

“We should be proud,” he said. “It takes a whole campus to increase enrollment.”

DEAN From Page A1

think of isn’t arts and science,” Miller said.

Associate dean Laura Vidler, who’s also a new recruit to USD Arts and Sciences , said Kruger works well with the staff and is committed to the college’s mission and future.

“He really values the

input and opinions of the staff,” Vidler said.

“He really cares about our professional development.”

Kruger anticipates assisting USD students in his new role.

“I’m looking forward to helping the college and the university flourish so that our students will flourish,” he said.

Verve

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/VERVE

Molly Schiermeyer I The Volante

Junior Dan Frye and senior Andrea Tostado, play Bérenger and Daisy in the show.

Fascism, conformity explored in ‘Rhinoceros’ Emily Schrad

Emily.Schrad@coyotes.usd.edu

With highly controversial topics of conformity and fascism still relevant today, the theater department decided to showcase Eugène Ionesco’s play, “Rhinoceros,” for its first production of the year.

Dan Frye, a junior acting major, plays the lead role of Bérenger. He said the play’s theme of conformity is a big aspect of the show, and is one people can relate to.

“It resonates at any time when a big scary idea comes up that threatens to take hold and change society, that hinges on people following others, maybe not in their own best interest but because everyone else is doing it,” Frye said.

Director Raimondo Genna said the play’s theme is a warning against conformity, and has often been associated with fascism.

“Falling into group thinking conformity can lead to disastrous results. It’s embodied by the fact that everyone is turning into rhinos over the course of the play,” Genna said. “In our production, we’re not shying away from the dangers of fascism that’s embedded in the play. It’s more about just conforming to a single type of groupthink that then allows for aggressive, violent behavior to take place, and then that violence being incredibly normalized.”

Rhinoceroses as symbols

Senior theater major Andrea Tostado, who plays the character Daisy, said she took a trip to the zoo to prepare for her role.

“I went to the zoo and watched rhinoceroses and tried seeing

what they were doing,” Tostado said. “(I observed their) breathing patterns and the way they were kind of just chilling around, or when they would get angry and stomp around.”

The symbolism behind the rhino is that it’s harmless until provoked, Genna said.

“If you look at a rhino in its natural habit, it doesn’t do anything, but the reason it was chosen is because it is such a large, dangerous animal,” Genna said.

“You wouldn’t want one of these things charging at you, and as a herd they can be very, very destructive.”

Although the animals can be perilous, Genna said there’s an attractiveness to them as well.

“At the same time, there is something seductive about it and that’s one of the messages of the play is that there is something seductive about fascist thinking and attitudes and actions,” he said. “We have to be wary that we don’t fall into those temptations, because it does seem to offer a simple solution.”

Genna said USD’s production will stay true to the play’s translation, but will make a few changes, such as using timpani drums to mimic the sounds of a rhinoceros running.

Facing challenges

Genna said the play’s theme of conformity was difficult to portray.

“I think the biggest challenge was trying to convey the sense of conformity without really being too blatantly obvious about it, kind of like beating audiences over the head with the idea of conformity,” he said.

Another challenge the cast and crew faced is the play’s dark

undertones. “(Audiences) will probably think it’s really weird — they might not get it,” Tostada said.

“Hopefully they go away with the thought of ‘What can I do to be a better person?’ Or, if they walk away laughing and think that it was a funny show, that would be even better.”

Frye said trying to balance the play’s comedic yet dramatic tendencies is a challenge.

“It’s a comedy in the fact that’s it’s an absurd kind of show, people are turning into rhinos.

It’s weird stuff,” Frye said. “It’s a combination of very high dramatic moments when he’s talking to the audience and there’s a lot of funny moments.” Frye said he also had some challenges with his role.

“He has a lot to say in this show. In the end, he’s the last man left and he has this two page monologue, so just being able to buckle down and saying to myself, ‘These are the lines I’ve got to do in the amount of time,’” Frye said. “It made me feel like I had to work really hard to earn it, which was a good feeling.”

Genna said he doesn’t like to tell the audience what they should think after seeing a show.

“I leave that up to them,” Genna said. “I just hope that when they leave, it’s not so much about what are they thinking, it’s that they are thinking and questioning and sparking discussions.

That’s what I’m hoping for.”

“Rhinoceros” plays at Knutson Theatre in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 and from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8.

Sophomore studies abroad despite international tension with Russia

Submitted Photo I The Volante

Matt Colbert, a sophomore international studies major, is studying abroad at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

Maria Potratz

Maria.Potratz@coyotes.usd.edu

When choosing where to study abroad, sophomore international studies major Matt Colbert had his eyes set on Russia from the beginning.

Colbert said it’s been several years since a student from USD has studied abroad in Russia.

“I thought that when I told them I’d like to study in Russia, they’d be shocked and have to pull out a really old file, blow the dust off the top and say, ‘We’ll have to find out how to do this,’” Colbert said.

Adjusting to the norms

Colbert said his Russian class-

es are what got him interested in studying abroad.

“If I’m an international studies major and I’m studying the Russian language, it makes sense that I’d go and study abroad in Russia,” he said. “I think it’s a very good time to be educated in a country where things maybe might not be as 100 percent diplomatically sound.”

Colbert began classes in St. Petersburg at the beginning of September and will be studying in Russia until May of 2018. He’s living in a dormitory for students at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

He lives with other Americans, so it makes interacting with other Russian students tough, he said.

“Unfortunately I feel like I’ve felt a lot of isolation and I think that’s on account of Russia’s government as well as our government,” Colbert said. “It seems like their job has been to corral the Americans and keep them on the same floor, they’re all in the same classes. I really haven’t interacted with many Russian students.”

Back at USD, Jeickson Pichardo, a friend of Colbert’s, said he hasn’t talked with Colbert since his departure.

“I met Matt at the recruitment tours of the fraternity houses here on campus my first semester, and I then suddenly realized he was also from New Jersey and See RUSSIA Page B2

Molly Schiermeyer I The Volante

Alyssa Collett, an actress in “Rhinoceros,” practices applying her makeup before each dress rehearsal.

A look behind the scenes of theater productions Molly Sperlich

Molly.Sperlich@coyotes.usd.edu

Before a production is ready for an audience, its cast and crew puts in an immense amount of time and effort to perfect the show.

Work for “Rhinoceros” began last semester. The design process for a production this size can take eight to 12 weeks, said technical director Scott Mollman.

The crew has multiple production meetings where they discuss the director’s vision, as it’s their job to bring that vision to life, he said.

Kiah Schaeffer, a junior theater major with an emphasis in costuming, has worked on the wardrobe crew for many productions, but this is her first show as costume designer.

“The director sets parameters, then I take those ideas and get to be creative,” Schaeffer said. “We have production meetings to check up and make sure we are headed in the right direction.”

Each theater student in the costume department is the designer for one show. Professors assign shows to each student based on their interests and skill sets.

“At the end of last semester, one of my professors approached me and asked if I would like to design the costumes for ‘Rhinoceros,’” Schaeffer said. “The costumes for this show are more modern and that is typically what I like to design.”

Certain actors are only on stage for one scene, but a few actor’s costumes transition into rhinos throughout the course of the play. Although the costumes for this show are relatively simple, they require a lot of time because they’re handmade, she said.

“The actors do not transform into literal rhinos, more of a rhino concept, so bringing that idea to life was a little challenging,” Schaeffer said.

“All 26 costumes must be the same color scheme, so instead of using costumes from previous shows we have to make them all from scratch.”

Schaeffer is also in charge of designing the production’s makeup sketches. “Rhinoceros” will include basic stage makeup and makeup transitions during each show when actors transform into rhinos off-stage.

Since the makeup for this show is rather simple, actors will apply their own.

The set In addition to makeup and costuming, students must also design and build the production sets. Certain theater classes have a lab that requires students to work in the shop anywhere from two to 10 hours each week. Graduate students and practicums also have a set number of shop hours.

Ryan Stewart, a first-year graduate student, is one of the carpenters for “Rhinoceros.” His role includes building sets and teaching students how to work the various tools in the shop. He said he’s put in 20 hours a week working on this production since the design process began.

“The hardest part for me personally as a graduate student, I feel like leadership has been thrust upon me,” Stewart said. “Getting used to the responsibility of being a student leader, coming from undergrad having younger students looking up to me for guidance has been hard getting used to.”

Stewart said he’s enjoying his role in the theater department.

“My favorite part of technical crew is getting to be part of the realization of a dream,” he said. “The designers dream it up off the blueprints and it’s quite a labor and work, but sitting out in the audience and seeing what you built and how all the elements of the theater come together is an amazing feeling.”

Mollman has worked on more than 300 plays in his professional career, and has been the technical director at USD for 14 years. As technical director, he’s in charge of work safety, building sets and figuring out how to budget for the show.

“The set for this show is smaller, but there is a lot of moving parts and engineering work that takes a long time to work on,” Mollman said.

As the show grows closer, the crew has to do even more work to prepare for the production.

“Rhinoceros” will play at Knutson Theatre in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 and from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8.

Verve

B2 Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Volante I volanteonline.com

Outdoors Club ready to continue operations Devin Martin

Devin.Martin@coyotes.usd.edu

An organization dedicated to exploring the state through hiking, kayaking, tubing, paint balling and more since 2014 is experiencing a comeback.

Earlier this semester, the Outdoors Club suspended operations due to a lack of student interest in joining the executive committee.

Justice Redding, the club’s president, said she talked to faculty adviser Chet Barney about getting the club started again.

“I wanted to get involved

on campus and saw that Outdoors Club was suspended, so I messaged (Barney) and said I love the outdoors and I would love to get involved,” Redding said. “I set up a meeting and now we’re trying to get the ball rolling.”

The club now has an executive board, but needs to create a budget, brainstorm activities for the spring and talk to SGA about funding.

No administration work, however, can beat the feel of the outdoors, Redding said.

“I spent the past two summers working near the Badlands and Black Hills,” she said. “The outdoors is a big part of my past time. I spend so much time hiking and climbing and camping.

It’s just a really big part of my enjoyment of life and my relaxation is getting to the outside, and I want to be able to share that.”

The mission of Outdoors Club is to keep students active and to foster friendships between club members, Redding said.

Senior marketing major Nicole Dressen said the

Outdoors Club would be a great fit for her. She said it’s a “really good way” to get involved on campus and to advocate for the planet.

“I love the Earth and I think the world is a really great place, especially the outdoors,” Dressen said.

“People need to be more cautious about the wonderful place that we live on, and so the outdoors is a really great thing.”

Barney said USD students should take advantage of the opportunities that Outdoors Club pres-

ents.

“SGA told our club’s president back then that we were the fastest-growing club at the university. That was really great to see… some (students) would never experience the outdoors,” Barney said. “They would just come here, go to school and once they graduate, they go other places. But with us, we’d take them up to Great Bear, go fishing to the Outdoor Campus… everybody had a great time.”

Barney said exploring South Dakota is some-

thing students should take advantage of.

“I think if they really love the outdoors and if they want to expand their taste of South Dakota then they should get involved,” Barney said. “There is so much in this state to explore that you really can’t do on your own… when you collaborate with other people and find out what’s really fun and what’s not so fun, you can really have a good time.”

Social media marketing professor ‘keeps it real’ in the classroom Kelli Susemihl

Kelli.Susemihl@coyotes.usd.edu

Review:“Death Note” dead on arrival Parker Oleson

Parker.Oleson@coyotes.usd.edu

Devoid of any likeable characters, plot thickness or respect for its source material, Adam Wingard’s “Death Note” is a recent addition to Netflix that anyone is best advised to avoid.

The Japanese cultural phenomenon of “Death Note” is long established.

For those curious, the premise of “Death Note” is this: a young man finds a book that brings about the death of anyone who has their name written in it by him. The book comes with a Japanese death god that carries out grisly tasks, and the young man goes about killing to try and “cleanse the world” as a sort of god under the name “Kira.”

A familiar title to anyone who has exposed themselves to anime or manga, the original manga series “Death Note” is critically acclaimed and has spawned three anime series, two novels, three video games and eight live-action adaptations.

Taking the story from the Japanese setting, the new film sets the story in Seattle. This garnered Netflix and director Adam Wingard a lot of flack, with many shouting accusa-

tions of white-washing.

In this film, the young man is named Light Turner, played by “Paper Towns” lead Nat Wolfe.

Wolfe’s acting is, put delicately, quite poor.

When the demon Ryuk, played by Willem Dafoe, first appears to him, his surprise and screaming is difficult to watch. Dafoe’s motion capture portrayal of the sinister monster is a spark of light in the film, but sadly he’s given minimal screen time against the rest of the cast.

Light as a protagonist makes it very difficult to root for him. While the audience is meant to believe he’s an intelligent, well-meaning teenager, his decisions constantly cause the viewers to call his judgment and common sense into question.

As an example, when his crush, a cheerleader named Mia Sutton played

by Margaret Qualley, asks him about the Death Note, he very willingly shows her exactly what it is and how it works with no hesitation whatsoever.

Mia is an even worse character. A one-dimensional antagonist, she’s a venomous presence in Light’s life, often convincing him to kill with no abandon or resentment.

The audience will scream at their screens, telling Light to get away from her and let her go, but he’ll forgive her for offense after offense.

The plot of the film resolves with confusion and frustration. Characters seem to make decisions that best serve the progression of the plot instead of decisions that make sense to their characters.

The supporting cast, Light’s father played by Shea Whigham and the detective L played by Lakeith Stanfield, do their best to bring some sense to the plot. Some sense, that is, until the final act conflict that sees them throw away all previous characterization and development.

Visually, the film is uninteresting beyond its special effects. The music is unbearable at moments, and the climax of the film is nearly ruined by the onthe-nose choice of music.

Those curious of the “Death Note” franchise and premise should not start here.

If the curiosity is too much, be warned, “Death Note” will waste time for little payoff. This reviewer cannot recommend “Death Note” for anyone’s Netflix queue.

PEOPLE OF

Logan Rahn I The Volante

Travis Loof, a social media marketing professor,

THE PACK Madelin Klamm YEAR: Junior MAJOR: Marketing Logan Rahn I The Volante

Devin Martin: What is your spirit animal and why?

Madelin Klamm: I would probably pick my favorite animal — it’s a parrot. They’re colorful, they live a very long time, they’re smart for birds (and for animals in general) and they can fly, so I like that part.

DM: What do you

“hopefully i can get into a marketing firm and just work my way up.” plan to do with marketing in the future?

MK: After this year I will be doing my MBA after this. Hopefully I can get into a marketing firm and just work my way up. That’s what I’m hoping.

DM: What made you

Travis Loof, a new professor in the media & journalism department, isn’t unacquainted with life in Vermillion.

Loof, from Watertown, SD, said he always knew USD was perfect for him.

“USD seemed like the best fit, so I only applied to USD,” he said.

He graduated from USD with an undergraduate degree in communication studies in 2011 and with a master’s in communication studies in 2014.

He’s currently finishing up his Ph.D. in media and communication from Texas Tech University.

Loof began his teaching career by working with the students on the USD debate team when he was a graduate student. He also served as a lab instructor for introduction speech courses.

At Texas Tech University, Loof taught a variety of courses in the media department, including

advertising and consumer psychology.

Now, as a USD professor, Loof teaches principles of advertising and social media marketing. In his social media marketing class, he works mainly with students on the sport marketing track.

Sadie Swier, a senior majoring in communication studies, is taking Loof’s social media marketing class this semester. She said she appreciates Loof’s ability to “keep it real” in the classroom.

“Professor Loof was made to teach,” Swier said.

“He stands out from other professors because us students look forward to his class everyday.”

Loof said he was inspired by the teachers that he had as a student.

“What made me want to teach was being able to have those good teachers,” Loof said. “Every once in awhile, you’ll get a really good teacher or professor who wants to really make you excited about the course material.”

want to go into marketing originally?

MK: I had a marketing class in high school and I was in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)... you learn about specific interview skills and productions.

teaches principles of advertising.

RUSSIA From Page B1

we clicked right away,” said Pichardo, a sophomore media & journalism major.

“Of course, we have a whole lot in common because we come from the same state.”

While Colbert still takes Russian language courses in St. Petersburg, his elective courses are taught in English. He said this has made it hard to talk to Russian people.

“I haven’t really learned the trick of the trade yet because there’s a lot of cultural and social differences that make it hard,” Colbert said. “Generally in Russia, women shouldn’t smile at men because it could be suggestive that they’re into the man. But, of course, as Americans we’re smiley people and so happy. I’ve had to reserve my feelings and respect how they handle things.”

Out of his comfort zone

With news coverage of a possible Russian interference in the 2016 election last fall, relations between the United States and Russia have been tense as

of late.

Virginija Wilcox, assistant director for USD’s Study Abroad and National Student Exchange programs, helped Colbert get in touch with his school.

Compared to contacting other countries, Wilcox said orchestrating a study abroad trip to Russia was very relaxed and calm. She said it’s safer to go through a provider because everything is included.

“It takes care of your housing, transportation, meals and sometimes you can live with a host family who cooks you local, traditional meals,” Wilcox said. “You understand the culture better, and it’s tremendously helpful for your language because in most cases, they only speak the local language. Getting out of your comfort zone is important.”

Colbert said he refrains from talking about politics with people he’s unfamiliar with as a safety precaution. His interactions with his Russian classmates have been positive so far, he said.

“I have spoken to a few Russian people, and what I would say is that I’ve received no anti-American sentiment. A few girls heard me speaking English and

Loof is passionate about helping students enjoy the subjects they’re researching and studying, he said.

“My favorite thing about teaching is two things. The first one would be getting people excited about the research and the second is getting people actually involved in the research process as a whole,” Loof said. “It’s one thing to talk about those studies that some people did at some point in time, but it’s a another thing to go out and actually conduct those studies.”

Swier said she appreciates Loof’s teaching style and enjoys the way he jumps right into the material.

“In just three weeks, he had already laid a foundation about how to use social media is a more enriching way,” Swier said.

“I see myself professionally managing social media, and his class is exactly what I need. We’ve already learned how to personally brand ourselves online and the differences in social media platforms.”

Allison Vote, a senior majoring in strategic communications, said Loof’s class is a fun way to learn.

“No day is the same within the classroom when he is teaching,” Vote said.

“He really tries to make class enjoyable for us.”

Loof said social media is a critical skill in any career.

“People need to understand how they can promote themselves and their personal brand to future employers,” Loof said. “First impressions are a large part of getting that first job, and the first impression might not be you walking through the door – it could be your tweets or your Instagram or your Facebook.”

The USD alumnus said he’s thrilled to be on campus.

“My favorite part about USD is that it has a big college feel in a small town. ,” Loof says. “It’s a really great place to live and work, and that’s why I was really excited to have the opportunity to come back.” they were so overwhelmed, they asked where I was from,” Colbert said. “They were so excited to just talk to me, and that’s the most common thing. People are starstruck.”

Colbert said he’s always on his toes and using his instincts. This is because of the very small difference in cultures between the two nations. Simple acts like going to the grocery store are much different, he said.

“I’m using my brain more than I ever have for the longest amount of time.

In America, you can go to the store, check out, go eat at a restaurant and go home without really thinking,” Colbert said. “But in Russia, I have to use my brain all the time because I can’t afford not to. I have to think about what’s happening, where I am, what I should do, what I shouldn’t do, when I should say things and what I should listen for.”

Though being away from home is hard, Colbert said he believes the experience is rewarding.

“It’s so much easier to live in America,” he said.

“This has been a challenge for me, but that’s good.

I don’t think comfort is always the best thing.”

Sports

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/SPORTS

@VOLANTESPORTS

Molly Schiermeyer I The Volante

Junior Lauren Mattison (left), a medical biology and math double major and volleyball player, has worked in a research position on campus in bioSTNR. Lara Boman (right), a graduate student and thrower on the track team, has worked as an undergraduate researcher in Mathematical Modeling of Microphage.

Set up to succeed

Student-athletes make strides toward career choices Karina Dufoe

Karina.Dufoe@coyotes.usd.edu

Summer jobs, internships and research opportunities are all part of the college experience for many USD students.

Two student-athletes spent the last two summers combing their passions and academics, working to prepare themselves for future job opportunities.

In addition to training and preparing for their seasons, first-year graduate student Lara Boman and junior Lauren Mattison conducted research and completed internships.

During the summer of 2016, both spent time doing grantfunded undergraduate research. The next summer brought both to different summer jobs: Mattison worked at Café Brulé as a baker and Boman interned as a strength coach in the weight room.

Macrophage to maxing out Boman, a thrower on the track and field team, said her favorite part of practice has been the time in the weight room, which translated well into an internship position with the strength coaches.

“Being in the weight room this summer is an experience that I am extremely grateful for,” Boman said. “It showed me that although I love being in the weight room, I want to expe-

rience more of the research aspects for my career.”

Two summers ago, Boman worked as an undergraduate researcher in Mathematical Modeling of Macrophage.

“It was a great experience to learn about biology and programming, two things I didn’t know a lot about,” she said. “It helped me understand that I enjoy science and health, but I don’t want to be on a computer all day.”

A physics and math & interdisciplinary sciences double major, Boman said both the research position and the internship solidified her decision to continue her education. She begins graduate school for kinesiology this year.

“I learned a lot about different types of experiences, what I want in a future job and what I don’t want,” Boman said.

“Learning what you don’t want is almost as important and finding what you do want in a full-time job.”

Boman is planning to explore career options that combine science and health with activity and fitness components built in, she said.

BioSTNR to baking Mattison, a volleyball player and medical biology and math double major, had an on-campus position with BioSTNR undergraduate research in 2016.

“I basically carried out a procedure multiple times on

a computer that analyzed data… to reach a conclusion,” Mattison said. “I found it isn’t really my thing to stare at the computer for 40 hours per week, and the repetitive nature became tedious.”

Through this experience, she found that her priorities in a career include her love for the job and drive to succeed.

“I learned that it’s important to do something that you actually love because I never dreaded waking up at 3:30 or 4 in the morning to go to work… when I was working at Brulé as a baker,” she said.

Not being passionate about bioinformatics didn’t sway Mattison from her majors. She said she’s not following a typical career path, but will be pursuing a job that combines her experiences, undergraduate school and possibly graduate school.

“I want to be a mental health counselor, so that doesn’t really follow either of my majors right now, but I also want to eventually become a math professor,” Mattison said.

Being a professor would allow Mattison to raise awareness within the academic community about mental health issues that affect students, she said.

“It’s something that I think a lot of people can benefit from,” she said. “It combines everything I’m passionate about and gives me life.”

Women’s soccer team prepares for Summit League Shawn Henley

Shawn.Henley@coyotes.usd.edu

The USD women’s soccer team is looking to turn their season around for the beginning of Summit League conference play this week.

“It looks like we’ve been off to a rough start, but it’s the best this team has played against the strongest competition we’ve faced,” said Mandy Green, the team’s head coach.

The Coyotes have an overall record of 2-8 heading into conference play, following the Sept. 17 loss to University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2-0.

“I don’t think our record reflects how our season has been going,” said Kellee Willer, a sophomore midfielder.

The Coyotes’ season started with four regular season losses to Gonzaga, Eastern Washington, 14thranked Nebraska and Northern Iowa.

“How we’ve been playing and where we sit right now, I think we have a good chance to make a strong run at making top four in the conference,” Green said.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top four teams in the Summit League qualify for the conference tournament.

The Coyotes picked up their first win of the season in exciting fashion with a 1-0 overtime win over

Creighton on Aug. 31. The gamewinner was scored by Taryn LaBree and assisted by Waller.

USD earned its second win against the University of North Dakota 1-0 on Sept. 3.

“We haven’t got the results we’ve hoped,” Willer said. “We definitely have been improving and we’re hoping to surprise people in conference play.”

The team has several goals left to accomplish this season, especially once conference play beings.

“I’m an attacking mid, so I want to be a dominant force on the ball and dribbling on the backline while distributing to our forwards,” Willer said. “I want to create more scoring opportunities and score myself.”

Willer has 19 total shots, five on goal and an assist in 10 games played this season. LaBree, freshman forward Maddison Sullivan and junior forward Zoe Anderson each have scored one goal.

“Our first three games of conference play are against the top teams in the conference,” Green said.

“It has always been a battle, and right now the conference is up for grabs.”

The Coyotes begin Summit League play on Thursday in Fargo, ND, where they’ll face North Dakota State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Paul Maharry I The Volante

The women’s soccer team practices on Sept. 12. at the First Bank and Trust Soccer Complex. The team is getting ready for the start of Summit League conference play on Sept. 28.

Sports

B4 Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Volante I volanteonline.com

Paul Maharry I The Volante

The USD volleyball team beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks 3-2 on Friday. The team wants to improve on common errors they made during the games.

Volleyball team sees one win, one loss

By Cheyenne Alexis

Cheyenne.Alexis@coyotes.usd.edu

The Summit League conference saw one win and one loss for the women’s volleyball team.

Western Illinois The Coyote women defeated Western Illinois at the first home game in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center Friday night. The Coyotes won 3-2 against the Leathernecks, after tying the fourth set.

The Coyotes won the first set 26-24 and the second set 25-20. They came close a few times during the third set, but ultimately lost 1925. The Leathernecks also won the fourth set 25-20.

During the fifth and final set, with the score 2-2, the Coyotes made a comeback, leading Western Illinois for most of the set before taking the win 15-10.

Head coach Leanne Williamson said the team pushed from the beginning and made a statement that they were “going to dictate” the game.

“The first home game is always a little bit tough, you get some nerves coming in to it,” Williamson said.

“We played well in sets one and two overall. Towards the end, we finished. Sets three and four were kind of backed off again and set five, we were definitive.”

Junior Rachel Schmidt was the star player of the night, with 18 kills and 12 digs. Junior Hayley Dotseth had 14 kills and 12 digs.

Sophomore Anne Rasmussen led the Coyotes in digs with 26. Senior Brittany Jessen had 18 digs. Senior Meagan Kerns had 13 kills.

Senior Kelly Law had 11 kills during Friday’s game.

“Even though (Western Illinois) came back and took two sets off of us, we never lost the confidence that this was a match we could win,” Law said.

Sophomore Mehana Fonseca said Friday’s game brought out a lot of positive points.

“We didn’t play our cleanest volleyball, but I think we were more consistent,” Fonseca said.

North Dakota State University Despite dominating the first set 25-11, the Coyote volleyball team trailed behind for three sets and ulti-

“

We have got to keep capitalizing on things that we’re doing well and start making some of those changes on the things we’re struggling with.

Leanne Williamson, head volleyball coach

mately lost to the North Dakota State University Bison.

The first set saw non-stop kills and attacks. Dotseth led the team with 14 kills.

Dotseth also left the game with 23 digs. Kerns had 11 kills. Junior Rachel Schmidt had 10 kills. Rasmussen had the most digs with 33. Jessen had the most assists with 44.

Williamson said the team played very consistently in the first set.

“We pushed from the beginning, we defended our home court at a very, very high level — we dictated the pace of the game immediately,” she said.

Williamson said the team expected NDSU to push back during the second set.

“I think it pushed us backwards a little bit,” she said.

“We were never able to get to be that offensive throughout again. We were kind of on the defensive end instead of being the aggressor.”

Fonseca finished the game with 12 digs and one assist. Fonseca said though the start of the game was strong, they couldn’t keep up with the Bison’s comeback.

“Our offense was killing it, we were really good in serve receive,” Fonseca said.

“I think going into the next game, we expected them to make changes, but I don’t think we adjusted to their changes well enough.”

Law had nine kills and two digs during the game.

She said the results were “disappointing,” and it was hard adjusting to NDSU’s turnaround during the final sets.

“NDSU is a very tough team, hats off to them for

that,” Law said. “They played some really great defense and they definitely changed up their game to counter what we didn’t in that first set.”

Leah Dusterhoft and Logan Rahn I The Volante

After losing to North Dakota State University 1-3 on Saturday, the volleyball team plans to sharpen its skills for the next home game on Oct. 3, against Oral Roberts.

PLAYER OF

THE PACK

Making improvements Improvements are underway for the next games.

“Finishing on a 5-0 run is huge for us, and making sure that we can do that on a more consistent basis is big for us,” Williamson said.

“We have got to keep capitalizing on things that we’re doing well and start making some of those changes on the things we’re struggling with.”

Williamson said errors, execution and being consistent in attacks were the weekend’s main problems.

“Consistent isn’t always just scoring — it’s understanding what you can and can’t do, it’s understanding what the defense is doing on the other side and making sure that our volleyball IQ is pushing us through,” she said.

Fonseca said she plans to be more effective in defense for the next game.

“I think we should just come in this next week angry, ready to just take some more wins,” she said. “As a team, I think we need to play fearless, and that’s something that our coaches are trying to instill against us.

Our motto is ‘Rise together,’ so we just need to stop talking the talk and walking the walk.”

The Coyotes take on Fort Wayne in Indiana on Sept.

29. The next home game is Oct. 3 against Oral Roberts.

chris streveler YEAR: Fifth-year senior MAJOR: Sports management SPORT: Football Molly Schiermeyer I The Volante

Karina Dufoe: Where do you see yourself after this year?

Chris Streveler: I would like to play football after this season if the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise I want to get into sports sales.

“I would like to play football after this season if the opportunity presents itself.”

action with it, and it just has four guys going deep.

KD: Do you have a pregame rouKD: What is your tine?

CS: Yeah. I usually favorite play to just listen to murun?

CS: Probably Four sic; I don’t really listen to pump-up Vertical. It just goes. We can play music though.

Usually just

some chill rap, or kinda whatever I am feeling that day. Then we go through our team routine, like we will come out here and throw and then get dressed and all come out as team.