Student leaders engage with the community
By Emily Balan | November 12Rachel Wyncoop/Staff Photographer
Rachel Wyncoop/Staff Photographer
Stephanie McGowan, a Seton Hall alumna and experienced educator, has been appointed the new associate dean for assessment and accreditation for the College of Education and Human Services.
Residents of Ora Manor are on high alert after an individual who is “not part of the SHU Community” was arrested after entering the building on multiple occasions. The man, identified as Dustin Robert Gamble, was charged with defiant trespassing and was incarcerated in Essex County jail just two days after Seton Hall Public Safety filed a criminal complaint with the South Orange Police Department, according to Patrick Linfante, assistant vice president for Public Safety and Security.
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, someone tampered with a fire alarm in Aquinas Hall dormitory, adding to the slew of activations this semester.
With the new extension to the parking deck, which added 594 spaces, finding a spot on campus can be easier than ever.
Since early August, Seton Hall junior Craig Witmer and South Orange Village President Alex Torpey have been working together to find a productive way to engage both students and local residents in addressing pervasive problems, both on campus and in town.
Outgoing, passionate and driven are three adjectives friends and family would use to describe Seton Hall student Cynthia Sularz, who is traveling around the world alongside the G(irls) 20 Summit. According to the organization’s website, G(irls) 20’s mission is to advance the full participation of girls and women globally through their economic and educational empowerment.
The University Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention (SAVE) Team have set up tables with computers outlining the “It’s On Us” Pledge, and invited everyone on campus to be part of the discussion and solution of sexual violence.
The Teaching, Learning and Technology Center and Student Leadership Development are teaming up for the second year to bring the Student Technology Week to back to Seton Hall University. Starting Nov. 10 and ending Nov. 14, the two organizations will be hosting workshops that are geared toward helping student leaders advertise and represent their organizations with the help of technology.
Amanda Boyer/Photography Editor
Seton Hall is located in one of the most urban, most densely populated and most built up areas of the country. And yet, just a few minutes away from campus, is a genuine wilderness.
To commuters who have been registered for the pilot program, as well as the Department of Housing and Residence Life, the new commuter hall swipe-in policy has been a success.
Halloween is quickly approaching and the Department of Housing and Residence Life and the resident assistants are combining efforts to make it an enjoyable holiday here on campus.
Liquor law violations are the most frequently reported crimes on campus and most of those oc- cur in the residence halls--even in the rooms of those of legal drink- ing age. In 2013, there were 212 liquor law referrals on campus document- ed in the 2013 Campus Safety Re- port. “Alcohol and drug use and abuse is a huge problem at colleges and universities across the country,” Patrick Linfante, assistant vice president and director for Public Safety and Security, said. “Students should be aware that they can be held responsible and face serious consequences.” Jess Proano, assistant director for the First Year Experience in Hous- ing and Residence Life, explains what typically happens when an al- cohol policy violation is discovered inside a residence hall. “The alco- hol is confiscated, disposed of and an incident report is submitted,” Proano said. This is not just for underage students but also students who are 21 and over who did not properlycheck-in what is identified as “per- sonal consumption” containers at the front desk. Winston Roberts, assistant dean of students, explained the Univer- sity’s alcohol policies. “The Univer- sity takes the stand on educating first through interaction with our caseworkers,” he said. “Any sanc- tions that are given to students who may violate University community standards are expected to help the student make better decisions in the future.” There also were 50 drug law re- ferrals for incidents occurring on campus, according to the most re- cent Campus Safety Report. The Department of Public Safety and Security gets involved in res- idence hall violations in instances of drug use and provided medical assistance when needed, according to Linfante. Public Safety works closely with SOPD to address student conduct. According to Linfante, “the police have little choice when students are caught with drugs or alcohol off-campus and by law must make an arrest or summons.” However, he continued, “Generally, police do not charge students with pub- lic intoxication but would rathercharge them as a disorderly person based on their conduct.” Off-campus students do not get a free pass just because they are outside the University fence. “Students who are caught off-campus for alcohol related vio- lations can face charges in munici- pal court in addition to disciplinary charges here at the University,” Linfante said. Roberts said the reason behind this kind of disciplinary action is to remind students that they are representatives of Seton Hall Uni- versity whether they are on campus or in town, and thus are expected to act responsibly and respectfully at all times. In terms of acquiring alcohol, Linfante explained that using a fake driver’s license could poten- tially be a third degree criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in state prison. Even simply possessing the fake license can re- sult in consequences ranging from six months in jail to 18 months in state prison. Above all, Proano said, the great- est concern is student safety. “The HRL department encourages stu- dents to act responsibly and to be safe,” Proano said. “Ultimately, wewant our students to be safe and make good choices.” The “Good Samaritan” poli- cy can help keep students safe by easing the fear of consequences by underage drinkers in a serious sit- uation. Students who seek medical as- sistance for themselves or for an individual who is intoxicated or experiencing an alcohol-related emergency will not be subject to University disciplinary action relat- ed to the alcohol policy, according to the Seton Hall Website. However, all students involved will still have to meet with theOffice of the Dean of Students to review the matter. While no formal disciplinary sanction, like proba- tion, will be applied, an appropri- ate educational response, such as a requirement to attend an alcohol awareness class, may be imposed. “I truly want students to be safe and to take care of each other,” Proano said. “It’s important that students know warning signs of unsafe behavior and situations and take care of each other by getting help, calling 911, Public Safety or a resident assistant.” Emily Balan can be reached at em- ily.balan@student.shu.edu.
A new advertisement free, social networking website, Ello. co, launched earlier this year and is an invitation-only way to share artwork, photographs and thoughts in text posts.
The Department of Catholic Studies and the Department of Classical Studies are each offering a three-credit study abroad faculty-led course, which will culminate in a joint 10-day trip to Spain over spring break.
Some of Seton Hall’s most active organizations have begun a movement to promote education about sexual violence and its prevention. All fraternities, headed by Sigma Pi’s Altruistic Campus Experience (ACE) Project, the Student Government Association and Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE), opened a campus-wide discussion on Monday, Oct. 20, to combat and uncover the truth about sexual violence on college campuses.