End of Semester Storm Relocates Classes

Jan 27, 2015

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer

The Fall 2014 semester ended with a blunt reminder of Mother Nature’s stormy strength. On Dec. 9, the excessive rain unleashed multiple leaks and floods on campus. There were three sizeable leaks in the roof of Hillwood in front of Subway and the café. Also, there was flooding in the north end of the basement of Humanities. The front stairway to the basement was closed, and about three to four classrooms were redirected from the flooded area and relocated upstairs.

“It seems like the money being spent to improve the campus is going to the wrong places,” said Angelo Pellegrino, a senior Computer Science major. “They should have fixed the leaky ceiling at Hillwood and any drainage issues on campus, instead of planting new bushes.”

“The flooding in Humanities was not serious,” said William Kirker, Director of Facilities Services. “It only affected the lower level on the north end [of Humanities]. There was a drain in a window well that was backed up due to the excessive rain we had on that day. It did not cause any damage. It was just an inconvenience for a couple of hours. It was primarily contained in the hall, but did go under a couple doors to classrooms.”

The water in Humanities was removed using wet vacuums and mops. Kirker explained, what happened the classes that were held in the basement when the flooding occurred. “A couple of the classes scheduled at the time, at that end of the building, were relocated upstairs in Humanities. The problems that occurred on Dec. 9 were limited in size and location. Things were isolated and made safe.”

“There was no flooding in Hillwood,”Kirker said. “There were leaks that were contained. There was no flooding like in Humanities that had much more water coming in. In Hillwood, the leaks were primarily in front of Subway and in front of the server entrance.”

“They should fix all of the roofs. The theater building floods when the snow starts to melt or when it rains,” said Jane Gemmell, a senior Electronic Media major. However, Kirker was not aware of any problems with flooding or leaks in the theater building. “I’m not specifically aware of this. I assume [she] is talking about the Little Theater building.” Kirker recommends students to “go to the building/program director to have them report…with some details” any leakage or damages they may notice along campus so they can investigate the problem and fix it. “I will try to follow up with whom I think manages the building,” Kirker said.

Despite the leaks and floods, Kirker added that Post is prepared for any emergency thrown its way. “The campus is prepared for a major storm as best as any place can be. Every storm presents its own issues that must be dealt with. You learn from what has happened in the past, and are ready to react to what may or may not happen.”

As to whether the problems are fixed as they occur, or whether there are future plans for renovations to prevent similar problems (such as fixing the roofs), Kirker responded, “The answer to this is yes to both. We fix problems as they occur every day. We also are constantly planning to make repairs/renovations to deal with aging buildings so that problems are addressed before they occur.”

 

Motorcycles Parked in Handicap Zones

Dec 3, 2014

By Katie Muller
Copy Editor

This semester, students have noticed motorcycles parked alongside, or often on, the sidewalk next to the parking lot between Hillwood, Humanities, and Tilles Center. The illegally parked motorcycles have raised concerns for some students.

John Pantaleone, a senior Computer Science major, said, “They shouldn’t be parked there. At least, I think they shouldn’t be parked there.” Pantaleone also mentioned that he often sees the bikes parked by Humanities Hall instead of parked in the Hillwood parking areas, which is where students should be parking their vehicles. “I’m surprised to see them parked there as often as I have.”

“Really? I haven’t even noticed them!” stated Janey Gimmell, a senior Broadcasting major, upon learning that riders park their motorcycles on the campus’ sidewalks. “Why aren’t they parked with the other cars in the student parking lot? Do they expect them to put them on the bike rack?”

According to Paul Rapess, director of Public Safety, “Motorcycles are not permitted to park on any campus sidewalk. The main hazards associated with parking on the sidewalk are the obstruction of pathways.” He continued, “People [who are] not paying attention may walk into them. In addition, the motorcycle itself could be damaged if it falls over after a collision.”

Currently, there are two student-registered motorcycles on campus, which is the typical amount of motorcycles on campus per semester, according to Rapess. While there is no current designated parking area for motorcycles or plans to zone parking for them in the future, “students [with motorcycles] are allowed to use all parking areas on campus, including handicapped spaces with the appropriate permit,” Rapess said. “Motorcycles are [required] to park in normal parking spaces alongside other motor vehicles.” Rapess stressed that students are not allowed to park in spaces “clearly defined as faculty and staff parking,” even if driving a motorcycle.

Businesses Start the Semester with START-UP NY

Sep 23, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer

LIU Post recently applied to Andrew Cuomo’s START-UP NY program, potentially turning the campus into one of the first private colleges on Long Island with a tax-free zone for businesses.

In June 2011, Governor Cuomo signed a legislation that established the use of State Small Business Credit Initiative funds to aid growing businesses in New York. If an application gets approved, businesses will not have to pay local and state taxes for up to 10 years. Since businesses will not have to worry about paying taxes in these tax- free zones, they can focus on establishing themselves and growing as an entity.

“START-UP NY is a state government program that helps businesses start, expand, or relocate to a tax-free zone,” explained Michael Glickman, LIU’s Chief of Strategic Partnerships and University Advancement. “LIU applied for a START-UP designation, and was recently chosen to participate in the program.”

Glickman explained that his next goal is to “connect with qualified businesses to take residency at The University Center.” The START-UP NY space will be located in Bush Brown Hall. Glickman did not say which businesses will set up residence at LIU, or even if
any businesses have approached the university yet to participate in the program. He stated: “The University is working to establish a process for identifying and vetting potential businesses that meet New York State’s requirements. The process will take some time to evolve, and the timing has not yet been determined.”

Glickman stated that these start-up businesses will positively affect students. “START-UP NY[s initiative] aligns quite well with LIU’s mission of sharing knowledge and resources with our surrounding communities. Our goal is to connect with businesses that will create opportunities for our students to gain marketable experiences through professional training. We are excited about the potential of this program, and by the possibility it holds for LIU to play a role in economic development within our community.”

“This is the first time I’m hearing about this,” said Rebecca Rosenberg, a senior Education major. “I’m worried that having more business on campus will raise our tuition.”

“There are so many businesses opening up on campus now,” said Cara Frank, a senior Broadcasting major. “The school screams that they’re about the students, but in the end it seems like we’re just the customers and it’s mostly all about business.”

“We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership in establishing this groundbreaking initiative, empowering centers for higher learning, business, and members of the community to create jobs and support economic growth” stated Glickman.

Turkish Marbling Demonstration

Apr 23, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer

On Wednesday, April 16, during common hour, the Student Art League featured a free Turkish Water Marble demonstration by Merve Karaca in front of the Student Art Gallery in Hillwood Commons.

Karaca is an ESL student at Suffolk Community College. She received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in Turkey, and desires to pursue a master’s degree in Chemistry after she improves her English. She started water marbling in Turkey, but began practicing the art more intensely when she moved to America about two years ago.

“Marbling is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water and then transforming this pattern to paper,” said a poster displayed behind Karaca at the event. Karaca explained how all the tools, including the paints used, are organic and made of “all-natural” materials.

“The paint is taken from the soil… the earth,” Karaca said, and added that the brushes are made from “natural horsehair and rosewood” and the water is “prepared from purified water.” The painting process is natural to the environment, and the environment also affects how the paintings form on the surface of the water. Karaca explained that if people feel “negative” towards the painting, the painting would not be beautiful. “If the environment is good, the art will be nice. The art is sensitive to people and the environment,” she said.

Karaca demonstrated water marbling in front of a small audience of students and other observers. She transferred the final painting onto paper by simply laying the paper over the still water and removing it, dazzling her viewers, before continuing on to another painting.

Burcu Altintas, a Psychology major and member of the Turkish-American Student Association, attended the event. “This is my culture,” Altintas said. “It’s such an overlooked form of art. Many people don’t know about this stuff,” Altintas added. The event also aimed to help attract students to join the organization, since there aren’t many Turkish students on campus.

After the event, Karaca handed out small goody bags to the viewers, which contained Turkish Delight candies, an informative flyer about Turkey, as well as a bookmark.

Potholes Aplenty

Apr 16, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer 

The winter season of 2013-14 covered LIU Post in plenty of snow, often making it difficult for students to commute to campus. With the warmer weather arriving, students still find it difficult to commute; even though the snow that blanketed Post has melted, the campus is littered with potholes that have been left behind.

Potholes, which are natural cavities in the ground due to the erosion of rock from water, ice, and salt, have been a major problem not only around campus, but also throughout the New York area, because of the winter weather conditions.

“The potholes [on campus] are an inconvenience,” said Megan Calvente, a senior Art Therapy major, “especially the one on the road beside the football field. In combination with the speed bumps, it’s difficult to commute to the art buildings,” Calvente added.

“It’s a pain,” said Georgios Metskas, a senior Geography major, when he spoke about the pothole right outside the Northern Boulevard entrance to Post. “Every time I exit from campus, I feel as if my car bumper is going to scrape up against the road and end up getting scratched. I feel like someone will bottom-out there eventually,” he added.

“There were a lot of potholes, especially on the main roads,” said Bill Kirker, director of Facility Services at Post. Kirker explained that while “hundreds” of potholes have been fixed this season, they continue to reopen due to the rain and snow. As cars drive on the roads coered in ice and salt, it also creates more potholes. Kirker said that Facility Services has plans to repave the roads around campus before commencement in order to even out the roads from both the potholes, as well as those who have temporarily been fixed. “The time it takes depends on when we can get a contractor to repave the roads,” Kirker said.

When asked if any students have reported flat tires due to the potholes, Kirker stated, “No flat tires were called in.” As for any potholes remaining unfixed that students should be aware of, Kirker explained the ones prompting an issue were “already fixed.”

As for the pothole right outside the entrance of Post, Kirker explained that it couldn’t be repaired by the Facility Services Department. “The pothole is considered on Northern Boulevard, meaning that the state has to repair it, since it’s their property.” He reassured students that while the university cannot repair the pothole itself, they have been trying to bring the state’s attention to the issue for some time now.

“Potholes aren’t just an issue on campus, they’re everywhere” Kirker added, reflecting on all the potholes he has seen across different roads on Long Island. “It’s terrible!”

LIU Enrollment Services

Mar 18, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer 

The new LIU Enrollment Services department, which was created this semester, aims to address the issues associated with academic, registration and financial concerns. The offices are located in Kumble Hall.

Much like the new LIU Promise program, the university will cross-train the LIU Enrollment Services staff in registration, bursar, financial aid, and academic advising areas. However, the Enrollment Services department will work with continuing undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students, while LIU Promise works solely with freshmen. This will allow students to have a single place to go to for all their concerns, instead of going to different offices and advisors.

“This new department serves as a ‘one-stop shop’ where students can have [a] majority of their needs met in a single location by an integrated and cross-trained staff,” said Jackie Nealon, chief of staff and vice president of Enrollment, Campus Life and Communications. “Each staff member will have a specific caseload of students with whom they will come to know very well and be able to serve in a 360 degree way. This aligns LIU with the best practices and traditions across the country, recognizing that students are best serviced with an all-in-one solution.” This new model was introduced across LIU Post and LIU Brooklyn this year.

“Students will be assigned to an Enrollment Services Counselor. Whenever possible, we will try to keep a student with their original advisor, but that may not always be feasible,” Nealon said. “Our primary goal is to ensure that seamless service and advising is provided to all of our students,” she added.

“The changes sound like a great idea,” said John Pantaleone, a senior Computer Science major. “This should eliminate the awkwardness of running around Kumble Hall and will make talking to all of your advisors a lot easier. I wish they had this when I first started going to Post,” he said.

“I think this change is good in a way,” said Johnny DiMartino, a junior Computer Science major. “It provides one person you can go to for all your needs in regards to enrollment.” DiMartino also showed concerns for the employees that may lose, or have already lost, their jobs due to this change. “On the other hand, it takes away jobs from multiple people in order to consolidate everything in one place,” DiMartino added.

“I think this is a much needed change at the school. Year after year, I call and get directed to four different people and by the time I reach the last person, my problem still is not resolved. This definitely gives me hope that LIU Post is improving in areas where they were lacking,” said Kristin Napolitano, a senior Criminal Justice and Psychology major.

The new Enrollment Services office is currently up and running in Kumble Hall. However, reorganization and cross training is ongoing.

“The old bursar, advising and financial aid offices are not being replaced. They are being enhanced and improved to make students services stronger. The functions that those important offices perform will continue to be a priority,” said Nealon.

She also mentioned that there’s going to be a welcome desk when you first enter Kumble Hall, to help guide students where they need to go to address their concerns. “Of course during the early days, we will really appreciate [students’] patience as the team continues to cross-train and use their new skills.”

A Journey to the Adirondacks

Mar 4, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer

Dr. Marianne Patinelli-Dubay, the Environmental Philosophy Program coordinator at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, visited the LIU campus to host a lecture about the wonders of the breathtaking parks in the Adirondacks, on Feb. 25. Patinelli-Dubay was invited by Dr. Arthur Lothstein, professor of Philosophy to speak to his class about the beauty found in nature.

Patinelli-Dubay educated students in operated facilities located in the Adirondack Park about many different topics, such as Adirondack Land-Use Ethics, Eco-Phenomenology, Philosophy of Science, Social and Environmental Justice and American Forest seminars.

 

“My work lies at the philosophical intersections of nature, culture, science and ethics in Adirondack Park, NY. I work with primary through college-aged students, the general public, prisoners, government and non-government agency officials, and employees in the region,” Patinell-Dubay stated on the college’s website, www.esf.edu.

She began her lecture with two poems, Gary Snyder’s “Call of the Wild” from the Turtle Beach collection, and Carl Sandburg’s “Wilderness.” After the poems, she presented maps on a PowerPoint to show us the location and vast size of the Adirondack Park. “Start big and go small,” said Patinelli-Dubay, as the maps first showed all of the United States, then continued to zoom into a topography map of the northern New York State area, where the park is located.

She then spoke about the park’s history and how the Adirondacks came to be through the Conservation movement. The Conversation movement originated in the 19th century and was a political, environmental, and social movement where people sought to protect natural resources and habitats for the future.

In 1892, the Adirondack Park was created by the state of New York after concerns arose for the water and timber resources in the region. She then shared some information about the Adirondacks.

The Adirondacks is “the largest park in the continental United States,” according to Patinelli-Dubay. It consists of six million acres of land. This is enough land to cover the national parks of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier and the Great Smokey Mountains combined, along with the Catskill Mountains. It’s also the “least fragmented, most intact habitat in the eastern United States.” The Adirondacks, despite being a wilderness and biosphere, contains residents. In fact, there are “130,000 year round residents, one million seasonal residents and ten million annual visitors,” she said. “The park is supposed to function to include people as a part of the wilderness.”

Patinelli-Dubay encouraged questions from students after her presentation. The questions ranged from philosophy-based, such as how can there be a “tamed wilderness,” to general inquires, like, “how do you keep the animals contained?” Patinelli-Dubay stated that you must tame a wilderness “by degrees” and cannot tame a large wilderness all at once. As for the animals, she playfully stated, “If you go into a wilderness area, its all on you.” She then clarified by explaining that one has to be smart in the wilderness, and she never has had any personal experiences with animals that weren’t “lovely.”

The Adirondack Park is both a national historical landmark and a publically protected area. It has “no fees to enter, no gates that close at night, just wilderness and the promise of adventure,” as stated on the official Adirondack’s tourism website, visitadirondacks.com.

The park welcomes visitors to camp and explore the beauty of its land. Many travel to the Adirondacks to cross-country ski, hike on the 2,000 miles of trails, snowmobile, and participate in extreme winter experiences, such as mountaineering and ice climbing Agharta Wall, Alcatraz, Ampersand Mountain and countless other areas.

There are also a plethora of mountain biking trails for beginners to advanced bikers. For those who aren’t interested in sports, the Adirondacks contains music festivals, museums, and heritage sights that take place in the 103 towns and villages that thrive within the park.

There are also craft fairs, restaurants and bistros, the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail, and countless other attractions to enjoy.

From a Wet Bar to a Dry Bar

Feb 25, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer 

The opening of the new sports bar, The End Zone, on Super Bowl Sunday has received positive reactions from students and faculty. However, The End Zone strictly serves non-alcoholic drinks, which raised a question throughout campus: Why doesn’t LIU Post have an actual wet bar LIIU Post once had a wet bar, “The Rathskeller, that was in the same place as the new sports lounge.

Daniel Cox, the general manager of the campus radio station, WCWP, was a C.W. Post student when the old bar was part of the campus during the 1980s.

“When 3:30 rolled around in the afternoon, I might go over to the bar, ‘The Rat’ as we called it… and I would have a drink,” Cox said.

“…And often times, I wasn’t having that beer with friends. I was having it with my professors, with adults, with people that I respected and admired… It was a much different environment.”

Cox continued to say that also, at the time, the legal drinking age was 18. Cox felt that having a bar on campus, as well as the lower drinking age during that time, helped the students become more “responsible and mature” drinkers compared to today’s binge drinkers.

“In my opinion, because it was on campus and with people we admire and respected, we learned to drink in a more social manner. The professors would certainly set a tone if you had a beer in the afternoon, before dinner or with dinner… it was a much different environment.”

He also playfully explained that because the bar was on campus where the students live, students didn’t run the risk of drinking and driving. “Did I overdo it a few times when I was in my twenties? Absolutely…But, I [was] safe because I didn’t go home. I crashed on campus.”

Cox explained that the bar was also an excellent meeting place, which hosted many different kinds of events. “These were the days of the jukebox… You’d go over and play music on the jukebox… The stage was there, so occasionally you’d have an open mic night of a comedian or you’d occasionally have live performances of a local or smaller band in there,” Cox said. “It was a social meeting place; it’d be packed… They’d also schedule some kind of event on the weekends, so it always kept us here,” he added.

“I feel like what they are doing now, [with The End Zone], is a good move. The highlight [of the old bar] for us was the jukebox and the pinball machines. There were no videogames or Internet, or downloading music. But what they’re doing now with the screens is very up to date, and they show what people want, such as sports.” Cox also stated that he hopes the radio station could eventually get involved with providing entertainment on the stage in there, such as “DJ nights.”

The Rat eventually closed once the legal age was raised to 21. “In the mid ‘80s, when I left here and came back in ‘87 to teach, it happened between then,” Cox stated. “But I know [what] the policy was, at that time: we were a dry campus. [The campus] was going with the law; they didn’t want any alcohol on campus [any longer],” Cox said.

When asked about the campus’ dry bar, Dr. Abby Van Vlerah, dean of students said, “We want to make every effort to ensure all of our students feel welcome, safe, and comfortable in our spaces, including The End Zone.”

As for plans of re-opening an alcoholic bar in the future: “We are always willing to listen to student input and value the opinions of all students. At this time, opening a bar on campus, which serves alcohol is not being discussed,” Van Vlerah said.

It’s hard to tell if LIU Post would ever serve alcohol on campus again. However, The End Zone serves as a reminder to what was, and what could be in the future.

“That’s how it was, you can’t go back,” Cox said. “But, I think what the university is doing with the Pioneer room is a great step forward.”

In Loving Memory of a Trusty Steed

Feb 25, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff writer

On Feb. 16, the LIU Post Equestrian Team lost one of its talented members — George, a grade horse who has been part of the team long enough to watch many of its former and current riders trot off into adulthood.

A school horse at the North Shore Equestrian Center, George was one of the horses chosen to teach the new riders on the equestrian team how to ride. His patience and tolerance towards the fumbling, apprehensive new riders in his saddle created ideal and impeccable learning experiences, allowing the new riders to return to him one day with the skills they needed to compete in horse shows and competitions across Long Island. While most of George’s history is unknown, the barn locals knew he loved spending time in the company of the ponies and squealed cutely when one touched his stomach.

Members of the equestrian team proudly shared their memories of their beloved teammate.

“George was an old soul with a spark of life in him. He aimed to please and his gentle manner made even the most inexperienced rider feel like a superstar. He was deeply loved by all and his memory will live in the hearts of the team,” said Christina Cepeda, a sophmore Psychology major. “He has been with us for so long, it’s hard to believe that he will no longer be one of the few “greeters” at the door when you walk in the barn. He was so sweet and so compassionate, and he just loved to go, go, go,” said Kathryn Brust, a sophmore Management major.

“George was one of the most kind-hearted and loving animals I’ve ever met. He was always so eager to get in the ring and make sure you enjoyed your lesson,” said Christina Kotarski, a sophomore Adolescent English-Education major. “George was truly the ‘one of a kind’ horse who will be forever missed and loved,” Kotarski added.

“He was my first horse, and I was really attached to him. He loved Altoids,” said Wolfgang Kovac, a freshman Science major.

“He was the second horse I ever rode. He was one of the most lovable horses ever,” stated Justin Rankin, a sophmore Psychology major. The riding instructors for the team also felt the loss. “He was a treasure, and our program will be incomplete without him. He was loved by many people and will be missed by many more,” said Jennifer Hennick, one of the instructors for the equestrian team. Linda Crouse, another instructor for the team, also shared her feelings about George, stating that he was “helpful and trustworthy” and “deserves a big plaque.”In dedication, the team will place flowers on his stall and give carrots to the rest of the horses at the barn as soon as possible.

The LIU Post Equestrian Team is a co-educational sport, which is directed by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Through IHSA, students and riders are able to complete in a fair playing field against riders of various skills and financial statuses. As stated on the LIU website, “The LIU Post Equestrian Team competes in IHSA – Zone 2 Region 4 against neighboring schools from Long Island and New York City.” Last semester, the LIU Post Equestrian Team ranked highest on Long Island through IHSA. The team is open to accepting undergraduate or graduate students and welcomes all levels of riders – from experienced to beginner.

All riders are placed into lesson groups and given horses based on their ability level, and hourly lessons are given once a week throughout each semester. The dues, which cover the IHSA membership, USEF insurance and weekly lessons, cost $300 for new members and $250 for returning. Lessons take place on campus at the North Shore Equestrian Center (NSEC), which features a large indoor arena and two outdoor rings, as well as a small café and lounge for viewing lessons.

The Sweets and Sours of The Post Treat Shoppe

Feb 5, 2014

By Katie Muller
Staff Writer

As students returned from winter break and stepped into the familiar lobby of Hillwood, many couldn’t help but notice the new Post Treat Shoppe under construction. While the doors remained unopened during the first week of classes, curiosity still sparked murmurs from those who passed by its clear, closed doors.

Jesus Cardenas, a senior Business and Film double major, who is also a staff member at the Hillwood Information Desk, mentioned that the sweet shop is actually run by students, so students will be able to work in the new candy store. The store will sell both baked goods and candy, such as lollipops, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and other popular candies. They also have more healthful alternates such as baked chips, Cliff bars, granola, trail mix and unsweetened candy.

“It’s pretty fun,” said Susan Kelly, a junior Fine Arts major, who works at the shoppe. “It’s been exciting working here so far,” she added.

Student reactions were mixed. Some students felt as though the candy store would be a positive and exciting addition to campus, while others felt as though it was unnecessary.

“I just noticed it yesterday,” said Wolfgang Kovac, a freshman who is studying Math, Physics and Science. “I didn’t hear about any plans to make one like I did for the clothing shop. I’m not a big candy person.”

Kathryn Brust, a sophomore Management major and Fundraising officer for the Equestrian Team, mentioned that she was afraid that this new sweet shop would affect fundraising for clubs and other activities. “I think a different store should be opened instead of a sweet shop, because it takes away profit from various clubs and activities that set up bake sales during common hour in Hillwood. How are clubs supposed to raise money if they are in competition with the new store?” She then suggested the idea of having another food vendor open instead, such as Panera Bread.

The store officially opened on Wednesday, Jan. 29.