LENTEN REFLECTIONS

/ p. 6-7

Q&A WITH CALLIE RHOADS

/ p. 5

Monday, March 25, 2013

Volume 41 Issue 18

MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE

Tuition to increase for 2013-2014 school year

christina kilpatrick
staff writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILL MACNEIL

More than 200 students attended the Mardi Gras Masquerade Friday night, a new event for ASB. Students danced aboard the Adventure Hornblower as it cruised the San Diego Bay.

California Baptist, Biola wrestle with gender identity issues

What policies are used at PLNU to address transgender students and gender identity issues?
amy williams and abby hamblin
staff writers

Two area Christian universities are struggling with the topic of gender identity as one of them was sued for expelling a transgender student and the other is working to establish a policy regarding gender identity. According to PLNU administrators, PLNU is not in the process of re-defining its gender identity policies. Honestly I think that our policies are adequate and that our policies are consistent with the position of the Church of the Nazarene, said Dr. Caye Smith, vice president for student development. According to The Press-Enterprise, the local newspaper for Riverside County, former California Baptist University (CBU) student Domaine Javier is suing CBU for discriminatory expulsion. Before she started her first semester at CBU, she was expelled after the school found

out that she appeared on MTVs True Life, entitled, Im Passing as Someone Im Not. CBUs reason for expulsion was that Javier committed fraud on her application by checking female for gender when she is biologically male. At the same time, Biola is working to create a policy regarding transgender individuals, according to the schools newspaper, The Chimes. Their current handbook does not include language to represent those who consider themselves transgender. Biolas dean of students, Danny Paschall, said the new policy will be available this fall in the universitys student handbook, according to The Chimes. Attempts by The Point Weekly to reach Paschall were unsuccessful. Although there is a policy on sexual conduct in the PLNU handbook, there is no language regarding gender identity. The extent that this issue is mentioned in the

handbook deals with personal conduct. One of the guidelines for personal appearance states, Clothing should be gender appropriate. If a student misrepresented his or her biological gender, was placed in a residence hall according to false information and we learned of it, we might make the same determination that Cal Baptist made, Smith said. If a transgender individual wanted to apply to PLNU, they would be expected by residential life to disclose their biological gender accurately on the application, according to Smith. Students are placed in residence halls according to their biological gender. Transgender is a really psychologically complex issue and were not going to make it less complex by creating a policy, said Smith. The reason sexual orientation is not mentioned in that policy is that we have a very specific perspective related to sexual conduct that is

fully in alignment to the position of the Church of the Nazarene. If a student dealing with this issue wants to come to PLNU and looks at the schools policies, there is no language other than the word sex, which can be interpreted broadly, that shows that a transgender student wouldnt be discriminated against other than the harassment and hazing policy, which does not allow taunting of any kind to any individual. If they agree to dress according to their biological gender and choose to live on campus, they would need to live in a residence hall designated to their biological gender. If the answer is no [to whether they can agree to dress and live in a residence hall according to their biological gender] then I think we have to ask the question, Is this the right place for you while youre working through these issues, said Smith. [cont.GENDER IDENTITY, p. 2]

Students will see an increase on their tuition bills again this year. For the 2013-2014 school year, tuition will rise $425 per semester for full-time students and $35 per unit for part-time students, according to Student Financial Services (SFS). The cost for students exceeding 17 units per semester will rise $30 per additional unit compared to this academic year. The cost of room and board is increasing as well. The most inclusive meal plan, now called the Platinum Plan, is $130 more per semester than this years most inclusive meal plan, but it allows students unlimited access to the Caf rather than 19 meals per week. The smallest meal plan, now called the Bronze Plan, is $290 more per semester than this years smallest plan. It is good for 120 meals, 200 Dining Dollars, and 10 guest meals per semester, according to SFS. The general fee, green fee and dorm fund will remain the same. According to George Latter, PLNUs vice president of finance, this increase of 2.94 percent for tuition and 2.75 percent for room and board is the smallest increase in the last 25 years, with the exception of the 2009-2010 academic year. A university like ours has many cost drivers, including personnel, insurance and utilities, said Latter via email. And the tuition and room and board increases were intended to minimize the increased cost to students while still being able to pay for the people, materials and services necessary to support a quality academic program and student experience. Latter expects that most private universities in Southern California will have increases in the 2.5 to 3.5 percent range next year, which is on the low end of the past four years and much less than the years before that. Until the economic downturn that hit in 2008, most private universities, including PLNU, had annual tuition increases of 5-6 percent, said Latter. In the past four years, that average has been about 4 percent, and PLNU's increases have been [cont. TUITION, p. 2]

2 | news

Monday, january March 25, 2013 the point weekly | monday, 23, 2012

TUITION cont. from p. 1

right in line with that. According to their websites, Biola Universitys tuition for the 2013-2014 year is increasing 3.67 percent, and CBUs is increasing 4.87 percent. Despite PLNUs minimal increase compared to other years, many students and parents are frustrated with the constant tuition raises every year, and this year is no different. Junior Allie Frazier says that despite her growing aid, scholarships and work-study, the rising tuition puts a strain on her parents every year. My parents, both being teachers, are just going month by month, said Frazier. And they are paying for two college students. Latter says that the university is doing all it can to keep costs down. As a university, we have been working hard to reduce costs wherever possible. Over the past few years we have eliminated several personnel positions and restructured others, at a savings of several hundred thousand

dollars, said Latter. We are currently in the process of examining every department (academic and non-academic) on a pretty granular level to make sure we are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. SFS has also done its part to help students adjust to rising tuition, increasing the amount of scholarship and grant aid awarded to students, according to Latter. I can tell you from personal knowledge that the Student Financial Services office has been working harder than ever to help students and their families during these challenging times, said Latter. PLNU also advertises the large tuition contribution that its students get from gifts and other outside sources by celebrating Tuition Freedom Day. But some students are frustrated with the claims of Tuition Freedom Day, feeling that they are misleading. They make you think that you only have to pay a certain amount, but its definitely not that low, said Frazier. Tuition Freedom Day doesnt mention the other costs and fees.

This years Tuition Freedom Day video advertised that financial assistance from foundations, churches and corporations was about $9,126 per student, 24 percent of education costs, keeping tuition down to $28,900, but this percentage does not include room and board or other fees. The outside contributions cover 24 percent of tuition, but not of all education costs. Latter predicts that the percentage of tuition covered by outside sources will increase next year even with the increase in tuition. The calculation involved in

Tuition Freedom Day is a reflection of both the tuition price and the amount of financial assistance generated from gifts and other sources, said Latter. Although tuition is increasing next year, because of increases in institutional financial aid I expect that the percentage of tuition that students actually pay will go down slightly. In regard to future tuition increases, Latter said he cannot be sure, but he assures students and parents that the university is doing everything it can to keep costs down. While it's not possible for me

to predict exactly what future tuition increases will be, said Latter, our board of trustees and administration are committed to keeping those increases as low as possible, while still maintaining high academic quality, appropriate student services and needed infrastructure.

TUITION INCREASE FROM 2012-2014

TUITION
12-17 units Less than 12 units Units in excess of 17

2012/2013
$14,450/semester $1,205/unit $965/unit

2013/2014
$14,875/semester $1,240/unit $995/unit

GENDER IDENTITY cont. from p. 1

ASB President Ian McKay said that he thinks the university is still having a hard enough time grappling with the topic of homosexuality to even consider transgender issues. I know I personally have not even wrestled with the transgender

issue, McKay said via email. With that said I believe that although there might not be any institutional forms of discrimination, this campus reeks of ignorance and non-institutional forms of discrimination. Most of our students, including myself, came from conservative Christian backgrounds and we have a tendency to discriminate against those that we

don't understand. We must become a community that loves. I'm not saying you have to affirm a lifestyle, but you should love that individual and make them feel welcomed here. The hazing policy in PLNUs handbook does not condone any harassment toward any members of the community and expects all members to be treated with Christian civility.

Were not saying you have to have this whole thing figured out, were just saying we have a policy and we have a practice and we welcome you into this community, Smith said. We dont have one standard for how you look, exactly what you believe, what color you are, exactly what you think; we have a pretty broad tolerance for allowing our students to think and

feel and believe quite a bit across the spectrum and still be full members of the community.

PLNU students react to newly installed Argentine Pope

guimel sibingo
staff writer

Habemus papam! the crowds shouted. We have a pope! These were the words uttered by thousands of Catholic faithful after the white smoke, indicating a pope had been selected, came out of the Vatican. Pope Francis I, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected two days after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first resignation in nearly 600 years. One of the most talked about issues concerning his election is the fact that he is Argentine, the first non-European pope to be selected in 1,200 years. Although many are hopeful this will bring a longawaited spotlight to the continent with 41.3 percent of the worlds Catholic population, many wonder whether Francis will actually bring a change to Latin America, especially as it relates to the poor. David McKeithen, a senior and Spanish-born Argentine PLNU student, is one of many Latin American students excited about the election of the first Latin American pope. Im super glad that we have an Argentine [pope], he said. It adds a wholly dimension to what I can study because Im going to be living in Argentina, he said, referring to his study of Catholicism in the public universities formerly presided by now Pope Francis I in Buenos Aires. McKeithen was part of a group that met Bergoglio (who was a cardinal at that time) at a community event in Buenos Aires.

The one time I did encounter himit was an event[with] a whole group of people from a lowincome neighborhood that I was working with and he was presiding over[that] event, McKeithen said. It was a good experience, [a] fabulous event. Although McKeithen had some political reservations about Cardinal Bergoglio, he found that the popes presence at the event was significant to the audience there, most from low-income homes and families. At the moment, I thought it was quiteunique to be in [an] event with the Cardinal; let alone, finding out later that he would be the Pope, he said. McKeithen is not the only Latin American PLNU student to be pleased with the election of a Latin American pope. Adrian Calderon, a Mexican American junior, said he is happy a Latin American pope was chosen. It think its great that theyve chosen a pope that is not European, Calderon said. It gives South American, Central American [and] somewhat the Mexicans a lot of hope, hope about a new popea new way [and] a new vision. As much as there has been excitement about the election of a Latin American pope, a lot of questions have risen about what changes will occur in the Roman Catholic churchs relationship to the poor. This relationship has been extensively discussed in areas with a high index of poverty, such as Latin America. It is tied with Catholic liberation theology, an often controversial theology that in

its simplest form emphasizes helping the poor. Liberation theology is a type of theology that emphasizes the role of practice, said Sam Powell, professor of philosophy and religion. The practices most commonly associated with liberation theology deal with the sorts of practices that are designed to alleviate the suffering of the poor. Liberation theology is known for having strong similarities to Marxist ideology, seeking equalization and the elimination of structures and social lawscalculated to benefit the rich. Popes such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI were opposed to liberation theology, resulting in less of a focus on the poor during their papacy, although such a focus was not fully removed. The big question for many Latin Americans is whether the voices of their poor will finally be heard and addressed by the Roman Catholic Church or whether the governments and hierarchal rule will take precedence. McKeithen shares this concern. Just because he is Latin Americandoesnt mean he will envision the church through the prophetic vision, he said. Denouncing injustices of, seeking the liberation, structural, seeing salvation beyond just the so-called spiritual realm, seeing [it] as more encompassing, equality, helping the poor, lifting up the love and our experience of Godsurg[ing] from community, from the bottom rather than from the top. Francis official position with liberation theology is still in question.

Students stop in Nicholson Commons to watch as Pope Francis I is confirmed on TV.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUIMEL SIBINGO

Since all or nearly all of the current cardinals were picked by John Paul II and Benedict, it's difficult to imagine they would pick a pope who would be favorable to liberation theology, Powell said. Recently, however, at the installation Mass last Tuesday the new pope affirmed the churchs care for the poor. He spoke to several world leaders that were present, including Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and urged them to care for the poor and push humanitarian efforts forward. Calderon said that although the Catholic Church in Latin America has strong ties in South America, Francis could have a good influence in looking after the poor. This pope is going to have to

deal with a lot of things, he said. And coming from an Argentine background, Im not sure if he can fix everything. I mean, popes dont fix everything. Calderon hopes that with this new pope, the Roman Catholic Church can bring some change when it comes to the poor. The Roman and Protestant church are there to take care of the poor and to help those who have lost hope, to tell those that are weak that there is such strength they can find within God, he said. And if the pope can surely give that message, thatd be great.

the point weekly | monday, january 23, 2012 Monday, March 25, 2013

sports | 3

3/25: M. Tennis vs. McPherson, 2:30 p.m. 3/25-26: M. Golf @ Cal Baptist Glen Ivy Intercollegiate, all day 3/28-30: Track @ PLNU Invitational and Multi-Meet, 9 a.m. 3/28: Tennis @ Fresno Pacific, M. 11 a.m., W. 1 p.m. 3/29-30: Track @ Cal/Nevada Championships, TBA. 3/29: Baseball vs. Hawaii Pacific (DH), noon. 3/30: W. Tennis vs. Cal State Los Angeles, 11 a.m. 3/30: Baseball vs. Hawaii Pacific (DH), noon.

The Madness continues

jacob roth sports editor
If youre anything like me, the first weekend of March Madness is both unbelievably exciting and incredibly maddening. Yes, everyone loves upsets Harvard! Florida Gulf Coast! La Salle! but its always painful when certain teams mutilate your brackets like Harvard, Florida Gulf Coast and La Salle. After four days of nonstop action, it looks like this is Louisvilles tournament to lose. Sporting the No. 1 overall seed, the Cardinals completely obliterated both teams theyve faced thus far. In the Round of 64, they beat North Carolina A&T by 31 points. Then they followed up that blowout with a 26-point shellacking of Colorado State. Throughout the rest of the bracket, some interesting trends have emerged. So without further ado, here are 10 of my observations heading into the Sweet Sixteen. 1. The Big Ten is the real deal If this weekends games confirmed anything, its that the Big T en is without a doubt the strongest conference in the country. The conference boasted seven qualifying teams Indiana (No. 1 seed), Ohio State (2), Michigan (4), Michigan State (3), Wisconsin (5), Illinois (7) and Minnesota (11) second only to the Big East. Six of the seven teams (sorry, Wisconsin) won their Round of 64 matchups by an average of nearly 17 points, and four of them advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. And much to the delight of Dr. Wood, theres still potential for an all-Big-Ten Final Four. 2. The Big 12 on the other hand Sure, the No. 1-seeded Kansas Jayhawks have looked good in both of their wins this weekend, but the rest of the Big 12 teams mostly fell flat. Kansas State (4), Oklahoma State (5) both suffered first-round upsets, Oklahoma (10) couldnt keep up with San Diego State in their first game and Iowa State (10) cruised past Notre Dame in the first round before falling to Ohio State at the buzzer in the Round of 32. 3. Who the heck is Florida Gulf Coast? The 15-seeded Eagles made NCAA Tournament history this weekend and destroyed nearly everybodys brackets in the process by becoming the first No. 15 ever to reach the Sweet Sixteen. Its pretty incredible considering this is a school that is six years younger than I am (FGCU opened in 1997). 4. Smooth sailing for the Sunshine State For the first time ever, the state of Florida had three teams Miami (2), Florida (3) and the aforementioned Eagles of FGCU (15) reach the Sweet Sixteen. With the exception of Miamis nail-biter over Illinois in the Round of 32, each of the wins has been by more than 10 points. Sadly for Floridians, FGCU and Florida will meet up Friday in the Sweet Sixteen. 5. California crashes and burns Despite having five teams qualify, tied for the most of any state, no California squads survived the tourneys first weekend. San Diego State (7) and Cal (12) were able to pick up wins in the Round of 64, but UCLA (6), Saint Marys (11) and Pacific (15) were all bounced early. 6. Marquette makes it when it counts The 4th-seeded Golden Eagles pulled off a pair of miraculous wins by a combined three points in their first weekend of the tournament. Marquette went 3-3 from beyond the arch in the final minute against Davidson in the Round of 64, and Vander Blue (yes, thats his real name) scored the game-winning layup with just one second left. Against Butler in the next round, a 3-pointer from Blue with 1:29 remaining to tie the game and some clutch free throw shooting sealed the win. 7. President Obama knows how to pickm The Commander in Chief has only correctly predicted the winner once while in office (North Carolina in 2009). But so far all four of the POTUSs Final Four teams Louisville (1), Ohio State (2), Florida (3) and Indiana (1) are alive. If the Presidents predictions hold true, look for Indiana to beat Louisville in the final. 8. Gonzaga was exactly who we thought they were The topranked and No. 1-seeded Zags spent all season trying to prove their merit to the rest of the country. Rolling through the mediocre West Coast Conference didnt exactly raise eyebrows, and most fans thought Gonzaga was wildly overrated. Unfortunately for the Zags, they nearly became the first one seed to lose to a No. 16 in the Round of 64, squeaking by Southern University 64-58, then suffering an upset at the hands of No. 9-seeded Wichita St. in the Round of 32, proving all the doubters right. 9. Wild, Wild West The

PLNU MARCH MADNESS LEADERBOARD

ESPN Username Total P oints, Percentile
1. Jordan75657 470 pts, 98.8 pct 2. jonnyshon 460 pts, 97.3 pct 3. ballerkid8 450 pts, 94.4 pct t4. akacasper24 440 pts, 89.9 pct t4. aschalin 440 pts, 89.9 pct t4. emery425 440 pts, 89.9 pct t4. Tim Carlton 440 pts, 89.9 pct t4. nmcivor013 440 pts, 89.9 pct 9. colinr.hughes 430 pts, 81.3 pct
*Percentile is the percentage each entry ranks out of every bracket submitted on ESPN from all over the world.
West region absolutely annihilated everyones brackets during the Tournaments first weekend. Wichita State (9) took down Gonzaga (1), No. 13 La Salle upset No. 4 Kansas State before sliding past No. 12 Ole Miss who had already upset Wisconsin (5) in the Round of 64. No. 10 Iowa State routed Notre Dame (7). The brainiacs from Harvard (14) shocked No. 3 New Mexico on Thursday before falling to Arizona (6) in the next round. In fact, Ohio State (2) was the regions only top-four seed to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. 10. Mild, Mild East The East region, on the other hand, featured only two upsets, and neither of them came as much of a surprise. No. 9 Temple outlasted No. 8 North Carolina State in the Round of 64 before losing to top-seeded Indiana. No. 12 Cal dropped UNLV (5) in what was basically a home game for the Golden Bears; they played in San Jose, which is a mere 45 miles from UC Berkleys campus. Meanwhile, each of the regions four highest seeds reached the Sweet Sixteen Indiana, Miami (2), Marquette (3) and Syracuse (4). Zzzzz.

4 | sports

the point weekly | monday, 23, 2012 Monday, january March 25, 2013

What does it take to be a student-athlete at PLNU?

greta wall staff writer
6:45 a.m. - *beep* *beep* *beep* goes her alarm, jolting her out of bed to take a shower 7:15 a.m. - She picks out an outfit, gets dressed, puts her hair up in a ponytail with a braid and is ready for the day 7:45 a.m. - Leaves her room in Finch to walk to the Caf and eat a breakfast of eggs, oatmeal and fruit before her class 8:20 a.m. - Leaves the Caf and goes to her 8:30 class 9:20 a.m. - Straight from class to chapel 11:00 a.m. - Chapel is over and the team goes to eat lunch together. She grabs an entree and makes herself a salad with a side of fruit 11:45 a.m. - Homework and nap time on the third floor chairs in the library before class 2:30 p.m. - Classes end for the day; now it is time for practice 2:45 p.m. - Out on the field ready to run drills, condition and train for the week of games ahead 5:00 p.m. - After a grueling 2 hour practice, its dinner time 6:00 p.m. - Shower 6:30 p.m. - The physics and engineering homework is piled up and ready to start 10:30 p.m. - After long hours of homework it is finally time for bed before another busy and hectic day Claire Mathews is a PLNU womens soccer midfielder and a physics and engineering major. Juggling school and life can be a difficult task for any student, but throw in a sport and one may wonder how it is even possible. Claire loves soccer and says she actually enjoys being so busy all the time. With little time to fit in a social life, she spends the majority of her free time with her teammates because they have similar schedules. I think the biggest challenge balancing soccer and school is time management, said Mathews. Sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Its really tough missing classes, because youre still responsible for the information and homework and the next class usually builds on the class before. But it takes more than just commitment and time management to be a student-athlete at PLNU; there are also the eligibility requirements and code of conduct to be followed. Student-Athletes are required to adhere to the same academic and institutional policies as all other students, but also have further requirements put on them by the NCAA, PacWest and coaches. PLNU requires that student-athletes maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA and are enrolled in 12 units full-time, according to Jackie Armstrong, assistant athletic director for compliance. The NCAA DII Regulations Handbook states all student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 12 units a semester and maintain what is known as progress toward a degree. Within the 12 units [an athlete] takes minimum per semester, at least six of the 12 units must be toward your declared major, said Armstrong. Armstrong says there is one exception to the NCAAs full-time requirement. Seniors who in their final semester have fewer than 12 units left required for graduation may be part time. If this is the case, an athlete is only required to take his or her remaining units but must graduate at the end of that semester to be eligible to practice and play. In order to stay in line with requirements, athletes are required to go through Armstrong to add or drop classes or to change their major. This is to monitor and make sure they remain full-time students and are on track with the progress toward a degree requirement. According to Armstrong, the typical PLNU student-athlete is above and beyond both institutional and NCAA requirements, and the few who struggle are given help and guidance to keep them eligible for their sport. The NCAA has really strict rules on code of conduct and eligibility, said Mathews. On top of the NCAA nation-wide expectations, [Coach Tim Hall] and the school enforce additional requirements. In addition to the school covenant, we have soccer responsibilities. Were required to be at all practices, coordinate with teachers for missed class,

Claire Mathews (6) is a physics and engineering major in addition to playing soccer for PLNU. PLNU requires all student-athletes to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 in order to compete. The womens soccer team at PLNU boasts a collective GPA of 3.6.

photo courtesy of plnu sports information

I feel like they represent Loma, represent themselves, their team they represent faith if thats what they claim. Tim Hall PLNU Womens Soccer Head Coach
keep grades and eligibility, and basically just keep track of our life. Some coaches may add additional expectations for their athletes in terms of conduct. Head baseball coach Joe Schaefer expects his athletes to remember they represent his program and PLNU at all times and to make their decisions based around this fact. We tell them that its a privilege to get to be a part of this baseball program, said Schaefer. Not everybody gets this opportunity and they

can lose it at any given time based on the decisions that they make. We hold them to a stricter conduct policy than even the schools in regards to alcohol and drugs and things of those nature... We want them to understand they have the spotlight on them and people look at them differently than other students. Junior pitcher Garret Levsen knows full well the expectations Schaefer has of him and his teammates and tries his best to live up to them. Coach always encourages us to make the right decisions on and off the field, no matter how big or small the decision is, said Levsen. We as athletes represent our team and what our school stands for. Head womens soccer coach Tim Hall holds similar expectations of his players. I feel like they represent Loma, represent themselves, their team they represent faith if thats what they claim, said Hall. I dont expect anybody to walk on water or be perfect, this is a growth environment, but when you look at a persons life across the board they need to be, at the end of the day, leaning towards the side of doing what they say. The average GPA of the womens soccer team is 3.6, well above and beyond what is required by the school and NCAA, and one coach Hall is extremely proud of. Tim reinforces NCAA and school policies, but also challenges us spiritually and ethically, said Mathews. He expects us to love and respect every member on the team and really cultivates a family dynamic between the girls. He encourages us to make wise decisions with our time outside of soccer and requires us to take responsibility for our own lives. According to Assistant Athletic Director Russ Blunck, one of the main reasons PLNU chose to change

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

KAPTAN KASTER M. TENNIS
Kaster scored a pair of points for the Sea Lions in their match against NCAA Div. III No. 19-ranked Amherst College Thursday. First, he teamed up with Daniel Milliken on court No. 3 to win his doubles match 8-6. Then the junior from Alpine, Calif. won his singles match in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) on court No. 6, though the Sea Lions ultimately fell to the Lord Jeffs 2-7 at home.

JENNIFER VAN WEY W. TRACK AND FIELD

For the second week in a row, Van Wey raced her way up the PLNU record books. At the Ross and Sharon Irwin Collegiate Scoring Meet, Van Wey won the womens 100-meter dash in 12.10 seconds, a new personal best and just .06 seconds off the PLNU school record. The senior from Temecula, Calif. also improved her 200 PR to 24.80, good for third all-time at PLNU.

to NCAA DII is the divisions focus of life in the balance. They want people to enjoy a great athletic experience, but they also want them to enjoy being engaged in the academic part, the social part and, in our case, we have the spiritual part, said Blunck. They want kind of the complete whole person, not just the athlete. There are 240 student-athletes at PLNU, and the vast majority of them are succeeding well over the bare minimum that is expected of

them. Mathews says she appreciates the opportunity she has been given to be a student-athlete at PLNU and feels it is worth all the craziness she has to endure to be successful. Playing soccer is definitely worth it, said Mathews. I love my team, running around, staying fit and being challenged. Although it is difficult at times because of the travel and time commitment, I absolutely love playing soccer and I am very grateful I have the opportunity to do so.

SEA LIONS SCOREBOARD

TRACK AND FIELD
3/23 Women 1st, Men 6th Ross and Sharon Irwin Collegiate Scoring Meet

WOMENS TENNIS
3/18 L 3-6 vs. Williams College

MENS TENNIS
3/21 L 2-7 vs. Amherst College

BASEBALL
3/20 W 4-1 vs. Bethesda University 3/22 L 1-3 Cal State San Marcos 3/23 L 7-8, L 4-5 (DH) @ Cal State San Marcos

FOR MORE SCORES AND STATS, CHECK OUT:

WWW.PLNUSEALIONS.COM

Monday,january March 25, 2013 the point weekly | monday, 23, 2012

sports | 5

Q&A with All-American basketball player Callie Rhoads

christina kilpatrick staff writer
Junior Callie Rhoads, leading scorer for the womens basketball team this year, was named an NCCAA second team All-American this season. The San Diego Hall of Champions named Rhoads a Star of the Month for February for her impressive play on the court, and she was also named to the All-Pacific West Conference second team. Rhoads ranked ninth in the PacWest Conference with 14.4 points per game, led the conference with 2.5 3-pointers made per game and led the Sea Lions to an eighth-place finish in their first season in the highly competitive PacWest. The Point Weekly was able to sit down with Rhoads as she reflected on the teams successes and struggles this season and her hopes for next year. Point Weekly: What was it like adjusting to the new conference? Callie Rhoads: It was difficult at the beginning for us because we didnt know what to expect, and the name Division II just sounds really intimidating. But I think that once we played in a few games we realized that we can play with these people and that these teams were not as good as we thought they were going to be. PW: How was the team able to turn it around in the second half of the season? CR: Okay, well, we lost a player, Nyla, and so I think it was hard adjusting because our entire offense was surrounded around her, and so other people needed to step up. We figured out how to win as a team instead of having an individual leader. PW: What specific adjustments did you have to make on the court without Nyla? CR: We had to start playing as a team and using what we did have, individually. So, for example, Savannah is a great penetrator and scorer, and she helped with passing. With Nyla we didnt have that. We just passed it to Nyla, and we relied on her a lot. PW: How did the season match up to any personal or team goals you had? CR: I think we did a lot better than we thought we were going to do. And I think that if we had the mindset that we had at the end of the year at the beginning we would have beaten a lot more teams. PW: What was the most interesting thing that happened on one of your road trips? CR: Well, that trip to Utah was pretty horrible. It was long. We went from here to Las Vegas, practiced in Vegas, and then stayed the night and went straight over to play the game and then went the full eight hours the next day. It was just exhausting. PW: How did the fans contribute, if at all, to the season? CR: I think that was definitely

Junior Callie Rhoads was the leading scorer for the PLNU womens basketball team with 14.4 points per game. For her stellar play all season long, Rhoads was named an NCCAA second team All-American, second team All-Conference for the PacWest and a San Diego Hall of Champions Star of the Month for February.

photo courtesy of plnu sports information

a factor. Obviously when youre at home and the crowd is helping you out, its going to make the other team second guess the game and think, Oh, well were in their house, so I dont know if its going to work out so well. Everyones support really helps. PW: Does the team have any traditions? CR: We always pray be-

fore every game, and I think thats brought us closer. PW: Did you have a favorite game? CR: I dont know. Thats a hard one. I think the one thats kind of disappointing that I keep going back to is losing to Dixie state in that lastsecond shot because we worked so hard to keep ourselves in that game, and we could have won it so easily with little things, and she shot it over the backboard and made it last second. That one sticks out in my head. We just learned that every basket, everything, counts. PW: What do you think next year is going to look like for the team? CR: Next year were going to go a lot further, and I think were going to be able to go to Nationals next year. I think that since there are going to be so many seniors next year, were going to have a lot of motivation to do well.

BASEBALL WIN STREAK REACHES FOUR BEFORE SERIES LOSS TO SAN MARCOS

Rhoads led the PacWest Conference with 2.5 3-pointers made per game, ranked second in 3-point percentage (.442) and was ninth in scoring with 14.4 ppg.

photo courtesy of plnu sports information

PW: Do you have any personal goals for next season? CR: I think just maybe being a positive influence on everyone else and keeping our team united instead of relying on just one person.

photo courtesy of plnu sports information

Senior Bryan Burkhead blasted a solo home run in the second inning, and the PLNU baseball team beat Bethesda University 4-1 Tuesday at Carroll B. Land Stadium. The Sea Lion pitching staff held the Flames to just four hits, and junior Clinton Harwick notched three hits of his own, as the Sea Lions stretched their win streak to four games. The Green and Gold were unfortunately unable to continue their momentum through the weekend, dropping all three games of their series to Cal State San Marcos (1-3, 7-8, 4-5). Next up for the Sea Lions is a four-game series at home against PacWest rival Hawaii Pacific University. The first doubleheader will begin Friday at noon, and the second will be Saturday at the same time.

Do you want to be next years Point Weekly sports editor?

Email Jacob Roth: jroth2014@pointloma.edu for more information.

6|

Why Lent?
tim whetstone university chaplain
Why Lent? What in the world is Lent?. . . Lents not for me, its for those other people. Do any of these statements sound familiar? As such, I hope to briefly (due to space) bring this rich Christian tradition into a practice that can be embraced. Lent comes from the AngloSaxon word lencten, which simply means spring. The season of Lent, therefore, begins just prior to spring with Ash Wednesday. The practices that occur during Lent provide us with the opportunity to confront our own mortality and to confess our sin before God within the community of faith. Its an opportunity to worship and participate in confessing who we are without Christ and, even more, who we can become with Christ. Ash Wednesday has a long history in both Jewish and Christian worship in the customary use of ashes. Typically, the sign of the cross is marked on ones forehead with ashes to represent mortality, repentance and dependence upon the grace of God. The imposition of the ashes can be a powerful and tangible way of participating in the call of reconciliation. Traditionally, Lent has been a season of preparation for baptism yet even more a time of self-examination and a time of giving something up as a means of remembering and experiencing to a small degree the great sacrifice Christ made for us. This period of sacrifice and fasting helps to prepare us for celebrating the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. These 40 days prior to Easter (not including Sundays, which are celebration days in which one can break their fast), intentionally correspond with the time that Jesus spent in the desert prior to beginning his public ministry. Throughout church history, Lent has come to represent a time of repentance and renewal for all Christians. Thus, its not based upon daily practices, but instead a challenge to take a journey as individuals seeking Gods transformation as well as to enter into solidarity with others. Spiritual Disciplines help us during this season to intentionally create space for God to make us Holy! This may sound like a lofty goal, but possibly Richard Fosters words can help speak truth into such practices. Holiness never involves works but it most assuredly involves effort. Hence we cannot ignore the question of practice [so], we train As athletes of God we plan a regimen of spiritual Disciplines that will stimulate our growth in grace. If we are struggling with pride, we learn service, which leads us into the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. If we are needing hope, we learn prayer. . . And on it goes. Throughout we are training for holiness.

the point weekly | monday, january 23, 2012

So, what the heck is Lent? Simply, its a time we set aside as the larger body of Christ where we empty ourselves. We seek to die to self, receive from Christ and give to others. We die and begin the newness of life the Spirit brings and learn to live as a resurrected people. Time is set aside to slow down and concentrate on the deepening of our relationship with God through participation in activities which nurture our souls and empower us for the journey ahead. The Lenten season for me has been filled with busy-ness, primarily due to my move and new job at PLNU which I am humbled daily by and LOVE! Yet, I have done my best to take time to instill certain fasts and additional time with my Lord. For example, my Instagram God moments! Simply, Ive been doing my best to take more time to worship by recognizing God in these small moments and capture them through Instagram these may be a face my kids make, a flower I see, the ocean waves or even a

snow storm I got trapped in on my trek across the country! Why lent? Its a privilege to contemplate the suffering of Christ and recognize that Christ entered into our own suffering and so we too can compassionately enter into others suffering. The season of Lent may chronologically end with the resurrection of our Lord, but the challenge to live as resurrected people who partner in Gods continued mission to love the world continues daily. Maybe the question really shouldnt be Why Lent?, but Why not Lent? So, in prayer, let us take the time to enter into this practice and may His Spirit then shape and transform us both individually and corporately as a Holiness people living lives that declare, He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

The Catholic tradition: Lent as penance

sean woodard junior
Lent is a time of sorrow and penitence. Out of remembrance of Christs time in the desert for 40 days and nights and His sacrifice on the cross, we must sacrifice a part of ourselves as atonement for our sins and sorrow for our Lords death on the cross until he rises again at Easter. The Lenten tradition of giving up something has been preserved in various degrees by other Christian traditions outside the Catholic Church, but in many cases Christians including Catholics have lost the meaning of this practice. In some ways, the idea of giving up something for Lent has evolved into a competition among people, where comparing their sacrifices is a way of proving their devotion or lack thereof. Similarly, one can extrapolate ones sacrifice to the point where it becomes a means for gloating this self-edifying then creates a self-centered atmosphere, elevating ones self-importance above Christs sacrifice. Therefore, this example loses all measure of significance and diminishes the purpose and importance of a Lenten sacrifice. The Lenten season is also a time to do more it is also a time for spiritual growth. The purpose of a sacrifice is not to get by with the minimal amount every year if so, how would one grow in faith with such a mindset? Some may ask, how can one do more when one should be sacrificing? In the Catholic tradition in addition to abstinence from meat and fasting on certain days one isnt limited to making a personal sacrifice; it is one option one can choose as penance other alternatives include tithing, almsgiving and works of mercy. Your initial Lenten penance can always have things added to it as well for example, persons can choose instead to be more charitable or recite additional prayers beyond their usual number as their form of penance. In terms of telling others what your penance is, Catholics are not forbidden to; yet, it is preferable to keep it to yourself, so as to not fall into those aforementioned pitfalls. It is best to keep your Lenten penance to yourself because it is your own self-prescribed penance almost like the one a Catholic would receive after exiting a Confessional and you alone are responsible for carrying it out for the benefit of your spiritual growth. The important thing to reemphasize is that Lent is a sorrowful season and penance is preparation for Easter time when Christ is risen again. Then there can be much rejoicing.

the point weekly | monday, january 23, 2012

Responding to grace No Top 40, for 40 days in the small things

guimel sibingo junior michael dean clark professor of writing
The first time I engaged the practice of giving up something in my life for the Lenten season, I stopped riding elevators. That sounds like a small thing, maybe even a little shallow and, well, maybe it was. But in the cosmic scale of Gods immensity and my relative smallness in comparison, there really isnt anything I can give up that would qualify as significant. And thats not the point of the exercise anyway, as I understand it (though I will stipulate that Lent was never a part of my system growing up, so I likely engage it a bit less formally than others). So I gave up elevators and walked the steps to my sixth floor office in the morning, back down and across campus to teach my class on the third floor of a building for my first class, back down those three flights and then back up the six to my office, down again to go to the library and coffee shop, back up the six to get my bag from my office, back down and across campus in the opposite direction then up four flights to my second class, back down and then off campus for the day. Repeat every time I was on campus. Needless to say, this provided thousands of opportunities to think about sacrifice and, for me anyway, the act of grace. Grace, in many instances (probably most) requires the giver to sacrifice the response that they should give for the one that is needed. And that sacrifice often means taking the stairs when the elevator would be easier. Before this becomes too metaphorical, Lent asks us to give up something so we can hold in our minds the reality that the faith we are called to is not the easy path. It is not the most pleasant choice. And its definitely not the default setting of our self-centered nature. But grace is our calling, as easy as it is to forget this in the daily assault we call living. And giving up elevators or whatever else is going to make me mindful of that calling is why I took up this practice in the first place. Anyone who knows me knows I am addicted to music. And not just any kind of music: the top 40 stuff that everyone makes fun of. The rap that everyone is repulsed by. Dont get me wrong, I like a lot of stuff that isnt mainstream, but the point is that I listen to a lot of music, especially secular music. In fact, I am dependent on it to get through my day. Whenever I am sad, I blare some Jay-Z to get my mind off of things. When I am bored with homework and want to have fun I listen to Beyonc and get my dance on. Occasionally Ill put in some acoustic John Mayer to get into more of a serene mood. I always knew I had this dependency, but I never really acknowledged it. Before this year I had never participated in Lent. It was definitely an experience I wanted to try. As I thought about what to give up, I thought of my friend Ellen, who had given up secular music the previous year. I thought to myself, Listening to Christian music exclusively for 40 days? NO WAY! You have to understand, no one wants to listen to three hundred different renditions of

|7

Blessed Be Your Name or Chris Tomlin on repeat for 40 days. I thought that option would definitely be torture. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew that my dependency on music for my comfort was something that kept me tied to my selfish desires and prevented me from reaching God in a fuller way. So, after some prayerful consideration, I decided to give it up. Let me tell you, when you fast, you fast. Depriving myself of the music that I depended on and delving into music that I was not too familiar with and often hated was difficult, but it taught me one thing: fasting forced me to face myself. I couldnt hide behind lyrics promoting selfishness and self-gratification; I had to listen to Scripture and spiritual themes that have been so familiar and so dear to me over the years. I learned that Lent is not about a discipline (although thats part of it) or checking a 40-day fast off the list, but it is about making room for God to speak. And plus, I discovered that not all Christian music is bad! At the end of the day, my prayer is that, as I return to listening to secular music, I may not forget the lessons I learned during my 40-day fast and may rather continue to make room for God, even as I rock out to Beyonc!

The art of fasting

kyle lundberg senior
There we were, just me and my roommates box of Goldfish. It was 4 p.m., and I was hungry. I reached for the box, and then stopped myself. I would get through this, with Gods help. I have never fasted before in my life. Not once. Ive heard it could be good for you, but I just never really thought it would have any relevance to my life. But, this Lenten season, I began to realize how much I schedule my life around food. Meals are programmed into my day like everything else. I wanted to break that automatic cycle. I figured fasting two days every week would be a great way to start. I have been surprised about how much judgment Ive received for my decision. I am a notoriously skinny fellow, and family members are concerned that Im not eating enough as it is. They dont seem to believe me when I tell them I eat plenty, I just have a very high metabolism. I appreciate the concern, but since when was Lent supposed to be about my well-being? I think we rely so much upon how our bodies are doing: are we dieting, getting enough greens, enough exercise, following the food pyramid? Diet is important, but we often shape our bodies into physical perfection while leaving our spirits to rot. Lent is a time to truly dig into fasting, to remind ourselves that our earthly bodies are temporary. No matter how much we may shape them, tone them or flex them, they can still be broken. A friend asked me if fasting worked. I say yes, because, when Im hungry, all I can think about is food. And, when Im thinking about food, Im reminding myself why I dont have any. So, my body is biologically conditioned to think about nothing but God. Hunger, God, Hunger, Godits a cycle that can only be broken by food. Does it hurt? Yes, especially around 4 p.m. And then theres the difficulty of deciding what constitutes food. Would drinking Jamba Juice be considered breaking fast? Much to my chagrin, I decided yes. But I just remind myself

illustration by lara khodanian & rachel harrell

that pain (and the lack of a cool drink on a hot afternoon) can sometimes be a blessing. Anything that forces us to face the reality of God in such an immediate and constant way is worth doing, at least occasionally.

8 | Features

the point weekly | Monday, monday,March january 23, 2012 25, 2013

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK ...hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. -The Shawshank Redemption
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Senior reflection: Looking back on her days at PLNU with Katie Haeuser
katie haeuser contributor
On August 21, 2009, I stepped foot on foreign ground. Minnesota, my safe haven, and everything I knew blue license plates, flat terrain, clothing without sales tax, season changes (I mean real season changes), lakes on lakes on lakes all of that was 1,992 miles away as I entered into the great unknown: Point Loma. Without any cultural preparation, I was thrown into an alien land where burritos are their own food group, stoplights snap photos of red light-running culprits (with frighteningly bright flashes, I might add), everyone starts drooling over something called pa-zoo-key, and boots and scarves are worn in 65 degree weather. To say I felt out of place would be extremely accurate. As a 20-year-old college freshman living in Nease (N5N shout out), I was amazed how quickly I felt at home. Its funny how pumpkin carving in the hallway, making music videos, puddle jumping in slippers, fortbuilding and a really unhealthy amount of sleep can turn a bunch of strangers into family. My life at Loma holds a wide array of impactful experiences, wonderful and not so wonderful. My sophomore year was full of uncountable sleepless nights, yielding photobooth shoots, profound conversation, midnight burritos for days and soul-searching. Junior year was a social high, jam-packed with everything spontaneous: donut runs, day trips to Julian, ballroom dancing gyrads, watching fireworks from a couch at Fiesta Island, Saturdays at the farmers market, Goodwin prank wars (R3 beat you, F1, sorry were not sorry), roadtrips up the coast, study forts in the Goods lounge...the list goes on. And senior year, the final months of my time here, has fully encompassed my Point Loma experience, full of reflection, nostalgia, laughter, tears and love. Since that August afternoon almost four years ago, I have been blessed with the opportunity to hear and share stories, goals, frustrations, hopes, lessons, hurts, joys and adventures with a handful of the extraordinary people who walk

this campus. Each persons story has left an imprint on my life and impacted me in unspeakable ways. Being a part of Point Loma has revealed to me something I had never truly encountered: Gods love in real-time. Through the witness and compassion of this community, be it friends, roommates or professors,

the love of God is alive to me in a way I never imagined possible. On top of that, I have a million dollar view, Im a 15 minute drive from the downtown area of a city I love, Im receiving a bachelors degree from this place that will (hopefully) provide me with whatever I need for the next adventure God has for me.

photo courtesy of katie haeuser

Have you caught the fever of my love for Loma yet? Friends, there is a captivating magic in this place. I urge you to wholly engage during your time here: God is wonderfully full of surprises.

They dont just read exams: PLNU professors rate their top 5 books
amy williams staff writer
I wish I read more. Im not talking about the 20 pages of Aristotle reading that I was assigned over the weekend. I wish I had more time to read books that I might actually enjoy. So, in an effort to learn where to start, I set out to find what professors at PLNU think are some of the books that every college student should read. Heres what they said: Jaeyoon Kim, professor of history, recommends: Dan Siegel Describes how to parent, based on the latest brain research. tional. This book was a life-changer for me in college. er, those who do not read it really are missing out.

Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman Describes how to build a lasting marriage. Yoyo Dad 2: Dating Well in an Up and Down World, by John Wu and Tasha Wright Okay, I know I am one of the authors, but the book describes the impact of poor marriage, common mistakes people make while dating and what to look for while dating to choose a good mate. If you ever want to borrow a copy to peruse, let me know and I am happy to loan you one.
Michael Lodahl, professor of theology and world religions, recommends:

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Read this during summer vacation while in college what an amazing journey through questions of human nature, good and evil, existence of God, etc. The Chosen & The Promise by Chaim Potok Philosopher-rabbi Potoks first novel and its sequel: lovely introduction to Judaism, to the importance of textual study and mostly of friendship. The Plague by Albert Camus Stirring exploration of human existence in the light of suffering and a strong objection to traditional conceptions of God and Gods presence in the world.
Kris Lambert, professor of nursing, Recommends:

Dracula by Bram Stoker While most people focus on the supernatural aspects of Dracula, it is truly the first tech-thriller; it is through the cutting-edge technology of the day that Van Helsing et al accomplish their goals. Furthermore, it features a fully developed female lead, Mina. Many modern vampire novels cannot claim the same. Dracula showed that a novel could be intelligent, thought-provoking, scandalous and enduring while still telling a great, memorable story. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Almost as famous for its iconic cover art as it is for its story, The Great Gatsby is one of the definitive American novels. The story follows a group of people who are all connected and interconnected in various ways that are revealed as the novel unfolds. The Great Gatsby is strongly character driven and the prose paints such a complete, emotional picture in a way that is fresh and powerful. It completely deserves its title as one of the best novels of the 20th century.

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire is not a book per se, but it is a play that manages to read like a novel and transcend its stage directions and descriptions and move the reader without actors bringing the words to life (though when performed it is fantastic). Atlas Shrugged / The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand It is difficult to choose between Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. The Fountainhead is a more romantic, individualistic philosophical work, while Atlas Shrugged looks more at society, objectivism and how excellence is often punished. The novels should be read together to fully develop the concepts and ideas that the novels encapsulate.
So, during Easter break when youre looking for something to do, grab one of these books and enjoy some casual reading. Maybe youll earn some brownie points with the professor who suggested the read.

Silence by Endo Shusaku The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston Born Red by Gao Yuan What is History by Edward Haller Carr Cousins of Color by William Schroder
John Wu, professor of psychology, recommends:

Confessions by Augustine Beautiful portrait of a human being seeking to become honest with God and with himself. Love it! I and Thou by Martin Buber Profound exploration of the nature of human existence as rela-

The Whole Brained Child by

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy War and Peace is one of those rare novels (though tome may be more appropriate based on its impressive 1,225 pages) that many people claim to have read. Howev-

25, 2013 the point weekly | Monday, monday,March january 23, 2012

Features | 9

Q&A: Jeff Bolster, dean of students, on housing and residential life

haley jonswald staff writer
There always seem to be a plethora of housing questions that pop up this time of year. Where am I supposed to find a roommate? Whats Flex? Can I have a pet iguana in my room if its in a tank? This year, the changes being made to housing have made for more questions than normal. The Point Weekly caught up with Jeff Bolster to clear up some of the concern. Point Weekly: When you were a student at PLNU, how was your residential life experience? Jeff Bolster: My time as a student here was very positive. I lived on campus all four years, I was involved in a lot of different things: student ministries, ASB and I was an RA. I just really enjoyed my on-campus experience. I began an internship here at PLNU three months after I graduated. PW: What changes have you seen over the years with residential life? JB: There have been some things that have changed and there have been things that have stayed consistent. I think the people here on campus are really committed to the student experience. I have seen that from when I was a student here until now. I think one thing that has changed, that I am proud of, is the work that the RDs and RAs do. I dont know if it is so much of a change as much of a highlight. We [the campus] place a high value on the people who serve as RDs and RAs. One thing I continue to see grow is that, the really professional and important work of the RDs. PW: How does the housing situation now compare to the first year you began working here as dean of students? JB: We have far more students who want to live on campus than what we have room for, which is a really nice problem to have. Every year there are fewer people that apply to live off campus. Thats a challenge, but its great. My first year that I took over, we had more than 400 people who wanted to live off campus. Something was not right. So we did some poking around and research. That research has been super helpful. We have really paid attention to the Res Life Survey. The student voice has really shaped the environment to the degree now that people want to be here. Now we have to prioritize who gets to be here on campus, which is crazy. So I am proud of that. I am thankful for that. PW: What do you guys want the new housing to be called, instead of coed? JB: We are calling it a flexible housing model, which I think it is because we have to be able to flex with the different demand. There are so many people that want to be on campus that having both genders in the buildings will allow us to fit as many people on campus as possible. I think its healthy and beneficial to have the opportunity. For instance, in Hendricks, where we have had men and women living there in the last two years, we have seen a decrease in damage and student conduct instances. I think it creates a healthier living environment potentially. PW: What is the reason for creating the flexible housing models? JB: There are more girls than guys. We will be able to fit more people living on campus. PW: What changes are being made to colony housing for next year? What is going to happen to married couples? JB: Anybody who is living in colony now has had a six month notice to move out in May. Because of the high demand of students wanting to live on campus, we had to release older students to find apartments off campus. It seemed crazy to me. The colony housing will be fully furnished, so our traditional undergraduate students can live in them. Financial aid will apply to the colony housing. We are actually benefiting far more of our students than the few people who were unfortunately inconvenienced. PW: What do you hope to see come from the changes you are making for next year? JB: We listen to students and we think about who we are. If stuff is not measuring up then we make changes. We want this place to be Christ-centered. Students were getting pushed around and we didnt like it. Putting freshmen in Klassen, Hendricks and Nease is going to give us the opportunity to have a really good intentional look at our first year students. We will always continue to make changes that are in the best interest of our students, and I think that has got to be the number one thing. PW: RA positions often get overlooked and may seem simpler than they really are. What goes on behind the scenes that students may not know about? JB: There are three job descriptions: RAs who work with freshmen, RAs who work with sophomores through seniors and RAs who work in Flex. Each of them averages 20 hours a week and has a significant range of responsibilities. It is a huge commitment. The willingness of these people to step into leadership in the context of their peers is pretty challenging. PW: Do the expectations and requirements of the RAs change ac-

cording to the year they are responsible for? Does it get easier? JB: It definitely gets different. Thats another change I have seen from when I started working here. We used to have a one-size-fits-all job description for RAs. I wouldnt say now its easier as they get older, but it gets very different how the RA needs to be supportive and available. PW: Is there anything you would like the students to know? JB: I think for our students, especially the ones that are here on campus, to know that they can approach their RD or their RA anytime with stuff that is going well or stuff that is not going well at any time. We want to know about it. RDs hold office hours every week. I always want students to know we are interested in hearing about whats working and whats not working and to find one of those people and tell them about it.

photo courtesy of jeff bolster

Q&A: Senior Honors Project preview with Lainie Bird

kyle lundberg editor in chief
Honors Projects: PLNUs guided and extensive research projects on a focused topic of the students choice. The projects are presented in late April or early May, and participants receive special recognition upon graduation. This week, we sat down with senior Lainie Bird, a senior journalism major who is researching administrative crisis response in college athletic scandals. Keep an eye out for more projects in our series. key is, when the crisis happens, your initial crisis response is most important. The two things these administrations lacked: they werent prepared for the crisis, and there was a lack of communication or delayed communication with the school and with authorities. I then gave five to seven general guidelines saying, Heres what every university could do. For example: issue your first communication with your audience within 30 minutes after you learn of a crisis. And, always tell the truth the truth is going to come out, and you want to be the one to say it. PW: How did you come up with the idea for the project? LB: When I took Media Ethics, I looked at the Penn State study for that class. I wanted to go deeper. I thought, How could I incorporate my journalism and my athletics into a project? I remember being so involved with the [PLNU] baseball scandal as editor of The Point Weekly, and the way the administration handled that, so that was definitely an influence as well. I asked, How can they let their audience know whats going on while still being sensitive to privacy issues? It just kind of evolved from there. PW: What are some of the more interesting things youve learned during your research?

Point Weekly: Tell us a bit about your project and what youre doing. Lainie Bird: Basically, Im looking at three different college athletic scandals the Duke Lacrosse scandal in 2006, the USD Basketball point shaving scandal in 2011 and the Penn State Jerry Sandusky scandal. I focused on those because theyre big cases and prominent in the news; maybe not so much the USD one, but I wanted to include something more local. I have a summary of each of those cases and how the administration responded what they did right and what they could improve on. The point Im trying to make is that even though they are unique cases, there are general guidelines that can be applied to any case. No university is immune to a crisis. The

photo courtesy of lainie bird

LB: Even though there are really different cases, I didnt expect there to be so many similarities. The major mistakes they made were really similar. I thought, Cool, I can make those connections. PW: Can you describe your research process? Has it been difficult juggling your project with sports, school and other obligations? LB: It really has helped me realize Im a deadline-oriented person. The big, yearlong project was diffi-

cult. It was challenging, but rewarding. Theres so much research, and you have to narrow down all this information. It was definitely nothing and then huge chunks of time. I would say, This is Honors Project weekend. You really do have to make sure you set aside time. Its doable if you have to crunch it in, but if you set aside a few hours on Saturday and a few on Sunday, it will get done. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do, but I didnt focus it in until after summer. If you have your project narrowed in, use the summer. But Ive really liked seeing everyone

elses projects. Theyre all so different but so cool. PW: What are your plans after graduation? LB: Right now, I think Im going to take a year off and work somewhere. Im going to take the L-Sat in October and apply to law schools. I want to go to UCLA; thats my dream school. I really would like to do family law.

10 | OPINION

the point weekly | monday, january 23, 2012 Monday, March 25, 2013 Kyle Lundberg Abby hamblin Callie Radke Jacob Roth Ian Crane Hana Eades Lara Khodanian Rachel Harrell Kendra Pittam Rachel Barr Keio Lewis Editor-in-chief News editor Features editor Sports editor A&E editor Opinion editor Layout editor Assistant Layout Copy editor Web Editor Ads manager

The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point Weekly or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the authors name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to hanaeades2009@pointloma.edu

Letters to the editor: responses to Students for Justice in Palestine denied club charter
students for justice in palestine group contributors

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Students for justice in Palestine, not indifference

We ask: who are we to ignore the plight of human casualty wherever it may be? Yes, even if it is in Palestine. How is this school to deny a coalition of students the right to express their desire for justice and peace? This is not about politics, nor is it about ideology; it is about standing up for justice without impartiality. It is about recognizing the outcry of people not only when it is the convenient status quo. We find it interesting that at this Christian institution when students appeal for Palestinian social justice, they are called anti-Semitic, hate-

ful or even Nazis by students and staff. This is shameful, and we resent these implications. It is disgraceful that justice can be seen as applicable to some and not to others; that our Nazarene university, which prides itself on its historic leadership in social justice, can turn its back on glaring tragedies simply because they have existed for so long and have become so easy to ignore. We recognize that this is a controversial subject for some, but we maintain that we have the right, and, in fact, the duty to speak freely and openly about injustice even when politics stand in the way. The denial of this club has disappointed us deeply. We are forced to ask if those who denied this club its charter care more for justice or are simply content with indifference.

Of course, indifference can be tempting more than that, seductive. It is so much easier to look away from victims. It is so much easier to avoid such rude interruptions to our work, our dreams, our hopes. It is, after all, awkward, troublesome, to be involved in another persons pain and despair. Yet, for the person who is indifferent, his or her neighbor are of no consequence. And, therefore, their lives are meaningless. Their hidden or even visible anguish is of no interest. Indifference reduces the Other to an abstraction ... Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response. Indifference is not a beginning; it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity, we betray our own The Perils of Indifference by Elie Wiesel

The Students for Justice in Palestine: Support the mission and core values of this university
ian mckay senior contributor
His name is Mohammed Asfour and we are both 22 years old. While I spent my Spring Break traveling the Southwest with friends, Asfour spent the week fighting for his life in a Tel Aviv hospital. Asfour is a Palestinian who joined thousands of other West Bank residents in demonstrations earlier this month in protest of a Palestinian who mysteriously died a week after being arrested by Israeli forces. While protesting, Asfour was shot in the head with a rubber bullet by an Israeli soldier. He immediately collapsed. The goal for the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) club is to create a dialogue with the community about the current situation in Palestine and discuss the history of the Palestinian people. In the process of learning about Palestine, we hope to debunk some of the popular myths such as: all Palestinians are terrorists, Good Christians must support Israel and all Palestinians are Muslims. It saddens me that students at PLNU can drift through their entire college career without an opportunity outside the classroom to discuss this issue formally. The first sentence of PLNUs mission statement reads: Point Loma Nazarene University exists to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged. A club should only be rejected by this university if it fails to follow the mission and core values of this institution, and in no way does SJP violate the mission and core values of PLNU. One of the core values of this university is: [a] willingness to hear and learn from many diverse voices is foundational to a Christian liberal arts education... We therefore actively pursue ideas, practices, and relationships that honor diversity and encourage engagement with others different from ones self in order to grow in community with and be reconciled to one another. But a club that seeks to actively engage this community in a tough dialogue about reconciliation in Palestine is not accepted? The SJP serves to discuss the plight of the Palestinian people, denouncing all forms of violence from either side while promoting Christ-like reconciliation. The idea that this somehow makes us radical and anti-Semitic is a huge misconception that is pervasive not only in this community but throughout this country as well. I admit that, politically, this club is not correct; some tremendously vocal groups in the United States will say we are too radical. But I believe that the liberal arts academic setting is where civil discourse, like the one we intend to have, should occur. We dont seek to be radical we seek Christs heart of justice. I am not asking that PLNU endorse the viewpoints of any of the individuals involved in this dialogue. I am asking that PLNU endorse the dialogue. I believe that this is a university where minds are engaged and challenged, but PLNU has robbed us of an opportunity. I ask, once again, that those involved in this decision re-assess this club as it has been presented and evaluate it purely on its fulfillment of the mission and core values of this institution, politics aside.

Awkward Sea Lion :

Sharing your Loma fails
You still have 16 chapels to go to...
...and realize you cant skip any more, including Time Out

You miss one step on the stairs outside the Caf...

...and grip the handrail as if youre about to die

You start chewing on a pen...

...th at you borrowed from a professor

Submit your Awkward Sea Lion moments to hanaeades2009@pointloma.edu

Editorial Cartoonist

Camron Cluff

25,23, 2013 the point weekly |Monday, monday,March january 2012

OPINION | 11

Homophobia at PLNU: What defines Loma appropriate?

ian crane arts & entertainment editor
Take that shirt off. Its not Loma appropriate. On Friday morning, a fellow PLNU student who was driving off campus directed these words toward me. I was simply walking to class and was definitely not wearing anything particularly scandalous. After looking through my closet that morning and deciding that I did not want to have to think about what I was going to wear, I decided that it was a T-shirt day; I allow myself one of these every two weeks or so. That particular day, I decided to wear a shirt I purchased on a weekend in San Fransisco two summers ago. It read, Legalize Gay. While in San Fransisco, like a pilgrimage, I went into Harvey Milks old camera store in the Castro, San Franciscos LGBTQ district, which was and has continued to be the site of much change, protest and political movement in LGBTQ history. This old camera store, rife with palpable history, has been renovated into one of the Human Rights Campaigns (HRC) main stores. The HRC is an organization that, according to their website, seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans. Even though my bank account was painfully low, I could not walk away from this store without purchasing the T-shirt. I knew that this would be a way to support an organization I believe in and also give me a way to boldly declare my support for advancing LGBTQ rights. I would be lying if I said that I was unaware of the fact that this shirt would stir up some comments here at PLNU. I am also aware that I chose a very specific time to wear Legalize Gay across my chest. With BrigePointLoma recently being covertly told to cease action, and the Groundswell petition started by alumnus Todd Clayton attracting much attention, there is a lot of conversation going around on our campus regarding this subject. With Rob Bell and Hillary Clinton recently backing same-sex marriage, both the evangelical and political scenes are experiencing much discussion on this topic. Additionally, on March 26 and 27, the Supreme Court will be hearing two very important cases in support of same-sex marriage. Now, while I may be understanding the heated political climate right now, I am by no means understanding of the attack that I received on Friday morning. The comment was not one that was willing to participate in a conversation. It was not coming from someone interested in hearing a new perspective and boldly risking ending up on the other side of the argument. It was one, however, that was radically and fundamentally in opposition to an actual conversation. One that is ready to silence the idea of conversation by declaring my shirt was not Loma appropriate. I am, by no means, wanting to generalize this experience across campus. I received many compliments on my choice of apparel and participated in a few open discussions because of the T-shirt that I chose to wear. A lesbian couple on campus even stopped me to tell me how much they loved my shirt. This previously noted remark, however, was truly disappointing and showed me just why this conversation of LGBTQ people and the church needs to continue on our campus. If even one student thinks my Legalize Gay T-shirt is not Loma appropriate, then PLNU is doing something very, very wrong. And the notion of what it means to be appropriate at PLNU is skewed, at best. At a university, students should be radically encountering a vast array of opinions, people and worldviews and constantly growing their understanding of the world around them. This close-minded, closeted homophobia should be what is not Loma appropriate and it is what we should not allow on our campus. We as a university do not want to be known for being so close-minded. As Obama recently stated in his second inaugural speech, Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law... For if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Friends, let us be a place known for encouraging and supporting the other, constantly participating in conversation that has the ability to expand and never attempting to silence those who are different from ourselves in any way.

photo courtesy of hana eades

Horticulturists anonymous
hana eades opinion editor
Disclaimer: These steps are meant as an entertaining approach to show Hanas appreciation for gardening. Not in any way do they represent the true value of any 12-step programs. God knows that I have a problem with buying plants. I know I should feel bad about my addiction, yet I still struggle to stop purchasing. I have told a few friends (other than Gnomey, of course) about my addiction to gardening. up the dirt around the flower pots. Other than that, I still love my plants. This program of weaning me from plant-purchasing has been a complete struggle.

Poetry Corner
eddie matthews staff writer The Dream Worker I wonder if there is a communal dream grave, Where all the firemen aspirations ashes are sprinkled beside the Hollywood flashes, In an expanse of dead fields of ambition, Which are really only shadows of shadows, Smothered by the reason of our logician. Each limp shadow still shows its wounds, Each one still has a heart and broken wings, On this onea teachers word still stings, On this onea lovers hope still sings. And I wonder if there is a dream gravedigger, An undertaker of the ethereal dreamscape soil, Who fearlessly walks listening for that broken call, Of a weak Halleluuuuuuu...... ........yeah he whispers, answering with a nod, His hands are probably calloused and broad, With a limp and a worn out shovel, Hes been at it for thirty yearsnot taking the pension, That signifies retirement in all empyreal dimensions, Nope, he works tirelessly on, with a whistling tune, Until he hears the faint heartbeat of a dream half hewn, And he unearths it, and stitches the wings back together, With the heart at the center, And bids it a good journey, with a courteous bow, One dream salvaged unto the stars we endow.

Step 6: I am entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character
As long as the defects of my character are removed, but not my plants, Ill be OK. But then again, my plants are directly related to my defects of character. Well, maybe Im not ready for this step. Anyhow, on to the next.

Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God as I understood Him, praying only for knowledge of Gods will for me and the power to carry that out. Whenever I pray, I tend to still be surrounded by my flower garden, and then I focus more on the flowers and what I need to do to nurture them than I focus on my prayer. Meditation to avoid thinking of plants is difficult when surrounded by plants, to say the least. Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, I tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. I have talked to one other horticulture addict, and she most likely will not participate in this program. Actually, she reminded me that I need to go get some bug repellent for my plants so that they wont die. Anyhow, this has been great, but now I need to run to the flower shop.

Step 1: I admit I am powerless over my addiction and that my life has become unmanageable.
I love gardening. Sure, there is something motivating and encouraging about nurturing a living thing on a daily basis; however, my appreciation for nature has turned into something more. I have an obsession with buying plants.

Step 7: I need to humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings.

Seeing as I cannot give up my plants, I acknowledge that I need to humbly ask God to forgive me of my shortcomings; I continually buy plants and tend to them on a daily basis, so God, please forgive me.

Step 2: I acknowledge that only a higher power can help me through this addiction to horticulture.
Friends tell me that I should seek help. I have tried by talking with some of my friends but I realize that my garden gnome named Gnomey doesnt count as a real accountability partner.

Step 8: Here is where I need to make a list of all the people I have caused harm to, and make amends to them.
First off, if any of my neighbors have allergies, I am truly sorry for my gardening obsession. To those who live below me, I apologize for when the water from the flower pots runs off the balcony and onto your sidewalk, instead of down the drain like it should. To my roommates, I am sorry for the potting soil that sometimes blows out of the flower pots and into the walkway.

Step 3: I am turning over my will and the will of my plants to the care of God as I understand God.
I need to realize that my garden, although it consists of Gods creativity, does not belong to only me; it is a shared relationship between the Creator and myself.

Step 4: I have searched fearlessly and made a moral inventory of myself.

Although Id like to think I am a good person, I know that I do not always have the greatest moral judgment. Sometimes I even treat some plants better than others, because I feel theyre sad for not having as much sunlight.

Step 9: Now, I need to make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others
Wait, didnt I just do that in Step 8? Im so confused!

Step 5: I have admitted to God, to myself and to another human being the exact nature of my wrongs.

Step 10: This step should be a continued attempt to make a personal inventory and promptly admit when I have been wrong.
I suppose I was wrong to not clean

photo courtesy of hana eades

Do you have thoughts on any of the topics discussed in The Point Weekly? Email them to: hanaeades2009@ pointloma.edu. Keep responses to fewer than 400 words each.

12 | arts & entertainment

Monday, january March 25, 2013 the point weekly | monday, 23, 2012

3/26 Tightly, Emily Pooles Show Opening @ Keller Visual Arts, 5 p.m. 3/26 Sirensongs, Juliette Singler in Recital @ Crill Performance Hall, 7:30 p.m. 3/23 - 4/21 A Dolls House @ The Old Globe, 7 p.m. 3/30- 4/7 Murder at the Cathedral @ Civic Theater, 7 p.m. 4/11 Rihanna @ Valley View Casino Center, 7:30 p.m. 4/16 Youth Lagoon @ The Casbah, 8 p.m. 4/20 - 28 Aida @ Civic Theater, 7 p.m.

photo courtesy of mariah dietzler

Installation by Lara Khodanian, Rachel Harrell, Candice Allen and Jenna Sawyer

Art students brighten up campus

ian crane a&e editor
For a project in Lael Corbins Three-Dimensional Design course, a required course for all majors in the Department of Art & Design, students installed site-specific sculptures in various locations around campus. According to Mariah Dietzler, a graphic design student enrolled in Three-Dimensional Design, this project was titled Exploring Negative Space, and the students only materials were the pre-existing structures on campus and hot pink twine. These sculptures remained installed March 18-20.

photo courtesy of mariah dietzler

Installation by Mariah Dietzler, Noelle Moore, Erinn Guthro and Melanie Voigt

David Bowie returns on top with new album, The Next Day
sean woodard staff writer
Many were surprised, while others believed the rumors werent true. But after a 10-year silence between records and a stint of semiretirement, David Bowie, 66, released a new album that caught fans and the music industry off guard. The glam-rocker and chameleon of music, Bowie kept the album production a complete secret, even from his record company. When press releases made the news official, hype about the announcement skyrocketed. But how does the album stand up? Quite honestly, it contains some of the best material Bowie has released since his Ziggy Stardust heyday in the 70s. Even if one isnt a David Bowie fan or only knows him for his hits Space Oddity, Starman and Changes, one can find much to appreciate and enjoy about this stellar album. Bowies second single, The Stars (Are Out Tonight), is not only a top-notch rocker, its one of the best songs hes written. The song features an up-tempo guitar heavy track that propels his commentary on fame and celebrities to unrealized heights, summed up in a staccato-voiced chorus: Stars are never sleeping / Dead ones and the living. In contrast, Bowies first single, Where are we now? is a slow ballad that can be interpreted as pondering time and love but could represent more. The narrator speaks of specific places in Berlin that change over time. The album also features lyrics that call to mind visceral imagery and sharp-tongued commentary, including songs like Boss of Me and Id Rather Be High, which attacks politics and war. There is still a bit of rebelliousness and restlessness in many numbers, especially in the lyrics of the track Dirty Boys: I will buy a feather hat / I will steal a cricket bat / Smash some windows, make a noise / We will run with dirty boys. Each individual song on the album can stand on its own, but what really makes the album work is its overall cohesiveness. Bowie shifts tones and styles between songs from hard rock to introspective ballads and glam-rock numbers but this creates a nice contrast and leaves room for experimentation. The cover takes Bowies 1977 Heroes album artwork and scratches out the title, pasting a white placard over Bowies face and the new albums title boldfaced in the center. This could represent a shift for Bowie as an artist (although hes done this multiple times) not that hes denying his past successes, but rather that he is willing to further experiment and expand his musical boundaries and not live off of accumulated fame. Overall, The Next Day is a successful effort and welcome return for Bowie. Although Bowie doesnt plan on touring anytime soon, his newest material is enough to whet music lovers palates and even encourage them to rediscover his earlier music.

photo courtesy of ian crane

Details of senior visual arts student Emily Pooles sculptural installation show, Tightly. Her show opens in Keller Visual Arts Center Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. and will remain open until April 4.