Lanthorn January 26, 2009 : Page 1
Track, fi eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning. Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police. Police estimated the for the Department of Public Saf are fortunate at GVSU that no one died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not fortunate. According to an Associated “Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact.” student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average. “We were fortunate this (student) didn’t BRANDON DEHAAN DPS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR analysis, 157 college students ag 24 died from poisoning from 2005. As of 20 people on ave each year from poisoning. While 35 may not seem signifi cant pe of all college in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside. “Students ne www.lanthorn.com ey GVL Archive / Kelly Begerow Too much: Alcohol poisoning has become an issue of great concern both on and off campus. social gatherings, during and after the fact,” ck, fi eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valle ck, fi eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning. Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police. Police estimated the for the Department of Public Saf are fortunate at GVSU that no one died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not fortunate. According to an Associated “Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact.” student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average. “We were fortunate this (student) didn’t BRANDON DEHAAN DPS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR analysis, 157 college students ag 24 died from poisoning from 2005. As of 20 people on ave each year from poisoning. While 35 may not seem signifi cant pe of all college in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside. “Students ne www.lanthorn.com ey GVL Archive / Kelly Begerow Too much: Alcohol poisoning has become an issue of great concern both on and off campus. social gatherings, during and after the fact,” See See Drinking, A2 See more: Go to “Your Insights” on A4 GV improves accessibility efforts Despite record-breaking snow falls, wheelchair users see an improvement in accessibility By Amanda Lechel GVL Staff Writer At this point in the season it is not uncommon to hear complaints about trudging around campus in the snow. Though this may seem inconvenient to most students, for students with disabilities a trip across campus can be extremely diffi cult. For Ashley Wiseman, a Grand Valley State University sophomore, getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging in the winter. “The sidewalks are not always plowed down to the pavement,” Wiseman said. “From people walking over the snow, footprints can get very bumpy. Last year when I lived in the freshmen dorms, I would get stuck every 30 seconds, and that is not an exaggeration. Although, this year I haven’t gotten stuck as much; they are doing a better job of plowing.” Even with the hassle of getting around campus in the snow, Wiseman said GVSU still does a good job of keeping the campus accessible for students with disabilities. “The campus is pretty barrier free,” Wiseman added. “For the most part it has buttons to open doors on at least one entrance of every building.” GVSU’s Disability Support Services program provides support services and accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve their potential in the GVSU educational institution. “Because GVSU is a newer campus it is required to have things at a higher American with Disabilities Act standard,” said Kathleen VanderVeen, director of DSS. “Even though we work very hard to make everything on the campus very accessible for students with disabilities, students without disabilities need to be aware of the available features that were made for these students.” VanderVeen went on to give many examples of how students seem to be unconscious of accessibility efforts. “We had a major problem this fall with students locking their bikes on ramps making it impossible or extremely diffi cult for students in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities, to get into buildings,” VanderVeen said. Wiseman agreed. “Sometimes people do careless things such as leaving a snow shovel or garbage container in front of the door buttons that allow me to get into the building,” she said. Kusumoto photo slideshow at Lanthorn.com Monday, January 26, 2009 GV policy: Criminal charges not enough to warrant expulsion By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor Arrest does not necessarily mean ulsion at Grand Valley State versity, according to the trespass emergency suspension policy in place. The Gr S artment ic Safety ight to tresp one from pus if fou cipating illegal activity. A tresp eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning. Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police. Police estimated the for the Department of Public Saf are fortunate at GVSU that no one died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not fortunate. According to an Associated “Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact.” student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average. “We were fortunate this (student) didn’t BRANDON DEHAAN DPS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR analysis, 157 college students ag 24 died from poisoning from 2005. As of 20 people on ave each year from poisoning. While 35 may not seem signifi cant pe of all college in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside. “Students ne www.lanthorn.com ey GVL Archive / Kelly Begerow Too much: Alcohol poisoning has become an issue of great concern both on and off campus. social gatherings, during and after the fact,” See Drinking, A2 See more: Go to “Your Insights” on A4 GV improves accessibility efforts Despite record-breaking snow falls, wheelchair users see an improvement in accessibility By Amanda Lechel GVL Staff Writer At this point in the season it is not uncommon to hear complaints about trudging around campus in the snow. Though this may seem inconvenient to most students, for students with disabilities a trip across campus can be extremely diffi cult. For Ashley Wiseman, a Grand Valley State University sophomore, getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging in the winter. “The sidewalks are not always plowed down to the pavement,” Wiseman said. “From people walking over the snow, footprints can get very bumpy. Last year when I lived in the freshmen dorms, I would get stuck every 30 seconds, and that is not an exaggeration. Although, this year I haven’t gotten stuck as much; they are doing a better job of plowing.” Even with the hassle of getting around campus in the snow, Wiseman said GVSU still does a good job of keeping the campus accessible for students with disabilities. “The campus is pretty barrier free,” Wiseman added. “For the most part it has buttons to open doors on at least one entrance of every building.” GVSU’s Disability Support Services program provides support services and accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve their potential in the GVSU educational institution. “Because GVSU is a newer campus it is required to have things at a higher American with Disabilities Act standard,” said Kathleen VanderVeen, director of DSS. “Even though we work very hard to make everything on the campus very accessible for students with disabilities, students without disabilities need to be aware of the available features that were made for these students.” VanderVeen went on to give many examples of how students seem to be unconscious of accessibility efforts. “We had a major problem this fall with students locking their bikes on ramps making it impossible or extremely diffi cult for students in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities, to get into buildings,” VanderVeen said. Wiseman agreed. “Sometimes people do careless things such as leaving a snow shovel or garbage container in front of the door buttons that allow me to get into the building,” she said. Kusumoto photo slideshow at Lanthorn.com Monday, January 26, 2009 GV policy: Criminal charges not enough to warrant expulsion By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor Arrest does not necessarily mean ulsion at Grand Valley State versity, according to the trespass emergency suspension policy in place. The Gr S artment ic Safety ight to tresp one from pus if fou cipating illegal activity. A tresp typically typically ent being banned f up to four years, consequences include arrest. However, arrest does not always end in a trespass. DPS Assistant Director Brandon DeHaan said there are several factors that determine whether or not DPS will issue a trespass. DeHaan said if police see non- students on campus engaged in illegal activity, they will automatically be trespassed from the university grounds. For GVSU students, procedure is slightly different. Students can be banned from certain living centers on or off campus, academic buildings or sports arenas depending on the place and nature of the crime. DeHaan said housing faculty and the dean’s offi ce can request a specifi c student be trespassed from campus. Some of the most common causes for trespass DeHaan cited were being drunk in public, soliciting, stalking or assault. He said specifi cally in the case of assault, the individual is likely to be trespassed from campus for the protection of other students. Ginger Randall, associate dean of students, is involved in the process leading up to a police issued trespass. The dean’s offi ce can decide to issue an emergency suspension if a student is viewed as a threat to others on campus for a variety of reasons. An emergency suspension does not necessarily have to be connected to a criminal conviction such as a trespass coming straight from police does. Still, there is a due process to suspending a student as Randall outlined. The student in question will be informed in writing that the dean’s offi ce is proposing an emergency suspension. DPS will be included in the process GVL Archive / Joe Montgomery Getting around: Sophomore Michael Cummings attempts to make it over some snow on a sidewalk near Niemeyer Living Center. Even though wheelchair users still struggle in the snow, efforts to keep accessibility possible has improved across campus. Track, fi Track, fi Track, fi ld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians ack, fi eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning. Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police. Police estimated the for the Department of Public Saf are fortunate at GVSU that no one died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not fortunate. According to an Associated “Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact.” student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average. “We were fortunate this (student) didn’t BRANDON DEHAAN DPS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR analysis, 157 college students ag 24 died from poisoning from 2005. As of 20 people on ave each year from poisoning. While 35 may not seem signifi cant pe of all college in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside. “Students ne www.lanthorn.com ey GVL Archive / Kelly Begerow Too much: Alcohol poisoning has become an issue of great concern both on and off campus. social gatherings, during and after the fact,” See Drinking, A2 See more: Go to “Your Insights” on A4 GV improves accessibility efforts Despite record-breaking snow falls, wheelchair users see an improvement in accessibility By Amanda Lechel GVL Staff Writer At this point in the season it is not uncommon to hear complaints about trudging around campus in the snow. Though this may seem inconvenient to most students, for students with disabilities a trip across campus can be extremely diffi cult. For Ashley Wiseman, a Grand Valley State University sophomore, getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging in the winter. “The sidewalks are not always plowed down to the pavement,” Wiseman said. “From people walking over the snow, footprints can get very bumpy. Last year when I lived in the freshmen dorms, I would get stuck every 30 seconds, and that is not an exaggeration. Although, this year I haven’t gotten stuck as much; they are doing a better job of plowing.” Even with the hassle of getting around campus in the snow, Wiseman said GVSU still does a good job of keeping the campus accessible for students with disabilities. “The campus is pretty barrier free,” Wiseman added. “For the most part it has buttons to open doors on at least one entrance of every building.” GVSU’s Disability Support Services program provides support services and accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve their potential in the GVSU educational institution. “Because GVSU is a newer campus it is required to have things at a higher American with Disabilities Act standard,” said Kathleen VanderVeen, director of DSS. “Even though we work very hard to make everything on the campus very accessible for students with disabilities, students without disabilities need to be aware of the available features that were made for these students.” VanderVeen went on to give many examples of how students seem to be unconscious of accessibility efforts. “We had a major problem this fall with students locking their bikes on ramps making it impossible or extremely diffi cult for students in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities, to get into buildings,” VanderVeen said. Wiseman agreed. “Sometimes people do careless things such as leaving a snow shovel or garbage container in front of the door buttons that allow me to get into the building,” she said. Kusumoto photo slideshow at Lanthorn.com Monday, January 26, 2009 GV policy: Criminal charges not enough to warrant expulsion By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor Arrest does not necessarily mean ulsion at Grand Valley State versity, according to the trespass emergency suspension policy in place. The Gr S artment ic Safety ight to tresp one from pus if fou cipating illegal activity. A tresp typically ent being banned f up to four years, consequences include arrest. However, arrest does not always end in a trespass. DPS Assistant Director Brandon DeHaan said there are several factors that determine whether or not DPS will issue a trespass. DeHaan said if police see non- students on campus engaged in illegal activity, they will automatically be trespassed from the university grounds. For GVSU students, procedure is slightly different. Students can be banned from certain living centers on or off campus, academic buildings or sports arenas depending on the place and nature of the crime. DeHaan said housing faculty and the dean’s offi ce can request a specifi c student be trespassed from campus. Some of the most common causes for trespass DeHaan cited were being drunk in public, soliciting, stalking or assault. He said specifi cally in the case of assault, the individual is likely to be trespassed from campus for the protection of other students. Ginger Randall, associate dean of students, is involved in the process leading up to a police issued trespass. The dean’s offi ce can decide to issue an emergency suspension if a student is viewed as a threat to others on campus for a variety of reasons. An emergency suspension does not necessarily have to be connected to a criminal conviction such as a trespass coming straight from police does. Still, there is a due process to suspending a student as Randall outlined. The student in question will be informed in writing that the dean’s offi ce is proposing an emergency suspension. DPS will be included in the process GVL Archive / Joe Montgomery Getting around: Sophomore Michael Cummings attempts to make it over some snow on a sidewalk near Niemeyer Living Center. Even though wheelchair users still struggle in the snow, efforts to keep accessibility possible has improved across campus. to to enjoy the same lectures that we take for granted,” said Erika Wedel, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “We try to make students at GVSU more aware of what we do Track, fi Track, fi Track, fi k, fi eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley St i eld hosts indoor meet at Turf, B1 Grand Valley Lanthorn Grand Valley State University Three get alcohol poisoning By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning. Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police. Police estimated the for the Department of Public Saf are fortunate at GVSU that no one died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not fortunate. According to an Associated “Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact.” student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average. “We were fortunate this (student) didn’t BRANDON DEHAAN DPS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR analysis, 157 college students ag 24 died from poisoning from 2005. As of 20 people on ave each year from poisoning. While 35 may not seem signifi cant pe of all college in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside. “Students ne www.lanthorn.com ey GVL Archive / Kelly Begerow Too much: Alcohol poisoning has become an issue of great concern both on and off campus. social gatherings, during and after the fact,” See Drinking, A2 See more: Go to “Your Insights” on A4 GV improves accessibility efforts Despite record-breaking snow falls, wheelchair users see an improvement in accessibility By Amanda Lechel GVL Staff Writer At this point in the season it is not uncommon to hear complaints about trudging around campus in the snow. Though this may seem inconvenient to most students, for students with disabilities a trip across campus can be extremely diffi cult. For Ashley Wiseman, a Grand Valley State University sophomore, getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging in the winter. “The sidewalks are not always plowed down to the pavement,” Wiseman said. “From people walking over the snow, footprints can get very bumpy. Last year when I lived in the freshmen dorms, I would get stuck every 30 seconds, and that is not an exaggeration. Although, this year I haven’t gotten stuck as much; they are doing a better job of plowing.” Even with the hassle of getting around campus in the snow, Wiseman said GVSU still does a good job of keeping the campus accessible for students with disabilities. “The campus is pretty barrier free,” Wiseman added. “For the most part it has buttons to open doors on at least one entrance of every building.” GVSU’s Disability Support Services program provides support services and accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve their potential in the GVSU educational institution. “Because GVSU is a newer campus it is required to have things at a higher American with Disabilities Act standard,” said Kathleen VanderVeen, director of DSS. “Even though we work very hard to make everything on the campus very accessible for students with disabilities, students without disabilities need to be aware of the available features that were made for these students.” VanderVeen went on to give many examples of how students seem to be unconscious of accessibility efforts. “We had a major problem this fall with students locking their bikes on ramps making it impossible or extremely diffi cult for students in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities, to get into buildings,” VanderVeen said. Wiseman agreed. “Sometimes people do careless things such as leaving a snow shovel or garbage container in front of the door buttons that allow me to get into the building,” she said. Kusumoto photo slideshow at Lanthorn.com Monday, January 26, 2009 GV policy: Criminal charges not enough to warrant expulsion By Lauren Fitch GVL News Editor Arrest does not necessarily mean ulsion at Grand Valley State versity, according to the trespass emergency suspension policy in place. The Gr S artment ic Safety ight to tresp one from pus if fou cipating illegal activity. A tresp typically ent being banned f up to four years, consequences include arrest. However, arrest does not always end in a trespass. DPS Assistant Director Brandon DeHaan said there are several factors that determine whether or not DPS will issue a trespass. DeHaan said if police see non- students on campus engaged in illegal activity, they will automatically be trespassed from the university grounds. For GVSU students, procedure is slightly different. Students can be banned from certain living centers on or off campus, academic buildings or sports arenas depending on the place and nature of the crime. DeHaan said housing faculty and the dean’s offi ce can request a specifi c student be trespassed from campus. Some of the most common causes for trespass DeHaan cited were being drunk in public, soliciting, stalking or assault. He said specifi cally in the case of assault, the individual is likely to be trespassed from campus for the protection of other students. Ginger Randall, associate dean of students, is involved in the process leading up to a police issued trespass. The dean’s offi ce can decide to issue an emergency suspension if a student is viewed as a threat to others on campus for a variety of reasons. An emergency suspension does not necessarily have to be connected to a criminal conviction such as a trespass coming straight from police does. Still, there is a due process to suspending a student as Randall outlined. The student in question will be informed in writing that the dean’s offi ce is proposing an emergency suspension. DPS will be included in the process GVL Archive / Joe Montgomery Getting around: Sophomore Michael Cummings attempts to make it over some snow on a sidewalk near Niemeyer Living Center. Even though wheelchair users still struggle in the snow, efforts to keep accessibility possible has improved across campus. to enjoy the same lectures that we take for granted,” said Erika Wedel, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “We try to make students at GVSU more aware of what we do students students even more chaotic. alechel@lanthorn.com if there are pending criminal charges against the student. The student has the opportunity to state their side of the case before a representative from the dean’s offi ce issues a suspension. If the suspension is issued, DPS escorts the student off campus. A trespass may or may not be issued. The maximum amount of time an emergency suspension can last is 10 business days. At that point, unless the student has been trespassed from campus for an extended period of time, he or she is permitted back on campus. Randall said university procedure Deadline approaching for Student Scholarship Day submissions By Ellen Hensel GVL Assistant News Editor With a deadline for a showcase of Grand Valley State University student talent soon approaching, students are preparing their submissions of art and musical presentations and other forms of expression. Student Scholarship Day, an annual tradition, is a way to display student work ranging from art to oral presentations. “Student Scholarship Day is a forum for students to showcase their faculty-mentored work of the academic year, whether it be through oral presentations, fine arts exhibits and performances or poster presentations.” said Shelley Sickrey, office coordinator of the General Education and Integrative Learning Office of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Online registration for the day will run until Feb. 13 with the presentation on April 8. Work is presented in Henry Hall GVL Archive Peer review: Student Scholarship Day is on April 8. Junior Rob Colmine said he thinks the event is a positive way for students to receive feedback on their work. “I think that anytime that you “ ... anytime that you can display work of peers, it is a good thing. There are a lot of talented students ... and they deserve to be recognized.” ROB COLMINE GVSU JUNIOR and the Padnos Center, as well as presentations at the Kirkhof Center. INDEX A News......................................................A3 Opinion...........................................................A4 Laker Life.............................................................A5 Photo Page..........................................................A6 B can display work of peers, it is a good thing,” Colmine said. “There are a lot of talented students here and they deserve to be recognized for what they have done. I hope that people go and see what their friends have been able to produce.” It is not only the artists who play a role in this day. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including volunteers who help coordinate the event. Students who would like to volunteer for the event can contact See Deadline, A2 is separate from the court system; pending charges have no effect on the length of a student’s suspension. She said advice about protection is available for other students who may feel threatened by an individual on campus and in some cases police protection will be provided, but there is no specifi c program in place to offer more security. In previous years, Randall said the dean’s offi ce has issued zero to one emergency suspensions each year. This year there have already been more. “We don’t use it very often,” Randall said. “It’s for emergencies. This year, though, there are more students and more going on.” news@lanthorn.com See more: Go to the editorial on A4 Sports...........................................................B1 A&E.........................................................B4 Marketplace................................................B5
Three Get Alcohol Poisoning
Lauren Fitch
EMS technicians rushed three Grand Valley State University students to Spectrum Hospital on separate occasions during the weekend of Jan. 16 to 18 — all with their lives in danger from alcohol poisoning.
Two of the instances at GVSU happened off campus. The on-campus underage drinker was found in the early morning lying in a snow bank by police.
Police estimated the student had been outside for about an hour and a half. The student’s body temperature was at 91 degrees — seven degrees below average.
“We were fortunate this (student) didn’t die of hypothermia and alcohol poisoning,” said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director for the Department of Public Safety. “We are fortunate at GVSU that no one has ever died of alcohol poisoning.” Other universities have not been so fortunate.
According to an Associated Press analysis, 157 college students ages 18 to 24 died from alcohol poisoning from 1999 to
2005.
As of 2005, 35 people on average die each year from alcohol poisoning.
While 35 students may not seem like a signifi cant percentage of all college students in the U.S., DeHaan emphasized the seriousness of the situation and said this type of activity is especially dangerous when it is so cold outside.
“Students need to care for folks at their social gatherings, during and after the fact,” DeHaan said. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
Signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion or stupor, vomiting, irregular or slowed breathing, seizures and hypothermia, according to College Drinking — changing the culture, a government education and prevention program.
Consuming too much alcohol d e p r e s s e s the nerves c o n t r o l l i n g i n v o l u n t a r y actions such as breathing and a gag refl ex.
If these nerves are c o m p l e t e l y depressed, the person could stop breathing all together or choke to death.
While each individual is responsible for their own drinking behaviors, DeHaan pointed out the responsibility of friends as well.
“ P e o p l e knew the u n d e r a g e student was drunk and did not assist (the student),” he said. “Friends should keep an eye on friends.” If someone is suspected to have alcohol poisoning, the best option is to call the police or medical assistance.
DeHaan said in a crisis state, calling the police would not result in any criminal penalties for people involved.
One GVSU student experienced alcohol poisoning fi rst-hand last fall and has changed his drinking habits since.
He reported having about 15 shots and a couple beers during three or four hours. He laid down when he started feeling ill.
During the night he remembered waking up convulsing, unable to speak or move at times and feeling “completely miserable.” High or low alcohol tolerance is not a factor in avoiding alcohol poisoning. Risk factor depends on the amount of alcohol and how quickly it is consumed.
Blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise for up to 90 minutes after a person has stopped drinking, so the person may not realize at fi rst they are in danger of alcohol poisoning.
According to information from the Mayo Clinic, home remedies for alcohol poisoning that do not work include drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower or sleeping it off.
The recommended action is to stay with the person who is vomiting or losing consciousness and keep them sitting up.
Seeking medical assistance is encouraged or controlling binge drinking in the fi rst place is also recommended.
Gv Improves Accessibility Efforts
Amanda Lechel
At this point in the season it is not uncommon to hear complaints about trudging around campus in the snow.
Though this may seem inconvenient to most students, for students with disabilities a trip across campus can be extremely diffi cult.
For Ashley Wiseman, a Grand Valley State University sophomore, getting around in her wheelchair can be challenging in the winter.
“The sidewalks are not always plowed down to the pavement,” Wiseman said. “From people walking over the snow, footprints can get very bumpy. Last year when I lived in the freshmen dorms, I would get stuck every 30 seconds, and that is not an exaggeration. Although, this year I haven’t gotten stuck as much; they are doing a better job of plowing.” Even with the hassle of getting around campus in the snow, Wiseman said GVSU still does a good job of keeping the campus accessible for students with disabilities.
“The campus is pretty barrier free,” Wiseman added.
“For the most part it has buttons to open doors on at least one entrance of every building.” GVSU’s Disability Support Services program provides support services and accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve their potential in the GVSU educational institution.
“Because GVSU is a newer campus it is required to have things at a higher American with Disabilities Act standard,” said Kathleen VanderVeen, director of DSS.
“Even though we work very hard to make everything on the campus very accessible for students with disabilities, students without disabilities need to be aware of the available features that were made for these students.” VanderVeen went on to give many examples of how students seem to be unconscious of accessibility efforts.
“We had a major problem this fall with students locking their bikes on ramps making it impossible or extremely diffi cult for students in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities, to get into buildings,” VanderVeen said.
Wiseman agreed.
“Sometimes people do careless things such as leaving a snow shovel or garbage container in front of the door buttons that allow me to get into the building,” she said.
Some student organizations, such as Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, are aware of disabilities outside of their community and devote their national philanthropy to programs such as the Special Olympics.
“We feel that people with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same lectures that we take for granted,” said Erika Wedel, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “We try to make students at GVSU more aware of what we do so that more students can help support students with disabilities.” Although GVSU is proactive in trying to make everything accessible to its disabled students, inattention of other students can make everyday life for disabled students even more chaotic.
Deadline Approaching For Student Scholarship Day Submissions
Ellen Hensel
With a deadline for a showcase of Grand Valley State University student talent soon approaching, students are preparing their submissions of art and musical presentations and other forms of expression.
Student Scholarship Day, an annual tradition, is a way to display student work ranging from art to oral presentations.
“Student Scholarship Day is a forum for students to showcase their faculty-mentored work of the academic year, whether it be through oral presentations, fine arts exhibits and performances or poster presentations.” said Shelley Sickrey, office coordinator of the General Education and Integrative Learning Office of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Online registration for the day will run until Feb. 13 with the presentation on April 8.
Work is presented in Henry Hall and the Padnos Center, as well as presentations at the Kirkhof Center.
Junior Rob Colmine said he thinks the event is a positive way for students to receive feedback on their work.
“I think that anytime that you can display work of peers, it is a good thing,” Colmine said. “There are a lot of talented students here and they deserve to be recognized for what they have done. I hope that people go and see what their friends have been able to produce.” It is not only the artists who play a role in this day. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including volunteers who help coordinate the event.
Students who would like to volunteer for the event can contact The College of Interdisciplinary Studies at (616) 331-8655.
Student Scholarship Day began 14 years ago and takes submissions from all undergraduate and graduate students.
“Student Scholarship Day is a very important part of the GVSU tradition as it is a wonderful exhibit of undergraduate and graduate student work,” Sickrey said.
“Students find something very satisfying in being able to share the knowledge they have gained not only with their professors but with their peers.
We are committed to making the day enjoyable for all who participate.” Ragda Michaels participated her sophomore year, displaying her self-portrait in the lobby of Henry Hall.
“It was one of the best e x p e r i e n c e s of my school c a r e e r , ” M i c h a e l s said, who graduated in December and is now working downtown at an art gallery. “Throughout school you make tons of art, but for some reason having feedback from peers and having it displayed simply because you can, not for a grade or for money, means more.
It was my contribution to GVSU.”
Gv Policy
Lauren Fitch
Arrest does not necessarily mean expulsion at Grand Valley State University, according to the trespass and emergency suspension policy in place.
The Grand Valley State Department of Public Safety has the right to trespass anyone from the campus if found participating in illegal activity.
A trespass typically entails being banned from the university for up to four years, and if violated, the consequences include arrest.
However, arrest does not always end in a trespass.
DPS Assistant Director Brandon DeHaan said there are several factors that determine whether or not DPS will issue a trespass.
DeHaan said if police see nonstudents on campus engaged in illegal activity, they will automatically be trespassed from the university grounds.
For GVSU students, procedure is slightly different.
Students can be banned from certain living centers on or off campus, academic buildings or sports arenas depending on the place and nature of the crime.
DeHaan said housing faculty and the dean’s offi ce can request a specifi c student be trespassed from campus.
Some of the most common causes for trespass DeHaan cited were being drunk in public, soliciting, stalking or assault.
He said specifi cally in the case of assault, the individual is likely to be trespassed from campus for the protection of other students.
Ginger Randall, associate dean of students, is involved in the process leading up to a police issued trespass.
The dean’s offi ce can decide to issue an emergency suspension if a student is viewed as a threat to others on campus for a variety of reasons.
An emergency suspension does not necessarily have to be connected to a criminal conviction such as a trespass coming straight from police does.
Still, there is a due process to suspending a student as Randall outlined.
The student in question will be informed in writing that the dean’s offi ce is proposing an emergency suspension.
DPS will be included in the process if there are pending criminal charges against the student.
The student has the opportunity to state their side of the case before a representative from the dean’s offi ce issues a suspension.
If the suspension is issued, DPS escorts the student off campus. A trespass may or may not be issued.
The maximum amount of time an emergency suspension can last is 10 business days.
At that point, unless the student has been trespassed from campus for an extended period of time, he or she is permitted back on campus.
Randall said university procedure is separate from the court system; pending charges have no effect on the length of a student’s suspension.
She said advice about protection is available for other students who may feel threatened by an individual on campus and in some cases police protection will be provided, but there is no specifi c program in place to offer more security.
In previous years, Randall said the dean’s offi ce has issued zero to one emergency suspensions each year.
This year there have already been more.
“We don’t use it very often,” Randall said. “It’s for emergencies.
This year, though, there are more students and more going on.”
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