Forward on Climate-The rally against hydraulic fracturing and other hazards to the environment: 20 Skidmore students attend the largest climate rally ever

Posted by Emily Singer

On Feb. 17, 20 Skidmore students joined 40,000 people at the largest climate rally to date in Washington D.C. The rally aimed to demonstrate support for President Obama's potential rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The event was organized by the Sierra Club, an organization that speaks out about climate change, 350.org, an organization focused on positive investments in green energy and alternatives to oil, and Hip Hop Caucus, an organization also dedicated towards creating a greener future.
These organizations came together to sway the President and other White House officials to speak up against further investments that would cause greater dependence on oil and other harmful sources of energy. Many speakers attended the rally including Bill McKibbin, the founder of 350.org and author of Eaarth, and Michael Brune, the director of the Sierra Club. The MC of the speakers was Reverend Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus. Celebrities, like Rosario Doscent, also attended the rally to show their support in preventing further damage to the environment and to encourage politicians to implement policies that would further the expansion of renewable energy.
Participants in the rally marched from the Washington Monument to the White House and back. On the walk, people held double-sided posters, one side with black to represent oil and one side blue to represent solar panels, and flashed the different sides when approaching the White House. The signs were meant to express the idea that the government should be investing money in oil alternatives, rather than fracking and the extraction of other nonrenewable resources.
A diverse crowd attended the event. People of different races, religious views, age, and socioeconomic class were present to show their support to ban fracking, Several Native American leaders from Canada and the U.S. spoke about the negative effects of fracking and oil pipelines on their land. The rally influenced politicians to delay their decision on whether or not to pursue drilling for oil and gas for about a week. Further information on the effects of the event has yet to be revealed.
The rally took place all day Sunday, keeping the Skidmore students busy. They returned to campus at 1:30 a.m., exhausted but abuzz with energy after participating in the movement towards a cleaner, greener future.

Campus Safety Reports: Feb. 15-20

Incidents of Note:

? Sunday, Feb. 17-Reckless Endangerment: Report received at 12:48 a.m. of a green SUV driving on the walkways (possibly intoxicated) causing a hazard in the McClellan and Penfield Hall area. Officers dispatched reported a check of the area with negative results.

? Wednesday, Feb. 20-Animals: A bat reported at 1:58 p.m. on the cork board in the elevator lobby of the seventh floor of Jonsson Tower. Officer dispatched. Bat was removed and no human contact made. Report issued.

Further Incidents:

Friday, Feb. 15:

? Medical: A student reported at 2:35 a.m. having a reaction to a medication but refused further medical attention. Report issued.

? Emergency Phone: Officer received an emergency phone activation at 2:40 a.m. with a male who stated he was drunk and going to drive. Officer dispatched to the area and canvassed it with negative results. Report issued.

? Suspicious Activity: People reported at 3:15 a.m. knocking on doors and causing a disturbance at Whitman Way. Officer advised the subjects that they were at the wrong building location.

? Suspicious Activity: A male subject observed at 3:40 a.m. in the Jonsson Tower parking lot who was believed not to belong on campus. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the subject.

? Liquor Law Violation: A suspicious odor reported at 8:55 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched officer determined the source of the strong odor and upon investigation observed alcohol violations. Report issued.

Saturday, Feb. 16:

? Intoxicated Subject: Males reported carrying a female at 12:04 a.m. on Perimeter Road near Kimball Hall. Officer dispatched requested an Emergency Medical System notification for the intoxicated subject, which transported her to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? College Violation: Noise complaint received at 12:37 a.m. at Howe Hall. Officer reported that a student was playing the keyboard. Subject agreed to lower the volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: Person reported at 12:38 a.m. being lost and would like directions back to the College from an off-campus location. Officer reported transporting the subject safely back to her residence. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A natural gas odor detected at 1:25 a.m. near Wilson Chapel. Officers dispatched and canvassed the area with negative results.

? College Violation: Noise complaint received at 3:02 a.m. for the Hillside B Apartments. Officer dispatched reported a small group of students who complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Emergency Phone: Emergency blue light phone call activated at 11:55 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched reported no emergency. False activation.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 2:11 a.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Officer spoke with students who complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Intoxicated Subject: A female appeared to be intoxicated at 5:18 a.m. in the lobby of Penfield Hall. Officers dispatched and subject was found responsive and alert. Officers escorted her to her room.

? Criminal Mischief: While conducting the south quad checks at 8:14 a.m. an officer reported finding holes in the basement walls of McClellan Hall. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested for two students at 4:47 p.m. from the Saratoga Springs Police Department from an off-campus location. Transport completed. Report issued.

? Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported a liquor law violation at 11:03 p.m. on the third floor of McClellan Hall. Report issued.

? Liquor Law Violation: Officers reported a liquor law violation at 11:14 p.m. on the third floor of Wiecking Hall. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: An escort requested at 11:53 p.m. from Jonsson Tower to the subject's North Woods residence due to an injury. Officer provided the transport.

Sunday, Feb. 17:

? Campus Safety Assist: A personal safety escort requested at 1:02 a.m. to her residence from Case Center. Officer dispatched provided the transport.

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported criminal mischief at 1:37 a.m. in Penfield Hall. Officer observed toilet paper thrown in the center stairwell and also reported damage to an open closet on the second floor. Photos taken of damage. No one in the area. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported observing a male student at 2:38 a.m. kick a hole in the wall in the northside stairwell between the first and second floors of McClellan Hall. Subject fled on foot. Photos of the damage taken. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported a broken light lens at 2:39 a.m. on the first floor south stairwell of Wilmarth Hall. No known perpetrators or witnesses at this time. Facilities notified.

? College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 2:45 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched reported that residents lowered the volume of their voices upon the officer's request.

? Larceny: A bicycle reported stolen at 4:05 p.m. from Cane Crossing. Officer dispatched and report issued.

? Accident: Person reported to Campus Safety at 8:45 p.m. after cutting his hand in the sculpture studio of the Sasselin Art building. Officer dispatched cleaned and wrapped the injury. Subject declined further medical attention. Report issued.

Monday, Feb. 18:

? Safety Check: Officer made a check at 10:32 a.m. of all Automated External Defibrillators and panic alarms on campus. All were found to be operational at the time.

? Sex Offense: A sexual assault reported at 11 a.m. involving non-students on campus. Investigation and report issued.

Tuesday, Feb. 19:

? Parking: A vehicle was towed at 9:47 a.m. from the loading dock of the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater as it hindered deliveries. Report issued.

? Accident: Person reported falling on ice at 12:10 p.m. on Dayton Drive. Reporting person injured his right ankle. Dispatched officer issued a report.

? Parking: Officer reported a vehicle towed at 1:57 p.m. from the Hillside parking area as it was parked in front of the dumpster and was hindering trash removal. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:40 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers reported the odor of marijuana present. Report issued.

? Medical: Assistance requested at 11:25 p.m. for a female at McClellan Hall who may possibly have a broken finger. Dispatched officer transported the student to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Emergency Phone: Emergency Phone activation received at 11:40 p.m. for Murray-Aikins Dining Hall elevator. Officer dispatched reported no problems found and no one in the area.

Wednesday, Feb. 20:

? Medical: Assistance requested at 7:47 p.m. for a female with stomach cramps at Howe Hall. Dispatched officer requested Emergency Medical Service assistance. Subject transported to the Emergency Room via the ambulance. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: A person reported at 8 p.m. that unknown person(s) maliciously let the air out of his tire in the Barrett Center loop. Officer assisted the reporting person. Report issued.

Saratoga City Council and Cool Cities Working Group Pass Idling Ordinance: City Council approved the regulation on Feb. 19

Posted by Elizabeth Hopkins

Vehicle owners in Saratoga Springs can no longer let their car idle for longer than five minutes at a time, according to a recent ordinance passed by the Saratoga Springs City Council, entitled "Vehicle and Traffic Idling of Engines."

City Council approved the regulation on Feb. 19 with the aid of Skidmore College's Cool Cities Working Group, a team of students that works in coalition with Sierra Club's Cool Cities Program to combat global warming in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Similar idling ordinances have been approved in major cities around the country, including Denver, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Park City, and New York City.

Cool Cities began working toward reducing engine idling in Saratoga Springs two years ago, when students first proposed the idea to City Council. With the aid of County Supervisor and mentor Joanne Yepsen, the group embarked on a yearlong process of drafting the idling ordinance. In their research for the proposal, they examined idling regulations of nearby cities in New York State, including Ithaca. They then submitted the plan to Commissioner of Public Safety Chris Mathiesen and Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Eileen Finneran.

Stephanie Seidmon '13, a member of Cool Cities, says that the group met success in the collaboration. "Cool Cities has a really good working relationship with the city," she said. In 2009, Mayor Scott Johnson agreed to work with Cool Cities on a climate change commitment. Since then, the students have helped City Council conduct a greenhouse gas inventory. "We see them as a resource and they see us as a resource," Seidmon says. "It's a mutual relationship."

The ordinance has also found local support from doctors, who recognize the health hazards of substances emitted by idling engines. Carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter, such as sulfur oxide, sulfur nitrous oxide, and volatile organic compounds are known to be carcinogenic and contribute substantially to global warming and ground-level ozone. Reducing idling in the city will improve air quality and reduce Saratoga's emissions. The idling ordinance also helps to dispel the myth that leaving a vehicle running is good for the engine.

Following the ordinance, Cool Cities plans to embark on an educational campaign in the community. "We hope to work with local businesses to get the word out so that everyone understands what it means to idle and the negative implications of doing so," explains Seidmon. In addition to the outreach campaign, the group will begin the process of developing a transportation plan, in which they will work on grant proposals for hybrid vehicles in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs has demonstrated immense dedication to environmental campaigns in past years. Community members have become increasingly involved in initiatives like Bikatoga, Safe Routes to School, Sustainable Saratoga, and the Saratoga Farmer's Market.

"There's always more to be done," Seidmon says. "But in the past five years, I've really seen Saratoga show its commitment to climate change." The recent ordinance demonstrates that the city is ready to take more steps toward environmental conservation.

Men's soccer team's spring season canceled due to hazing: Disciplinary action underway

Posted by Rebecca Orbach

The College has canceled the men's soccer team's spring season due to issues of hazing and underage drinking that occurred on "Rookie Night," an off-campus event that took place the night of Nov. 30, 2012.

Disciplinary proceedings against 24 of the 28 team members and four non-team members are underway. According to Dan Forbush, Executive Director of Communications at the College, the 24 team members were all at the Nov. 30 event and the four non-team members are students who were otherwise involved in hazing and underage drinking.

In addition to the cancelation of the spring season, men's soccer players found to be involved in the Nov. 30 incident will be barred from all spring sports, and many team members face suspensions for substantial portions of the fall season as well.

All students involved are subject to further disciplinary review as part of the student conduct process.

"Hazing and violations of Skidmore's alcohol and drug policy result in sanctions ranging from warning, censure and fines, to participation in educational programs, and may include suspension from the residence halls. Repeated violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the College," Forbush said.

College officials say they were made aware of the Nov. 30 event by a confidential source who was made uncomfortable by the drinking and hazing.

The investigation began in earnest, Forbush said, when student returned from winter break in January.

The verdict to cancel the spring season was a collective decision made by the Office of Student Affairs and the Athletics Department.

The spring season is a nontraditional season consisting of five weeks of practice and two days of games. During the five-week period there are 16 practice sessions, a day of round-robin tournaments and an annual alumni game, all of which have been canceled.

The events that occurred the night of Nov. 30 were "chiefly drinking games involving a lot of peer pressure. That aspect of peer pressure is what makes it hazing," Forbush said.

The college defines hazing as: "Any action or situation that involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization."

"If injury results from [hazing], it becomes a misdemeanor under New York State law. If no injuries result, it's a violation. We don't know what, if any, action Saratoga Springs Police will take. We've provided them the results of our investigation and are cooperating fully with them," Forbush said.

Though college officials say the potential for injury was high, no students were hospitalized or seriously harmed.

All student athletes sign a pledge at the beginning of each athletic season promising to abstain from all forms of hazing. This contract makes it clear that "The Department opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort."

"[Athletes] are public ambassadors for the College; as such, we expect them to represent Skidmore at its very best. In failing to honor that pledge, the students in question have not only endangered a number of their fellow students but also threatened the core values that bind and undergird our entire community," Philip Glotzbach, President of the College, said in his Feb. 21 email to the College.

Despite the players' actions, the College has expressed its gratitude to them for handling the situation responsibly and taking accountability for their actions.

"As concerned as we are by the lack of leadership and judgment demonstrated by team members in this incident, we must acknowledge the maturity they have shown in the course of Campus Safety's investigation. They are taking responsibility for their behavior and recognizing that actions have consequences," Glotzbach's Feb. 21 email said.

Glotzbach also praised Ronald McEachen, head soccer coach, and Gail Cummings, Director of Athletics, for handling the situation in a mature and timely manner. McEachen referred comment to Dan Forbush.

"We know how painful this is, not only for students involved, but for their parents and others who care about Skidmore Athletics. We take a lot of pride in our sports programs and in student athletes, but we felt this was an action we had to take based on what the investigation discovered. The safety of our students is our highest priority," Forbush said.

SSPD Lt. John Catone said the department only received the file on Wednesday, Feb. 20 and will likely begin their investigation early next week.

"If we determine a crime has been committed, legal action is possible against anyone involved," Catone said.

District Attorney James A. Murphy III's office referred comment to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Members of the men's soccer team have declined to comment and Campus Safety has refused to share any information beyond what was said in Glotzbach's Feb. 21 email.

Disciplinary proceedings underway in men's soccer team hazing accusations: 24 of the 28 team members and 4 non-members will face hearings

Posted by Rebecca Orbach

The College has cancelled the men's soccer team's spring season due to issues of hazing and underage drinking that occurred on "Rookie Night," an off-campus event that took place the night of Nov. 30, 2012.

Disciplinary proceedings against 24 of the 28 team members and four non-team members are underway. According to Dan Forbush, Executive Director of Communications at the College, the 24 team members were all at the Nov. 30 event and the four non-team members are students who were otherwise involved in hazing and underage drinking.

In addition to the cancellation of the spring season, men's soccer players found to be involved in the Nov. 30 incident will be barred from all spring sports, and many team members face suspensions for substantial portions of the fall season as well.

All students involved are subject to further disciplinary review as part of the student conduct process.

"Hazing and violations of Skidmore's alcohol and drug policy result in sanctions ranging from warning, censure and fines, to participation in educational programs, and may include suspension from the residence halls. Repeated violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the College," Forbush said.

College officials say they were made aware of the Nov. 30 event by a confidential source who was uncomfortable by the drinking and hazing.

The investigation began in earnest, Forbush said, when student returned from winter break in January.

The verdict to cancel the spring season was a collective decision made by the Office of Student Affairs and the Athletics Department.

The spring season is a nontraditional season consisting of five weeks of practice and two days of games. During the five-week period there are 16 practice sessions, a day of round-robin tournaments and an annual alumni game, all of which have been cancelled.

The events that occurred the night of Nov. 30 were "chiefly drinking games involving a lot of peer pressure. That aspect of peer pressure is what makes it hazing," Forbush said.

The college defines hazing as: "Any action or situation that involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization."

"If injury results from [hazing], it becomes a misdemeanor under New York State law. If no injuries result, it's a violation. We don't know what, if any, action Saratoga Springs Police will take. We've provided them the results of our investigation and are cooperating fully with them," Forbush said.

Though college officials say the potential for injury was high, no students were hospitalized or seriously harmed.

All student athletes sign a pledge at the beginning of each athletic season promising to abstain from all forms of hazing. This contract makes it clear that "The Department opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort."

"[Athletes] are public ambassadors for the College; as such, we expect them to represent Skidmore at its very best. In failing to honor that pledge, the students in question have not only endangered a number of their fellow students but also threatened the core values that bind and undergird our entire community," Philip Glotzbach, President of the College, said in his Feb. 21 email to the College.

Despite the players' actions, the College has expressed its gratitude to them for handling the situation responsibly and taking accountability for their actions.

"As concerned as we are by the lack of leadership and judgment demonstrated by team members in this incident, we must acknowledge the maturity they have shown in the course of Campus Safety's investigation. They are taking responsibility for their behavior and recognizing that actions have consequences," Glotzbach's Feb. 21 email said.

Glotzbach also praised Ronald McEachen, head soccer coach, and Gail Cummings, Director of Athletics, for handling the situation in a mature and timely manner. McEachen referred comment to Dan Forbush.

"We know how painful this is, not only for students involved, but for their parents and others who care about Skidmore Athletics. We take a lot of pride in our sports programs and in student athletes, but we felt this was an action we had to take based on what the investigation discovered. The safety of our students is our highest priority," Forbush said.

SSPD Lt. John Catone declined to comment as well, saying the department only received the file on Wednesday, Feb. 20 and will likely begin their investigation early next week.

District Attorney James A. Murphy III's office referred comment to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Members of the men's soccer team have declined to comment and Campus Safety has refused to share any information beyond what was said in Glotzbach's Feb. 21 email.

Men's soccer team season canceled after hazing investigation

Posted by Andrew Shi

On Thursday night, President Glotzbach sent an email to the Skidmore community reporting that the men's spring soccer season had been canceled after an investigation by Campus Safety. The Campus Safety report revealed incidents of hazing by members of the team during a team initiation on Nov. 30, 2012, known as "Rookie Night."

No students were hospitalized during the event, but hazing is in direct violation of the Skidmore honor code and a pledge signed by every student athlete promising that they will not participate in any form of hazing.

Students found guilty of involvement in this incident will be barred from participation in any spring sport. Furthermore, several of the team members may be suspended for a significant amount of the fall season and all players may face further disciplinary review.

Glotzbach praised the efforts of Campus Security for their efficient investigation and also lauded the cooperation of men's soccer head coach Ron McEachen and the Athletics Director, Gail Cummings-Danson.

Glotzbach ended his email on a lighter note, saying, "as difficult as this is for all who are directly involved in this matter, as well as for everyone who cares about Skidmore, we see evidence already that important lessons are being learned, and we are confident that the actions we are taking in the end will make us all wiser and our athletics program stronger."

Full story to come.

Original letter from President Gotzbach can be viewed here: http://www.skidmore.edu/news/2013/0221-soccer-hazing.php

2 Skidmore students arrested for fake IDs

Posted by Julia Martin

Robert Vail '15 and James Rimmer '15 were arrested Sunday, Feb. 17 after handing over forged New York State driver's licenses to police, according to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Officers responded to a complaint of an individual urinating in the road at 4 a.m. on Excelsior Avenue on Sunday, and stopped Vail and Rimmer. The two were the subjects identified from the original complaint.

After being asked for identification, the two students handed over forged NYS driver's licenses and were consequently placed under arrest. They will face charges of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 3rd Degree.

Rimmer and Vail were transported to the police department where they were processed and released by Skidmore Campus Safety.

They will appear in court on Feb. 19.

For a full story go to: http://www.news10.com/story/21227324/police-2-skidmore-students-using-fake-ids-arrested?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wten-localnews+(WTEN+-+Local+News)

Skidmore addresses sexual misconduct: Student Engagement and the Administration

Posted by The Editorial Board

College is a place for students to discover themselves and enrich their lives academically and socially. While college is a great place for this sort of engagement because it is a small community, there are still risks related to personal respect and boundaries... Sexual assault, especially on college campuses, is a persistent problem involving a lack of respect.
College is a period when many come to understand themselves: what they want, the kind of person they wish to become and their place in society. Having to worry about their safety while dealing with personal growth is a difficult endeavor that no one should have to experience. Fortunately, at Skidmore, issues of sexual misconduct are actively addressed to prevent as many incidences as possible. Many organizations on campus have publicized this issue, including Skidmore's chapter of "VOX" and the Center for Sex and Gender Relations.

This Valentine's Day, VOX collaborated with other Skidmore groups like the Feminist Action Network, the International Student Union, the Gender Studies and Social Work departments, The Christian Fellowship, Hillel, The CFSGR, and Pride Alliance in a campaign called "One Billion Rising," which raises awareness about incidents of sexual misconduct. The demonstration will involve putting 1,000 blue flags and 262 black flags on the green. Each blue flag represents 1.2 million women throughout the world who will be raped or beaten in their lifetimes while each black flag represents 1.2 million men worldwide who will be raped or sexually assaulted in their lives.

Not only are student-run clubs responding to sexual misconduct, but the administration as well has implemented programs. For instance, the "sexual assault response task force" is a program that was a response to an incident in 2009. According to its homepage on Skidmore's website, the force was made up of students and staff of the Student Affairs Council and aimed to "create a disciplinary process that treats all those involved with dignity, respect, honor, and fairness."

The task force created policies concerning sexual misconduct that were informed by the most current research and consulted one of the nation's leading experts on the issue through training and workshops.
The task force said their ultimate objective was to create a disciplinary system to "create an environment in which students who have been sexually assaulted feel confident in coming forward." The task force set out to create a system through examining the following five major dimensions of the issue of sexual misconduct:

? Education- How can our professional staff in Health Promotion and peer advocates in our Center for Sex and Gender Relations encourage and expand this conversation?
? The intake process- the manner in which the school intakes and processes the initial report of an incident
? Case management, referral, and follow-up- providing advocates to both the complainant and respondent for support through the disciplinary process
? Campus Disciplinary Process Options- What adjudicative process will meet our standard for fairness while allowing both individuals involved to tell their story and to maintain their dignity?
? Training- Everyone who plays a responding role in cases involving sexual assault must be well trained in assisting both sexual assault complainants and respondents from the moment a report is received through the end of a disciplinary hearing and beyond

Skidmore works hard to reassess their approach to addressing sexual conduct. Every year the sexual misconduct policies are reviewed. Similarly, on a national level, sexual misconduct has been addressed with greater urgency. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Civil Rights issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" to all colleges that provided guidelines for sexual misconduct policies. As a result in the last few years there have been many conferences, trainings, and reports around the country concerning sexual misconduct in colleges.

Currently, Skidmore is reviewing their policies and have just decided to have a new speaker give the sex talk, which all first-year students are required to attend.

The new speaker will focus more on sexual misconduct than speakers in the past. Skidmore may want to consider reformatting these sex talks, though, due to past shortfalls in attendance, and consider modeling them after the mandatory fire safety and campus safety talks in which attendance can be more feasibly enforced.

Through efforts such as these and continued support of clubs, Skidmore continues to work towards becoming a safer community. It is important that in our college days, when students are enjoying the start of adulthood, establishing their identities and making life-long relationships, that they are as removed from harmful scenarios as possible. Skidmore has thus far done a job well done. Unfortunately, this is a job that will likely never be done but with the continued efforts in revision and review we see opportunity for greater social change and awareness surrounding the issue.

Active Minds Skidmore chapter kicks off: The mental health awareness club will host a panel discussion on Feb. 27

Posted by Julia Martin

This semester, a chapter of Active Minds, a national organization that seeks to empower students to speak openly about mental health, has been granted a month-long trial period by the SGA Club Affairs Committee. The group, led by President Siena Tugendrajch '14 and Vice President Liz Estey '15, will host two campus-wide events during this trial period.

"I wanted to start an Active Minds chapter at Skidmore because of the lack of mental health literacy on our campus. Mental health literacy refers to the knowledge and recognition of mental health disorders that contribute to the management and prevention of these illnesses," Tugendrajch said.

The group's first event will be a panel discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Emerson Auditorium that will address various approaches to helping a friend struggling with mental illness as well as resources in the Skidmore Community for mental health issues. Members of the panel will include Skidmore students, a representative from the counseling center and a member of the psychology department with clinical experience.

"Mental illness is a much more commonly found issue than many people realize which creates shame around asking for help. I think the more information we are able to get out there, the easier it will be to help a large number of people," Estey said.

The chapter plans to host a second event during Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February. 24-March 2) that will aim to promote positive body image.

The group plans to work with other groups on campus as well as other chapters of Active Minds. "We look forward to collaborating with other clubs, especially during Social Justice Month this April, and with other Active Minds chapters at other schools," Tugendrajch said.

The goal of Active Minds is not only to raise awareness about mental health, but to encourage students who are struggling with mental health disorders to seek help. Through promoting education, the group hopes to help students and administrators identify the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders.

"Through campus-wide events and national programs, Active Minds aims to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and create a comfortable environment for an open conversation about mental health issues on campuses nationwide," Tugendrajch said.

The group holds weekly meetings every Wednesday, at 7 pm, in Ladd 206. Further information can be found on the group's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/560490270628560/.

Campus Safety Reports: Feb. 8 to 14

 Incidents of Note:

Saturday, Feb. 9-Liquor Law Violation: Officer requested assistance at 12:40 a.m. at a Falstaff's event for an uncooperative student who refused to give ID when requested, which is a violation of the College's policy. Student complied with the request when the other officers arrived and agreed to leave the Falstaff's event for the evening. Report issued.
Sunday, Feb. 10-Campus Safety Assist: Three unknown males reported at 12:45 a.m. running from the taxi without paying for the ride. Theft of services report issued. Photos from the cab to be delivered at a later date.
Wednesday, Feb. 13-Missing Person: Concern reported for a roommate at 1 a.m. who should have returned from a date by that time. An investigation ensued and the student was located safe and sound with the assistance from the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Further Incidents:

Friday, Feb. 8:
Emergency Phone: Activation of emergency phone received at 12:03 a.m. from Cane Crossing. Officer dispatched reported the phone was reset and no one was in the vicinity. False activation determined.
College Violation: Officer noted excessive noise at 1:52 a.m. from a room in McClellan Hall while on patrol. Residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
Campus Safety Assist: A transport requested at 3:50 a.m. from Dayton Drive to the Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 9:50 a.m. at Cane Crossing. Dispatched all units, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Cause of the alarm determined to be the excessive use of aerosol. Report issued.
Alarm: The Saratoga Springs Police Department reported receiving an alarm at 4:45 p.m. for the Skidmore Employees Federal Credit Union Office. Dispatched officer reported that an employee accidentally set off the alarm. Saratoga Springs Police Department advised. Report issued.
Accident: A person reported at 6:52 p.m. that his vehicle slid down Wait Hill into the North Woods construction site. Officer dispatched for assistance. No injuries reported.
Emergency Phone: Emergency phone activation received at 7:37 p.m. No response from the caller. Officers dispatched reported finding no one in vicinity. False activation reported.
College Violation: Excessively loud music reported at 9:30 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
College Violation: Officer reported a drug law violation at 10:01 p.m. in plain view in McClellan Hall. Report issued.
College Violation: Officer reported a drug law violation at 10:20 p.m. in plain view at Penfield Hall. Report issued.
College Violation. A noise complaint received at 10:42 p.m. at Moore Way. Dispatched officer reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
Campus Safety Assist: An officer escort requested at 11:17 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Officer dispatched provided the escort.

Saturday, Feb. 9:
Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check requested at 12:35 a.m. for a friend at McClellan Hall after receiving concerning text messages. Officers dispatched. Subject located and appeared to be fine. Report issued.
College Violation: Excessively loud music reported at 1:10 a.m. at the Bridgman Apartments. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume for the remainder of the night.
Fireworks: The sounds of fireworks reported at 1:30 a.m. at Whitman Way. Officers dispatched reported that subjects were gone on arrival and found no other problems.
College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 3 a.m. at Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched reported students from the same room playing a board game in the common area. Students complied with the officers' request to lower the volume.
Fire Alarm/Drug Law Violation: Fire alarm activation received at 12:21 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers, Unit-10, and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Cause of the alarm was determined to be the burned food. Drug law violation found in plain view upon response to the alarm. Report issued.
Emergency Phone: An activation of the emergency blue phone received at 6:58 p.m. from Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched reported that the activation was due to a vehicle hitting it. Report issued.
Criminal Mischief: An officer reported at 9:50 p.m. finding a four-inch hole in a wall approximately one foot from the floor in Kimball Hall. Unknown perpetrator(s). Report issued.
Medical: Assistance requested at 8:23 p.m. at Wiecking Hall in rewrapping a hand in which the reporting person has had stitches. Officer dispatched applied first aid. Report issued.
Liquor Law Violation: Officers reported a liquor law violation at 10:09 p.m. in plain view at Wilmarth Hall. Report issued.
Medical: A person reported at 11:18 p.m. that her friend had been burned on a stove at Whitman Way. Officers dispatched reported transporting the victim to the Saratoga Hospital. Report issued.
Liquor Law Violation: A liquor law and tobacco violation reported at 11:30 p.m. in Wait Hall. Report issued.

Sunday, Feb. 10:
College Violation: Loud noise reported at 12:26 a.m. at Wiecking Hall. Officers dispatched reported that the subjects lowered the volume upon request.
Criminal Mischief: Fire alarm activation received at 2:16 a.m. at Wait Hall. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Officers on the scene advised that a fire extinguisher was set off. Report issued.
Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 12:10 p.m. to the Saratoga Springs Emergency Room from an off-campus location. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.
Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 10:50 p.m. on the first floor lounge of McClellan Hall. Officer dispatched photographed the damage and issued a report.

Monday, Feb. 11:
Criminal Mischief: Report received at 7:32 a.m. of a hole in the wall of the second floor McClellan Hall lounge area. Photo taken and damage recorded. Report issued.
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 11:50 a.m. for Dayton Drive. Officers, Unit-10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Cause of the alarm determined to be a cooking error. Report issued.
Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 5:50 p.m. in the Jonsson Tower basement. Officer located two subjects smoking. No drug evidence in plain view. Report issued.
Campus Safety Assist: A person entered the Campus Safety Office at 6:37 p.m. to report that a female was having an asthma attack and she has called 911. Dispatched officers and additional Saratoga Springs Police Department dispatched. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issue.d
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 8:23 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Alarm activation due to a cooking error. Report issued.

Tuesday, Feb. 12:
Campus Safety Assist: Assistance requested at 1:16 a.m. with four males who will not voluntarily leave the Scribner Library at closing. Officers dispatched reported that subjects were gone upon arrival.
Alarm: Stopper alarm activation received at 1:45 a.m. at Rounds Hall. Officers reset the alarm box and found no one in the vicinity.
Campus Safety Assist: A concerned parent requested a welfare check at 3:14 a.m. of a student in Wait Hall. Officer dispatched made contact with the student and she in turn called her parent.
Campus Safety Assist: Assistance requested at 7:35 p.m. for a male who injured his knee at the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched officer transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

Wednesday, Feb. 13:
Suspicious Odor: An odor of something burning reported at 12:10 p.m. on the second floor of Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched all officers and maintenance. Officer reported that there was a burnt ballast in one of the bathrooms and that maintenance will have the ballast changed by an electrician.
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 6:47 p.m. at a North Woods Apartment complex. Dispatched all officers and maintenance and advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Alarm was caused by cooking. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department was advised of the same.
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 8:19 p.m. from a North Woods Apartment complex. Dispatched officers and maintenance and advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Alarm was caused by cooking. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised of the same.
Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:22 p.m. on the second floor of Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers who reported that there was a faint odor in the hallway. No odor found in the room.
College Violation: A noise complaint received at 11:41 p.m. in Kimball Hall. Dispatched officers reported the area quiet upon their arrival.

Thursday, Feb. 14:
Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 8:06 p.m. for the Hillside B Apartment. Dispatched officers and maintenance and notified the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Alarm was due to cooking.
Suspicious Activity: Concern reported at 10 p.m. about a subject conducting business on campus. Report taken and is to be forwarded to the proper college authority for a further follow-up if necessary.
College Violation: A large party reported at 11:58 p.m. at a Scribner Village Apartment complex. Dispatched officers reported located a large group of people inside and outside the apartment. Group dispersed without incident at the officers' request.

Campus Safety Reports: January 20 to 31

Incidents of Note: Sunday, Jan. 20- Campus Safety Assist: Person reported a large tree at 11:53 a.m. that had fallen due to high winds, blocking the Perimeter roadway. Officer and Grounds personnel dispatched. Traffic control completed and tree removed. Report issued.

Saturday, Jan. 26- Suspicious Activity: Unwanted phone calls reported at 8:40 p.m. for a former roommate at Whitman Way. Officer contacted the former roommate. Calls were deemed unwarranted and no message was left. Report issued. Trace to be placed if continued.

Sunday, Jan. 27-Accident: Officer reported a two car automobile accident at 12:48 p.m. off of Clinton Street. Vehicles were pulled into the Tang lot afterwards. Officers and the Saratoga Springs Police Department on the scene. Reports issued. No personal injuries reported.

Monday, Jan. 28- Animals: A bat reported at 6:09 p.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer captured the bat and turned it over to the Bat Control COmpany. No human contact made. Report issued.

Further Incidents:

Sunday, Jan. 20:

Power Outrage: Unplanned power outage at 12:10 p.m. Appropriate procedures implemented. Report issued.

Alarm: Fire alarm activated at 1:07 p.m. in the Tisch Learning Center. Dispatched officers, Unit-10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Cause of activation due to a faulty smoke detector. Report issued.

Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 4:10 p.m. from a Hillside Apartment. Officers, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and maintenance dispatched. Cause of activation determined to be from a burned candle. Report issued.

Drug Law Violation: Officer observed marijuana in plain view at 5 p.m. in an apartment at Whitman Way while on a service call. Drugs and paraphernalia was confiscated. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:29 p.m. on the second floor of Penfield Hall. Officers dispatched but were unable to determine the source of the odor.

Monday, Jan. 21:

College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 1:35 a.m. at Wilmarth Hall. Officers reported that a group of 15 loud students in the lobby dispersed.

Medical: A request for counseling contact for a depressed person was received at 9:53 a.m. from Jonsson Tower. Officer provided assistance to the subject.

Larceny: A student reported stolen items at 5:30 p.m. from her room in Kimball Hall. Officer issued a report and initiated an investigation.

Tuesday, Jan. 22:

Criminal Mischief: Damage reported at 1:35 a.m. in the east stairwell inside a doorway of McClellan Hall. No known perpetrators at this time.

Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 10:26 a.m. from the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Burned food determined to be the source of the activation. Report issued.

Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 5:53 p.m. at Cane Crossing residence. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Fire alarm activation due to candle burning. Report issued.

Suspicious Activity: Suspicious activity reported at 7:34 p.m. by a solicitor at Moore Way. Dispatched officer reported the subject vacated the area prior to his arrival.

Wednesday, Jan. 23:

Missing Person: Person reported at 9:05 a.m. being unable to locate a friend for seven hours. Campus Safety notified officers, the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Office of Residential Life regarding the missing student. Missing persons protocol immediately initiated. Subject located. Report issued.

Medical: Person requested an officer at 8:56 p.m. for a medical assist at Kimball Hall. Dispatched officer transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:12 p.m. on the fifth floor of Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer located the room with the violation. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: Suspicious odor reported at 9:40 p.m. at Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officers reported no odor detected.

Thursday, Jan. 24:

Alarm: Fire alarm received at 8:52 p.m. for Howe-Rounds Hall. Dispatched officers, Unit-10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Burned popcorn was determined to be the cause of the activation. Report issued.

Campus Safety Assist: A transport requested at 10:26 p.m. for a female student from Whitman Way to the Emergency Room. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.

Friday, Jan. 25:

Theft of Services: Two males reported at 3 a.m. exiting a taxi and fleeing without paying the fare. Pictures to be turned over to the administration. Report issued.

Criminal Mischief: Person brings in a discharged fire extinguisher at 7:30 a.m. to Campus Safety. The fire extinguisher was replaced from its original location at the Penfield fire lane.

Campus Safety Assist: Police agency requested a background check on a former student at 11:02 a.m. Information forwarded. Report issued.

Medical: Report received at 7:08 p.m. of a patron at a Williamson Sports Center game who has fallen and possibly broken her leg. Dispatched officers and 911 contacted. Subject was transported for medical assistance via the Emergency Medical System. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:16 p.m. on the ground floor of Wait Hall. Dispatched officers reported no drugs present. Signs of marijuana usage present. Report issued.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 9:10 p.m. at Wiecking Hall. Officers checked the reported area and found no violation.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 11:11 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer reported two apartments' residents complied with the request to lower the volume. No further problems reported.

Intoxicated Subject: An intoxicated male reported at 11:12 p.m. at the Zankel Music Center. Dispatched officer requested Emergency Medical Service assistance. Subject transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

Drug Law Violation: A suspicious odor reported at 11:27 p.m. on the first floor of Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched officers located the source and issued various violations for drug and alcohol use. Report issued.

Saturday, Jan. 26:

College Violation: Loud music reported at 12:01 a.m. at a residence at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched reported a small gathering. Subjects complied with the request to lower the volume.

College Violation: Students reported screaming at 2:16 a.m. outside of a dorm room at McClellan Hall. Dispatched officers reported the area clear upon their arrival. No other problems reported.

Campus Safety Assist: A student's wallet was reported found at 5:24 p.m. downtown. Subject located and was requested to pick it up at the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Report issued.

Larceny: Larceny of a North Face ski jacket reported at 6:22 p.m. from a dryer in the Jonsson Tower laundry room. Report issued. No known perpetrators at this time.

Graffiti: Officer reported graffiti at 7:27 p.m. in the Jonsson Tower north elevator. No known perpetrator at this time. Report issued.

Graffiti: Officer reported graffiti at 8:30 p.m. in the eighth floor stairwell of Jonsson Tower and the south elevator. Unknown perpetrators at this time. Report issued.

Drug Law Violation: A suspicious odor reported at 9:18 p.m. on the second floor of Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched reported several drug and liquor law violations in plain view. Report issued.

Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported at liquor law violation at 9:38 p.m. in plain view at Rounds Hall. Report issued.

Liquor Law Violation: Officers reported a liquor law violation at 10:58 p.m. in plain view at Howe Hall. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 11:01 p.m. on the first floor of McClellan Hall. Officers dispatched reported no odor detected.

College Violation: Loud music reported at 11:24 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer reported the subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Sunday, Jan. 27:

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 12:55 a.m. at Wilmarth Hall. Officers dispatched reported no odor detected.

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 2:58 a.m. at Jonsson Tower. Subjects complied with the request to disperse from the area.

Medical: Medical assistance requested at 6:38 p.m. for a friend at Wiecking Hall. Officers dispatched who evaluated the subject and transported her to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

Criminal Mischief: Officer observed at 10:23 p.m. that the stop sign at the Williamson Sports Center parking lot entrance had been damaged and was lying on the ground. Grounds contacted and report issued. Unknown perpetrators of damage.

Monday, Jan. 28:

Campus Safety Assist: An escort requested at 1:25 a.m. from the West parking lot to a residential hall. Officers dispatched completed the personal escort.

Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 7:07 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched all units, Unit-10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Activation due to a cooking error. Report issued.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 6:08 p.m. at Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported the source of the odor could not be confirmed.

Alarm: Security alarm received at 6:35 p.m. for the Sasselin Art Building gallery. Dispatched officer checked the area with negative results. Area secured.

Tuesday, Jan. 29:

Menacing: An officer requested at 11 a.m. to accompany a meeting with students to take a report for the Office of Residential Life. Dispatched officer interviewed the subjects. Investigation initiated. Report issued.

Campus Safety Assist: Subject reported having an asthma attack at 7:04 p.m. at the Williamson Sports Center. 911 contacted. Subject transported to the Emergency Room for medical attention.

Graffiti: Officer reported at 8:56 p.m. that while conducting the North Quad safety check he noted several acts of graffiti. Officer photographed acts and issued a report. No known perpetrator(s) at this time.

Wednesday, Jan. 30:

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:47 a.m. at Penfield Hall. Officers dispatched and located the disruptive room. Upon issuing a noise warning they observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. Officers confiscated the items and issued a report.

Accident: Reporting person stated at 1:35 p.m. that she was directed by Health Services to come into the Office of Campus Safety to file an accident report of falling on the ice on campus last night. Dispatched officer. Report made.

College Violation: Loud music reported at 9:28 p.m. in North Woods. Dispatched officer reported locating the loud apartment and asking the student to turn the music down. The student complied without further incident.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 10:20 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers reported it was unfounded at that time.

Medical: Report received at 10:50 p.m. of a person who approached the main desk at the Williamson Sports Center breathing hard. Campus Safety assistance requested. Dispatched officer attended to the person's needs.

Thursday, Jan. 31:

Suspicious Odor: Call received at 12:18 p.m. stating that someone in the suite above the reporting person's office in Rounds Hall is smoking marijuana as he smells a strong odor of marijuana in his office. Dispatched officer investigated and made an incident report.

Aggravated Harassment: Reporting person came to Campus Safety at 3 p.m. to document a complaint on a housemate in the Village Apartment complex.

Suspicious Odor: Suspicious odor reported at 10:49 p.m. at Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported the call to be unfounded.

Faculty discusses course evaluation format: Feb. 1 faculty meeting focuses on structure of course evaluation system

Posted by Emily Singer

During the Skidmore faculty meeting that took place Feb. 1, professors came together to resolve the potential new layout of the course evaluations. The evaluations, or "dean's cards," that students fill out at the end of each semester helps professors receive feedback on the way their class is running and dictates if any adjustments to the curriculum are necessary. Professors want the cards to become more technical and logistical, with better language, different ordering of questions, and the omittance of the "N/A" section students had the option of filling in before.

The changes would allow teachers to better learn from their perceived strengths and weaknesses and consequentially improve their course based on the feedback they receive. The largest issue, though, is whether or not these changes will clarify feedback as certain added categories and questions will pertain more to specific subjects. A resolution is yet to be reached regarding this new layout.

Aside from discussion of the possible new evaluation cards, many faculty members were welcomed back from sabbatical leaves they had taken during first semester. There was talk about the AAC&U (Association of American Colleges and Universities) conference that some faculty had attended over winter break, which focused on staff workload issues and how that can become more balanced. Other topics included E-learning and sustainability on campus. For each subject of discussion, it was reaffirmed that Skidmore, in spite of the presence of room for improvement, was in very good standing.

Skidmore student arrested trying to get out of cold

Posted by Rebecca Orbach

Peter E. McColough '15 allegedly smashed the window of a business at around 5 a.m. Friday because he was cold and wanted to get inside, according to Saratoga Springs Police Department.

He was inebriated and found outside the business on Congress Street by SSPD after receiving a call that McColough was trying to break in.

He was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

For full story go to: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2013/02/02/news/doc510c6fda978ca831066509.txt

Ujima Fashion Show to be held Feb. 2, 8 pm in JKB Theater: "Our Black Diaspora: Lifting the Darkness"

Posted by Julia Martin

Ujima's 22^nd annual fashion show will take place Saturday Feb. 2, at 8 p.m. in the Janet Kinghorn Bernard (JKB) Theater. 

This year the show is entitled: "Our Black Diaspora: Lifting the Darkness", and will focus on East Africa, West Africa, Afro-Latin America, the Caribbean and North America. The show will not only showcase clothing, but students will participate in dances, spoken word, song and drumming.

Ujima is the African/African-American/Caribbean-American cultural awareness club on campus that works to bring history, culture and celebration to Skidmore. The fashion show is one of Ujima's largest events and involves both members of the club and non-member students. "The Ujima fashion show has been a great way to develop relationships within the diverse Skidmore community," said Makeda Nivens '15.

The fashion show kicks off a series of events on campus aimed at promoting "Intercultural and Global Understanding". The month of February will play host to a multiracial/transracial adoptee focus group on Feb. 5at 6 p.m. (held in the Intercultural Lounge), a group that plans to discuss issues or questions regarding students who may or may not identify as multiracial, a person of mixed heritage or a transracial adoptee.

On Feb. 16 Ujima will host a Food for the Heart and Soul Lunch at 12:00 pm in Falstaffs. On Feb. 25 Al Duncan, Ujima's Black History Month Keynote Speaker, will deliver the keynote lecture at 7 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium. 

Faculty members discuss the possible implementation of online courses: Faculty remains undecided on how exactly to coordinate online and in-class learning

Posted by Emily Singer

On Dec. 7, the Skidmore faculty gathered in Gannett Auditorium for the last time this fall semester to discuss news regarding the Skidmore community, including the prospect of having MOOC's, or massive open online courses.

The faculty spoke about the possibility of Skidmore participating in eLearning, through which students would take courses on the computer instead of in the classroom. These courses would either be part online and part taught in the classroom, serve as a mandatory prerequisite for students to take before in-class learning, or completely replace certain classes, such as the introductory, 100-level courses, while teachers merely assist with the student's understanding of the online material rather than teach it directly.

Several faculty members voiced their concerns that technology might replace the benefits of having classroom discussions and take away the experience of a true liberal arts education. Skidmore's number one priority however, they recognized, is enhancing the learning for students, so applying online learning to course curriculums would only be used if it accomplished this goal.

The suggestion arose that online courses could help with admissions, since prospective students could look at course materials that way, although faculty members decided it would be more important to focus on the education of the current students before speculating about future ones.

In addition to the discussion about potential online courses, the meeting brought up several newsworthy events within the faculty, including the distinguished faculty award won by American Studies professor Mary Lynn and the hiring of two new faculty members within the past month for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Skidmore.

The two new members, Rachel Wills and Levi Rogers, will work on a sustainable tour for prospective students and will also develop environment-centered internships and projects for students at the College.

Bias Response open forum addresses the community's response to bias: Students and faculty gather to discuss the recent bias incident reports and future responses

Posted by Julia Leef

On Dec. 5, approximately 24 student and faculty members gathered in the Spa for the open forum sponsored by the Bias Response Group to discuss this semester's bias incidents and possible responses to take against them.

Dean of Students Rochelle Calhoun opened the evening by discussing the origins of the bias incident alert grid, a system of recording bias incidents. The bias incident alert grid was created after a discussion a few years ago regarding what Calhoun described as aggressive bias incidents. Calhoun emphasized that the Bias Incident Response Group, which was formulated as a response to these incidents, does respond to each individual incident, even though these responses are not easily visible.

"We're doing as much as we can as we get the reports," Calhoun said in an earlier interview. "We're having meetings to talk about the community aspects in the residence halls. These things do not lack an effect on the individuals who have been targeted."

The students and faculty in attendance brought up many concerns regarding the incidents, including a feeling of a lack of leadership from the faculty, students brushing off the incidents as inconsequential, students not having the tools to combat the incidents, and moving forward and making changes.

The open forum also offered up reasons as to why these bias incidents may be occurring. Some of the suggestions brought forward included a lack of consequences in a culture of acceptance, the general attitude that bias is only an issue of color, and the issue that people are not actively trying to learn about the issues.

"These are complicated issues. We've been trying to work on issues of diversity and inclusivity for the past few years," President Philip A. Glotzbach said in a separate interview. "I see incivility as a way of marginalizing or excluding a student from a dialogue. I think we need to find ways to talk about these issues constructively as a community."

Members of the community in attendance at the open forum also offered several suggestions to address the bias incidents, such as requiring professors to speak in class about a recent bias incident, including a question in the course evaluations regarding whether or not the professor addressed these bias incidents, and providing immediate training for first-year students, along the same concepts of the Everyday Leadership Training.

Although many suggestions were brought forth during this discussion, several main motifs were faculty involvement, the education of the student, a focus on prevention in addition to a response and defining what exactly a bias incident is and what it means in the greater context of the community.

Perhaps most emphasized in the open forum, as vocalized by Calhoun and Glotzbach, was the need to continue to expand these dialogues, to continue to have the conversations needed to address these issues.

Campus Safety Reports: Nov. 30 to Dec. 6

Posted by Julia Leef

Incidents of Note:

• Friday, Nov. 30- Suspicious Activity: Officer reported suspicious activity at 11:25 p.m. in the Jonsson Tower lot. Subjects were caught attempting to release the tire air on a patrol vehicle. Report issued.
• Sunday, Dec. 2-Accident: A person reported at 10:34 a.m. finding vehicle parts near a damaged guardrail on Perimeter road. Dispatched officer recorded the damage. The Saratoga Springs Police Department issued a report. Parts brought back to Campus Safety to be tagged and filed. Owner located. Report issued.
• Wednesday, Dec. 5-A suspicious-looking male reported at 1:36 p.m. entering the Jonsson Tower via the stairwell. Dispatched officers conducted a search of the building and located a non-student who was identified and advised not to return to campus or be arrested for trespass. Subject relayed that he understood and left the campus on foot without incident.

Further Incidents:

Friday, Nov. 30:

• Theft of Services: Four males reported exiting a cab at 12:50 a.m. without paying the fare. Photos of the subjects to be turned over for an investigation. Report issued.
• Fire Alarm: Stopper alarm activation received at 2:30 a.m. in Wiecking Hall. Officers reset the device. No one in the area.
• Medical: A student reported having a panic attack at 1:32 p.m. in a hallway in Dana. Subjects left the area prior to the officer's arrival, who located the subject and assured his well-being. Report issued.
• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor report at 9:39 p.m. on the first floor of Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer reported noting the odor of marijuana. Report issued.
• Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported a liquor law violation at 9:15 p.m. on the third floor of Wiecking Hall. Report issued.
• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 10:48 p.m. in Kimball Hall. Dispatched officers located the source of the marijuana odor but found no visible evidence of possession. Report issued.
• College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 10:48 p.m. in Penfield Hall. Dispatched officers requested the subjects disperse and they complied without incident.
• College Violation: A loud party reported at 10 p.m. on the second floor of Wait Hall. Dispatched officers reported that the group lowered the volume upon request.
• College Violation: Liquor law violation observed at 11:10 p.m. in plain view at Penfield Hall. Report issued.
• Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported a liquor law violation and a drug law violation at 11:11 p.m. in plain sight in Penfield Hall. Report issued.
• College Violation: A large, unauthorized gathering reported at 11:36 p.m. at Cane Crossing. Dispatched officers spoke with residents who complied and lowered the volume. The group dispersed.

Saturday, Dec. 1:

• Falsely Report: A fire alarm activation received at 12:03 a.m. in Penfield Hall. All officers, Unit 10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Intentional false alarm received. Officer investigation determined the perpetrators. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: A person reported at 12:55 a.m. observing someone breaking the light bulbs between Howe Hall and the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Officers dispatched but subjects were gone on arrival. No personal injuries resulted. Report issued.
• Liquor Law Violation: A person reported observing an alcohol violation at 11 p.m. in Penfield Hall. Report issued.
• College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:41 a.m. from a covered area in the center of the South Quad. Officer dispatched reported that students left the area upon arrival.
• Liquor Law Violation: Excessive noise reported at 1:36 a.m. on the fourth floor of Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched observed a liquor law violation. Group dispersed.
• College Violation: Loud music reported at 2:06 a.m. at Cane Crossing. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
• Intoxicated Subject: Intoxicated student reported at 3:20 a.m. from an off campus party. Officers assisted, evaluated, and escorted the subject back to his room for the evening. Report issued.
• Suspicious Activity: Officer observed a suspicious person at 3:15 a.m. trying to hide alcohol on his person. Subject dropped the alcohol and his coat and fled the Jonsson Tower area.
• Criminal Mischief: Damage to a vehicle's rearview mirror reported at 10:50 a.m. in the Northwoods parking lot. Dispatched officer issued a report. No known perpetrators or witnesses.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported holiday lights torn down at 10:35 a.m. near Case Center. Dispatched officer recorded the damage. No known perpetrator(s). Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported observing damage at 12:21 p.m. to the wall on the second floor of Wait Hall while conducting checks. Damage recorded. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 12:22 p.m. noticing a hole kicked into the wall on the east stairwell of the first floor of McClellan Hall. Damage recorded. Report issued.
• Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported observing a liquor law violation in plain view at 12:22 p.m. while conducting checks in Howe Hall. Report issued.
• Accident: A person reported at 4:25 p.m. that a Dining Services employee had fallen and requested an ambulance. Officers and the Emergency Medical System dispatched. Subject transported for assistance. Report issued.
• Medical: A person reported at 9:30 p.m. that a resident had passed out and required assistance in McClellan Hall. Officers dispatched. Emergency Medical System transported the subject for assistance.
• Liquor Law Violation: A loud party reported at 10:52 p.m. in the Oak Apartments. Officers dispatched witnessed several college violations. Report issued.
• College Violation: Noise reported at 10:58 p.m. on the first floor of Wilmarth Hall. Officer dispatched reported that the group dispersed.

Sunday, Dec. 2:

• Emergency Phone: A blue light activation reported at 12:15 a.m. from the McClellan Hall blue light. Officer reported no one in the area. Call determined to be a false activation.
• College Violation: Domestic dispute reported at 1:48 a.m. in Jonsson Tower. Officer dispatched interviewed both parties. Verbal argument determined to be the reason for the call. Subjects separated for the remainder of the night. Report issued.
• College Violation: People being loud reported at 2:20 a.m. in the Moore Quad. Officer dispatched reported that subjects dispersed upon his arrival.
• College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 2:30 a.m. at Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 11:29 a.m. for the Sasselin Art Building. Dispatched officers, maintenance, and advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. The source of the alarm was a continual problem with the heat sensor on the third floor. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: A transport for a student requested at 3:52 p.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room from an off-campus location. Dispatched officer completed the transport for medical attention. Report issued.
• Suspicious Activity: A male subject reported at 7:14 p.m. attempting to gain access to an unauthorized area in the Filene Music Hall. Officer dispatched reported the subject gone on arrival.

Monday, Dec. 3:

• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 10:32 a.m. at the Sasselin Art Building. Officer and maintenance responding reported a continual problem with the heat sensor on the third floor. Report issued.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 12:28 p.m. for the Hillside B Apartments. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Smoke condition from cooking determined to be the cause. Issue remedied. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported a hole in the wall at 1:57 p.m. on the second floor near the lounge area of Wait Hall. Damage recorded. Report issued.
• Parking: Officer reported booting a vehicle at 2:40 p.m. in the Tang parking lot due to excessive unresolved tickets. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 6:21 p.m. finding a large crack in a wall at Jonsson Tower. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: A physical altercation reported at 10:28 p.m. in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Officer dispatched reported the subjects were gone on arrival. Witnesses reported the subjects were engaged in assumed "horse-play."

Tuesday, Dec. 4:

• College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 1:33 a.m. in Wait Hall. Reporting person had requested that the subjects lower the volume but they refused to. Officers dispatched warned the subjects to keep the volume at an acceptable level.
• Larceny: A student reported his bike missing at 4 p.m. from where he left it. Report issued.

Wednesday, Dec. 5:

• Campus Safety Assist: A personal escort requested at 1:45 a.m. from Jonsson Tower to the subject's residence. Officer completed the escort.
• Found Property: A person brought in earrings and one necklace at 8:16 a.m. that he found in the laundry room of Wait Hall. Items were tagged, bagged and placed in the lost and found.
• Animals: A call received at 5:03 p.m. to report observing a bat in Palamountain Hall. Dispatched officers were unable to locate the bat at this time. Officers will periodically patrol the area in search of the bat.
• Suspicious Activity: A male, not affiliated with the College, reported at 4:22 p.m. having come over to the IT Help Desk in Scribner Library over the weekend who acted obnoxiously and insisted on being served. Employees have been told to call Campus Safety if and when he returns or if he becomes confrontational.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 8:22 p.m. in a Northwoods Apartment complex. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and notified the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported that the fire alarm was set off by burnt food as an occupant was cooking. Alarm was reset and the apartment was aired out.
• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 8:32 p.m. in Wait Hall. Dispatched officer who reported locating the room in question and discovering, upon investigation, that someone had been smoking cigarettes inside the room. Occupants were advised of the College's policy prohibiting smoking in the residence halls and that a report of the incident would be made.

Thursday, Dec. 6:

• A student reported at 6:14 a.m. that her roommate in Kimball Hall had just pulled an all-nighter, is very jittery, may have drunk too much coffee and requested assistance. Dispatched officers requested an ambulance to transport the student to the Saratoga Emergency Room for further evaluation.
• Parking: Officer reported booting a vehicle at 11:15 a.m. parked in the fire lane at the Sasselin Art Building.
• Campus Safety Assist: Transportation requested at 2:52 p.m. for a student to the Saratoga Emergency Room. Dispatched officer provided the transport.
• Campus Safety Assist: A jumpstart was requested at 3:16 p.m. for a subject's vehicle parked in the Cane parking lot of Northwoods. Dispatched officer reported the jumpstart was successful.
• Campus Safety Assist: An escort requested at 9:19 p.m. from the Case Center parking lot to the subject's apartment.

Skidmore alumnus Christopher Weigl killed in accident on Thursday: The graduate from the Class of 2011 was hit by a tractor-trailer while biking in Boston, Mass.

Posted by Rachel Kim and Julia Leef

Christopher Weigl, a Skidmore alumnus from the class of 2011 and a graduate student at Boston University, was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer while riding his bike on Thursday morning, Dec. 6, at Commonwealth Avenue and St. Paul Street in Boston, Mass.

The 23-year-old was hit by the 16-wheel truck at 8:30 a.m., according to BU Today, when the truck made a wide right turn onto St. Paul Street. He was wearing a helmet and biking in a marked bike lane. The Boston Police Department is currently investigating the accident.

Weigl, who was in the midst of obtaining his master's degree in photojournalism at the College of Communication, was president of the Photo Club at Skidmore and served as the photography editor for The Skidmore News.

In 2009 Weigl, along with Keith Petri '10 who was president of the Photo Club at the time, created the Skidmore Spur Charitable Calendar. As president the following year, Weigl continued the yearly tradition. The successful and provocative calendar, which has raised over $3000 for charity will be dedicated to Weigl this year.

"Chris was my mentor in photography at Skidmore. He was a really hard worker and really involved club members like me Lauren. He was amazingly talented," said Melissa Cohn '13. Cohn and Lauren Elsner '13 are currently co-presidents of the Photo Club.

"Chris, to me, was a friend, an inspiration, but also my mentor. His work was unbelievable and he was such an incredible person. I want him to be remembered at Skidmore," Elsner said. Elsner, along with the photography club, plans to hold a vigil in memoriam of Weigl on Tuesday Dec. 11.

Weigl's photos were also featured at the Communications department, which nominated him employee of the year when he was in his senior year. He served a freelance internship at the Panorama magazine and was a freelance photographer for Metrowest Daily News.

"From the wedding day to a simple human interest story, the capture of emotion in a split-second is a truly powerful, almost magical, ability. The seduction of photojournalism lies in its translation of a 4D space to a 2D plane. How does the photographer interpret that change? What decisions does he or she consciously make in capturing this story?" Weigl said on his website.

A vast array of his works can be seen on the site, which includes many photos from his trips to Cambodia, Thailand, Italy, New Zealand and Istanbul, Turkey.

"Chris was by far the most talented photographer I knew personally," Savannah Grier '12, who also served as art director on The Skidmore News, said. "Beyond that, he was just such a kind, warm-hearted perosn. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with him on The Skidmore News. I have always considerd our club to be like a family, and so losing Chris is losing a part of my Skidnews family."

Student Affairs discusses a smoke-free campus in open forums: The committee will release a survey next semester to further aid their research

Posted by Julia Leef

The Student Affairs subcommittee of the Inter-Policy Planning Committee, co-chaired by Dean of Students Rochelle Calhoun and President of the Student Government Association Matt Walsh '13, has spent the past few weeks meeting with students, faculty and staff about the possibility of making Skidmore College a smoke-free campus.

There have been three open forum-style meetings inspired by this issue that was first brought up last fall, which have gathered an approximate total of forty people to discuss their positions and opinions of a smoke-free campus. These meetings have been more or less equally divided between smokers and non-smokers, according to Calhoun, who said both parties were respectful of each other's positions on the matter.

Among the ideas discussed, Calhoun mentioned the possibility of creating smoke-free spaces on campus, as well as addressing the tendency of smokers to gather outside the entrances to buildings on campus, which many non-smokers objected to. The discussions also brought up the issue of what exactly it means to tell people that they can or cannot smoke.

The Students Affairs subcommittee, which is composed of a mixture of students, faculty and staff, will collate this information into a survey, which will be released next semester. The results of this survey will inspire the committee's next movements. The committee is also working with the Safety Committee of Human Resources, a group composed of faculty and staff members who have also been working on addressing the smoking situation on campus.

Students may win prizes and enjoy free food at the sixth annual Skidmore Shop Fashion Show: The show also features all-day events, including a holiday discount sale at The Skidmore Shop

Posted by Julia Leef

Students will have the opportunity to win prizes, receive discounts on holiday shopping, and enjoy free food and entertainment during the sixth annual Skidmore Shop Fashion Show at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The fashion show, which will be emceed by Technology Sales and Social Program Administrator Bob Carlton, and organized by John Neil, Associate Director of Business Services and Director of The Skidmore Shop, and Dawn Greenlaw, Assistant Director of Operations at The Skidmore Shop, is part of an all-day series of activities and events for students and community members.

"We were just brainstorming about a kind of event that would be fun for us and our students and the rest of the community," Neil said when asked about the inspiration behind the event. "It has morphed into something more than where it started from, and that's part of the fun for us, trying to up the ante each year and come up with something new."

The fashion show itself will feature about 22 student, faculty and staff models, according to Neil, including some of the faculty and staff's children. The models will be able to choose their own outfits from The Skidmore Shop, and will hand out free t-shirts on the runway.

"This is an event that takes us months to plan out, talking to vendors and students and aligning everything and getting it to come together, particularly this year," Neil said, in reference to the all-day events that will be going on from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. "There's a lot of moving pieces to it."

"One of the new things that we're doing is having a photo booth set up at the atrium. We'll have someone take the photos and our friends and office services will have a color printer so students can get their photos for free," Carlton said.

This is just one of the many events that will be going on tomorrow, including the all-day holiday sale at The Skidmore Shop from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., which features the "Wheel of Discounts" which students may spin for each purchase, the holiday buffet in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is sponsored by Skidmore Alumni and the Student Government Association, on the Case Green from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the dessert reception in the Spa at 8 p.m.

"Throughout the entire year we're always sort of working, especially with our sponsors. And we have some new sponsors this year which will be fun and interesting," Carlton said. "We have some great downtown businesses getting involved this year along with some corporate sponsors."

Students will have many opportunities to win prizes offered by sponsors such as Max London's, the Comfort Kitchen, Apple and Vineyard Vines, which they can enter for starting today.

"Come on out tomorrow. Take advantage of the sales, but also take advantage of all the fun things we've planned for the evening," Carlton said. "In a big way, this is our way of thanking our Skidmore community for the support."

A full list of all the events may be found on The Skidmore Shop's tumblr page or on a poster in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall.