Campus Safety Reports: August 31 to September 5

Posted by Julia Leef '14

Incidents of Note:

• Sunday, Sept. 1-Report received at 1:33 a.m. that a female was being carried upstairs into a New Village Apartment by four males. Dispatched all units who reported locating the female and the male students inside one of the apartments. The males were attempting to assist the female, who was intoxicated. The Skidmore College Emergency Medical Service was called in to evaluate the female.
• Sunday, Sept. 1-Medical assistance requested at 10:49 p.m. in the Hillside Apartments A. Officers and the Skidmore College Emergency Medical Service dispatched. 911 was contacted by the caller as well. Officers reported an initially unresponsive female at the apartment who became responsive as the emergency crews were on the scene. The female was evaluated and requested no further medical attention.
• Tuesday, Sept. 3-Report received at 3:30 p.m. of a sexual assault that occurred on campus last semester. Investigation continues.
• Thursday, Sept. 5-Medical Assistance Calls: A report received at 10:11 p.m. that a person believes she was given drugs unknowingly at a concert in Kimball Hall. Officers and the Emergency Medical Service dispatched. The person was evaluated and requested no further actions at the time.

Further incidents:

Friday, Aug. 30:

• College Violation: Noise reported at 12:06 a.m. coming from a room in McClellan Hall. Residents advised to keep the noise down. All complied without further incident.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 12:10 a.m. in the New Apartments J. Officers found that marijuana smoke in the apartment had set off the building's fire alarm system. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department responded and the fire alarm was reset.
• Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 2:37 p.m. etched on the balcony glass of Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers. Report taken. No known suspects for this incident.
• Propped Door: Officer reported finding a propped door at 6:48 p.m. during property checks of Kimball Hall. Door prop was removed and the building was secured.
• Suspicious Activity: Officer White reported at 9:12 p.m. finding a male with a dog in North Woods who stated that he is a parent of a student walking the dog.
• Propped Door: Officer reported finding a propped door at 7:02 p.m. on the west side of Penfield Hall. Now secure.
• Propped door: At 7:05 p.m., exterior door of McClellan Hall found propped open. Now secure.
• Propped door: At 11:34 p.m. a propped door was found in Wiecking Hall. Door now secure.
• College Violation: A noise complaint received at 11:31 p.m. for 10 Whitman Way. Dispatched officers spoke with the residents of two apartments who were playing loud music. Subjects complied with the request to turn down the volume.
• Saturday, Aug. 31:
• Suspicious Activity: While jogging at 7:45 a.m. on Bloomfield road, a person reported that she observed a car pass her several times and was following her. Report taken and investigation ensued.
• Fire Alarm: A fire alarm reported at 8:23 a.m. for the Colton House. Immediately received a telephone call from an employee working in the building stating that they set it off. All is well. Advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, officer, and maintenance. Maintenance reset the alarm.
• Fire Alarm: Received a fire alarm at 11:49 a.m. for the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Dispatched officers, maintenance, and advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported a faulty duct detector had caused the alarm. Advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Electricians working on the issue.
• Fire alarm: A fire alarm received at 2:26 p.m. in the Hillside Apartments B. Dispatched officers, maintenance, and advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officer reported that the alarm was due to cooking; no problems at the time.
• Propped door: Officer reported at 9:14 p.m. finding the Wilmarth door propped open. Officer secured the door.

Sunday, Sept. 1:

• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 12:10 a.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officers could not detect an odor upon their arrival.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activated at 12:15 a.m. in the New Apartments K. Dispatched officers, Unit 10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Alarm was due to burnt food.
• College Violation: Loud noise reported at 12:32 a.m. in Howe. Dispatched officers reported that the students cooperated and lowered the volume.
• Medical Assistance: A person reported having difficulty breathing at 2:05 a.m. in Penfield Hall. Dispatched officers and the Skidmore College Emergency Medical Service, who evaluated the reporting person.
• Medical Assistance: A student reported at 2:41 a.m. from the New Apartments L that their roommate was having severe stomach cramps. Dispatched officers and the Skidmore College Emergency Medical Service. The SCEMS evaluated the subject who was transported to the Saratoga Emergency Room by Campus Safety.
• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 2:51 p.m. in the south quad. Odor had dissipated prior to the officer's arrival.
• Propped Door: Officer reported finding a door propped at 9:05 a.m. in Kimball Hall. Door secured.
• Propped Door: A number of doors were found propped open at 4:52 p.m. across campus.
• Medical Assistance: Reporting person states at 9:45 p.m. that she stubbed her toe on the steps of the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater. Officer dispatched.
• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 11:36 p.m. on the first floor of Penfield Hall. Officers dispatched reported that the odor had dissipated prior to their arrival.

Monday, Sept. 2:

• College Violation: Noise and a lot of people reported at 12:21 a.m. on Dayton Drive. Dispatched officers dispersed the crowd with no further incidents.
• College Violation: Report received of people being loud at 1:15 a.m. outside in the south quad. Officer dispatched. People were advised to disperse and did so without further incident.
• Drug Law Violation: A drug law and alcohol violation reported at 1:55 a.m. in Wiecking Hall. Report made and items confiscated.
• Medical Assistance: A Saratoga Springs Fire Department ambulance requested at 1:12 p.m. for Jonsson Tower. Officer and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department were dispatched at that time. The individual was transported to the Saratoga Emergency Room via ambulance.
• College Violation: A loud party reported at 11:38 p.m. taking place in the New Village. Dispatched officers reported closing the party down and dispersing the crowd. Report made. Referred to the Dean of Student Affairs Office for further follow-up.

Tuesday, Sept. 3:

• Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 1:22 a.m. in Wiecking Hall. Officers sent to check the area were unable to locate the source.
• Larceny: The reporting person called at 9:18 p.m. requesting officer assistance while meeting with a student. Officers were informed by the reporting person that her wallet had been stolen off-campus. The Saratoga Springs Police Department arrived on the scene at 9:26 p.m. and took a report.

Wednesday, Sept. 4:

• Medical Assistance: The Skidmore College Emergency Medical Service was requested at 10:58 p.m. to take a look at a student's ankle in Penfield Hall. Dispatched officers reported that the student was treated by the SCEMS.

Thursday, Sept. 5:

• Campus Safety Assist: Assistance requested at 9:01 a.m. getting a vehicle moved from the corner of Clinton and Clement, which has been there for three days. Neighbors had called with concerns. Dispatched officers reported speaking with the owner who will have the vehicle moved. Advised the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
• Suspicious Odor: An odor of marijuana reported at 5:43 p.m. near the Hillside Apartments A. Officer dispatched did not detect an odor near the building. Odor had dissipated.
• Suspicious Activity: A suspicious truck reported at 8:41 p.m. approaching students on Case Roadway. Officers dispatched reported that the subject was identified as an employee. No further problems reported.
• Property Damage Auto Accident: A person reported at 11:06 p.m. that another parked vehicle had rolled back into his front bumper in Wait parking lot. Officers dispatched. No personal injuries. Report made. Photos taken.
• Propped Door: Front door found propped at 11:37 p.m. in Kimball Hall. Officer secured the door.

Skidmore senior to start a placement service business in Beijing

Posted by Elizabeth Hopkins

This summer, Samuel Schultz '13 will embark on a plane to Beijing to start a summer camp placement service for Chinese students. Schultz plans to provide families looking for a summer camp in the United States for their child with a search utility that will suggest recommendations based on their child's interests. The service will be called Summer Destinations and will be based out of Beijing.

Schultz recently won the $20,000 first prize in the third annual Kenneth A. Frierich Business Plan Competition. This prize will enable Schultz to initiate his five-year plan to start Summer Destinations.

The service will specifically cater to a wealthy demographic of Chinese nationals, whose children have learned English. Families like these may be seeking to provide their child with a more immersive English experience, an opportunity to investigate interests, or gain a summer experience in a natural environment, outside of the city of Beijing. Schultz said that he aims to ensure that families "know of this opportunity and its positive aspects, and give their children the means" to attend a summer camp. "I created a foundation of connections in Beijing," Schultz added, which he hopes to use to facilitate the expansion of the business.

"The initial camp roster is comprised of established residential summer camps in the Northeast," Schultz said. He hopes to expand this roster annually to include more specialized camps in other parts of the U.S.

At Skidmore College, Schultz has majored in International Affairs and Asian Studies and minored in Business. "My academic experience has given me great preparation to begin this business," Schultz said. "It's great to finally be doing academic work that will have a tangible benefit on my future."

Past learning experiences and visits to China drove Schultz to seek Beijing as his starting place. He first traveled to China for studies in his junior year of high school. There he gained a solid grasp on the language and culture. During a recent trip to China this past summer with his father, Schultz met two children, who were both probably around eight or ten-years-old and natives of Beijing. In addition to Chinese, the kids spoke English and German. At such young ages, the kids provided Schultz with inspiration and sparked the idea to start Summer Destinations.

Promotions for Summer 2014 will begin in September or October as the application deadline is April 1 for most camps. Until then, Schultz will spend this summer preparing for his trip to Beijing, publicizing the service and establishing business connections. In the first five years, he will divide his time between Beijing, working there August through April, before heading back to the U.S. to check on progress at the camps.

The semester in review: News

Posted by Andrew Shi

The Men's Soccer team was involved in a hazing scandal that received national attention. The hazing incident occurred during the Nov.30 "rookie night," an initiation event. Many of the players involved received points to their student record, had to pay fines, and were banned from playing spring sports. Several of these students were able to successfully appeal some of these punishments. An initial investigation by the Saratoga County District Attorney was dropped and the police investigation into the incident has also seemed to come to a tacit end.

On Tuesday, March 5, the campus went into lockdown after Lance C. Leonard made a threat to kill a Skidmore student. Leonard was arrested at 6:40 a.m. the next day in Atlanta City, N.J, and was believed to be on his way to Skidmore. Classes resumed as normal on Wednesday.

Several Scribner houses have neared completion. Currently seven are under construction and four are scheduled to open for the fall, providing much needed living space. Much of the junior class was upset that they would have to live in the dormitories once again. The other three houses are currently scheduled to open for next spring.

Skidmore experienced a 40% increase in applications this year. The administration does not plan on increasing the student body size. This will result in the College's acceptance rate to lower, which often serves as a indicator for a college's competitiveness.

William Spears, an architect from the firm Miller Dyer Spears, began to survey Case Center. He is tasked with renovating the building and questioned students, faculty and staff for what they wished to see in a new building. Blueprints for the news building have not yet been created. Case Center was last expanded and renovated in 2000.

Commencement Controversy:

The announcement that Cynthia Carroll would be awarded an honorary degree and speak at commencement received much attention from the Skidmore Community. Ms. Carroll, once rated the fifth most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine, is the outgoing CEO of Anglo-American, a mining conglomerate, and is also an alumna from the Skidmore class of '78. Students took issue with her and Anglo-American's environmental and social justice record.

A group of 40-or-so students interrupted April's faculty meeting to air grievances over the choice of Ms. Carroll as a commencement speaker. While many of the faculty present showed disapproval with their behavior, they lauded the students' commitment to taking action and having their voices heard.

Students were invited to a teleconference with Ms. Carroll and associates to hear her address the issues they had with her presence at commencement. A discussion amongst students and faculty followed the teleconference. President Glotzbach also sent out an email to the community to explain why he thought Ms. Carroll was an appropriate choice.

President Glotzbach addresses Carroll controversy

Posted by Andrew Shi

On April 25, President Glotzbach sent a four-paged email to the Skidmore community. The email addressed the controversy surrounding the choice of Cynthia Carroll, the outgoing CEO of Anglo-American, as one of two commencement speakers.

In the email, Glotzbach recognized that more should -- and would -- be done to gauge student opinion on future commencement speakers."Going forward, we will charge the Junior Class Officers to solicit their classmates more actively...In addition, I will confer with the Board of Trustees and members of the SGA leadership to see if there are other ways to include student voices more effectively in this process."

President Glotzbach also revealed that, at the request of students who attended last week's teleconference and subsequent discussion, the administration would explore the possibility of inviting a third commencement speaker. In a separate interview, Glotzbach confirmed that the administration is "looking into various options," but also emphasized that finding a speaker on such short notice was unprecedented.

The bulk of Glotzbach's email served as a defense of the administration's decision to invite Carroll as a speaker. Students opposed to her presence have argued that her work contradicts Skidmore's values of "environmental sustainability and social justice." Glotzbach disagreed, asserting that she stood for the same values and practiced those as CEO, just in a different, subtler, fashion. Glotzbach asked in his email if there is "just one ethically privileged way to change the world, or are there multiple legitimate, and therefore praiseworthy, pathways toward achieving the goals we all share?"

Glotzbach conceded that the mining industry was far from perfect and said that he believed Carroll would agree with him on this. He argued though, that under the tutelage of Carroll, Anglo-American vastly improved in both areas of student concern. Glotzbach adumbrated a short list of some of her achievements that spanned from improving Anglo-Americans environmentally-friendly standing in a list of 500 major companies by 39 places, to dramatically expanding "programs for HIV/AIDs prevention  and treatment among workers and their families in South Africa, improving the lives of more than 100,000 individuals."

Glotzbach continued to argue that while Carroll's work may not have been the kind of revolutionary change some Skidmore students expect, it was progress nevertheless. For Glotzbach, "developing and implementing such an efficacious plan for change usually requires analysis of systems and how to influence or reengineer them. Such work can be incremental or revolutionary. Often it is frustrating and slow." The argument, it seems, boiled down to 'is the world better off now than it was before the arrival of Carroll?' Glotzbach, in his letter, said yes.

Glotzbach argued that as much as creative thought matters, so does implementing grand schemes, and sometimes that implementation can only come in small doses. "If a person has a wonderful idea for a building, but that building is never constructed, it just remains a thought," said Glotzbach in the interview. He continued to say that, "Lucy Scribner wanted to construct a school that educated both the mind and hand."

According to Glotzbach, Carroll embodies the practice of creative thought and hand, and that she was able to achieve the environmental and social justice change she envisaged.

In his email, Glotzbach emphasized the hand portion, something arguably forgotten and ostensibly left out in Skidmore's motto "Creative Though Matters." Returning to the issue of Carroll and previous episodes of protest, Glotbazch said that while criticism from students has been appreciated, few plans beyond demanding that the administration do something have been proposed. "To protest you don't need all the answers... but at a certain point, especially when criticizing someone, 'what do you want to see happen' is a legitimate question."

Glotzbach then recalled the teleconference meeting where students from United Minds, an ad hoc club designed to protest Carroll, were asked by a faculty member "what do you want to happen."

Glotzbach "did not find the response to be compelling."

Up to this point, much of the protest against Carroll has just asked for her to be disinvited, but has avoided proposing solutions to prevent future situations. Although, as aforementioned, progress has been made in securing a larger role for students in their choice of commencement speaker in the future.

Currently, a petition is circulating that requests Carroll withdraw as commencement speaker. It is unclear how many have signed the petition, nor how many seniors have signed the petition, a distinction Glotbazch finds to be important, as "it is their commencement."

The protest of Cynthia Carroll as a commencement speaker is not unique to Skidmore College. This past semester, Swarthmore also faced a similar problem, as students opposed the choice of Robert Zoellick, who, among many things, was a foreign adviser to President George W. Bush during his 2000 election. The case of Zoellick is eerily similar to Carroll's current situation, as Zoellick is an alumnus of Swarthmore. Zoellick, though, after weeks of protest, rescinded his invitation and declined his honorary degree.

The episode received national attention, much of it unfavorable. The Washington Post interviewed Josh Wheeler, the director of the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, a legal policy group at the University of Virginia, who said that these kind of pretests were a form of censorship, and called "the ability of a small but vocal group to limit the choices of a much larger majority," the heckler veto."

In the same article, previous president of the University of Wisconsin Robert O'Neil, who experienced similar protests in the 1980, said, "what people see as evidence of political correctness is not what's going on. The harshest thing I see is that we engage more in self-censorship, but that's a long way from succumbing to political correctness."

After Zoellick cancelled his appearance, "many students on campus...said amongst themselves that they are disappointed a vocal and misguided minority ruined an opportunity to hear Zoellick speak," wrote Daniele Charette, a student at Swarthmore, in The College Fix, an online Newspaper.

It is still unclear how many students support or disagree with the choice of Cynthia Carroll. But only once in recent years has a commencement speaker cancelled, and it was due to sudden family matters. In 2001, students protested against the invitation of Joseph L. Bruno a past republican majority leader of NYS senate and alumnus from the class of '52, but Bruno still delivered his commencement speech. Glotzbach has promised to make the process more transparent in the future and will update the community on the search for a third commencement speaker. Cynthia Carroll is still expected to speak at commencement and receive an honorary degree. Commencement is scheduled for May 18.

http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/13126

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-04-11/lifestyle/38461290_1_college-campuses-ben-carson-robert-zoellick

Campus Safety Report: April 12 to 18

Incidents of Note:

? Friday, April 12-Theft of Services: Reporting person advises at 11:40 a.m. that a student was arrested for failing to pay for a cab fare last evening. Report issued.  (http://www.skidmorenews.com/news/skidmore-student-charged-with-grand-larceny-1.3031875#.UXWfHo6D020).

? Saturday, April 13-Campus Safety Assist: Students reported at 12:45 a.m. throwing construction cones at vehicles at Thomas Terrace. Dispatched officers reported a search of the area with negative results. No permanent damage recorded.

? Thursday, April 18-Complaint: Concern reported at 3:08 p.m. with the Saratoga Springs Police Department arrest procedure of a student. Report issued.

Further Incidents:

Friday, April 12:

? College Violation: Extremely loud music reported at 1 a.m. coming from an adjacent room at Whitman Way. Officer dispatched reported that the resident lowered the volume upon request.

? College Violation: Loud noise reported at 1:10 a.m. coming from an adjacent room in Wait Hall. Officer dispatched reported that resident complied with the request to lower the volume. All guests departed for the evening.

? Medical Assistance: Reporting person with an injured right hand wrapped in ice requested the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System for evaluation at 1:20 a.m. The SCEMS was dispatched and treated the subject. Campus Safety officer transported the subject to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Larceny: Subject reported at 11:23 a.m. that her backpack had just been stolen at the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched officer issued a report. No known perpetrator at this time.

? Suspicious Activity: A suspicious male reported at 5:41 p.m. sitting in a parked truck in the North Hall parking lot. Officer dispatched located and identified the subject who presence on the campus was legitimate.

? Suspicious Activity: Subject reported at 7:39 p.m. that an unknown black male entered her unlocked room in Jonsson Tower and appeared to be under the influence. The man left abruptly with no further disturbance. Report issued.

? Medical: Assistance requested at 9:36 p.m. for a female who is ill in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers and notified the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System. Officer dispatched transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: A hole reported at 10:39 p.m. in a wall of Wait Hall. Dispatched officer recorded the damage and issued a report. No known perpetrator.

? Campus Safety Assist: Two subject were reported at 11:40 p.m. attempting to go through the fence at the Scribner Village construction area. Dispatched officers were unable to located the subject as they fled the area.

? Campus Safety Assist: A lot of subjects reported at 11:47 p.m. walking to an off-campus party via Clinton Street. Officers reported that they have monitored the area. Students returned safely.

Saturday, April 13:

? College Violation: A possible party reported at 12:18 a.m. in the Pine Apartments. Dispatched officers spoke with several residents who complied with the request to lower the volume. A second call was received at 1:15 a.m. Dispatched officers reported an unregistered party, games of mass consumption and contraband confiscated. Report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:41 a.m. at Whitman Way. Dispatched students complied with the request to lower the volume.

? College Violation: A loud banging noise reported at 12:56 a.m. in the basement of McClellan Hall. Dispatched officers were unable to detect the noise. No problems reported.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 1:01 a.m. in the Macrury Apartments. Dispatched officers reported that students complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Criminal Mischief: While conducting a call at 4:51 a.m., officers noticed debris smeared all over the walls of the first floor in the McClellan dorm. Damage recorded. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 7:42 a.m. from the College to the Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

? Campus Safety Assist: An injured male reported at 10:17 a.m. at an event at the Polo field. Officer transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Medical: A male reported at 3:34 p.m. having difficulty breathing due to an injury suffered while in a performance at the Dance theater. Advised the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. Report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 3:42 p.m. at Moore Way. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Activation was due to burned food. Report issued.

? Suspicious Activity: A suspiciously-acting male reported at 3:46 p.m. on the third floor of the Sasselin Art building. Officer dispatched reported that the subject was gone on arrival.

? Medical: Skidmore College Student Emergency Medical System reported at 11:02 p.m. that a female student was possibly in need of medical assistance in the Spa. Officers dispatched. At 11:23 p.m. the subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

Sunday, April 14:

? College Violation: An officer requested to speak with residents at 12:56 a.m. concerning excessive noise at Cane Crossing. Officers spoke with the residents who agreed to lower their volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: The Saratoga Springs Police Department requested officer assistance at 1:06 a.m. with two intoxicated subjects located downtown. Officer provided assistance. Report issued.

? Intoxicated Subject: Officer requested at 1:43 a.m. to respond to an intoxicated female in Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched officers requested the Skidmore Emergency Medical System and an ambulance. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Intoxicated Subject: An unconscious female reported at 2:56 a.m. in the ladies bathroom in Case Center. Dispatched officers requested the Skidmore Emergency Medical System and an ambulance. subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.

? Moving Violations: Officers reported observing a black sedan at 12:27 a.m. driving recklessly on Perimeter Road. Vehicle was identified and ticket issued. Report issued.

? Parking: Officer reported booting a vehicle at 8:54 a.m. in West Lot for parking violations and driving recklessly. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 5:17 p.m. to the Emergency Room for a male student. Officer dispatched provided the transport. Report issued.

? Medical: A student reported that his roommate had cut her finger at 8:41 p.m. in the Bridgman Apartments and requested medical assistance. Officers and the Skidmore Emergency Medical System dispatched. Subject received medical treatment from the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. Report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 10:27 p.m. in Wait Hall. Officers dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported a fist-sized hole at 10:46 p.m. in the lobby wall of Wait Hall. Damage recorded and report issued. No known perpetrator at this time.

Monday, April 15:

? Criminal Mischief: A 'Do Not Enter' sign reported at 6:16 a.m. pulled out of the ground near 5 Dayton Drive. Grounds notified for a replacement. Report issue.d

? Criminal Mischief: A hole reported at 9:13 a.m. in the wall on the second floor of Penfield Hall. No known perpetrator at this time. Dispatched officer issued a report and recorded the damage.

? Campus Safety Assist: Assistance requested by a parent at 11:30 a.m. in contacting her daughter at Whitman Way. Officer provided assistance. Report issued.

? Parking: Student's vehicle booted at 3:15 p.m. at the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater for excessive tickets. Report issued.

? Parking: Vehicle towed at 3:15 p.m. near the Sasselin Art building for excessive tickets and for parking in a handicapped spot. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Person in Campus Safety office at 12:40 p.m. from Whitman Way to be fingerprinted for a state certification in teaching. Service provided.

? Campus Safety Assist: Person in Campus Safety office at 12:45 p.m. from Moore Way to be fingerprinted for a state certification in teaching. Service provided.

? College Violation: Loud guitar playing reported at 11:19 p.m. at Cane Crossing. Dispatched officers reported checking the area and finding the subject gone on arrival.

Tuesday, April 16:

? College Violation: Loud music reported at 1:03 a.m. coming from the first floor of Wiecking Hall. Officers dispatched and residents lowered the volume upon request.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 6:06 a.m. to the Emergency Room. Officer completed the transport. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 2:06 p.m. to the Health Services office from Palamountain Hall. Transport completed. Report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 10:21 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Officers and maintenance dispatched. Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Activation was due to a cooking error. Report issued.

Wednesday, April 17:

? College Violation: Loud noises reported at 1:25 a.m. coming from the volley ball court in Northwoods. Officer checked the area with negative results.

? Parking: Officer reported booting a vehicle at 10:45 a.m. in the Arts Quad B lot as it is unregistered with the College and has received nine previous violations. Report issued.

? Accident: Reporting person stated at 11:05 a.m. that someone had scratched his car while it was parked in the Palamountain parking lot. The subject refused police involvement at this time. Report issued.

? Larceny: Person reported at 5 p.m. that her IPad Mini was taken from a hallway in the Dance Theater. Report issued. Police involvement was declined at this time.

? Campus Safety Assist: An officer requested at 5 p.m. to conduct a welfare check on a student in McClellan Hall. Dispatched officer located the subject. Report issued.

? Larceny: Person reported at 6:30 p.m. that his Facilities portable radio was taken from the first floor hallway of Howe Hall. No known perpetrators. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: A 911 call reported at 9:36 p.m. with an open line in Kimball Hall. Officer called the number and ascertained that all was okay and that the call was made in error. Report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 10:32 p.m. at Cane Crossing. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Activation was due to burned food. Report issued.

Thursday, April 18:

? Suspicious Odor: A strong odor of incense reported at 2:20 a.m. burning in a dorm room in Wait Hall. Officers dispatched reported that several rooms were interviewed but the source could not be located.

? Parking: Officer reported a vehicle booted at 4 a.m. in the Jonsson Tower lot for excessive tickets. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transportation requested at 9:19 a.m. from Health Services to Wilton Medical. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transportation requested at 9:38 a.m. for medical assistance. Officer dispatched completed the transport. Report issued.

? Campus Safety Assist: The Saratoga Springs Police Department informed Campus Safety and College officials at 2:49 p.m. of information regarding an arrest warrant for a student. Report issued.

? College Violation: A noise complaint received at 10:14 p.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer reported no problems upon arrival. Students stated that they were watching the game and apologized for getting that loud.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 10:45 p.m. in Howe Hall. Dispatched officer reported speaking with a few residents and requested that the music levels be turned down.

? College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 11:09 p.m. for the first floor of Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched officers reported that the subject complied with the request to lower the volume.

Men's soccer team investigation seems to finally come to a close

Posted by Alex Hodor-Lee/Contributing Writer

What began as a very public lambasting for the Men's Soccer Team by the college's administration in late February and continued to be an ongoing investigation into the events of what is being labeled "rookie night," seems to finally have come to an end.

In his Feb. 21 email, addressed to all members of the Skidmore community, President Glotzbach described the events of Nov. 30 as a "team initiation," and "hazing and underage drinking."

While team initiation can be a benign activity, which the anti-hazing handbook of the NCAA-the governing body of college athletics-calls "elements of any culture," and "meaningful experiences in which no one becomes a victim," hazing has been taken very seriously by colleges after a string of recent hazing-related deaths.

Troubling to some student-athletes close to the situation was that the email-publicly rebuking the men's soccer team to an audience of their professors and peers-was sent at 6:38 p.m. that evening, a mere 23 minutes after the beginning of the team's meeting with the athletic department in which they first learned of the investigation.

"The athletic department gave us letters about possibly getting suspended. I was totally out of the loop; I had no idea," recalls one senior member of the men's soccer team.

Following the meeting, players received a letter from Donald Hastings, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The letters ordered a time and a date for each player to individually meet with the Dean. One student-athlete said each individual was punished on the basis of a ten-minute discussion about their respective involvement in rookie night, adding, "I did get a little upset."

When asked, Hastings, due to confidentiality protocol, could not confirm the details of his meetings with students but said that, when meeting with students in similar circumstances, "the average meetings lasts no less than 30 minutes." Hastings also said that during these meetings, he always asks students for their story, and if a student denies certain charges, he takes that into consideration, and often gives them the benefit of the doubt. "If a student tells me they weren't drinking, I believe them," Hastings said."

In addition to canceling the team's spring season, the college administration also dispensed hefty athletic bans to players said to have been involved. Each member was sentenced to a four-match game ban for the upcoming fall season. The two captains, going into their junior and senior years this fall respectively, received nine-match game bans in addition to the forfeiture of their captaincy.

Furthermore, members of the team have received academic punishments for their involvement in "rookie night." Many upperclassmen received points on their student account as well as a fine-varying from 100 to several hundred dollars. First-years had a less severe $25 fine, and at least one has enrolled in a mandatory alcohol education course. Every member of the team is now expected to write a letter of apology to the administration. Additionally, every player on the team was banned from competing in any sports season this semester.

All students are given the option of appeals, usually on the condition that the respondent felt the punishment was inappropriate for their action. At least three members of the soccer team who also compete for Skidmore's lacrosse team have had their bans lifted. Other members of the team are also in the process of appealing, although Hastings revealed that at this point in time all appeal processes were coming to a close.

Skidmore's "rookie night" has garnered some national attention, making headlines in the Wall Street Journal and the San Francisco Gate. The episode was also covered in Saratoga Springs' local newspaper, the Saratogian. When asked how the incident found its way into print, one reporter at the Saratogian replied that the newsroom "was sent a press release from the school."

"It caught my editor's eye. A small college in upstate New York? When do you ever hear of a non-violent hazing incident that didn't involve forced drinking?" said one representative of the Wall Street Journal.

At this time it's still unclear who the victims were on Nov. 30, or what prompted the investigation.

Five members of the men's soccer team opted not to partake in "rookie night". This leaves uncertain if rookie night was a hazing incident if members were not forced to participate in the "bonding experience," as one player called it.

With punishments being rescinded and Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy opting not to pursue criminal charges, members of the men's soccer team said they were slowly winning vindication.

On March 23, members of the team (and at least one Skidmore student who is not on the team) received an e-mail from the Director of Campus Safety Dennis Conway indicating that their contact information had been passed along to Saratoga County Police investigators.

Some student-athletes said this e-mail was the conclusion to a four-month long investigation, and litigious battle with the college administration.

The carefully worded e-mail also stated, "[Campus Safety] will not assist in these interviews." Furthermore, Mr. Conway wrote, "This email is sent as a courtesy to you and in no way are we advocating that you agree to being interviewed by the police. That choice is yours," emphasizing the school's decreased role in the investigation.

Two days later, players received an email from Saratoga PD Investigator Glen Vidnansky. In his email Mr. Vidnansky wrote, "I am assigned to investigate the incident that involved the Men's Soccer Team and underage drinking."

As of late April, student-athletes on the men's soccer team have not been further questioned, and those who declined to respond or comment to Vindansky's email were not emailed again. It appears that the police investigation, too, has come to an end as well, with no charges being filed.

Skidmore student charged with grand larceny

Posted by Julia Martin

Justin J. Tavarez, a 22 year-old Skidmore College student, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, after allegedly stealing a black leather bag out of a Saratoga Taxi cab in the early morning hours of April 12.

According to the Saratoga Wire, the bag contained three pool sticks and billiard accessories and held  a total estimated value of $1,150. The bag was left in the taxi by a previous passenger who contacted Saratoga Taxi the next day in search of the bag. According to court documents the contents of the bag were recovered, but in a destroyed condition.

A person is guilty of grand larceny in the fourth degree when he or she steals property valued at greater than one thousand dollars.

Tavarez was also charged with misdemeanor theft of service, after allegedly fleeing the taxi without paying the $23.80 fare.

According to the Saratoga Wire, in 2010 Tavarez plead guilty to misdemeanor third-degree assault as part of a plea deal, after allegedly smashing a plate over a man's head inside Compton's Restaurant on Broadway in December of 2010. The deal dismissed two felony charges that had been brought against him under the hate crimes statute.

Tavarez was ordered to pay $348 to cover the medical expenses of the victim and released on conditional discharge. Skidmore College imposed sanctions required that Tavarez complete 100 hours of community service and attend conflict resolution training sessions.

A full description of the 2010 sentence can be found at: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Man-sentenced-in-diner-brawl-1333406.php

For his more recent offence, bail was set at $250 cash or $1,000 bond. Tavarez will return to Saratoga Springs City Court on May 2.

For the full story visit: http://saratogawire.com/article/1060/130417-skidmore-student-charged-with-larceny/

40 Students storm faculty meeting in protest of commencement speaker

Posted by Julia Martin/News Editor

For video of the protest filmed by the protesters go to: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=P_sChG4_v_4

The Protest

On Friday, April 5 at 3:30 p.m., the College's monthly faculty meeting was scheduled to begin in Gannett Auditorium. Minutes into the meeting, a group of 40 students entered the auditorium, with Jovany Andujar '13 seizing one of the two empty microphones positioned in the aisles.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this faculty meeting, but-" Andujar began.

"Excuse me, you're out of order sir. You may sit and if you want to say something I will recognize you," President Glotzbach said.

Andujar continued speaking.

The accompanying students began handing out fliers to the faculty, detailing their issues with the choice of commencement speaker, former CEO of the Anglo-American mining corporation, Cynthia Carroll. The fliers were created by the United Minds club on campus.

At this time, a small group of faculty members chose to exit the auditorium, including Professor of government Natalie Taylor. Taylor told The Skidmore News she left after the students told the President Glotzbach they would not allow him to continue speaking. "By disregarding the procedures that govern our meetings, the students betrayed values- openness to differing opinions, deliberation, and civility- that are essential to liberal education and to community," Taylor said.

Andujar read a prepared speech detailing his frustration with the administration's approach to the Cynthia Carroll controversy. "The voices of students are not being properly heard. I've been in talks with the students involved in [discussions with the administration] and that is the only reason why I know about any of the limited progress that has been occurring," he said.

Andujar described the administration's response to the controversy as an act of appeasement rather than serious consideration. He continued, "We are calling and demanding for actual action and change." Andujar said personally he wanted Carroll to be disinvited from the ceremony or stripped of her speaking privilege.

Andujar expressed dissatisfaction that the administration had not released a public statement regarding the controversy over the choice of Carroll, and mentioned that he felt his opinion was being ignored.

"It's my commencement. Not hers. Not yours. It is my day. Not yours," Andujar said.

Daniel Pforte '13 spoke after Andujar. Pforte described the decision of Carroll as commencement speaker as contradictory to the sense of social responsibility and ability to think critically that students are expected to obtain after four years at the College.

"We [the group of students] believe this decision misrepresents us as Skidmore students, and highlights the lack of power students hold," Pforte said.

Pforte stated that the students wanted faculty to help organize an event that invites the administration responsible for the choice to explain their motives and justifications for the decision.

When asked if he had attempted to contact the administration before the protest, Pforte told The Skidmore News, "I do not believe the administration is a place to start any sort of effort to change decisions of the power structure or the power structure itself."

President Glotzbach then asked the students, "What would you like to happen today?"

Andujar responded, "I'm not playing that game with you this time, Glotzbach."

The response invoked a contemptuous buzz from the faculty members in the audience.

Chair of the Classics Department Michael Arnush then spoke to Andujar, "You've asked for respect from him. He deserves the same respect. His name is President Glotzbach."

Andujar continued, "I'm not playing that game, President Glotzbach."

Andujar said the moment for an open forum had passed, and that the students were not asking for an open forum. "We want change," Andujar said.

Kali Block-Steele '13 then spoke. Block-Steele called for true collaboration and communication between the administration and students. She mentioned frustration at the "political jargon" used by members of the administration, concluding her speech with, "I want to see change, President Glotzbach. That is what I want."

Professor of Studio Art John Cunningham then rose and spoke, stating that graduation was a prideful moment for the faculty members as well. "We've been with you guys for four years. This has been a wonderful, creative, exciting experience for us. Please bring this dialogue back to something a little more civilized, because we are with you guys and we back you guys up a hundred percent," Cunningham said.

The group left the auditorium after Kelsey Nichols '13 mentioned that at least some of the students present would be interested in engaging in an open forum with the administration.

Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Sociology David Karp left the auditorium at the same time as the students. Karp said he left not out of protest, but desire to speak further with the students and learn more about their perspectives.

Professor Karp added, "I was excited to see the passion, courage, and conviction of the students who went to the faculty meeting."

Behind the Scenes

Professor Karp, Dean of Students Rochelle Calhoun, President of Speakers Bureau Alexandra "Z" Steinhauer '13, SGA President Matt Walsh '13, Senior Class President Emilee Bell '13, Sustainability Coordinator Riley Nuegebauer and Professor of Environmental Studies Karen Kellogg are all members of a group that developed earlier in the semester to discuss the controversy over the choice of commencement speaker. The group developed after Steinhauer contacted members of the administration with concerns over the choice of Carroll.

These group discussions have led to a commitment by the administration to alter the structure of choosing future commencement speakers as well as the planning of a teleconference with Cynthia Carroll.

Steinhauer also gathered 18 testimonials from students expressing dissatisfaction with the decision and the lack of administrative transparency. The testimonials were emailed to administrators and presented to the discussion group. The testimonials ranged from several paragraphs to a few sentences in length.

"My conversations with administrators were not necessarily making the college notice how urgent this issue is and now it's important that we really kick it up a notch. Students took a serious risk when they protested the faculty meeting and while definite progress has been made, I still think it is imperative for the school to take a risk when thinking about further solutions." Steinhauer said.

Block-Steele mentioned that she felt student voices were not being taken seriously.

Outside of submitting a testimonial, Block-Steele had not contacted members of the administration before the protest.

The specific goal of the protest is unclear. Students involved have asked that Carroll be uninvited to commencement, while others have asked for community dialogue. Others still have asked for an "act of love" from the administration.

The monthly faculty meeting has not served as the stage for a student demonstration in two decades. Twenty years ago, a group of students entered the meeting and called upon the administration and then president of the College, David Porter, to admit more students of color and employ more faculty of color.

Pforte said the meeting was chosen as the sight of protest because he believes faculty members hold great power in the community.

"They [the students] were asking us to join and stand with them," said Arnush, "though I'm not quite sure how and where we were to join them." He continued, "It wouldn't be realistic to disinvite a speaker at the request of 40 students. These are passionate students, but we don't know if this is the majority view. And how do we even find out the majority view? How do you reach an entire student body to find out what the student body thinks?"

Arnush added, "At some level I respect [the choice of the faculty meeting as the protest location] enormously. It caught the attention of everybody. It was the tone that I think was wrong."

Members of the protest mentioned they believed the choice of Carroll was a symptom of a larger problem of Skidmore not holding itself to higher standards of civic engagement. Students expressed sentiments that the administration should have responded to the testimonials submitted with greater urgency. Students who participated in the protest voiced frustration that faculty members and members of the administration had not contacted them after the protest.

The community dialogue with Cynthia Carroll is scheduled to take place on Thursday April 18, between 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium. 

Campus Safety Report: April 5 to 11

Incidents of Note:

? Monday, April 8-Suspicious Activity: A child reported at 8:38 a.m. unrestrained in a convertible, which appeared to be hazardous. Several other reports received of the same. Officer dispatched reported a check of the entire campus with negative results.

? Wednesday, April 10-Intoxicated Subject: A male reported at 8:39 p.m. entering the Williamson Sports Center mumbling something about swimming. The subject went up to a coach who advised him that he did not belong in the Sports Center. The reporting person stated that they waited outside of the men's room for him and escorted him out of the building through the coach's entrance doors. A description of the subject was provided and he was located on the bottom floor of Case Center. The subject was identified and warned off campus or be subject to arrest for trespass.

? Wednesday, April 10-Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check was requested at 11:41 p.m. of the reporting person's son in the Scribner Village Apartment complex. Dispatched officer reported that the student was not found in his apartment. After initial efforts proved negative, the Saratoga Springs Police Department was contacted along with the assembly of the Emergency Management Team. An e2Campus alert message was sent out to all users advising of the missing student, along with several other efforts. A student contacted the office at 7 a.m. stating that the subject in question was sleeping in her roommate's bedroom. Dispatched officers located the subject in good mental and physical condition. The subject contacted his mother.

Further Incidents:

Friday, April 5:

? College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 1:03 a.m. at Whitman Way. Officers reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: While on rounds at 1:30 a.m., officers observed two males coming down the steps of the Tang Teaching Museum. As the officers approached the males fled on foot.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 3:55 a.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room from Ingram Park. Dispatched officers completed the transport.

? Drug Law Violation: A suspicious odor reported at 9:05 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported observing a Drug Law violation in plain view. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 10:33 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers reported observing a Drug Law violation in plain view. Report issued.

? College Violation: A noise complaint received at 11:50 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer reported that subjects complied with the request to lower the volume.

Saturday, April 6:

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:50 a.m. in Penfield Hall. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 1 a.m. in the South Quad covered walkway outside of McClellan Hall. The graffiti was recorded and a report issued.

? Graffiti: Officer reported graffiti at 2:34 a.m. written on the walls inside the fourth to fifth floor stairwell of Jonsson Tower. Graffiti recorded and report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint received at 2:35 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint received at 4:57 p.m. at the Pine Apartments. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? College Violation: Loud music reported at 5:48 p.m. at the Oak Apartments. Residents were leaving upon the officer's arrival. Officer spoke with the residents concerning the noise complaint.

? Medical: An intoxicated subject reported at 11:52 p.m. at Falstaff's Pavilion. The Emergency Medical System was advised but the subject refused medical attention. Report issued.

Sunday, April 7:

? A male subject reported at 12:15 a.m. laying on the ground between Wilmarth Hall and Case Center. Skidmore College Emergency Medical System on the scene advised Campus Safety that the subject was gone on arrival. The student was later found in Wilmarth Hall. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and the Emergency Medical System was requested for medical assistance. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: Graffiti found at 1:29 a.m. on the exterior of McClellan Hall. A can of spray paint was also found. The spray paint can was placed in evidence. Damage recorded and report issued.

? Trespass: Non-residents reported a broken window at 2:30 a.m. on the third floor of Kimball Hall. Report issued and damage recorded.

? Criminal Mischief: Graffiti reported at 3:13 a.m. on the wall, door and stairs of the south east side of the Kimball Hall basement entrance facing Penfield Hall. Report made. Photos taken.

? Campus Safety Assist: Concern reported at 9:46 a.m. for another student's welfare at Whitman Way. Dispatched officer located the subject and provided assistance. Report issued.

? Medical Assist: Campus Safety requested at 8:10 p.m. for a cut finger at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer and the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. The subject was transported to the Emergency Room for further medical attention. Report issued.

? Medical Assist: Campus Safety requested at 8:35 p.m. to respond to a female who hurt her ankle at the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched officers and the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room for further medical attention. Report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 8:54 p.m. at a North Woods Apartment complex. Officer, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Source of activation due to burnt food. Report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 11:40 p.m. in McClellan Hall. Officer spoke with the room's resident about the repeated noise complaints. Report issued.

Monday, April 8:

? Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check requested at 12:48 a.m. of the area near the reporting person's daughter's dorm room in McClellan Hall as she is concerned for her welfare. Officer dispatched reported finding the hallway clear and not detecting any noise or disturbance.

? Criminal Mischief: A broken chair reported at 7:40 a.m. in the center stairwell of Penfield Hall. Officer dispatched and damage recorded. No known perpetrator at this time. Report issued.

? Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 9:18 a.m. on the brick wall and pillars of the Case Center walkway. Officer recorded the graffiti. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 9:

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint reported at 12:28 a.m. at Wiecking Hall. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects talking loudly complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: Medical transport requested at 12:47 a.m. from Wait Hall to the Emergency Room for the reporting person's ill acquaintance. Officer provided the transport.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 6:45 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Alarm due to a cooking error. Report issued.

? Alarm: Spa motion sensor alarm activated at 8:09 p.m. for the Case Center ramp entrance. Officer dispatched. Second alarm received. Officer reported finding no staff in the area. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 11:18 p.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officers reported detecting no odor upon arrival.

? Criminal Mischief: Officers conducted a check at 11:29 p.m. of Wiecking Hall and reported a fist-sized hole in the wall near the elevator and room 219A. Damage recorded and report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 11:43 p.m. at Moore Way. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Source of activation determined to be burnt food.

Wednesday, April 10:

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 11:28 a.m. that the fencing for the construction site in Scribner Village had been cut. Report and photos taken. Construction supervisor notified.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:12 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers who reported not finding any problems. Call unfounded.

? Campus Safety Assist: A person called Campus Safety at 11:01 p.m. to advise that the county had received a 911 hang-up. Dispatched officers could not locate any problems or the person who had made the call. After several attempts, the caller was located, identified and advised that it was an accidental dialing. Reporting person advised.

Thursday, April 11:

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm sounded at 11:14 a.m. on the automated alarm system for the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched all units and contacted the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported that a panel showed a problem in the main gym. Advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported that a detector was activated in the duct work under the bleachers. Unknown cause for the alarm at the time. Alarm reset.

? Accident: Damage reported at 5:23 p.m. to the subject's vehicle in West Lot. Reporting person stated that a note had been left on his windshield but was damaged due to the rain.

? Medical Assistance Call: A reporting person came to the Campus Safety office at 6:21 p.m. stating that he would like his blood pressure checked. Notified the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System.

? Medical Assist: Assistance requested at 8:01 p.m. for a student in Bolton Hall. Dispatched officer and notified the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System.

? College Violation: Loud noises reported at 10:07 p.m. coming from the recording studio in the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Dispatched officer reported that there were no problems in the area. All was fine at the time.

? Campus Safety Assist: A call received at 10:17 p.m. from the Scribner Library that a subject the reporting person had previously called about had now entered the building. Dispatched officers reported observing the male but did not find him to be doing anything wrong. Officer spoke with the reporting person.

Students meet with the architect hired to redesign Case Center: A discussion on what students wish to see in the new building

Posted by Andrew Shi

On Tuesday, seven students (including your writer) accepted the open invitation to meet with William Spears, the architect in charge of renovating Case Center. Spears is one of three principals of MDS (Miller Dyer Spears), which is headquartered in Boston. The firm fields a long list of colleges and universities for clients, and Spears oversaw the renovation of Mount Holyoke's Blanchard Campus Center. According to his profile at the firm's website, "[Spears] leads the firm's sustainable design initiatives, looking to promote buildings that that contribute to the well-being of its occupants, and minimize energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases," making him an ideal architect to redesign Case Center, based on Skidmore's energy efficient and sustainable building agenda.

In the discussion, Spears asked the group of students what problems they had with the current building, what they liked about it, and what they envisioned the ideal Case Center would provide.

It seemed, though, that there was more things wrong with Case then were right.

"I think a lot of people start with Case or the library as the center of Campus, but Case is a transition place...we meet people there but don't stay there," Meghan Burke '13 stated.

"I was thinking of a place to lie down...and it wasn't Case," Senior Class president Emilee Bell '13 said.

One of the largest issues with Case, according to the group, was lighting. Many thought the lighting was poor, and the dark paint only exacerbated the unwelcoming ambience. Spears expressed that "it is important to make a place feel warm," and asked what exactly students might like to see to improve lighting. The consensus was more windows, and more lights throughout the building as well, as the current florescent bulbs were too sparse and dim. As Martha Snow '14 noted on Case, "it's dark even when it's sunny outside."

Another problem seemed to be a lack of comfort and intimacy. There was an expressed desire for the small rooms in Library, which offer groups an area to gather and hold private meetings. These small rooms also supply spaces for clubs to congregate and would, if built into Case, theoretically attract students there. "The library has this space that feels intimate, Case does not have that," Burke remarked. The fireplace in the Dining Hall atrium also served as another paragon for what these students wished to see in a new Case Center.

The last demanding topic of the session was about the Spa. The Spa, according to the three upperclassmen who attended, holds an important function for those who need a place to eat on campus but no longer have meal plans. But people also "use the place to study, to socialize, to eat and to hold events," Bell noted.

Some of the students complained about the food, while others thought it served its purpose. Spears questioned if the Spa might be able to host many of the events that are now conducted at Falstaffs, such as Lively Lucy's, but nobody thought the Spa in its current condition was ideal.

Bell stated that as far as hosting events went, the Spa was a poor choice because its openness undermined any form of intimacy or inclusiveness. In the end, Spears pondered if the Spa was "a multipurpose room that doesn't do anything well."

Many other facets of Case were brought up, including Ladd, which students at the meeting felt, as a hall for academia, intruded on the student space that was meant to provide a place to relax and socialize. Many students also thought that Case was hard to navigate, unsure of where rooms were and confused by the sets of offices that house Leadership Activities and now also Communications. One student also lamented about the condition of the patio outside of Burgess. "The front patio is really great except I can't walk by without coughing." The administration is currently contemplating a smoking ban or limiting smoking to smoking areas.

Spears will continue to observe and study Case and will work closely with both students and the administration as he develops a blueprint for renovation. For more information on Spears and his firm, visit http://www.mds-bos.com/.

Campus Safety Reports: March 29 to April 4

Incidents of Note:

Saturday, March 30-Criminal Mischief: Officers reported locating a large opening at 7:07 a.m. in the fence outside of the Hillside Apartments allowing for unauthorized entry. Officers secured the fence with wire at the scene. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 2-Campus Safety Assist: A German Shepard reported at 4:37 p.m. wandering in the North Broadway roadway. Dispatched officer located the dog and returned it to its owner.

Wednesday, April 3-Animals: A person reported at 7:01 p.m. that his dog had been attacked earlier that day while being walked on the North Woods trails. Investigation initiated and report issued.

Further incidents:

Friday, March 29:

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:10 a.m. in the Wilmarth Hall common area. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Criminal Mischief: A window reported broken at 7:22 a.m. on a trailer in the construction site at Scribner Village. Damage recorded. No known perpetrator at this time. Report issued.

Criminal Mischief: A broken window reported at 12:05 p.m. in the west stairway of Penfield Hall. Damage recorded. Report issued.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 12:42 a.m. in McClellan Hall. Officer assisted the subject.

Suspicious Activity: A suspicious male reported at 3:33 p.m. in the Spa in Case Center. All parties on upon arrival.

College Violation: Offer reported a college alcohol violation at 11:37 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Report issued.

Saturday, March 30:

Intoxicated Subject: An off-campus student reported concern at 12:53 a.m. for an intoxicated friend. Officers and the Emergency Medical System assisted the subject. Report issued.

Intoxicated Subject: An intoxicated female reported at 1:16 a.m. in Kimball Hall. Dispatched officers and the Emergency Medical System assisted her. Report issued.

Intoxicated Subject: Assistance requested at 1:42 a.m. for an intoxicated male in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers and the Emergency Medical System provided assistance. Report issued.

Campus Safety Assist: A smoldering ashtray reported at 2:11 a.m. outside of 3 Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched stated that there was no fire present and extinguished the ashtray by smothering it with snow.

Campus Safety Assist: A concerned counselor requested a welfare check at 10:46 a.m. after a student missed a scheduled appointment. The subject was located and his status reported satisfactory.

Criminal Mischief: Criminal mischief reported at 11:44 p.m. on the second floor of Wiecking Hall. Officer reported unknown perpetrators. Damage recorded. Report issued.

Sunday, March 31:

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at midnight for the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers reported a birthday party going on. Residents complied with the request to lower the noise.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:19 a.m. from the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers advised the registered party to lower the volume. Several subjects dispersed from the area.

Criminal Mischief: Officer reported a shattered window at 2:07 a.m. in the west stairwell of Penfield Hall. Officer recorded the damage.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 4:04 a.m. in a North Woods apartment complex. Dispatched officer requested that students turn the music down. Student complied without further incident.

Monday, April 1:

Criminal Mischief: Officer noticed at 12:25 a.m. that the construction site gate near the Hillside Apartments was unhinged. The lock and chains were still intact and the officer was able to secure the gate. Unknown persons had unhinged the gate.

Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 10:59 p.m. in Kimball Hall. All officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Source of activation was due to burnt food. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 2:

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:05 a.m. in Rounds Hall. Officer checked the area and reported that all was quiet at the time.

Suspicious Odor: A strong odor of marijuana reported at 11:45 a.m. coming from the second floor of Rounds Hall into the reporting person's office. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects were gone on arrival.

Wednesday, April 3:

College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:25 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.

Parking: Officer booted a vehicle at 3:30 a.m. in the Case Center parking lot due to excessive outstanding tickets. Report issued.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 9 p.m. in the Oak Apartments. Dispatched officer requested that the students use the band trailer to rehearse. Subjects ceased their activity.

Campus Safety Assist: A student requested transport at 8:48 p.m. to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

College Violation: Loud guitar music reported at 11:19 p.m. in Penfield Hall. Dispatched officer reported the area clear. Call unfounded at the time.

Thursday, April 4:

Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 5:45 a.m. from Howe Hall to the Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 4:26 p.m. for Dayton Drive residence. Dispatched all units, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. A cooking error determined as the cause.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 4:50 p.m. on the back steps of McClellan Hall. Dispatched officer reported no one in the area. Call unfounded at that time.

Suspicious Activity: Officer reported at 8:25 p.m. finding the North Construction Gate unsecured on the north side of the Hillside parking lot.

College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 9:39 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Officer dispatched reported that subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Campus Safety Report: March 22 to 28

Incidents of Note:

Further Incidents:
? Friday, March 22-Campus Safety Assist: County 911 Dispatched reported at 5:37 p.m. receiving a 911 call traced to Perimeter Road. Officers and the Saratoga Springs Police Department canvassed the area with no reported problems observed. Report issued.
? Tuesday, March 26-Forcible Sex Offense: Report received at 4:41 p.m. of an incident of sexual misconduct which occurred in a campus dormitory early in the morning on Sunday, March 24.
? Thursday, March 28-Campus Safety Assist: A 911 call received by the county at 11:03 p.m. from Kimball Hall. The call was open and they did not speak with anyone. Dispatched officers to the dormitory to make a check. Saratoga Springs Police Department also dispatched an officer. Check made of the building with negative results. Officer contacted the person on their cell phone who stated that they were in the Scribner Library and had dialed 911 in error. No problems reported.

Friday, March 22:
? Suspicious Odor: Suspicious odor reported at midnight at Jonsson Tower. Officer observed a drug law violation. Report issued.
? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:10 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer reported that the resident lowered the volume upon request.
? Liquor Law Violation: Campus Safety assistance requested at 1:05 a.m. to check on a report of loud music at McClellan Hall. Dispatched officer requested assistance for an intoxicated subject. Liquor Law violation observed. Report issued.
? Campus Safety Assist: A transport requested at 10:52 a.m. from Bolton Hall to the subject's residence as she is feeling ill. Officer provided the service. No medical attention requested.
? Medical: An injured student reported at 10:55 a.m. at the Sasselin Art building. Dispatched all units and notified the Emergency Medical System. Subject transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
? Campus Safety Assist: A transport requested at 1:34 p.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room. Officer completed the transport. Report issued.
? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 10:35 p.m. in Wait Hall. Dispatched officer reported no odor source detected. Call unfounded.
? Liquor Law Violation: A noise complaint reported at 11:30 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Officer reported observing a Liquor Law violation. Report issued.
? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 11:58 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers reported that subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Saturday, March 23:
? Campus Safety Assist: A transport requested at 1:05 a.m. to the Saratoga Hospital. Officer dispatched provided the transport. Report issued.
? Campus Safety Assist: A personal safety escort requested at 1:12 a.m. to North Woods from Case Center. Officer provided the service.
? College Violation: Excessive nose reported at 1:20 a.m. in Penfield Hall. Residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
? Drug Law Violation: A drug law violation reported at 1:27 a.m. in the south stairwell of Kimball Hall. Report issued.
? Suspicious Activity: A suspicious white male of approximately fifty years of age reported at 10:12 a.m. wearing a green hoodie and standing at the entrance to the North Woods parking lot. Officers investigated and identified the subject as a student's father. No further problems reported.
? Criminal Mischief: Damage reported at 1:55 p.m. located to the kitchenette and the basement of Wiecking Hall. Unknown perpetrators at this time. Damage recorded and report issued.
? Medical: A lacrosse coach reported an injury at 2:09 p.m. during the men's lacrosse game at the Williamson Sports Center field with an ambulance en route. Officers responded to the assist. Report issued. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room.
? Liquor Law Violation: Loud music reported at 10:48 p.m. coming from the Oak apartments. Officers dispatched reported observing several college violations. Report issued.
? Liquor Law Violation: While on patrol at 11:26 p.m. in the South Quad, an officer reported observing a liquor law violation at Wiecking Hall. Report issued.
? Liquor Law Violation: Officer reported a live band playing loud music at 11:44 p.m. in the Dogwood apartments. Officers requested that the band and the large group disperse. Subjects complied. Liquor Law violations also observed. Report issued.

Sunday, March 24:
? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 2:03 a.m. from an adjacent room in Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched reported that the subjects lowered the volume upon request.
? Medical: County 911 dispatcher reported an Emergency Medical System at 4:45 a.m. en route to Jonsson Tower for a female who had just called requesting assistance. Officer was dispatched to her room. Subject transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
? Criminal Mischief: A hole reported at 11:17 a.m. in the wall of Kimball Hall in addition to broken glass on the floor. Dispatched officer recorded the damage and issued a report. Unknown perpetrators at this time.
? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 11:05 a.m. from the Saratoga Emergency Room to the campus. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.
? Campus Safety Assist: A female reported at 2:52 p.m. placing flyers on College-owned vehicles in the North Hall parking lot. When she noticed the reporting person she immediately exited the area. Dispatched officer reported checking the area to no avail. The flyers were removed and a report issued.
? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 9:50 p.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room. Officers dispatched completed the transport. Report issued.

Monday, March 25:
? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 5:01 a.m. for Ladd Hall. All units and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department informed. Source of activation determined to be housekeeping machinery.
? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 12:21 p.m. to the Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport. Report issued.
? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 2:32 p.m. for Wilmarth Hall. Officers, Unit-10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Officers on the scene reported that excessive hairspray use near the smoke head on the third floor had set off the alarm. Report issued.
? Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 10:58 p.m. in the north elevator. Unknown perpetrators at this time. Housekeeping contacted for its removal. Report issued.

Wednesday, March 27:
? Reckless Endangerment: Report received at 11:45 a.m. of a tire falling over on a College-owned dump truck while the truck was being driven on campus.
? Campus Safety Assist: A request received at 4:25 p.m. to locate a student in the Scribner Village apartments. Dispatched officer was unable to locate the student at the time. Officers planned to attempt to locate the student throughout their respective shifts. The student was later located on Thursday, March 28.
? Medical Assistance Calls: An officer requested at 8:14 p.m. to check on an ankle injury at the Janet-Kinghorn Bernhard Theater. Dispatched officer and Saratoga County Emergency Medical System. Officers on scene at 8:17 p.m. followed by the Emergency Medical System. The injured person was referred at 8:30 p.m. to the Medical Center for proper treatment. Officers cleared the scene at 8:35 p.m.

Thursday, March 28:
? Criminal Mischief: A report received of two eggs thrown at 8:06 a.m. at the front door of a North Woods apartment complex the previous night. Report taken.
? Trespass: An officer requested at 1:09 p.m. to ask two people at the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall to leave the campus. Dispatched officer reported locating the two individuals and asked them to leave or be subject to arrest for trespass.
? Stalking: A student reported at 1:25 p.m. that her ex-boyfriend has been harassing her. Dispatched officer interviewed the reporting person. Report made. Investigation is ongoing.
? Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check requested at 9:40 p.m. on a student in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer located the student, who stated that she was fine at the time and does not wish to speak with anyone.
? College Violation: A loud noise reported at 10:59 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Dispatched officer reported that the subjects in the room were playing a video game and would quiet down.
? Criminal Mischief: Criminal mischief reported at 11:30 p.m. in the north stairwell between the first and second floors of Kimball

Campus Safety Reports: March 15 to 21

Incidents of Note:
?  Sunday, March 17-Campus Safety Assist: A scrape reported at 6:10 p.m. on the reporting person's vehicle's rear bumper that was sustained when parked in Falstaff's parking lot over the spring break. Unknown cause or perpetrator at this time. Report issued.
?  Tuesday, March 19-Accident: Vehicle reported 11:57 a.m. off of Perimeter Road. Officer reported that a co-worker had pulled the van back onto the road. No damage to the vehicle or College property. Report issued.
?  Tuesday, March 19-Alarm: Alarm activation received at 2:04 p.m. for the panic alarm of the Cashiers Office in the Barrett Center. Officers and the Saratoga Springs Police Department dispatched. Prior to the SSPD's arrival, the activation was determined to be in error.
Further Incidents:
Friday, March 15:
?  Emergency Phone: Emergency blue light activation received at 7:27 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Officer dispatched reported no one in the area. False activation.
Saturday, March 16:
?  Power Outage: Campus-wide planned power outage initiated at 7 a.m. Prepared procedures initiated. Full National Grid restored at 2:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 17:
?  College Violation: Excessively loud stereo reported at 2:40 a.m. in McClellan Hall. Officer dispatched reported that the resident complied with the request to lower the volume.
?  Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 5:53 a.m. for the Hillside Apartments. Officers, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and maintenance advised. Cause of activation determined to be burnt food. Report issued.
?  Criminal Mischief: Criminal mischief reported at 4:45 p.m. at McClellan Hall. Report issued.
?  Campus Safety Assist: An escort requested at 7:33 p.m. for a student from Case Center to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Transport completed. Report issued.
Monday, March 18:
?  College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:05 a.m. at Whitman Way. Officers dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.
?  Campus Safety Assist: Officer reported a wooden bench seat broken at 3:44 a.m. outside of Starbuck Center. Unknown damage due to vandalism or weathering. Damage recorded.
Tuesday, March 19:
?  Campus Safety Assist: An escort requested at 3:10 a.m. from the Saratoga Springs Emergency Room back to her residence. Officer provided the transport.
?  Accident: Report received at 6:15 a.m. that a plow truck had hit a light pole in the Arthur Zankel Music Building parking lot. No personal injury reported. Damage recorded. Report issued.
?  Campus Safety Assist: Three subjects reported at 5:10 p.m. sliding on the roof of the Tang Teaching Museum disrupting cameras. Subjects requested to vacate the area and they complied.
?  Solicitation: Males reported at 6:18 p.m. soliciting at Cane Crossing. Dispatched officers located the subjects and escorted them off campus. Report issued.
?  College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 11:56 p.m. coming from an apartment at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officers reported that the subjects lowered the volume upon request.
Wednesday, March 20:
?  Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 4:46 p.m. at McClellan Hall. Dispatched all officers, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and maintenance. Alarm activation determined to be from burnt food. Report issued.
?  Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 11:39 p.m. outside of Starbuck Center near Wiecking Hall. Subjects fled from the area as the officer approached.
Thursday, March 21:
?  Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 5:20 p.m. to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Dispatched officer completed the transport.
?  College Violation: A loud noise reported at 8:13 p.m. at a Hillside Apartment. Officer dispatched reported that the resident lowered the volume upon request.
?  College Violation: A loud stereo reported at 10:36 p.m. at Moore Way. Officer dispatched reported that the resident lowered the volume upon request.

SGA Holds Spring Elections: Contested positions include VP of Financial Affairs, Senior Class President and SGA President

Posted by Julia Martin

On March 28, Skidmore SGA held Speech Night, which featured candidates running for Executive Committee and Inter-Class Council positions. Each candidate was given the opportunity to speak for a maximum of three minutes, followed by a question and answer session. Amanda Seres '13, VP of Communications and Outreach moderated the elections.
The majority of candidates are running unopposed for their selected position. This included the Sophomore Class President candidate Prince Tsabedze and Junior Class President candidate Soraya Attia . Both are returning candidates, Tsabedze having served as First-Year Class President for the class of 2016 and Attia having served as First-Year and Sophomore Class President for the class of 2015. Addison Bennett '16 is running unopposed for the position of VP of Club Affairs; Madeleine Kanazawa '15 is running unopposed for VP of Communications; Jonathan Lynn '16 is running unopposed for VP of Diversity Affairs and Andrew Lowy '15 is running unopposed for VP of Academic Affairs.
Two candidates are competing for the position as VP of Financial Affairs. Ben Bechand '14 and Eric Bereguete '15. Bechand cited his experience as co-president of Skidaiko as attributing to his knowledge of the club funding process. Bechand promised to help coordinate co-sponsorship agreements for club events when SGA funding isn't enough. Bereguete referenced his experience on the Budget and Finance Committee and promised to represent the student voice on the Institutional Policy and Planning Committee (IPPC). Both candidates expressed desire to make the club funding process less intimidating for students.
The position for Senior Class President is also being pursued by two candidates: Xavier Hatten '14 and Laura Venner '14. In his speech, Hatten expressed goals to "make Skidmore a closer and more inclusive place," adding, "we should consistently be looking out for new methods for making Skidmore more cohesive." Hatten spoke of plans to strengthen connections with the Saratoga Community through sponsorship of more community-wide events. Hatten elaborated on his dedication to the Skidmore community, stating "the job is not done when the meeting has finished or the event has ended." Venner aims to increase the number of events for students, as well as host the events in off-campus venues. Venner's platform cites her openness through office hours (she was the first class president to do so), her leadership of the Good Sex is" campaign and involvement in the planning of the 5K fundraiser for the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Venner's plans for next year include monthly pub-crawls and bar-hops to raise money for senior week, stating "the senior class needs to go out with a bang."
During the question and answer portion, the two expressed goals of greater involvement of the senior class in the selection of commencement speakers-citing the recent selection of controversial businesswoman Cynthia Carroll as the 2013 commencement speaker. Venner expressed desire to "cater to student's ideas" for campus events and Hatten spoke of goals to "improve the efficiency and visibility" of the Inter-Class Council's inner-workings.
The position for SGA President is being pursued by Sam Harris '15 and Jess Sonnenfeld '14. Harris opened by stating that "experience is not measured by years in a seat or semesters in a classroom, but by the quality of one's accomplishments." Harris referenced his founding of Skidmore Organizing for Collaborative Change, a club aimed at galvanizing on-campus student involvement, mentioning his aims to "hold students to higher standards." Sonnenfeld referenced her strength of connections. "What sets me apart is my experience in working and forming relationships with members of the administration." She expressed her capability in acting as an advocate for potentially intimidated students who wish to have contact with members of the administration. "I've worked tirelessly to put myself in a position to help students with their projects."
Harris currently serves as VP of Club Affairs and Sonnenfeld currently serves as VP for Residential Affairs and Junior Class Treasurer.
Sonnenfeld is responsible for starting the first Fall Fun Day, which took place in September 2012, and co-chaired the committee that founded the Committee on Student Life. She wishes to increase transparency between students and the administration and create a sense of unity among students.
Harris helped create the Skidmore Engaged Leadership Program and amended the chartering process for clubs. He wishes to increase civic engagement on campus and strengthen the voice of individuals, SGA and the student body as a whole.
When asked their proudest moment serving SGA, Sonnenfeld cited her experience co-chairing the committee to evaluate the Inter-Hall Board and her formation of the Committee on Student Life. Harris cited his work with members of SOCC. Harris was asked how he would understand senior needs as a member of the rising junior class and Sonnenfeld was asked how she would understand the needs of underclassmen as a member of the rising senior class. Sonnenfeld spoke of plans to eat three meals a week in D-hall to speak and connect to underclassmen. Harris spoke of his relationships with members of the current senior class which he says has given him a glimpse into their lives and needs. In regards to a question pertaining to the marginalization of certain student demographics on campus, Harris spoke of plans to increase campus dialogue. Sonnenfeld expressed her aims in making herself accessible to all students.
The event lasted two and a half hours, and was attended by roughly 35 students (including the candidates)-less then 2% of the student body. Candidates and members of the audience were engaged and active, even asking detailed questions of the candidates running for uncontested positions. Many of the candidates spoke of the lack of student involvement and knowledge of the inner-workings of SGA.
Voting for SGA candidates will be open all day Thursday, March 28. Voting booths will be available in the dining hall and in Case center. Students may also access the voting ballot through SGA's website.

Professor Crystal Dea Moore wins 2013 Mit Joyner Gerontology Leadership Award: The national honor recognizes leaders in the field of gerontology

Posted by Julia Martin

Associate professor and Chair of the Social Work Program Crystal Dea Moore received the 2013 Mit Joyner Gerontology Leadership Award at the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Director's annual conference on March 8 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The award recognizes leaders in the field of gerontology who have inspired undergraduate students through scholarship, best practices and community connections. Moore was nominated for the national honor by colleagues from the University of West Virginia and the University of Portland, and letters of support were submitted by numerous students and faculty members.
The purpose of the Mit Joyner Gerontology Leadership Award is to advance leadership in the field of gerontology, the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging, for undergraduates. It was created in honor of Mildred "Mit" Joyner, a professor and chair emeriti of the undergraduate social work department at West Chester University. The award pays tribute to Joyner's leadership and vision in the work of gerontology social work.
Moore earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Behavioral Sciences from California State University, and went on to earn a Master of Social Work and PhD in Social Welfare at the University of Albany. In 2005 Moore published the award-winning book: Palliative Practices: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Moore has also received the National Community Action Award from the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, a fellowship from the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, and the Anita Rosen Award for Best Practices in Gerontological Infusion in Baccalaureate Social Work Curricula from the Council on Social Work Education Gero-Ed Center. Moore recently worked as a visiting professor in Sweden and serves on the Advisory Committee of Saratoga Vital Aging Network.

Moore's research and work with elders primarily focuses on family care-giving and communication among elders, family members and health care professionals. One of her most recent studies examined alcohol consumption patterns among American and Swedish elders.
When asked what first inspired her to study gerontology, Moore said, "it seems as though I have always been interested in gerontology. I was primarily raised by my father who was an older man-people often thought he was my grandfather-and my maternal grandmother. So, I was always around older people and felt comfortable and at home with them."
Moore also cited her doctoral work at the University of Albany, where she studied with several prominent gerontologists, as the moment her personal interest in the elderly developed into a professional passion.
Although Moore is a nationally recognized expert in gerontology, much of her work and achievements are felt closer at home.

"Crystal is very inspiring and her research within social work is remarkable. She is very hard-working and is passionate about her students and the individuals she serves. I am thankful that I was able to attend the ceremony at the BPD conference because I was able to see my role model be recognized for her hard work. It was very encouraging and it also excited me. It re-emphasized how lucky I am to have her as my professor, mentor, and friend," Ashley Reynolds '14 said. Reynolds attended the conference with Moore.

"I hope to spark an interest in my students in working with older people either while at Skidmore or beyond," Moore said. "There are definitely social work opportunities with this population, it's one of the fastest growing segments of the profession-and one of the most rewarding."

Skidmore hosts spring break camp for local youths to support Soccer Without Borders

Posted by Kelsey Yam

The Skidmore men's and women's soccer teams are hosting a fun spring break soccer camp open to all boys and girls, ages 6 to 14, from Saratoga Springs and the neighboring towns. The camp will be on Wachenheim Turf Field, from Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 5. This will be Skidmore's sixth year of running the camp.

Besides for campers, the camp is also looking for cash donations as well as donations of soccer equipment (i.e. soccer balls, cleats, uniforms, etc.). All proceeds from the camp will go to Soccer Without Borders. Soccer Without Borders is a not-for-profit organization that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of youths from underprivileged communities worldwide. Donations are extremely important for the Soccer Without Borders program in Kampala, Uganda, a site where Skidmore has previously sent donations to.

The camp will focus on teaching the skills needed to play at the next level, while also fostering a passion and love for the game.

For more information, to apply, or to donate, contact Kelsey Yam at Kyam@skidmore.edu.

You can also go to http://www.soccerwithoutborders.org for more information on the camp and the organization.

March 1st faculty meeting: One less major, increase in tuition and financial aid, hazing and teacher evaluations

Posted by Emily Singer

Skidmore has had an active semester so far. Dean of Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beau Breslin announced that 11 professors were promoted tenure over the last week, and Professor Gregory Fisher of American Studies won the award for lecturer for 2012-2013. Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Michael West, who is in charge of financial decisions for the college, discussed the school's budget and what it will look like in 2014. The updated budget includes an increase in financial aid for students, especially the incoming 2017 class, and a minimal increase in tuition.

The soccer hazing incident was discussed, but President Glotzbach revealed that Dean Calhoun and the athletic director have taken proper precautions to prevent future incidents and the soccer team has been suspended from spring soccer this season. The hazing involved pressuring first year soccer teammates to drink large quantities of alcohol. Luckily no one was hurt during this event, but similar events at other colleges like Cornell have resulted in death, which is why the campus is taking extra precaution to this behavior.

The business-economic interdepartmental major was officially eliminated during this meeting on the grounds that students can accomplish more by either double majoring in these subjects or majoring and minoring in them. A motion was passed to make adjustments to the curriculum handbook, and the topic of whether or not to change the evaluation cards students fill in at the end of the year came back to the floor.

The order of the questions were changed, as well as what types of questions and answers the students were given.  A new component of the evaluation sheet was also up for discussion: whether or not it was appropriate to ask what gender expression the person answering the cards were. This put into question whether or not this was a necessary question to answer, and if they are asking about gender, should the card also examine what the ethnicity of the student is. The reason for these questions is to assess whether or not professors are able to communicate and effectively teach students of the female gender and minorities.

Professors believe there is a gap between how well female students learn from a certain professor and how well male students learn from the same professor, with results favoring male students. Students of color are also shown to perform differently from white students. An updated evaluation card with questions asking for gender and race may lead to closing this gap by identifying professors with the lowest marks and providing opportunities to help them communicate better with their students. But by the end of the discussion the gender question was removed and other questions asking for identification were not added. The rest of the evaluation card passed successfully and will hopefully be used at the end of this spring. 

Man who threatened to kill Skidmore student and caused campus lockdown arrested

Posted by Rebecca Orbach, Managing Editor

The Atlantic City Police have apprehended Lance C. Leonard, 49, the man who threatened a female student at the College and caused a campus lockdown from about 7 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Leonard was arrested at 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday in Atlantic City, N.J., on a warrant for first-degree coercion, a felony that suggests he was using threat of bodily harm to control the student's actions.

District Attorney James A. Murphy III said Leonard was in a relationship with the student, who is in her early 20s, and began threatening her when she tried to end their relationship.  

At 2:40 p.m. on March 5 the father of the victim called SSPD to report that he had received phone calls to his home in Sherborn, Mass. from Leonard threatening to shoot his daughter at the College, then himself.

SSPD immediately contacted Campus Safety, who began searching for the intended victim, who was off campus at the time. They also contacted the Sherborn Police, who, because of Leonard's previous criminal history, were able to ping his phone to find his location.

Sherborn Police tracked his location to New Rochelle and said they believed he was on his way to Saratoga Springs.

Leonard had visited the victim at the College before and had taken the bus in his previous visits.

"This movement was consistent with what investigators had learned about Leonard's prior travel to Saratoga Springs, and based on what we believed, he was next headed to Albany and then Saratoga via bus," Lieutenant John Catone of SSPD said.

Sherborn Police also shared that Leonard suffered from a mental health disease, but Catone was not able to comment further on the man's mental health.

When the victim returned to campus she found SSPD and Campus Safety who informed her of Leonard's communication to her father. She called her father and decided, as it had not yet been confirmed that Leonard was on his way, that she wanted to attend class.

"We were on board, Skidmore Campus Safety was on board, and at no time did I believe she was in harm's way, because we had officers around the campus and Skidmore Campus Safety was around campus and aware of her location," Catone said.

The victim was scheduled to be in class until 7 p.m., but saw a message from Leonard at 6:40 p.m. confirming he was on his way to campus to kill her and then himself.

"Prior arrangements had been made with her for SSPD and Campus Safety to meet her when class ended," Catone said.

The student was removed from campus to a remote location, where she was safeguarded by members of SSPD and interviewed by SSPD investigators and Sherborn Police.

The campus was on lockdown by 7 p.m.

Case Center and the Lucy Scribner Library were evacuated and the Arthur Zankel Music Center was closed shortly after 8 p.m. The performance of "Orlando," which was scheduled for 8 p.m., was canceled just as it was about to begin.

At about 7p.m., after having gotten word that Leonard was in New Rochelle, SSPD received word from Sherborn Police that Leonard had turned off his phone, ceasing their ability to track his location.

"Given what we believed was a very serious public safety concern, SSPD officers were placed at the entrances of Skidmore College, and all vehicles were stopped and checked," Catone said.

Additionally, SSPD officers were placed at bus stations and checked every bus for a possible match until 1 a.m., at which point Leonard's phone was turned back on and the ping indicated that he was in Atlantic City, NJ.

SSPD contacted Atlantic City Police Department and made them aware of the situation. "They were given a copy of our arrest warrant and a photo of Leonard," Catone said.

By around 6:30 a.m. outside the Taj Mahal hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., police had a visual of Leonard, and by 6:40 a.m. he was in custody.

Catone said Leonard did not have any weapons SSPD was aware of.

At 6 a.m. the college had resumed normal activity, and by 7:50 a.m., a Campus Safety Report informed the community "the man suspected of making threats yesterday to harm a Skidmore College student has been apprehended."

"On behalf of the command staff and the Saratoga Springs Police Department  I would like to thank Skidmore Campus Safety, Sherborn Police Department, Atlantic City Police Department, the District Attorney's office, and the men and women of Saratoga Springs Police Department for outstanding work, professionalism, and collaboration of efforts to bring a serious public safety threat to a peaceful conclusion," Catone said.

Rochelle Calhoun, Dean of Student Affairs, sent an email to parents at about 9 a.m. letting them know the suspect was in custody.

"We are most appreciative of the efforts of the Saratoga Springs Police and the various other agencies who were part of this effort," Calhoun said in her email.

Man who threatened Skidmore student arrested

Posted by Rebecca Orbach

Early this morning, the man who threatened a Skidmore student and caused a campus lockdown was arrested. 

The Saratoga Springs Police have identified the man as Lance C. Leonard, 49, with a last known address of Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts.  

The college went into lockdown after Leonard made a "credible" threat against a Skidmore student. According to The Saratogian, the threat was made over the phone and made no mention of a weapon.

At 1:45 a.m. SSPD determined that the suspect was not in the Saratoga Springs area. At 6 a.m., with Police and Campus Safety monitoring the campus, the College resumed normal activity, despite still not having found the suspect.  

At 7:50 this morning, a Campus Safety Report informed the community "the man suspected of making threats yesterday to harm a Skidmore College student has been apprehended."

Rochelle Calhoun, Dean of Student Affairs, sent an email to parents at about 9 a.m. letting them know "that the suspect has been apprehended and we have returned the campus to normal activity."

SSPD are no longer monitoring the College.

"We are most appreciative of the efforts of the Saratoga Springs Police and the various other agencies who were part of this effort," Calhoun said in her 9 a.m. email.

District Attorney, James A. Murphy III was not available for comment and Lieutenant John Catone of SSPD refused to comment, saying information will be available at a 1 p.m. press conference in the City Council room in City Hall.

Campus put on lockdown as police hunt for possibly-armed man

Posted by Andrew Shi

Skidmore College was put on lockdown when a possibly-armed man threatened a Skidmore student.

Saratoga Springs Police have identified the man as a 49-year-old white male, balding, 6'1'' tall. Campus Safety and SSPD are currently patrolling the campus and have set up roadblocks at the campus' entrances to screen cars.

It has been advised that students stay indoors. If you see anyone matching this description, please call Campus Safety at (518)-580-5567 or Saratoga Springs Police at (518)-580-5567.

This story will be updated as information is made available.