Aaron Schaffer, Photo Editor

By: Antoinette Esce, Editor-in-Chief & Angela Remus, News Editor

Sigma Chi fraternity is currently under investigation for hazing after a Friday, April 19 raid by UR Security at the request of the Office of the Dean of Students and Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (FSA).

“We were able to have enough information [for the allegations] to be of concern,” Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Monica Smalls said, adding that she was not able to disclose who made the allegation.

A Sigma Chi pledge who wished to remain anonymous said that the pledges have “no idea who tipped off [the University].”

“We received notification from persons in the Dean of Students office and [FSA] that they had concerns given some information they had received, indicating that there may be violations of UR policy,” UR Security Assistant Director of Investigations and Staff Development Dan Lafferty said.

Lafferty is running the investigation of Sigma Chi.

“Security people went to the house after we determined we weren’t able to locate them in any other way,” Lafferty said. “We decided that was the place that we were most likely to find them.”

According to the same pledge, Security entered the Sigma Chi house on the Fraternity Quadrangle just after 11 a.m. The officers singled out two pledges first and “fast walked them to the Security vans,” then escorted the rest of the pledges and brothers, some still asleep in their room, to the vans, detaining them for questioning. The event was completely unanticipated by both the pledges and brothers of Sigma Chi, although the pledges were told by Security that the brothers were aware of the situation. So far, Security has conducted 17 individual interviews of pledges and brothers.

“They lied to us and were ultimately very deceitful,” the pledge said, citing incidences of potential misconduct such as lengthy detainment, the confiscation of mobile phones, and threats of expulsion and severe disciplinary actions that technically only the Dean of Students Office can enact. Security officers also refused to tell the brothers and pledges when they would be allowed to leave, causing many of them to miss class. Although the pledge said that most of the allegations seemed to be true, Security lied during interrogations, claiming that pledges had confessed to things they hadn’t.

During the course of the investigation, pledges and brothers are not allowed to have any contact with each other, as per an email sent from Kyle Orton, who, according to Dean of Students Matthew Burns, is “acting as Director of Center for Student Conflict Management right now.”

“[This is] providing a formal notice that you must avoid having contact with all active and alumni brothers of Sigma Chi,” the email read. “These prohibitions form what is known as an Active Avoidance Order (AAO). The AAO has been issued by the Dean of Students Office due to an investigation regarding recent hazing allegations… Should you fail to meet the requirements of the AAO, further disciplinary action may be taken.”

Orton is overseeing the adjudication of the case at the moment, but should the case be appealed, Burns will oversee the process.

“The investigation will continue until I determine there is no further information to gain from interviews,” Lafferty said.

The Dean’s office can also decide when to stop the investigation. With each set of interviews completed, the information is compiled in a report and sent to the Dean of Students’ office, which will “determine if there are grounds for disciplinary action,” Lafferty said.

This case is not the first of its kind.

Smalls emphasized that she could not speculate on the outcome of the investigation, but did mention the two previous cases of hazing that have occurred in the last five years — Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and Psi Upsilon fraternity.

“For both of those, the result was disaffiliation for a number of years,” Smalls said. “Each case is reviewed individually: what exactly happened, the severity of the event, [and] the history of discipline of the organization. It’s very individualized.”

According to a source close to the Alpha Delta Phi incident who also wished to remain anonymous, interviews were conducted by security in an intimidating manner, similar to their alleged conduct in the Sigma Chi case, and “regardless of the intent of the investigators, interviewees were under duress.”

Both Alpha Delta Phi and Psi Upsilon are now returning as full-fledged organizations on campus, and Burns assures that the administration is “supporting them to become more positive and make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”

“We have had issues [with hazing] in the past,” he said. “And it doesn’t stop with Psi Upsilon and Alpha Delta Phi.”

The case of Sigma Chi is still up in the air, and much remains to be determined as the investigation continues.

“We are fully cooperating with [UR] and [FSA]. We respect and appreciate the efforts of University officials,” Sigma Chi said in a general statement to the Campus Times.

A member of the executive board of Sigma Chi who wished to remain anonymous said that “barring any actions the University administration takes to prevent our operations,” the current pledges will be initiated.

When asked if he still wanted to be a brother of Sigma Chi, the same anonymous pledge said, “absolutely.”

He claimed that they were never forced to do anything dangerous like drinking or drugs nor forsake any “moral beliefs.”

The pledging process is designed to encourage pledge class bonding and introspection on Sigma Chi ideals and involves spending substantial time at the Sigma Chi house with pledges and brothers and sometimes sleeping on the house floor as a group.

The University Code of Conduct defines hazing as “any action taken or situation created, whether on or off University premises, which has the potential to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule,” and includes examples of prohibited activities such as scavenger hunts, paddling, and “engaging in public stunts and buffoonery.”

“Personally, I wouldn’t call it hazing,” the pledge said. “I believe you need something to promote unity and brotherhood.”

The administration remains wary.

“I think it’s important to know that… hazing is not something students should be supportive of,” Smalls said. “It’s unfortunate that we have to investigate cases of hazing, [and] it’s unfortunate that we’ve had cases of hazing. But I am encouraged that we have organizations that uphold their values, enact their values, and live by their values on a daily basis.”

Whether or not Sigma Chi remains one of those organization is yet to be determined.

“The campus is well aware that there are two [fraternity] houses on the [Fraternity Quadrangle] that don’t have fraternity members in them because those fraternities were found responsible for hazing,” Burns said. “I can’t understand why any organization, whether a part of [an FSA] organization or not, on this campus, would continue with that practice when they see stuff like that happening.”

Esce is a member of the class of 2015.

Remus is a member of the class of 2016.

Additional reporting by Casey Gould, Class of 2014.

Aaron Schaffer, Photo Editor

This year, UR has a record number of applicants who were awarded Fulbright US Student Grants: 11 in total thus far, with three more still awaiting their results.

Winners include seniors Rohini Bhatia, Gabrielle Cornish, Meredith Doubleday, Madeleine Klinger, Cameron LaPoint, Ankit Medhekar, Veronica Price, Jyothi Purushotham, and Anja Weinrid, as well as Eastman senior Shannon Carpio and Andrew Otis ’11.

In addition, a faculty member at the Warner School of Education, Mary Jane Curry, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar Recipient to lecture and research in Chile next spring.

According to Student Fellowships Director Belinda Redden, a total of 31 student applications for the Fulbright Student Grant were endorsed by the University, from which 16 were selected as national finalists.

“Two finalists for Turkey are still awaiting their results and one for Bangladesh,” Redden said.

Student grant recipients will travel to countries throughout the world, including Russia, India, the UK, Japan, Spain, Germany, and Thailand to participate in either individual projects or English Teaching assistantships (ETA).

“The role of the ETA is to help students improve their communication skills in English” Redden said. “Another role of the ETA is to help students better understand US history, culture, and society.”

Other UR students were selected for the Fulbright scholarship known as the “Full Grant.” These students are selected based on the strength of their proposal and have more freedom in their content. Students may choose to conduct a specific research project, participate in a masters program, or perhaps a combination of the two, Redden explained. The main requirement is this proposal must be academically driven.

“Applicants must articulate how they see the Fulbright year helping them to get to the next stage of their academic pursuits,” Redden said.

One such “Full Grant” winner is Otis. Otis currently lives in Sri Lanka but will be traveling to Kolkata, India to research the country’s early press and the Bengal Renaissance.

Otis first applied for the Fulbright ETA scholarship his senior year at UR but did not receive the award. He decided to apply again, this time as a “Full Grant” scholar.

Otis will spend nine months in India beginning in August. He will be working on his research project in addition to working with an organization called Calcutta Walks, which offers historical sightseeing walks through the city.

“I never knew that I would get a Fulbright,” Otis said. “Now I have an academic project with institutional support. I am thrilled to reenter academia and am truly grateful.”

Professor Mary Jane Curry of the Warner School of Education will also be conducting research on a Fulbright Scholarship in addition to lecturing at the Universidad Mayor in Santiago.

She will travel to Chile and research how academics and scholars are pressured to publish works in English.

“I think it will give me a good perspective on how students in other countries are thinking about US higher educations,” Curry said. “I’ll mostly be coming back with data that needs to be analyzed and written about.”

Cozen is a member of the class of 2015.

Clinton Sparks, a DJ, recording artist, Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer, and TV/radio personality, will open the show. Busta Rhymes, who has also worked as a producer and actor, is well known for his complex, fast-paced lyrics. He has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards and 10 MTV Video Music Awards.

“I feel like we got really lucky getting Busta Rhymes because he’s so well known,” UR Concerts co-president and senior Emily Dunn said.

UR Concerts co-president and senior Devin Embil is similarly pleased.

“Out of all the options we went through, Busta Rhymes is a very solid choice,” he said.

UR Concerts put in bids for 10-12 artists of different genres, and Busta Rhymes’ contract was confirmed about three weeks ago.

Busta Rhymes was the only artist who accepted UR Concert’s bids, in part because, given that Coachella was last weekend, many artists are still on the West coast, Embil explained. Dunn and Embil would not disclose the other options that were considered, but Dunn explained that although the group understands they will never be able to find an artist who appeals to everyone, it always tries to stick with a high-energy act that will get people dancing.

Recent D-Day performers have included OK GO, Super Mash Bros., and Jack’s Mannequin. Busta Rhymes is the first rap artist to perform at the festivities in about five years.

Embil also noted that UR Concerts typically brings in up-and-coming performers, but that “Busta’s a little different from our trend” because he’s an established artist.

Busta Rhymes released his first album, “The Coming,” in 1996, which included his break-out single, “Woo Ha!! Got You All in Check.” More recently, he has collaborated with artists including Chris Brown and David Guetta.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m., an hour earlier than last year. Embil believes the late start time negatively affected the show because it is colder later in the evening, and students are tired by the time it starts. He suggested that the concert begin at 5 p.m. this year, but the D-Day planning committee decided to stick with a later slot.

Monday’s announcement was met with mixed reactions — the most common concern, it seems, is that Busta Rhymes is an outdated act, but Dunn and Embil disagree.

“He’s been around since the 1990s but has continued to be a successful artist to the present date,” Dunn said.

Embil also noted that even if students don’t prefer rap, they will probably know of an artist he has collaborated with.

“I’m extremely excited,” senior Galen Dole said. “He was a staple of the ’90s.”

Sophomore Marz Saffore was less enthused. She said she is a little disappointed, given that Busta Rhymes isn’t as popular today as he was in his heyday, but doesn’t know what to expect. Despite her doubts, she is trying to be optimistic.

“Everyone’s going to be drunk, so it’s not going to matter,” she said. “At least it’ll be fun to jam to.”

D-Day will also feature a petting zoo, giant trike race course, and other activities.

Goldin is a member of the class of 2013.

Alyssa Arre, Photo Editor

On Friday, April 19 the Students’ Association (SA) hosted its first “Bash by the Books,” an on-campus party dedicated to providing a responsible partying environment for students by following all university policies

In an unprecedented step, SA decided to evaluate university policies regarding parties by putting them to the test.

The party potentially served as a barometer with which on-campus party policies could be judged and adjusted accordingly.

So was the event a success?

“While the turnout wasn’t phenomenal, the people who did come ended up having a good time,” junior Abhishek Sharma said. “There was music, dancing, and food, and while alcoholic beverages were offered, the frequency at which they were distributed (once an hour) didn’t allow partygoers to overindulge. The party remained classy.”

Attendance was lower than a typical fraternity party. Additionally, occupancy policies lead to decreased attendance, Sharma said.

“The occupancy policy was constantly being enforced, and I even saw instances of people being asked to leave, which was unfortunate,” he said.

Throughout the night, organizers patrolled the party for infractions. Their presence may have been abnormal relative to a typical party, maybe dampening the mood.

Then again, this party wasn’t a regular party. It was “chill,” as one partygoer said: “It was less vibrant, maybe in terms of dancing and revelry, but people had a good time in a different way. They talked with their friends, met new people — it was much more chill.”

It would seem that this highly regulated party may have been the first step in a larger effort to bring parties back to campus, albeit responsibly.

We may not see the quick return of the glory days of fraternity parties, but the desire for a venue to socialize and relax on campus with friends in a party environment has been made clear.

“I don’t mind going off campus at this point,” junior John Martin said. “I do worry about the freshmen who don’t know where they are or people who are drunk to the point where walking back to campus could be dangerous. There needs to be a safer solution.”

Another partygoer, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed the need for a change.

“Instead of throwing our Solo cups on the frat quad’s funeral pyre, let’s recognize that partying comes with inherent [responsibilities],” he said. “Let’s make some small, necessary changes to keep it under control. If we want administrators to treat us like we’re responsible partiers, let’s prove we at least understand what it means to be responsible.”

Smith is a member of the class of 2014.

Aaron Schaffer, Photo Editor

A children’s concert, held on Saturday, April 20, was the first in a series that will take place over the course of the year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hopeman Carillon in Rush Rhees Library. The carillon, which was installed in December 1973, is one of four working carillons in the state of New York and among the oldest.

Even though the exact anniversary date is still eight months away, members of the Rochester Carillon Society decided that concerts held throughout the year will honor the occasion.

“Rather than waiting to have our 40th anniversary, we’re going to do it over the summer,” carillonneur Doris Aman said. “Whenever we have some special pieces, we’ll just announce that we’re doing another 40th anniversary concert.”

Aman is employed by the Music Department to guide student carillonneurs and the Rochester Carillon Society.

According to Aman, the summer concerts are partly a matter of practicality; to preserve the carillon, it is not played when the temperature falls below 32 degrees.

Early this spring, student carillonneurs happened to be learning pieces that would suit a young audience like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and Muppet tunes. This prompted the planning of a children’s concert.

Freshman Gabby Pulsinelli spearheaded the concert.

Another student carillonneur, freshman Sarah Lamade, suggested they ask if a group of children who are tutored by UR students at Carlson Library on Saturdays would be interested in attending.

The concert was also announced to the Rochester community.

In addition to four families from the Rochester community, the Carlson chidren were able to watch the concert via Skype. The carillonneurs set up an iPad in the tower so that the children could see them playing the carillon.

Afterwards, the carillonneurs went and took questions from the kids.

“We wanted to do something for kids,” Pulsinelli said. “We thought it would be a good idea for a younger audience to hear what this is.”

Remus is a member of the class of 2016.

Courtesy of UR Career Center

In the wake of the violence in Boston, UR Security is operating as usual. According to Deputy Director of Security Mark Fischer, there hasn’t been a change in policy or procedure, just an increased awareness by Security officers.

“We have a heightened attention to anything out of the normal, like suspicious mail or items that are left behind and even observations from people,” Fischer said.

In fact, this awareness is the best preventative measure they can have. Fischer says it’s important for students to use their eyes, ears, and gut.

“People have pretty good gut instincts,” he said. “If you notice something out of place or that causes you to think ‘that doesn’t look right,’ then call [security].”

With new peace officers being sworn in this fall, UR’s ability to handle suspicious situations will improve. Right now, Security officers have the same standing as citizens when it comes to the law. They can’t detain people, question them, or arrest them. This means that for suspicious people or circumstances, the best Security can do is follow the situation and wait for the Rochester Police Department (RPD) to respond.

This can result in potentially dangerous situations. For instance, one lieutenant officer was following a suspect in a laptop theft. The stolen items were visible to the officer, but he could do nothing more than observe and follow the suspect. Eventually, the suspect pulled out a box cutter and attacked the pursuing officer.

“As a citizen, probable cause isn’t enough [to stop someone],” Fischer explained. “Folks won’t see any difference [with the Peace Officers], and we’ll still refer most student [infractions] to the Dean of Students’ Office. Our ability to protect the community is greater now. When you protect officers, you protect the community.”

While peace officers do offer enhanced security, if events escalate beyond the scope of internal Security, UR is still ready. Fischer suggested that students heed AlertUR messages and always take the instructions seriously. Security will also usually send follow-up emails as new information becomes available.

“There are usually about 25 security officers on campus at any given time, but it’s three minutes to RPD on one side and the State Police on the other,” he said, adding that RPD can usually respond in under two or three minutes.

In the event of large-scale violence or an active shooter, Fischer recommended following a plan of “run, hide, fight.” The first thing you should do is run away, then hide, preferably behind a locked or barricaded door. Fischer said that most active shooters are on the move and rarely stop to knock down doors or shoot locks. If all else fails and worse comes to worst, Fischer says to just “fight with all you have.”

That said, the events in Boston appear to be localized and, according to Fischer, haven’t added any “new tape or roadblocks.” Students shouldn’t feel worried or unsafe on campus, even with large events like Dandelion Day approaching. In fact, Fischer was pleased with how students behaved last year and expects no problems on D-Day this year.

“Last year was my first D-Day and I was proud of how students acted,” he said. “Their behavior was fantastic.”

Esce is a member of the class of 2015.

Justin Stimac / Contributing Photographer

Approximately 60 students gathered on the steps of Rush Rhees Library Wednesday evening in solidarity for the victims of the Apr. 15 Boston marathon bombings. The vigil was organized by freshman Emily Sumner and sophomore Rachel Goldberg, both Boston residents.

“Nobody was stepping up, and we felt like someone needed to take action,” Sumner said. She explained that for her, it wasn’t about the numbers — that even if it had been herself and Goldberg at the vigil, she still would have felt better knowing that something had been said.

A number of Rochesterians ran in the marathon, including Nora Dimmock, a librarian in the Digital Humanities Center. Dimmock was two kilometers away from the finish line when the bombs exploded, according to News10NBC, but made it safely back to Rochester, along with family members who were there to support her.

Students gradually congregated on the steps of Rush Rhees. The flags at the end of the Eastman Quadrangle were lowered to half mast. Each attendee was given an electric candle to hold throughout the vigil. As the sky grew darker, a little after 8 p.m., the crowd fell silent as Sumner and Goldberg addressed those in attendance.

They read a short statement before asking for a moment of silence for the runners who were unable to finish the marathon, loved ones affected by the tragedy, those injured in the bombings, the three victims who lost their lives, and for those who have been affected by all hate crimes, terrorist attacks, and wars around the world.

The crowd then stood in silence for about a minute, some students with their heads bowed, others with their eyes closed.

“It’s a sad thing … it seemed like a nice gesture to come out,” junior Jeff Williams said.

Senior Kylie Bellis had a personal connection to the tragedy.

“I’m a runner, and I thought that it would be nice to come and support everyone who was affected,” she said.

Senior Rosie Cardoso pointed out the importance of taking a moment to reflect on the bombing since it is “so easy” to forget about tragedies such as this one, although she expressed a desire for students to allow themselves to do so outside of a group setting as well.

Goldberg thought that the vigil was a success and said that she felt better having participated, noting that “more people came out than we ever imagined, and that’s really great.”

She felt “it’s moments like these when you realize how many people really do care.”

Goldin is a member of the class of 2013.

J. Adam Fenster / UR Communication

UR graduates’ senior biomedical engineering (BME) project, the MonoMano Cycling Control System, recently received the Student of Da Vinci Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The team, which includes Jackson Block ’12, Sara Hutchinson ’12, Dominic Marino ’12, David Narrow ’12, and Martin Szeto ’12, has even created a company to market their device.
In senior BME design classes, customers present problems to groups students, who then select a project to complete over the duration of the course. This group decided to undertake the task of designing a bike for people with little strength in their upper body. The tricycle-style bike that the group designed allows riders to maneuver effectively with the use of only one hand, the reason behind the name “MonoMano.”
“A lot of the technology is for people who don’t have strength in their upper body,” Narrow said. “We realized that stroke survivors had a huge need for a device like this. They have a need for stability.”
Professor of Biomedical Engineering Laurel Carney mentored the team.
“My role [was] really a cheerleader,” Carney said. “I joined their weekly meetings and participated occasionally in brainstorming. But the students try to understand as best as possible the customer’s needs and then they run with it.”

During their senior year, the students formed a company, MonoMano Cycling, to market their design. Through crowdsourcing and fundraising, things “started to pick up and get exciting,” Narrow said.
There are currently five control systems in use, and the group has recently applied for a full patent for their product. According to Narrow, the team’s marketing efforts have grown significantly since March of this year.
When Narrow was approached by a representative  suggesting that the group apply for the Da Vinci Award, they decided to follow through and submitted a statement on the unique value and significance of the MonoMano system. The group submitted their project for evaluation and were selected as finalists.
“I guess they like us because they invited us to come to the awards in Michigan,” Block said. “I was really humbled that they honored us. It was just a tremendous honor. There were a lot great innovators there.”
According to Narrow, the MonoMano Cycling team was also the youngest group to receive an award.
Even as seniors, the team was competing with their product.
“This student team applied for a number of competitions,” Carney said. “They were very organized and interested in competing. There’s no prize, but it really gets the word out.”
Block noted that age and ability have no bearing on success.
“I would say [don’t] underestimate what you can do,” Block said. “To some extent, I was underestimating us. The longer I am out of college and realizing how well-prepared we really were, I just feel like I should have known I was ready to compete with whoever.”
Remus is a member of
       the class of 2016.

Aaron Schaffer / Staff Photographer

The Students’ Association (SA) Senate selected a new speaker and deputy speaker for the 2013-14 school year. In a process that lasted over three hours, the Senate heard the candidates’ platforms, questioned them, and then discussed the candidates in executive sessions in which only the current and incumbent senators and current speaker and deputy speaker can be present.
Sophomore Aditi Simlote, who previously chaired the Policy & Review Committee, was selected as the uncontested Speaker of the Senate. Freshman Jessica Sheng, who serves as an aide on the Policy & Review Committee, was selected as Deputy Speaker of the Senate.
The Speaker of the Senate directs all proceedings at the Senate table during meetings and serves a mediating role, ensuring that all voices are heard. The Speaker does not vote.
Junior Shilpa Topudurti, the outgoing SA Speaker and SA President-elect, endorsed Simlote.
“I definitely think she’s one of the most qualified members of the [SA],” Topudurti said. “I think she’ll be a really valuable member of the executive team.”
In her statement to Senate, Simlote emphasized the potential she sees in the governing body.
“I think one of the things I learned [as Policy & Review Committee Chair] was how a body of 16 people can accomplish so much,” she said. “I feel ready to connect them to the resources and support they need to complete the things they’re passionate about.”
Following a round of questions from the senators, the Senate held an executive session that lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
Although she couldn’t comment on the Senate’s discussion during the session, Topudurti explained the significance of the selection.
“It’s honestly one of the most important selections that we make,” Topudurti said. “It’s really a time for us to put all our concerns and thoughts on the table. I really want to make sure that everyone is heard. We want to make sure that we’re very thorough in what we’re doing.” Topudurti also approved of Sheng’s selection.
“I think the most important part about being a deputy is being reliable, and I know that what [Sheng’s] shown on her committee is that reliability,” Topudurti said. “I think the fact that [Simlote] and her have a working relationship right now will be beneficial to the table.”
Like Simlote, Sheng has not previously served in Senate.
“Seeing the scope of senate and what senators and student government can do, I’ve become eager to get even more involved in Senate,” Sheng said during her opening statement. “You are the eyes and the ears of the Senate. You see what’s on the table and assist the speaker in making sure that the senators are on task and make sure that the senators are on task and being receptive to each other.”
The election for deputy speaker was contested by freshman and current senator Anthony Salazar and freshman Matt Lerner. Topudurti was pleased that this position was contested.
“We had three really strong candidates,” she said. “I think it fosters… a little more initiative on the candidates’ part.”
In interviews following their selection, both Simlote and Sheng commented on the collaborative team they will form in the coming year.
After serving together on the Policy & Review Committee, they are familiar with each other’s working styles, ensuring a fluid transition into the academic year. According to Simlote, they approach issues from different angles.
“I think going in already knowing each other will be helpful because we’ve already seen each other’s thinking patterns,” Simlote said. “We can help each other and push each other to have a dynamic conversation.”
Simlote emphasized the important link between the student body and the administration that Senate serves.
“The Senate has been really starting to do a lot on this campus,” Simlote said. “They’ve been doing a lot on their committees and individually. If you have engaged and passionate senators you can really demonstrate that the [SA] is there for the students.”
Sheng was eager to reemphasize the role of Senate in bridging communication between the students and administration.
“As a Policy & Review Committee aide I’ve been exposed to all the Senate can do,” she said.

Remus is a member of
the class of 2016.