University of St. Thomas (The Summa)

Category: News

  • UST Drama Department Preforms Euripedies Tragedy

    UST Drama Department Preforms Euripedies Tragedy

    Photo By: Claire Logue 

    The University of St. Thomas drama department presented a unique version of Euripides’s tragedy, ION. Starring students Auset Jolivet and Garret Soto, ION explores the heartache of a barren woman, the yearning of an orphan for his parents and the turbulent relationship between gods and mortals.

    The play was performed on the second floor of Jones Hall from April 14 to April 16 and April 21 to April 23.

    With a lively combination of drama, action and comedy, the UST drama department’s performance was sure to please and entertain. The play centers around Ion, an orphan who abandoned, raised in Apollo's temple and is later confronted by his parents.

    Assistant professor of fine arts and theater and director of ION, Eric Domuret said students should watch ION for the sake of entertainment.

    “It doesn’t matter how philosophical or intellectual a play is if it doesn’t entertain,” Domuret said. “If we can entertain an audience, then we can teach them something.”

    Domuret focuses on providing audiences a love for drama through high-quality entertainment.Through a combination of the two, the audience can learn important lessons about life and the human person.

    Actor Dylan Smail, who plays the role of King Xuthus said it is important for students to attend plays and support the student actors because it is a “golden opportunity” for students to see the outcome their hard work.

    “What people see in the show is all created from many weeks of long nights in the drama department,” Smail said. “The best way to show our appreciation of the drama students’ effort and talents is to actually show up and enjoy their plays.”

     

  • Science Center Plans, Groundbreaking

    The University of St. Thomas held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new science center on Nov. 12. People from all ages, from nursing students to sponsors, came out to listen in anticipation as Dr. Ivany, fellow students, and other speakers shared their hopes for the new center, which is expected to be completed on Spring of 2017.  The science center will be home to the biology, nursing, and chemistry departments and other science concentrations which are still under development.

    The process of planning and fundraising for the new building has been led by the Faith in Our Future Campaign, President Ivany, the Board of Directors, the Advancement Office, and friends and sponsors of the university. The building is taking $47.3 million to build, a goal that could not have been obtained in six years without the work and time of everyone involved in the process. The new building will be called the Center of Science and Health Professions (CSHP) and will complement the education provided at the University of St. Thomas.

    It started as an idea that the biology faculty placed before Dr. Ivany when he first became president for the school, twelve years ago.

    “It took a while,” he said, “but I felt that the biology faculty and the students deserved better facilities. That became our first priority in terms of fundraising.”

    Fundraising was the most difficult problem the university faced, although faculty and students supported the plan for a new building.

    “A lot of donors like to give money for scholarships, like to give their resources for programs,” Ivany said, “but, sometimes, they are reluctant to give money for bricks and mortar. We had to explain to our donors how important bricks and mortar, so to speak, were to the future of the University of St. Thomas.”

    The planning for the science center had to undergo many different stages before being approved in 2012.  Fundraising for the fourth floor of the building, where chemistry will be housed, is still ongoing.

    “We’re working very hard now to find donors to allow us to outfit and equip the fourth floor.”

    The University of St. Thomas will benefit from the new center as it will enhance the programs set in place now.  It is evident to many faculty members and students that the largest obstacle in reaching the best education possible in the STEM fields in the past has been a lack of space.

    “The faculty are fabulous,” said Dr. John W. Starner, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “We just don’t have enough space to teach you and you find yourself crisscrossing the labs to find the right facility.”

     Jennifer Hoang, senior biochemistry major and pre-dental student, has been involved in research since her freshman year and has hopes that the new building will fix the problem of space.

    “What we have now does its job,” she said, “but you want a lot of space for many different groups to do research effectively. With the new building comes new equipment, new space.”

    Research has been somewhat limited in the sciences, as research is done in the same spaces as lab classes. Research teams have to schedule lab work so that it doesn’t conflict with class times.

    “One of the things which the new science center will provide is some dedicated research space for the science faculty and students,” said Dr. Palasota, former Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and current Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department.

    “Science is really learned in the lab and in order for our students to be competitive for graduate and professional schools, they must have research experience. Ultimately, research is one of the best teachers out there for students.”

    The students of the university agree. Samee Hameed, senior biochemistry/philosophy double major and physics minor has experienced first-hand the importance of undergraduate research.

    “Hopefully, we get the opportunity for more research equipment and the opportunity to do more groundbreaking research,” Hameed said, “Research is an important part of getting into grad school and getting into medical school. I’m pretty proud to say that I’ve been a part of ground-breaking research and I hope that more students will be able to do that as the years come.”

    It is vital for the university to keep growing in the sciences, said Dr. Ivany.

    “There is a desperate need for more nurses and more specialists in the field of medicine and health care,” he said.

    The new building will provide the university with much-needed room to grow in terms of enrollment.

    “We have a large enrollment in our chemistry courses, which is a problem in biology and math as well,” Palasota said, “Having a new center gives us the additional lab space we need in order to be able to hold more sections of lab for the students to learn in.”

    “There will be room to grow in the sciences so we can actually add more students,” said Starner, “those that would like to come here and get this fabulous liberal arts education tied to a STEM education.”

    An increase in enrollment is something that the School of Nursing also hopes to obtain. Nursing students must undergo a stricter admissions process than other students. In order to pursue a major in nursing, they must be accepted into the university and also into the School of Nursing. This is because there is a fixed number of students that can be enrolled due to limited classrooms and simulation labs. Despite this, the nursing program has grown.

    “I was the only nurse on campus until February of 2011,” said Dr. Tschirch, Dean of the School of Nursing. “We started with a faculty of one and no students in 2009, and now we have 71 nursing students and approximately 85 people who are in pre-nursing studies. We’ve graduated two classes and have seven full-time, two part-time faculty, and many adjunct faculty that help us with clinical teaching for our students. It’s a lot for two years. What I envision is that, with the new building, we will be able to expand and that we’ll all be together [in one place]. We feel very lucky to have the facilities we have, but the school is not going to be able to grow in enrollment. Certainly, the new building will make that possible.”

    A graduate nursing program is also in the planning stages.

    “We expect to add a graduate program,” she said. “A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is in the planning stages.”

    Many believe the Center for Health and Science Professions will not just affect the sciences but will also allow for a strengthening of the University of St. Thomas’ liberal arts education.

    “I think that our mission of educating leaders of faith and character is especially important for those students who are involved in the sciences, because so many of the bigger decisions that are facing us as a nation are bioethical or health-related,” said Ivany, “For our voices to be heard, to have a seat at the table, you have to have a moral compass…and at the same time you have to be professionally proficient.”

    It isn’t uncommon that science majors also pursue a minor outside of the sciences, such as creative writing, music, or philosophy. This is thought to have been brought upon by the strong balance between faith and reason in the school’s curriculum.

    “We have absolutely no question that the liberal arts and the faith-based nature of this university enriches our program,” said Tschirch.

    Not only does a study of science not conflict with the liberal arts, but the two are thought to complement each other.

    “I think it’s really important that, as a science major, you don’t forget about how you communicate with people and I think that’s what a small liberal arts school will provide,” Hameed said, “Getting a science degree from here is an extremely powerful step to being an impactful researcher, and impactful scientist, or and impactful physician.”

    There are hopes also that the new building will bring more recognition to the university, both in the city and among the science community.

    “I think what it will provide is an understanding that the University of St. Thomas is committed to educating students completely,” said Palasota, “both in their intellectual capacity as well as their emotional and spiritual capacity.”

    Some express that other colleges are surprised to see students from the University of St. Thomas attend national research conventions.

    “Having the science center will give us a new identity as a liberal arts school because, yes, we are a liberal arts school, but we also have a strong science program which a lot of people don’t realize,” said Hoang.

    “They say the University of St. Thomas is the best-kept secret in Houston,” said Palasota, “Hopefully, we won’t be a secret too much longer.”

  • “Campus Carry” Discussion Opened to UST Students

    “Campus Carry” Discussion Opened to UST Students

    Photo Courtesy / SGA

    The decision for the university to opt in or out of the recently passed Texas “campus carry” law will be announced by UST President Robert Ivany by the end of December.

    The “campus carry” law allows anyone with a concealed handgun license to bring their concealed weapons on university and college campuses. Private universities in Texas have the option to opt out of the bill.

    To facilitate discussion and answer questions about the bill, the director of Residence Life invited Guinan and Young residents to a “campus carry” discussion in the Guinan lobby on Dec. 2.

    Commuters, who constitute the majority of the campus population, were not invited to the event but were encouraged to contact their student government representatives in another email Ivany sent to the student body in early October.

    Photo Courtesy / SGA

    The discussion featured a three-person panel with UST Police Chief James Tate; Assistant Vice President of Campus Life Matt Prasifka; and concealed handgun license owner and student Matthew Lance.

    At the beginning of the discussion, Lance provided attendees with a two-page document outlining his vehement resistance to opting out of the “campus carry” law.

    “Gun free zones provide easy targets for mass shooters,” Lance said. “[The Texas legislature] rightly understands allowing CHL holders to exercise their right to carry is a deterrent to crime and increases public safety. The bad guys are going to think twice before coming onto campus knowing that there are CHL holders there.”

    While gun-related conviction rates of CHL holders are statistically lower than those without licenses, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported in 2013 that 1.8 percent of deadly conduct convictions were committed by CHL holders.

    Tate said the police force would adapt to Ivany’s ultimate decision on opting in or out the “campus carry” law. Tate also said the recent mass shootings and controversy surrounding gun violence in the U.S. has no impact on any concerns he has about the possible implementation of the bill on campus.

    “Most CHL holders are good folk and they’re not out there to do anybody harm,” Tate said. “They want to simply defend themselves. What I get concerned about is the CHL holder who gets up every morning and cannot wait to put their weapon on their hip and they, in their mind, are thinking ‘I’m going to go out and I’m going to save the day. I’m going to be a hero.’ It’s a small number, but they’re out there.”

    While there are some instances where CHL holders have accidentally shot innocent bystanders during shootings, there are also stories of CHL holders protecting civilians from possible harm.

    Several students at the “campus carry” discussion voiced adoption of the bill would make them feel less safe on campus.

    “I am for opting out of this bill because I believe that we already have a police department that can take care of the security on campus,” junior Adrian Rodriguez said. “I wouldn’t trust a random 21-year-old with eight hours of experience to protect me with a gun.”

    Rodriguez is referring to some of the CHL holder rules, which require those wishing to obtain a license to be 21 years of age, and complete eight hours of training.

    Sophomore Ileana Reyes also said she would feel less safe if the school were to opt in because she does not like the idea of students carrying concealed weapons on campus. She was also concerned that in the event of a school shooting, police might not know who the “bad guy” is if a CHL holder tries to become involved in taking down the shooter.

    “We’re not soldiers,” Reyes said.

    Another student who attended the “campus carry” discussion, sophomore SGA senator Greg Pirolli said he would feel safer opting in.

    “I think that CHL holders are good people and they go through the process they need to go through in order to get a CHL license and I think that to opt in to the law would help us more than hurt us,” Pirolli said.

    To gather information on student opinion for “campus carry,” the Student Government Association is encouraging students to take a brief online survey. The survey results will be presented to Ivany to aid his decision on the law.

    Ivany had hosted meetings with the four main constituencies on campus (Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government Association and Graduate Student Association) to answer questions about the bill and settle on an agreement in favor of the majority opinion.

    Every constituency, besides SGA, has submitted their majority opinions to Ivany.

    “I know we have the option, so I will listen to what the various constituents say before making any pronouncement,” Ivany said in a Nov. 30 meeting with the SGA. “If we all decide no, there will have to be a process to add signs to the entrances on campus informing people they cannot bring concealed weapons on campus.”

    In the event that the university opts in, the law would go into effect Aug. 1, 2016 and Ivany would hold another round of meetings with the various campus constituencies to determine new procedures and logistics. For example, the law allows schools to place “safe zones” where concealed weapons would not be permitted by CHL holders.  Under present law, CHL holders are allowed to stow concealed weapons in their vehicles even if they are parked on campus.

    The “campus carry” decision comes at a time surrounding much controversy concerning mass shootings. The most recent U.S. mass shooting, where at least 14 died in San Bernardino, California, occurred the same day of the Dec. 2 meeting on campus.

    A link is available here to access further information about the “campus carry” law.

  • Is SGA President Diego Lagos keeping his campaign promises?

    Is SGA President Diego Lagos keeping his campaign promises?

    The SGA, under the leadership of President Diego Lagos, has been working on a myriad of initiatives for the current school year. Free printing, dining services, student involvement and student lounge renovations were topics Lagos addressed. 

    SGA Printing Station located in the 'Fish Bowl' in Crooker. 
    Sarah Oyarce / The Summa 

    FREE PRINTING

    The price of printing on campus, which has always been a problem for students, has been resolved, according to Lagos.

    SGA now funds free printing for UST’s undergraduate students at the printing station inside the ‘Fish Bowl’ in Crooker. Lagos explains the student body’s need for free printing.

    “I know there’s going to be those occasions where you need a paper, and you have five minutes before your class starts,” Lagos said. “SGA might be your only hope.”

    The printing station is technically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there are some inconsistencies with the printer’s schedule.

    Because the computer in the printing station requires a login by SGA members, executive staff and senators take shifts monitoring the station. SGA members may not always be available to provide students access to free printing due to classes, extracurricular activities or other responsibilities, according to Lagos.

    SGA has imposed a limit of 10 pages per day at the printing station.

    DINING SERVICES

    In hopes of offering more variety and healthier choices in Crooker, Lagos hopes to establish his ‘Copy/Paste’ initiative. 

    The initiative was developed when Lagos, as well as other students, noticed that Crooker offered better and more food choices during the summer, when Houston Ballet Academy students reside in Guinan Hall for the academy’s summer program.

    The Houston Ballet Academy website describes Crooker as a cafeteria that provides “innovative menus designed for dancers” for a cost of either $3,070 for a six-week stay or $1,675 for a three-week stay.

    Lagos wants to know how SGA can bring the same options given to the academy’s students to UST’s student body.

    “What is it going to take to ‘copy/paste’ what we see in the summer?” Lagos said. “Copy and then paste it during the semester.”

    Lagos’ initiative has started with a student survey. SGA plans to get the survey results and bring it to the Office of Dining Services in hopes of working towards a solution.

    Although Lagos realizes students may not want to pay more for their meal plan, Lagos still wants to bring students the option.

    “I want to see what it’s going to take,” Lagos said. “[The ballerinas] are here for the summer, we’re here for four years.”

    The deadline for the survey is on Nov. 4. After SGA has compiled student feedback, Lagos will schedule a meeting and take the results to Dining Services in early December.

    STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

    In our last interview with Lagos, we asked him about encouraging student involvement with school activities. SGA’s solution to this issue is this message board.

    Lagos hopes this board will keep the student body up to date on what is happening on campus. The board will publicize COC’s, SAB’s and SCA’s most relevant events at the discretion of SGA.

    “We want it to be standardized,” Lagos said. “You go there, and you know exactly what’s going on with the school.”

    Lagos expects the board, which will be located in between the seal and Malloy Hall, to be up by the beginning of November.

    There is no cost to advertise on the board as it is also funded by SGA.

    LOUNGE RENOVATIONS

    Student lounge renovations were also included in Lagos’ agenda when running for president.

    The Fish Bowl in Crooker has been renovated and now includes the free printing station, reupholstered and restained chairs, a study bar with new bar stools and a conference table. SGA is also getting ready to purchase new couches. Financial Officer Alexis Peltier spearheaded these renovations.

    The Fish Bowl renovations totaled up to $6,153, which comes from SGA’s 2015 – 2016 budget.

    Lagos has also created the “Old Bookstore Committee” and charged its committee head, Secretary Brienna Garza, with developing a recreational lounge for students in the Old Bookstore. 

    OTHER INITIATIVES

    Other SGA initiatives from Lagos include the resolutions for changing stations to be installed in the family restroom located in Crooker as well as in other locations around campus. He is also pushing for the student webmail data quote to be increased from the current 150 megabits to a higher amount.

    Both resolutions have passed in the Senate.

  • HOUSTON POLICE ARREST TWO ARMED SUSPECTS ON UST CAMPUS

    HOUSTON POLICE ARREST TWO ARMED SUSPECTS ON UST CAMPUS

    The UST Emergency Alert System notified students, faculty and staff on Oct. 22 at 12:07 p.m. that two potentially armed men had crashed a stolen vehicle into a parked car on Yoakum Blvd. around 11:20 a.m.

    The alert stated, “possibly two armed suspects near campus. Two Hispanic males seen running westbound from W.Alabama & Yoakum. Authorities searching the area. Call 911 if sighted.”

    There was apparently one student witness. There are no reported injuries.

    According to Rucks Russell, a reporter with KHOU11, both men were arrested before approximately 12:30 p.m. The suspects were both carrying semi-automatic weapons. At least one was a 40-caliber pistol. He witnessed the men in handcuffs after police, near the corner of Yoakum and Colquitt, had arrested them.

    “They were hollering ‘Latin Kings run this town, b****,’” Russell said, as they were loaded into the Houston Police squad vehicle.

    Apparently there was a brief scuffle between one suspect and a police officer in the process, according to Russell.

    We will update with more information as it is received. 

  • March Against Eating Disorders

    March Against Eating Disorders

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

    Mothers, sisters and friends of eating disorder victims are lobbying for Anna’s Law in the March Against Eating Disorders on October 27th. The law already has bipartisan support, and it advocates for training, treatment and truth in advertisement. The Eating Disorder Coalition brings advocates together twice a year for National Lobby Day, which is the day after the march. It is being organized with the Moms and Other March, Mothers Against Eating Disorders, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.

    Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced the legislation in May 2015.  The law is named after Anna Westin, who committed suicide because of her battle with anorexia in February 2000. Anna’s Law will push for the recognition of eating disorders nationally despite the negative stigma of the disorders. Bringing light to this illness will be the only way to eradicate it.

    It is estimated by the EDC that 30 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, and these victims have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Not all eating disorders are treated or even addressed by the victim’s family or friends until it is too late. Anna’s Law pushes for adequate training for doctors so that they can better identify and pick up on eating disorders. In many cases, someone suffering from an eating disorder will be seen by a physician but will not be diagnosed.

    Better treatment for eating disorders addresses the issue that most insurance providers do not cover eating disorder rehab, therapy or any sort of treatment. The EDC reports “50 percent of insurance companies cover only hospital care for patients suffering eating disorders. Yet, there is impressive evidence base for cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as well as family-based interventions for youth with anorexia nervosa.”

    Truth in advertisement requires a Federal Trade Commission report studying whether or not regulation is needed for digitally altered images of models in advertising. Anna’s Law will lead to developing strategies to achieve such regulation in media, and truth in advertisement will reduce the pressure on people to look a certain way because of what society or the media tells them.

    The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is an advocate for a law that will ensure treatment for all eating disorder victims. “We march because 20-30 percent of our patients are men who thought they were the ‘only one’ and suffered in silence for a long time. Eating disorders don’t discriminate, and treatment shouldn’t either.”

    Dr. Rose Signorello, Executive Director of Counseling and Disabilities Services at UST, believes eating disorders are not hard to detect for a trained professional, but sometimes patients mask their symptoms because even though they want to get help they are not emotionally ready.

    “Eating disorders are a serious concern for college students,” Signorello said. “Eating disorders often surface during a time of a critical life transition, such as beginning college or other important life changes.  It is important to be aware that eating disorders affect both males and females, although females are affected more often… Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue; the majority of people with a serious eating disorder do not get adequate care.  If a student suspects that she/he or someone they care about has an eating disorder, reach out for help.”

    To join the March Against Eating Disorders, visit http://www.marchagainsted.com/. For more information on eating disorders or getting help, you can visit Counseling and Disabilities in Crooker. 

     

  • March Against Eating Disorders

    March Against Eating Disorders

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

    Mothers, sisters and friends of eating disorder victims are lobbying for Anna’s Law in the March Against Eating Disorders on October 27th. The law already has bipartisan support, and it advocates for training, treatment and truth in advertisement. The Eating Disorder Coalition brings advocates together twice a year for National Lobby Day, which is the day after the march. It is being organized with the Moms and Other March, Mothers Against Eating Disorders, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.

    Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced the legislation in May 2015.  The law is named after Anna Westin, who committed suicide because of her battle with anorexia in February 2000. Anna’s Law will push for the recognition of eating disorders nationally despite the negative stigma of the disorders. Bringing light to this illness will be the only way to eradicate it.

    It is estimated by the EDC that 30 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, and these victims have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Not all eating disorders are treated or even addressed by the victim’s family or friends until it is too late. Anna’s Law pushes for adequate training for doctors so that they can better identify and pick up on eating disorders. In many cases, someone suffering from an eating disorder will be seen by a physician but will not be diagnosed.

    Better treatment for eating disorders addresses the issue that most insurance providers do not cover eating disorder rehab, therapy or any sort of treatment. The EDC reports “50 percent of insurance companies cover only hospital care for patients suffering eating disorders. Yet, there is impressive evidence base for cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as well as family-based interventions for youth with anorexia nervosa.”

    Truth in advertisement requires a Federal Trade Commission report studying whether or not regulation is needed for digitally altered images of models in advertising. Anna’s Law will lead to developing strategies to achieve such regulation in media, and truth in advertisement will reduce the pressure on people to look a certain way because of what society or the media tells them.

    The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is an advocate for a law that will ensure treatment for all eating disorder victims. “We march because 20-30 percent of our patients are men who thought they were the ‘only one’ and suffered in silence for a long time. Eating disorders don’t discriminate, and treatment shouldn’t either.”

    Dr. Rose Signorello, Executive Director of Counseling and Disabilities Services at UST, believes eating disorders are not hard to detect for a trained professional, but sometimes patients mask their symptoms because even though they want to get help they are not emotionally ready.

    “Eating disorders are a serious concern for college students,” Signorello said. “Eating disorders often surface during a time of a critical life transition, such as beginning college or other important life changes.  It is important to be aware that eating disorders affect both males and females, although females are affected more often… Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue; the majority of people with a serious eating disorder do not get adequate care.  If a student suspects that she/he or someone they care about has an eating disorder, reach out for help.”

    To join the March Against Eating Disorders, visit http://www.marchagainsted.com/. For more information on eating disorders or getting help, you can visit Counseling and Disabilities in Crooker. 

     

  • March Against Eating Disorders

    March Against Eating Disorders

    Mothers, sisters and friends of eating disorder victims are lobbying for Anna’s Law in the March Against Eating Disorders on October 27th. The law already has bipartisan support, and it advocates for training, treatment and truth in advertisement. The Eating Disorder Coalition brings advocates together twice a year for National Lobby Day, which is the day after the march. It is being organized with the Moms and Other March, Mothers Against Eating Disorders, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.

    Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced the legislation in May 2015.  The law is named after Anna Westin, who committed suicide because of her battle with anorexia in February 2000. Anna’s Law will push for the recognition of eating disorders nationally despite the negative stigma of the disorders. Bringing light to this illness will be the only way to eradicate it.

    It is estimated by the EDC that 30 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, and these victims have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Not all eating disorders are treated or even addressed by the victim’s family or friends until it is too late. Anna’s Law pushes for adequate training for doctors so that they can better identify and pick up on eating disorders. In many cases, someone suffering from an eating disorder will be seen by a physician but will not be diagnosed.

    Better treatment for eating disorders addresses the issue that most insurance providers do not cover eating disorder rehab, therapy or any sort of treatment. The EDC reports “50 percent of insurance companies cover only hospital care for patients suffering eating disorders. Yet, there is impressive evidence base for cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as well as family-based interventions for youth with anorexia nervosa.”

    Truth in advertisement requires a Federal Trade Commission report studying whether or not regulation is needed for digitally altered images of models in advertising. Anna’s Law will lead to developing strategies to achieve such regulation in media, and truth in advertisement will reduce the pressure on people to look a certain way because of what society or the media tells them.

    The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is an advocate for a law that will ensure treatment for all eating disorder victims. “We march because 20-30 percent of our patients are men who thought they were the ‘only one’ and suffered in silence for a long time. Eating disorders don’t discriminate, and treatment shouldn’t either.”

    Dr. Rose Signorello, Executive Director of Counseling and Disabilities Services at UST, believes eating disorders are not hard to detect for a trained professional, but sometimes patients mask their symptoms because even though they want to get help they are not emotionally ready.

    “Eating disorders are a serious concern for college students,” Signorello said. “Eating disorders often surface during a time of a critical life transition, such as beginning college or other important life changes.  It is important to be aware that eating disorders affect both males and females, although females are affected more often… Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue; the majority of people with a serious eating disorder do not get adequate care.  If a student suspects that she/he or someone they care about has an eating disorder, reach out for help.”

    To join the March Against Eating Disorders, visit http://www.marchagainsted.com/. For more information on eating disorders or getting help, you can visit Counseling and Disabilities in Crooker. 

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

    Photo Courtesy / Flickr / Courtney Emery

     

  • Pilsner Stepping Down

    The Rev. Joseph Pilsner will be stepping as Dean of Arts and Sciences and replaced by interim dean John Starner on June 30. Pilsner and Starner have been the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences since 2009, respectively.

    According to Dominic Aquila, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Pilsner made several “signature contributions” as the dean, most markedly establishing core curriculum for the university.

    “We are grateful to Fr. Joseph for guiding the university and Arts and Sciences,” Aquila said.

    In regards to Pilsner’s future plans, Aquila mentioned he was not sure, but taking a leave or absence or a sabbatical between ventures is “pretty typical” in the academic world, as is stepping down after some time to allow for new experience or expertise to take a step up. Pilsner was unavailable for interview.

    “Father Joe was very popular,” Aquila said. “He is a great teacher.” According to Aquila, Pilsner’s stepping down was his decision. Aquila stressed that resignations occurred in higher education often, and that this was not like “the corporate world.”

    Starner will take UST through the 2015-16 school year while the university conducts a nationwide search in order to find a new dean. This search is dictated by university policy. 

  • Measles Outbreak Ignites Vaccine Controversy

    A continuing spread of the measles virus ensures that immunization will be a political topic among 2016 presidential nominees. Politicians are already debating whether requiring vaccines for children falls under state’s rights or personal freedom. The anti-vaccination movement has evolved on such a grand scale as to hold a place on the countries’ political agenda. No stranger to the fight for state involvement in health is Gov. Rick Perry. In 2007 he placed an executive order which mandated all sixth grade girls be vaccinated against HPV – a virus shown to be linked to cervical cancer. The order was quickly overturned by legislature. This month Gov. Perry again encouraged state involvement in public health, in an interview with both The Texas Tribune and The Washington Post. “I think governors, elected officials, people in positions of authority and power and influence, should use those positions to make sure that the people they either represent or have the opportunity to work for are as healthy as they can be,” Gov. Perry said. “Obviously vaccines are a very important part of that.” Texas State Rep. Jason Villalba is electing to narrow the conscientious objection clause. “Conscientious objection” is a clause in state legislature which applies to families whose parents opt out of otherwise mandatory immunization laws. Due to philosophical motives, religious beliefs and medical reasons parents can sign a waiver which omits their children from vaccinations. Rep. Villalba is lobbying for the removal of religious beliefs. The Hastings Center –a non-partisan health organization– says this concept is “ethically troubling because it can leave entire communities vulnerable to preventable diseases.” Such was the case in a California theme park when a woman infected with measles spread the disease to 102 unvaccinated people nationwide from Dec. 2014 to Jan., as reported by the CDC. Of infectious diseases regularly immunized against, measles is exceptionally contagious infecting 90 percent of non-vaccinated people who come in contact with it. The virus can remain airborne for hours after a single cough by an infected individual. Only two states, West Virginia and Mississippi, employ a clause restricting exemptions for medical reasons. These states’ laws prohibit immunization exemptions based on philosophical or religious reasoning. In addition to the M. M. R. (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine required by U.S. universities, some larger university campus’ are including a Hepatitis B shot to protect students against liver disease. University of St. Thomas currently employs a vaccination requirement of bacterial meningitis for all students under the age of 22 as per state legislation. Students living on campus are required to have the M. M. R. shot. However, in compliance with state laws, the university allows for “conscientious objection” at the student’s request. U.S. presidential nominees will need to address public safety versus privacy rights during the 2016 campaign. Many remaining antivaccinators have a political issue with the legislation surrounding vaccine manufacturers. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 provides immunity to vaccine manufacturers. According to a case upheld in the United States Court of Appeals, the legislation was formed in response to vaccine shortages due to lawsuits. The companies, in exchange, now pay a small tax on each dose and claims are paid from the fund (Case No. 12-236, Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services v. Cloer).