Miami Hurricane, September 12, 1997

              CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
SINCE 1927
VOLUME 75, NUMBER 4
in this issue
WWW.HURRICANE.MIAMI.EDU
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12,1997
University suspends Sigma Chi
ASU VS. UM
■ The Canes host the Sun Devils this Saturday in the 400th regular season game in Orange Bowl history.
SPORTS, page 4
■ Alleged alcohol violations under
investigation
BY KELLY RUANE
Editor In Chief
The University of Miami administration suspended Sigma Chi fraternity from all activities on Wednesday, citing alcohol-related violations that the Dade State's Attorney's Office unearthed when investigating the alleged rape of two female students in November of 19%.
Last November, Sigma Chi brothers Lucas Folse and Michael Schoeppner were arrested for allegedly using the drug rohypnol, or "roofies," to rape two female
undergraduates. The University and Sigma Chi national fraternity conducted an investigation into the events of that night, but halted their investigations when the official police investigation began UM's Sigma Chi chapter has been suspended from social activities since the time when the police investigation began.
There was insufficient evidence to charge Folse with a crime. Schoeppner avoided trial by pleading guilty to the lesser charge of false imprisonment and in late May was ordered by a Miami judge to withdraw permanently from UM.
Although the rape charges have been settled, the investigation led to the discovery of more violations, and now, sanctions against the fra temity.
The Dade State’s Mtorneys investigation revealed that membeis of the fraternity violated a number
of University policies at the November party, including serving alcohol to underage guests and vio lating the Florida open-container law.
Once the State’s Attorney's Office completed its investigation, the University and the national fraternity resumed their investigations. The University has found "sufficient evi dence of Sigma Chi members violating the University's alcohol-related policies to impose immediate suspension of the fraternity," a University statement released Wednesday said.
Patricia Whitely, vice president for Student Affairs, said the decision to suspend Sigma Chi was not an easy one.
'This has not been an easy decision at all for me or for the University," Whitely said. "It's a decision that I think giving every thing we know a' this time was the
only decision."
Whitely said she consulted University officials, national fraternity members and fraternity leaders about the proper course of action.
“We felt that given we were in the middle of pledging, we had enough information to temporarily suspend Sigma Chi pending the completion of the University investigation,” Whitely said.
Neil Schiller, president of the UM Interfraternity Council, said the IFC will not take a position on the matter until the investigations are completed.
The Sigma Chi suspension bars the fraternity from recruiting new members or holding any social events on campus or in their fraternity house. The fraternity is not allowed to participate as Sigma Chi in any events on- or off-campus until the University's investigation is completed. This decision comes in
the middle of Rush events. Bid day is today for fraternities.
"I think it has come at an awkward time for the fraternity," said Eric Feiter, president of Sigma Chi.
Whitely said fraternity members are only allowed to keep living in the Sigma Chi house, and to keep holding chapter meetings. Whitely said the University hopes to finish its investigation soon.
Once the investigation is completed. the University will decide whether or not to sanction Sigma Chi. If Sigma Chi is sanctioned. Whitely said the members of the fraternity will have the opportunity to present information relevant “if charges are brought against them."
Mark Anderson, executive secretary of the Sigma Chi national fraternity, said the fraternity's investigation deals primarily with whether or not the entire fraternity is at fault
See SIGMA CHI • Page 3
ATTITUDE
■ UM students' literary arts magazine premiered September 8th at The Rock.
ACCENT, page 6
SSSMOKIN'
■ They're fuming over the University's treatment of cigarettes. Find out their solutions.
OPINION, page 8
news briefs
CUBAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION HOSTS SYMPOSIUM
The University of Miami's Cuban Studies Association is hosting a symposium entitled, "Exiles, Emigres, and Expatriates: Cuban National Identity in the Diaspora," Sept. 13-14 at the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Miami. The event will represent a diverse group of people as Cubans young and old from all over the world will attend.
Tuition for the event for those affiliated with the University is $35, and $45 for all others. The fee includes breakfast and lunch on both days, as well as the chance to listen to nearly 20 speakers discuss the many aspects of Cuban culture.
Professor and author (aime Suchlicki will be addressing Cuban events and experiences, which are included in his newly revised and updated book, Cuba: From Columbus to Castro.
According to Juan Carlos Espinosa, director of the Cuban Studies Association, this a time when Cuban students are questioning what it means to be Cuban.
Espinosa said that students who are interested in attending should reserve a spot with the Graduate School of International Studies by calling 284-4304. Payment will be collected on the day of the symposium.
UM prepared for hurricanes
■ ‘Action Plan’ provides for students
BY BEN FERGUSON
Associate News Editor
Late last week. Hurricane Erika was gaining strength and headed for trouble in the Caribbean. Although Erika didn't give South Florida much to worry about, hurricane season lasts until November I. The University of Miami has got an extensive “Hurricane Action Plan” that stood up to the test of Hurricane Andrew back in 1992, hut there are still things that students must be aware of.
Whenever a Hurricane threatens South Florida (within a 1.000-mile range) a committee of 45 faculty members and administrators are already convening to discuss the situation and decide when to implement phase one of the plan. Early preparations include placing galvanized storm shutters over the Eaton Residential College lobby and making sure that all the various schools are ready to secure all buildings and equipment.
"When Hurricane Andrew hit there was extensive damage to the University, especially the foliage, bul we had an outstanding emergency plan and we still do," said assistant to the vice president Aley Koshy.
That plan includes several communication links with the police via CB and an emergency “red phone" (which actually is red) that connects the president's office and several other offices. All of these remain operational, even if the power is out for all of Coral Gables.
Students living on-campus have most of their needs taken care of. In the event of a hurricane, food and shelter is promised to you. The towers of Stanford and Hecht Residential Colleges are pretty much hurricane-proof; every window has got a hurricane shutter. In the case Pearson, Eaton and Mahoney students will be asked to move into the hallway for the duration of the storm.
Students who choose to leave campus can do so after signing out at their residential college. But this isn't suggested because the buildings on campus are all made from reinforced concrete and cinder block, along with shatterproof safety glass.
“I feel that these buildings are so safe in the event of a hurricane I'll ask my wife to come down and stay here with me in my office,” said Director of Residence Halls Bob Redick.
The office of residence halls stays open 24 hours a day from the lime between 36 hours before a predicted landfall to whenever operations return to normal, which in the case of Andrew, was over a week and a half.
"We have over 400 flashlights with 800 batteries in this office alone. We are prepared," said Redick. Students should talk to their RA about the specific plans for their floor.
For students living in fraternity houses or off campus, you too can stay in the dorms during the time of a nurricane.
“We will house and feed any student who comes to us. We make sure that all the students are taken care off," said Redick,
Students who decide to weather the storm off-campus should pick up and follow the guidelines given in the Channel 7 hurricane guide available at Publix. Some precautions include keeping several gallons odresh water, gassing up the car and getting a week
See PLAN • Page 2
Israeli hand-to-hand combat classes offered again at Hillel
|.J. GAMA-LOBO / Photo Editor
PUTTING UP A DEFENSE: Iunior Scott Marchfeld uses Krav Maga in a beginner's class for this Israeli form of combat with instructor Rick Blitstein (right).
■ Krav	Maga
courses offer training in self-defense of Israel Defense Forces
BY SHAWN A MUNROE
Hurricane Staff Writer
The Hillel Jewish Center has
begun offering the Israeli martial arts course, Krav Maga, this week.
Krav Maga is the official system of hand-to-hand comh.it and self-defense of the Israel Defense Forces. The founikr lives in Israel and the program is centered there though it has spread to many different countries.
According to Program Director Silver GrumUerg, Krav Maga is suitable for anyone, under any circumstances, whenever the need arises It is offered to both Jewish and non-Jewish persons alike, tor students or non-students
It was first offered last year and the response was so overwhelming that it has ictumed by popular demand. said Grundwerg.
According to Grundwerg, interest in this sport is growing phenomenally, not only in Miami, but in other states as well.
Krav Maga was featured in California in the popular TV entertainment magazine. Extra.
The Hillel Center is particularly proud of this because interaction allows the barriers that arise from religious differences to break down, said Grundwerg. It also allows students to meet faculty members who register.
Krav Maga is a means of self-improvement, of developing mental, spiritual and physical ability.
It also serves as an original, effective and simple system of face-to-face combat.
Krav Maga has different belt levels, the lowest being white and the highest being red. "Only one man in the system has a red belt, and that's the developer and founder of the system," said Blitstein.
The system is set up so that a student get through the beginning of the program in only a few weeks.
“You become proficient in self-defense,” said Blitstein. "The course teaches you how to
defend and counterattack simultaneously.”
The beginners’ class on Tuesday was a small group.
"It wasn't as large as expected,” said Grundwerg. "There were five people, and there should be more on Wednesday. The beginners from last year should be returning to form an advanced class of about twenty or more."
"There should be mote in the classes next week," said Rick Blitstein, instructor. Blitstein added that last year, students expressed interest in private lessons.
The class was offered during both the spring and fall semesters last year.
"If you took one or berth last year, then you can take the advanced class,” Blitstein said. "If you come from another class, then I have to see their level and what they learned."
The course runs for 10 weeks. The cost for University of Miami students is $125. Nonstudents may also attend for an additional $25.
Classes are held at the Hillel Center. Prospective participants may contact the instructor Rick Blitstein at (305) 534-9613.
Beginning classes are held on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. at the Hillel Jewish Center. Advanced classes are on Wednesdays from 7 p.m.
For more information, call Hillel at (305) 665-6948.
Week stresses volunteerism on campus
■ Volunteer Awareness Week begins Monday
BY NELLY FARRA
Staff Writer
Students will have a chance to explore the various volunteer venues at the University of Miami during Volunteer Awareness Week, which begins Sept. 15.
"This week is to get students to see the advantages of volunteering and to get them involved in one of the University of Miami’s volunteer organizations,” said Marcie Hahn, assistant director of
the Volunteer Services Center.
The Kick-off Celebration and Student Group Fair will be on the UC Patio at 11 a m. There, all volunteer organizations will display and distribute information regarding their respective causes.
There will also be live music and food provided, as well.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, at II a m., volunteer agencies from outside of UM will be represented in the UC Lower Lounge. Students who attend may walk home with a new T-shirt if they visit ten of the tables.
Prior to the Agency Fair, UM volunteer organization leaders will he informed on how to go
about getting student’s attention.
“It will be a one-on-one informational event for the leaders of on-campus volunteer organizations,” said Hahn.
Paul Litten, an independent consultant, will be talking to the leaders uboul “working with the Generation X to get them involved in volunteering”.
Events continue on Wednesday when Laura Urain, a dolphinolo-gist and a lecturer speuks of marine animals and the studies she has done on all species of whales and dolphins. She was education director of the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon Key, Fla. She will speak in the
International Lounge at 7:30 p.m.
At the end of the week, staff and employees of UM are excused from work to go with the students to participate in community service throughout the city. It will take place from 12-4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
Organizations that will be visited are: Claridge Nursing Home; Miami Museum of Science; After School House; American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, which provides free housing for individuals being treated for cancer. The Performing Arts Center and the National Fund of Advancement in
See VSC • Page 3
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