WCN (Westminster Cable Network)

Is texting in class an unclassy act?

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Texting during class is happening at Westminster and some instructors are addressing it in class syllabi."Texting in class will not be tolerated. If I do find someone texting (writing OR reading texts, OR surfing the web, etc.) during class time, I reserve the right to collect all phones before subsequent classes and returning them to you at the end of class." --PS 102/American Government Syllabus with Dr. Ed Cohen, Spring 2010. WATCH OUR YOUTUBE COVERAGE Is it okay to text in class? At Westminster College, there are no formal rules on cell phones and texting in classes. Walk around the Tub and you can quickly see students typing away at their cell phone keys. Texting is clearly an integral part of communication for many on our campus. WCN's Lee Biermeyer took our camera out to talk to Westminster students, faculty and administrators to get a sense of how the texting and cell phone conflict is playing out on our campus. Click on our story to watch our YouTube coverage. Check out our online poll and tell us about your texting habits in class.

Spring Break Work Trip to Bahamas

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Eight Westminster College students will spend their spring break teaching basic baseball skills to elementary students March 6-14 in Deadman's Cay, Long Island, Bahamas. The students will lead an after-school baseball camp at Caribbean Youth Network's Oasis Youth Center and wrap up the week with a tournament. One of the prerequisites for students attending this trip is prior experience with baseball or softball.

What are you doing for Spring Break?

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

New Wilmington's student population disappears this weekend as classes halt for spring break. More than 14-hundred students have midterm break. Many will travel to beaches in Florida or other Gulf Coast states. Baseball and softball players will play in non-conference games while in Florida. The tennis teams travel to South Carolina. Even the track team will head to Myrtle Beach for some track and field action. However, some students will spend the beak with family even when they travel south. Others will work part-time jobs.

Theatre Westminster Turns 80

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Listen to our online radio coverage. Check out more images from the past.

Dazzling performances continue to be cranked out at Westminster's Beeghly Theatre.

Theater students, theater minors, and anyone else interested in theater can participate. But, most people are unaware that the Theatre Westminster wasn't always a set program.

In the 1920's Westminster featured the Little Theater inside Old Main where the Registrar's Office is now located.

To help celebrate Theatre Westminster's 80th anniversary, reporter Lee Biermeyer tracks down some Westminster alumni familiar with the theatrical tradition at Old Westminny, including a few who remember the details about the old Little Theater.

Unpacking the Westminster in London Experience

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

More than 30 Westminster students and two faculty members returned to New Wilmington this semester after spending their fall studying abroad in London. They were part of the first group participating in the Westminster in London program. Now with everyone back on campus, WCN 24/7's Lee Biermeyer talks on camera with some of the London students finding out what they learned from the trip as well as any advice they have for students considering signing up the next time London rolls around.He talks with students Steve Fawcett and Katelyn Livingston talking bout what it was like to go from studying in a different country to studying in a town with two traffic lights.

Titan Crew Still Going Strong After 20 Years

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Charles Chirozzi, Chief Engineer at Westminster College and the technical expert behind WCN, created the first crew to film the football games.

The Titan Crew consists of a group of students who work together to broadcast both home and away football games for Westminster College.

Chirozzi, more commonly known as Chuck, started the crew back in 1989 and it has grown to what it is today.

Hear what Chuck and a few crew members have to say about Titan Crew with our special online radio report. Click the story to listen.

Fostering the artist in everyone

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

"Education should awaken creativity & expression."-- Westminster College Art Professor Kathy Koop

Art professor Kathy Koop says everyone's an artist. She encourages everyone to get their hands dirty to support their own creativity.

Koop retires this year from Westminster College after teaching, creating and learning over four decades.

Her own creations in ceramics and rustic woodwork have caught the eyes of critics and novices in the art community.

WCN 24/7's Lori Wise shows us what it's like inside Koop's classrooms where learning and creativity support the liberal arts mission long after the class ends.

Meet the Argo Editors

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Ten or 20 years from now, the Class of 2010 along with other students currently on campus will dig out their Westminster yearbook, The Argo, as a touchstone to the past. The photos and pages that chronicle the academic year will become a time capsule in the years to come. WCN 24/7 introduces you to some of the Argo's staff- the editors and photographers in charge of preserving this year's memories in a publication that will become a keepsake for many.Click the story to listen to our online report. "Getting to go out and take these pictures of all these different groups, it's allowed me to meet a lot of interesting people and get involved with a lot of neat stuff." --James Bonetti, Argo Photo Editor

Take all viruses seriously, even the Silly Virus

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

PC hoping viruses infecting flash drives and computers around campus

If you attach a portable drive, flash drive or even our iPod to a public computer on campus, beware.

A number of viruses and malware programs are jumping back and forth from portable devices and PCs, and some are infecting computers with killer programs.

Reporter Corey Emanuele has an online radio report on this flashdrive-hoping viruses that have devastated some student's computers.

Double Identity- Coach & NCAA Policy Maker

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

YOUTUBE COVERAGE

The Titan swimming & diving coach swims with the big fish these days as a member of the NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Committee.

Klamut is one of the people making new policy on rules and regulations for college athletes in Division III, including rules about controversial, high-tech swim suits worn by Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps.

WCN 24/7's Drew Trifelos talks with Klamut about his role and responsibility with the NCAA when it comes to updating rules to keep it fair for everyone in the pool.

Plan points Westminster 10-years into the future

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Watch our interview with President Rick Dorman.Westminster College is checking its compass as it navigates into the future with a new 10-year strategic plan unveiled for the 158 year old institution. The college wants to support faculty and staff with resources to grow programs of study and strengthen Westminster's academic reputation, but at the same time find ways to keep tuition rates in check. So what's it all mean for faculty, staff and students? WCN 24/7's Kylee Bennett sat down with President Dorman as he outlines what's in the 10-year plan and how the college will make sure it's on track.

"Advantage: Westmisnter" takes the bronze medal

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The 25th Annual Educational Advertising Awards may not be the Winter Olympics, but they are a big deal when it comes one of the largest educational advertising competitions in the country. Now Westminster has received the prestigious bronze medal in that peer reviewed venue for "Advantage: Westminster" A Strategic Plan designed to navigate the college to the year 2020.Check out WCN 24/7's Kylie Bennett as she interviews Westminster President Rick Dorman about the "Advantage: Westminster" plan. Click the story to access our YouTube video.

$65,000 for New Wilmington Park

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

New Wilmington will receive a $65,000 Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CCPP) grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for improvements to the borough park.

The announcement for the grant came from Sate Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

New Wilmington council member Susan Ligo says the grant will help with improvement and renovations with the borough's park.

Check out our interview with Ligo by WCN 24/7 reporter Matt Persalucha.

An Amazing Race Instead of a Final Exam

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Westminster College junior broadcast communications majors, in collaboration with Titan Traverse staff, staged their version of reality TV's The Amazing Race as a class project.

"It was a fun and exciting activity that was so much better than a test final," Junior BC major Allyson King said.

Check out pictures & video

Art Class Offers Students Good Experience

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Hear from students in the Wheelthrow Ceramics who share their experiences with WCN 24/7 this semester.Each semester, students start looking through the course books to find classes to register for next semester. One class that might catch the eye of students is ART-202, Wheelthrow Ceramics. Two students shared their experience in the class to help some others make up their minds on whether they want to take it or not.

Best Sledding in Town

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Where's the best place to sled in the Borough of New Wilmington?

YouTube Coverage

Once you put the snow shoveling behind you and you've put away your denial of winter, enjoying the season is merely a matter of perspective.

If your perspective takes you to the top of the snow covered hill above Brittain Lake at Westminster College, then you probably have sledding in mind.

WCN 24/7's Matt Peresclucha checks out what many call the best sledding hill in the Borough of New Wilmington.

Coping with cabin fever

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

What do Westminster College students do to cope with cabin fever after two snowstorms in one week?

Getting stuck in a dorm room may make some a little stir crazy.

Being stranded in the snow in New Wilmington may also take its toll on your nerves.

WCN 24/7 staffers took their cameras around campus to discover some people cope with being snowbound.

Do you turn to music or Facebook when the snow keeps you inside?

Check out what some students say they do to keep from giving in to cabin fever.

The Human Map of Lawrence County

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Meet JoAnn McBride, Director of the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency. She knows where to point the newcomers. Every year, hundreds of visitors from all around the world visit Lawrence County. For nearly 20 years, JoAnn McBride has greeted guests from Eastern Pennsylvania, Ohio, even Italy and Germany! Reporter Andy Borts talks with McBride and discovers some interesting and surprising facts about her and her fascinating job.

Titan Teams spring into action

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Six Westminster College sports teams will be competing down south during spring break March 8-14. The Women's Softball team has a rigorous schedule over the break with five days of double-headers planned in Florida. Click this story to access the full spring break schedules for each team. The baseball and softball teams will play 10 games apiece in Fort Pierce and Kissimmee, Fla., respectively. The men's and women's tennis teams will play three matches apiece at Hilton Head Island, S.

Training & dedication live up to the Titan swim team legacy

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Westmisnter College's swimming and diving teams are made up of some of the toughest men and women on campus.

These Division 3 NCAA student athletes work hard to live up to a legacy of winning.

Swim team member and videographer Brett Gerthoffer talks with Coach Rob Klamut about the team's training in and out of the water, program specifics, coaches' roles, team trips and camaraderie and more.

Meet Coach Klamut...

Beneath the helmets and the pads- YOUTUBE Coverage

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Tattoos reveal different side of Titan football players.

Read the story to access the video.

The 2009 Westminster football squad members have hung up their helmets and put away their gear for the season.

However, beneath their pads and uniforms many sport intricate tattoos along with their battle scars from the football field.

Football player and WCN 24/7's Zak Adams shows us some of the ink players are sporting as well as how much this body art costs in this video glimpse inside the locker room.

The tough get tougher & then they hit the water

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Swimming and diving are back together again at Westminster College with the tough now getting tougher.

The men and women train and compete in rigorous competitions that bring out the best in each of them while they also have some fun.

They're preparing for some fun in the sun over the winter break.

The teams travel to Winter Park for a dual meet with Rollins on Jan. 9.

The Florida trip is one of the opportunities for the teams to bond and grow away from campus while still feeding the competitive spirit.

WCN 24/7's Brett Gerthoffer shows how the team comes together in the spirit of competition.

Men's Tennis: Westminster 2010 Season Outlook

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

An opportunity has presented itself for members of the Westminster College men's tennis team as the Titans enter the 2010 season. A small roster with just six players and some considerable room for improvement from last year will be a challenge for the Titans.

Women Living in a Titan World

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

"No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid."

--- Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972

Westminster College plays by the rules when it comes to federal law and NCAA requirements for gender equity in sports.

WCN 24/7's Jenn Emery presents a special audio documentary exploring the gender equity issue for women in Titan athletics and how Title IX has helped level the playing field.

What the times were like

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This week I interviewed Joe Onderko who is the Executive Direct of the Presidents' Athletic Conference or known as the PAC.

He graduated from Robert Morris College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration Degree. He later received his Masters in Education from Westminster College. He was the sports information director at Westminster for over 11 years. He says he really enjoyed promotion titan athletes and coaches.

As the Executive Director he tells me he has two jobs. First he is a Commissioner as well as the Sports Information Director of the PAC. While his time at Westminster came to an end with a great opportunity that presented itself to be the Executive Director he says that he never really thought of leaving Westminster.

What's best for the students

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Dean of Student Affairs Neal Edman touches up on the rules and regulations of Title IX.

But the one thing that is more concerning to him is what is best for the students and what the needs are of the students.

Are we providing what they want, but the question is how much do they really want it?

Some students said they would participate in a sport if we offered it, but they also said that it wasn't a big deal that we don't offer it.

And if we did offer it, some of them wouldn't play it anyway, so what is the purpose.

Most of them are satisfied with the varsity sports that we do provide, but they are satisfied with the intramural that we provide to. If there would be a problem though, we would have to take measures to make sure it is in the best of the students.

Witness to women exceling in a Titan World

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Jim Dafler is the Wesminster College Athletic Director.

He has been at the college for over 20 years. He first started out as the assistant basketball coach, and then worked his way up to A.D.

If there is a problem in the Athletic Department, Dafler is the guy to contact.

"I love my job and couldn't have had a better job", Dafler told WCN 24/7's Jenn Emery.

He talks one on with with to explain the rules and regulations of Title IX when dealing with the athletic department.

A Cascade of Hope

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Janet Verone has stood up for Cascade Park and the history that it contains. As the community began to lose sight of the park's potential, Janet formed a committee to help with the upkeep of the park grounds. Through her dedication, she has given hope and preservation to Cascade's past, present, and future existence.

Click "read more" to watch the short documentary

Finding a Fur-Ever Family

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Founded by Lorraine Vesceri and Linda Leitel, Fur-Ever Family has been the home of hundreds of stray cats in Ellwood City and beyond. Watch how one loving and caring cat shelter has changed so many lives.

Finding a Fur-Ever Family from Westminster MassCommunication on Vimeo.

From His Table to Yours

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Almost four years ago, 200,000 individuals became victims of Hurricane Katrina. In an attempt to provide these 200,000 victims with some relief, one man, Jim Moose, has since devoted his life to building a kitchen table for each family in need through the Western PA Table Project. Click "Read more" to watch this short documentary

Out of Sight but Never out of Heart

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

June Floyd, a retired employee of the Jameson Health System, has volunteered her time for the past 10 years to comfort families of patients going into surgery, as well as volunteering extra time in the Diabetes and Endocrine Center. Her generosity continues as she helps the elderly at her church. While June tends to stay behind the scenes, those who are closest to her have noticed how she makes a difference. Click "read more" to watch the short documentary.

Mass Communications Class Produces Mini-Documentaries

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Westminster College students in Communication Studies instructor Keith Corso's Mass Communications class produced documentaries which are available for online viewing. Based on the theme "One Person Can Make a Difference," the films have been entered in a video contest sponsored by The Christophers, a non-profit organization that encourages people to use their talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Shoot for the Horizon

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

One woman shows her love and dedication outside of school. The Special Olympics holds a special place in Missy Niebala's heart and although she coaches numerous sports, this documentary focuses on the Horizon Bears Basketball team. Click "read more" to watch the short documentary.

Snow-going to Erie for Titan Traverse gang

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Titan Traverse travels take the group out into all kinds of weather.

This semester Titan Traverse rounded up a group of students headed out into the snow in the Erie area.

Check out out video from their weekend adventure of cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Titan Traverse is Westminster College's Adventure Education and Leadership Development program.

An atmosphere of fun and play combined with a depth of learning about oneself and others in the context of a group fosters a unique environment known as Titan Traverse.

What is Titan Traverse?

Titan Traverse is Westminster College's Adventure Education and Leadership Development program. An atmosphere of fun and play combined with a depth of learning about oneself and others in the context of a group fosters a unique environment known as Titan Traverse. Students, faculty, and administration from many diverse groups at Westminster College as well as participants from surrounding communities have experienced learning in a new light as a result of their involvement.

Click here to find out more about Titan Traverse.

Canyoneering Adventure & Amazing Pics

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Lawrence County-- Westminster's Titan Traverse crew is sharing pictures and video clips from an Arizona trip made during spring break. TT director Laura Nystrom led 10 students into on a canyoneering adventure that took them kayaking, climbing, hiking and camping in the Paige area of Arizona.

Hit the Wall

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Students and staff at Westminster College have a new way to burn off calories or work off aggression or just cope with the stress of the day if something has them crawling up the walls-- and the solution is to literally climb the wall. We're talking about the climbing wall at Memorial Field House where the Titan Traverse crew teaches safety and techniques to an activity geared to take you to new heights. WCN's Kayla Zoller takes us ON THE ROAD as she hits the wall.

Titan Traverse on the Appalachian Trail in TN

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Spring Break 2009 lives on in memories and photos shared by the Titan Traverse crew that hiked along the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee's Great Smokey Mountains over break.