While students at UM are suffering many of the same mental health problems as those in colleges around the nation, experts say UM is host to some unique problems.
With South Beach right around the corner, filled with “gorgeous” people and a club scene unlike anywhere else, students find themselves inundated with an image of what they think should look like – leading to a wide array of eating disorders, University mental health officials said.
And, they note, it’s not an uncommon occurrence.
“We’ve always felt that our cosmopolitan nature is a tremendous asset, but also brings many students away from home,” Dr. Malcolm Kahn, director of UM’s Counseling Center, said. “Many students struggle with their new independence and [this] can lead them down the wrong paths.
“Our very warm climate and our South Beach locale enable for eating disorders being fostered. Students have come here and told me, ‘Up north most of the year I can wear a baggy sweatshirt or shirt and cover up and nobody knew what my figure was,’ but down here that doesn’t happen.
“There is a lot of pressure, I think especially for females who feel the need to display their figure, and there is a lot of sensitivity about it and it translates into a bigger problem with eating disorders here than at a lot of other schools around the country.”
Freshman Angie Font, a native of Miami, has had to endure those pressures all her life.
“I do feel that pressure to a certain extent,” Font said. “If I could look like that, I probably would prefer to because society has associated that kind of beauty with happiness, and it’s hard not to buy into the propaganda.
“But no, I never had the willpower to mess with my eating habits. It never lasted very long. But it was those same pressures that had me on 20,000 different diets since I was 11 years old.
“It’s gotten to the point where I accept that I’m a thick female and just work on being healthier, not necessarily skinnier.”
But while Font has come to terms with her body, others at UM have not had the same luck.
“It’s hard to live in Miami and not feel the pressure to look good,” said one sophomore who asked not to be named. “I find myself constantly trying to look like everyone else down here. Everyone has this perfect body. I want to look like that.
“I’ve tried many different things. I’ve been on one diet after another. It got so bad at one point that I was only eating one small meal a day, which usually consisted of a small salad. And even when I lost the weight I wanted to I still didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. And so I started to exercise non-stop.”
Excessive exercise is another problem that has been on the rise for the last several years, Kahn said.
“For the last several decades compulsive exercise has become a major issue,” Kahn said. “It all stems from the same reasons for eating disorders. Many students see an image of what is supposedly beautiful and over-exercise to get that way.”
Another issue, while not unique to Miami alone, is the use of club drugs. Ecstasy, GHB and other rave drugs have been on the rise in recent years. And with an abundance of different clubs and easy access to drugs, many students find themselves diving into that realm.
“I came to school and did not so much as even drink before I got here,” said a junior who asked not to be named. “But that quickly changed. I started going to clubs and saw people taking ecstasy and having a great time. They offered me one and I took it.
“It was a great feeling. I loved it and so I did it many more times after that. But after awhile I started to realize that my grades were suffering and that my mood was very up and down. I realized I had a problem and finally sought help for it.”
And seeking help seems to be the trend among students, not only for unique problems but also for the more traditional mental health ailments.
With the dramatic increase of students seeking help over the last decade, UM is on its toes, increasing the number of counselors at the Counseling Center and starting other programs throughout the school.
The school now boasts seven full-time counselors and three interns in their fifth year of training, as well as three other practicum physicians in their second or third year in training. UM has also brought in a social worker for the Dean of Students office. Everyday there are 10 full-time people, said Dr. Pamela Deroian, assistant director of UM’s Counseling Center.
The Counseling Center has been constantly changing and trying to keep up with the changes. If a student is unable to come in for counseling, the Counseling Center now offers helpful guides on a wide variety of different issues ranging from body issues to dealing with stress. Information can be found at http://www.miami.edu/counseling-center/.
UM also has other services for students to take advantage of including S.A.R.T. [Sexual Assault Response Team]. S.A.R.T. is a 24-hour hotline for any student who has been sexually battered, assaulted or molested. Trained volunteers are on hand to speak privately over the phone. The service is available to both men and women. The S.A.R.T. hotline number is 305-798-6666. Other services include C.O.P.E. [Counseling Outreach Peer Education] and Cane Cares, for those who have problems with eating disorders.
“This has been a stellar year for us,” Deroian said. “The last two years in particular. We’ve been out there so much more. We’re so much more involved in orientation and we have some very strong outreach programs.
“I know whether or not I’m here, those outreach programs are going to stay. That’s a wonderful thing. I’m also a firm believer in change. Every year I want to see the Counseling Center change, I want to see us grow, I want to see us target something new – stay in tune with wherever students are. Stay in tune with what students’ needs are and develop programs and treatments that will help students with whatever it is that they present.”
But the Counseling Center is not involving only itself with student mental health. Speakers are brought it to train the staff about what to look out for. Residential advisors go through training, and faculty is constantly on the lookout for problems, said Dr. Patricia Whitely, vice president for student affairs.
“That’s the art of four prongs,” Whitely said. “There is the Wellness Center and the programs that they are doing. There’s the Health Center and Counseling Center and also some of our leadership programs in helping students with time management. There’s also the Academic Development Center as well as the residential colleges. Everyone is trying to do programs.”
But Whitely also points out that students having problems need to make the first step before it becomes too late.
“There isn’t a problem that can’t be solved but we need to know about it,” Whitely said. “And so sometimes students wait until the last minute and that also gets to be a bigger crisis.”

Jordan Rodack can be reached at j.rodack@umiami.edu..

Whether it’s attending meetings with SAFAC, eating lunch with commuter students while they voice their concerns about the University or taking her daughter to International Week, Dr. Pat Whitely’s life is anything but ordinary.
“Every day is different. No two days are ever the same,” Whitely said.
The Miami Hurricane was fortunate to be able to spend the day with Dr. Whitely and see what it means to be vice president for Student Affairs at UM.
“The job is intellectually and politically challenging,” Whitely said. “It’s fun, too. I like working with the students.”
The day began with a campus climate meeting, which is held every six weeks. It allows a variety of offices ranging from Public Safety to the Counseling Center to Multicultural Student Affairs to meet and discuss the climate of the campus.
“There is no agenda – we just have a round-table discussion,” Whitely said.
During the meeting, issues that affect students, such as Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS], housing, crime rates and the job market were discussed.
“The campus climate meeting allows us to know what is going on elsewhere on campus,” Whitely said.
Next on the agenda was a luncheon with ten commuter students at the Rat.
“Meetings like this allow me to get an idea of the issues that commuter students are facing,” Whitely said.
Whitely told the commuters her own story of being a commuter throughout her schooling at St. John’s University in New York, where she majored in management with minors in economics and theology.
“I didn’t even have my license until two weeks before I started school. For the first two weeks, when I drove the Long Island Expressway I never changed lanes because I was too scared,” Whitely said. “But then I got the hang of it and it made my commute a lot faster.”
Some of the issues brought to Whitely’s attention included the success of the parking improvements, curiosity about University Village and pre-med advising.
The commuters also thanked Whitely for her open-door policy and constant contact with students.
“I try to be a good role model. Hopefully I’m seen as down to earth,” Whitely said. “I try not to be someone who hides behind the position.”
However, Whitely does have her critics.
“Some people say I’m unapproachable or shy, but I’d say I’m focused,” Whitely said. “I’m not big on small talk – I’m better one-on-one.”
In order to be the role model that she hopes to be, Whitely has to manage all of her commitments.
“I try not to have a really busy day. I try to be in my office as much as possible,” Whitely said.
Following the commuter student luncheon, Whitely met with a representative from Brandeis University who is doing research on Jewish student life with various university campuses.
Then it was time to meet with Richard Walker, director of Student Life and the University Center [UC]. Currently, Whitely is in charge of 15 separate departments, including Residence Halls, Multicultural Student Affairs and Wellness and Recreation.
“In addition to working with students, I work as a motivator for a team of 15 people,” Whitely said.
During her meeting with Walker, Whitely discussed possible changes in the UC and the proofing of programs for an upcoming event, as well as the hiring of new employees and creation of new positions within student life.
“We try and meet once a month and talk via email a couple of times a day,” Whitely said.
Following her meeting with Walker, Dr. Whitely then had some time to check her voicemail and email, make a couple of telephone calls and read through a stack of invitations.
“See, that’s another thing I have to do: say No,” Whitely said.
Whitely frequently receives invitations to UM affiliated events, both on and off campus. She typically will turn down off-campus events because it takes her away from the students.
“I try not to travel much, especially at he beginning and ends of the semesters because that’s when I’m needed most,” Whitely said.
In her spare time Whitely enjoys working out and playing racquetball.
“Exercise is important because the better that I take care of myself, the more energy I have, which helps me do my job better,” Whitely said.
She is also family oriented. The oldest of seven children, Whitely has eight nieces and nephews. She lives with her husband, daughter and father in Coconut Grove.
Next on the agenda was an interview with another Hurricane reporter to discuss mental health on campus.
“We try to make sure that our services meet the demands of the students,” Whitely said.
With the position comes a lot of power, including being the chief appellate officer for the University.
“A lot of what I do is make good decisions for the students,” Whitely said. “There is a lot of problem solving in the job. I like being the person who could potentially sway a decision. I like being able to push the straw a little bit more.”
Whitely deals with problems that occur throughout the campus.
“I work on the culture and climate of the University as well as with fundraising and the trustees,” Whitely said. “I’m responsible for everything outside of the classroom. I help support the academic goals of the institution.”
The next meeting Whitely had was with SAFAC, to discuss problems or concerns that they have had in allocating the student activity fee to various student organizations.
The Miami Hurricane’s day with Dr. Whitely ended with that meeting, but she went on to work out before attending the Student Government [SG] Banquet for outgoing SG members.
Despite the busy and often hectic days, Whitely enjoys every minute.
“I’m a Hurricane and I’m proud to be one,” Whitely said.

Leigha Taber can be contacted at l.taber@umiami.edu.

Matthew Tumbleson, Student Government [SG] senator for the School of Communication and associate editor of the Ibis Yearbook, has recently been ordered by the U.S. military to attend recruit training camp as part of the U.S. Navy’s CASH program. However, Tumbleson says that his enrollment into the program was a result of miscommunication between himself and recruiting officers.
“I’ve worked very hard to get where I am now at UM,” Tumbleson said. “I planned to eventually become more active and involved on campus and now those plans may not happen.”
Currently, Tumbleson is pursuing legal action on the issue, although he could not disclose details to The Miami Hurricane.
According to his contract, Tumbleson says that he is required to commit two years of training and four years of service to the military, without the opportunity to earn a degree. Tumbleson was originally under the impression that he was signing up for the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program.
Tumbleson says that last June, while in an emotionally weakened state because of family problems and illness, he approached a recruiter for the Navy and asked him what steps would need to be taken in college in order to become an officer upon graduation.
“The recruiter immediately took out a piece of paper and scribbled a few things on it,” Tumbleson said. “I naively believed all of them but none of them will come true.”
Tumbleson says that he made it very clear that graduating was his priority.
“Nowhere did I mention joining the service before graduation,” Tumbleson said. “The recruiter took it upon himself to lie to my family and to me.”
The recruitment officer in question is part of the Navy CASH program, a program designed to allow enlistment to active duty of applicants who qualify for a variety of specialized fields. According to the official website for the program, it is meant to penetrate the high quality college and college-bound market.
“I literally signed my life away,” Tumbleson said.
Tumbleson, currently a print journalism major pursuing a career in media law, says that the misinformed recruiter told him to choose the field with the biggest signing bonus when he signed up for the program, engineering being that career.
“I am a journalism student pursuing a career in media law, and these heathens want me to do math for bomb builders,” Tumbleson said.
Recently, Tumbleson was ordered to attend an emergency meeting with a Commanding Officer [CO] of the CASH program.
“I was ordered to attend the meeting even though it impeded on my class schedule and schoolwork,” Tumbleson said. “I was talked at by various military personnel for over an hour, and the CO told me that I have to go boot camp in May.”
“I am ordered to serve ten years for the military to become an engineer.”
Tumbleson says the CO has informed him that he is known as a “deserter” – a crime that can be punishable by death, as cited in the Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ].
According to an email message that Tumbleson received from an officer working with his case, there are many consequences if Tumbleson decides not to follow through with his contract.
“In the short term you may be fined and restricted to a Navy Custody Control Unit,” the message said. “In the long term you would be barred from military service and barred from many government jobs.”
Tumbleson’s civilian employment may also be affected because he would not be eligible for many jobs that require a background check.
“The conditions of your discharge would not be looked on favorably by your future employers,” the message continued.
Despite the consequences, Tumbleson wants others to be aware of his situation so that they can learn from it.
“I’m still not even sure if I am fighting for my own rights, or if I’m simply leading a fight for the rights of all the soldiers battling in Iraq who were coerced into signing and had no media outlet to express their frustration.
“I understand that the reason there is protection of speech is because of soldiers battling in foreign lands, but I still cannot yield from the fact that I had no intention of ever leaving school for the military, and I never will. Regardless of the outcome, I’m in a lose-lose battle and I’m really frustrated.”
For more information about the Navy and its various programs, visit www.navy.com.
The Miami Hurricane will continue to follow-up on this situation as it develops.

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com

University of Miami School of Medicine physicians and programs were honored today with Health Care Heroes Awards presented by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Robert Schwartz, chairman of the School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, was the winner in the health care professionals category. Dr. Schwartz created a model health care partnership with Jackson Memorial Medical Center, the Public Health Trust and the Overtown Community Board to deliver full-service medical care in Overtown at the Jefferson Reaves Sr. Health Center.
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center received the Health Care Hero Award for institutions or programs. In accepting the award, Dr. G. Patricia Cantwell, director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, paid tribute to her many colleagues who care for South Florida’s sickest children – and their families.
Thomas C. Doherty, who is retiring as director of the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, won the “individual of merit” award. The Miami VA is nationally recognized for several programs it conducts in partnership with the School of Medicine, including geriatric research, treatment of HIV/AIDS patients, spinal cord injury research and substance abuse treatment.
Dr. Bernard A. Roos, UM professor of geriatric medicine and chief academic officer of the Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged, was named a finalist in the health care professionals category.

During reading days and final exams the Richter Library will remain open 24 hours a day. The library will open on Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.m. and remain continuously open until Thursday, May 8. The library will close at 11 p.m. on May 8. For a detailed library schedule, visit the library website at www.library.miami.edu/general/hours.html.

A new University tradition begins this spring. Commencement will be held in an exciting new venue – the University of Miami Convocation Center. Combined ceremonies for all eligible undergraduates and graduate students will be held on Friday, May 9. Candidates may pick up their cap and gown on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6 and 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Toppel Career Center. Call 305-284-5451 for more information.
The commencement ceremony for the School of Medicine will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Convocation Center. The School of Law will hold its commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Convocation Center. Candidates in these schools should contact their respective offices for details on regalia.
No tickets are required for the ceremonies. For more information about all commencement events, visit www.miami.edu/commencement.

TODAY
The Organization for Jamaican Unity presents a Cultural Expo on the UC patio. For more information, contact um_oju@hotmail.com or contact 305-284-3548.

Good Friday services will be held on campus at noon and 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Center.

Japan Club is showing Spirited Away, the Academy Award winning animation movie, at 4 p.m. in UC Ballroom C. For more information email japanclub_um@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY APRIL 19
Easter technically begins at sundown Saturday. The Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at the Episcopal Church Center, located on the corner of Stanford Drive and Levante.

SUNDAY APRIL 20
University Baptist Church will host an Easter morning service at 11 a.m. in the Convocation Center. Students and families are invited to worship together at this unique event. Larry Coker will be the special guest speaker. The service is free and open to everyone. Seating will begin at 10 a.m. and is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information visit www.UMConvocationCenter.com, or call 305-284-8686, or email convocationcenter@miami.edu.

Join the Wesley Foundation for their Easter Celebration on Sunday at 5 p.m. Enjoy a delicious Easter dinner that is free of charge. Dinner is followed by our worship that will include their band, vocalists, liturgical dancers, drama and Holy Communion. The evening ends with dessert. They are located on campus at 1210 Stanford Drive. Call 305-661-1695 for additional information.

The Episcopal Church located on the corner of Stanford Drive and Levante will hold their Easter service at 10 a.m.

TUESDAY APRIL 22
Richter Library presents their used book sale. This is your chance to buy books on all subjects at great prices. The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Provin room. For more information contact Jay Kalvan at 305-284-3368 or visit www.library.miami.edu.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 23
The Speak Up, Speak Out! series of the Student Government Senate presents a Town Hall Meeting. This will be a time for students to get to know the senators who are representing them, find out what projects they are working on, and voice their concerns. Guest speakers will include administrators from the departments of housing, dining and parking. The event will take place at 4 p.m. in the University Center Lower Lounge. All students are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Artist and collector Roberta Marks will demonstrate her extensive knowledge of African and Pre-Columbian art in a lecture and slide presentation at 8 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum. Marks’ collections also include objects from her travels to Tibet, China, Japan, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Nepal, India and Egypt, as well as Central Africa and Mexico. Many of the objects she collects are used in her abstract paintings, collages and small constructions. For more information, contact the Lowe Art Museum at 305-284-3603.

The Richter Library used book sale continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Provin room. For more information contact Jay Kalvan at 305-284-3368 or visit www.library.miami.edu.

THURSDAY APRIL 24
The annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is today. UM parents and their daughters and sons are invited to a luncheon program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the International Lounge at the UC. At the conclusion of the program, parents will return to their offices while their daughters and sons participate in career activities until 3:30 p.m. Program sessions include a “hands-on” visit to the Information Technology computer classroom and a special tour of UM’s computer “Operations,” a tour of the new Richter Library facility and a special outing for 12-year-olds to the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences campus. The luncheon is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and the program activities are free (there is an additional $10 transportation fee for those going to the Rosenstiel campus). Parents are to pick up their children in person promptly at 3:45 p.m. at the International Lounge “check-out” station. For more information and to register contact Nancy Ryan at 305-284-4922.

Organizers hope to inspire unity among generations young & old
Cuban Cubanismo [Cuban pride] spread when the Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos [FEC], recently named Organization of the Year, hosted Three Days of Cuban Culture, a series of events that showcased Cuban cultures and traditions to anyone who was interested.
“We all have a common link and that’s tradition,” Cristina Arriaza, vice-president and coordinator of the events, said. “All of this is coordinated by the middle generations, linking the older and younger generations. Although time progresses, traditions do remain.”
“The times have changed, but our traditions remain,” Robert Castro, outgoing FEC president, said.
Participants agreed with Arriaza’s sentiments.
“It was nice introducing how kids are a part of the culture and how they are keeping the roots alive,” Ivette Landestoy, senior, said.
Beyond linking various generations, the events helped to showcase the various facets of Cuba.
“We want to familiarize people who aren’t aware of Cuban culture through every aspect – food, dance and traditions,” Arriaza said. “We want to increase awareness so that maybe we can dispel stereotypes and so that any misconceptions will be clarified.”
The opening ceremonies included Salsa dancers from the UM Salsa Craze, which also offers Salsa lessons throughout the semester, and a domino competition on the UC patio, in which students played against legendary domino players from Calle Ocho Park.
Several students mentioned that they liked the music provided by Tropical Paradise, an Afro-Cuban band, that contributed to the ambiance of the events.
Amanda Hoyos, sophomore, was one of the students who moved to the music.
“I think this is great,” she said. “I love this kind of music.”
Students were also treated to samples of Cuban coffee from Pilon and guava pastries, plantain chips and Cuban fried chicken from Islas Canaria’s Restaurant and Gilbert’s Bakery. Other sponsors of the event included Transatlantic Bank, Patio and Things and Student Government.
Ulises Perez, a graduate student, thought the event was not only a great celebration, but also a good study break.
“I needed a break from everything,” Perez said. “I like what they are doing and I think that they should do it more often.”
Day three of Cubanismo included a cooking lesson in the Breezeway showing students how to make a traditional Cuban meal and letting them sample it. A panel discussion regarding the documentary Made in Cuba: Children of Paradise, which examines the human rights of the children in Cuba, followed in the evening.
“The video was very informative,” Irene Ricano, senior, said. “I remember hearing my mom talk about how Cuba was but I never really listened. When I saw the video I saw the struggles that she had through other people’s perspective. It shows that the whole island is going through so much trouble.”
Arriaza encourages students to continue to celebrate Cuban culture year-round including visiting the Cuban Heritage Collection, located in the Richter Library, which is the largest collection of Cuban documents and artifacts outside of Cuba. Also, Casa Bacardi, which hosts various Cuban cultural events and exhibits throughout the year, is another campus resource for Cuban culture.
“We encourage everyone to visit and see a piece of our culture,” Arriaza said.
For more information about the Cuban Heritage Collection contact 305-284-4900. For more information regarding events offered at Casa Bacardi contact 305-284-CUBA. For more information on FEC, contacts fec.studorg@miami.edu.

Marquita Bell can be contacted at m_bell01@hotmail.com