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Hendrix controversy | P. 2
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UWT’S FREE WEEKLY PUBLICATION Sept. 18, 2017 | Volume 22, Issue 1 thetacomaledger.com
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The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
The Ledger UWT’s weekly student publication Sept. 18, 2017 | Vol. 22, Issue 1 Please send all feedback and submissions to: ledger@uw.edu
Editors Editor-in-Chief ............. Kelsie Abram Managing Editor ........... Avery Parker Copy Editor ............ George Ftikas Jr. News Editor ............ Sophia Sonovich Opinion Editor ............ Noah Wingard A&E Editor ............ Monica Cysensky
Managers Web Manager ............ Mary Fitgerald Ads Manager .............. Natalie Garces Layout Manager ............. Diego Meza Distribution Manager .. Jordan Pourakbari
Staff Writers News Reporter ............... Jude Hanno News Reporter ............. Robbie Wood News Reporter ............. Justin Young Opinion Columnist .... Lucas Waggoner A&E Columnist .......... Annie Dontula A&E Columnist .................. Seth Jans A&E Columnist .............. Lauren New
New year, new Hendrix
Art Illustrator ..................... Avery Parker Photographer ................... Long Tran
After 7 years, the UW Tacoma mascot was updated with a new look, but that didn’t sit well with some students.
Page Design Asst. Layout Manager .. Avery Parker Page Designer ............... Logan Jenny
Advisor Publications Manager .... Daniel Nash
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COURTESY OF RYAN MORIARTY
Henrix shows his school spirit all around UWT — here he is posing by the W on campus.
By Sophia Sonovich News Reporter
O
n May 3, at the University of Washington Tacoma Block Party, Hendrix the Husky launched a new look. This look included not only an outfit change, but also a face lift. Hendrix the Husky transformed into his new look on his eighth birthday — so, some may say he just grew up. The update to Hendrix that happened this past summer came as a shock to many students, with some even voicing their concerns through social media with the hashtag #NotMyHusky. The student body was not given a chance to vote on the appearance of the updated mascot look, though a select group of staff and students worked on the design together. Student Program Specialist Brittany
Sanchez-Reed thinks Hendrix will feel like “a whole new husky.” Sanchez-Reed also explained the school’s concerns for Hendrix during the warm Washington days. “He was often very warm in the summertime so we set him up with a fan and a cooling vest,” Sanchez-Reed said. “Now he can dance all year round and have the best time with his pals.” With the change of Hendrix, the goal was to also help him resemble a dog, rather than bear, which is sometimes what the retired suit what mistaken for. The average lifespan of a mascot suit is about five years according to SanchezReed — so for the eighth birthday of Hendrix, an update was needed. The students of UW Tacoma haven’t always had a mascot of their own. UW Seattle has Harry the Husky, and Bothell has Holly the Husky. So, in the summer
of 2008, the Student Activities Board headed up the mascot project on the Tacoma campus. It took nine months and lots of planning, but Hendrix became a reality that following year. With the birth of a mascot in 2009, many names circled that followed the “H” name tradition. Hendrix was finally settled on with a vote from current students, with the name Hauser coming in a close second. UW Tacoma alumna Margo Greenman shared her thoughts on the revamped Hendrix the Husky.. “I was a senior at UW Tacoma when Hendrix made his debut, and I was disappointed in the fact that he looked like a second-rate version of Seattle’s dignified Harry,” Greenman said. “Fast forward several years, and I’m not sure Hendrix’s new look can be considered an improvement #notmyhusky.”
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With some past and present students not appreciating the new look, future classes who have never met the previous Hendrix will not know the difference. “Hendrix’s popularity has grown tremendously over the past two years,” Sanchez-Reed said. “He is all over campus and Tacoma taking selfies and giving high fives.” Next time you see Hendrix around campus, give him a high five and help him spread the Husky spirit and congratulate him on his new look.
“I’m not sure Hendrix’s new look can be considered an improvement.” — Margo Greenman
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The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
Student health service changes: What you need to know
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On July 5, a new partnership with CHI Franciscan changed the way students receive health care. By Robbie Wood Opinion Columnist University of Washington Tacoma’s partnership with CHI Franciscan went into effect on July 5. This new model for how students access healthcare services led to a closure of the oncampus clinic on Market Street. The partnership allows students, through their quarterly payment of the Services and Activities Fee, to receive care at six Franciscan Prompt Care clinics throughout the Puget Sound region: Bonney Lake, Burien, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Puyallup and Tacoma. The clinic location in Tacoma, which is located on South J Street across from St. Joseph Medical Center, is the newly designated clinic for students where they will receive priority care. Students also have the option to use Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care. This 24/7 online urgent care allows patients to speak with a medical professional through an online video chat or over the phone to receive care for minor illnesses (such as flu, cold
and allergies). This service previously cost students $35 each time, but is now included with the student health care services. Kathleen Farrell, the Associate Vice Chancellor in the Division of of Student and Enrollment Services, is responsible for Student Health Services and believes the change is for the better. “Most UWT students do not live on-campus and making a special trip to use on-campus services isn’t convenient,” Farrell said. The change allows students, the majority of whom “live more than 9 miles from campus,” to access health care conveniently. According to Farrell, UWT students were notified of the proposed change and feedback opportunities through multiple emails in January. These opportunities included “three forums for students to learn about and share feedback about the change.” Farrell and the former Dean of Student Success also attended a meeting of ASUWT. A survey to understand students’ opinion on the change was held. 58
COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON STUDENT HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The new clinic location is located on South J Street up the hill from campus.
percent of the 187 students who participated voted in favor of the change, according to Farrell. One concern students had was the loss of relationships they had developed with the campus clinic staff. Two providers dedicated to UWT students will be at the Student Health Service clinic near St. Joseph. “The opportunity to develop a
provider relationship is still there,” Farrell said. Student Health Services seeks to increase the number of students receiving health care through the school, especially with the assistance of virtual healthcare. According to Student Health Services, the Franciscan clinics are open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Student Health Services says this represents an 86 percent increase in available hours to students each week compared to the old model. UWT’s new partnership with CHI Franciscan provides expanded availability and usability to how, when and where students receive health care.
Study spots so good you won’t mind that you’re studying Grab a book and check out UW Tacoma’s best study secrets.
By Monica Cysensky A&E Editor Everyone has different preferences for the perfect study spot, and finding the best one while trying to keep up on homework can be a daunting challenge. Check out our favorite places to get some ideas, and maybe even discover your dream study spot — if there is such a thing, that is! GWP THIRD FLOOR TERRACE Vibe: Calm and productive Computers: No Noise Level: Background noise from the floors below This is a great study look-out for those who love to be surrounded by people but don’t necessarily want all the noise. Being one of UW Tacoma’s more popular study nooks, the terrace often has many students trying to fit into it’s some eight tables; but with a little luck you can usually find a spot! The calming view allows for a productive work environment that pairs well with a quiet lunch or a much-needed study session. Just be ready to snag a seat when you see one! METRO COFFEE HOUSE Vibe: Artistic and cozy Computers: No, but very laptop friendly
UWT’s Teaching and Learning Center in the Snoqualmie building —- you’re sure to find some study space here!
Noise Level: Relatively quiet If you’re a fan of studying in coffee houses, Metro is likely your dreamstudy-find. Metro boasts amazing espresso to make sure your mid-term studies are fully caffeinated. Not to mention, the rustic, creative aesthetic becomes obvious only one step into this cozy coffee shop. If you are looking to get some inspiration,
energy or just a great Instagram photo, Metro is a great place with a fun history to buckle down and sip the fall months away. TOP FLOOR OF THE SNOQUALMIE LIBRARY Vibe: Collegiate, helpful and welcoming Computers: Yes Noise Level: Relatively loud
PHOTO BY DIEGO MEZA
If you love places that remind you of your collegiate status, there is no better place to go than the top floor of the library. The top floor of the Snoqualmie building overlooks much of UW Tacoma’s campus and is usually very accessible — in other words, you can almost always snag a computer or table. This area can get a little on the loud side due to the Teaching and
Learning Center being on the same level. It’s great to use the proximity to the TLC and its staff to your advantage and ask about whatever it is that has you scratching your head in confusion. TIOGA LIBRARY Vibe: No distractions. None. Computers: No Noise Level: Dead Silent If you’re someone who needs absolute silence and no distractions, or you’re looking for some place to hunker down and study the day away, try the Tioga Library. While there may be less study spots available, there are desks and small cubby tables. This spot is also silent and distraction free the majority of the time — a major bonus in comparison to other locations. DAWG DEN Vibe: Happy, hyper and happening Computers: No Noise Level: very loud The Dawg Den, UW Tacoma’s student lounge can be a great place to study. The Den has pool tables, video games and vending machines, as well as many tables and places to study. If the noise doesn’t bother you and you focus best with things going on around you, the Dawg Den is where you need to be.
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Campus Map
The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
NEWS
OPINION ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SPOTLIGHT
The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
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The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
Opinion: Why living off-campus is the best housing for students
Living off campus is cost effective and less stressful than on campus living. By Noah Wingard Opinion Editor I have a friend who once lived in the Court 17 apartments with a roommate. Her cute college pad was complete with a workspace, a couple small bookshelves, her computer and a Netflix subscription, along with other amenities such as a kitchen space. While rent wasn’t a concern for my friend, and the ease of transportation was a great benefit, I do have to say that I’m a stickler for staying off campus when it comes to living arrangements. For one, living with a small group of roommates off campus in a larger apartment or house can reduce the individual costs of living by splitting rent evenly among housemates. Not to mention, upkeep of the living space could be easier since responsibilities, such as washing the dishes or picking up common areas, can be shared between housemates. Of course, if one wanted to live off-campus, one would have to pay out of pocket for utilities such as heating, electric and water. Court 17 includes these charges and other amenities in its flat rate rent packages, though the rent is charged per person, and rooms are charged by floor plan. For example, I could share an apartment with three other people for around $750 per person per month, but a shared one bed/one bath is almost
Living with a small group of roommates off campus can reduce the individual costs of living. a grand per person. Not to mention, undergraduates are required to share bedrooms with other roommates. This does not include other fees such as the $210 quarterly parking fee, application fees or common area damage fees for damage that is beyond “normal wear and tear.” Another benefit of off-campus living — albeit a personal preference — is the distance it can provide. Despite the ease of access to campus and downtown Tacoma, living on campus is confining as it serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that university life bears — such as academic studies or tuition. Living in an off-campus apartment comes with its own complexities as well — as anyone with heavy feet or a knack for inviting a group of friends into one common space would know. However, living off campus would overall prove to be a relaxing and satisfying arrangement. One would be able to leave campus and live a short distance away at a place of their own, where they have
ILLUSTRATIONS BY AVERY PARKER
Dorm life means smaller spaces with more roommates. But having a place of your own with others you know is a much more satisfying option.
other familiar roommates to live with while having a private space to work and unwind. The downside to living off campus may be the inability to access transportation such as walking, biking or using an ORCA card for public trans-
portation via Pierce Transit. While transportation costs would therefore presumably be much higher when living off-campus, the overall benefits just seem more liberating, and I’d be willing to pay more to enjoy them.
Review: ‘Baby Driver,’ the very manifestation of positive cinematic experience ‘Baby Driver’ is probably the best excuse you’ve ever had to pay those climbing theater ticket prices. By Seth Jans A&E Columnist The film’s hero, Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, is introduced behind the wheel as a getaway driver for bank robbers in order to repay his debt to the Atlanta mob boss, Doc, played by Kevin Spacey. Baby already doesn’t like working for criminals, but things get even more complicated when he meets a girl he could start over with — Lily James’ character, Debby. That’s the core conflict, any more would spoil the film. Watching is the only way to appreciate the painstaking effort the director, Edgar Wright, puts into his movies. “Baby Driver” utilizes a leading man of few words comparatively better than other films that incorporate
Every single chase sequence is individually better than other movies trying to do the same thing.
similar characters, like “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The story has enough meat to really dive into its hero, beyond the archetypical strong-silent type foundation. Baby barely talks, and spends much of his time listening to his headphones to drown out the ring of the tinnitus he received in an accident that claimed his mother. What could’ve been a potentially boring protagonist in clumsier hands swiftly validates his presence in the very first scene. All Baby needs is a car and “Bellbottoms” by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion to turn it into one of the best physical performances of the summer. It only gets better when the heist crew returns with the cash and Baby shows us what he can really do with a car. When he whips, he does so with a soundtrack on blast. He has iPods for different moods, and he mixes tapes out of random conversations he records, including those with his criminal associates. When the timing of the music is off, he has to reset it to drive properly. What Wright accomplishes here is not just an excuse to include his favorite playlists at random, but to interweave them with
REVIEW
“Baby Driver” ★★★★★ The Good:
• High tension, edge-ofyour-seat action • Superb editing and direction. • The best soundtrack since “Guardians of the Galaxy”
The Bad:
Baby and his girl, Debby, go out for a drive.
the “Baby Driver” world to give the songs purpose. It also elevates Baby’s quiet personality enough to make us root for him against the already insanely likable supporting cast of villains. Spacey channels his deliciously intimidating charm from “House of Cards” to boss around an equally delirious crew. Only Jamie Foxx could play someone so hilariously threatening as his character, Bats. Jon Hamm
COURTESY OF TRISTAR PICTURES
and Eiza González provide a pulpy spin on Bonnie and Clyde with their personas, Buddy and Darling, respectively. The weak link in the solid cast may be Debby. She effectively takes the place of Baby’s mom and doesn’t get a chance to shine on her own, but that’s more of a nitpick. The last major characters are the cars, and 99 percent of their scenes were practical. Working in tandem with the score, typical Wright smash
• With the exception of an underwritten character, none!
cuts and long takes, and the actors’ choreography makes every single chase sequence individually better than other movies trying to do the same thing. Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver” rises above this current era of passionless explosions and generic music included at a moment’s notice to remind you that these aesthetics can still be an art form with the right artist, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.
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The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1
Getting the good grades
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Tested tips and tricks to get the most out of your classes. By Monica Cysensky A&E Editor
W
hile college offers newfound freedom and great opportunities, it can be hard to keep up with classwork and homework while having other responsibilities. Instead of burning out after autumn quarter, try these tips and you’ll be well on your way to summa cum laude. GO TO CLASS (AND SIT IN THE FRONT) Assuming you’re only taking three classes — and it isn’t summer quarter — you’re paying over $100 a week to have a seat in class, so why waste money by not going? You may be able to scrape by with poor attendance, but if you want a good grade, it’s important to not only be in class, but participate as well. Sitting in the front is an excellent way to silently participate. Just the act of walking by the bulk of students in the back and grabbing a seat in the front sets you up for success, as well as tells your classmates (and your teacher) that you’re ready to learn. There are also other added benefits most of us have heard time and time again, but are nonetheless important. Being in the front forces attendance and attention accountability; you may be tempted to be on your phone, doodle, or talk to other people, but having the professor less than 3 feet away from you, you’re less likely to reply to that text or keep that conversation going! It also allows for easier interaction with your professors, thus boosting your participation grade (which can
COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
These UWT students know how to get good grades, are you missing out on some important info by skipping class!
help your grade immensly when finals come around). GO OLD SCHOOL WITH YOUR NOTES We’ve all heard it — hand-writing your notes helps you retain information. Sure, that may be true, but if you’re in a boring class and you have a laptop in front of you, what’s to stop you from getting a head start on that other essay, or suddenly being super inspired for your writing class, or Pinteresting your way to HGTV worthiness. Though not at all bad things, it’s best to basically strap yourself to the seat and tape your eyes open (figuratively!) to make sure you keep your nose to the grindstone all the way to an A — even in those super dry prereqs we all loathe. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
I know, easier said than done. But if you’re going into assignments like they’re optional, you truly will have a tough time getting everything done. However, if you think of your classwork as important, serious work, you will make time to do it. There are hundreds of examples online, countless books, and resources available to teach you how to organize your time, multitask and get good grades. The most important part? Making grades your priority. As a current UW Tacoma senior, I’ve just figured out that there is no secret formula. To get good grades, you have to make school a priority and just do the work. WORK SMARTER No, staring at the same page in a textbook till your eyes bleed isn’t re-
Going beyond the standard class
ally studying — it’s punishing yourself. The author of “Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age,” Maggie Jackson, suggests that not being able to pay attention for long periods of time goes back to survival. If humans were completely enveloped in something, they might have missed the large-toothed animal trying to eat them. However, now that we aren’t distracted by animals trying to kill us (hopefully), but rather Instagram posts or an influx of Snapchats, we don’t really use that skill in everyday life, so we have no choice but to buckle down and get that homework done! So while you could bang your head against your books till you absorb the information, try taking breaks every hour or so for better — and less painful
— results. This doesn’t mean opening Facebook and going down its endless rabbit holes. Instead, try doing something that isn’t going to get you too far off the studding path, like reading a short chapter in a book that’s not for school or coloring (don’t knock it till you try it folks). By not switching from something tedious to fun, it should be easier to realize the break is up and willingly switch back to studying. On another note, please, please study what you don’t know. Yes, you would think it would be common sense, and maybe it is for most people. Personally, I used to study while carefully avoiding what I really needed help on, then feel super great about the test because “I studied for like eight hours.” But if you do this, you’re wasting time. Once you know something, move on. There are so many resources at UWT — go after what you don’t know! REMEMBER TO SLEEP, EAT AND GO OUTSIDE Lastly, grades are not the most important thing. Your mental health and your family are definitely higher on that list. Besides you can’t get good grades when you’re always drained, sick or stressed because you only see a GPA instead of a whole college experience. After listening to the college graduates in my life, not many care about employees’ past GPAs, but rather the knowledge they acquired. So, if you understand the material but can’t quite get your grade up, you still learned a lesson, and you still know the material. So go easy on yourself, and if you want to, go after that A!
Directed readings and internships can provide refreshing changes of pace. By Lucas Waggoner Opinion Columnist As quarters begin to blend together, students might grow bored with the traditional 15 credit course load. Three standard classes every quarter can make self-motivation more difficult, as taking nothing but the same types of courses can become monotonous. Spicing up courses with something different can reenergize a student. There are currently a variety of opportunities being offered at UW Tacoma to earn credits, but come detached from the typical classroom setup. Beyond just shaking things up, these alternate routes can also yield invaluable resources which last long after the bachelor’s degree is finished.
One of these alternative means of acquiring credits is directed readings, projects which involve writing an essay that qualifies for a varying number of credits depending on its length. If a student is interested in doing a directed reading with a professor, they can approach said professor and request the opportunity to do so. Once the professor is on board, both they and the student agree upon a reading list and the topic for a final essay. The only responsibilities that come with a directed reading course are typically having a one-hour meeting once a week in the professor’s office and turning in the final essay at the end of the quarter. For each credit you wish to earn, you must write five pages, so if you want the
Beyond just shaking things up, these alternate routes can also yield invaluable resources. full five credits, you will be required to write a twenty-five page essay. Three directed readings, or other similar course opportunities, may be taken during a student’s undergraduate program. One of the most useful aspects of directed readings, other than better connecting a student to a professor, is that the papers are often used for either future publications or as entry papers for grad school.
PHOTO BY DANIEL NASH; MODELS: LOGAN JENNY & AVERY PARKER
In directed readings, you meet with a professor to work towards a finished essay that will earn you credits.
There are also opportunities for internships — both paid and unpaid — which come along with credits in addition to being fantastic resume builders. A good number of majors already have internships which can function as capstone courses — classes which are required for graduation
in several majors — but you can still get credit from non-capstone internships if you discuss it with an advisor and have it approved by the school. These internships are also ideal for networking, and can help boost your chances of getting a job soon after graduation.
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The Ledger. September 18, 2017 | Volume 22 | Issue 1