The Black & Magenta Vol. 124 Issue 7

Vol. 124 Issue 7

The Pandemic Issue

April 2020

Cambridge Hall, usually full of Muskies heading to or from class, is completely empty as campus closed due to COVID-19.

Photo Credit: Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta

News/Editorial

An April Update on COVID-19

Dana Parsons Editor-in-Chief Muskingum University, due to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily closed its doors and transitioned learning to an online format as of March 16.

Originally slated to last only two weeks, Muskingum announced on March 19 that online learning will continue through the end of the semester.

Muskingum follows many Ohio colleges and universities in this decision.

U.S. COVID-19 cases soar past 700,000 cases with a total of over 37,000 deaths.

In Ohio, over 11,000 cases have been confirmed with over 450 Coronavirus related

deaths as of April 21.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to continue to follow social distancing orders and maintain health as the nation moves into the peak of the virus.

As of April 20, there are eight confirmed COVID-19 cases in Muskingum County.

Though many students and university employees are working from home, many individuals are finding creative and unique ways to continue their work.

Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler, in an interview on March 20, said how proud she was of the Muskie community during these difficult times.

“People are coming together. They are rolling up their sleeves, they are problem-solving, they are looking at the situation and saying, ‘how can we best do this to keep connected.’ Whether it’s student-to-student, professor-to-student, Student Affairs staff, everyone on campus is coming forward to try to stay connected,” said Hasseler.

Muskingum’s campus is closed due to the stay-at-home order given by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on March 22 and will remain closed until that order is lifted.

Students are slated to come back to campus for the 2020 Fall semester.

Being a graduating senior during the COVID-19 Crisis

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta Criminal Justice Senior Dana Parsons and English and Communication Senior Christy Bever in St. Louis, MO.. for CBI, a college broadcasters convention.

Dana Parsons Editor-in-Chief As a first year at Muskingum University, I imagined what it would be like in my senior year. It would be filled with memories, tear filled good-byes, and promises to see each other again.

However, all that changed when COVID-19 came around. Due to the growing pandemic that had swept over the nation and world, Muskingum University,

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along with many other schools across the state and nation, have closed their doors and have gone to an online learning format.

Now, my last semester as an undergraduate student consists of doing work from home, anxiety and stress, and yearning for human interaction.

Muskingum University also decided to turn to a virtual celebration rather than an in-person commencement for the graduates of 2020.

When I read the email sent out to students by Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler on March 19, I felt a wave of emotion. The truth of the matter is, I spent four long years waiting to walk across that stage to receive my degree and now, I may not get to experience that euphoria.

Another senior student at Muskingum University, English and Communication major Christy Bever, had a different perspective on the recent announcements about the rest of the 2020 spring semester and commencement.

“When I hear about commencement, the first thing that went through my mind wasn’t so much about how I felt about it, it

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was about how others would feel. For me, being an older student, it didn’t much matter because I already have one degree. But I was more concerned for how others felt because I know they’ve worked hard for four years to get this far and to me, that’s absolutely heartbreaking,” said Bever.

While in-person commencement will not be held on May 9 on campus, Muskingum University Provost Nancy Evangelista and a team of Muskingum employees are working hard to create a virtual celebration for the class of 2020.

Personally, I am very thankful for an administration who cares about their students during a time of uncertainty and stress.

Muskingum University has done an excellent job making sure thier students are fully equiped to finish out the semester online.

However, despite all these obstacles, the senior class will graduate with their degrees and will be stronger than ever in the end.

Years in the future, we will reflect on this time and feel proud of the achievements we made and the impact we had on Muskingum and the world. At the end of the day, we will still be a part of the long magenta line.

April 2020

News

People Poll: ‘What do you miss most about Muskingum?’

Muskies open up about what they miss the most about being on campus amidst COVID-19

Senior Junior Whitlatch

Senior Christy Bever

Junior Michaela Snider

“Friends. Support network. Access to professors, face to face talking is so much better than through email. I miss the walk over the bridge to academic buildings. The trees are in bloom so I’m sad that I miss my last spring.”

“I miss the structure of having class. I miss being in the Geyer Studio. I miss going to Brewed every Thursday night with Sam Stafford. I miss my daily talks with Connie Thomas, saying hello to Dr. German in the hall, and Dr. Marshall’s sense of humor. Most of all, I miss my sisters of ASA and our midnight runs to Walmart.”

“I miss when the weather gets warmer and campus comes alive. Seeing everyone walking about and on their porches brings a whole new spirit to Muskingum.”

Sophomore Faith Rota

Junior Chandra Smitley

Senior Chris Lawler

“I miss Muskingum as a whole. I miss my friends. I miss the structure and routine. I miss it all.”

“I miss having a friend that lives three minutes away and I hate I ever took that for granted.”

“Working on prepping the final theatre production of the school year. Gathering with friends.”

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April 2020

News

Muskingum University: A quiet campus without students

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta Cambridge Hall classroom 15 is usually full of students in class. Since Muskingum University closed its doors and went to an online learning

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Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta The bottom of the Quad Center, also known as the BOC or the Bait Shop, is where students can grab a quick bite to eat in between classes or events during the day. The empty chairs and tables during the day gives campus an eerie feeling.

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta These benches outside of the Philip and Betsy Caldwell Hall are often used by students taking a break between classes or eating thier lunch on warm days.

However, with most students at home to continue classes through an online learning format through the rest of the 2020 Spring semester, these benches remain empty.

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta The faculty and staff parking lot is completely empty due to the stay-at-home order made by Gov. Mike DeWine. Many employees are conducting

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta This posted note is one of many scattered around Muskingum University’s campus. Campus buildings are closed to the public during Ohio’s stay-at-home order.

Only employees and visitors with an appointment can access the building. Campus buildings remain closed until the order is lifted.

format on March 16, it’s been empty.

Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta The quad, usually bustling with students and faculty members going to and from classes, is quiet without classes being held on Muskingum’s campus. Students are slated to return in the 2020 Fall semester.

work from home.

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April 2020

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April 2020

News

Maintaining positive mental health during isolation

Orbit Media Director of Counseling Tracy Bugglin and Counselor Leah Shirer during an event on Muskingum Univeristy’s quad. Counseling Services are still helping students during the COVID-19 crisis though phone calls and email.

Dana Parsons Editor-in-Chief Mental health is an important topic, especially during times of crisis. Director of Counseling Tracy Bugglin and Counselor Leah Shirer shared tips about how to stay mentally healthy during an interview with Orbit Media on March 20.

Bugglin and Shirer provided an overview of mental health issues that can arise during a time of crisis, as well as how to cope with feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress because of COVID-19.

“During times of uncertainty that we’re in right now, it’s very normal that a person might experience an increase in mental and emotional health issues. People might be feeling anxious, fearful, or sad as well as other emotions during times of crisis,” said Bugglin.

The first step to understanding how yourself and others are feeling during a time of crisis is recognizing different signs

of mental health problems.

Some signs of emotional distress may be a feeling of hopelessness, disbelief, anxiety, changes in appetite and energy levels, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with memory, insomnia and nightmares. Some physical signs of distress can be headaches, body pains, stomachaches, and skin rashes.

The second step to dealing with crisis stress is to cope in healthy ways.

“It’s real important to be careful not to lean on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as increased use of alcohol or other substances during this time. That is sometimes something people turn to, so we want to be real careful with that,” said Bugglin.

Healthy ways to cope include staying connected with the people you find supportive, using a meditation or relaxation app, sitting calmly or doing yoga through online videos, staying active, and continuing to do healthy hobbies, such as reading a book or doing a puzzle.

Subscribe to The Black & Magenta Receive a copy of The Black & Magenta in your mailbox each month.

To receive this year’s issues, send a $30 check payable to: “Muskingum University” to: The Black & Magenta Newspaper, Caldwell Hall 147 163 Stormont St., New Concord, OH 43762 Include your name, USPS mailing address, and telephone number.

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Another way to take care of yourself during this time is to make sure you’re eating foods that make you feel good and are healthy, not comfort foods that can be unhealthy.

Setting a routine is also important for your mental health during times of uncertainty. Set a to-do list, an action plan or a goal for each day and follow through with it. Doing these can help an individual feel like they have control over their situation.

Another important step is to limit your information intake.

“Constant exposure to the news and social media can be very overwhelming. Just be cautious and be aware of how much is too much for you. Every person is different,” said Shirer.

Counseling Services will help students find assistance and community resources in their home area. Students should contact Bugglin or Shirer for guidance on finding an appropriate resource.

Any student who is experiencing mental and/or emotional distress, even if it is seemingly small, is urged to reach out to resources available to them.

“It’s helpful to understand your feelings are normal and allow yourself to process the different emotions you’re feeling,” said Shirer.

Bugglin and Shirer are working from home as of March 23, but remain readily available to assist students, faculty and staff with mental health questions or concerns.

The Crisis Text Line is available by texting TALK to 741-741. The National Suicide Hotline is available at 1 (800) 2738255.20 Bugglin can be contacted by email at tbugglin@muskingum.edu.

Shirer can be contacted at lcook@ muskingum.edu.

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April 2020

Sports

Muskingum coach reacts to spring sports cancellation

Will Ford Sports Director One word described the feeling of Muskingum University coaches and student-athletes when they found out the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) canceled the 2020 spring sports season. Shock.

The OAC decided to cancel all spring sports because of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic affecting the United States and the world.

Director of Track & Field Operations and Cross Country Head Coach Jacob Gleason felt a feeling of sadness after the announcement but understood the urgent nature of the situation and communicated that to the outdoor track team.

“Disappointed, I guess, would be my first reaction to it and kind of surprised that it happened so quickly...As soon as we heard word, we gathered the group together, sat down, and we had a discussion and explained the situation and stressed the severity of this,” said Gleason.

Gleason knows the decision the OAC made was not an easy one to make, and it required a thorough exploration of all options.

“This wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction. There was a lot of discussion amongst all of the OAC schools and, of course, the presidents, athletic directors, and all the different constituents involved to make this decision.

This wasn’t something we took lightly,” said Gleason.

The meeting with the team was brief, as the focus quickly shifted to the seniors on the squad whowouldn’t get the opportunity to have a senior day.

“Right after that, we had to recognize our seniors because we had some wonderful seniors, and we wanted to make sure that we sent them off in the best way that we possibly could in that situation. This was about celebrating the three and a half years that we had with those individuals,” said Gleason.

Overwhelming emotion filled the meeting room as the team met for the final time without competing in a meet.

“There were some laughs, and, of course, there were a lot of tears, but there was some story-telling that was going on...

There was some really good reminiscing about some of the memories that they cre-

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Lisa Marshall/Orbit Media McConagha Stadium serves as the home for Fighting Muskie football and lacrosse teams. The field, named in 1986, is The Edgar A. Sherman Field. The track is where cross-country and Track & Field athletes perform and practice. Muskingum University announced in early 2020 that the McConagha Staduim would be torn down and replaced with a Health and Wellness Complex that includes an indoor field and classrooms for athletic fitness and health science learning.

ated here, and I thought that was unbelievably difficult and sad, of course. But I felt really good as a coach that those kinds of things were coming out at this time, and I thought that was really nice,” said Gleason.

Even though the coronavirus has quarantined most people to their houses, Gleason’s job as a coach continues.

“Life goes on. There are plenty of things to do. I still have the recruitment of this class. I still have the evaluation of the next class,” said Gleason.

Gleason acknowledges that recruiting athletes is now far more challenging due to spring sports being canceled at the high school level, as well.

“One of the things that we value is seeing a young person develop over their four years at high school. That tells us a lot about what type of athlete we feel they can be, and there’s going to be agap there now.

So, that makes it a little tougher now, to be

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honest, particularly in a performance-based sport like ours,” said Gleason.

As far as taking care of his current athletes, Gleason believes that is the most important thing his staff can do during this pandemic. They’re emotionally exhausted...I’ve encouraged our group to take a little bit of time off and rest a little bit, spend some time with some family...recharge the battery physically, emotionally, mentally, and then, we’re going to talk to them about how we want to proceed forward,” said Gleason.

Gleason and the rest of the track & field program are disappointed that the OAC canceled the entire spring sports season but understood the gravity of the situation.

Although the spring sports season is canceled for Muskingum Athletics and the rest of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), there is an eagerness to get back to work for the 2021 season.

April 2020

An inspiring word from Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler: “I look at this community and I see the immense amount of grace that is being offered across the community to everyone and from people outside of our community. To make sure we can problem solve. And I see an amazing resilience. …And we’re going to come out of this stronger on the other side and we’re going to learn and grow and we will stay together” Call the Newsroom at 740-826-8379

Email us at bandm@muskingum.edu

Photo Credit: Dana Parsons/Black & Magenta