SUNY Plattsburgh adapts to CCC change
BY SOPHIE ALBERTIE Opinion Editor
Clinton Community College is fully operational and offering classes on SUNY Plattsburgh’s main campus after being relocated August 25.
Clinton Community College officially announced its plan to move onto campus January 2024 due to issues with its Middle States Accreditation.
Redcay Hall has since been vacated and renamed to George Moore hall. Additionally the former Canadian Studies home of operations is now used as a space for Clinton’s administrative offices and faculty.
Now, a year and a half later, this new collaboration between the two universities brings a mixed bag of reviews.
Dr. Tracie Guzzio, director of
the Redcay Honors Program, said that she feels concerned about faculty and students who could feel left in the dark by this transition. As a professor, she said it’s her job on campus to help all students find answers to any questions they may have, but isn’t fully informed herself.
“I have colleagues in some of the offices in Redcay that had to move out quickly, and of course that was unsettling for them, and they weren’t extremely happy about it,” Guzzio said. “It becomes disruptive for students
September 6
who don’t know where the offices are now. I think this is how this conversation started in the first place. I don’t like feeling as if I can’t help a student who’s in distress.”
be negatively impacted, and instead should be hopeful that leaders on campus will address concerns to the best of their ability.
Bridget Haina
Bridget Haina, the current Faculty Senate Chair, said that she is aware of the concerns coming from new students who are looking for guidance. She is pushing for more information about SUNY Plattsburgh’s shared services to be made available. She argues that it’s best not to assume that students and faculty will
“A lot has happened since we got that announcement that they were going to relocate. People were concerned from the get-go that students would try to cheat the system or find the best deal because Clinton Community classes are more affordable, but Clinton isn’t poaching our students, I think that’s a perception that people have had in the past,” Haina said.
When it comes to the future, Haina is optimistic about the possible outcomes this newfound relationship will have.
“I’d love to see more students gain the confidence to achieve a bachelor’s degree
especially in this North Country area that has so much potential. Most of our students don’t come from this area, but we have seen a huge amount of growth. Ultimately we can help people see how education can change and uplift their lives,” Haina said. “This relationship we have with Clinton Community is giving this place such an opportunity. If we just give ourselves grace and time to understand this transition, we can do some really good work together.”
Email SOPHIE ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
GRANT TERWILLIGER/Cardinal Points
College sign for Clinton Community College outside of George Moore Hall, formerly Redcay Hall.
SUNY Plattsburgh gets involved
Campus involvement fair pulls in large student turnout.
DIAMOND KRIGGER/Cardinal Points SUNY Plattsburgh’s Cheer team advertise their open trainings.
ANYA KERN/Cardinal Points
SUNY Plattsburgh President Dr. Alexander Enyedi with local celebrity John Carguello AKA John Plattsburgh.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points Student association proudly flying their Cardinal banner in Amity Plaza.
DIAMOND KRIGGER/Cardinal Points
Cooking Club recruiting new members Sept. 5.
GRYPHON AKRIDGE-PHILLIPS/Cardinal Points
Many greek life organizations scouted new pledges at the event.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points Bridge USA having a smashing good time looking for members.
FALL SUNYAC PREVIEWS
MSOC builds on last season’s momentum
BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Sports Editor
As the SUNYAC approaches, Plattsburgh State Men’s soccer team is ready to set out on their quest, fueled by ambition and new blood. The Cardinals aim to elevate from their last season and bring home an all SUNYAC championship, even though they closed off their year with an 11-2-5 overall record including an undefeated home and nonconference record.
The season opened with their first game on Aug 29 against Manhattanville, second game was August 30 against Ramapo bringing home both wins, then tying on September 3 against Norwich.
The team is proud to bring 14 new faces, welcoming all the forwards: Rocco Ruscitto, a first year, Robbie Kapovic, a first year student, Mason Brown, a first year, and Gabriel Moscheni, a junior transfer student.
The midfield consists of Davis Lopez, a junior transfer student, Sebastian Ruiz, a first year, Declan Gallagher, a first year, Nicholas Espitia, a first year, Jack Egan, a first year, Garfield Gillespie, a first year, and Cris Arias, a first year. They also have two new goal keepers: Logan Verissimo, a first year and Andrew Moulton a junior transfer student. The team has one new defense Florian Fuchs, a junior transfer student.
“It feels like a brand new team. We got a lot of new energy so I’m excited to see what they bring, but I’ll let their game speak for themselves,” Head coach Chris Taylor said.
The team maintained a consistent presence in the national conversation, earning spots in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings throughout the year. Although their season ended in heartbreak with a SUNYAC playoff loss to penalty kicks, the Cardinals proved they could compete with the best in the region.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the SUNYAC this year, because obviously last year we had a disappointing
end in the playoffs. Xavier Kamba, a junior playing forward said “I think this year we’re ready to do big things and have a lot to show.”
Plattsburgh schedule this season features several key matchups that could shape the early season. On September 10, the Cardinals traveled to face Skidmore, a respected regional rival. These early contests, particularly the St. Lawrence rematch, will be critical opportunities to establish rhythm
and confidence ahead of the SUNYAC slate.
“I think me coming in, being able to contribute to the team much more helps us as well as the new guys coming in, stepping up for us. I think we’re all meshing together very well right now and have a good season ahead of us,”
Sophomore goalkeeper Matthew D’Ippolito said.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Cardinals appear wellpositioned to build on last
year’s success. With a core group of offensive leaders returning, a defense that proved nearly impenetrable and several rematches offering chances for redemption, Plattsburgh has its sights set on climbing even higher in the SUNYAC standings and making a deeper postseason push.
WVB sets up for successful SUNY campaign
BY CHRISTIAN TUFINO Staff Writer
The Plattsburgh State Women’s volleyball team entered the 2025 season with optimistic energy, ready to rebound from a rough 2024 season.
Coming from a 4-22 record last season the Cardinals have opened this season with a 2-4 home tournament record winning games against Potsdam and Keuka College. Under the guidance of Head Coach Eimile O’Brien, they seek to build team chemistry with their newcomers to bolster their strength as a unit.
Leading the team offensively with a total of 205 kills and 2.36 kills per set in the 2024 season, Outside Hitter Liya Girma already has 60 kills to start the
season off and is expected to be a consistent and important part of the Cardinals offense through scoring, reception and serving.
Junior Right Side Hitter Darby Collyear continues to grow in consistency and confidence from her last season. She ended last season with 153 kills and 1.76 kills per set, this season she comes in strong with 60 kills on 2.31 kills per set. Collyear will continue to be a player to look out for as she continues to grow more confident and develop her game.
In the backcourt KC Burke acts as a guardian to the Cardinals team. Burke has been a consistent defensive anchor for the Cardinals with her most notable games in the 2024 season being against Potsdam, Saint VB > 4
Provided by the Plattsburgh State Athletics Department
Junior Darby serves ball in Plattsburgh State Memorial Hall main gymnasium Email KAMIKO CHAMBLE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
ANYA KERN/Cardinal Points
Tristian Laundree racing for possesion against Norwich University at the Field House Soccer/Lacrosse Complex on Sept. 3.
New-old coach preps TEN
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief
The Plattsburgh State Cardinals women’s tennis team made a triumphant return to the SUNYAC tournament last season for the first time since 2017.
Now with a new coach and five new players, the team is aiming higher.
Legendary Plattsburgh State soccer coach Chris Waterbury makes his return as the university’s tennis head coach, and he’s eager to pick up where Kelci Henn left off.
“I’m excited to be back,” Waterbury said. “My greatest compliments go to the team. I can be a little too challenging at times, but they never back off, they come back and accept the challenge.”
Headlining the returning athletes from the tournament appearance is senior Kristy Cantwell, who was named to SUNYAC First team doubles last season. Juniors Ava Carey and Jacklin Mitchell also return after strong sophomore campaigns.
Also returning from last year’s campaign are senior Marena Tubo, junior Julia Gyebi and sophomore Taya Wood.
New arrivals include local first years Abigail Macdougal and Ava Perry, Vermonter Mirabelle Nonni, and New Yorkers Bianca Buel and Carmen Marino.
With a new coach and more newcomers than returners, the team has a lot of chemistry to figure out, Waterbury said. Luckily, whether it’s as a team or as individual athletes, the team is making great strides in improving.
“Our goal is to train to become the best version of who you currently are and figure out how to get the most out of you as an individual,” Waterbury said. “Then we go a step further.”
This training style is uniquely suited to the challenges of tennis, Waterbury said. Especially
singles, where you are isolated on your side of the court.
“As weird as it sounds, there is an excellent chance that the person you’re playing against you have never seen before. You don’t even warm up with them,” Waterbury said. “Then during the game you have to make adjustments and assessments. You may have to change your whole tactics within a match, and that is extraordinarily difficult to train.”
Part of nurturing the experience that builds the skills of adapting midmatch is learning to forget mistakes as they happen, Waterbury said. By focusing on the individual athletes’ mindsets and skillsets, the team hopes to build up their versatility throughout the season.
“It’s all about asking ‘Are we better than we were yesterday?’ and then hitting our peak at the right time,” Waterbury said.
Waterbury declined to comment on who would make up the Cardinals’
lineups in conference play, but said that the team has “taken the decision out of his hands” by competing hard and establishing a clear general order through their play.
The Cardinals begin SUNYAC play tomorrow against the SUNY New Paltz Hawks at 1 p.m. The Hawks defeated the Cardinals in the SUNYAC tournament 0-4 and went on to win the conference title and the first round of the NCAA DIII championship.
The matchup marks the start of five straight SUNYAC games — the results of which will decide if the team will qualify for the SUNYAC tournament in the spring.
“Literally one match can be the difference in qualifying or being eliminated,” Waterbury said. “So they are all equally important to us.”
17 athletes join WSOC playoff hunt
BY EMMA DEO Contributor
The Plattsburgh State Cardinals’ women’s soccer team (2-3, 0-0) saw an unfortunate end to their 2024 season, missing out on the SUNYAC playoffs entirely.
The Cards finished 2024 with a 5-111 (4-4-1) record, winning just two of their home contests. These two wins finished out the season for Plattsburgh State, defeating the SUNY Potsdam Bears 3-0 and the SUNY Canton Kangaroos 2-0 on the Cardinals’ senior day.
These wins foreshadowed the growth that the program was looking to build on in 2025.
The roster has been bolstered by 14 first-years and three transfers. In their freshman class, the Cards welcomed Sophia Vandemark, Alana DeLaCruz, Sophie Miller, Olivia Stallone, Mariah Nowicki, Jadyn Baker, Ireland McGowan, Leeana Antonini, Kamryn Bezio, Addison Shultis, Brianna Merrill and finished with Lauren and Lindsey Marotta.
Plattsburgh State brought in a remarkable group of transfers for the 2025 season, including junior midfielder Sydney Myers, who competed at the division II level at the College of Saint Rose prior to its closure in 2024. In their final season in the fall of 2023, Saint Rose finished with a 20-0-2 (100-1) record, winning the NE-10 conference championship before falling to Adelphi in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Myers has made an immediate impact for the Cards, tying a program
record after she notched four goals in Plattsburgh’s win over VTSU Johnson on September 6. Lilley Keyser was the second incoming transfer for the Cardinals, coming from William Smith College. William Smith is a division III women’s soccer powerhouse, finishing their 2024 season in the final round of the NCAA tournament where they fell to the first-seeded Washington University 3-0.
In their 2024 season opener, the Cards lost to William Smith 8-0.
Myers and Keyser are local to the Plattsburgh area, coming from Saranac and Keeseville respectively.
The Cards rounded out their group of transfers with another local, sophomore goalkeeper Desiree Dubois from Champlain, New York. Dubois transferred from Saint Lawrence University where she competed for the
women’s basketball team, appearing in 22 games last season.
Finally, the Cards added assistant coach Claire Said to the coaching staff to aid with the team’s goalkeepers. Said competed at the division II level at Post University, most recently serving as a graduate assistant and assistant goalkeeper coach for Post. Plattsburgh State is back in action at the Fieldhouse turf on Saturday, Sept. 13 where they will take on the Union Chargers. The matchup is dedicated to late goalkeeper coach Geoff Spear, who died in Jan. 2025. Spear was a longtime assistant for the Plattsburgh men’s and women’s soccer programs.
WVB
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Micheal’s, and Skidmore, where she would achieve 16 digs, 13 digs, and 14 digs respectively. Burke continues to be a defensive presence as she recorded 30 digs against Keuka. The team has six new incoming first year players, there’s Taylor Murphey playing OH/RS, Elena Stavroulakis playing L/DS, Alyssa Marcellus playing MB, Emily
O’Brien playing S, Cathryn Todd playing DS, Lindsay Pedersen playing MB/RS. Jen Lonway, a sophomore transfer student and Senior Katie Salphine rejoined after taking a one year gap.
The Cardinals go into a nine road game stretch starting from Sept 5 to Sep 24. Starting with Clarkson, St. John Fisher, and Keuka College, this stretch will serve to test the team’s resilience both physically and mentally.
After this three week stretch people get to look forward to a
string of high-stakes rival home games. Matches against Oswego, Buffalo, and Fredonia should all be high energy matches. The “Rock the Red” showdown against Potsdam, Sep 30. As the team continues to integrate newcomers and develop their veteran talent we will continue to see our Cardinals fly much higher than they did last season.
Provided by EMMA DEO Junior Ava Carey returns a volley at Plattsburgh’s tennis courts Aug 30.
Provided by EMMA DEO
Senior Jillian Bezio runs through the senior day high-five line Sept 6.
Students lament missing Tim Hortons
BY ASHLEY PFEIFFER Contributor
When Tim Hortons was removed from our campus, it wasn’t just a coffee shop that closed. It was the loss of a gathering space, study hub, and a familiar part of people’s daily routine. The sense of community it brought is what makes the removal of it so disappointing to lots of students. Of course, some might argue that it’s just a cafe, but many students miss it. Tim Hortons was an affordable, familiar, and welcoming spot where students could come to do
more than grab food. You’d see students working on assignments with each other, others catching up between classes, and even soon to be students would visit the campus and enjoy seeing the beloved eatery. Now that it’s gone, students are left asking the same question: Why? the majority of students ruled not happy with the removal. Genevieve Victoria Lew, a senior here at Plattsburgh, was one of the many who had the opportunity to enjoy Tim Hortons while it was still here. Whether she was with friends or by herself,
Tim Hortons would see her almost daily.
“The prices were always really cheap. The place was always bustling with people sitting with friends and doing work. The difference now is sad. I don’t understand why they would close it,” said Lew.
Arieanna Norfleet holds a similar view. She is very surprised they ended up closing Tim Hortons, especially because they still haven’t replaced it with something else.
“It was a cheap, convenient place for me to get food with my friends in between classes, and wasn’t too far from them. It
was overall one of my favorite spots, “ said Norfleet.
Sophie Raydo, a freshman at Plattsburgh, never even got to experience the hustle and bustle of having Tim Hortons on campus. She wasn’t even aware they closed at first. After looking for Tim’s on the first day of classes and discovering that they were closed, she was very disappointed.
“I have upperclassmen friends that would tell me about the places on campus before I arrived, Tim Hortons being one of the main ones,” said Raydo.
Overall, the loss of Tim Hortons due to the rising cost
of meal plans affected not just the students that were able to actually physically enjoy it, but also the students who were waiting to put their first order in. If they choose to keep it closed, then many students vote to replace it with another space. One that will bring people together, provide a good rest area, and offer more food options.
Email ASHLEY PFEIFFER apfei005@plattsburgh.edu
Professors ponder ethical uses of AI in academia
BY MAUREEN RUSSELL Contributor
Artificial intelligence is a weapon. It has proven to be highly problematic when used in an academic setting.
As the school year begins, both students and teachers are reminded of its role in the classroom. With the continuous technological advancements large language models have made, it can be safely assumed that they will persist in some fashion.
While ChatGPT is the artificial intelligence system that comes to mind first, there are other divisive versions of the technology that compete with one another. From Google Gemini to Grok AI, creating new artificial intelligence bots has become the next big thing in the tech world, meaning it was only a matter of time before it infiltrated the academic universe. And while most automatically associate its use with cheating, others argue that it can be used ethically.
The main concern the majority of people have regarding ChatGPT use in school is the lack of energy it allows students to put into their coursework. Students often feed a simple prompt into the system and receive a polished, instant response that is ready for submission.
The catch is that it is clear to most teachers when something has been completed by artificial intelligence. Dr. Fadi Helwanji, a professor at SUNY Platts-
burgh’s School of Business and Economics, can easily recognize the students who cheat on assignments because all of the responses sound alike. It also casts doubt upon the effectiveness of the student’s education.
Colleen Lemza, a Professor of Public Relations and Journalism argues this exact point.
“If someone is not firing neu-
rons to complete a worksheet, it defeats the purpose of being in school, and forces you to question whether the student is learning from the assignment.”
Said Lemza. Though global plagiarism is regarded by all as cheating, using artificial intelligence as a starting point can be acceptable when done appropriately.
Dr. Helwanji encourages students to use such resources for basic, menial aspects of certain projects, even including their use in his course syllabi.
“It’s something that has to be embraced, since it’s gonna be in every aspect of life. Actually, it already is.” said Helwanji.
Associate Professor of Computer Science Kevin McCullen
values ai language models as any other source of information, but is wary of where it gets its information from. He argues it is important to remember to cite it when it has been used or face the consequences of academic dishonesty.
“With AI, you need to credit it. You also need to verify it, because it is an unreliable narrator,” said McCullen.
At the core of the technology, it is a tool like any other when used correctly. The difference is recognizing its use as a tool instead of a replacement for actual writing and creating. Specific situations that do and do not warrant its use is the hurdle that separates cheating and honesty.
“Large language models are definitely a threat, and an opportunity, and an enigma.” Says McCullen.
The battle with artificial intelligence that academia currently faces is the simplest, most novice version of the technology that we will see in our lifetimes. Its abilities will continue to advance, and the challenges will become more complex. To prevent artificial intelligence from clutching society in its fist, I believe we must work to find the balance between machine and thought.
ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points
The community space in the ACC where Tim Horton’s used to be. The storefront is now locked and shuttered, with the glass doors covered.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ upsets
Videogame
BY GABRIEL STANTON
For several decades, videogame movie adaptations have had a reputation for being some of the worst films released in their respective years. This trend was disappointing, as fans look forward to seeing their favorite franchises have a chance to make it to the big screen, only for said franchise to blow.
While the 2025 release “A Minecraft Movie” is far from the most egregious example of this category, it unfortunately repeats some similar mistakes of its predecessors.
Warner Bros. Entertainment’s “A Minecraft Movie” features Jack Black as the iconic “Steve”, and Rachel House voicing the As for characters not from the game, the evil Malgosha is voiced by Rachel House. Natalie and Henry are portrayed by Emma Myers and Sebastian Eugene Hansen respectively. Garrett is played by Jason Momoa, and finally, Danielle Brooks is Dawn.
The film introduces how Steve ended up in the overworld, as well as our movie-original leads. We learn bits about their pasts, and how the lack of creative opportunity makes them feel
Swifties
BY SOPHIE ALBERTIE
I don’t know if you guys heard — but I’m pretty sure Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged.
I opened my phone once and read the sentence: “Your english teacher and gym teacher are getting married,” quoted directly from Swift’s engagement post on Instagram. From there it was off to the races with advertisements and promotions trying to capitalize on the big news.
I don’t think there was a branded social media account in the United States that didn’t congratulate them. And then like clockwork, American Eagle announced a limited edition
fashion collection collabing with Travis Kelce’s brand “Tru Colors.”
What a coincidence. Hope you’re looking for something to eat on August 27.Papa Johns, Starbucks, Doordash and Krispy Kreme are all offering extremely specific discounts in honor of the soon to be newlyweds.
I have many questions about the way brands and people alike are reacting to this news. The parasocial relationship that has formed between Taylor Swift and her fans over the years is totally alien to me. Specifically, white women all over the world between the ages of 11 and 45 have felt entitled to details of her personal life since she started making music. The way they
unsatisfied. Chaos ensues, and they end up being sucked into the world of Minecraft. It’s up to Steve to show these strangers how to survive in this dangerous world.
Steve and the crew’s misadventures in Minecraft are able to provide some entertainment, partially thanks to Jack Black’s performance. While he may not have been the most sensible pick for Steve’s role, his wacky antics are fun, and his character is understandable.
Jason Momoa’s performance was also enjoyable.
Despite Garrett having a few unlikable moments, a lot of his dialogue is funny, and he more or less redeems himself near the end of the adventure. However, the worst moments for these two were when they sang these cringeworthy songs, as they contributed to this film’s biggest problem: its pacing.
The movie had moments that felt empty, while also having parts where too much was happening. It would’ve benefited from having less exposition, as well as its secondary plot being entirely removed. That way, those who are unfamiliar with Minecraft could have a more cohesive rundown on its significant items. As the items ended up being implemented, they just acted as fan pandering and plot devices.
The themes and characters were also impacted by this feature’s pacing. Something that connects the main characters, including the antagonist, is that they each wanted to make their dreams come true.
However, the picture failed at making audiences take its theme seriously. Malgosha’s backstory showed why she rejects creativity, but it was too brief and ridiculous for casual viewers to care. In an admittedly good contrast to Malgosha, Henry used creativity to help Steve and the crew. Those moments demonstrated his and Natalie’s sibling dynamic, which is where the heart of this whole thing lies.
There’s enough good in “A Minecraft Movie” for it to be better than several video-game-related films, but that is not high praise. If you’re interested in watching that type of movie, I’d recommend “Sonic the Hedgehog three” instead, or heck, give “Wreck-It Ralph” a rewatch. These films are not just bland kids’ movies, they also deliver non-gamers and adults heartfelt, even thoughtprovoking narratives.
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seem to be celebrating this new update is no exception. Screaming, crying and posting to every social media incessantly swifties are just too much. Then again, fork found in kitchen.
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via Adobe Stock
A photo illustration of a showing of “A Minecraft Movie.”
Adobe Stock Lego depictions of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Steve and Garrett.
Opinions Editor