April 6, 2020
Volume 101, Issue 11
West Haven, Conn.
THE
CHARGER BULLETIN
The student news source of the University of New Haven.
PRESIDENT KAPLAN RESPONDS TO UNIVERSIT Y FUNDING AMID COVID-19
Exclusive Response from University of New Haven President Story on pg. 3
Photo By Anna Downs/The Charger Bulletin
The Charger Bulletin
@ChargerBulletin
@ChargerBulletin
@ChargerBulletin
April 6, 2020
B U L L E T I N B OA R D
Bulletin Briefs
The
Charger Bulletin
Page 4
300 Boston Post Road | West Haven, CT 06516
University Opens Its Dorms to First Responders
Page 6
Senior Day for Chargers Softball
Page 8 An Open Letter to the COVID-19 Pandemic Front-liners
Page 10
ChargerBulletin@newhaven.edu | www.ChargerBulletin.com office: 203.932.7182 | text: 203.909.0646 Our office is located on the second floor of 46 Ruden Street, Room 202.
Editor-in-Chief Anna Downs Managing Editor Corina Rodriguez Student Life Editor Jennifer Korn Sports Editor Zack Pincince Entertainment Editor Tiara Starks Opinion Editor Erin Cuomo Multimedia Editor Diana Perez Associate Editor for Photography Nicole Rivera Associate Editor for Graphic Design Seth Harrington Staff Writers Hannah Providence, Beth Beaudry, Lauren Fligg, Lyndsay Miller, Maddy Orcales, Rebecca Tatera, Amanda Castro, Gianna Scire, Earl Givan, Jada Clarke, Ariana Ferrante, Serena Piervincenzi Associate Editor for Videography Nathan Gagne Community Engagement Editor Victoria Cagley To view previous issues go to OurSchoolNewspaper.com/charger.
Quarantine Playlist
Page 12 It’s Paper Day!
Page 2
* The Charger Bulletin staff strives for excellence and accuracy in writing and reporting. We recognize that mistakes may occur and encourage readers to notify the Bulletin if they feel a correction is necessary. Please email the Editor-in-Chief at chargerbulletin@newhaven.edu.
The Charger Bulletin
@ChargerBulletin
Since 1938, The Charger Bulletin has been the official student news source of the University of New Haven. Advertising The Charger Bulletin ad rate sheets are available upon request or by calling 203.932.7182 or via email at CBBusiness@newhaven.edu. The Charger Bulletin reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Advertisements within The Charger Bulletin are inserted by outside sources identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the University of New Haven. Advertising material printed herein is solely for informational purposes. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ChargerBulletin.com/advertise. Letters to the Editor The submission deadline for letters to the editor is 5 p.m. on Friday for publication in Tuesday’s issue. Letters to the Editor are also published online the same day as the release of print issues. Letters should not exceed 300 words if they are to be considered for print publication. All submissions by outside writers to The Charger Bulletin, unless otherwise approved by the Editor-in-Chief, will be treated as letters to the editor. Letters to the Editor are published under the discretion of the Editor in Chief, and not every submitted letter will be published. The Charger Bulletin also reserves the right to withhold Letters to the Editor that are excessively vulgar or nonsensical, or do not meet our editorial standards. Letters can be sent via email to chargerBulletin@newhaven.edu and must contain the writer’s name and contact information for verification purposes. The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are of the authors themselves and not The Charger Bulletin.
1st Place - ASPA Annual Contest/Review for Scholastic Yearbooks, Magazines and Newspapers, 2018 Honorable Mention, Mobile App of the Year - Pinnacle Awards by College Media Association, 2017
@ChargerBulletin
@ChargerBulletin
April 6, 2020
Page 3
NEWS
University Cuts Employee Pay Rates: Estimate $10 Million in Losses Aerial view of University of New Haven, West Haven Campus. Photo Courtsey of University of New Haven
BY JENNIFER KORN STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
I
n a recent email to faculty members, University President Stephen Kaplan said the university expects to lose $10 million in room and board credits and refunds for the spring semester. The campus shut down earlier this month as a precaution against spreading COVID-19. The email was sent March 25. “While we will not know the full extent of the financial impact on the university for some time, we do know that it will be substantial and that we need to take action now to sustain our ability to provide a world-class education in the immediate and long-term future,” Kaplan said in the email. In the email, Kaplan said that in addition to the $10 million loss, the university could lose up to $5 million during the school’s two summer semesters.
However, “we can minimize that loss if we can teach most, if not all, of the summer courses online.” said Kaplan. In an email answer to the Charger Bulletin, Kaplan said that as of now, there would be no refund for expenses such as parking passes and activity fees. The money, he said in his email answer, “will be refunded to graduating seniors and students who will not return and credited to the accounts of returning students on a prorated basis, based on the time away from campus after spring break.” Those will be determined on a case-by-case basis, he said. Kaplan said the process is still being reviewed. “As you can imagine, every student presents a different profile, depending on financial aid, type of housing and other factors,” he wrote to the Charger Bulletin. “We will let students and families know when we know more specifics about the program.”
As a result of the financial losses, Kaplan and his senior leadership have decided to reduce employee pay and salaries beginning in April. According to Kaplan, the cut percentage depends on each employee’s salary and can range from 3% to 9%. In addition, employees will keep medical benefits, but employer contributions to the university’s retirement plan will be suspended. Kaplan said the university is also “reducing the number and scope of capital projects for the coming year.” But in his answer to the Charger Bulletin, Kaplan said, “there are currently no plans to layoff faculty members, but in the event any employee is laid off they can apply for unemployment benefits.” Kaplan told the Charger Bulletin that reaction to the pay cuts have been “mixed.” Some faculty have said they understood the cuts may help preserve jobs, while others “expressed disappointment and
anxiety about their own personal situations and how the salary reductions will impact them and their families. Our approach was to be as fair and equitable as we could in asking every member of our faculty and staff to share the burden of addressing the significant financial losses the university is facing,” Kaplan said. The pay cuts will be in effect, at least until June 30. In his March 25 email, Kaplan said: “Please understand that what I have outlined may be only the beginning of difficult financial decisions we make in the short-term.” Kaplan told faculty members that he is working with political leaders to include higher education relief in the stimulus packages currently being brought to Congress, but “even if we are fortunate enough to get some assistance, it will not come close to closing our financial loss,” said Kaplan. “My commitment to you is that we will do everything pos-
sible to restore changes to your benefits and salary at a future date,” said Kaplan. Kaplan said he and others are still “assessing the total financial impact to the university.” “We need to understand how much relief the university can expect from the federal government through the various stimulus packages coming out of Washington,” he said. In order to minimize further budget losses, Kaplan said that, among other measures, the university will fill staff and faculty vacancies on a case-bycase basis. He said all budgetary measures are meant to keep the university viable. “Only when all of that is considered can we make a determination as to whether additional reductions will be needed,” Kaplan said. “It would not be fair to speculate on what additional measures we might need to take at this time.”
April 6, 2020
Page 4
NEWS
University Opens Its Dorms to First Responders BY ANNA DOWNS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
O
n Friday, University of New Haven announced it will open its residence halls to New Haven’s first responders as they fight the COVID-19 outbreak. Originally, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker asked officials at Yale University to open their dorms. Elicker told Yale’s president, Peter Salovey, that temporary housing would alleviate the stress of first responders who have been exposed to the virus, and are at risk of spreading it to their families. Separate residences in dorms would also isolate first responders who are symptomatic, or are awaiting results of their testing, to reduce spread within the force. In a live streamed press conference on Friday, a New Haven resident asked Elicker about his
continuing relationship with Yale during the pandemic. Two weeks ago, prior to the spike of the COVID-19 in the region, Yale’s Salovey reached out to Elicker, saying he would offer any support Yale could give. After being refused housing in dorms, Elicker told The New Haven Register: “If your house is burning down and you asked a neighbor if your kids could stay at your house and your neighbor said ‘no,’ but here is a check so you could stay at the Econo Lodge across town, what would that tell you about your neighbor? “It is in these times of crisis when people are exposed for their true selves. Everyone needs to do their part at this very difficult time and writing a check does not exempt you from that fact,” said Elicker. When Yale said no to Elicker, the mayor reached out to University of New Haven’s President Steven Kaplan, who
immediately answered yes. Quoted in an Esquire article, Kaplan said: “In the last twenty-five years, we’ve developed into an international powerhouse in public safety, criminal justice, fire science, forensic science. So when he (Mayor Elicker) asked me to help out with law enforcement and firefighters, it was just a natural yes.” University of New Haven spokesperson, Doug Whiting, said, “These first responders – many of them University of New Haven alumni – are putting their lives on the line every day for all of us. Providing support for them during this crisis was simply the right thing to do. Fighting the virus requires a community effort.” For students who still have personal belongings left in their dorm rooms, Whiting said,: “We’re certainly going to be very protective of student belongings still in some rooms in
A photo of Westside Hall shared on U New Haven’s Instagram noting how first responders are staying on campus Photo Courtesy of University of New Haven Instagram
the residence halls. All personal items currently in campus housing will remain safely secured in the students’ rooms. Only rooms that have been completely vacated have the potential to be used by the first responders.”
Elicker estimates space will be needed for 100 to 150 people. First responders are set to begin moving into dorms within the next few days.
Opening the Pass Fail Option for the Spring Semester BY BETH BEAUDRY STAFF WRITER
A
fter Pres. Kaplan
jors, classes require lab or clinic
would mean that students will
“Students who elect a Pass/Fail
withdraw has been pushed to
components. Their grade is cen-
not receive a letter grade for this
option and fail a course will
May 5.
tered around using resources,
semester and their GPA would
receive no negative effect that
such as chemicals, equipment,
not be affected, but that if they
would lower their GPA; and
Gaboury said, “Despite our best
instruments, etc., that are only
pass they would still gain the
even students who stay with the
efforts, a small number of cours-
available on campus. Students
credit of completing the class.
A-F grading scale and also fail a
es may simply not be possible
Gaboury sent the email on
course will not have a negative
to complete online or in another
impact on their GPA.”
alternative format. In those cas-
As for hands-on classes,
announced that students will not
are worried that not having
be returning to campus because
access to these resources will
Friday night to update students
of the coronavirus, faculty and
impact their grades.
on the progress of going online.
students have been adjusting
lution was changing the grading
He did not mention the petition
a failing grade will not appear
and deans to identify the best
to classes being transitioned
system to a Pass/Fail system for
but stated that the Pass/Fail op-
on a transcript as a fail, but as
solution for you, and plan and
online. Many students expressed
the remainder of the semester.
tion has been approved for those
a “U” for Unsatisfactory, or
implement a way forward.”
concerns on social media about
A petition for the school to
who want it.
upon request, an Incomplete,
Gaboury and university facul-
this change.
open up this option to students
“You may choose your grad-
which gives the student a year
ty are asking students to take the
was created and spread across
ing option until May 5th, right
to complete the course. He also
necessary precautions to finish
social media. A Pass/Fail system
before final exams,said Gaboury
announced that the deadline to
the semester and to stay safe.
A concern among students is how hands-on classes will translate online. For some ma-
Gaboury also announced that
es, faculty will work with chairs
April 6, 2020
Page 6
S P O RT S
Charger Bulletin Honors Senior Softball Players BY ZACK PINCINCE SPORTS EDITOR
Pitcher #16, Megan Butts
Outfield #21 Alex Cunkle
“My favorite memory was when the entire team was sitting together
“My favorite memory was all of the road trips to away games. From
waiting to find out what ranking we made in regionals in our 2017
playing games in the Groupme with the whole team to just sitting
season. We made the fourth spot, I believe, and everyone was super
across from Sammy every year and having our leg system down to
ecstatic. It was such a great feeling to have been a freshman pitcher
be able to sleep. Tahli and Ava dancing and making raps are the best
at the time and be able to help the team reach that goal that year.”
memories on the bus. Winning with my team and making it to the
W
ith spring sports
season canceled to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, senior student-athletes were not recognized on their Senior Day, what is normally the last time an athlete will play competitively. Spring sport athletes have been granted a year of eligibility to make up for this lost year, though some may not be able to come back for another year. So in lieu of Senior Day, the Charger Bulletin would like
championship is a memory I won’t ever forget, either. We were kind
to recognize the university’s
of the underdog team and Mia stepped up when Ava got hurt and
senior athletes, starting with the
led us the whole way there. It was an incredible experience and I’ll
softball team.
definitely miss not being able to recreate it and go farther this year.”
The New Haven softball team features four seniors this year who have all been a part of big
Catcher #1 Samantha Errera
Outfield #27 Catherine Vaughn
things for the program including last year, when they finished runner-up in the NCAA Regional Championship. So here are the seniors, and their favorite memory from their careers as Chargers. Thank you, seniors for all of your hard work and congratulations on your amazing careers. “My favorite memories as a Charger came from making it to the
Best of luck to all of you and remember, once a Charger, always
“My favorite memory of my last four years as a Charger was defi-
post-season with my favorite people. It’s always a surreal moment
a Charger!
nitely getting to go to Tennessee with my team. My teammates and
anytime you play in a NE-10 or regional championship game. It’s
I got to walk around Nashville for the day and we got to see some
a moment that proves all the countless hours, sacrifices, and hard
of the landmarks. I loved being able to play softball against some
work put in pays off and that a family, such as my Charger softball
of the top teams down south as well as spend time with my team-
family, can do some pretty amazing things.”
mates.”
April 6, 2020
Page 8
S T U D E N T L I F E An Open Letter to the COVID-19 Pandemic Front-liners BY AMANDA M. CASTRO STAFF WRITER
D
ear Coronavirus
Front-liners: If there is a time in which we should thank you for your work – it’s now. You have been braver than any of us by giving your everything to help us in this critical time. Despite long hours of work and the risks you are taking, you are the reason why we haven’t given up as a community.
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
This is what you signed up
disappointment in what’s
restaurant food, groceries,
Leader Chuck Schumer told
for. You are all here to help
happening. We all expect you
and very limited amounts
President Donald J. Trump
us in every way possible.
to show up and do your jobs,
of toilet paper (if you can
that he should provide haz-
But now you’ve been thrown
and we don’t even consider
find it). You are the people
ard pay to you because of the
into this pandemic and are
the psychological pain you
keeping our streets clean and
hazardous duties you per-
risking your lives for us all.
have to go through and the
our stores’ shelves stocked.
form. It’s well-deserved and
You’re going out of your way
physical restrictions you
Just like doctors and nurses,
long overdue.
to keep we the people fed and
endure. You cannot afford to
you are working long hours
healthy. We who do not so
take mental health days. You
away from your families and
what you do. No matter what
much as utter a “thank you”
probably cannot even fathom
risking exposure to the coro-
you are doing for the commu-
when you help us. We who
not showing up to work.
navirus. You are the unsung
nity right now, saving people
take you for granted.
What will we do if you don’t
heroes of this pandemic. We
or keeping daily life running,
show up? How will we, as
take you for granted.
you all deserve to be long
You doctors and nurses
We appreciate you and
saying that it’s scary out
patients, get better if you’re
As our immune systems
remembered for standing out
there and breaking down
not around? We take you for
are succumbing to this virus,
and giving your all to protect
because you’re tired of seeing
granted.
you are working to make us
and provide. You, who are
better and to keep us com-
in the front-line in this war
so many people who didn’t
You truck-drivers, sanita-
ask to die do exactly that.
tion workers, suppliers, and
fortable, to help us feel as
against the virus, are worth
Your faces display absolute
delivery people going out to
normal as possible. Accord-
all the gratitude: We will not
exhaustion and dismay and
give us what we need like
ing to NPR, Senate Majority
take you for granted.
April 6, 2020
Page 7
O P I N I O N Press Rewind on Remote Learning: Challenges with Zoom BY KELLY ADKINS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I
magine carefully crafting the optimum schedule with intriguing courses, paired with those annoying courses that you need to cross your t’s and dot your i’s on your degree, and just enough free time for extracurriculars on campus, a decent amount of sleep, and breathing room to be a young adult, in general. Now imagine matching that same schedule to an entirely different environment without reliable internet or technology, no access to a library or café in which to work diligently, and familial demands that reduce your availability. This is what the University of New Haven students face with the upcoming
semester as they switch to remote learning, and the solution of holding virtual classes on Zoom is not the most logical or efficient solution. Zoom, an application for video conferencing, is dominating not only campuses in remote learning but also regular 9-to-5ers who need to communicate. Zoom is not the problem. In fact, I have found Zoom extremely beneficial and reliable for the purposes of quick meetings or free discussions. The issue lies in lecture-based classes, which range from just under two hours to three or more hours, depending on the course. As a student who has taken a handful of online classes even while on campus, I’ve found those classes are designed to successfully engage conversation and interact with PowerPoint-based lectures, not by pointlessly staring at my
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
professor on a screen for hours at a time. Perhaps Zoom classes are perfect for small groups that are likely to engage, but if a professor knows she or he will lecture at blank-staring faces or black screen with names on them, why not upload their content into PowerPoints and add their elaborations through voice-overs? This is especially crucial to accommodate students who lack reliable access to the internet, as this allows them to go back to the lecture and
complete their work when their connection allows. Even for students with access to technology, BlackBoard has crashed numerous times, which is most likely due to the stress on the server as all undergraduate and graduate students try to access their classes. Professors must be innovative in altering their classes into the most efficient option that optimizes learning, not the simple switch to Zoom. In this historic time, if our
academic community fights virtualization with torches and pitchforks, our students will not get the most out of their education. As students raise the volume on their concerns, we must press rewind on the current remote learning strategies. Charger Nation is resilient and will pull through regardless, but there are means to reduce their struggles that need to be taken.
Let’s Get Political, Political: Rember to Vote BY MIA STEADMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
W
e can poke fun at Boomers all we want, but they are beating us where it counts: at the polls. Gone are the days of changing the channel when politics come up or excusing yourself from the dinner table when things got political. As college students, brand new to adulthood, it’s time for us to pay attention. If we want to have a say in the future, we need to do some serious heavy lifting, starting now.
In February, West Haven City Council member Trenee McGee claimed that over 100 University of New Haven students registered to vote. This means that with a current student population size of 6,793, only about 1.47% of students at the University of New Haven are ready to go on election day. Not all of those students will make it to the polls. We have to do better. After an increase in the number of young voters in 2018, many were hopeful heading into the presidential primary elections. The elections have started. The first occurred in Iowa on Feb. 3, and the last will take place in Puerto Rico on June 7.
Fourteen states held primaries on March 3, or Super Tuesday. Other states -- like Connecticut -- have postponed their primaries to help limit the spread of COVID-19. While turnout has increased, young voters still make up the smallest share of voters. A Tuft University exit polls suggest that youth turnout fell short, ranging from 5-19% on Super Tuesday. This is much lower than the 43% of young people who claimed they were likely to vote in their parties’ primary election in a poll conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics in 2019. You might think that with 7 million American’s turning 18
every 2 years, there would never be a shortage of young people eager to vote for the first time. Yet even with important issues such as immigration, climate change, the student debt crisis, and health-care on the line, young people still don’t show up. According to Sunshine Hillygus, a political scientist at Duke University who studies election behavior, many high school civics classes fail to properly prepare the youth for the voting process, and the topic of politics is often avoided in today’s high school classrooms. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever for young people to stay up to date on issues dominat-
ing the political conversation. Almost every senator and state representative is on Twitter, and websites like Tweet Congress make it easy to see what important issues Republicans and Democrats are discussing. Young people may feel that the government doesn’t have their best interests in mind. If we want elected officials who stand up for what we believe in, we have to tell them what we believe. Show up. Show up. Show up. On election day, at rallies, and protests. Show up to show that you care, and make your voice heard.
October April 6, 2020 16, 2018
www.ChargerBulletin.com
E N T ESRTA I NSM E N T P O RT
Celebrities affecting the views of COVID-19 BY TIARA STARKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
T
he pandemic knows no boundaries. Celebrities such as Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson contracted the virus, though both have recovered. Idris Elba posted on Twitter that he tested positive, as well. According to CNN, Elba told Oprah that he felt fine, and later
he tweeted that he only had a headache and body aches. A few other celebrities who’ve tested positive include Daniel Dae Kim, Charlotte Lawrence, Colton Underwood, and Andy Cohen from Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” show. With tests in short supply, Cardi B told NBC that celebrities are confusing the public by telling people they have COVID-19 without having any symptoms. “But if a celebrity is saying,”
said Cardi B, “‘Hey, listen. I don’t have any symptoms. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling healthy. I don’t feel like nothing, but I went and got tested and I’m positive for the coronavirus,’ that causes confusion.” She said all of this in a video that has been viewed millions of times. Cardi B also told NBC that celebrities are getting their results right away because of their celebrity status, while everyone else must wait days.
Page 11 13
Stuck at Home BY JADA CLARKE STAFF WRITER
T
he last month has been very hectic for the community. The Charger Bulletin would like to treat you from the comfort of your home. This compilation has been curated to take your mind off of what’s happening in the world. “Radio” by Lana Del Rey Lana Del Rey released her hit album “Born to Die” back in 2012. Her song discusses how people come back into your life for the worst reasons. The album was number thirty-one on Billboard’s 100 Greatest Albums of the 2010s “Ribs” by Lorde Growing up and having more responsibility is intimidating for any young adult. Lorde defines her struggles and fears of becoming an adult. This song is a good reminder that getting older does not mean you have to give up the things you enjoyed in your childhood. “A Little More” by Catie Turner This song perfectly describes my feelings when all students had to return home and leave campus. The lyric “wish we had just a little more time” summarizes the entire experience. The song talks about the best moments of childhood- being able to hang out with your friends and not having to worry about anything else. “3005” by Childish Gambino During quarantine, it’s easy to feel isolated from the people you love the most. Childish Gambino describes how his thoughts can get the best of him, leading to existential feelings. It’s important to remember that your friends will always be right by your side. “Wait a Minute!” by WILLOW Every time I hear this song I want to dance around my bedroom! Willow Smith talks about leaving behind all of her worries. She does not feel judgment or fear from the world around her. If you’re stressed about our new reality this is the perfect distraction. “Little League” by Conan Gray Conan Gray released his new album “Kid Krow” in late March. The entire album discusses what kind of person he’s been throughout his life. “Little League” brings back the nostalgia of being young. Conan longs for his youth now that he knows what adult life is like. The album is already the “Biggest New Artist Debut of 2020” according to Republic Records. “Sunflower, Vol. 6” by Harry Styles This song always lifts my spirits no matter what mood I’m in. It has a relaxing Caribbean beat that has me wishing for the summertime. Throughout the melody, Harry reflects on the past and realizes he has to live in the present. He cannot stay stuck in the past or else he wouldn’t feel excited towards the future. “Burn The House Down” by AJR Do you ever feel like the media declares the wrong information? This song argues that people should be independent and form their own opinions. If you think that there is injustice in the world you need to stand up against it. Fighting for what you believe in can make a change in your own community.