April 6, 2020

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

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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

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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!

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* 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.

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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

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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.