August 31, 2020

Volume 102, Issue 1

August 31, 2020

West Haven, Conn.

THE

CHARGER BULLETIN

The student news source of the University of New Haven.

A NEW REALIT Y FOR CHARGERS

Students return to the university amid COVID-19 pandemic Story on pg 10

Photo Courtesy of Hunter Lang, Photography Editor

The Charger Bulletin

@ChargerBulletin

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August 31, 2020

BU 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

Fall of the movie theater industry

Page 6 Kamala Harris -- A demographic shift

Page 7 Fall sports preview

Page 8

ChargerBulletin@newhaven.edu | www.ChargerBulletin.com office: 203.932.7182 Our office is located on the second floor of 46 Ruden Street, Room 202.

Editor-in-Chief Kayla Mutchler Managing Editor Amanda M. Castro Student Life Editor Beth Beaudry Sports Editor Joe Klaus Entertainment Editor Tiara Starks Opinion Editor Kristen Marcus Multimedia Editor Jada Clarke Associate Editor for Photography Hunter Lang Associate Editor for Graphic Design Christopher Colquhoun Advertising Manager Hannah Providence Associate Editor for Videography Nick Meaney Community Engagement Editor Victoria Cagley

LGBTQ+ students speak out

To view previous issues, go to issuu.com/chargerbulletin

Page 10 Campus life re-imagined

Page 12

10 ways to make the most of your semester

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.

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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 chargerbulletinads@gmail.com. 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 Monday’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.

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August 31, 2020

NEWS

Page 3

Welcome, Chargers, to this strange, new year

BY KAYLA MUTCHLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Members of the University of New Haven community, My name is Kayla Mutchler, and I am the Charger Bulletin editor-in-chief for the 2020-2021 school year. I am a junior, communication major concentrating in journalism. As I write, I am sitting in the Ruden Street office, the computer is barely working and we’re in the middle of a pandemic -- but I remain hopeful knowing what is to come. I am honored to lead this enthusiastic group of writers and content creators.

I joined the newspaper in the spring of my freshman year, writing mainly entertainment articles. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was appointed to be the entertainment editor, and I loved it. In that one semester, I learned much about leadership while improving my writing and editing skills. The semester after, I passed on the position when I left to study abroad in Italy -- then got sent home. I was devastated, but just as my sadness kicked in, happiness overwhelmed me when I found out that I was appointed editor-in-chief for this school year.

I cannot wait to see what the Charger Bulletin accomplishes. From our editorial leaders to the freshmen I met at the involvement fair and everyone in between, these students are ready. I am grateful to hold this position and work with some amazing people, including my lovely managing editor, Amanda M. Castro, and our advisor, Susan Campbell.

Pictured: Kayla Mutchler Editor-in-Chief

Though the odds seem against us for 2020, we, as Chargers, will make it through -- and the Charger Bulletin will be your student news source through all of it.

Grand opening of The Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation

BY HANNAH PROVIDENCE ADVERTISING MANAGER

T

he new Bergami Center for Science Technology and Innovation’s grand unveiling took place virtually on Tuesday, August 25. The grand opening honors a momentous occasion in the University’s 100 year history, and Sam Bergami’s 76th birthday, whom the building is named after.

Steven Kaplan -- University President -- honored Mr. Bergami in his speech. “Sam Bergami is a remarkable human being, he’s generous, he’s compassionate, he’s highly intelligent… and he’s a well-rounded person,” President Kaplan said.

He also explained that Mr. Bergami never obtained his undergraduate degree before asking to be admitted to the University of New Haven’s Executive MBA program on the basis of his work experience.

“He was the second to last person to be admitted to the program under those circumstances, and what a great decision that was” President Kaplan expressed.

The philanthropy of Sam and Lois Bergami is represented in the Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation.

President Kaplan said that the building is in honor of Mr. Bergamil’s goals to help others and improve humanity.

“In these uncertain times we are facing, what gives me great confidence in the future of these students are future leaders who will undoubtedly leave their mark on the world,” Sam Bergami said in the center’s tribute video.

The new Bergami Center features several amenities dedicated to enhancing student learning and career development. Tiara Starks ’22, a communication major, is looking forward to using the new communication studio’s high-end equipment to “help her build a portfolio and

ignite her career.”

The center also features several open areas where students can “collaborate with each other in ways [they] can’t even imagine,” Starks said.

The atrium, called Hazell Commons, will feature huddle rooms where students can meet in small groups, or use as a quiet study space.

There is also a resource zone near the Bucknall Family Cafe where students can meet with faculty and staff. The Peterson Auditorium -- located on the third floor -- seats up to 120 stuThe Bergami Center Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang

dents, has full cinema function, and 3D capabilities.

Glass walls provide an openview of the center’s Schuab Makerspace from the connected Buckman Hall, where engineering labs and classrooms are located.

“This building was designed for students,” Starks says. This statement echoes the testimony of Sam Bergami, who contributed so generously to this building because he is, “continually impressed by [the students’] dedication, their ambitious goals, and their drive to make a difference.”

President Kaplan said the

mission of this center is to “drive innovation and science.”

The virtual event yesterday highlighted that mission with a special guest, Michio Kaku, who ended the night with a few words.

Dr. Kaku is a well-renowned physicist, a New York Times best-selling author, and a school teacher. He closed out the event with an enlightening lecture on the future of civilization and the future of humanity.

Dr. Kaku discussed the many facets of human life in which robots and machines can improve, from virtual lawyers (who know the laws under several different countries and jurisdictions), to new cinema experiences (where you can physically feel the feelings actors portray).

He ended with a message congratulating the university’s students.

“There is one job that robots cannot perform... a job requiring innovation, creativity, leadership, analysis, and planning… you are winners.”

August 31, 2020

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Page 4

The fall of the movie theater industry: How large movie theater franchises are trying to bounce back a crucial question on everyone’s

BY TIARA STARKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

S

mind: Will anyone even want to go out? Because of popular streaming services such as HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, movie distribution and

tudent feedback Since

the start of COVID-19, life

release dates have shifted to

has changed for movie theater

account for increased in-home

goers. With different states reg-

content viewership.

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo had

ulating how indoor experiences happen, large movie theater

stated his concern for reopening

chains had to quickly adapt to

theaters.

the impact of the worsening

“I am sure there is a whole

spread of the virus both nation-

group of people who say, ‘I

ally and internationally.

cannot live without going to the movies,’” said Cuomo. “But on

One of the largest theater

a relative scale, a movie theater

chains in the U.S., AMC, has tried to counteract the sudden change by providing 15-cent tickets for the U.S. Circuit relaunch, recalling the cost of attending a movie at the chain’s first Kansas City location in 1920. However, this type of deal is only available at the specific locations that are allowed to reopen. For example, a majority of AMC’s Michigan locations

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

won’t be reopening anytime soon under the state order provided by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer who extended the COVID-19 emergency through Sept. 4.

While AMC’s U.S. circuit has been closed, its international movie theaters have resumed limited operations and are

expected to completely open by

worst financial quarter since its

is less essential and poses a high

the end of this month, according

founding in 1920.

risk. Movie theaters are not that

to The Star.

Currently, around 300 addi-

high on the list of essentials.”

In a historic move, Universal

tional AMC locations country-

Though, in small towns like

Pictures and AMC have agreed

wide are expected to open over

Schenectady, NY, these movie

to shorten the exclusive theatri-

the following two weeks ahead

houses act as tourist attractions

cal release time down from 90

of major theatrical releases such

and contribute to the town’s

to 17 days before films could be

as Warner Bros.’ “Tenet” on

cultural relevance.

debuted on streaming services.

Sept. 3. These theaters are ex-

For theater chains, hosting

pected to operate at reduced ca-

we’re going to lose the rest of

opening releases serve as a

pacity in compliance with state

the 2020 calendar,” said Jim

crucial factor in driving revenue

and local health restrictions.

Masher, president of the Theater

for their companies and since

Along with regularly enforced

Owners Association and COO

AMC is considered a top player,

social distancing standards,

of Bow Tie Cinemas.

this type of loss will incur a

masks will be required for all

So, the question still stands,

heavy weight on their upcoming

employees and patrons. Food

will the movie theater industry

quarter.

and drinks at the concession

survive the financial impact

stands will be available and sold

and be able to restructure post-

has taken a financial hit during

at reduced pricing through the

COVID-19, or will it fall victim

the pandemic as the company

month of October.

to the onslaught of streaming

Because of the virus, AMC

reported a half a billion dollar

Aside from the companies

loss in the second quarter of

promising these health and

2020, making it the company’s

safety regulations, there is still

“If we don’t open soon

services?

August 31, 2020

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Page 5

The move from theater to tablet: How traditional theater viewing has changed

BY TIARA STARKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

B

ecause of COVID-19, Broadway theaters have been tentatively shut down through January 2021 amid New York’s Phase 2 reopening plan, which prompted other theaters to go “dark “ all across the country.

These shutdowns have had a negative impact on an entire artistic field. Theaters have had to move quickly to finalize agreements to allow productions to be seen online through streaming services.

Video-conferencing services,

such as Zoom, are being used to provide students and performers an alternative to perform on a digital platform. Theater artists are having to adapt to these changes by facing these challenges head on. With that, the commercial theater industry is adapting too. Streaming companies are offering a chance to take theater to the next level by offering shows to be seen on their platforms, allowing for more accessibility for fans to view upcoming shows.

Netflix has agreed to a deal with the producers of the upcoming production of “Diana,” to stream the musical ahead of its opening on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre on May 25,

2021. The show is based on the life and death of England’s most respected royal, Princess Diana.

This will star Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles and Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth.

“Though there is no substitute for the live theater, we are honored to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide,” said the producers of “Diana” in a joint statement.

While the news of the upcoming performance is gratifying for fans across the world, Netflix hasn’t released a date for its screen debut.

Based on the reactions of

“Hamilton” being released on Disney’s newest streaming service, Disney Plus, there is a trend of theater productions heading for the screen and especially classic performances.

Playbill has published an article ahead of the streaming releases of three classic stage performances, “Present Laughter,” “Carousel,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”

The Muny Theater, St. Louis Missouri’s most prominent amphitheater, had recently streamed clips from previous productions of their last seven seasons. These clips were part of “The Muny Summer 2020 Variety Hour Live!” on YouTube from July 22 to Aug. 17.

The Muny had previously never been able to share those shows publicly, a first for the historic landmark.

However, in a post-COVID world, one can’t help but wonder if streaming theater will affect how productions are produced, marketed, distributed, and even creatively developed for the future. It wouldn’t completely shock audiences to see companies and production teams start offering virtual tickets in addition to in-person tickets.

Graphic courtesy of Christopher Colquhoun

August 31, 2020

POLITICS

Page 6

Kamala Harris—A possible step toward a demographic shift

BY KAYLA MUTCHLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I

n an Aug. 11 announcement, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden named Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate, making her the first Black female vice presidential candidate. If the ticket wins, Harris will also be the youngest Democratic party leader in office.

Opinion With all other heads of the Democratic party in the White House, Senate, and House older than 70, Harris, 55, could be the youngest by 15 years. If she is elected, Harris could be the next step in closing the generational age-gap between Democratic voters and elected officials.

In 2018, the nation’s median age was 38.2. As of 2019, the average age of House Demo-

Kamala Harris

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

crats was 71; the average age of House Republicans was 53.

Harris has attributes that are the first of their kind for someone elected vice president.

Harris is biracial — her mother is an Indian immigrant and her father is Jamacian. This could be appealing to younger, multiracial voters.

According to a Brookings Institution study, for the first time in American history, white people make up less than half of the population under 16.

Although people under 16 will not vote in this election, Harris’ multicultural background can still be appealing for voters over the age of 18, specifically those who come from immigrant parents, are immigrants themselves, or are multicultural.

Harris would also be the first woman ever elected vice president. Theoretically, if Biden were to one day become unfit for president, Harris would become president. This would also

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

make her the first female president and first female president of the BIPOC community. This could be appealing to female voters or anyone that wants to see a woman in office.

Harris’ views range across the political scale, which could help or harm Biden’s attempt at presidency.

Since Harris is a Democrat, she agrees with many party policies, such as the ban on assault weapons, fewer limits on abortions, repealing the statute on illegal entry into the U.S., legalizing marijuana, decreasing military spending, and more.

However, Harris does not have many right-leaning views nor many far-left views. This could be unappealing to moderate, right-leaning voters or liberal voters.

Harris is an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement.

At the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, Harris said during her speech, “There is no vaccine for racism.”

“We have got to do the work for George Floyd, for Breanna Taylor, for the lives of too many others to name, for our children, and for all of us,” said Harris.

However, some far-left voters and Black Lives Matter supporters denounce Harris for her previous work as a prosecutor, San Francisco district attorney, and a California attorney general.

Cat Brooks, a Califor-

nia-based organizer and former Democratic Socialists of America candidate for Oakland mayor, criticized Harris for her reactions to police violence. She said, “I’m not a fan of how she treated families of victims of police violence.

“I’m frustrated that once again, as a Black woman, I do not get to walk into the voting booth excited, and I have to choose the lesser of two evils,” said Brooks.

But, according to Janet Napolitano, the former Arizona governor and Homeland Security secretary, Harris is “not of the far left of the party, she’s a former prosecutor. And when you’re a prosecutor, you have to make some tough calls.”

The general election is Nov. 3.

For information on registering to vote, visit usa.gov.

August 31, 2020

Page 7

S P O RT S

Power 5 conferences set precedents for other schools amid pandemic

BY JOE KLAUS SPORTS EDITOR

A

s schools begin to return to campus for their respected fall semesters, all eyes are on Power 5 conferences, the Big Ten, South Eastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coastal Confer-

ence (ACC), Big 12 and the Pac 10 as to what they going to do and potentially set as a precedent for smaller conferences.

The Power 5 consist of the largest conferences and the biggest schools which set a precedent that most conferences follow. However, many questions are looming and the divide of the 5 does not help matters.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Earlier this month, the Pac-12 and Big Ten announced that they have postponed all fall athletics while the ACC and SEC stand strong in their desire to play on in the fall. The Big12 stands almost as a swing conference looking to see what the other two do.

Student athletes have taken to social media using the hashtag #WeWantToPlay, protesting their desire to play this fall, and what missing the season means.

For many senior athletes, this is their last season chance to play before they move. For some, this is their chance for scouts to look for them and have a possibility to get drafted to another team.

Several coaches have also made their statements about the decisions and what they feel should take place.

Nick Saban, head football coach at the University of Alabama, said in an interview with ESPN, “I know I’ll be criticized no matter what I say, that I don’t care about player safety. Look, players are a lot safer with us than they are running around at home.”

Some coaches have come out with similar feelings to Saban, while others have expressed their concern about returning to play. Even some players have expressed concern but their voices have been overshadowed by the overwhelming number of student athletes that want to return.

While the Power 5 continue to debate on what to do, other conferences have gone to the side of caution and canceled fall and winter athletics. This includes conferences like the

Ivy League, America East and Atlantic 10 along with our very own conference the North-East 10 Conference.

Some conferences have proposed playing their fall seasons in the spring which only raises the questions of who gets priority if conferences are cramming multiple seasons into the fall.

The NCAA has released the statement that it will grant senior athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the situation at hand. This still raises questions as to what this will mean for schools and scholarships that can be awarded to athletes.

As athletes return to their campuses, there seems to be more questions than answers and they can only hope that answers will come soon.

University of New Haven fall sports preview

BY JOE KLAUS SPORTS EDITOR

A

s students return to campus this fall, there will be two major components that will make this year different than in the past: the lights at Kathy Zolad stadium will not be on for soccer matches and Saturdays will be quiet without football games at Dellacamera.

While games are not being played, that doesn’t mean the athletes aren’t working. Now more than ever those student-athletes have to push themselves harder to stay in shape and be prepared for whenever their seasons start up again.

Many coaches are coordinating what they can and cannot do as a team, with there being new requirements and guidelines they must follow for practices.

While the coaches wait to hear what they have to do, many athletes are going to Kathy Zolad Stadium and holding practices on their own, or to the David Beckerman Recreation Center to work out or run on the indoor track. Others are finding their own ways to prepare for future seasons.

One obstacle that all teams and individuals face is the requirement to wear masks. Many athletes are questioning how they are supposed to condition and practice while wearing a mask, and if that will become a requirement for competition during their seasons.

As the fall continues, the Charger Bulletin will report on what fall teams are doing, how coaches are preparing for their respective seasons once their teams are able to play, and athletes’ thoughts and feelings about the delay.

There is also the looming question that arose last year

about the move from Division 2 to Division 1. How does this delay affect that transition and what, if any, movements are still in the works?

This fall holds more questions than it does answers for not only athletes and coaches, but also for the charger community that loves to support their fellow stu-

dents taking in the competition and living the college life.

This fall, we plan to answer all of these questions and more, as we gain insight towards what is going on in the athletics world during this time.

Kathy Zolad Stadium Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang

August 31, 2020

STUDENT LIFE

Page 8

LGBTQ+ students speak about campus experience; Lorenzo Boyd describes plans to improve

BY KAYLA MUTCHLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & AMANDA M. CASTRO MANAGING EDITOR

C

ampus-related events that occurred over the summer have led students and on-campus organizations to speak out about what they describe as offensive treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. With the hire of chief diversity officer and vice president for diversity and inclusion, Lorenzo Boyd, some campus members remain hopeful that improvement will occur.

Prior to the events, the university announced the internal hire of Boyd, who said he plans to use his new position to improve relations and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.

On July 25, the day of the university’s virtual commencement ceremony, students took to social media to react to the university’s “deadnaming” of graduated forensic science major, Wren Ford, during the ceremony.

Deadnaming, according to Merriam-Webster, is the process of using “the name that a transgender person was given at birth and no longer uses upon transitioning.”

Following a flood of angry comments, the university issued a statement that said, in part, “We sincerely regret that this took place, and we take full responsibility for this error. We will be reaching out directly to the impacted student to extend our apologies. We understand how hurtful this is to the impacted student and the entire LGBTQ+ community.”

In an interview, Ford said that

they were notified by a friend via a Snapchat screenshot of Ford’s graduation slide with their deadname, much to their surprise.

“I was kind of hoping it was going to be ignored,” said Ford.

“Then, I remembered graduation is going to be seen by every student, and their families, and their friends, and the whole university community because it was online.”

As for their reaction to deadnaming: “I guess it was mildly surreal,” said Ford. “I had been going by Wren for about two years now, and even faculty members I had never told were completely normal with it.

“I saw, like, comments that were, like, ‘Well if you’re upset about it, then leave,’” said Ford, “and if you’re upset at someone else’s feelings, then you’re missing the point.”

“There’s always room to grow when it comes to, like, learning and educating others about the LGBT community,” said Lilyan Lauzon, President of PRIDE (People Rejoicing in Diversity Everywhere) “and if anything I think [the university] should be doing more of that.”

The university corrected Ford’s graduation slide days after the virtual commencement.

After speaking with Boyd, some students say they have already seen improvements, while others are wary of his hire.

Juan Hernández, former director of the campus Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, said the center offers a minimum of four workshops a semester, including Safe Zone 101, “where we specifically focus on anything and everything LGBTQIA related -- including what a deadname is, including with the transgender experience can be like on a campus like ours.”

Hernández said that Safe Zone training is not mandatory for staff and faculty, but they have the option to sign up and participate.

“Most of the time,” said Hernández, “we’ll have, like, one or two people sign up, and for an interactive workshop, that’s not enough.”

Adam McPhillips, president of SPECTRA (Sexuality, Pride, Education, Change, Truth, Respect, Advocacy) and executive assistant of PRIDE, said he’d like to see such training be mandatory.

Prior to leaving the university, Hernández said he planned to hold meetings and tablings throughout the year as an atAn LGBTQ+ pride flag Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

tempt to increase diversity and visibility for LGBTQ students on campus.

Lauzon said she would like to see students involved in the hiring process for the new director of the Myatt Center.

“I think it would be helpful if during the hiring process, for that position, students who are directly affected by the Myatt Center are a part of the appointment process, if that be in a form of a focus group for the interviews and to allow student thoughts to be heard on the potential applicant,” she said.

On July 22, PRIDE and SPECTRA hosted a “Problems LGBT+ Students Face at UNewHaven Discussion’’ Zoom event, which Boyd joined.

“He told us he was working on stuff,” said McPhillips. “He was talking to people to see what he can do and how he can start helping us.”

McPhillips said he was pleased to see Boyd reached out.

In an interview with the Charger Bulletin, Boyd said his plans begin with a two-fold training process through human resources for employees, and one through the Myatt Center for students. However, because of the pandemic, he does not know how soon that will begin.

Boyd said he is also redesigning the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access)

Maxcy Hall

Photo courtesy of The Charger Bulletin

Council with the new dean of students and chief of student affairs, Ophelie Rowe-Allen. He said he would be able to bring the council’s ideas to the vice president’s office directly.

McPhillips said that there needs to be better communication with the offices, and Boyd agreed.

Boyd said he is also working with associate vice president and chief facilities officer, Lou Annino, to increase the number of gender-inclusive bathrooms on campus.

“Students that are transitioning, if they need a gender neutral bathroom, for them to have to walk past two or three other buildings is not fair to them,” said Boyd.

As for deadnaming a graduate, Boyd said: “When I hear that people are pained -- not just students, but people, in general -- the one thing that I keep preaching to anyone that will listen, before we can move forward, we have to acknowledge people’s pain.”

Boyd also said that the university can improve and prevent such an incident happening again.

“The big thing is there’s a lot of people that don’t understand the concept,

Continued on pg. 9

August 31, 2020

Student experiences

STUDENT LIFE

Page 9

Changes to the centennial celebrations

Continued from pg. 8 and they don’t know what it means, and they don’t know why people are upset about it,” Boyd said. “So, an information campaign is huge, just like letting people know. And a lot of times when I explain to people, you see the little light bulb come up and they’re like, ‘Oh! OK.’” “It’s not just enough to say ‘oh, you were deadnamed, my mistake, that was an accident, I’m sorry,’” said Boyd. “The next thing is this happened, how then do we fix it? Because it’s about being restorative.”

Lauzon said the university is addressing problems, apologizing for them, and moving forward with their community.

“The university is improving, overall, the relationship with the LGBT+ community,” said Lauzon, “and it does feel that their outreach and the things they’re planning to do with us is more sincere, and it will be helpful for students in that community.”

Boyd plans to build a Student Advisory Center for the university with RSOs. He said that organizations like USGA, NAACP, and College Republicans should have a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

“When people understand the lived experience of others, they are more likely to empathize, and it’s the othering of people that’s problematic,” said Boyd.

“When we start to see everybody as Chargers -- the diversity of Chargers -- I think that’ll be helpful.”

“The best thing that we can do is to be open and willing to start those conversations so we can help each other best support each other and educate each other,” said Lauzon LGBTQ+ students can use the link in SPECTRA’s Instagram bio for resources; the counseling center suggests reaching out to PRIDE, SPECTRA, CAPS, or the Myatt Center in seeking help or guidance.

BY BETH BEAUDRY STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

T

his year marks a milestone for the University of New Haven. The university was founded in 1920, making 2020 its centennial. In order to celebrate the university’s 100 year anniversary, there were events planned for the 2020 spring and fall semester. However, when campus closed last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the spring centennial events were postponed or made virtual. When Founders Day was made virtual for the Spring 2020 semester, President Kaplan spoke about still celebrating the university during the pandemic.

He said, “We’re all going through some very difficult times. We want us all to pull together, demonstrate our unity, demonstrate our tenacity and perseverance as Chargers.”

Now that students are back on campus, the university has found new ways to celebrate the centennial while still abiding by the new COVID-19 policies.

On Aug. 25 there was a virtual grand opening of the Bergami Center. Some students were invited to attend.

Following the virtual ceremony, theoretical physics professor and author Dr. Michio Kaku gave a speech to the students.

The Centennial Ball is now a virtual event for Oct. 3. There will still be a student showcase, entertainment, and a live auction. The goal of the Centennial Ball is not only to celebrate the university, but also to raise money for the Charger Challenge Campaign.

Vice president for university advancement, Stephen Morin said, “We passed that $100 million goal 18 months early and raised the campaign goal

The centennial logo

Graphic courtesy of University of New Haven/ Christopher Colquhoun

to $120 million. We have now passed that goal as well.”

“With the additional grants that have come in to support the University’s research and programs, UNH has attracted more than $150 million now,” Morin said.

To attend the Centennial Ball, students must request an invitation.

As for homecoming, Morin said, “Despite the fact that we will not be playing sports this fall, Sheahon Zenger, our athletic director, and Heather Alpaugh, our director of alumni relations are teaming up to create even greater virtual programming for the entire UNH community to engage in.’

“We will, most likely, move the date of Homecoming to Saturday, November 21st, to allow additional time to plan,” said Morin It is noted on the centennial page that all events are still subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Along with hosting events, the university is using the centennial page to spread Charger pride.

The page offers a timeline on the university’s history and the success of alumni from around the world that represent the university. This page also allows faculty, students, and alumni to share their stories about the university and speak on the importance of celebrating the centennial.

Samuel S. Bergami Jr., a member of the University of New Haven board of governors, wrote a statement about the centennial. He and his wife, Lois

Bergami funded the Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation that opened during the centennial year.

“We want to give the next generation the same opportunity to achieve their own dreams and change the world,” Bergami said. “We want the University to continue to be an institution that truly changes lives — one that will shine even more brightly in its second century than it has in its first.”

August 31, 2020

STUDENT LIFE

Page 10

Campus life re-imagined

BY BETH BEAUDRY STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

T

o prevent the spread of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus, the university has placed restrictions on campus living and activities. These restrictions enforce social distancing and limit the amount of people in one area.

While these restrictions are essential for student safety, it is a large adjustment compared to the typical, social campus life that students are used to. These new restrictions especially change how students interact in the resident halls.

The Dean of Students office sent the “Campus Life Re-Imagined: COVID-19 Student Directives” to all students, a document that stated all changes and required students read and sign before coming to campus.

The document said that students can visit resident halls outside of their own, but are unPhoto courtesy of Hunter Lang

able to enter any private rooms.

Students are only allowed in the public common space of residence halls, and must wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Commuter students and non-university residents are not permitted in residence halls at all.

“No guests (other than immediate family) are permitted on campus at this time,” said the document.

“Family visits are permitted during traditional business hours and can only take place in open areas outside of all buildings.”

Other changes include an increase of security in residence halls. Security and resident assistants (R.A.s) will be at the front desk from noon until when the R.A.s get off duty. Students have to sign into their residence hall starting at noon and until the R.A.s are off duty. There is a new limit where only one student can be in the elevator at a time.

All violations will be documented and sent to the Dean of Students Office. Not only does residential staff have the ability to report a violation, but

students can now anonymously report each other for violating a COVID-19 restriction. Students who are reported face the possibility of being put on probation, or being suspended or expelled.

The COVID-19 directives said,“Office of Residential Life staff and contracted security staff members stationed inside all residential halls will be checking University identification, COVID-19 compliance status, and student status via the CoVerified app to ensure students are cleared to be on campus and are in compliance with the visitor policy rules.”

Junior clinical and community psychology major Angie Raysor, believes that these regulations and disciplinary actions are necessary. She said, “I truly hope that the students here follow the new policies.”

Raysor said that some students aren’t considerate of those who may have relatives who are at risk to the virus, or who may be at risk themselves.

She said, “All it takes is one person to mess it up for the whole university.”

Raysor said, “I know I want

to hang out with my friends, it’s just a matter of doing it respectfully and following the rules taken place to protect us. I want to be here too. I want to have fun too. But not at the expense of everyone’s and my health.”

However, with how close students come in contact with each other and the social expectations that students have for college life, there are concerns about students breaking these policies or having the isolation affect their mental health.

Senior, Jordan Bernard, Gerber Hall R.A. said, “Students like to be together and hang out with their friends. I’m mostly concerned about clusters of students hanging out in common spaces too close together.”

“Also, the guest policy will

be hard for students, especially first years because they want to make friends and have the ‘college experience,’” said Bernard.

Bernard said, “I explain to students that in order to stay healthy, safe, and on campus for the duration of the semester everyone has to do their part.”

According to residential staff, students should frequently check MyCharger for policy changes, as they may change depending on CDC updates and the state of student health throughout the semester.

Social distancing guidelines outside of WOW and Moe’s Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang

11August

31, 2020

STUDENT LIFE

Page 11

“It’s all about the students:” What University of New Haven professors think about returning to campus

BY AMANDA M. CASTRO MANAGING EDITOR

P

rofessors at universities across the country have been expressing their concerns about their return to campus amid the coronavirus. However, at the University of New Haven, professors say they are looking forward to returning for a slightly different semester, although some are equally uneasy about their and their family’s health.

Universities nation-wide say on their websites they devoted to making reopenings as safe as possible, with measures that include required COVID-19 testing for all students planning to return to campus, increased remote classes, required face masks at all times, and more virtual meetings and events.

Mario Gaboury, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced the university’s plan for the fall in a July 27 email.

Although there has been a flood of professors across the country saying they rather not step foot on campus until there is a semi-permanent solution to the coronavirus, UNH professors are not that concerned with returning to campus.

Michael French, practitioner in residence in the health sciences department, says he feels “cautiously optimistic” about his return to campus this semester.

“I appreciate the administration supporting the faculty and the staff and trying to uphold safety, but also I think it’s supportive of the students as well to keep them safe,” said French.

“Most of what’s happening right now isn’t going to be solved by one person or one group. It’s going to take an effort from ev-

erybody and the policies that are put in place are going to allow for everybody to do their part more easily.”

According to Kristen Przyborski, director of the university’s common course, administration has done a great job keeping professors informed and trying to keep the campus community safe.

“I think the COVID-19 task force really has done such an amazing amount of work this summer,” said Przyborski. “I give so much credit to all of them. I think there’s a lot for them to worry about.”

French agreed, saying, “The administration has been great at keeping us in the loop on everything that we’re going to need and making sure we’re empowered to handle possible negative situations if they were to arise, but also making sure that we have access to what we need to do our jobs safely.”

As for worries about contracting the virus, professors say that they are concerned, but that it’s normal to feel this way.

“The worry is always there,” said French. “There’s no way to be risk exempt right now. It’s balancing those risks, trying to feel as comfortable and safe as you can, putting trust in those measures in your students and other faculty members and everything else.”

Przyborski says she is not fearful of returning to campus in the fall but will “minimize my time on campus as much as I can.”

On another hand, some professors find themselves concerned about returning to campus, such as history professor April Yoder, who is worried about her health and her husband’s health as he is in the high-risk category. She has chosen to teach remotely through the fall semester.

“It’s mostly a fear of con-

University flag outside of Bergami Hall Photo courtesy of The Charger Bulletin

tracting COVID because my husband has a heart condition,” said Yoder. “I’m also actually hoping that I’ll be pregnant by the time school starts, so there’s that too. I’ve been doing fertility treatments for the last year, so if I got pregnant and then something happened because of COVID, I would be pretty pissed.”

The professors also believe that the university is doing the right thing by keeping classes online, hybrid, or in-person.

However, there is also concern for students.

“For this semester, it’s harder to keep students engaged,” said Yoder. “Both students and faculty have to work harder to stay engaged and kind of build a community and keep up with each other. Communication is an extra challenge, and I tried to design my classes with that in mind. There’s also something called ‘Zoom fatigue,’ so I also wanted to avoid that.”

“It’s all about the students,” Przyborski said. “The first two weeks, in particular, we all just really want to make sure we get

everyone in a good routine – it’s all new and different.”

“I think with everything in place, as long as we all adhere to the procedures,” said French, “we can do this as safely as anything else in our lives right now – as safely as going to the grocery store or as socially distanced seating at a restaurant.

Not everyone feels comfortable going to a restaurant right now and that’s okay, that’s why we’re also offering a ton of online classes.”

Universities nationwide have had to shut down and hold fully remote class sessions within weeks or days of reopening because of a surge in COVID-19 cases on their campuses.

Yoder said that she thinks it will be difficult to get full cooperation from the campus community, “I hope we stay open, but I think it’s going to be hard.”

French, however, thinks that the fact that Connecticut has had fewer cases recently will allow for the university to remain open and operational throughout the semester.

“You look around the nation right now,” said French, “and

you see how many universities have tried to open and needed to close and that can be disheartening, but when you look, you see that not only were those states further behind than we are in terms of their general numbers because their universities didn’t have the same policies that we have about masks on campus and other ways of protecting ourselves through social distancing.”

Przyborski also thinks that the university and its task force have taken the necessary steps to ensure a safe return to campus and to prevent any campus closures but thinks that the university should implement more testing.

“It’s very difficult for anybody to have the money,” she said, “and just the logistics that come with testing such a huge amount of people. I wish that we can find our way through that just so we can test more frequently. But I 100% think that they are doing everything they can and that they’re incredibly competent.”

“2020 is not a year of certainty,” said French about the university’s efforts, “but our policies are encouraging.”

August 31, 2020

OPINIONS

Page 12

10 ways to make the most out of your semester

BY KRISTEN MARCUS OPINION EDITOR

W

e are going through a lot of changes on campus due to the pandemic, but now that we are back together on campus - socially distant - that does not mean that we still won’t have a great time. Here are 10 ways and/or things to do while you’re here to become an overall better student.

1. Meet new people! This may seem a bit difficult due to the campus climate right now, but USGA and CSELO put on great events throughout the semester. This is the best way to interact with juniors and seniors, and meet so many influential people like student leaders, faculty and staff on

campus. You could potentially meet people who you could be friends with for the rest of your life by attending office and RSO events. Download Corq! This app contains all of the activities happening on campus.

2. Attend class and engage.

It’s what you’re here for and that is one of the most - if not the most - important things in your life right now. These classes will help you discover if you’re in the right major, explore different interests you might have before declaring a major, and expose you to new interests.

3. Dress up for class every now and then. Usually, the first week of classes students dress nice and the week after it’s back to ‘chill and comfy’ clothes.

When you look good, you feel good, and your energy will shine through your mask!

4. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help. This

campus community is unlike any other - we want everyone to be comfortable at the university and have a great four years here.

We are here to help each other grow into the best person they can be, and that can’t be done without asking for help.

5. Venture out with new music to help you study and get your work done. There are millions of songs you have yet to hear but we are stuck listening to our favorite songs, and that may leave us distracted. Pick an artist that you only know a few songs from and pick an album you haven’t heard before. Since these are songs you haven’t heard, you can’t lose focus on the task you need to accomplish, and along the way you can find more music to love.

6. Worry about the present.

You can’t change your last test grade but you can focus on the next. Sometimes, we can get caught up in our losses, but wins

will come. Just keep your head up!

7. Stay organized. Classes and co-curricular activities can get mixed up with everything you have got going on in your school and personal life. Invest in a planner - they are inexpensive and some are customizable.

The Center for Student Success often gives out free planners, and the campus bookstore always has some available for purchase.

8. Be accountable and set goals. Whether you want to make the dean’s list, get into the honor society, or make a commitment to go to the gym, make sure you are actually putting your mind to it. You could even make a vision board and manifest those wins. Put in that work!

9. Read the news. You look on your phone everyday to see what people are posting on Snapchat or Instagram but not on what is happening on a larger scale in the world around us.

Try reading a few news articles everyday to become a more

Graphic courtesy of Christopher Colquhoun

informed and well-rounded student. The Charger Bulletin is the student run newspaper for the University of New Haven.

Our writers write about so many diverse topics, including on and off campus events, mainstream media, student experiences, sports, and more! We are always looking for writers, so join us!

10. Make time for yourself.

Our well being is the most important thing, and we can get caught up in not taking care of ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. So, if things can get a bit overwhelming, take a step back and do something you love. Although I mentioned numerous times to socialize, we all need our alone time.

August 31, 2020

Page 13

OPINIONS The pros and cons to COVID campus life

BY KRISTEN MARCUS OPINION EDITOR

C

ampus life as we know it is drastically different now. We’re wearing masks all day (with good reason) and have to walk through an actual maze to eat in the dining halls.

In addition to that, students are put into groups to attend class, on alternating days; remembering which group you’re in on that specific day for all of your hybrid classes can be a struggle.

So, here are some pros and cons to our new way of learning Graphic courtesy of Christopher Colquhoun

and experiences on campus.

For those who do not know, online asynchronous classes are remote classes with no set time for meeting. This gives the student greater flexibility but presents some challenges for students who need a set class schedule to get things done.

Online synchronous classes are run during a scheduled time. This is great for having a set schedule that you can stick to and be accountable for. I’m not sure if there is a bad one for this. This semester has a lot more options for online classes, which is always good.

The university prides itself on experiential learning, and their biggest sell was the study abroad programs they have

throughout the school year. Obviously, those programs aren’t operating currently, but what events and programs can run for those interested in this kind of experiential learning? Students will still have an opportunity to participate in in-person labs in order to get that hands-on experience for their student research projects, but it could still be underwhelming for the enjoyment of this semester.

I was not sure I was going to enjoy hybrid classes, but as of right now, they’re cool. Meeting with the professor one day and the next being online is great for limiting contact with many of the larger classes I am a part of and could be really effective in keeping the campus COVID-

free.

The safety of everyone on campus is of the utmost importance and I was glad to see that everyone is doing their part in wearing their masks around campus, except for areas where you are permitted to have them off for eating. Even then, when people were finished eating and their friend was not - they still put their mask on.

The school is being proactive in other ways, as well. Different lounges and spaces on campus are taking social distancing seriously by putting up engaging signage to remind students to social distance, with numerous staff members sanitizing the spaces. I’d like to make a big shout out to the COVID Task

Force for implementing these changes.

Having these wellness kits distributed to everyone really assures us that we are on a good path to making strides in lowering the statistics in Connecticut and ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to do their part in keeping campus COVID-free.

This semester is something new that we are all having to navigate through. If we follow the restrictive measures put in place to safeguard our campus, I think we could potentially go back to regular campus life in Spring 2021.