Concordiensis 1/11/24

Concordiensis T H E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R O F U N I O N C O L L E G E S I N C E 1 8 7 7

Volume CLIII Issue IX

Thursday, January 11, 2024

concordiensis.com

How to Apply to Study Abroad Programs Allyson Bennett News Editor

At the end of winter break, applications for all Fall 2024 study abroad programs, one winter 2025 program, and one summer term program, and one summer mini term opened. For this application cycle, students have the opportunity to choose programs in over 10 different countries along with 1 domestic program. To help students prepare for these applications, the Concordiensis has created a guide for how to apply to study abroad programs and information is also available from the International Programs office (intlprograms@union.edu).

First, students must apply two terms before they intend to go abroad. Generally, applications open before the start of that term, and are due at the end of the third Friday of the term at 5 p.m. For the Fall 2024 programs, applications are due on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 5 p.m. Unlike other terms, students can only apply to two fall 2024 study abroad programs, and students must rank them. An evalua-

tive committee of 3 faculty members will review applications for each program, and decision letters will be emailed on February 9, 2024 at around 5 p.m. In general, programs in English speaking countries are more competitive than others, so it’s recommended that students apply to programs early in their academic careers, apply often (don’t wait to apply to go abroad exclusively in your Junior year!), and apply to more than one program and to programs in multiple terms.

In order to be eligible for a study abroad program, students must: be matriculated students at the college, complete two Union classes the term before departure, have a clear account balance, be in good academic and conduct standing, and have an overall GPA of 2.5 or greater. Most programs require a 2.5 overall GPA, but for fall 2024, the Japan, Ireland, and Turkey programs require a 3.0 GPA. The London, England and Lille, France winter 2025 programs require a 2.8 GPA, and the Klemm Fellowship Program requires a 3.2 GPA. If students do not meet these requirements, they may still apply and the

application can be reviewed by the evaluative committee.However, the committee will not be able to accept the student. The student will receive a letter with instructions to request a GPA extension through the Dean of Studies (deanofstudies@union. edu) to raise their GPA.Specific programs may also require prerequisite coursework, such as language classes. Students can only go on a full term abroad once, but there is no limit on the number of mini terms they can go on.

For most full-term programs, students are charged 1/3 of Union’s annual comprehensive fee (tuition and room and board), a $50 health insurance fee, and a $600 excursion fee for faculty-led programs.

Mini-terms cost $$3,900 and includes tuition, room and board. An additional $30 is charged for health insurance, in total $3930, and financial assistance is available. Students on financial aid will still be eligible for the same amount of aid for a fullterm program, but it will not apply to a mini-term program. In addition, students have to budget for airfare, visa, and spending fees, which will not be included in Union’s fee

charges. Students who need additional financial support can contact the financial aid office at finaid@ union.edu to inquire about scholarships and loans. There are also external study abroad scholarships available: the Gilman Scholarship, the Freeman-Asia Scholarship, and the Fund for Education Abroad.Interested students can contact Lynn Evans, Director of Fellowships and Doctoral Pathways, at evansl@union.edu to learn more.

For the application itself, it is recommended that students order passports as soon as possible because the US passport process can take up to 8 weeks currently and can be longer depending on the time of year. Students also have to have academic advisor approval and submit the names and emails of 2-3 faculty or staff members who may be willing to recommend them.

This is because sometimes committees reach out to recommenders to learn more about students.

Students also have to write an essay on why they want to study abroad, which has also been a deciding factor in whether or not they are admitted. Ginny Casper, as-

Study Abroad Applications (open until January 19)

Argentina Australia York, England Rennes, France Greece Ireland Japan Taiwan Turkey (fall, or winter and spring) Vietnam San Francisco (winter 2025) National Health Systems (summer 2024) sistant director of the international programs office is willing to read and provide feedback on a more polished essay draft. . Students can email her at casperr@union. edu before January 16 to receive feedback. It is also recommended that students make an appointment with Jeremy Schmelkin (schmelkj@ See ABROAD on page 2

Union Sees Decrease in Early Applicants for the class of 2028 Allyson Bennett News Editor

On December 19, Union College admitted 1,715 early action (EA) applicants from a pool of 3,173 applications. This figure represents a 6% decrease from the previous EA application season, where 3,371 students applied and 1,995 were admitted. The class of 2028 saw a 54% acceptance rate for Early Action applications, and acceptance packages were sent to students in the mail.

On the contrary, there was an increase in Early Decision 1 (ED1) applications: 216 students applied this year and 120 were admitted, whereas 183 students applied last year and 117 were admitted. 52.5% See DECISION on page 2

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

Table showing different percentages and amounts in the decrease of admitted students and applications to Union for Early Applicants.

We’re beautiful on the inside, too

News. page 2 Ace Hosts Bingo Night

Opinions. page 3 Give Me a Break! Or Don’t!

World. page 4 Japan Stumbles through New Year

Sci-Tech. page 5 Seize Control of Your Data

807 Onion. page 7 The Warping of Time in Winter Term

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NEWS

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

ALLYSON BENNETT, NEWS EDITOR benneta2@union.edu

ABROAD Continued from page 1

union.edu) in the writing center because he specializes in editing study abroad essays. Students can also submit an optional statement on diversity in the application.

In addition, “Joe Johnson, the director of the Writing Center, does have students who have been abroad, and they have some sample essays of what you can look at when thinking about your own essay,” Casper, the assistant director of the international programs office, said.

In terms of essays that got students rejected from programs, Casper remarked that “some of the biggest things that I’ve seen is honestly an unclear statement of purpose and spelling errors. It sometimes feels like I’m still reading the first draft.

And if anything at Union, you learn that you need to rewrite things quite

a bit.”

It is possible that students will not be admitted to their desired study abroad program, and instead be placed on a wait pool. In this case, “We kind of look at it as a year long process,” Casper said.

“Key dates to look at are: when is the committed student date by? We tend to ask students who have been wait pooled to wait at least a few days after this date, because there will be students who do not commit to a program for whatever reason.

We also would like to have students have different options. So it may be if they’re able to go abroad another term, come in and meet with someone in our staff to discuss different programs, because you might find that maybe the fall program wasn’t the best, maybe it was something that’s going to run in the winter or the spring that is a better fit.”

Students have until January 19 to apply for fall 2024 study abroad programs, and students can learn more about them on the interna-

tional programs website. Decision letters will be sent on February 9th and students will have until February 20th to commit to the programs.

Applications for winter break 2024 and winter term 2025 programs will open before the start of the spring term, and spring 2025 program applications will open before the start of fall 2024.

MORE ON THE WEB If you are interested in knowing more about each of the study abroad programs offered, scan the QR Code to access the international programs website to access further details.

DECISION Continued from page 1

of the admitted ED1 applicants identified as female, an increase from 43.6% of admits in the year before. Early Decision 2 applications are ahead of last year’s numbers as well, according to Matt Malatesta ‘91, the Vice President of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment.

Due to the US Supreme Court’s decision banning affirmative action in college admissions, racial demographic data is not available for the admitted students or applicants. However, Union and many other colleges and universities have added optional supplemental essay questions. Applicants have a choice from two essay prompts and can write 100-250 words for either essay. The essay prompts ask: “What does belonging mean to you, and how will you contribute to build-

ing community as a Union student?” and “Describe an experience that pushed you out of your comfort zone. What did that experience teach you about yourself or others, and how will it influence your time at Union?” Previously, the college did not have or require any additional essays aside from the common application essay.

Malatesta believes these supplemental essays may explain the decrease in applicants. “Despite this being an optional question, such supplements tend to suppress application submission. Our Early Action applications were down 6% despite the number of students who had started a Union application in the Common Application system being up over 15%.”

Prospective students have until January 15, 2024 to apply Regular Decision (RD) or Early Decision 2 (ED2). Decision letters will be sent in February for ED2 applicants and March 16 for RD applicants.

ACE Hosts Bingo Night!

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

The winning bingo card options on display. Throughout the night, there were a variety of winning Bingo card combinations for attendees to follow.

Friends enjoying the Bingo Game.

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

Ashlesha Bhagat ‘26 presenting a prize to the crowd. The winners of each Bingo round won a specific prize.

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

Sophia Habler ‘26 and Cole Randall ‘27 calling the numbers for the Bingo cards.

OPINIONS

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

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SOPHIA GLAZIER, OPINIONS EDITOR glaziers@union.edu

In With the New, Out With the Cold: Union’s Remarkably Cold Weather Sophia Glazier Opinions Editor

As I sit here and write, snow falls behind me. It’s the weekend snowstorm that all of Union has been anticipating (and, perhaps, dreading) for the past couple of days now, and it’s finally here. For my first encounter with snowy weather at Union, it’s exciting. White fluff sits piled over half a foot on the tops of cars in the parking lot and outdoor seating all around my dorm building. I’ve always been truly fascinated with the way snow piles up on the bare branches of trees in particular, and we’ve got no shortage of that here at Union. As a first-year, I don’t have a car to scrape off this winter, and it being the weekend, I really have nowhere I need to be, so I can thoroughly enjoy this little winter wonderland—except I don’t.

Not to be a Grinch (though I’m just a couple of weeks late on that joke), but I do have one major issue with the weather this year at Union. It’s simply too cold. I know what you’re thinking: Sophie, you just talked about a snowstorm at Union, of course it’s going to be cold.

But that’s where you’re mistaken.

Even before this snowstorm passed through, it was too cold out. Last Thursday, not a single snowflake could be spotted in the grass or on the surface of an outdoor bench, but the temperature sat at 32°F, just barely freezing, and we were hit with over 25 m.p.h. wind gusts that

made the “feels like” temperature sit at around 20°F. I could hardly hold a conversation without interruptions of “it’s so cold” and other expletives that are less appropriate to include in a school-sanctioned newspaper.

After reading about my gripe with 20°F weather, you may think that I’m not used to this type of weather, or that I’m just a wuss, but you’re wrong about that, too (at least the first part, anyway).

When I’m not here at Union, I live in northern Connecticut, often experiencing weather that isn’t too different from where we are in mid-state New York. From my house to Union, it’s only about a 2-hour drive (I’m lucky, I know), so you’d think that the weather couldn’t be too different between the two. Yet, somehow, I’m the coldest I’ve ever been up here.

Maybe that’s not entirely true, and maybe I’m only suffering because I’ve failed to bring with me the proper outerwear/outer accessories for the winter season, but it’s still pretty dang cold out!

Back in elementary school, let me tell you, I could brave the cold. I belonged to that sub-classification of pre-teen boys who would wear shorts in the dead of winter, and then make a face of disbelief when someone dared to utter the words “it’s cold.” The last time I owned a proper pair of winter boots (NOT including my failed attempt at waterproofing my Uggs in middle school) was when I used to ski back when I was barely even conscious. I didn’t know what frac-

I’ve never seen snow like this in my life!

Sophia Glazier | Concordiensis

tions or semi-colons were, but I knew to wear those big, bulky boots (and I knew how to do a mean pizza stop). Needless to say, I’m not afraid of a little cold weather—Union’s just unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Or, maybe it’s not. Maybe I’ve changed, maybe I’ve gotten

weaker over time, as I’ve started to actually wear pants in cold weather and not resent my mother for making me wear big winter coats to school. Maybe I’m weaker now and it’s really not that bad at Union, but, still, I think it’s pretty cold out.

What if your only option was to stay at Union College and make it your home? at Union is a no-brainer. However, what if you didn’t have that choice?

What if your only option was to stay at Union College and make it your home? This is the reality for myself, along with a handful of Union College students.

Judging from the reactions of shock, horror, and pity upon learning this fact, coming back from break seemingly would be anyone else’s worst nightmare. For me, honestly, it was fine. Of course, a majority of the food services of Union Hospitality being closed, and only Rathskeller being open Monday through Friday was a challenge.

Yet, it wasn’t as horrible as one

Bela Espinoza, ’27 Political Science

The Nott Memorial on a snowy day.

Staying at Union Over Winter Break Consider yourself on the last day of the term before going on break–excited to return home, to meet relatives and friends you haven’t seen since September. You’re looking forward to sleeping in your own bed, and doing your laundry without a timer ticking down the seconds, and people breathing down your neck.

Now imagine that you didn’t have that option—that you didn’t have the opportunity to return home—and had to spend your entire break at Union. What would your reaction be?

It’s safe to think that you’d know the obvious answer: no. Choosing between the option of staying in the comfort of your home and staying

How do U feel about the winter weather this term?

Give Me a Break! Or Don’t: Epephanie Laboy Contributing Writer

WHAT DO U THINK?

may make it out to be, and there is reason to believe it’s simply because we had no choice. Union is our home, whether we like it or not, and we treat it as such.

For me, that’s staying up until 4 a.m. rearranging my side of the room for the millionth time, trying to see what looked the most inviting. For others, it’s buying enough groceries to fill your mom’s cabinet, and cooking with friends stuck in the same situation. It is a common theme.

With that being said, we have to adapt. It’s almost as if it’s common nature to make the best out of what others consider to be the

worst. It genuinely is the only option that some of us have. Adapting is our built-in defense from being depressed, lonely, and rotting in our rooms. I think that’s why a majority of us looking back didn’t hate it so much. In some way, this experience served as a lesson for myself and others in completely different situations—those who could go home over break.

If you take anything from my opinions here, I hope it to be this: learn to appreciate the opportunities you have, recognize those that you don’t, and make the most of each thing that comes your way.

Talk to us!

Concordiensis welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and school-related issues.

Submissions are selected by the editor (including from comments posted to our social media pages) to provide a variety of opinions and voices and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length and to remove personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to concordy@union.edu.

The writer’s full name, class year and e-mail or phone number must be included, but only the name and class year will be published.

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WORLD/BUSINESS

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

SIENNA CHAMBIAL, WORLD/BUSNESS EDITOR chambias@union.edu

Rough Beginnings: Japan’s New Year Stumbles with Two Disasters Sienna Chambial World/Business Editor

In an unfortunate start to 2024, Japan was struck with two back-toback disasters, leaving the country shocked and devastated.

According to the BBC, an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck the Japan Sea Coast on the first day of this year.

Although most buildings in Japan are built to withstand earthquakes, the Noto peninsula was badly struck in this disaster, with buildings succumbing to the wrath of this deadly disaster. The loss of lives currently exceeds 100 as operations to find the missing continue.

A tsunami warning was issued soon after the earthquake struck, which was later reduced to an advisory after thorough risk assessment by authorities.

“We have a lot of earthquakes in Japan, so at first I thought it was a normal earthquake. But then I turned on the news in the car and the news reporter was screaming ‘evacuate’, and I was like ‘Oh, this is serious’,” said Eri Matsuoka ’27.

Eri is an international student who was back home in Japan and driving a car when the earthquake

...I turned on the news in the car and the news reporter was screaming ‘evacuate’, and I was like ‘Oh, this is serious’.

Eri Matsuoka ’27

struck. Fortunately, she was in Tokyo, which wasn’t affected by the earthquake.

Within a span of three days, Japan faced a second tragedy as a collision between Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350 and a smaller Japan Coast Guard flight left the country devastated.

According to CNN, all 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines flight were safely evacuated from the scene. Five of the six Coast Guard crew members, however, succumbed to their injuries and died on the spot.

Japanese authorities stated that the Japan Airlines plane had been given permission by the airport to land but the Coast Guard plane

had not received any clearance to take off at the moment, according to transcripts from the control tower in Haneda Airport. This resulted in both the planes colliding with each other, further erupting into a terrifying fireball “I feel kind of guilty to leave Japan because everyone is suffering and I came here. I wanted to do something to help them but I couldn’t,” Eri further said.

An emotion many international students empathize with is that of guilt about leaving home for their education, as they cannot be present with their loved ones, esepecially in such times of grief that leave everyone scarred.

The staff of Concordiensis is

Courtesy of New York DailyTimes

An aerial view of the wreckage in Japan after the earthquake on January 1, 2024.

Courtesy of Washington Times

Japan Airlines flight in flames on a runway in Haneda Airport on january 3, 2024.

deeply grieved by these incidents and would like to offer its condo-

At Least 84 Killed in Iran Bombings, ISIS Claims Responsibility of Attack Sienna Chambial World/Business Editor

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Twin blasts killed several at General Soleimani’s burial site in Kerman.

60-SECOND WORLD

According to BBC, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for twin blasts near military slain commander Qasem Soleimani’s burial site in southern Iran via its Telegram channels. The US intelligence agency has confirmed the involvement of ISIS’s Afghanistan branch behind these bombings.

Soleimani was the most power-

ful figure in Iran after the supreme leader until his assassination by a US drone strike in 2020. January 3 marked his fourth death anniversary. The bombings targeted a memorial service in his memory, recognising his action against ISIS in Iran.

At least 84 have been killed and 284 injured in these bombings on January 3, 2024. According to Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran’s official state news agency, this is the deadliest attack in Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

Both the bomb blasts took place in close succession to each other, with the second one being deadlier, killing all those who rushed to help the people initially injured. As a result, Thursday, January 4, was declared a day of national mourning nationwide.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenai, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has vowed a “harsh response” to this fateful attack. “Cruel criminals must know that they will be strongly dealt with from now on,” said Khamenai in his statement the same evening.

lences to all the people affected by these disasters.

Talk to us!

Concordiensis welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and school-related issues.

Submissions are selected by the editor (including from comments posted to our social media pages) to provide a variety of opinions and voices and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length and to remove personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to concordy@union.edu.

The writer’s full name, class year and e-mail or phone number must be included, but only the name and class year will be published.

Alaska Airlines Makes Emergency Landing in Portland, Oregon After Door Blows Out Mid-Air

Russia and Ukraine Carry Out the Biggest Exchange of Prisoners Since Beginning of War

According to BBC, an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California lost a section of its fuselage mid-flight, after which it had to turn back and make an emergency landing in Portland. All 177 passengers and crew were able to land safely. The incident took place when the plane was at an elevation of 16,000ft, when a window frame in the back third of the plane suddenly fell out, resulting in a loss of pressure within the aircraft. The airline has announced an initial grounding of 65 of its Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes after this incident. SC

According to Aljazeera, Russia and Ukraine have carried out a massive swap of war prisoners on January 3, 2924, in the single largest release of captives since the beginning of the war after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine reported the release of 230 prisoners on its side and Russia reported 248 on its side after successful mediation in the United Arab Emirates. Although both sides have exchanged prisoners in the past, the exchanges stopped in the second half of 2023, with the precious one having taken place in August, 2023.

SC

SCI-TECH

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

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KSHITIJ AGARWAL, SCI-TECH EDITOR agarwak2@union.edu

Seize Control of Your Data Kshitij Agarwal Sci-Tech Editor

In today’s digital age, where students and young people extensively utilize various applications and websites to aid in their daily lives, the importance of safeguarding personal data cannot be overstated. Every click, every sign-up, and every interaction online leaves traces of our information scattered across the web. Have you ever paused to consider the implications of clicking “agree” on those terms and conditions? Consider the impact of seemingly harmless activities like online quizzes or personality tests, which often collect more data than we realize.

It’s vital to recognize that even ‘free’ services online have a cost, often paid in the currency of our personal data. With frequent news of data breaches and scandals surrounding the misuse of personal information, it has become increasingly evident that individuals must take action to ensure their data is secure and their privacy maintained.

In this interconnected online world, our data is shared with countless companies and platforms. Social media accounts, newsletter subscriptions, online purchases, and web searches all contribute to the mosaic of information that paints a picture of who we are. This data serves as a window into our lives, al-

lowing companies to tailor targeted advertisements to our preferences and interests.

It’s a trade-off we often make for the convenience and connectivity the digital world offers.Yet, when breaches and hacks occur, as they inevitably do, our personal data can fall into the hands of malicious actors worldwide. Ever wondered why your inbox is flooded with spam emails? Your email address, among other personal details, may have found its way into the hands of spammers through such breaches.

So, what can individuals do in a world that seems increasingly dependent on digital and social media platforms, where complete anonymity and privacy appear elusive? Begin by taking the time to read and comprehend the terms and conditions and privacy policies of the apps and websites you use.

Understand how encryption works and store your data securely. Many applications provide users with the flexibility to adjust these settings, allowing you to limit the data you share and control who has access to it. Customize your privacy settings on online platforms according to your needs. Prioritize the creation of strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. The use of a password manager could assist you in generating, managing, and securing your login credentials effectively. Stay vigilant against phishing attempts, which often manifest as unsolicited emails or messages

requesting personal information.

Always verify the authenticity of such requests before responding.

Regularly updating software and using antivirus programs can further shield your digital presence from unauthorized access. This proactive approach safeguards your digital environment against vulnerabilities. Lastly, remain informed about cybersecurity threats, and stay updated on best practices for online safety. Knowledge is a powerful

defense against digital threats, allowing you to tread the online world with confidence.

While achieving complete anonymity in the digital era is challenging, these proactive measures will significantly enhance your online security, enabling you to keep your personal data private and protected in a world where digital engagement is pervasive. Don’t wait for a breach to happen to you. take steps to secure your digital life today.

In a recent communication from the Campus Safety and International Advising Office, a worrying trend has emerged, targeting international students with sophisticated cyber kidnapping and fraud schemes.

The advisory is aimed at bolstering awareness and preventative measures, highlighting the critical need for vigilance among the student body.

The Campus Safety team has identified a pattern in such fraudulent activities. Common scam themes include: • Requests for payments via untraceable methods like gift cards or Venmo.

• Emails impersonating Union faculty or staff.

• Callers masquerading as government agencies using spoofed caller IDs. • Tactics involving fear,

threats, and intimidation.

• Demands for immediate action, often under threat of deportation or arrest.

• Persistent and long-duration phone calls, discouraging students from disconnecting to seek advice.

In addition to these, be aware of phishing emails and fake websites designed to look like legitimate sources.

The advisory imparts crucial advice to help students steer clear of these traps: 1. Be Skeptical: If a caller seems suspicious, trust your instincts and hang up.

2. Never Wire Money: Legitimate government agencies will never solicit payments over the phone.

3. Guard Your Personal Information: Do not share sensitive details like banking or social security numbers with unknown entities.

4. Verification is Key: Al-

NASA to unveil X-59, A Quiet Supersonic Aircraft on Jan 12

Quesst is NASA’s mission to show that aircrafts can fly supersonic without loud sonic booms. In collaboration with Lockhed Martin, they are set to solve this persistent challenge of supersonic flight. Data will be collected from this flight to establish new soundbased rules in an attempt to lift the ban on commercial supersonic travel over land, enabling passengers to travel in half the time it takes today.

KA

Tesla dethroned as China’s BYD surpasses it in quarterly deliveries

Courtesy of Statista.com

Damages from reported Cybercrime in the United States keeps rising Annual amount of monetary damage caused by reported cybercrime in the United States from 2001 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Be Alert: Rise in Scams Targeting International Students on Campus Kshitij Agarwal Sci-Tech Editor

60-SECOND SCI-TECH

ways verify the identity of callers asking for personal information. Don’t hesitate to ask for their details and cross-check with official channels.

5. Beware of Unexpected Checks: Avoid cashing unsolicited checks received via mail.

6. Read Before Signing: Thoroughly understand any contracts before agreeing.

7. Update Your Information: Regularly change and monitor your online account details and passwords.

The International Advising Of-

fice asks students who suspect they have encountered a scam to immediately contact International Advising and Campus Safety at +1-518-388-6911. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.It’s also vital for students to openly discuss and share their experiences with potential scals, creating community-wide alertness.

This article was compiled using information provided by the International Advising Office, which issued a detailed warning to students about the rise in cyber kidnapping and fraud cases.

I have got such calls too, and I find that the simplest way to stay safe is to not answer any unknown numbers.

Syed Muhammed Ali, Class of 2027

In a significant shift in the EV(Electric Vehicle) market, China’s BYD surpasses Tesla in quarterly deliveries. This marks the first time that BYD has overtaken the American EV giant, signalling a major milestone in the global automative industry, reflecting the intense rising competition in the EV sector. “As BYD has accelerated into the fast lane, it’s fresh evidence of just how competitive the EV market has become and how hard it will be for Tesla to swerve back to head the pack,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown. KA

British Library in duress, as it recovers from a large cyber attack

The British Library deals with the aftermath of a major cyber attack, with recovery costs estimated to reach millions. The library is using its reserves to rebuild digital services and is working with cybersecurity experts and the Metropolitan Police. The attack highlights the challenges of cybersecurity for major institutions.

KA

Study about ancient primates hints that perhaps they ate mostly fruit

A recent study, examining fossilized teeth and other remains suggests that the diet of ancient primates may have been predominantly fruit-based. This conclusion is drawn from the analysis of tooth-chipping patterns and cavities in primate teeth from the Fayum Depression in Egypt, dating back to 30 million years. KA

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NOTICES

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

ASHLESHA BHAGAT, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF bhagata@union.edu

*** ATTENTION ***

Concordiensis Editors-in-Chief Ashlesha Bhagat ’26 Zahra Khan ’25 News Editor Allyson Bennett ’26 Opinions Editor Sophia Glazier ’27 Sci/Tech Editor Kshitij Agarwal ’27 World/Business Editor Sienna Chambial ’27 807 Editor Adithi Chellappan ’27 Photo Editor Kavita Trivedi ’27 Contributing Writers Epephanie Laboy ’27 Secretary Aaradhya Sharma ’27 Social Media Veer Kundalia ’27 Finance Chair Candice Nguyen ’25

ELECTION RESULTS FOR WINTER EDITORS It is our pleasure to announce, introduce, and warmly welcome the new editors for the Winter Term of the 2023-2024 academic year: Opinions Editor: Sci-Tech Editor: 807 Editor:

Sienna Chambial ’27

Kshitij Agarwal ’27

Adithi Chellappan ’27

Photo Editor: Kavita Trivedi ’27 All five candidates possess strong skills, work ethics, and passion in Concordy. They have contributed and grown immensely in the Fall Term. We cannot wait to see what they have to offer in the Winter Term!

Note: all positions will be re-elected in mid- to lateWinter Term during the General Elections, which will be effective starting Spring Term.

Concordiensis is the official student newspaper of Union College since 1877 and is published on Thursdays; weeks 2-9 during Fall, Winter and Spring terms.

Website: concordiensis.com Email: concordy@union.edu

Mail: Concordiensis Box 2577 807 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12309 Letters to the editor: concordy@union.edu Listing submissions: concordy@union.edu For Advertising Opportunities: concordy@union.edu Concordiensis is printed by School Paper Express, Wappingers Falls, NY

From,

Notification of Honor Code Cases Resolved for Winter and Spring Terms in 2023

A total of 29 cases were resolved over the winter and spring terms by the Honor Council in 2023. In the winter term there were 24 cases in total; 2 hearings in which the student was found responsible, and 22 Chair-Dean Reviews (CDR).

In the spring term there were 5 cases, 1 hearing in which the student was found responsible, and 4 CDRs. CDRs are an option for first-time violations when the student accepts responsibility for the violation. Of those 29 cases, 16 involved cheating, 17 involved plagiarism, 7 involved facilitation of academic dishonesty, and 1 concerned falsification of data/ evidence. There are more charges listed than total cases because in 11 cases, the student was charged with more than one form of academic misconduct. For a more detailed report on these Honor Code cases, as well as a copy of the Academic Honor Code and the Statement on Plagiarism, please visit the Academic Honor Code course page on Nexus. Data Compiled by Dean of Studies and Honor Council

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Location: Reamer 406 ACM-W Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: CROCHET Lab

OUR EVENT PICKS FOR YOU SparkLAB Orientation Thursday, January 11, 5:00 p.m.

Organizer: Becker Career Center Location: Becker 201 UAlbany Graduate School Info Session Friday, January 12, 1:00 p.m.

Organizer: Becker Career Center Location: Becker 201 Garnettes A Cappella Auditions Saturday, January 13, 1:00 p.m.

Organizer: The Garnettes Location: Visual Arts 216 Henna and Karaoke Night Saturday, January 13, 3:00 p.m.

Organizer: SOSA (Students of South Asia) Location: Golub House DIY Night Saturday, January 13, 4:00 p.m.

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The Eliphalets Auditions Sunday, January 14, 1:00 p.m.

Organizer: The Eliphalets Location: Old Chapel Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Speaker: Derrick Johnson (President & CEO of NAACP) Tuesday, January 16, 5:30 p.m.

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS W BASKETBALL

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70

U ni on

2

I t ha c a

W HOCKEY

U ni on

1

Pe nn Sta te

M BASKETBALL

63 U ni on

58

Ski dm or e

M SWIM

79 U ni on

197 A m he r st

W SWIM

66 U ni on

223 A m he r st

NEXT WEEK IN SPORTS M Hockey vs.

Clarkson

January 12, 7:00 p.m.

At Union

M Hockey vs. St. Lawrence January 13, 4:00 p.m.

At Union

W and M Track at Utica Winter January 12, 3:00 p.m.

Utica, NY

W Basketball vs. St. Lawrence January 12, 5:30 p.m.

Canton, NY

M Basketball vs. St. Lawrence January 12, 7:30 p.m.

Canton, NY

Concordiensis welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and schoolrelated issues. Submissions are selected by the editor (including from comments posted to our social media pages) to provide a variety of opinions and voices and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length and to remove personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to concordy@union.edu. The writer’s full name, class year and e-mail or phone number must be included, but only the name and class year will be published.

807 UNION ST.

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

07

ADITHI CHELLAPPAN, 807 EDITOR chellapa@union.edu

Union Men’s Hockey Recap Union vs. Brown (2 - 3)

Union vs. Yale (2 - 4)

Adithi Chellappan | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Adithi Chellappan | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

807 ONION STREET

Disclaimer: Following article is satirical, and meant to be a humorous and exaggerated expression of perspectives of campus culture for entertainment purposes. This article is not intended to offend readers or stoke controversy.

The Warping of Time in the Winter Term

By Adithi Chellappan 807 Editor

That is the only explanation for this mystery, if you will. The trimester system, a relentless force that propels us students through the academic year at a ridiculously supersonic rate. One minute, it was summer– we were moving in, the dorms were ridiculously hot, almost murderously hot, and the rush of the trimester put us through an almost-traumatic spin. The next minute, the trees are bald, and we are calming our minds and souls for winter break, a glorious month and a half of freedom and escape. A whole month.

And then. We are somehow back already, but it feels like yesterday when we gleefully escaped the rush of finals. As students, we find ourselves stuck in the middle of this

relentless cycle, an everlasting loop of intensity that leaves little room for relief, relaxation, or rest. The only possible explanation, clearly, is the insanity imbued by the trimester, ripping holes in the space-time continuum, for there is absolutely no scientific way that in two weeks, our midterms begin, and then a month after, we are preparing for finals. I would argue it is a conspiracy even, keeping us on our toes constantly to ensure absolutely no rest. And yet, we do it– despite the sheer craziness of our schedules, the lack of alignment with any friends from back home– we do it. We go to the hockey games, in shock and awe, we attend club meetings and events, finding comfort in the old friends we fall back on and the new friends we make, we study together for finals that seem so far and so soon– for nobody else can relate to this crazy schedule, this trimester

that makes what is supposed to be a marathon turn into a sprint.

While indeed, it seems daunting and almost lonely in the rush of the trimester, only heightened by the dire lack of social opportunities due to the sad bareness of the trees and bone-chilling winter wind, there is some solace in those limited interactions: the cheer of students at the hockey games, the inside jokes created as shared recipients of an ironic email, the perhaps traumatic classes that create lifelong friends– the winter term, in particular, can be hard and lonely one, the trimester weirdly enough slowing down to elongate the suffering of us students, there is some solace in that we are most likely not alone, and those limited opportunities are ones that we are sure to cherish. So here is to the hope, that though the winter term may be cold and tiring, we can walk like penguins side-by-side.

Kshitij Agarwal | Concordiensis

Union after it’s first snow of Winter 2024.

08

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Thursday, January 11, 2024 | concordiensis.com

KAVITA TRIVEDI, PHOTO EDITOR trivedik@union.edu

A Memorable Fall Welcoming Winter

Rowan Ziegler | Concordiensis

Union Men’s Football Game held on September 15, 2023 where they had a crushing victory against Springfield with a score of 34-7.

Paul Buckowski | Concordiensis

On October 19, 2023, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company came to campus on a Stephanie C. Davis Dance Residency to teach a masterclass to students.

Rowan Ziegler | Concordiensis

Union’s Zakuro-Daiko Japanese Drumming Ensemble performed as a special artist during Homecoming Weekend on September 30, 2023.

Shehrbano Syed | Concordiensis

Union College Cricket Team preparing for one of their matches held on October 29,2023 against University of Albany in their Fall’23 Match Series.

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Transitioning to Winter Term: Union Men’s Hockey Match against Yale on January 6, 2023.