VOLUME 65 | Fall 2021| Issue 1
AWARD WINNING STUDENT NEWS SOURCE AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY
CON EDITOR'S LETTER Hello students, Welcome back to campus, and welcome to our first issue of the semester! Although we have been experiencing a pandemic for some time now, this semester will once again be a semester unlike any other, as we transition into fully in-person classes while also keeping health guidelines in mind. I would like to announce that this semester will officially be my first as the new Editor-in-Chief! I have worked for the paper for a year now, and I am honored to have been chosen to head this amazing team. I hope to continue reporting on important social issues, campus news, and entertaining stories that appeal to the student body. I feel very strongly about connecting and communicating with others through writing, so I hope we can continue providing an outlet for students to do that. This semester we have also hired several new staff members, who have shown excitement and motivation to learn, even in an unpredictable and chaotic time. I thank them for their enthusiasm and hard work. I am so excited to see their innovative ideas as we continue the semester. As you finish the first couple weeks of classes, I encourage everyone to act safely and keep in mind the health of yourselves, your peers, and CSU’s faculty and staff. The Uproar will continue to keep health guidelines in mind as well, as we begin in-person meetings by encouraging the use of masks and social distancing whenever possible. We will also continue to report on issues concerning the interest of the student body and the Columbus community, keeping you updated on current issues. Now, it is back-to-school season, so this issue is aimed towards reintroducing students to the campus by speaking to students about their hopes and concerns for the semester, highlighting CSU organizations, and finding student-friendly places in Downtown Columbus. Although the ongoing pandemic continues to be a point of concern, I encourage students to have an enjoyable fall semester. After spending such a long time learning and communicating online, the thought of interacting face-face again may be daunting. However, as long as we remain safe and vigilant, I believe this semester will be fun as we connect with new people and learn new things. Thank you all for reading!
Destinee Williams Editor-In-Chief
Riz Newman Office Manager
Joe Miller
Faculty Adviser
Luka Steele
Senior Visual Editor
Montavius Walton Marketing Manager
@UproarCSU @UproarCSU @UproarCSU
Aaron George Layout Editor
Jessica DeMarcoJacobson Senior Copy Editor
Sidney Ducleroir Social Media Editor
Bryant Lydell Griggs Radio Host
EDITORS
REPORTERS
Ashley Adamian
Jonathan Springfellow
Bailey Parker Daniel Tice
Spencer White
VISUAL REPORTERS Vinh Huynh Robert Purchase Eddie Sampson Fern Whitmore
NTENTS
VOL. 65 • FALL 2021 • ISSUE 1 AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWS SOURCE AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSIT Y
4 | VERBATIM See how students feel about returning to school during a worldwide pandemic.
By Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson
8 | CSU’S COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM RELEASES CONCERNING NEW PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR FALL 2021 The COVID-19 Response Teams procedures have been presented. However, are they the most ideal decisions for the wellbeing of the students and staff?
By Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson and Destinee Williams
On The Cover a collage of students partaking in student life by Vinh Huynh
Pictured Schuster Student Sucess Center (interior)
8 | STUDYING ABROAD: AFTER COVID-19 The privelige to study abroad has returned to CSU students. What are students to expect from this in a world still combatting COVID-19?
By Destinee Williams
9 | CSU STUDENT DISCOUNTS NEAR RIVERPARK CAMPUS Listed in this article are discount opportunities for CSU students downtown.
By Daniel Tice
11 | CSU WELCOME BACK COLLAGE A special collage depicting the student life downtown on the first week back.
By Vinh Huynh
These stories found within these 16 pages
Disclaimer Opinions expressed in The Uproar are those of the editor or writer of the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of Columbus State University or its affiliates.
Special Thanks To Christine Shaw and Eric Spears
Contact For comments or inquiries: uproarcsu@gmail.com
4225 University Ave. Columbus, GA 31907
VERBATIM
JACOB WOESSNER Biology Major
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes? I think I'm fine with it. I am a peer leader right now, and I suppose I was a little bit nervous about how confined the classrooms were, especially compared to last semester where we were a lot more spaced out..
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester?
4 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021
Well, from what I've read, I don't think there's much they can do to enforce [them] more because they're not allowed to force people to get vaccinated and whatnot. So I think strongly encouraging people is the best thing they can do.
MATT RORER CSU Alum
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes? I don’t like how USG said that we can’t ask students to wear masks. If I wanted you to wear a mask in my office and you say no, I have to accept that. Also, if we’re exposed to a student, I can’t ask them if they’re vaccinated. So I don’t know how I’m compromised in any way. Also, the wording of discrimination against non-masking… Well, that’s stupid because there’s so much discrimination that goes on campus already. Not this campus specifically, but in general, we’ve done a lot of research on LGTBQ identities and stuff and it’s just sad.
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester? They’re cute. I mean, they’re good. I think they do the job that needs to be done, and you see mostly everyone’s wearing masks, so I do like what [CSU] has been doing so far.
JESSICA DEMARCO-JACOBSON
SCHOOL
JABRILLE HARRISON
Art Major with an Animation Focus
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes?
It’s refreshing. I definitely struggle when I’m online, and I tend to work better from person to person because I’m a more hands-on kind of person.
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester? I haven’t looked through them yet. I’ve pretty much been going by the state ones. Staying six feet apart, kind of being a bit germaphobic.
TERRY HALL
Computer Science Game Development Major
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes? It's more due to me being an introvert and going from online to in person. It's kind of back to the whole, "I have to interact with people again", but it's fine. Even though some people aren't wearing masks because you know, they're vaccinated, which is understandable.
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester? Oh, it's fine. Just, I hope everyone abides by them and if anything, if they want to be more precautious. If they aren't vaccinated, then if they want to go and still wear masks, then that's fine too. Just, you know, it helps the ones that aren't vaccinated. It helps the ones that are, and it helps the people who are more susceptible to it.
VINH HUYNH
SPRING 2021
| The Uproar | 5
M I T A B R E V ALICIA CELESTINE Psychology Major
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes? It definitely feels weird from last semester [when] there was definitely much less people. It's just crazy seeing so many people and not all my classes being asynchronous. It's nice having classes in person. I’m really excited about it… I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and doing club activities again.
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester? I think they're pretty standard. I don't know how they're going to tell who's vaccinated or not with the whole, you don't have to wear your mask if you're not vaccinated. I feel like it hasn't changed too much from the last semester.
6 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021
JESSICA DEMARCO-JACOBSON
AKIL CHARLES
Computer Science Major
How do you feel about coming back to in-person classes? Understandably nervous. I'm vaccinated, so I'm definitely still gonna be wearing a mask, but it is a little unnerving, especially with the Delta variant. Even if you’re vaccinated, it still poses the risks. I have to go to class and then go home, and my family might be at risk. All around, just nervous
How do you feel about CSU’s COVID-19 guidelines for this semester? I feel like they’re a little lax. [The Student Recreation Center has] been open all summer, so we’ve kind of had people in and out and see how the guidelines work. And most people are pretty on top of wearing their masks unless they’re doing cardio, but even then, they wear a mask. I feel like CSU is doing the best they can. I'm not really sure what more they could do without, you know, sending us home again
VINH HUYNH
SPRING 2021
| The Uproar | 7
s a e l e r m a e T e s n o p s e R 9 1 D I V CSU’s CO guidelines fo
O
n Tuesday, Aug. 3, CSU’s COVID-19 Response Team released new procedures on how the university will prioritize the health of the campus body based on guidance and recommendations from the University System of Georgia, and executive orders from Governor Brian Kemp. The new Fall 2021 outlook states that USG will strongly encourage all people on campus to get the COVID-19 vaccine, recognizing it as a safe and effective form of protection against the virus. CSU is offering mobile vaccination clinics on several days throughout August and September to make the vaccine more accessible to students. Additionally, the outlook says that “No student or employee should be treated differently or segregated in class or work situations based on their vaccination status. Furthermore, faculty, supervisors, and peers should refrain from asking others about their vaccination status.” CSU will encourage all people on campus to wear a mask or face covering while inside buildings regardless of vaccination status; however, they will not require it. USG will require face masks at the Student Health Center and the CSU shuttle. On July 27, the CDC recommended everyone to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status for the majority of areas in the US due to the rise of the Delta variant. As of Aug.
8 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021
7, 2021, the US is averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections every day, according to John Hopkins University. According to Associated Press News, the widely unvaccinated South is experiencing a huge surge of new cases, and hospitals in those areas are beginning to overrun. The same source states that “Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi alone account for more than 40% of all hospitalizations in the country.” CSU will not enforce physical distancing, but they will
Residential students should have a quarantining and isolation facility prepared in the case that they contract COVID-19. encourage unvaccinated people on campus to do so. The COVID-19 response team will continue to share selfreported cases of COVID-19 on campus weekly. Individuals can submit a self-report form here. As of Aug. 2, the university had six active cases of COVID-19 among students and employees, and an additional 14 individuals in various stages of case management, according to the CSU COVID-19 update from Aug. 6. According to the Fall 2021 outlook, CSU will not require fully vaccinated students and employees who have been in close
JESSICA DEMARCO-JACOBSON , DESTINEE WILLIAMS
d n a s e r u d e c o r p w e n g n i n r e ses conc or Fall 2021 contact with someone who has COVID-19 to quarantine if they show no symptoms. CSU will also discontinue on-campus quarantining and isolation for students exposed to or infected by COVID-19. Residential students who contract COVID-19 will be required to quarantine according to the CSU-provided guidance for residential students.
“I am a little bit worried about the quarantining policy” Residential students should have a quarantining and isolation facility prepared in the case that they contract COVID-19. Due to limited housing options, on-campus quarantining options will no longer be available unless permission to stay on campus is requested by the student.
“I am a little bit worried about the quarantining policy,” said Angelica Acosta, an Education mayor living in residential housing. “I live a few hours away, so quarantining at home and continuing to go to school in Columbus would be a little hard and inconvenient for me if I ever get COVID,” she continued. The Uproar reached out to CSU fResident Life for comment on the quarantine policy but has not yet received a response. The COVID-19 response team and University Support Services will work together to clean and disinfect residential areas, classrooms, and office spaces involved in suspected exposures and contact tracing based on request. According to the Fall 2021 outlook, CSU will follow the guidance provided by the CAA and the Peach Belt Conference regarding athletic events.
Priority for quarantine housing options will only be granted based on the following criteria: the student has a documented medical condition that would make travel difficult, is enrolled at CSU using a student visa, or has official third-party verified homelessness. Some CSU faculty members and residential students have reached out to The Uproar expressing concerns for students living on campus that do not have a place to quarantine if needed. SPRING 2021
| The Uproar | 9
STUDYING ABROAD: AFTER
A
s COVID-19 vaccinations become readily available and travel bans lift, CSU continues study abroad this fall semester. CSU’s Education Abroad program, which includes study abroad, overseas student research, international internships, and service-learning abroad, has been carefully monitoring COVID-19 restrictions in areas such as South Korea, England, Ireland, and Japan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the wait for students interested in studying abroad has been long. During the 2020-2021 school term, all study abroad programs were canceled as travel was banned globally. Students, as well as the Center for Global Engagement staff, were unsure of the status of the program for the Fall 2021 semester as they
Depending on the country, students participating in semester-long programs may be required to quarantine upon arriving. observed the progression of the pandemic. “All of us in the CGE anxiously await the re-opening of study abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year,” said Christine Shaw, the Coordinator of Global Engagement, when asked about safely continuing the program this semester. “The CGE staff and others in the CSU administration are cautiously monitoring COVID-19 in these countries through a combined set of resources from the University System of Georgia, the Center for Disease Control, the World Health
How studying abroad has changed and th
Organization, and via a contracted security analysis firm, On Call,” she continued. For those participating in the program this semester, there are several regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and individuals living in these locations. Depending on the country, students participating in
“The CGE will not send students overseas if it deems travel too risky..." semester-long programs may be required to quarantine upon arriving. While the vaccine is not required, the CGE is strongly encouraging students to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and the likelihood of having to quarantine when exiting and entering a country. Masks are also strongly encouraged. According to Eric Spears, the program’s executive director, students are also required to purchase ISIC study abroad insurance, which covers access to health care and medical repatriation in overseas locations. “We strive to make global learning fit into your academic program and comfort zone. CSU is a nationally recognized study abroad program that takes the safety of its students, faculty, and staff seriously,” said Spears when asked if he
10 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021 DESTINEE WILLIAMS
COVID-19
T R AV E L
he correct steps to take to further your education in a new environment
had any words of encouragement for students who may feel apprehensive about traveling abroad during such uncertain times. “The CGE will not send students overseas if it deems travel too risky, whether this is related to the pandemic or other concerns, such as terrorism or natural disasters,” he continued. Although the study abroad program is smaller than usual this semester, with only 13 students currently enrolled, the CGE is offering a variety of programs for many different majors. Students will be traveling to places this fall such as, the Spencer House in Oxford, England, and the University of the Basque Country in Spain.
The CGE will be hosting a Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Davidson Student Center and the Riverpark Campus for students interested in studying overseas during the spring semester. During these events, students can meet peers who have previously studied abroad as well as faculty members who will be leading the programs. Students can also visit the Center for Global Engagement located in Schuster 117 or visit the CGE’s website, https:// columbusstate-sa.terradotta.com/ for more information.
SPRING 2021 CSU LIBRARY
| The Uproar | 11
s u p m a C olumbus k r a p C r River downtown
a e n the i N s t n s e d count ed to stu
C
s i offer D s e i t t i v i n e food and act d u t S SU free
Riverpark Campus, located in downtown Columbus, is situated near a variety of businesses that offer student discounts on food and activities, as well as organizations that provide students free meals on specific days. CSU students can take advantage of several of these offers by utilizing the list compiled here. For those located on Main Campus, the CSU bus system provides regular transportation between campuses and to the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in midtown.
and d e t n u o Disc
Restaurants offering a 10% student discount: Fountain City Coffee Freeze Frame Yogurt Shoppe
Restaurants and organizations offering weekly
Country’s on Broad Students get 50% off on Monday
Picasso’s Pizzeria $2 slices on Tuesday
The Abbey Free lunch for students on Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:15
Barberito’s Buy one entree, get one free on Wednesday
Ride On Smoothie & Juice Bar Students get 15% off on Tuesday
College House Ministries Free lunch for students on Thursday from 12 to 1:30
Free and discounted activities: Coca-Cola Space & Science Center Free admission on astronomy nights or $3 tickets The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Student rush tickets are 30% to 50% off on the day of the show. Schwob School of Music Free admission for students to most events The Heritage Art Center James Etchison’s Comedy Open Mic, free every Monday
12 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021
DANIEL TICE
C U LT U R E
AARON GEORGE
ASHLEY PETERSON
SPRING 2021
| The Uproar | 14
Find us online at
uproarcsu.com