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Vaccine mandate stirs controversy EMILY MELGAR Asst. Editor
As Cal State Fullerton returns to in-person session, some students’ response to the recently implemented COVID-19 vaccine requirement and mask mandate remains starkly divided. Among those supporting the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate is Chantelle Leon, a fourth-year communications major, who believes the vaccine mandate is a good option for students. “I think that of course masks will help, but I feel like vaccines can even prevent outbreaks from happening on campus,” Leon said. “And I do know that, not everyone is happy that the campus did require the vaccine, but I feel that people should think about [that] if you get the vaccine, you’re not only just protecting yourself but you’re protecting others
around you.” Leon said she has been vaccinated since March and is excited to be back on campus. About 60% of students have uploaded proof vaccination status roughly translating to about 25,000 students, according to Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of strategic communications. Treanor said the university currently has fewer than 200 student vaccine exemption requests. “Roughly 40% of CSUF students have yet to upload their COVID-19 vaccination records,” Treanor said. Some students are openly opposed to the university’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement and plan to attend classes without uploading vaccination records. Noelle Fitchett, a fourth-year biochemistry and philosophy double major, has protested for students to have a choice in taking the vaccine.
“I think that the vaccine mandate, though it’s seeking, I believe, in their perspective the well-being and health of everyone, I think it’s an overreaching of power and it’s really infringing on students’ rights to be able to choose,” Fitchett said. Fitchett organized and attended an on-campus protest on Aug. 7, in partnership with groups like Turning Point USA at CSUF and CSUF Republicans. The protest aimed to stop the university’s vaccine mandate and let individuals make their own medical decisions. Treanor said the number of registered students for the upcoming fall semester remains the same as fall 2020. “There hasn’t been an increase in dropped classes, but there has been an increase in the number of online options we’re offering,” Treanor said. “We’re at about 65%, maybe a few points lower, for in-person.”
Jillian Devine, a second-year English and art major, said that online courses required for her major were unavailable in the fall 2021 semester. She said she believes the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is not a good option for students because a certain part of the population is being limited and separated from the rest. “I’m fine for the vaccine. I’m fine for people getting the vaccine. My only problem is when someone forcibly makes you do it,” Devine said. Devine added that she is not vaccinated and is unsure whether she will be getting vaccinated in the future, but is afraid of being kicked out of the school or not being allowed to attend. Gil Acosta, a third-year business major, said that the university has made the best decision in enforcing the COVID-19
vaccine requirement for the fall semester. “I think that if they don’t want another surge of COVID cases to happen again, they do have to ask all the students to have the vaccine,” Acosta said. Acosta said that he received his vaccination in March, and although some students do not agree, he believes the vaccine will keep most students safe. Acosta added that the mask mandate extension is also a good idea. According to the Titan Return: COVID-19 Recovery website, the faculty FAQ for fall 2021 states that there will be consequences for students and employees who do not comply with the university’s policies and directives. “The intention is not to kick anybody out of their classes, that’s the last thing we really want to do,” Treanor said. “The intention is that the faculty wants to create a safe environment in class.”
Five fashion trends to inspire back-to-school attire JESSICA CHOI Editor
The era of attending Zoom meetings dressed in pajamas is finally coming to an end. Students will be transitioning away from digital classes and returning in person for this fall semester, and that means fashion trends on
campus are also making a comeback. Whether it’s an hour-long lecture or a social event, these are some of the backto-school fashion trends that anyone can wear for every occasion. Cowboy boots/Western wear A modern spin on the classic Western style has paved
the way for a wearable statement piece: cowboy boots. The iconic shaped boot has made itself on-trend after some minor contemporary tweaks. Neutral colors and sleek and simple designs meshed together make the new cowboy boots fun to wear, while still being easy to pair with any other clothing item.
Although the boots have been at the forefront of this new Western aesthetic, cowboy hats, cow print, vests and fringe have also made their way into the limelight. Stomping into class with some cowboy boots will definitely radiate the confidence you have for your return to the real world.
Knitwear Make way for cottagecore: the cozy, dainty and rural aesthetic that’s recently budded its way into the fashion scene. Chunky knit sweaters and pastel knit cardigans are the sweetest way to add a unique twist to any look. SEE STYLE
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How to deal with back to school stress NICOLE TRINIDAD Editor
As the summer beach trips, vacations and relaxation time comes to a close and schools open, it may feel as if there is no transition period between virtual and in-person classes. It is natural to feel anxiety or unpreparedness after being locked on our screens for over a year and then being thrown back into student life this semester. However, this semester does not have to be a learning curve on how to interact with people again. Now that “normal” life is closer in reach, this is the perfect time to do all the things you wished were possible pre-pandemic. So relax, take a breath and get excited for what’s to come with this guide on how to re-acclimate to school stress free. O r g a n i z a t i o n / Scheduling: It may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping schedules and items organized not only helps with staying on top of work and increasing productivity, it also helps with having a better frame of mind to reduce stress and anxiety toward upcoming deadlines and requirements and helps you better prepare for future endeavors. One way to stay organized
is to create and develop a study area, an area in which you dedicate to work. Having a designated space will allow you to focus on being productive and not getting distracted from outside disturbances. When work is done faster and more efficiently, there will be less stress because of procrastination. Managing Health: As much as most of us love hearing from professors how students should take care of themselves during this stressful time while proceeding to add piles of homework and projects that make life more stressful, it is usually up to the student to maintain their own physical and mental well-being. When making a schedule filled with deadlines and meetings, make sure to also schedule time for yourself, whether it is finding time to eat out at your favorite restaurant, play video games, watch TV, or anything that helps you with relaxing. Working nonstop will lead to burnout and ruin the mental health you worked so hard to maintain. That time for yourself will help with productivity in the long run and you’ll feel much more relieved. Find Your Community: With how isolated we felt during the height of the pandemic, it would be a crime not to take advantage of on-campus activities we
finally have back. Now, there is no excuse to avoid being active in the school community and find those groups to help network and build up meaningful connections. TitanLink is a website available to all students which contains the different clubs, sororities and communities students can be a part of. Having a group where you can be openly yourself is important to finding people to confide in and to have support going through this transitional period.
School Services: For new incoming students, there are many services on campus offered to help with mental health and any other issues. In fall 2020, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) started Drop-in therapy groups, which are safe group environments consisting of 6-12 people and facilitated by a licensed mental health provider, because of the stress caused by COVID-19. Now that campus is opening up, they are making plans
to have drop-in groups in person. Another available resource is YOU@Fullerton, a confidential online wellness platform that provides online quizzes and resources to gauge where your health is and what goals you have as well as tips and tools on how to help with stress management. While the transition into campus life is scary for most, these tips can help make the transition to normalcy that much easier.
Students deal with anxiety coming back on campus after a year of online learning. (Eliza Green / Daily Titan)
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Style: Making campus a runway 2 If you’re looking for a sweeter vibe to strut, fluffy textures and soft tones are a great substitute for a regular jacket. A knit cardigan can be paired with a grungier outfit to cut through the edge, a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt to elevate the simplicity, or a delicate feminine outfit to complete the overall theme. A knitted piece can bring you a little extra sense of comfort while dealing with the anxieties of having social interactions at school again. Business x Streetwear Blazers, slacks and button-ups are the business basics. However, these professional pieces are taking a trendier turn with the incorporation of streetwear aesthetics. Take any of the fundamental business pieces and make it oversized to automatically give a trendier vibe to the overall look. Add statement accessories like bold necklaces and fresh sneakers to tie everything together for the perfect business-friendly streetwear outfit. Rocking this cool, professional look is perfect for any meeting, interview or class to show off that fearlessness CONTINUED FROM
Y2K “The year 2000.” This abbreviation originated from a digital bug that affected all the dates after 1999 on computer softwares. However, Y2K also became associated with the fashion trends of the early 2000s. Lowrise jeans, flashy jewelry, cropped tees and miniskirts are some of the most iconic styles that are resurfacing. Tiny shoulder bag was also a 2000s staple that has been making a huge comeback in 2021. These bags make a big statement that the wearer has everything they need in such a compact accessory. Skater style Skateboard culture has cultivated its own unique style of dressing ever since its emergence in the ‘60s. This latest skater-inspired aesthetic takes classic elements from original skateboarding culture such as workwear — Dickies and Vans — and mixes them with contemporary components to create a new overall style. Supreme, Thrasher, Converse and Carhartt are some of the trending brands for the new wave skater fashion. Keep it cool and effortless with both new and old components of the skater style.
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CSUF’s vaccine mandate is crucial for campus safety HUGO RIOS Asst. Editor
Amidst the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has taken more than 600,000 American lives and counting, Cal State Fullerton’s vaccination requirement is a step forward in maintaining campus safety. As California leads the U.S. in overall statewide COVID-19 cases, it is the responsibility of CSUF officials to make decisions that ensure the public health and safety of all Titans while also setting an example for local communities to create an environment in which people can thrive. More than 98% of COVID-19 cases in California beginning from Jan. 1, 2021 have come from unvaccinated individuals. In spite of data showing lower hospitalization and death rates among vaccinated people, vaccine skeptics still bring the efficacy of current vaccines into question. If the numbers are not convincing enough, a logical question arises: Why are people still skeptical about receiving a free, potentially life-saving vaccine? The reality is that despite overwhelming evidence proving the success of current COVID-19 vaccines, the politicization of the morality of being vaccinated paired with misinformation
regarding vaccinations has caused uncertainty. Since the late 19th century, the U.S. has had laws requiring vaccinations for school entry to prevent the spread of diseases, beginning in Massachusetts after the state handled a smallpox epidemic. In 1922, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the decision for the state powers to enact immunization requirements to protect the public from infectious diseases. Eventually, all states adopted immunization legislation in order to make schools safer. Due to revolutions in science and medicine, diseases such as smallpox, measles and polio have been effectively reduced in the U.S. As for arguments against the denial of personal freedom or liberties being stripped due to CSUF’s vaccination requirement, allow one thing to be clear: one’s freedom to make medical decisions that affect a person’s body does not supersede risking the public’s health, especially in the case of COVID-19. The same way society agrees that driving without a seatbelt or driving while intoxicated poses a threat to the public, the same can also be said about transmitting an infectious disease. As new strains of COVID-19 emerge, such as the Delta variant which has
been devastating unvaccinated communities, it is essential to remember the priority of maintaining the health and safety of fellow Americans. Regardless of initial concerns about the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccines, dismissing the influence of world governments attempting to administer a life-saving vaccine is ignorant. According to The New York Times, the FDA anticipates full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine soon, depending on whether some components regarding paperwork need further review. The FDA has already approved booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for immunocompromised individuals, further legitimizing vaccines with proven results. Ideally, the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged for individuals with prior medical conditions. If any concerns were to arise about the vaccine, consulting with a healthcare professional is the safest route to take. People should not seek information from unreliable sources in an attempt to disprove advice given by a medical professional. Hospitals around the country are being flooded with COVID-19 patients. To put it bluntly, the lack of intensive care units in hospitals due to the raw amount
GABRIELA VEGA / DAILY TITAN
of cases is costing lives. People of all ages need care, not just the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. There are important questions that we need to ask ourselves: Is it in the university’s best interest to be proactive in preventing the spread of a deadly disease amid a pandemic? Are sources credible, or are they simply trying to provide alternative information to justify a worldview? Is vaccine skepticism brought up by politicians to protect the people’s freedom, or is it a
way to earn cheap political points by appeasing voters? At what point are we willing to hold those who remain unvaccinated accountable? While these questions can certainly be discussed, what should not cause controversy is a university’s decision to protect its students’ and faculty members’ health and safety. Freedom is not the subject in question, but instead whether or not we care about the health of those around us.
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Column: In-person switch requires empathy CSUF faculty and staff need to understand students’ back-toschool anxieties. NOLLYANNE DELACRUZ Asst. Editor
When I meet with Cal State Fullerton advisers, I seem well-adjusted and prepared, but I shudder at the thought of being a second-year student that has never been exposed to the craziness of on-campus life and the full responsibilities of a college student. After I graduated high school, I attributed most of my difficulty adjusting to college to the uncertainty and unpreparedness that arose during the pandemic. After more than a year of enduring the COVID-19 pandemic, schools that are enforcing in-person learning should be more accommodating for students who solely learned virtually. I remember opening my first letter from CSUF Outreach. As much as I enjoyed their confetti-filled envelopes, I still felt alone and lost in a faceless community that I was incredibly new to. We’re all learning in this new environment, and Cal State Fullerton should be doing more to welcome students who have spent the entirety of their college experience on Zoom.
An alternative welcome method could include replacing the confetti-filled envelope with a link to a CSUF group chat where students voluntarily chat about how they took the grand leap from high school to college or the transition from in-person to virtual learning. By rebuilding the supportive collegiate environment that students lost during the pandemic, the university can help ease the transition back to in-person learning. Additionally, one odd outcome of transitioning to online classes during the pandemic was that I garnered more Instagram followers from CSUF than newly made friends. I am quite introverted, and quarantine has made me more reclusive. Although there are students that miss social interaction, I am not eager to push myself into bonding events, icebreakers or group projects. I would prefer to spend a few minutes introducing myself to the students near me before engaging in a class icebreaker. It would be reassuring if a mass email was sent to all CSUF faculty reminding them that some students will be stepping foot on campus for the first time and that anxiety levels are high. On that note, it is going to be a scavenger hunt trying to find my classes. I have been
REBECCA MENA / DAILY TITAN
on campus five times. The first two times, I became lost after greatly underestimating how big the campus is. The last three times have been for Daily Titan training, and I would have turned a wrong corner if I did not follow a group of new staff members. Therefore, I suggest making maps highly accessible on campus. It would be a dream to pick up a map after every pump of hand sanitizer. Another option would be to expand CSUF Outreach’s presence throughout the first week of classes. Ideally, an outreach member lenwding a helping hand to a bewildered student with a 15-minute tour of the campus would create familiarity. Above all, the most difficult part of readjusting to in-person learning is the sudden boost in responsibility. While in quarantine, like many students, I was used to rolling out of bed, turning
on my computer and eating breakfast with my camera turned off. Having all my quizzes, tests and assignments online meant that I was getting my college education in a stress-free environment. Suddenly, I have to commute to take my upper-division classes on campus while juggling my commitments to the newsroom and a couple clubs. I feel like the world’s most laughably unprepared college junior. The luxury of having unlimited time in a day to complete my assignments and do a few hobbies will soon become short-changed. However, the introduction of hybrid classes that prioritizes the well-being of students and faculty members should continue after the pandemic. Hybrid classes are a useful option for students, because they can manage their time more efficiently especially if they have conflicting responsibilities such as a
job, sport or club. Lastly, in face of all the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, it is important for the school administration to acknowledge students’ anxieties and feelings of grief and loss. Coming to campus, some students will be grieving the loss of a loved one, a dear friend or family member, while others will be struggling with the zapped sense of social connection. Everyone has their anxieties and regrets from the past year, and everyone will adjust in their own way. It is okay to feel out of place, nervous and sorrowful. But I encourage everyone to focus on healing. Fortunately, the Student Wellness Center is open on campus if any “second-year freshmen” or newly admitted students need mental health care. And if you find yourself lost on campus, you are not alone. Because I probably will be, too.
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