September 23, 2020

OUTHERN S The Student Voice of Florida Southern College

FSC adapts to COVID-19 changes

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit 38 Lakeland, FL

WEDNESDAY, September 23, 2020 VOL. 136, NO. 1

BSU hosts first meeting of the semester Sophia Gonzalez News Editor

Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino

Junior Elisa White takes a photo of sophomore Emma Lytle on Mr. George’s Green. Lytle is wearing her face mask, a part of Florida Southern’s measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Kenzie Carlson Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how Florida Southern College students are receiving their education.

One of these major changes came on Aug. 10 when President Anne Kerr sent out an email stating that only certain majors and select students would be allowed to attend in-person classes this semester due to COVID-19 concerns.

“These conditions require the college to alter its opening plans for the fall semester to pursue a model that mitigates the risk of virus transmission on our campus and in the Lakeland community,” Kerr stated in the email.

Prior to the start of the semester, professors went through training on Canvas, Portal, Zoom and other learning platforms to ensure that they were prepared for classes this fall, but remote learning has posed challenges for many students and professors alike as they navigate a new approach to teaching and learning.

Senior Katie Hoffman is one of the students taking her classes remotely this semester.

“I surprisingly haven’t had as many issues as I anticipated, but I have had a few,” Hoffman said. “On the first day of one of my classes, the remote learners momentarily lost connection with our professor, so we could not see or hear what she was saying.”

FSC has many safety protocols in place for on-campus students such as mask and distancing requirements.

The College assured students and parents in an email on Aug. 10 that remote learning would be successful. Technology upgrades such as placing cameras in classrooms are meant to enhance the remote experience for all students.

“While coursework and faculty instruction will look different from in-

SOCIAL MEDIA

person classes, it will be the same material taught by the same professors at an equal level of excellence,” President Kerr stated in the email from Aug. 10. “Florida Southern is ready for remote instruction.”

As a result of COVID-19 protocol at

Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino Professor Silvano Falcao teaches Elementary Statistics sociallydistanced in Polk Science Room 204.

Florida Southern, professors are urged to use less paper with in-class assignments and interactive activities in class, leading professors to turn to Canvas, the school’s new Learning Management System to post assignments for both students who are in face-to-face classes and those taking their classes remotely.

“I am relying heavily on Canvas where I post recordings of lectures and discussions and provide files containing the slides from presentations, supplemental readings and all assignments,” Associate Professor of Biology Christy Wolovich said. “In my classes that include field activities (e.g.

Animal Behavior & Field Ecology), I have modified assignments to ensure that students can either complete the activities

at home using typical household items or through simulated activities online.”

Despite preparations, remote learning has not come without challenges for both students and professors.

“The biggest challenges are finding ways to teach on campus learners and remote learners simultaneously,” Wolovic said. “There can be technical difficulties in the classroom that hinder everyone’s ability to hear and see all of the information. Although teaching in a mask is absolutely necessary at this point, teaching to the remote learners on a screen while wearing a mask can be challenging at times.”

Many professors have taken steps beyond that training to check-in with their remote students and ensure that they are just as successful as their face-to-face classmates.

These steps include (but are not limited to) posting recordings of lectures, utilizing both Canvas and the Portal and adapting to online assignments.

“From a positive standpoint, though, I do like that I am able to gain access to previous lessons through Canvas,” Hoffman said. “My professors are recording all of the Zoom/Microsoft Teams sessions and posting them online, so I do like that I am able to go back and rewatch them if I missed something during class or while studying for a quiz or exam.”

Professors have also indicated having positive experiences with remote learning and teaching thus far.

“So far, it seems that students are exhibiting a great deal of flexibility,” Wolovich said. “I appreciate that the FSC students seem to acknowledge that faculty are also dealing with significant changes this year. My on-campus learners have been patient with me and the remote students. Also, I love Zoom and think that class discussions using the break out rooms have been just as fruitful as inperson class discussions.”

@fscsouthern

Florida Southern College’s Black Student Union invited the student body to join its first official meeting of the semester.

On Sept. 13, BSU informed members about some of the upcoming projects and events that the organization has planned for the semester.

BSU plans on partnering with different organizations, such as the Multicultural Student Center, in order to promote education on the experiences of different cultures, including the experiences of Black people and people of color.

The Union is collaborating with FSC Film program, to create a YouTube series called The College Perspective.

“This semester we will be discussing topics like gatekeeping, the BLM movement, and what does it mean to be ‘Black,’” BSU’s Instagram post said.

They are currently looking for volunteers to participate in the video series. Anyone who is interested should visit BSU’s Instagram page @fscbsu and scan their QR code to sign their volunteer form.

Throughout the meeting, the BSU officers discussed their roles within the organization and highlighted the importance of creating a community of inclusivity and togetherness where all the members can feel included.

“I will create a good relationship with all of you,” Vice President Tamara Shivaliea said. “I want to work hand in hand with you guys, pretty much get to know you guys on a personal level.”

They are also working towards increasing leadership and job opportunities for its members by announcing different job and volunteering opportunities available in Lakeland and by giving members the opportunity to run for leadership positions in the future.

BSU’s status as an official SGA-backed organization will be determined during the President’s Circle meeting on Sept. 24. If they are approved, BSU plans on sending applications which will be used to collect a $25 yearly fee, that will help cover for the cost of BSU t-shirts.

Rashida Blair, who is the co-candidate coordinator, announced different designs that she created for BSU’s potential logo, one of which will also be used to make t-shirts.

Some events to look forward to include, MSC’s “Listening Party” on Nov. 10, a BSU hosted watch party on election night and a “Rush Hour” screening event.

They are planning on having a virtual set-up so that remote students can also participate in their events.

If BSU is approved through SGA, they will then post their official event dates on Engage.

www.fscsouthern.com

fscsouthern@gmail.com

The Southern SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

NEWS

BRIEFS President’s Circle This year’s first President’s Circle will be held on Zoom on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. Presidents of on-campus organizations and senators will be able to attend.

A Taste of Home

2

Clubs transition to online meetings and events Vanessa Alvarez Staff Writer Florida Southern transformed many aspects of campus life to promote the health and safety of students on campus.

In the FSCares document detailing the Fall 2020 semester, Florida Southern revealed that all clubs and organizations should follow the campus’ COVID-19 requirements, which includes no large gatherings, mandatory masks and social distancing. Though clubs cannot function at full in-person capacity, many organizations are taking to virtual platforms to continue engagement during the unusual semester.

planning for the Fall until the beginning of the semester.

“Beyond looks nothing like we’d ever expected in this season,” Laudreman said. “In years past we’d average 60-90 people attending weekly, with our whole team present and a live service. Now, our service is completely live-streamed. It’s a completely different atmosphere without others to engage with.”

Lauderman reveals the most challenging part of facilitating Beyond events is determining the best way to format live stream that is “worthwhile to watch.”

Despite challenges the group is facing, Lauderman believes this time has given

Barnnett Community will be hosting an educational program to help combat homesickness on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. It is a graband-go-style event, so Nicholas residents in the fourth floor will be able to grab a snack and informational resources with information on safe activities to participate in while on campus.

JR Trivia Night On Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. residents of JR 214-222 will be able to join a virtual hall trivia night. Students will be able to learn about each other and different on-campus resources. Participants will be able to win a “fun prize.”

Zoom the Room: A Virtual Scavenger Hunt Game Show!

On Sept. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Barnnett Community will be hosting a “fun and inventive game show.” Students will be able to log into zoom and get to know their hallmates as they show off their most interesting room items.

Studetns who wish to participate can find the Zoom information on Engage.

The Importance of Taking Care of Yourself and Your Mental Health Residents and RA’s will be able to join virtually for a discussion about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health on Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. Students will watch a video, participate in a discussion and play a Kahoot game.

Photo courtesy of Jessie Praley

Members join a Kappa Delta sorority meeting through Zoom.

“Many of our organizations are in contact with CSI on a regular basis looking for advice on how to adapt their events, modify their org operations, ask questions, or even just to bounce ideas off us,” Jackie Inskeep said, the Director of Student Involvement.

“We have a great team of staff members who are always here to provide as much help or guidance as we can.”

Beyond, one of the religious groups on campus, is one of many affected by the requirements implemented on campus. Due to internal changes already occurring in the organization, President Mady Lauderman shares that though they anticipated changes, they did not begin

their executive team the opportunity to work cohesively to combat these trying times.

“Having a reliable and fun team makes coming together in this time easy,” Lauderman said.

Like Beyond, the Association of Campus Entertainment’s President Lucas Blackwell shares that their executive team began planning for the semester with COVID in mind. Blackwell said the organization proceeded with plans for the fall once FSC’s guidelines were established.

ACE, along with most organizations, has moved entirely remote, however, still plan on having in-person events. ACE will be

SGA campaigns held virtually Salvatore Ambrosino Staff Writer Over fifty students ran for Student Government Association’s senate positions with the new challenge of campaigning on fully virtual platforms.

The elections committee for SGA decided in an executive ruling that all campaigning will be done virtually during the fall semester.

“Because we are in different times, we didn’t want to have anything in person,” Executive Vice President of SGA Lexi Potter said. “We wanted to have all of the campaigning virtually just to be completely fair to the students who are remote.”

Remote students ran alongside their on-campus counterparts, looking to gain support amongst their peers over social media platforms such as Instagram.

“I was already planning on where to campaign strategically,” elected first-year senator Justin Kelleher said. “But now, it’s honestly just word of mouth. Personally, I have a few connections, but because my connections have connections, I can reach more people.”

Remote student Rashida Blair, elected as a Senator of Arts and Sciences, is also an executive for the Black Student Union at Florida Southern.

“Originally, I wasn’t going to run, but I wanted to see change on this campus and to facilitate change I need to be more involved,” Senator Rashida Blair said. “If I have to make pretty posts and talk to

“

“Originally, I wasn’t going to run, but I wanted to see change on this campus and to facilitate change I need to be more involved.”

- Senator Rashida Blair everyone I can, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Some candidates had no trouble adjusting to the rule change. Students already prominent on social media advocated for their election using their school-wide followings. Grace Elwood, who ran for a School of Arts and Sciences senator position, owns the student-run @FSC2024 Instagram account. Elwood took to her platform and endorsed her own campaign and the campaigns of other candidates.

The polls narrowed in on candidates competing for the space on eachother’s timelines up until the final night of voting.

Election polls closed the night of Sept. 16.

hosting hybrid events with an online option if the in-person event reaches attendance capacity.

“We have altered all in-person events on campus to ensure they comply with CSI Student Organization Event Guidelines & Procedures,” Blackwell said. “We adhere to room capacity limits, and now serve food at the end of our events and served via ‘grab and go’ style.”

Similar to Lauderman, Blackwell admits that aside from the uncertainty of today’s climate, ACE’s leadership team eased the transition into this unfamiliar semester.

“They are a group of extremely positive, flexible, and hardworking individuals who have been a joy to work with amid the chaos of 2020,” Blackwell said.

Incorporated in FSCares is a plan designed to safely and proactively move organizations through a series of phases to soon resume fully in-person. These phases will be based on the recommendations of the Center of Disease Control as well as the Florida and Polk County Departments of Health. The phases include virtual, which is currently the status of student involvement, hybrid and hybrid 2, which lead to in-person events that will occur once requirements are adjusted.

In the meantime, Inskeep says the Center for Student Involvement is provided all the necessary resources to keep morale up during these challenging and uncertain times. Inskeep mentioned that part of providing resources to clubs on campus includes conducting research on how other schools are facilitating involvement during the pandemic.

“Our goal is to create as engaging of an environment as we can that is accessible for all of our students; regardless of if they are on campus, commuting, or remote,” Inskeep said.

Many organizations such as ACE and Beyond are continuing to host virtual meetings via Zoom and other platforms.

All the clubs and organizations offered at FSC along with an up-to-date schedule with each organization’s events can be found on Engage.

Elected Senators First Year Senators: Scott Huger, Reagan Orr, Justin Kelleher and Emery Roth

Second Year Senators: Carter Webb and Bella Suarez

Second Year Greek Senators: Kyle Herbers and Natalie McGinniss

Third Year Greek Senators: Jessie Joyner and Jack Wilkens

Third Year Senator: Kristi Bono

Fourth Year Greek Senators: Sophie Talbert and Sierra Dye

Fourth Year Senators: Sarah Tomlinson and Kaitlyn Swanbeck

Intercollegiate Senators: Hannah Fleming and KaylaMay Dumon

Arts and Sciences Senators:

Emma Edgar, Kiersten Bowser, Rashida Blair, Natasha Gomez and Sean Baz

Nursing Senators: Manny Vacarez and Emma Field

School of Education Senator: Rachael Bennett

Business Senators: Jack Foley, Hannah Garcia and Michael Finkelstein

Honors Program Senators: Linlee Franklin and Phillip Rodriguez

Commuter Senators: Aiden Starr and Ashlee Wilson

3 The Southern SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

FEATURES

Downtown Lakeland business closes after 78 years Claudia Kahl Staff Writer

The national switch to living online has caused a shift in our economy as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With less in-person interactions taking place, the need to have a full staff in places of business is lowered. The cutting down on staff has caused an immense loss of jobs, placing more and more families in difficult situations.

Some local restaurants in Downtown Lakeland are now offering curbside pickup. Unfortunately, the stores that were unable to adapt to the new “normal” were left with little to no choice on what to do. With the majority of the population shopping online, doing curbside pickup, or simply not needing certain items anymore, the smaller retailers that are unable to offer such services are suffering.

The closing trend extends from big box stores, like Nordstrom, to small businesses that are located in our own backyards.

A prime example of this is Nathan’s Men’s Store, located on East Main Street and South Kentucky Avenue in Downtown Lakeland. Harris Estroff, the owner of Nathan’s Men’s Store, noted that in the beginning of March, his closing sale was significantly more popular than it is right now.

Nathan’s Men’s Store was first purchased in Lakeland in 1942. Originally founded

by Nathan and Mildred Estroff, the store is now run by their son, Harris Estroff. Harris was brought up in the business, but never really had interest in it.

“I didn’t take it seriously until after college, which was around 1974,” Harris said.

In 1992, Harris bought the space next door. He wanted to expand his store so that they could offer a larger selection of products. Nathan’s Men’s Store has been a primarily men’s clothing store in Lakeland. The staff prides themselves on guaranteeing the public the best service.

They fit customers and help them pick out clothes. The one-on-one service is a key factor in Nathan’s Men’s Store’s brand.

They offer alterations, product repair and more.

Now, windows of the storefront are crowded with signs stating, “Final Liquidation,” and “Retirement Sale.”

Inside, the merchandise is all marked down and on final sale. The store offers a large amount of brand name clothing ranging from Vineyard Vines to Tommy Bahama, and they’re all included in the sale.

The fixtures, lights and clothing racks, are all for sale as well. Almost all of the items inside the store are 75 percent off, and there is still quite a bit of inventory left. Harris felt that now was as good a time as any to close.

“The truth is, I had planned to retire before the pandemic,” Harris said. “I

Photo courtesy of Claudia Kahl

Closing and sale signs covering the windows of Nathan’s Men’s Store in its final weeks of operation. started the sale before, but didn’t know it was a closing sale. I wanted to retire before and had planned on it. I started the sale the last ten days of March. In April, we were closed the entire month.”

Harris made clear he was open to the possibility of someone buying his store from him, but since that did not happen, he decided to retire instead. He stated that his sons are both happy doing other things with their lives and his daughter has a family of her own. Harris doesn’t want to force any of his kids into a business they don’t want to be in.

The official closing of Nathan’s Men’s

Store has not yet been announced, but Harris is actively trying to clear his inventory. If the leftover items don’t sell, he plans on selling them elsewhere.

Nathan’s Men’s Store’s exemplary service and dedication to the city of Lakeland and its people will surely be missed, but never forgotten. The community will always remember the small business that was a primary retailer of men’s clothing for the past 78 years along with the Estroff family that created it all.

“I’ve had a great run for me and my family,” Harris said.

Sarah Dube Staff Writer

wearing a lot of baggy clothes; baggy shirts, baggy jeans. [When] I got to college, I got my first form-fitting shirt and overalls. It was so weird to me because for so long I had been wearing these baggy clothes.”

Along with the trademark baggy clothes, Gibbs also raved about bright colors and bold patterns making a comeback. The late 80’s and early 90’s are well known for their neon fashion statements. As the early 2000’s approached, the fad died down but recently made its resurgence.

“I think a lot of kids who grew up in the early 2000’s who are now in college are starting to become more confident in making bolder fashion choices,” Gibbs said. “They leave middle school and high school where conformity is one of the most important things, and in college they become secure enough to bring those bold trends back.”

Gibbs also made references to various popular Netflix series that have contributed to the revival of 90’s trends.

Shows like “Sex and the City” and “West Wing” were among the titles she listed, with “Friends” coming up once again.

“In the 90’s, everyone had the Jennifer Aniston haircut from ‘Friends,’” Gibbs said. “You could walk into any hair salon and ask for ‘the Jennifer’ and they’d know exactly what you meant.”

Nowadays, college students aren’t exactly itching to copy Jennifer Aniston’s latest hairstyle, but they are definitely taking inspiration from the decade. One FSC student who has made her love of the 90’s known is senior Alexis Gettemy.

“Some of my favorite trends that are coming back are high-waisted ‘mom’ jeans, chunky white sneakers, statement jewelry, and scrunchies,” Gettemy said.

“Fashion like this, I believe, stems from some of our favorite female role models from hit movies and tv shows during that time period.”

Internships switch to virtual 90’s fashion makes a comeback Grace Newton Entertainment Editor

At FSC, many majors include an internship as part of their requirements.

Considered part of their credit hours and observed by a professor, students have had on and off-campus internships all over Central Florida. However, while some students are permitted back on campus specifically to do their internships, requirements must be adjusted this semester to accommodate graduating seniors.

Because internships are a culmination of the undergraduate career, students typically do their internship at some point during their senior year. This means that some seniors cannot put this off until COVID conditions have changed. One of the biggest issues in this situation may not even be doing an internship; it’s finding one during the pandemic.

Dr. Mike Trice is the director of internships for the communication department. Students in this department have the option to choose between an internship or a senior project. If they choose an internship, they must take a Professional Development class with Trice and attempt to find an internship for the following semester. With seven students doing internships this semester, only one is in-person.

“For the most part, all who wanted to do [an internship] in the fall had options,” Trice said.

Though there are usually less Communication students doing internships in the fall, Trice did encourage those who could hold off until spring to do so. However, there were plans in place to facilitate “inhouse professional experience” if a student needing an internship to graduate in the fall could not find one.

“We weren’t going to let the lack of an internship because of the pandemic effect

someone’s graduation plans,” Trice said.

Even though the circumstances are abnormal, Trice does not believe online internships will hinder his students’ future job prospects.

“I think the argument is, ‘that was the time frame in which I had to intern, and I had to adapt,’” Trice said. “You can accentuate the positive.”

The changes can be stressful to students.

Education majors work in a classroom every semester post-sophomore year, which leaves no room for any time off.

However, this semester, these field studies are being done virtually. Senior elementary education major Daria Gill was not surprised by the newest development.

“I fully understand why we are doing virtual field studies, as it is the safest option for all students,” Gill said. “I’m expecting that we will be in contact with a teacher at a school over Zoom, but I don’t see how it will be possible to observe them teaching or to teach the kids ourselves while we are at home and they are in the classroom.”

Despite being understanding of the situation, Gill has some concerns over how this will impact certain skills she will need in her future career.

“One of the hardest parts of teaching is classroom management, and we can’t strengthen management skills virtually,” Gill said. “By this point, I know how to write lesson plans. It’s the implementation of them that I think is still hard, and I really won’t be able to practice that, or classroom management virtually.”

As a senior, Gill is also nearing the end of her academic career, which adds other pressures, including searching for a job after graduation.

“I’m mainly worried because next semester is my final internship, and I don’t think I will be fully prepared,” Gill said.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Mike Trice is the faculty advisor for “The Southern.”

Lately, certain fashion trends from the 1990’s have been making their way back into 2020. Social media influencers are wearing bucket hats, stores are stocking their shelves with scrunchies and bike shorts are no longer only reserved for the gym.

It’s not just the fashion; movies and TV series from the decade are also making their way back to our screens.

Disney revived the 90’s classic series, “Boy Meets World” and Netflix has been rounding out their site with plenty of 90’s throwbacks.

The revival started in 2017 with the “Full House” spin-off, “Fuller House.”

“Full House” was a staple of 90’s television and the spin-off put the original back into the forefront of viewer’s minds.

“

“Fashion like this, I believe, stems from some of our favorite female role models from hit movies and tv shows during that time period.”

-Alexis Gettemy, senior

The hit sitcom “Friends” also gained a lot of traction on Netflix with 32.6 billion minutes streamed in 2018. Before it was removed in January, it was the second most watched series on the site.

Dr. Beth Gibbs, the Associate Professor of Music at FSC, recalled her experience.

“In the 90’s I was in high school and college,” Gibbs said. “I remember

The Southern SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

OPINIONS

4

Frank Lloyd Wright campus architecture limits mobility Kenzie Carlson and Vanessa Hart Staff Writers

Students at Florida Southern College have become concerned with accessibility issues on campus.

“Ordway is an area on campus I feel like is very inaccessible,” junior Grace Seaborn said. “There are a lot of stairs without handrails and I’ve only seen a few ramps.”

One of the least accessible areas is Ordway. Not only does it have many stairs but it also lacks ramps in some areas, making it impossible or nearly impossible for students using mobility aids such as wheelchairs to get around the area.

“If someone using a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, is unfamiliar with navigating the campus, it can be a challenge to confidently plot a course along the accessible paths,” Associate Vice President for Student Support Dr. Marcie Pospichal said. “During traditional Faceto-Face Orientations, before classes begin, we guide individual students who use wheelchairs from their residence to classes to familiarize them with accessible paths.”

Pospichal says that the Student Support Office does what they can to “modify the space to become more accessible.”

“For example, we have huge “Mobi Mats” that are rolled out onto terrain that is not accessible to wheelchairs (e.g., grass, gravel) to improve access to those opportunities,” Pospichal said.

Ramps and stairs aren’t the only thing that prevent accessibility for students on campus, some restrooms are inaccessible for wheelchairs, such as the restrooms near the Terrace Cafe, which have two doors

close to each other which can be tough for someone using a wheelchair to navigate.

“We absolutely want everyone to have access to restroom use,” Pospichal said. ”In cases where a location may not have a wheelchair-accessible restroom (e.g., the Hollis Room), we arrange for access to a nearby, accessible restroom.”

Being a historical campus, Florida Southern has many older buildings on campus which do not always have things like elevators or automatic doors.

“The college is always working to build access, both directly and indirectly,” Pospichal said. “I believe we have the creativity, ingenuity, and good will to improve access in ways that also preserve our important historical heritage.”

To improve accessibility on campus, FSC could add more accessible restrooms, flat/paved sidewalks, more automatic doors in buildings including dorms and academic buildings, and ramps that are better implemented throughout campus.

“I think campus accessibility could be improved by reaching out to students and faculty and getting their opinions on the accessibility of campus,” Seaborn said.

“For me personally, I think more staircases could have a handrail, there could be more ramps and the sidewalks could be renovated so they are not as uneven.”

Pospichal said that communication is key in identifying needs.

“If there is a barrier to access, please report this to my office,” Pospichal said.

“We will respond timely to find a solution.”

Kenzie’s Perspective

I have a condition called cerebral palsy which causes my brain to not always send

Photo by Zoe Potter

Ordway and surrounding areas have stairs with small ramps, but not everywhere.

Vanessa’s Perspective

the correct signals to my legs and leaves me with tight muscles in my legs and feet.

As a result of this, I struggle with tripping and falling on even the flattest of ground at times.

I also struggle with walking long distances, meaning that at times I use a manual wheelchair to get from one place to another on campus.

I find that one of the hardest paths to navigate on campus isn’t one where stairs or not having ramps is an issue.

For me, the hardest path, whether I am utilizing a mobility device or not, is the path across the street from the caf that goes up next to the wellness center and the green.

This path is a very steep ramp and the concrete has been carved into so it isn’t smooth, leading to tripping hazards and uneven footing which can be dangerous for anyone, whether they are using a mobility device or not.

I’ve had cerebral palsy my whole life, due to a stroke shortly after birth. I am unable to walk and spend most of my time in a wheelchair. If someplace is not wheelchair accessible, it causes major problems for me.

I wasn’t truly aware of the challenges this campus provided for wheelchair users, as this is my first semester. Many times the ramps are tucked away and not easily visible.

The fountain near the library is surrounded by stairs. This means I have to go through the parking lot just to get to the other side.

Having to go across crosswalks makes me feel unsafe. It is highly unlikely that most drivers see me since I’m sitting down. I know Campus Safety can be called, but I don’t always want to have to call for help. People with disabilities value their independence.

While some schools have opted to go fully online for the fall 2020 semester, like Valencia College, UCLA, and Harvard University, Florida Southern College has chosen to limit the amount of students allowed back on campus and implement new rules to ensure the students’ safety.

Florida Southern has allowed certain students back on campus, so long as those students follow the new rules, one of those rules being the mandatory use of masks in all classes and around campus.

“Students who will live on campus must follow procedures outlined in the FSCares reopening plan,” an email to students from FSC says. “The College will strictly enforce mask wearing, physical distancing, and other measures to keep campus as healthy as possible.”

In these difficult times, rules like these are needed to keep everyone healthy while also allowing the students to get as much out of the college experience as possible.

While there may be people protesting for the removal of the mask mandate, people here on campus believe that masks are the best way to go and not even all that bad.

“I actually enjoy the mask,” FSC film professor Matthew Herbertz said. “It’s just another accessory now that prevents moisture droplets from spreading as easily.

We are still early on substantial evidence on how effective they are, but the worst outcome is that we possibly were wrong and had to wear cloth on our face.”

Many others are looking at this situation the same way as Herbertz. Big manufacturers like Target (specifically their private companies like Universal Thread, Cat & Jack and Goodfellow) have even started being creative with their

masks.

In stores nationwide, there are different colored masks with quotes, designs, shapes and images on them. One of the funniest ones I’ve seen is a mask that has rated 2020 one out of five stars with the words “very bad, would not recommend.” Some people even take pleasure in making their own masks.

FSC’s Cat Club alumni officer Christina Meiser is a part of a group that makes and sells homemade masks to current FSC students if they want to spruce up their style with colorful, patterned masks.

“I really like the homemade masks; they’re fun, bright and sometimes even spark conversations,” Meiser said. “I was definitely a little self conscious when all of this started, but having different colors and patterns to match up my outfit has been fun.”

Along with the fashion aspect, Meiser also donates the proceeds to the campus cats. One in particular, Sherberto, just recently had eye surgery and is especially in need.

“Anything that can be done to help [the cats] and ensure that their lives are the best they can be, we want to do,” Meiser said.

Though it will be tougher and uncomfortable for some, it’s refreshing to see people using these situations to have fun and help those in need. If FSC’s administration and students wish to keep everyone else on campus from contracting the virus, I believe this is the safest way to do so. Not everyone might agree with those like me, but sometimes we need to make sacrifices for the greater good, and the most we can do is find some fun in these unchartered waters.

Have masks gone from a necessary nuisance to an accessory?

Nathalie Moreno Features Editor

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in the middle of March, the world has had to adjust to a new normal.

This new normal includes limiting how much people go out, being extra sanitary and, probably the most controversial change of all, always wearing masks when going out.

These masks act as a preventative measure to lessen the spread of the virus and it’s the safest way to live for the time being. Though wearing them might constantly be frustrating, the use of masks keeps everyone safer.

“Cloth coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow the spread of the virus–particularly when used universally within a community setting,”

CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield said in a press release.

These changes have forced everyone to make adjustments at home, work and now school. Schools worldwide have been struggling to figure out what the upcoming school year will look like as the summer comes to an end.

Wearing masks on campus is a great way to try and prevent the spread of coronavirus among the student body, faculty and staff.

Students who are living on campus and going to some of their classes in person, like junior Grace Sill, agree and see no problem with wearing masks around campus and in classrooms.

“It’s not about whether someone has COVID-19 or not, because I’d rather err on the side of being overprotective rather than endangering the lives of those around me,” Sill said.

Photo by Christina Meiser

The proceeds of the Cat Club masks go to FSC campus cat Sherberto, who is recovering from eye surgery (pictured above).

5 The Southern SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Theatre and Dance adjusts for social distancing Sam Odom Opinions Editor

In the midst of a global pandemic, Florida Southern, like most educational establishments, is adjusting to a new way of life. Theatre and Dance at FSC is adapting their curriculum and programs to a new, more socially distanced way of life this year, and the organization’s leaders are forging ahead safely.

Theatre Department Chair James Beck and the rest of the department have carefully crafted the fall season with shows that could without a doubt be streamed without copyright issues.

The shows include “As You Like It,” “Oedipus Rex” and “A Christmas Carol,” which was adapted by Beck and other FSC faculty in what Beck described as a “highly collaborative, creative and enjoyable process.”

Beck states that rehearsals for this season will be a hybrid of virtual and socially distanced in-person rehearsals, with masked cast members. Even the performance itself will have stage direction made with social distancing in mind.

“I have had meetings with our choreographer and we have been discussing the nature of the movement for ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and the need to maintain that six foot distance in everything we do,” Beck said. “For all of the shows that will be streaming, we have secured a supply of clear masks that will allow for more facial visibility of the

performer’s faces.”

Senior Musical Theatre Major Emily Hermey is thankful to be on campus this semester and gaining “some sense of normality.”

“The situation is not ideal because Covid-19 is still a large concern for all of us,” Hermey said. “We are being [as] safe as possible on campus through these circumstances and I really miss all my friends that couldn’t be on campus this semester.”

She also finds many of the school’s Covid-19 precautions to be appropriate, but some “are more problematic than effective.” Elaborating on this point, Hermey explained she found the email regarding the cut in attendance on campus

After being closed for six months in the height of quarantine and coronavirus, the Polk Museum of Art has reopened to the public as of September 8, 2020, and they have some new things in store.

Almost all businesses and workplaces had to temporarily close or adjust their business hours and policies because of the current state of the world.

Lakeland’s very own Polk Museum of Art, the art museum only two blocks from the Florida Southern campus, was one of those places. Finally, they were able to reopen.

Business hours have been modified: the museum is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, Sunday, and major holidays.

To ensure everyone’s safety, there are new policies and guidelines in place for anyone who plans to visit the museum since the reopening.

“When people show up, they will have to have their temperatures taken at the door,” the museum’s Executive Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Alexander Rich, said. “[Visitors] will have to wear masks at all times in order to enter the museum and be asked a few short coronavirus screening questions.”

During quarantine and the temporary closure, they have kept themselves busy with virtual events and art activity kits. However, there’s nothing quite like the physical presence of people exploring and roaming the museum. The museum staff is mostly looking forward to allowing the public

as it is safe.

“I cannot emphasize enough that I want to make sure our students and faculty all remain safe throughout this process,” Beck said. Beck explains that he and other staff members collectively made an effort to educate themselves and come together to create a safe and impactful season.

“So, as a leader, I have provided what guidance I could, but I have also listened to my colleagues and we agreed upon a plan together that would allow for our work to proceed and at the same time, keep everyone safe,” Beck said.

Each staff members will assess how best to adapt to any changes, which Beck ensures will result in the same quality instruction taught by staff in years prior “So I think what I am saying is that the curriculum is not changing, just, perhaps, the way we deliver it,” Beck said.

Hermey is experiencing these changes now.

“For example, my dance classes were moved to a place with carpet, making it harder to dance, and with no mirrors to correct ourselves, so we rely more on our professors to correct us,” Hermey said.

“Our voice lessons were moved to Zoom, which is very hard since we do not have a pianist with us and our professors can’t correct us as much.”

This article continues on fscsouthern.com.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Thomas

Director Paul Bawek and the cast of “As You Like It” have a sociallydistanced rehearsal on Sept. 16.

Polk Museum of Art reopens Nathalie Moreno Features Editor

to be last minute and lacking in proper communication.

Other precautions Hermey mentions include “scheduling campus events with large group gatherings that makes social distancing difficult, and limiting the amount of students allowed in campus dorms and apartments when teachers are still assigning group projects where in person work is important.”

Hermey says she understands that the current situation right now will never be perfect and that the school has made many beneficial rules, but that the aforementioned issues aren’t effective.

Beck expects to face challenges along the way, but he hopes to give students real experience in live entertainment, as long

back in the museum and letting the art be admired again. “[The art] needs to have that life breathed into it by people looking at it in the gallery,” Rich said.

Amidst all the chaos, some good has come out of the pandemic. The museum first opened in 1966 as a community museum, and being forced to live and operate remotely has led to the development of new virtual programming.

Dr. Rich feels that the coronavirus pandemic has propelled the museum to fully enter the twenty-first century.

With these new developments and opening back up to the public, they will be able to interact with the guests physically, as well as virtually.

“We now have a blog [and] reach a much broader audience and community than we ever have before in our history,” Rich said.

Virtual programming is not the only innovative creation that came out of this struggle. There’s also a new program coming up this month called the Museum Ambassadors Program.

The initiative for this program is to allow students to be more involved with the museum, and hopefully get an inside look at what it’s like to work there. The ambassadors will be able to do things like see how exhibitions are created at the museum and work closely with the museum staff.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved at the museum,” Rich said.

“We’re really hopeful that many students want to take up this opportunity to get to know the museum, get to have their voices heard in the arts at Florida Southern and become a big key element of our community organization.”

SOUTHERN The Student Voice of Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Lakeland, Florida 33801 Always on fscsouthern.com 863-680-4456 fscsouthern@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief

Jillian Kurtz

jilliankurtz98@gmail.com

News Editor

Sophia Gonzalez

sophiamcecc@gmail.com

Online Editor Features Editor Opinions Editor

Entertainment Editor Graphic Designer Advisor

Abby McHenry

abemchenry@gmail.com

Nathalie Moreno

morenonathalie78@gmail.com

Sam Odom

Grace Newton

samanthaodom2021@gmail.com

Christina DiGregory

Mike Trice

gracearoni55@gmail.com

christina.digregory@gmail.com

mtrice@flsouthern.edu

The Southern is published as an E-Edition biweekly during fall and spring semesters of the academic year at Florida Southern College by students through the Communication Department. The Southern is unable to print a physical paper due to COVID-19, but is still available on fscsouthern.com. Opinions expressed on the opinions pages are not necessarily those of the department, the administration, the Board of Trustees or The Southern editorial board. Written and signed responses to views expressed on these pages, or relevant to other Florida Southern College issues, are encouraged and will be considered for publication. All members of the Florida Southern community — students, staff, faculty, administrators, trustees, alumni and other friends of the college — are invited to voice their opinion in and about The Southern. All material submitted is subject to editing for length, style and taste. All material must be submitted to fscsouthern@gmail.com to be considered. The Southern office is in the Chatlos Building on Johnson Ave.