Volume 92 • Issue 10
November 17, 2023
Athletic equipment theft addressed at ‘Town Hall’
FSUgatepost.com
Apollo’s Anguish
By Adam Harrison Asst. News Editor Members of SGA held their biannual Town Hall to give students a chance to raise questions, comments, and concerns to administrators on Nov. 14. At the forum, students raised concerns about theft, mental health, and accessibility. In attendance was President Nancy Niemi; Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Eric Gustafson; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kristen Porter-Utley; Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Jeffrey Coleman; Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Kim Dexter; Associate Dean of Students for Student Life Glenn Cochran; Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Rachel Lucking; Director of Facilities Daniel Giard; Vice President for Student Affairs Meg Nowak; Borrego;
See TOWN HALL page 3
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST Olivia Copeland (left) and Zach Morrison as Daphne and Apollo during the “Cupid & Psyche” dress rehearsal Nov.15.
Board of Trustees discuss enrollment strategies By Naidelly Coelho News Editor The Board of Trustees discussed the University’s strategic enrollment plan, President Nancy Niemi’s evaluation, and FY 25 budget during the Nov. 15 meeting. During the Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee Report, Trustee Nancy Budwig provided updates on enrollment and retention rates. She said undergraduate enrollment has dropped 5% and graduate enrollment has risen 6% compared to AY 2022. The University is 6% ahead in new student enrollment compared to
last year. The University has a decrease of 2% in overall enrollment compared to last year, Budwig said. The University’s retention rate is 72%, which is 1% ahead of 2022, she added. She said because of the delay of FAFSA forms this year, the University might see some change in those numbers. “So getting out the financial award letters - which the aim is to do it earlier and earlier - will be delayed,” Budwig said. Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management Iris Godes said the FAFSA form will open on Dec. 31, which will delay the sending out of award letters
News
until early March. “I was talking about this with my staff today. There’s a sort of national May 1 decision day to submit your deposit. Well, if we can’t get your award out to you until April, are you ready to make a decision? So we’re going to have to see how that goes. We’re going to be watching closely,” Godes said. Godes said FSU received $22 million from the MASSGrant Plus Expansion for financial aid available for students. This expansion will give students more financial aid who are eligible for the Pell Grant more money. Students who are part time and eligible for Pell Grant will also receive financial aid,
TOWN HALL pg. 3 GENERAL EDUCATION pg. 4
Opinions GIVING THANKS pg. 6 EM’S GEMS pg.7
Sports
See BOARD OF TRUSTEES page 5
National Philanthropy Day celebrates the goodness of giving By Ryan O’Connell Associate Editor On a cloudy, cold November afternoon, Sarah Ripton floats between tables deployed by the Maynard Parking Lot, behind West Hall. One of the folding tables is covered in an array of QR codes - links to local nonprofits, volunteering signups, and a way for students to donate unused meal swipes to commuters missing a meal plan through Sodexo. When she isn’t talking to passing students, alumni, and faculty, Ripton is making sure a range of crafts are ready for passersby to participate in - painting, jewelry making, and blanket building to name a few.
These opportunities - not only a chance to relax and stretch creative muscles - are part of a larger celebration of National Philanthropy Day, recognized Nov. 15, and hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Ripton, the coordinator of student support and advocacy for the Dean of Students Office and the single point of contact for basic needs security, is the only staff member running the Rams Resource Center, which the Philanthropy Day focused on highlighting. The resource center, operated by the Dean of Students Office, is receiving help this semester from two interns and two student workers, she said. “I have support from student workers who are phenomenal,” Ripton said.
She added the interns are funded by Alexis Schlesinger/ THE GATEPOST the “ending campus hunger grant” and are responsible for the day-to-day op- VOLLEYBALL pg. 8 erations of the Rams Resource Center, KONDI BREAKS RECORDS pg. 9 which also receives help from the two student workers, employed through work-study. Ripton said not only was Philanthropy Day a good way to highlight and celebrate the resource center, but also the partnering businesses which help it operate. She said Circle of Hope, a local organization in Massachusetts, for example, donates amenities and specialty orders to the Rams Resource Center, which can include specifically-colored pants Alexis Schlesinger / THE GATEPOST or special bedding. BOTANY pg. 11 See PHILANTHROPY page 12 RAENA’S ROOM REPORT pg. 13
Arts & Features
INSIDE: OP/ED 6 • SPORTS 8 • ARTS & FEATURES 10