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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42

CEDAR FALLS, IA

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

OPINION

CAMPUS LIFE

SPORTS

OPINION PAGE 3

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 4

SPORTS PAGE 6

Guest columnist Glenn Gray discusses “UNI being the most expensive university in Iowa.”

Track and field competes at indoor conference championships.

UNI’s Interpreter’s Theatre celebrates Women’s History Month through three different shows.

R(A)eality of being an RA RAs detail experiences of overwork, trauma and minimal support OLIVIA BRUNSTING Staff Writer

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN News Editor

For many UNI students, one of their greatest resources and support systems is their Residential Assistant (RA).

Although RAs are seen as the foundation for any dorm building, they often feel unsupported and overwhelmed by the numerous responsibilities required by UNI’s Housing and Dining Department (UHD). These responsibilities are taking a toll on many RA’s mental and physical health.

While writing this article, the Northern Iowan (NI) spoke with 15 current and former RAs on and off the record. To respect the wishes of those who spoke to us, their names will be withheld. UHD implements a policy requiring RAs to submit their questions and responses to the NI’s questions through their marketing department for approval in order to “accurately represent language, policies, and procedures,” according to an email from Lawther Hall Residence Life Coordinator Jordan Rockwell.

The NI created an anonymous Google Survey form and emailed it to over 50 UNI RAs. UHD then held a meeting with RAs regarding the NI’s survey, reminding them to send their answers to the marketing department first in order to accurately

KARLA DE BRUIN/Northern Iowan

In writing this article, the Northern Iowan spoke with 15 current and former RAs on and off the record.

I don’t think we were fully prepared for how to mentally deal with all of the things that we see represent UHD’s values and the portrayal of the role of an RA. In response to the NI’s survey, many RAs received messages from UHD encouraging them not to respond anonymously.

The cost of caring On the surface, the reasons for becoming an RA are fairly straightforward: free room and board, the stipend doesn’t seem too bad and it looks pretty good on a resume. Several RAs also

KARLA DE BRUIN/Northern Iowan

Many RAs apply for the position for free room and board, as well as the opportunity to connect with students.

apply as it is an excellent opportunity to help students and create connections.

However, according to the RAs the NI interviewed, many quickly learn that a deeper motivation is required to remain an RA. “I wanted to help people struggling as much as I did my first few years,” RA 1 said. “I had some sh*tty RAs who I didn’t trust or feel comfortable with. I wish I had someone to be myself with, but that never happened.”

RA 1 continued, “I wanted to be that for students, and I am. I’ve created an open and light-hearted environment for my residents to come and express themselves and be human beings with real struggles and emotions.”

UHD doesn’t understand the exhaustion, stress and emotions we deal with daily, and their version of a thank you is a fruit roll up. I wish I knew the extreme effort I put in for my residents was going to be pushed aside

Although many RAs strive to create a sense of community and make the dorms feel like home, they often do so at the cost of their mental well-being.

“It really isn’t easy,” RA 2 reminds students. “The social aspect is fun and rewarding, but the responsibilities are a lot and can take a toll on mental health.”

I nt e r v iewe d R As expressed feeling unqualified and overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility required of them.

“Many people will treat you as their personal therapist,” RA 3 said. “There is training for sexual assault or suicidal ideation, but I don’t think we were fully prepared for how to mentally deal with all of the things that we

It got to the point where I re-enrolled in therapy on campus to be able to try and deal with all the trauma I saw see. It’s a responsibility that should not be completely on a 19-year-old.”

Not only is this job demanding mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect RAs physically through exhaustion.

“It’s draining, and sometimes the UHD asks too much of us with no appreciation,” RA 1 explained. “We work hard every day; when you’re an RA, you don’t get a 9 to 5 life. They need you at all hours.”

RA 1 continued, “UHD doesn’t understand the exhaustion, stress and emotions we deal with daily, and their version of a thank you is a fruit roll-up. I wish I knew that the extreme effort I put in for my residents was going to be pushed aside, and the UHD would ask for more out of me.”

Nicholas Rafanello, Executive Director of Housing and Dining, declined an interview with the NI and directed us towards Annie Karr, Assistant Director of Marketing for Housing and Dining, for an interview. Karr then directed the questions to Erica Eischen, Director of Residence Life, who elaborated on the mental health support RAs receive on behalf of UHD. See RA REALITIES, page 2

KARLA DE BRUIN/Northern Iowan

Several RAs expressed being overhwhelmed with their responsibilties, and have criticized the lack of transparency from UHD.

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NEWS

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RA REALITIES

continued from page 1

“RAs meet with their supervisors for one-on-one meetings to discuss how they are as people, as well as how certain aspects of the role are going for them,” Eischen said. “Since Coordinators (RA’s supervisors) work one-on-one with each staff member, the support that each receives is tailored to what is going on in their life at the moment and within their role. Coordinators work with RA staff on how they can take time away from the role as well.”

What is hidden between the lines?

A few RAs have expressed they feel the UHD was not completely transparent about the responsibilities and duties that come with the RA position. Many RAs have noted they cannot readily access their employment contract, which has led to miscommunication and frustration.

Former RA 1 said, “Last year, there were a lot of RAs being written up for minor infractions and breaking rules they didn’t even know were rules.”

RA 4 elaborated, stating, “There are a lot of things within the job that are hidden under the final ‘duties as assigned’ bullet point.”

In response to concerns about RAs not being able to readily access their employment contract, Eischen wrote, “We have acceptance guides to the RA position. So if an RA candidate selects they do not wish to accept the position, they would not see the information in the Acceptance Guide block. Same is true if an RA candidate accepted the position, they would not see the portion in the Rejection block. RAs are emailed a copy of their acceptance guide after they submit it.”

On top of all these issues, RAs are students too.

Demanding majors, LAC requirements and club organization duties do not become more manageable as an RA. In fact, many RAs have expressed feeling misled about the time commitment of this job.

“In reality, you work 40+

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Karla De Bruin /Northern Iowan

Most of the RAs have experienced mental health problems while being on the job.

hours, not 20,” RA 5 said. “I tried telling my boss, but nothing was done, and I eventually gave up after a while.”

In the acceptance guide signed

by RAs, they are contractually obligated to “maintain full-time student status at UNI during their employment,” as well as “remain in good academic, financial and behavioral standing,” with the university. Additionally, they must “remain late, return early and/ or work during vacations and semester breaks.”

Former RA 1 expressed frustration when it came to payment. They acknowledged the perk of free housing while being an RA, but they noted the pay they received was not substantial enough to maintain their financial situation.

According to UHD assistant marketing director Annie Karr, UHD covers the cost of room and board, and a stipend is paid every two weeks. First-year RAs receive $800 per semester, and that amount increases by $100 per semester each year they return as an RA. Despite having the costs of room and board covered, many RAs still experience financial difficulties. As noted by several RAs, most of the money they get paid for is used for food since the dining centers are closed over break or for other bills and payments.

“The RA position really exploits student employees,” Former RA 2 said. “I feel like I lost a full year of the college experience, and I for sure lost money because you don’t get paid that well. It was barely

enough to cover hygiene products and my other expenses.”

Additionally, RAs are contractually obligated to “seek approval from their Residence Life Coordinator before committing to outside employment,” and cannot work more than 10 hours per week. They are also restricted to “no more than 10 hours per week of extracurricular activities.”

Eischen wrote in regards to an RA’s workload, “A common theme that we often see RAs having to learn and adapt to is how to integrate the role into the numerous other commitments and passions that they have on campus.”

Eischen continued, “This role isn’t like any other job you will hold in college because it’s so integrated into where people live. The RA role can be akin to a family role. If you are a sibling, you are likely introduced as such by your siblings.

The same holds true for RAs. When RAs are introduced by their residents to other people who live elsewhere, they are typically introduced by their role as RA.”

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Held to a higher standard Not only are RAs drowning in academic work and extra jobs, but it can also become tough when they find themselves torn between caring for their residents and caring for themselves.

“We have (management) expecting a lot from RAs,” RA 6 said. “They’re doing extra jobs, plus being with their residents. And they also want us to

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VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39 go above and beyond but forget that we are students, and academics is a struggle. We cannot do all the extra work,” RA 6 continued, “The entire back end of stuff that people do not regularly see. We have to do a thing called collaterals, a.k.a extra work, which is not distributed equally, but everyone has an extra job.”

Additionally, many RAs expressed they feel held to a higher standard than most other RAs at other universities.

“After talking to other RAs at the RA conference, it was obvious that UNI RAs are held to a different standard,” RA 7 said. “We are expected to do more work than other major D1 colleges in the Midwest.

But we found out that we get paid the same amount and get less than half of the days off as them.”

RA 8 emphasized how they felt unprepared to help students, especially with deep traumas and emotionally vulnerable situations. “I wish I had been more aware of how much you have to help students with emotional issues as well as policy violations or academic issues.”

They continued, “I think most people going into the position are aware of things like alcohol violations or mediating roommate disagreements.

However, things like talking a resident through their homesickness or comforting someone after they’ve lost a loved one aren’t something I was prepared to do as often as I do.”

RAs often come face-toface with unexpected situations and respond in the most efficient and sensitive way possible. RAs may be in a position of authority and seem to always have a solution, but in truth, RAs do not have all the answers and are not always prepared for everything that comes their way.

“In reality, we are quite unprepared,” RA 4 revealed.

“We come to campus two weeks early and get packets of information shoved down our throats. We are often scared to ask questions because we are just supposed to know.”

Several other RAs expressed concern regarding their training and its usefulness.

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There were a lot of things hidden under the final ‘duties as assigned’ bullet point “​​During RA training, they had us write thank-you notes to ourselves to try and boost morale,” RA 7 said. “It was ridiculous. All I’m saying is it’d be nice to get a generic thank you note at the end of the year that I didn’t have to write to myself.”

Some exercises in RA training have even instilled a sense of distrust amongst the staff.

One of their most well-known exercises is called “Behind Closed Doors” (BCD), in which returning RAs act out situations for the new RAs. “We walked into a situation room in which we were told it was a break room, a chance for us to ask the old RAs questions and get to make connections with them,” RA 4 remembered.

“We spent our block of time chatting about other coordinators, resident situations and so on.”

RA 4 continued, “At the conclusion of the session, we were then scolded for not shutting down any of the conversations as our veteran peers talked sh*t about coordinators and mentioned fake resident names.

Us first years felt betrayed…

I watched as another RA (a veteran who was acting in that scenario) attempted to apologize on behalf of the coordinators and was instead reprimanded for his actions.”

Many RAs also expressed frustration for being written up multiple times when they felt they were following UHD’s policies and procedures.

“I had multiple instances where I would do exactly what (UHD) told us to do in training and I would still get in trouble,” Former RA 2 said. “You always watch your back for everything. Every moment of last year I felt like I was walking on eggshells.”

Eischen said in regards to training RAs, “University Housing works hard to continually look at the training that is necessary to support our RAs See RA REALITIES, page 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to maase@uni.edu.

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OPINION

NIXSON BENITEZ Executive Editor

MARCH 3, 2022 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

Disclaimer: The following opinion articles featured do not reflect the opinion of the Northern Iowan newspaper or staff as a whole.

UNI most expensive public university in Iowa GLENN GRAY

Guest Columnist

Editor’s Note: Glenn Gray is a tenured university administrator with 35 years of experience in higher education including 19 years of service as a chief housing officer.

Andrew Winds’ Feb. 17 article in The Courier headlined “Dorm, dining rates at the University of Northern Iowa could rise 2%” brings to light the unfortunate fact that the net cost to attend UNI is already higher than UNI’s competitors including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

The UNI campus is designed and financed to serve 13,000 students. Over the past five years UNI enrollment fell from 11,907 students in fall 2017 to 9,231 students in fall 2021 – a drop of 2,676 students or 22.5% (a 53-year low).

This very unfortunate five-year decline represents an average annual drop of 535 students. Over the next five years, UNI predicts enrollment to increase from 9,231 students in fall 2022 to 10,821 students in fall 2026 – a projected increase of 1,590 students or 17.2%.

This overly optimistic five-year forecast represents

an average annual increase of 318 students.

UNI also has an on-campus housing capacity of approximately 4,600 beds.

About 3,876 or 84.3% of these beds are in dormitory style facilities, and about 724 or 15.7% of these beds are in apartment style facilities.

A number of rooms in the dormitory style facilities are leased to students as single rooms versus double rooms to meet student desire for more space and greater privacy. The annual percentage of enrolled students living on campus over the past 22 years (fall 2000 through fall 2021) is 32.8%.

Based on an analysis of past student enrollment trends and future student enrollment forecasting, UNI’s strategic and financial planning going forward is best based on an enrollment of up to 10,000 students, with up to 3,280 or 32.8% of enrolled students living on campus. This is approximately 3,000 fewer students than UNI is designed and financed to serve, and approximately 984 fewer students living on campus.

Affordability is critical to access, especially among first-generation, low-income and marginalized students.

UNI is the only public comprehensive land-grand university in the state of Iowa.

As a land-grand university UNI is charged with providing education at low cost to all Iowans regardless of race or economic status – and yet the net cost and the low-income net cost to attend UNI is higher than it is to attend Iowa’s other two public universities (SUI and ISU).

Iowa taxpayers provide more than half (58%) of UNI’s budgeted revenue.

Student tuition and fees make up most of the remainder of UNI’s budgeted revenue.

UNI Housing and Dining is a self-funded enterprise that receives no state appropriation, tuition revenue or general fund dollars.

This means that students who live on campus pay all costs associated with UNI Housing and Dining. During the 2021-2022 academic year 9,231 students provided revenues needed to support a campus designed and financed to serve 13,000 students, and 3,026 or 32.8% of enrolled students provided revenues needed to support a housing and dining enterprise designed and financed to serve 4,600 students.

It is not sustainable to expect Iowa taxpayers and students attending UNI to pay more to support a campus and a housing enterprise that is larger than is needed.

Instead, UNI must reduce its per student cost of atten-

KARLA DE BRUIN/Northern Iowan

Without counting the financial aid package, an Iowa resident’s total cost of attendance is up to $18,213. For out-of-state students, it is $28,913.

dance and its per student cost to live on campus.

To accomplish this, it is of paramount importance that UNI’s president and UNI’s vice president for finance make innovative, bold, difficult and at times what may prove to be unpopular deci-

sions going forward. If they have the fortitude to do so, they will be better serving Iowa taxpayers who are committed to supporting UNI, students enrolled at UNI, and the Cedar Valley community within which UNI is located.

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CAMPUS LIFE MARCH 3, 2022 | NORTHERNIOWAN.COM | VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39 “Resident assistants are the that each receives is tailored to ing as though I got a boost of RA REALITY world’s kindest people and what is going on in their life at energy to get me through and continued from page 2 will always listen, but many the moment and within their that I feel supported. It’s weird will worry about you forever,” role.” though because I don’t know Trauma overload RA 3 mentioned these how to advocate for more supEven though RAs have RA 3 said. “It got to a point provided support to numerous where I re-enrolled in therapy meetings, “I felt incredibly port through my RLC. You residents, many students view on campus to be able to try supported in my biweek- can’t exactly tell your boss and deal with all the trauma ly meetings. My Residence that they aren’t doing their job them solely as buzzkills.

Life Coordinator (RLC) got to right.”

“The majority of RAs are I saw.”

Many RAs also noted UHD know in depth all my favorite Some RAs have even mennot there to be snitches,” RA 3 said. “We genuinely care does not provide RAs with the and least favorite things on tioned not feeling safe in their about the well-being of all of appropriate amount of time or campus and was always aware own rooms. our residents. We aren’t trying resources to deal with trau- of everything happening in “I got into an altercation with the building.” Things changed a resident who threatened me,” to kill the vibe. Go out and matic events.

“A resident died last year, during RA 3’s second year, RA 4 revealed. “I contacted party, but do not disturb the my boss after the incident and other 40, 50, 100 people on and it was really hard. I would though. really rely on my friends for “My second year was a got the political ‘I’m sorry’ the floor.”

Not only do they genuinely support,” Former RA 1 said. different story,” said RA 3. response.”

RA 4 continued, “We care about their residents, but “I bought a subscription to a “I did not feel supported. I many RAs say that their resi- car washing service because felt like meetings were just always care about the residents are their favorite part of car washes relaxed me, even needed to fulfill a checklist dents’ sense of safety, yet there though that sounds weird. It and whether we successfully are few processes put in place their job. talked to everyone rather than to ensure that for RAs. On top “It’s not in our job descrip- was just my way of coping.” tion to be your friend,” RA Currently, UNI offers five free the depth. It was more about of it all, I then had to report 9 said. “But like myself, I on-campus therapy sessions whether we were doing our the whole incident again in choose to be friends with my for all students. However, jobs than if we were okay. We the written form, forcing me to relive a horrible experience residents because it makes many college students cannot were never okay.”

Former RA 2 shared they (the last thing I wanted to me enjoy it more, and it just continually pay the fee after helps my job better when I’m the five free sessions. Plus, felt their RLC did not give do).” most counseling sessions are them adequate support.

RA 1 also mentioned friends with them.”

The bond between an RA booked and require people to “I had so many situations that they feel a lack of supand resident sometimes even wait a long time before talking where I went to my RLC and port from the university, to someone. told them I was super stressed “Especially with the hiring goes beyond the dorm.

RA 3 addressed the need out, and they just didn’t care. of an openly transphobic RA. “I love that I still continue to have relationships with my for on-campus therapy for There were times where I was The University prides itself in past residents and can still be RAs, “If they are going to like ‘hey, I don’t think I’m being inclusive and diverse, there as a resource for them on handle all of those situations doing so hot,’ and they would and sometimes I feel like campus questions or life ques- at 18, they need to have some- look at me and go ‘yeah, but being part of the LGBT comtions,” said RA 3. “It makes one to talk to… because it you’re still completing your munity has made me a token me so happy to get their call will literally eat them alive if RA duties, so I don’t really to them. I look good for them, or see them being successful. they can not process their sec- care.’ There were also a lot but that’s about it.” of situations where I would The plea for systemic Seeing how residents change ond-hand trauma.”

On-campus therapy, spe- tell my boss something that change in regards to suggesover the years and help find their individual identity after cifically for RAs, would also I thought was going to stay tions RAs had for how the coming from their hometowns combat any potential guilt between the two of us, and university could better supand families and gain indepen- from using these resources. the next thing I knew, every port them, their answers were Eischen said, “Anecdotally, other RLC on campus knew largely the same. dence is so special.”

“Talk to us,” RA 1 said.

In some cases, these friend- RAs have shared that they about it.”

Several other RAs also “We talk to the heads of the ships can even overcome the often feel guilty for using the distance between different resources for students on cam- expressed a lack of support department once at the beginpus because they know some- from the university. ning of the year, and it’s a universities.

“They don’t know how to simple pep talk for the year.

“I still have connections one ‘who needs it more’.”

UHD also encourages any adequately support us,” RA I want them to understand we with some of my residents RAs that feel overwhelmed 4 said. “We aren’t allowed to are struggling, and they need even though I’m going to a to talk to their supervisor. talk as in-depth as we would to take accountability for their different school,” Former RA Eischen explained, “RAs meet like to with our fellow RAs lack of presence most days.”

1 said. “I made great friends with their supervisors for one- because it breaches confiden- Some even suggested comand relationships with my on-one meetings to discuss tiality, which I understand. pletely revamping the entire coworkers, residents and even how they are as people, as But it would be nice to have a system. my boss.” well as how certain aspects of safe space to vent and get the “They just need to restart Helping mold residents’ the role are going for them.” mental health support that we the program,” Former RA 2 college experience can be continued, “Since all need without any interfer- said. “If UNI could mimic extremely rewarding; howev- She Coordinators (RA’s supervience from the UHD.” the University of Iowa or er, the weight of their resiThey continued, “I rarely Oklahoma City University, dents’ deepest traumas can be sors) work one-on-one with each staff member, the support ever leave a one-on-one feel- that would overall make it overwhelming.

CATHERINE CROW Campus Life Editor

better.”

Many also suggested more transparency for the actual time commitment and more money for the number of hours RAs put in every semester.

“My biggest suggestion would be offering greater compensation for the work we perform, such as increased nights away as we only get a total of 12 nights ‘off’ from our ‘20-hour’ job per semester,” RA 4 said.

“That’s not enough nights to save a single person from burnout when we are on the clock for roughly 100 nights or days.”

Although many RAs emphasized the positive parts of their job, some decidedly would not go back to their position. “I’m grateful for what the experiences this job has given me and for the people I’ve met, but if I could go back to last year, I would tell myself to just take the debt and run in the opposite direction,” RA 7 said.

Former RA 2 added, “I had way more negative experiences than I did positive. My time as an RA was very traumatic for me.”

Others had more cautiously optimistic viewpoints. “The UHD is not horrible, but it could benefit from listening to the needs of RAs and allowing them to have a life outside of their job,” RA 10 said.

Although many RAs feel unsupported by the university, the opportunity to connect and impact fellow students helps to negate the negative aspects of the job.

“RAs need so much more support,” RA 3 said. “Being an RA was the most traumatic experience I have ever faced, and I often did not feel supported. But if I had the chance to go back again, I would pick (being an RA) every time to help the amount of people I did in their times of crisis or celebration.”

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CAMPUS LIFE

CATHERINE CROW Campus Life Editor

Ranking this year’s Best Picture nominee MARCH 3, 2022 |

HUNTER FRIESEN Film Critic

For the first time in 11 years, the Academy Awards nominated 10 films in their coveted Best Picture lineup.

The lineup is a full spectrum of scope and scale, ranging from domestic family dramas to sci-fi epics.

Apart from being the most important category at the Oscars, best picture is also the only category that gets voted on by a preferential ballot where voters rank their choices in order from least favorite to favorite. While I don’t specifically get to vote on what wins at the Oscars, I can have a little fun and illustrate to all of you how I would rank my hypothetical ballot.

And if any of these films catch your interest, I have provided the location of where you can stream them (if possible) in the parentheses next to the title.

10. CODA (Apple TV+) A genre I am allergic to is the coming-of-age indie.

Unfortunately for me, the Sundance bowing “CODA” is the perfect model for that. It’s a crowd-pleaser that plays the same notes as those that have come before but has enough emotion and heart-tugging performances to make it

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worthwhile. If you’re not like me and find comfort in that sort of thing, this will surely be a fine watch.

9. Dune (HBO Max) It’s big, it’s grand and it’s empty. “Dune” is an odd case of style over substance, in that the substance is there but was intentionally left out for another time. It’s a gamble that may pay off once Part 2 is released, but until then it leaves this first part as a desert-sized disappointment.

8. Don’t Look Up (Netflix) Does it count for anything if the feeling a film is intended for you to have is the same one you feel every day? “Don’t Look Up” is fan service for the people that already agree with McKay’s politics. It doesn’t really matter that he’s right about the climate situation, because his film is too antagonistic to convert anybody from the other side, and not insightful enough for everyone else.

7. Nightmare Alley (HBO Max, Hulu) Heavy on atmosphere, light on substance. I’m happy Guillermo del Toro got to indulge himself once again in the macabre material that he so lovingly adores. I actually wish he would have indulged himself more! It’s all a little too pristine for my tastes.

Almost as if he’s cognizant

that he needs to appeal to Oscar voters now that he’s in the club. But, that restraint worked in getting the film nominated, so the egg is on my face.

6. King Richard (HBO Max) A huge thanks to Will Smith for keeping this by-the-books sports biopic from being completely boring. You know this story (in a general sense) and how it’s going to play out. But you keep watching and stay invested because of Smith and Anjunue Ellis, both of which give their best work here.

5. Drive My Car (HBO Max) Too dense for a single watch, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s film can often be a tiresome and frustrating endeavor. Its methodical pacing and setting, much of which takes place in real-time within the confines of a Saab 900, does not make for an easy viewing experience.

The simplicity in the filmmaking is made up by the complexity of the emotional throughline. I may not have been able to connect all the dots and have the same soul-affirming experience as others, but I was invested for all 179 minutes.

4. Licorice Pizza At this point, Paul Thomas

echo both the past by using these Greek God figures, but also feel very familiar with the movement of today.” She also discussed her thought process in writing “Lord Byron’s Book Club.”

“Lord Byron’s Book Club is a love letter to my English Teaching major. I was in a Survey Two class during my Junior year where we were reading all of these fascinating Romantic Era poets.”

Lindy Rublaitus is a third year Communication-Theater Teaching major with a minor in English Education. Rublaitus is directing ‘[Title of Show]’.

According to Rublaitus, “[Title of Show]” in its simplest form is about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. A band of old friends go through the highs and lows of creating a musical from scratch for an upcoming festival which turns into much more.” “[Title of

Show]” is a one-act musical that’s boisterous and fun.

The UNI Interpreter’s Theater is showcasing Rublaitus and Kossayain to celebrate Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month began with Women’s History Week in 1980, established by Jimmy Carter.

Women’s History Month is used to celebrate women’s accomplishments and contributions to history. Rublaitus noted the importance of Women’s History Month through the UNI Interpreter’s Theater and the shows themselves.

“As a female director, I feel like this is a great show for Women’s History Month because it is about the creation of art, the ability to build your own ideas and share it with everyone regardless of your gender identification, your income, your background, your status, your

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

Anderson’s camera operator has to be an Olympic athlete. Turning away from the youthful chaotic energy of his earlier San Fernando Valley films of “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia,” “Licorice Pizza” marks PTA’s shaggiest film to date, which is truly something considering the aloofness of “Inherent Vice.”

It’s often a meandering film where you never truly know where it’s going. Sometimes you like where you’ve ended up, and sometimes you don’t.

Maybe that’s just what PTA intended for, because sometimes in life - specifically in the area of love - you never truly know where you’re going to be.

3. Belfast Would you look at that, Kenneth Branagh finally directed a great film! Despite being autobiographical and about a specific place, Branagh’s film tells a universal story with sweet simplicity.

There’s true passion behind every frame and performance.

It’s not a perfect film, but it hits nearly every emotional beat it sets out to accomplish, with much of the credit going to the incredible cast, especially the discovery of the young Jude Hill as the Branagh stand-in.

2. The Power of the Dog (Netflix)

“The Power of the Dog” doesn’t stray too far from director Jane Campion’s other work as she tightly wounds this surprise psychosexual drama. There’s a cutting edge to each frame, epicly lensed by Ari Wegner. From the directing, writing and the acting, it all combines to make this a grand return to feature films for the New Zealand auteur, who crafts an enigmatic, modern take on the wellworn genre of the Western.

It’s the film equivalent of fine wine, as it’s near-perfect at the moment, and will only get better with age.

1. West Side Story (Disney+) With so many stars-in-themaking, Steven Spielberg is able to harmonize the past and the present, making this remake feel like a Golden Age musical made with modern craftsmanship. With The Great Musical War of 2021 coming to a close, Spielberg has emerged as the predictable winner.

Perfectly melding the work of Bernstein and Sondheim with the newfound acting talents of Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist and Rachel Zegler, this new “West Side Story” makes the case for why some remakes should be allowed to happen.

beliefs.” Kossayain explained the importance of sharing stories from female perspectives, especially when it comes to difficult topics. “Medusa has recently become a symbol to empower women with their own journeys after an assault, and I am so proud to not only tell her story but also play her

myself.”

Rublaitus and Kossayain’s shows, “Objectified”, “Lord Byron’s Book Club” and “[Title of Show]” will perform on March 3, 4 and 5, all at 7:30 p.m., in Lang Hall 040.

Admission is free but limited, and tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.

UNI Interpreter’s Theater celebrates Women’s History month BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 1 marked the beginning of Women’s History Month. This year, the UNI Interpreter’s Theater is celebrating by featuring a slate of shows that are directed by women. This March, they will be presenting “Objectified” and “Lord Byron’s Book Club,” both written and directed by Emma Kossayian, as well as “[Title of Show],” directed by Lindy Rublaitus.

Emma Kossayian is a senior CommunicationTheater Teaching and English Teaching double major. She not only wrote but is directing both “Objectified” and “Lord Byron’s Book Club”.

Kossayian explained what these shows mean to her, “The opening show, “Objectified” is a sexual assault survivor story.

It tells the story of someone whose life is changed by a traumatic event. I wrote it to

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SPORTS MARCH 3, 2022 |

TRACK & FIELD

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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COLIN HORNING Sports Editor

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

Records broken at MVC Indoor Championships DAVID WARRINGTON

Sports Writer

This past Sunday and Monday, the UNI men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to the Track and Field Center at Gately Park in Chicago, Ill. to compete in the 2022 Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. This is a new facility for the event after spending several years inside the UNI-Dome. Individually, many Panthers found success, with a total of 13 athletes claiming all-conference honors for finishing in the top three of their events, including four champions and two broken records. As a team, both finished in the top half of the conference, with the women scoring 64 points to take fifth place, while the men put up 123 points, good for third.

It was a great event for senior sprinter Isaiah Trousil as he earned the Most Outstanding Male Athlete award for his performance. In the 200 meter dash, Trousil ran a blistering 20.72 seconds.

This not only won the event, but broke the meet, facility, and school records. Trousil is the first Panther to ever run the event in under 21 seconds.

It also put Trousil in 12th place nationally, automatically qualifying him for the NCAA Division I Championships.

Trousil also performed well in the 60 meters, finishing in 6.69 seconds, less than .01 seconds slower than the champion, JaVaughn Moore of Indiana State.

Darius King also put up a record breaking performance, throwing 64 feet, 2.25 inches in the shot put to win the event and break the facility record. This was King’s third consecutive conference championship in the shot put. King was also a podium finisher in the weight throw, taking third with a toss of 63 feet, 11 inches.

The third and final champion for the UNI men was Jack Sumners. The sophomore took home gold in the 60 meter hurdles in a time of 8.06 seconds.

His freshman teammate, Drew Bartels, was close behind, taking third in 8.22 seconds. The

Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics

UNI concluded their indoor track and field season at the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships on Sunday and Monday. Several Panther athletes broke records and won their respective events.

lone champion for the UNI women was Sophia Jungling.

The freshman ran the 800 meters in a time of 2:16.93 to bring home top honors in a tightly contested race.

Next up for the Panthers will be the 2022 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Ala. Those that

qualify will compete on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, and those that don’t will turn their attention towards the outdoor season, set to begin on April 2 in Normal, Ill.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

UNI wins on Senior Day, beats Illinois State 70-63 DREW HILL

Sports Writer

TONI FORTMANN/Northern Iowan

Karli Rucker was one of the UNI seniors honored last Sunday.

In UNI’s home finale against Illinois State, the women’s basketball team celebrated Senior Day for Karli Rucker, Bre Gunnels and Nicole Kroeger. The Panthers came into the matchup with a 17-9 overall record and a 10-5 conference record, good for fourth place in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) standings. Just a half-game ahead of the Panthers in the conference standings were these Illinois State Redbirds, with a 15-12 overall record and an 11-5 conference record.

The winner would control third place.

The game began with a slow start for UNI, as they only

put up two points for nearly three minutes. They finally got the scoring going, and after getting down 11-6 early, they cut the lead to three at 11-8 with just under six minutes to go in the first quarter. Neither team scored for about twoand-a-half minutes, but UNI finally scored to cut the lead to one at 11-10. Illinois State rattled off a quick 8-0 run, but UNI’s Emerson Green got an and-one to get the Panthers within six at 19-13 going into the second quarter.

After Illinois State scored quickly, UNI went on a 9-0 run to take a one-point lead at 22-21. The Redbirds soon tied the game, and the scoring went back-and-forth for the rest of the quarter. The score was tied 32-32 at the half.

The third quarter featured more of the same early on.

After the Redbirds tied the game 38-38 with just over six minutes to go, UNI began to pull away. They stretched the lead out to seven at 46-39.

When Illinois State cut the lead to three with a little over a minute left, UNI closed the quarter on a 7-2 run to take an eight-point lead into the fourth at 55-47. This was their biggest lead of the game up to that point. Gunnels had nine of her 19 points in the third to help the Panthers pull away.

UNI scored twice early in the fourth quarter while keeping the Redbirds scoreless for the first three minutes to take a twelve-point lead at 59-47. Illinois State tried to chip away, but could not get

the score within seven until about a minute to play. The closest they got was within five at 63-68, but a free throw each from seniors Gunnels and Kroeger helped close the game to give UNI the 70-63 win.

Gunnels led UNI in scoring with 19 points to go along with six rebounds.

Grace Boffeli also put up 17 points and led the Panthers in rebounding with 11 for a double-double. Rucker led in assists with five.

With the win, UNI moved into third-place in the MVC standings. They finish the regular season on a road trip to Indiana, with games at Indiana State on Thursday, March 3, and at Evansville on Saturday, March 5.

MEN’S GOLF

Panther golf finishes third in spring season opener HUNTER FRIESEN Sports Writer

After hibernating away for the winter, the UNI men’s golf team opened up their spring 2022 season with the Valparaiso Invite, which took place at the Dove Mountain Golf Club in sunny Tucson, Ariz. It was a two-day event with five total teams in the field, including conference

rivals Bradley University.

Junior Thomas Storbeck led the Panthers on the first day with an individual score of 75, which was good enough to place him in seventh among all individuals. Sophomore Griffin Parker was able to stay close behind with a score 79, followed by Tommy Doyle and Jack Reeves with 80. The group score total for the first

round was 314, keeping them in third place with Valpo leading the pack with a 304.

Storbeck continued to lead the team with his second and third round scores of 75 and 81, respectively. He ended the tournament with a total score of 231, placing him seventh among all players. Parker was able to find his groove in the second round as he carded

a 75, and got a final tournament score of 235. Reeves was able to post the best individual round of all Panthers as he scored a 74 on the final round, which brought his total score to 235 as well.

The Panthers ended the tournament with a combined team score of 938, which was beat by North Dakota State’s 906 and Valparaiso’s 913,

respectively. The best individual score was by Caleb VanArragon of Valpo with a 211.

UNI will be able to stay on the warmer side of the country as they travel to Las Vegas for the South Dakota State Invite at the famed Boulder Creek Golf Course. That tournament will run from March 11-12.

PAGE 7

FUN & GAMES

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

MARCH 3, 2022 |

Across 1 Song of praise 6 Madagascar primate 11 “Norma __” 14 Fiber-__ cable 15 Last Olds model 16 Make a decision 17 Massachusetts witch trial town 18 Frenzied 19 Speedometer reading: Abbr.

20 Mork’s sign-off 22 Cute Aussie “bear” 24 What we breathe 25 In favor of 26 Native of Damascus 27 Chinese menu letters 28 Eastside Manhattan thoroughfare 31 Dijon darling 33 Brain scan: Abbr.

34 Had the best record in

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

35 Confidentially, in Cannes 39 Univ. near Harvard 41 Unspecified number 42 Choppers 46 Boat made from a hollowed tree trunk 50 Ship, to a sailor 51 Zambia neighbor 52 Suffix with east 53 Male or female 54 Pastoral poem 55 Request for the latest update 58 Cozy cat seat 59 Kind of Boy Scout badge 61 Ancient region of Asia Minor 63 “Lux” composer Brian 64 Tylenol alternative 65 “Filthy” moolah 66 “Sure thing” 67 Eight plus one, to aviators 68 Disdainful grin

|

Down 1 Places to buy stamps: Abbr.

2 Language of Chile 3 On the loose 4 Property encumbrance 5 Golden Arches egg sandwich 6 Hollywood’s Hedy 7 Stylish vigor 8 Café chalkboard listing 9 Ocean State sch.

10 1990 Stallone boxing film which at the time was thought to be the conclusion of its series 11 Caesar salad lettuce 12 Give a hand to 13 Flammable hydrocarbon 21 There’s __ in “team” 23 Bully’s threat ender 24 “Breaking Bad” channel 26 Palm starch 29 “Later, bro” 30 X, to Cato 32 Update factory machinery 36 “Toodles!”

37 GOP fundraising org.

38 Kitchen implements 39 Humdrum 40 “Lust for Life” punk rocker 43 Defining quality 44 2000s crime drama set in Baltimore 45 Cast a spell on 46 Dan of old MGM musicals 47 Tracey on whose show “The Simpsons” debuted 48 More orderly 49 Dinner plate scrap 55 Chirpy bird 56 Home with drones 57 Sentence subject, as a rule 60 Yale collegian 62 __ Lingus: Irish carrier

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

What did the tree say to to spring?

A: What a re-leaf!

What is the best flower for a boy to give his mom?

A: A son-flower!

PAGE 8

CLASSIFIEDS MARCH 3, 2022 |

CROSSWORD

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

VOLUME 118, ISSUE 39

Puzzle Answers SUDOKU ONE

SUDOKU TWO

Today's Horoscope March 3, 2022

Today's Birthday (03/03/22).

Grow through purposeful focus this year. Realize inspiring visions through dedicated planning and action.

Professional triumphs light up the winter, inciting buzzing springtime communications.

Adjust summer adventures around complications or roadblocks, before discovering new avenues next autumn.

Align heart, words and actions for satisfaction.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) – Today is an 8. Take action to realize a lovely dream. Plan and organize to manage basic elements for your objective.

Discover what you seek.

Imagine perfection.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) – Today is an 8. Collaboration action can earn lasting benefits. Teamwork flourishes, bringing shared dreams closer to reality. Aim and push for a big prize. Play your part.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) – Today is a 9. Creative possibilities spark at work.

Advance professionally by advancing a dreamy possibility. Action now has lasting reward. Reinforce basic structures. Incorporate passion and fun.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) – Today is a 9. Expand your own boundaries. Take new

territory. Unexplored frontiers await your discovery. You're learning valuable skills.

Practice your arts. Investigate and develop a passion.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) – Today is a 9. Get to the prize by digging for it. Work faster and earn more money. Collaborate to advance a shared dream.

Support each other.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – Today is an 8. Take action for love. Conditions favor romance, beauty and shared passion. Let your heart move you. Discover and invent dreamy possibilities together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) – Today is a 9. Everything is in place to reach a physical

goal. Meditate to calm and quiet your mind. Focus on the task at hand. Prepare for excellence.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) – Today is a 9. Take action for what you love. What you do now can have lasting benefits. Your commitment attracts positive attention. Express what's in your heart.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) – Today is an 8. Home and family take priority. Reinforce basic support structures.

Improvements made now have lasting value. Collaborate to realize domestic dreams.

Cook up something wonderful together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)–

Today is an 8. Advance a creative project that you've been dreaming about. Productivity today pays extra. Strengthen basic structures and then elaborate. Write, edit and polish your masterpiece.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) – Today is a 9. Capture a lucrative opportunity. Push for extra profits. A dreamy situation puts you at an advantage.

Do the work behind the scenes for excellence.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) – Today is a 9. Go for what you truly want. Interesting opportunities develop. Consider an outside-the-box suggestion.

Overcome old fears. Advance a personal dream by leaps and bounds.