Thursday, November 16, 2023 - The Daily Cardinal

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BCycle woes plague student commutes

By Sophia Ross SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Amid a push to bring more transportation to campus, the University of WisconsinMadison has embraced electric bikes from Madison BCycle.

However, some students who use the city’s urban bike share program say issues with BCycle availability and equipment are complicating their commute to class.

BCycle operates rentable bikes at 90 storage stations on campus and the surrounding metro area.

Students download the BCycle app, purchasing a membership plan before they’re able to unlock the BCycles. BCycle offers a discounted annual membership pass to UW-Madison students for $65, compared to its base annual rate of $158.25.

According BCycle’s website, students gain access to unlimited 60 minute rides before the bike must be returned to a dock or will be charged additional costs for every additional half hour of use.

But there’s no guarantee

students will have an open dock slot when they need to return bikes.

“I have been in situations where there were no spots left to put my bike, and I ended up being late,” said UW-Madison sophomore Kate Lewis, a frequent user of the BCycle bikes.

Over time, Lewis honed efficient ways to deal with a lack of open spots. Lewis said she tries to check the dock’s availability before she leaves to ensure she won’t show up to a full dock.

Yet, a fully loaded dock isn’t the sole issue students face. Lewis said it’s not uncommon for her to contact customer support in order to sort out issues.

“Sometimes the bikes don’t register and I have to contact customer service, which happens relatively frequently,” Lewis said. “They’re helpful and texting or calling them is easy, it’s just annoying to do.”

When a BCycle doesn’t dock, students need to call or text support, often while in a rush to class.

UW-Madison freshman

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Anna McDowell is a current Lakeshore resident and relies upon the e-bikes to get to classes and extracurricular activities from her dorm room.

“Sometimes the app doesn’t work,” McDowell said. “You have bikes in front of you but on the app to check them out it says there are zero bikes available.”

McDowell also describes a recurring absence of bikes in the Lakeshore neighborhood, necessitating the search for

an alternative station and defeating the convenience of the system.

Representatives for BCycle did not respond to a request for comment.

According to the BCycle site, students seeking to avoid full stations are encouraged to download the BCycle app.

Additionally, the site describes a contingency plan for full docks. Kiosks allow riders to locate nearby stations with open spots, and the app

allows users to add additional minutes onto their ride free of charge to ensure they can get to that other dock.

Despite the persistent issues with BCycles, users like McDowell and Lewis said they feel prompted to continue using the services for the times it does operate smoothly and for the student discount.

“Overall, [the BCycles] are super convenient and definitely worth it with the discount,” Lewis said.

UW System schools would develop AI majors under $32 million workforce development proposal. Here’s what they might look like

By Natasha Hicks SENIOR STAFF WRITER

In efforts to continue supporting workforce development in emerging tech fields, some University of Wisconsin System schools are considering launching artificial intelligence programs.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence derived from machines or computers rather than directly from a human. This young and evolving field of study has implica-

tions for a variety of careers, from computer science to medicine, said Dr. Yonatan Mintz, UW-Madison assistant professor of industrial engineering and AI researcher.

“It is something that is going to require more and more attention… not just in engineering and in computer science, but all across the board,” Mintz said.

He said familiarity with the technology and “how to use and harness it for making progress” will become

increasingly important.

Earlier this year, Republicans on the Wisconsin Legislature’s budgetwriting committee withheld $32 million from the UW System in an effort to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs at UW schools.

UW System officials released a workforce funding plan on Nov. 6 in an attempt to recoup the lost funds based on past demands from Republican leaders. However, the plan is unlikely to pass without compromises on DEI

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and other demands.

The proposal includes creating degrees in AI at some UW System schools such as UW-Green Bay, UW-Stout and UW-Whitewater.

While there is not currently an AI degree at UW-Madison, researchers and students in many different fields contribute to artificial intelligence research, according to the engineering and data science department web pages.

UW-Madison currently has a partnership with American Family Insurance for funding research into data science and AI at UW-Madison.

The American Family Funding Initiative awards grant up to $100,000 for select UW-Madison AI researchers.

According to Mintz, while most of the people who study AI come from a computer science background, others look at it from a more mathematical and theoretical perspective. Some practitioners are looking at more applied versions of AI for mechanical engineering, and others are researching AI for health care.

The field is new, something Mintz said complicates a potential degree in the subject.

“Even if we wanted to offer a degree in AI or machine learning, it would have to be a fairly interdisciplinary degree,” Mintz said. “I think we’re still too early in the process to say, ‘This is

the core of what you need to know in order to start from the get-go and get a degree in this.’”

Mintz added that he could envision a program with different tracks: one with more of a humanities/ethics emphasis, one that focuses on the theoretical computer science side and one that focuses on the applied engineering side, including medical and manufacturing machine learning.

The UW Board of Regents considered potential AI majors at its Nov. 9 meeting as part of a discussion on the workforce development plan.

UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater all planned to establish AI majors, minors or certificates, while UW-Parkside and UW-River Falls planned to establish centers for artificial intelligence.

Other system schools, including UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, plan to use this budget to grow computer and data science programs that contribute to AI research.

While studying AI is a relatively new field, Mintz believes it will continue to grow in importance and gain larger approval over time.

“We embraced computers and word processors and that jump from typewriters to that,” he said. “This might be one of those next things we need to get people trained in and more familiar with.”

“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”

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Madison Plan Commission approves ‘Johnson & Broom’ student housing

By Megan Mladucky STAFF WRITER

The Madison Plan Commission approved a 1,650bed student housing development near the city’s downtown area Monday.

The “Johnson & Broom” proposal, introduced by Chicago developer Core Spaces, would construct a four-building, 465unit housing development at 407 West Gorham Street. The proposal approved by the Plan Commission includes amendments securing more affordable housing units for students.

The development would tear down existing housing on the blocks. One building will rest at eight stories high, while the other three will stand at 14 stories.

This new proposal, negotiated by District 8 Ald. MGR Govindarajan, requires Core Spaces to include 10% of all beds — around 165 beds — at 40% off market price for 40 years. In return, the city will lift the building height limit to allow the project to go forward, but the city will fine Core Spaces $8 million if they infringe upon this stipulation.

This amended proposal adds an additional $3 million to the fine and an additional 10 years to the agreement proposed earlier this year, according to Govindarajan. If Core Spaces sells their development, the buyer would still have to abide by the 40-year contract.

Govindarajan told The Daily Cardinal he pushed for

the developer to include more affordable housing units.

“I was a little disappointed when I heard the initial agreement because I felt like we could have gotten more out of it,” Govindarajan said. “So I met with the developers and requested a compromise.”

District 4 Ald. Mike Verveer, who represents the proposed site for Johnson & Broom, said the agreement is part of the city’s plan to offer incentives for developers to include affordable housing units in new projects.

“Housing has always been a huge issue for our community and for Madison city government, especially trying to help people find access to affordable housing,” Verveer said. “Most recently, we’ve really pivoted to this idea of providing density bonuses or height bonuses to developers in return for affordability.”

Core Space developed luxury student apartment buildings near the UW-Madison campus, including the James, the Hub and its newest addition, Oliv, opening in the fall of 2024. If approved, the Johnson and Broom development will be their fourth project in Madison.

The Common Council will vote Nov. 21 on whether to amend zoning ordinances to allow the project to proceed. If approved, the building height restriction will be lifted for the project.

It is unlikely that Core

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Spaces will break the binding contract, according to Govindarajan. If the contract is broken, the $8 million stipulation will go directly into the city’s affordable housing fund, and the city will be able to sue Core Spaces.

According to Govindarajan, this agreement is “more favor-

able for students” and “a big win” toward the goal of increasing housing affordability.

The University of WisconsinMadison’s Office of Financial Aid will determine student eligibility for the affordable units.

Eligibility and price rates for these units are not yet determined, Govindarajan said.

José Olivarez explores mental health through poetry in a keynote address at UW-Madison Diversity Forum

By Noe Goldhaber COPY CHIEF

Author and poet José Olivarez spoke at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Diversity Forum on Wednesday as the second keynote speaker of the twoday event.

The event was themed “Bridging the Divide,” a nod to the university’s goal of “engaging in constructive dialogue” across differences and creating community, according to the forum’s website.

Olivarez read and performed his poems, which touched on topics such as his identity as the son of Mexican immigrants and his upbringing in Chicago’s southern suburbs. Olivarez also discussed his love of poetry and art as well as his experiences with education and schooling.

Olivarez’s first poetry collection, “Citizen Illegal,” won the 2018 Chicago Review of Books Poetry Prize.

Olivarez began his talk by encouraging audience members to participate audibly in his poetry reading by laughing, clapping and snapping.

“Poetry is alive,” Olivarez said.

“It is not something that you just

listen to, but it is something that you speak back to.”

Olivarez’s humorous and emotionally poignant poetry engaged the audience throughout the talk.

Olivarez discussed his relationship with his father and the impact of immigration on his father through his recitation of poems such as “Boy & the belt” and “Getting ready to say I love you to my dad, and then it rains.”

When discussing another poem about his parents, titled “I tried to be a good Mexican son,” he shared his mother’s disappointment when he did not share her Jesus Christ memes on Facebook, much to the audience’s amusement.

“I went to a good college and learned that depression is not just for white people,” Olivarez recited from the poem. “I never share the Jesus Christ memes she sends me on Facebook. I know it’s terrible.”

Olivarez also discussed therapy and using poetry to analyze and reimagine negative memories. He explained how beginning slam poetry in high school allowed him to take control of his intellect.

“I started to go to poetry slam

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meetings because I was desperate for community… I was desperate to talk about more than sport,” Olivarez said. “If you’re a young man you understand that sometimes sports is the limit of what you’re allowed to talk about.”

The second portion of the discussion included a forum with questions from First Wave scholarship recipients at UW-Madison, a group of students with fulltuition scholarships who engage with art, particularly spoken word and hip-hop. Olivarez noted several of his friends were graduates of some of the First Wave program’s original cohorts.

Students asked about lan-

guage and Olivarez’s experience as a bilingual author, the commodification of Olivarez’s trauma as an author, and the role of humor in Olivarez’s writing and life philosophy.

A final student question asked Olivarez how poetry allows him to have difficult conversations with himself.

“One of the things that I hear people say is that art is therapy,” Olivarez said. “What I have found is that is absolutely not true. Art can be therapeutic, [and] it can help you move some emotions around in a way that feels good and useful. But therapy is therapy, right?”

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Microsoft to expand multibillion dollar investment in Wisconsin

COURTESY OF MICHAEL WYSZOMIERSKI VIA FLICKR

By Gavin Escott SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Microsoft will invest billions of dollars to expand its data center footprint in Wisconsin, bolstering a commitment earlier this year by the technology giant to funnel $1 billion to Mount Pleasant.

Gov. Tony Evers praised the move as a reflection of Wisconsin’s economic strength and underlined the widespread benefits Microsoft would bring in a press release Friday.

“We are thrilled to see a global powerhouse like Microsoft continue to see the value and benefit of growing their operations here in Wisconsin and the booming southeast region of our state,” Evers said.

Microsoft plans to construct the data centers across more than 1,000 acres in the Milwaukee suburb, with the company’s purchase of the land dependent on an agreement with Mount Pleasant and Racine County.

The agreement calls for Microsoft to

guarantee an additional property valuation of $1.4 billion by 2028.

The majority of the land is currently owned by Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn, which acquired the land in 2017 to facilitate the construction and maintenance of a new manufacturing campus.

In May, Microsoft closed a $50 million purchase of 315 acres adjacent to the Foxconn property. Microsoft’s announcement Friday signaled their intention to buy the remainder of the Foxconn property. An attorney for Mount Pleasant told Wisconsin Public Radio Foxconn would release all of its rights in the district as part of the deal.

Mount Pleasant and Racine County were shown the terms of the land purchase deal on Monday and Tuesday, with the boards expected to vote later this month. In the release, Evers emphasized the role of Mount Pleasant and Racine County officials in securing Microsoft’s commitment, calling their cooperation “key.”

Mount Pleasant and Racine County officials did not respond to a request for comment regarding the likelihood of the vote passing.

Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, said in a statement to The Daily Cardinal the deal would provide economic benefits for southeastern Wisconsin.

“I applaud all of the local leaders, Governor Evers’ administration and Microsoft for working together to invest in our local communities,” Neubauer said. “I hope that this project proceeds at the local level and I look forward to seeing the impact this partnership will have on our community.”

Mount Pleasant has a shaky history with technology companies and their promises.

In 2017 the Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn promised a $10 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art facility in the village, advertising the creation of 13,000 jobs. The deal fell through, leaving close to a billion in debt and only 1,000 people on the site today.

Part of the reason the village accumulated debt is the creation of a tax incremental financing district for Foxconn. Todd Taves, a senior municipal advisor for Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, told Wisconsin Public Radio on Nov. 13 Mount Pleasant may be able to close the district, which has a lifetime until 2047, seven to 14 years earlier than expected, thanks to Microsoft’s investment.

“The provisions collectively within these various agreements, put us in a much better financial position,” Taves said, adding a closed district could retire Mount Pleasant’s debt obligations.

After Microsoft committed to Wisconsin earlier this year, Evers signed bipartisan legislation in the 2023-25 state budget designed to put Wisconsin in a more competitive position for data center investments.

Microsoft expects to complete the first building in late 2026 if the village and county board approve construction.

Eric Oxendorf celebrates 50 years of architectural photography

ELLIE BOURDO/THE DAILY CARDINAL

By Gavin Escott SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Eric Oxendorf, an internationally recognized architectural photographer, recently celebrated 50 years in his field and reflected on the journey to where he is now.

As a U.S. naval aviation veteran from the Vietnam War, Oxendorf graduated from Layton School of Art with a degree in art. He traveled worldwide for a career in visual arts and worked collaboratively with architects and engineers on a variety of subject materials. Oxendorf provided architects with an international platform to display their work and has been recognized for his impact on the architectural community.

Oxendorf said the childhood walks he took through Milwaukee with his mother and siblings are what sparked his interest in architecture.

“We would walk around town and [my mother] would point out, ‘This is a column, it’s holding up the roof. It’s a doric column. This is an older building that was built in 1890.

This building was built in 1950, you can see the difference,’” Oxendorf said. “I just got this information all the time.”

Oxendorf joined the Navy in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War for 22 months in a rescue helicopter squadron. After he returned, he went to a Veterans Affairs facility for advice on what career path to pursue.

“The counselor told me in short, ‘You are very independent-minded, you have a very creative bent to the way you figure things out, [and] that’s why you were in that squadron,’” Oxendorf said. “He told me that I needed to be self-employed and go into a creative field.”

After graduating from

Layton School of Art, Oxendorf said his photography took off around 1974.

With this growing recognition, he established an office and began traveling internationally to capture architectural photographs for both self-fulfillment and clients.

His parents are what inspired him most throughout his career, he noted.

“My father was very strict and regimented, but he was still loving,” Oxendorf said.

“My mother was very creative, and they showed me the world.

I was always encouraged to do whatever I wanted to.”

Now, with five decades of experience in the field, Oxendorf is continuing his work at 75 years old.

From homes spanning the globe to rotundas in each state capitol building, Oxendorf aims to use his photography to showcase beauty in all types of architecture.

Lisa Kennedy, the executive director of AIA Wisconsin, explained her relationship with Oxendorm and her appreciation for all he has done for the architectural community.

“We’ve been friends for a long, long time,” Kennedy said. “I just really appreciated what he has done for our profession and how many of our members he has worked with over the years. The architects are our members, so why not celebrate his work as well?”

Kennedy noted the exhibition celebrating Oxendorf ’s 50 years helped make archi-

tecture more accessible to the public and allowed individuals to gain better recognition of how they are surrounded by architecture daily.

Despite having a background in art rather than architecture, Oxendorf ’s creative vision and ability to capture the perfect photograph have con-

tributed to his reputation for creating award-winning and widely published photographs.

“My job is being happy,” Oxendorf said. “This makes me happy. I am at peace with this. We live on an incredible planet and I love life, especially after you could’ve lost it several times.”

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Madison Starbucks workers hold walkout ahead of nationwide strike

By Francesca Pica and Mary Bosch CITY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

Workers at Madison’s two unionized Starbucks locations held a walkout Wednesday ahead of a nationwide strike over stalled contract negotiations.

Employees at Starbucks cafes on State Street and Capitol Square walked out to protest poor working conditions created by staffing shortages and to put pressure on the company’s management to negotiate with union Starbucks Workers United for a contract, workers and union organizers said.

Starbucks workers across the country are scheduled to hold a nationwide strike Thursday coinciding with the company’s Red Cup Day promotion, one of the busiest days of the year for stores. Hundreds of Starbucks locations are expected to participate, according to Capitol Square shift supervisor and union organizer Evan McKenzie.

“This is a fight that we need everyone in on because we’re going to win, and we want as much power as possible to make this an incredible contract,” McKenzie told The Daily Cardinal.

Workers at the State Street location previously went on strike in September over severe staffing shortages that left workers unable to keep the store open, State Street shift supervisor and union organizer Matthew Cartwright said.

“Starbucks isn’t giving any extra tools, support, anything for these promotion days, and it’s just dev-

astating workers,” Cartwright told the Cardinal.

According to Cartwright, management has not brought in enough staff to meet high customer volume on the company’s promotion days, which are generally some of the busiest days of the year.

As a result, the stores have faced “rampant” understaffing, according to State Street employee Maeve Perkins.

“It [can be] such a stressful and difficult work environment,” Perkins added. “People would be crying on the floor, and I would go home and just be so exhausted that I couldn’t do anything.”

In a statement to the Cardinal, Starbucks said the company has announced schedule improvements to “provide all hourly U.S. partners more stability, flexibility and consistency in their weekly work schedules.”

“Our retail leaders have the flexibility to build and adjust staffing schedules to reflect the unique and dynamic needs of each store — balancing store resources and expected customer demand to ensure partners are on the floor when they’re needed most,” Starbucks said.

The staffing shortages have caused workers to quit, McKenzie said, further increasing the pressure on remaining employees.

“I really have invested a lot of time and energy into this job, and I do like working here,” McKenzie said. “But over the last couple of months, it has genuinely been one of the hardest things to get up and bring the energy for.”

Negotiations between union and company remain stalled, organizers say.

The walkout also serves to pressure management into contract negotiations with Workers United, Cartwright said.

Negotiations have made little progress since the Capitol Square location unionized in June 2022 and the State Street location formed a union this summer, according to Cartwright and McKenzie.

McKenzie said representatives for Starbucks scheduled initial bargaining sessions with union representatives for the Capitol Square location but arrived to the meeting late and left minutes after showing up. The State Street location has received silence from the company about scheduling bargaining sessions, Cartwright said.

McKenzie said the company’s stalling is an attempt “to drain our resources, to get us to quit, to try to stop the movement.”

“We’ve been unionized for well over a year, and we’ve seen virtually zero budging from the company in terms of coming to the table and bargaining for a fair contract,” McKenzie said. “That’s unacceptable.”

Starbucks said the company has negotiated in good faith with unionized stores and said Workers United “hasn’t agreed to meet to progress contract bargaining in more than four months.”

“We remain committed to working with all partners, side-by-side, to elevate the everyday, and we hope that Workers United’s priorities will

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shift to include the shared success of our partners and working to negotiate contracts for those they represent,” Starbucks said.

However, Starbucks is no stranger to allegations of union busting.

As of August 2022, Starbucks had the most NLRB cases of any private employer, according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. NLRB judges ruled Starbucks broke labor laws over 130 times in six different states, with additional cases still on trial.

An NLRB judge found Starbucks retaliated against employees for unionizing, promised benefits if workers rejected unionization, kept pro-union workers under surveillance and relocated union organizers.

Federal courts in Tennessee and Michigan also issued emergency

injunctions requiring Starbucks to reinstate illegally fired union workers and prevented the company from stopping other unionization efforts.

A manager was fired for posting about efforts to unionize on Twitter at Perkin’s previous location in Detroit, she said. Starbucks also fired the main organizer for “being late too many times.”

In the wake of these efforts, organizers are glad to have two unionized Starbucks stores in Madison, Cartwright said.

“We know that when we go on walkouts, when we go on strikes that the other one is there to help support us, including physically at the picket line,” Cartwright said.

“We know we’re able to provide that support for each other, and that’s a wonderful thing.”

The national trend to ban books has trickled to Kenosha and Menomonee Falls, and not everyone is

By Anna Kleiber SENIOR STAFF WRITER

A nationwide political push to ban books has prompted some Wisconsin school districts to review challenged books and, in some cases, pull titles deemed in violation of district policies.

PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for freedom of expression, reported 1,477 instances of individual books banned from July to December 2022, affecting 874 unique titles. Of the 874 unique titles, 26% presented LGBTQ+ characters or themes and within this category, 68 were books that included transgender characters, which is 8% of all books banned, according to PEN America.

During the 2022-23 school year, PEN America reported 3,362 instances of book titles being banned in schools, 43 of which were in Wisconsin.

School districts across the country are caught in the crossfire of a nationwide debate on whether certain books should be taken off school shelves. The American Library Association (ALA) reported 1,269 demands to censure library books and resources in 2022, nearly double the book challenges reported in 2021.

Censor-targeted titles grew by 38% between 2021 and 2022, according to ALA censorship data. Of the targeted books, the vast majority were written by or

about members of the LGBTQ+ community or people of color.

The ALA said the data and challenged books lists suggest “evidence of growing, well-organized, conservative political movement, the goals of which include removing books about race, history, gender identity, sexuality and reproductive health from America’s public and school libraries.”

Kenosha, Menomonee Falls district officials banned LGBTQ+ books.

In Wisconsin, Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) removed four books from its school libraries this year, including “This Book is Gay,” “Gender Queer,” Let’s Talk About It” and “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”

KUSD School Board member Eric Meadows defended the decision to remove the books in a September Facebook post, stating the books were removed “not because of the LGBT nature of them, but because of overtly explicit and obscene pictures and descriptions.”

Not everyone was happy with the decision to pull books from KUSD libraries.

Destiny Garcia, a senior at Lakeview Technology Academy, told The Daily Cardinal she doesn’t believe books should be banned because learning about difficult topics in a “controlled setting,” such as school, will help students better navigate these topics and develop their own opinions.

“Removing books with LGBTQ+ representation sends a message that being queer is obscene,” Garcia told the Cardinal. She said students will be exposed to “LGBTQ+ people, events and topics outside of school anyway,” so why “shield that content?”

Still, Meadows claims these books expose children to “pornographic material” and is aware he will receive backlash for his post.

“I will receive a lot of anger from some in the community just for writing this. I don’t care. My first priority will be to protect the innocence of our children,” Meadows said in the Facebook post.

KUSD isn’t the only school district in Wisconsin that has pulled books off the shelves.

Menomonee Falls School District decided on Oct. 19 to pull 33 books from the Menomonee Falls High School library. The district told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it removed the books because they violated policies regarding sexual content and profanity.

The books pulled came from a list compiled over the course of two years by Menomonee Falls School Board President Nina Christensen and other board members, Superintendent David Muñoz told the Journal Sentinel.

While some parents praised

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the district for pulling the books, others opposed the ban and worried it may hurt students rather than help them.

Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area, a local group “dedicated to the furthering of American values and candidates that share them,” has been outspoken about book challenges in Menomonee Falls and released a statement on Oct. 18 asking the school district to “engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders.”

“The removal of books from a school library, particularly when it deviates from estab-

lished policy, is a matter of serious concern to the community,” the group said in a statement on Oct 18. “Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area firmly believes that such decisions should be made transparently, with proper respect for due process and with a commitment to upholding the expertise of the professionals involved in the educational system.”

School board members in Kenosha and Menomonee Falls did not respond to requests for comment about how their districts decide what books to pull.

arts UW Theatre’s ‘Twelfth Night’ speaks to the beating heart of Shakespeare dailycardinal.com

Thursday, November 16, 2023

By Sreejita Patra STAFF WRITER

A tenth grader sits under the harsh lights of his hour-long English class, silently trudging through an assigned copy of Macbeth. He taps his foot, eyes wandering from glossary to line to clock, whose hands seem never to move. What does he have to read this old nonsense for? He wishes the bell would release him from his misery.

Fortunately for his teacher, he need not search further than University Theatre to experience Shakespeare’s true merit. Thursday’s opening performance of Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub’s “Twelfth Night” was nothing short of spectacular, highlighting the vast range of Madison’s actors, singers, musicians and dancers.

“Twelfth Night” is a musical retelling of Shakespeare’s famous romantic comedy, wherein a woman named Viola gets separated from her identical twin Sebastian by a shipwreck and disguises herself as a man named Cesario to provide for herself.

The story is the purest form of a love triangle: Viola is in love with the Duke Orsino, who knows her as his male servant; Orsino believes himself to be in love with the mourning Lady Olivia, who vows not yet to marry; and Olivia falls in love with Viola’s “Cesario” through his attempts to profess the Duke’s fondness for her.

Light spoilers ahead.

UW Theatre’s set paints a picture of the idyllic town where Viola finds herself, Illyria, as a quaint place, its most notable feature besides the medi-

COURTESY OF MATS RUDEL VIA UNIVERSITY THEATRE

eval-inspired houses being a backward stone Bucky statue with a rather well-defined bottom. The stage design left ample room for the musical’s blistering band, who played impeccably over the course of the night.

Despite issues with microphone quality and a stifling mask, Sydney Germany’s Viola shone through a powerful voice and palpable chemistry with her many scene partners. “Viola’s Soliloquy” perfectly encapsulated a woman torn by the false image she constructed of herself, and Germany’s reunion with Noah Mustapa KohnDumbuya’s charmingly rendered Sebastian was emotional and joyous.

Amelia Eichmeier (Olivia) and Ava Childs (Orsino) also portrayed their

characters faithfully. Eichmeier masterfully tied the line between humor and longing into her “Is This Not Love” duet with Germany, and the voices of the three main characters blended together seamlessly in “If You Were My Beloved.”

“Twelfth Night” would not have garnered that volume of roaring laughter and applause if not for the show’s supporting cast, who handdelivered Shakespeare to modern audiences in an accessible and hilariously authentic manner.

Jameson Milhaupt and Brady Madison played Sirs Toby Belch and Andrew Aguecheek, respectively, who spend most of the plot conspiring with Lady Olivia’s servants Maria

(Mak Strohmeyer) and Fabian (Megan Tennessen) against her chief servant Count Malvolio (Malcom McCanles).

The noblemen demonstrated a knack for physical comedy, with Milhaupt stumbling drunk around the audience’s feet and Madison eliciting hollers with his stiff, flailing dance moves.

Milhaupt, specifically, wowed in his smoke-filled rendition of “What Kind of Man R U Gonna Be?” with a strong bass and impressive change in character tone, while Strohmeyer and Tennessen served enthralling depictions of petty villainy. And special note should be made of elementary-aged actors Rose and Rob Sellon, whose versatile roles were steeped in utter whimsy and glee.

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The knockout performance of the night came from McCanles’s Malvolio, who commanded his scenes with dramatic costuming and a phenomenal stage presence. His self-titled soliloquies were executed flawlessly, the sheer flamboyance of his portrayal backed by booming belts and everlasting falsettos.

Finally, the show’s ensemble dedicated itself to reinvigorating its old inspiration. From the dynamic realism of the Ilyrians’ traded jabs in “You’re the Worst” to brilliant backup dancers in “Count Malvolio I,” the high-caliber ensemble cultivated an atmosphere of infectious energy crucial to the show’s enthusiastic reception.

As the relevance of old English literature increasingly continues to be called into question by contemporary playwrights and audiences, UW Theatre’s recent trend of tackling and renovating long-standing canon of authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or William Shakespeare himself is a unique choice.

Though the ongoing production of “Twelfth Night” is not a daring deviation from its inspiration’s conventional ending, it manages the hefty task of translating the original play’s intended cultural relevance and preserving its gorgeous written language. And by metric of laughter, the production’s opening night was certainly a smashing success.

Perhaps Shakespeare has found his next greatest reinventor since the 2006 hit film “She’s the Man.” “Twelfth Night” runs from Nov. 9 to Nov. 19 at Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre. Tickets and showtimes can be found on artsticketing.wisc.edu.

Jungkook commands our attention with ‘Golden’

By Zayna Quraishi STAFF WRITER

When Jungkook of BTS was asked about his goals in a 15-minute behindthe-scenes documentary on his first single, “Seven,” he responded with a simple yet hefty statement.

“I’m Korean, but I’d like to be the one and only singer who can cross back and forth between K-pop and pop songs,” he said. “I’m going to conquer all genres,” he continued, with a large, disarming grin known for charming millions of adoring fans and celebrity peers alike.

On my first listen of “Golden,” Jungkook’s debut solo album, this exchange is all I could think about.

With these 11 tracks, Jungkook has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with in pop, just as he said he would.

Five-time Grammy nominee and K-pop phenomenon BTS is currently on hiatus as its members complete their mandatory service in the South Korean military. However, like Jungkook, each member has released their own solo music during this time.

Their work spans a range of genres such as drill hip-hop, soothing soul and grunge rock.

Jungkook’s focus is on pop coupled with a signature flair that shows off his exceptional vocal chops. He kicked off his solo journey by featuring with artists like Charlie Puth and releasing a song for the FIFA 2022

World Cup. Then came “Seven,” an upbeat UK garage pop song, featuring Latto, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams in Spotify history.

Following “Seven,” Jungkook released another single, “3D,” an R&B pop song featuring Jack Harlow reminiscent of 2000s-era Justin Timberlake.

Finally, he released “Golden” on Nov. 3, which includes “Seven” and “3D.” The album is both a callback to his quintessential style and a stepping stone to even more future success.

Throughout the first 10 years of BTS’ remarkable career, fans and fellow members have referred to Jungkook by the nickname “golden maknae” (meaning “golden youngest”), referring to how he’s good at everything he does. Whether it’s his sharp, clean dancing on stage, his crystal-clear singing or the way he can keep a tissue from touching the ground by blowing under it on BTS’ variety show, it certainly seems Jungkook can handle anything that comes his way with finesse.

Jungkook expressed challenges he’s experienced while striving to live up to the characterization in the past.

But with “Golden,” he embraces it.

“Golden” is a testament to Jungkook’s versatility. He isn’t afraid to experiment with genre and vocal tone; rather, he revels in the open

COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS

slate of possibility he’s staring in the face.

The title track, “Standing Next to You,” is a grand proclamation of love and loyalty complete with loud brass and a thrumming bass line.

The opening of “Somebody” had fans puzzled as they tried to pinpoint the singer before realizing it was indeed Jungkook, just singing deeper than usual with slight audio effects. However, the emotional ballad “Hate You” puts his signature vocal abilities on full display, giving a simple piano instrumental incredible gravitas and depth.

The standout track of the album is “Closer to You,” a Major Lazerproduced R&B-reggaeton fusion

whirlwind of a song. Jungkook’s breathy lower register takes the listener into an aural trance, pausing slightly during the chorus before dropping them into a free fall through the fast-paced second verse, abating only when returning to the hook. It’s psychedelic, rolling and unlike anything Jungkook’s put out before. But he’s in full control of the rhythm, pulling and pushing the momentum between each falsetto.

K-pop is often overlooked in Western media, a challenge K-pop artists battle as they gain popularity abroad. Notably, as BTS rose to their historic stardom in the late 2010s, they had to field repetitive and condescending interview questions about

their dream collaborations or their American celebrity crushes, their intriguing music pushed to an afterthought. Even now, the members’ solo work is nominated for American award shows under the K-pop category simply because BTS is Korean, disregarding the varied genres their collective work encompasses.

“Golden” explicitly demands Jungkook be given the same legitimacy as his Western peers. Sung fully in English and boasting a star-studded list of songwriters, producers and featuring artists, it demonstrates his star power and status as a well-established figure in the industry.

Simultaneously, the album displays his raw talent and determination to not only try new things but perfect them. These, coupled with Jungkook’s vocal powerhouse and the explosive choreography of “Standing Next to You,” paint an intimidating picture.

Behind Jungkook’s boyish charm as the youngest BTS member lies an intuitive, technically skilled artist with an expert handle on global music trends. He’s also a man with enough fire in his heart to make his dreams a reality.

So when Jungkook jokes about spreading into every genre, I crack a smile along with him, because I know he’s just getting started.

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Column: An international student’s take on the world of American college sports

By Ava Griffiths STAFF WRITER

When I first arrived in Madison around a month ago from the United Kingdom, it was no secret I was most excited to experience American college sports culture.

One of the main reasons I chose the University of Wisconsin-Madison was because it had an 80,000-capacity stadium on campus. In comparison, current Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup winners Manchester City play in a stadium of just over 50,000. Only two stadiums in England, one of them being Wembley Arena, can seat over 80,000. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wrap my head around this.

University sports culture in the U.K. is practically nonexistent compared to what America has to offer. Even the top teams are watched by a mere handful of people as students are barely encouraged to come and watch.

Why is there such a difference?

Sport is ingrained into British culture. From football to cricket, it is no secret we also have an intense love for sports. So why doesn’t the university athletic system reflect this, especially compared to American athletics?

The excitement and investment pumped into America’s love of sports has steadily grown for decades. From the 1960s to the 2000s, advancements in sports broadcasting helped to transform how Americans perceived sports.

For instance, the introduction of NFL films in 1962 sought to show the ballet and brutality of American football. Sports were no longer just a game — it was an all-American spectacle. As intrigue grew, more people who may have never considered attending a sports game

EVAN HALPOP/THE DAILY CARDINAL

were now keen to experience the performance in which a game now promised.

A stadium was no longer filled solely by young men, and sports franchises knew this. They were committed to delivering a production of pure entertainment — cue the cheerleaders and mascots. Of course this spectacle did not just stop in America’s main sports leagues such as the NFL or the NBA. It could also be found on college campuses across the country.

Upon my first Badgers football game against Buffalo, this is exactly what I was presented with. From tailgates to cheerleaders and the marching band, it was a

day wrapped up into a display of the famous American school spirit. As we headed back from Camp Randall after a three-hour game under the hot sun — the hottest Badgers game on record — I couldn’t help but wonder why the U.K. has nothing that comes close to this gameday experience.

The major differences mainly come down to varying financial approaches toward college sports. Most up-andcoming athletes in the U.K. would not attend university and are more likely to be seen in a separate sports academy, whereas in the U.S., the term “college athlete” comes from the fact that attending college will improve your chances of

going professional.

In 2012, the Premier League carried out their youth development strategy called the “Elite Player Performance Plan,” which aimed to increase the amount of homegrown players coming up through the U.K. system.

This plan placed a further importance on the academy system. For those wanting to become a professional football player, attending a university would not be seen as the right path to reach professional success.

However, in the U.S., there are the college-to-professional pipelines, such as the NFL draft. The aim of becoming professional is closely tied to the college system, whereas

the U.K. academics and university athletic system are kept completely separate.

Although the importance of the NFL draft may seem obvious to American readers, it is unlike anything else within the world of athletic recruitment from an outside perspective.

Whether it’s Joe Burrow from Louisiana State University or Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech, the colleges these athletes attend are a major part of their identity and success.

I love the American approach to college sports. From the stateof-the-art facilities to unwavering support from different generations of Badgers fans, it is certainly a unique experience.

The pure energy which finds its way into every section of Camp Randall was a true joy to be a part of. It encapsulates why we love sports. And the “Jump Around” tradition which plays before every fourth quarter only added to my appreciation of game day traditions.

Unfortunately, I don’t think the U.K. will ever reach America’s level of school spirit.

Perhaps this comes down to the difference in U.K. and U.S. culture as a whole. Beyond university level sport, Premier League football teams have attempted to bring elements of the American experience. Nothing has really made any impact.

Only one team in the league, Crystal Palace Football Club from South London, has cheerleaders.

When you Google this cheer team, most of the articles that come up reflect the confusion that surrounds them. Most people attending football games simply question why they are there and head for a pint of beer inside the stadium instead (that pretty much sums up the U.K.).

I think I can admit I feel quietly disappointed there is nothing quite like the wild world of American college sports back home. It is certainly something everyone should experience at least once.

Badgers shutout the Panthers, advance in NCAA tournament

By Caroline McGartland STAFF WRITER

The Wisconsin Badgers (14-44) women’s soccer team defeated their in-state rival UW-Milwaukee Panthers (12-3-5) 2-0 Friday in the first round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.

The Badgers, who had home-field advantage, powered through a wellfought game to come out on top.

The first half was filled with intensity from both teams, but Wisconsin dominated the possession. They were knocking at the door several times, specifically when Taylor Gordon hit the post off of a cross in from a corner kick. The Badgers out-shot the Panthers 7-1 in the first half, yet neither team found the back of the net.

Wisconsin came out strong in the second half, keeping the ball

on the Milwaukee side. The home team finally got on the board in the 60th minute. On a corner, the ball was passed to Maddie Ishaug, who produced a strong kick from outside the box. Emma Jaskaneic got the ball and banged it into the back of the net. She now has 12 goals on the season and four assists.

The Badgers secured the win only a short seven minutes later with a little help from the Panthers. After a deflection from a Milwaukee defender, Ishaug hit the ball right back into goal, recording her first goal of the season.

The Badgers now advance to the tournament’s second, their 18th such appearance. They will travel to Tallahassee, Florida to face the No. 5 Texas Longhorns on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.

MEGHAN SPIRITO/THE DAILY CARDINAL

life & style A new ‘80s-’90s club comes to Madison

dailycardinal.com

Thursday, November 16, 2023

By Monica Ristich STAFF WRITER

Dinner, drinks and dancing all in one is the intention behind The Stuffed Olive, Double Tap and the Roxxy, three new businesses that will be located beneath the Oliv apartments.

These three establishments, owned by business management consultant company the Harmonic Hospitality Group, are designed to create the perfect night out with interconnected concepts, according to Tony DeSalvo, the group’s president.

At The Stuffed Olive, guests can eat a sit-down dinner, while Double Tap offers an experience with an arcade. And to end the night, guests can head over to

the Roxxy, an ‘80s- and ‘90s-themed club with drinks and dancing.

The vision behind this integrated concept was to make sure no one would have to leave while still having the freedom to enjoy themselves, said DeSalvo.

“All three concepts are safe, inclusive, warm and welcoming,” DeSalvo said.

“So, you don’t need to leave your building — hallelujah.”

With the Roxxy, the Harmonic Hospitality Group wants to provide an experience no other can find in Madison.

Inside the Roxxy, guests will be immersed in an ‘80s and ‘90s atmosphere featuring music, decor and artifacts dedicated to that time period. The goal of this

theme is to establish a welcoming environment where everybody can join in, regardless of their familiarity with the iconic songs and share the experience with fellow guests, according to DeSalvo.

The combination of music, drinks and the overall ambiance at the Roxxy aim to create a sense of inclusivity and fun, DeSalvo said.

“Somebody that’s 21 is gonna be sitting at a table next to somebody that’s 65, singing the same song together,” DeSalvo said. “They will also be having their favorite beverage and taking a look at the cool artifacts you might see from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on the wall.”

The venue will operate seven days a week, and the main room featuring a stage

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for a DJ or live music will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, according to DeSalvo. The area isn’t limited to the Roxxy’s use alone — other groups, such as fraternities and sororities, will have the opportunity to rent it, he said.

Construction will start at the beginning of 2024 with a goal of opening at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

“I know that when we open up all three, I would like to have close to 150 to 200 employees,” DeSalvo said.

He said he is hoping to provide many job opportunities to University of Wisconsin-Madison students as they are planning on accommodating to their academic schedules.

Journal of an international student

By Cristiana Vlagali STAFF WRITER

GRACIE BECKER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Wisconsin’s hidden gem: The Northwoods

By Gracie Becker STAFF WRITER

Wisconsin. The “Dairy State.”

Acres upon acres of nothing but boring farmland. This common misconception is frequently made by people who are unaware of all that Wisconsin has to offer.

In other words: people who have not visited the Northwoods.

Natural, sparkling lakes; luscious, aromatic pines; precious wildlife; cozy cabins; and the thickest Wisconsin accents you’ve ever heard make the Northwoods my favorite place on Earth.

There’s rarely a piece of litter in sight, rarely a wintery road without a snowmobile on it and rarely a lake without a fishing boat.

Its abundance of activities, paired with a breathtaking landscape and outdoorsy, beer-drinking, fish fry-eating culture make the Northwoods well worth the trip.

I’ve grown up spending my summers in the Wisconsin Northwoods — specifically Boulder Junction, Wis. — with my big family, chasing tadpoles, playing games in the lodge and loading up on the best cotton candy ice cream with my cousins. It’s a sentimental place for me, and here are some of the things I’ve grown to love most about the Northwoods that you should plan to see for yourself: The northern lakes are unparalleled, with clear water and enough of a chill leftover from the winter to be immensely refreshing in the summertime. These lakes are all-natural, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna, and typically without residential clutter. They foster amazing fishing (I love to catch bass),

boat activities and kayaking, paddleboarding and more.

Wildlife is found all over the Northwoods, including deer, moose, bears, loons, bald eagles and so much more. My personal favorites are the loons, whose beautiful sounds I listen for every night before I go to sleep. You are sure to see many fun critters while walking or driving around — just be careful driving at night, when you will have to play a game of “try not to hit the deer.”

Scattered throughout the Northwoods are adorable cabin-style restaurants serving the best renditions of traditional Wisconsin foods like cheese curds, brats and fish fries. These woody, intimate establishments, filled with taxidermy and tons of bar signs, are fun spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat after a busy day of activities.

My favorite thing about the Northwoods is that, as a result of the extraordinary exposure to nature and plethora of activities that it offers, it fosters the most unforgettable memories between friends and family. The childhood memories I made with my family in the Northwoods over the years are the ones that I cherish most.

It’s the type of place where stresses and fears get temporarily put on the back burner, and everyone lives in the moment to soak in the immense beauty and serenity.

A trip up to the Northwoods to connect with nature and experience the fun — whether you’re a college student, a professional or neither — will be worth every second of your time and leave you feeling grateful for a hidden heaven only a short drive away.

For years, my only dream was to leave Romania and start my life in the United States. The moment I saw my country for the last time through the little plane window, my eyes filled with tears.

With each mile I put behind me, the knot in my stomach tightened — a constant tug, a reminder of all I held dear. I felt like an invisible string was pulling me back toward everything I loved and knew.

I thought time would make the longing disappear, but I couldn’t have been further from the truth. As days turned into weeks, I started to miss the food, the traditions, the culture and the places. But, most importantly, I missed my people.

The first few weeks passed slowly, and I tried to navigate through lectures, tears and the wish to fit in. The feeling of being a stranger didn’t go away, and the fear of talking in English deepened because my accent was evident in the mass of people speaking the language fluently. Being conscious of all my flaws, it was hard to socialize, so loneliness became my closest friend.

I was alone and felt an emptiness in my life that used to be filled by Romania and everything it represented.

When I started my courses, I became so busy that I no longer had time to worry about my accent, the distance between me and my family or the loneliness, even with everything I was going through. My extroverted side, which had been hiding under a blanket of shame those past weeks, shined through overnight. In just a few days, I

undid the damage my worries caused and made friends. I wasn’t anxious to go to the dining hall alone anymore, and I started speaking more.

I rediscovered my love for storytelling, sharing tales of my life and homeland and keeping my culture alive with every narrative. I found people with the same energy as me — Americans, Bangladeshis and even a Romanian — and they made me feel alive again. I felt like the strong girl who, at only 18, left her country and flew across the globe to follow a dream.

Right now, I’ve just signed a lease for an apartment with three other amazing friends; every night, I go to my two other friends, who are also international students, for a venting session. I have friends in every lecture and feel more powerful than ever.

I still miss my family and coffee runs with my best friend, and I look forward to returning home for Christmas, but now, I don’t want to go back, to run away from America and the hardships here.

For better or worse, an international student feels alone in their experience but forgets that the remaining 3,000 international students experience the same universal feeling.

So, this journal of the international student is for all those who get somewhere and feel the pangs of loneliness.

Know that it’s a natural part of the journey and that we’ve all experienced it.

Forge ahead, for if you reveal anything, it’s your indomitable strength.

CHRISTINA VLAGALI/THE DAILY CARDINAL

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

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What’s so special about Wednesday?

By Hana Razvi STAFF WRITER

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MEGHAN SPIRITO/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Madison loves its women’s sports teams, but fans can do so much more

By Hadeel Manimaran STAFF WRITER

Rose Lavelle, Hilary Knight, Gwen Jorgensen and Dana Rettke.

If these names don’t ring a bell, here’s a brief introduction. Lavelle is a FIFA World Cup Champion, Knight has won back-to-back Olympic ice hockey gold medals, Jorgensen is an Olympic gold medal triathlete and Rettke is a Volleyball National League (VNL) champion.

If you’re not familiar with their names, you’re not alone.

All four women graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison with illustrious college careers as tens of thousands in the audience cheered them on.

However, once they left to begin their professional journeys, their names were all but forgotten.

Countless fans who watched every minute of every game and tournament are reduced to a handful who religiously tune in to follow their pro careers.

Women’s sports at UW-Madison have a rich history, featuring NCAA Championships in volleyball, ice hockey and cross country. These teams are consistently in conversation and the spotlight, whether to celebrate their achievements or bemoan the fortunes of the football team.

The Badgers volleyball team is currently ranked third in the country and averaged 6,000 ticket sales per home game during the 2022 season. Alumni like Rettke and Lauren Carlini have earned

spots in the VNL and on Olympic rosters, and they currently play for elite Italian clubs Milano and Scandicci, respectively.

The women’s hockey team is no different. The Badgers took home their third national title in five years earlier this year, averaging over 3,000 people per game.

This included the second-highest NCAA women’s hockey attendance ever during Fill the Bowl night with 14,430 spectators. The record for highest attendance for a women’s ice hockey game is also held by UW-Madison for a 2017 matchup against St. Cloud State.

Women’s sports are experiencing a significant surge in popularity. In the United States, the National Women’s Soccer League witnessed an 18% increase in viewership during the 2022 season. The USWNT is the most successful women’s federation in history with four World Cups.

The WNBA also enjoyed a 21% growth in viewership in the 2023 season and is actively exploring opportunities for rapid expansion in the upcoming years.

The trend is undeniably upward.

Investors recognize the immense potential within the women’s sports market and are injecting substantial capital into clubs and leagues. This has resulted in higher transfer fees, expanded salary caps, rising ticket prices and record-breaking attendance figures, all of which have dominated headlines over the past

couple of years. Access to games has never been easier, and there’s no longer a need to resort to dodgy sports betting streams to watch these exceptional athletes in action.

UW-Madison has an incredible women’s sports culture. But what could elevate it even further is extending that support to athletes once they graduate.

If you’re a fan of Badgers volleyball, watch Rettke play for the United States. If you celebrate Wisconsin being the reigning NCAA hockey champions, think about backing the recently established Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

Ultimately, sports are as much about emotion and connection as they are about witnessing extraordinary athletes accomplish remarkable feats. The reason we tune in to watch the Badgers is because we form a deep bond rooted in commonality. There are similar connections outside college sports if you look for them.

Women’s sports are on the cusp of breaking into the mainstream sporting culture. If you have the chance to support it and the Badgers who graduate and eventually join professional leagues, do it.

You won’t regret it for a second.

Hadeel Manimaran is a freshman studying computer science.

Do you agree that women’s sports are on track to be more mainstream? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com

The month of November signifies everything important to a college student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: spending weeks on the third floor of College Library studying for midterms, getting to the food trucks on State Street every afternoon before they disappear for the winter and reassuring their parents they will make it home in time for Thanksgiving.

The week before our pilgrim feast is perhaps the most stressful all semester. Most professors have classes listed until the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving on the syllabus. This creates a struggle for students who live far from campus or out-of-state as they decide the right time to go home.

The current academic calendar marks the holiday and the Friday after as time off. Labeling this as a “break” is a brazen slap in the face to many students who have to modify their transportation methods and spend a ridiculous amount of extra time and money to make it back to campus after seeing their families.

Another main issue is that professors are cast as villains for expecting students to show up to the class period before break. Many of them are put into awkward positions because only a handful of students will show up. In turn, some modify their lecture or discussion of the day. This puts the entire class behind when coming back from break and at a disadvantage for material covered before finals.

“My professor is holding a

lecture on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I’m annoyed but thankful I live 15 minutes away.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to get home. I feel bad for my other friends who are skipping, not by choice,” said Asma Sulieman, a UW-Madison junior studying computer science.

Sulieman acknowledged some students have it worse than others in this situation. Her major requires a lot of hands-on work, and being present in class is important. However, she sees how difficult it is for a professor to modify schedules and still align with the school’s policy regarding time off for Thanksgiving.

Students at UW-Madison don’t receive a traditional fall break like other schools. This is due to the state of Wisconsin’s tourism law in relation to public universities and their start dates. No public university is permitted to start classes until after September 1st.

The solution is quite simple.

UW-Madison should cancel classes the week of Thanksgiving in order to give students a well-deserved fall break and the ability to see their family members and hometown friends.

Students should have the full week off to catch up on material pushed back during midterms and prepare for finals season. It is in the best interest of all UW-Madison students and administration to extend the Thanksgiving break in the academic calendar.

Hana Razvi is a junior studying journalism and strategic communications. Do you agree UW-Madison should not have classes the day before Thanksgiving? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com

COURTESY OF BRYCE RICHTER/UW-MADISON

MADELYN ANDERSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL