Letter from the Editor
Dear Patriots,
I am so glad to be back on campus this year! With recent developments from the COVID-19 pandemic and regulations, I didnât know if it would be possible, but Iâm glad we are managing. This year doesnât look like how many of us planned it would, but you all can do this. The students at the University of the Cumberlands can get through anything. As we finish our third of the fall semester up, I can tell everyone on campus is already getting back in the swing of things. This is bittersweet to say this, but this may be my last year on campus. I am a senior this year and I plan on graduating in the spring if nothing comes up. Knowing that this is my last year as a college student makes me more emotional than Iâd like to admit, but Iâm just glad that I am fortunate enough to go to a college that feels like my home away from home. I wouldnât be who I am today without my friends, fellow classmates, co-workers and my professors in the communication department. Knowing that I have approximately 223 days left on campus challenges me to make the most of my time here.
College is the time to express yourself in ways you havenât before. Youâre on your own for the first time, more than likely, and it can be a little scary at first. As the most introverted introvert I know, this is me telling you to get out there. Join that club, get that job, go tell that girl at the coffee shop that you like her style, write for your campus newspaper (please Iâm begging you). If you sit in your dorm by yourself (or just with your roommate) you will regret it more than you can imagine. Be the person you wish you were. Life is what you make it out to be, so try to make it the best that you can. And of course, as alwaysâŠ
Do the good things,
Haley Bullock
Haley Bullock, Editor-in-Chief
Editor-In-Chief
Haley Bullock
Managing Editor
Abigail Fletcher
Faculty Adviser
Jeremiah Massengale
Staff
Nathan Evans
Cassidy Howard
Josephine Knight
Kristin Mitchell
Alyssa Morningstar
Elizabeth Spires
Maranda Young
Front cover by Maranda Young
Back cover by Maranda Young
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The Patriot is the student publication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timely and original content by highlighting campus news and views.
Award-winning member of the Associated Collegiate Press and Kentucky Press Association.
UC lowers credit hour requirements for graduation
BY HALEY BULLOCK Editor-in-Chief
University of the Cumberlands has changed rapidly in these past few years. Between the tuition drop, Templeton being added as a female dorm, the addition of the Patriot Park, and the library remodel, UC has had one change after another. The changes this year have already started by UC implementing a new policy on the credit hour requirement for graduation. An email sent out from UCâs Office of the Registrar on Aug. 10 said, âStarting fall 2021, the total amount of credits needed to complete a Bachelorâs degree will be 120 credit hours instead of 128.â This policy applies to new students starting in fall 2021 and students that will be completing their degree in or after fall 2021. This policy also doesnât remove or change any classes for general education requirements or for any major or minor programs.
This change removes roughly three classes from an undergraduate studentâs overall course load since most of UCâs offered classes are worth three credit hours. A question some students have been wondering is: what is the reason for this change? Dr. Chris Leskiw, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, âImproving the student experience at Cumberland was the driving force behind this change in credit hours. Our mission as an institution focuses on providing a quality and affordable education, and adjusting the credit hours addresses both elements. The modification of the total number of hours needed resulted from degree auditing and evaluating the last few semesters of a typical graduateâs experience.â The pandemic and the switch to a bi-term schedule have made learning harder on some students, so this policyâs goal is to help students have an easier time reaching graduation.
This change has been helpful in particular for UC seniors like Tara Todd. Todd says, âIâm really excited about this since [prior] to the change, I had âfiller creditsâ that werenât necessary for my major or minor. Now, because of this policy, I can finish out my last semester just really focusing on just a few classes that I actually need to graduate this fall with my degree!â It isnât uncommon for students to take additional elective classes to fill the total credit hour requirement. However, with this new policy, it will be easier for students to focus on only taking classes relevant to their degree to graduate.
The change from 128 to 120 credit hours might not seem like much at first. With only removing roughly three classes from a studentâs entire courseload, it could seem pointless at first. However, Dr. Leskiw says, âWe see the impact of this policy change as two-fold. First, it focuses student coursework toward what they need most, courses for General Education and their major. Second, this new policy is designed to make education more affordable and efficient. This policy complements the Universityâs shift to conferring degrees every eight weeks. Students have already been taking advantage of this change with the bi-term graduation policy. Graduating earlier addresses the dynamics of workforce demand as students can more readily take advantage of various opportunities as they arise.â Many students have had to take elective, or nonessential, courses to reach the previous 128 credit hour requirement. Lowering the requirement to 120 has lessened that need so students are more likely to only need to take general education, major and minor classes.
Another worry some students might have about this policy change is the universityâs accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC.) According to Dr. Leskiw, this is no worry at all. He says, âThis change in policy does not impact the Universityâs accreditation status at all. As it stands, our 120 degree hour requirement meets all of our SACSCOC accreditation standards for baccalaureate level degrees.â The mission statement of SACSCOC says, âThe mission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is to assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions.â In short, this policy was created with the students in mind to give them the same quality education but with less elective classes needed to meet the credit hour graduation requirement. This policy change does not impact UCâs accreditation in any way, which shows that the quality in the university has not diminished with its implementation. This policy is now active for all students, new, returning and transfers, that are currently pursuing a Bachelorâs degree at the University of the Cumberlands.
Photo by Cassidy Howard
Spice it Up
UC adds new dining option: Habaneros
BY ELIZABETH SPIRES Staff Writer
As the University of the Cumberlandsâ student body count continues to thrive, it is important to keep the meal plan options for students hot and fresh â both literally and metaphorically. With this goal in mind, the universityâs dining services team decided to add a new restaurant to the Boswell Campus Center food court: Habaneros.
Habaneros is branded for its âhandcrafted Mexican cuisineâ â and who doesnât love some Mexican? According to the universityâs food services director, Misty Leach, in an article revealing the new restaurant, the decision was made when similar menu options were offered at the dining hall last academic school year and had a well-received turnout. Menu items at the restaurant include various Mexican-style foods, including quesadillas, burritos and salads. Amber Meadors, a UC freshman, said, âI really enjoy the quesadillas on the menu.â This was a popular consensus among many students and appears to be a big hit thus far. UC junior Hannah Howard said she prefers the burrito bowls on Habaneroâs menu. Howard said, âIt is a perfect protein-packed meal!â
The menu has a wide variety of options and allows students to âmix up what you get in your meal,â as UC senior Brooke Castle stated. UC junior Taylor Begley said, âItâs a good vegetarian option for students like me, because you can customize your own meals,â giving the new addition a oneup on the BCCâs other restaurant, Chick-Fil-A. Clearly, the flexibility that Habaneros offers is a major bonus for students.
However, many UC students report missing the âhealthy alternatives that Tossed offered,â as Howard also stated. Tossed specialized in personalized wraps, salads, as well as artisanal sandwiches and melts. Personal pizzas were also an option for students when the restaurant was open on campus. Their fresh and healthy options were a hit and appear to be missed greatly by many. Castle said, âI must say, I miss Tossed. I wish they couldâve just added Habaneros on as another option instead of replacing it.â With so few restaurant options on campus, meal plan exchanges are limited, so many oncampus students have eaten at Habaneros often since classes resumed on Aug. 23. While its options are healthier than those of Chick-Fil-A, the menu of Tossed was a great option for students and currently seems to be preferred by many students over that of Habaneros.
When it comes down to it, the meal plan for on-campus students undergoes changes that could either hop or flop. Habaneros was one of many changes made to the plan this year and while it may be too soon to consider it a great success or a complete disaster, it is clear that it has its benefits and downfalls. All in all, âHabaneros has proven to be a great additionâ to the university, Howard claims, despite missing some of the healthier options offered last year from Tossed. Katie Tutt, a UC junior, said, âHabaneros has been a great addition to campus. It offers more options on the meal plan along with being able to eat healthy, but it would have been great if they could have added it as another meal plan option!â
Photos by Elizabeth Spires
âShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsâ
Marvelâs first Asian-lead superhero takes on the big screen
BY ABIGAIL FLETCHER Managing Editor
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has stepped away from their predominantly white-centered media and given us iconic movies like Black Pantherâ and now Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,â which have broken the mold by giving audiences racial diversity with their MCU protagonists.
Shang-Chi, the comic book character, first appeared in Marvel Comics back in the 1970s and now comes to life in 2021 on the big screen. The movie is undoubtedly well-rounded. Itll make you laugh, cry, and even unsettled throughout the 2 hour-and-12-minute running time. The movie has some familiar faces from other MCU movies which could be possibly foreshadowing the future of these superheroes.
Shang-Chi, portrayed by Simu Lu, was a great choice for the main character. He has a background in being a stuntman. This added to the realism of the heavily trained martial artist that is Shang-Chi. The movie had several unique fighting scenes from a bus hijacking, to a fight ring and then the massive fight on the back of a dragon. Also, Xialing-Chi portrayed by Menger Zhang, brought a very powerful Asian woman to the screen. It was a wonderful casting that gave both young men and women autonomy to this story. Tony-Leung Chiu-wai, who portrayed Xu Wenwu, wonderfully portrayed an intimidating leader who ultimately is softened by the lure of romance and family. There is so many layers throughout Shang-Chiâ that makes you feel bad for the stereotypical bad guy. This movie also took you through a story of a complicated disbanded family. There are many redemption
arcs which added to the overall film.
The soundtrack heavily influenced by more rap and hip-hop songs added drive and excitement to all scenes included. Tracks from artists like 21 Savage, Saweetie and DJ Snake were featured. These songs added such a hyped aspect to this film. MCU has never been one to disappoint when it comes to CGI. The world of Shang-Chi introduces a mystical world that is called Ta-Lo. There was a beautiful ode to Chinese culture in implementing the nine-tailed fox and dragon. Also, there is a scene where Shang-Chi is going to meet his friend Katy, portrayed by Awkwafina, and he is seen taking off his shoes before entering the home. Another great element was the use of language; there was a great transition between Mandarin Chinese and English.
The movie leaves mystery to the actual history of the ten rings which leaves you on a sort of cliff hanger wanting more. A staple of MCU movies are the end credit scenes. The two end credit scenes sort of foreshadow the role Shang-Chi and Xialing-Chi will have in phase four of the MCU. Ultimately, âShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsâ being the first Asian-lead superhero movie for the MCU, was a wonderful introduction to a new legend and mystical world. It left me wanting to know more about the history of the Ten Rings. I hope to see Shang-Chi join other iconic MCU characters.
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios
The Start of the Semester
Weeks of Welcome and Old Fashioned Trading Days
Photos by Abigail Fletcher and Maranda Young
Photo by Abigail Fletcher
Photo by Abigail Fletcher
Photo by Abigail Fletcher
Photo by Maranda Young
Photo by Maranda Young
Photo by Maranda Young
Blane Sizemore of the Game Cafe in Williamsburg sits at the Old Fashion Trading Days.
One of the many candy tables featured downtown with lots of wonderful treats.
UC students play 9 square at CAB evening event.
UC students hold t-shirts.
The man with the toy stand has a bubble blowing toy for kids.
Students play cornhole at a CAB event.
Virtual Hangouts
Safe ways to have fun during COVID-19
BY MARANDA YOUNG Staff Writer
As COVID-19 continues to exist, life is still happening. Many people are doing the right thing by practicing social distancing and/or staying home, but what are some ways these people enjoy their time? Here is a list of fun things to do with your friends safely!
1. PowerPoint party.
This choice does include a few tools, but it is a super fun way to show how creative you and your friends are. You and your friends can create whatever rules for your party, but if you need a start, hereâs a prompt. You just need to choose a theme, make it 5-8 slides and include at least once picture on each slide.
2. Zoom idol
With this option, you and a group of friends grab some fun costumes and a playlist of choice. Each friend can take a turn doing their best Simon Cowell impression. You and your friends can create your very own âgolden buzzerâ and even have a winner for âZoom Idolâ
While most everyone loves to get lost on their âFor You Page,â you can also make TikTok a fun group activity. Virtually grab some of your friends and follow new trends, âstitchâ each otherâs videos and learn how to use fun editing tools to see who can get the most views on their videos.
4. Just have a nice chat!
To just keep it simple, jump on FaceTime, Zoom, or on another video chatting app or website to keep up with your friends, do your homework together, listen to some music or read a book together.
Cruisinâ Through Cumberlands Playlist
3. TikTok
Photo courtesy of John Schnobrich
A perfect mixture of songs to listen to while driving through the campus.
