O-ISSUE the avion newspaper
editor-in-chief
editor@theavion.com
managing editor
managing@theavion.com
news editor
news@theavion.com
photo editor
photo@theavion.com
business manager
business@theavion.com
victoria jordan vipul telang
welcome
oliver du bois
alani seaman sam stirmel
correspondents salim roig jim myers
gianna castano emily parcell
contact information 386-226-6049 theavion.com
1 Aerospace Blvd, SU 219 Daytona Beach, FL 32114
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campus without students is just a collection of buildings. We have missed your energy, which brings this place to life as somewhere to discover, learn, and grow. Life without daily personal connection has been frustrating, but I admire the ways you have chosen to stay optimistic and productive despite lockdowns and limitations. We are happy to see Eagles gather again. Are you a new student? Welcome. You are joining a community of people who share many of your passions. They can introduce you to new interests and enthusiasms. Get to know each other. Your fellow students will enrich your life with their experiences and encouragement. Are you a returning student? You will notice a few differences on campus. For the past five months, we have been developing and improving safeguards to make our classrooms, labs, public spaces, and living accommodations the safest environments possible. Through our Summer B term on campus, we have seen promising results in controlling the spread of Covid-19. The changes we have made to increase sanitation, reduce class sizes, prevent congestion in common areas, and introduce some physical barriers represent the best practices in universities across the country. However, these protections will only be effective with corresponding changes in our behavior. You will need to do your part by completing daily wellness checks, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, and practicing social distancing. I ask each of you to model responsible behavior off-campus, as well. I have asked faculty and staff to join students in demonstrating
our commitment to the wellbeing of our community. Please follow the rules we have added to our Student Code of Conduct and respectfully remind others when they forget. This is an adjustment for all of us, but we can help protect ourselves and others. Fighting the spread of Covid-19 is a team sport. Don’t be the weak link on the team. In addition to your short-term worries about the virus, I understand you may also be feeling some understandable uneasiness about your career plans. The aerospace industry is currently in a downturn due to the pandemic. However, industry leaders agree that it will recover, just as it did after 9/11, recent recessions, a past SARS outbreak, and even volcanic activity that grounded flights. The outlook for space and commercial space exploration remains strong. The good news is that Embry-Riddle graduates will be well-prepared and on deck to rebuild, re-invent and re-energize aviation and commercial space sectors. An industry in recovery will be more receptive to the new perspective and broader skillset you can contribute – particularly if you have an Embry-Riddle degree. You have already proven to be strong, resilient, and resourceful. As we move through this pandemic, some aspects of college life will make unexpected demands on us. One thing Eagles know is how to rise above it. I believe that as this academic year unfolds, you will find ways to succeed, support each other, and enjoy being a part of Embry-Riddle.
P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. University President
meet your.... sga president
You are about to begin a very exciting chapter in your life! Your learning and professional development only continues, but, I promise the end result will be rewarding. You will receive unlimited opportunities to explore your interests, and there are countless resources on campus available to you. The one dearest to me is SGA, the Student Government Association. Our motto is, “You speak. We listen. Change happens.” Our goal is to embrace that motto and to serve student interests. Every year an Executive Ticket is elected to oversee the three branches and four divisions. Our branches include the Student Senate, which has Senators assigned to you as a point of contact for any concern you may have. The Student Treasury, which determines how to allocate funding to our student organizations, student services, and SGA projects. And our Student Court, which can serve as an advocate to you if you find yourself in trouble with the University. Our four divisions include Touch-N Go-Productions (TNG), our entertainment group responsible for many student life events on campus. The Emergency Response Team (ERT), which provides quick-response medical coverage on campus. The WIKD 102.5FM, our campus radio station, which hosts talk shows, podcasts, and plays music 24/7 on campus and in Daytona Beach. And The Avion Newspaper, which provides frequent updates on campus happenings. Every student is considered a member of SGA. You are welcome to expand your membership by joining a branch, division, committee, or even by creating your own project to improve the campus. Our office is located on the second floor of the Student Union, so do not be a stranger! My team and I won’t stop working to provide you the best campus experience possible. This semester is going to be different, but we are all in this together!
Jim Myers SGA President
advice for freshmen from a sophomore... I am an honors student majoring in Human Factors Psychology with a minor in Systems Engineering. I was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, which is definitively the ugliest and most boring out of the Five Boroughs! I currently work at the Center for Faith and Spirituality on campus as a Fellow, essentially meaning that I am working closely with Reverend Keck on diversity and inclusion, servant-leadership, and hosting plenty of events with food. I am also a Staff Photographer at The Avion Newspaper, a member of the design and logistics team on Project Thetis, and I belong to the Psi Chi Honor Society in Psychology. Despite losing a chunk of both semesters that I have spent here at Riddle, I have learned that the professors and staff here are truly dedicated to your success. Whenever I struggled with course material, my professors made themselves available and let me bother them as much as I needed during office hours, even when school transitioned to online. As long as you make your needs known, your professors will help you directly, or equip you with proper resources. Truthfully, I was so used to how a lot of New Yorkers treat each other, meaning every man/woman for him/herself in a sense. When I arrived at Riddle, I kept an open mind. At the same time, I believed that the upperclassmen would be so focused on themselves that they would not give me the time of day to answer a question of mine concerning academics, life advice, or something as simple as directions on campus. It turned out that I was blown away by the hospitality of every student I interacted with this year; everyone was so sweet and genuinely concerned about my well-being and academic standing. If I had to give one major piece of advice to a first-year student, I would say learn how to become more self-aware. We have had to make big decisions before leaving high school. Where will I go to school? What will I major in? Where do I see myself in 4-5 years? I know I certainly felt that pressure (I still am!), so I am sure most of you have. If you ever find yourself consistently unhappy and stressed out, please pause to think about what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling that way. Maybe you need to enroll in fewer classes, maybe you need to spend less time socializing and more time studying, maybe you need to find a different study tactic, maybe you need to call your family, maybe you need to switch your major, or maybe you even need to switch schools! Whatever the case may be, your mental health is golden, and you must eliminate whatever is stifling you. I wish you all the luck, and if you ever need anything, I will be here.
sincerely, gianna castano
from a sophomore... Hello there, I am a second-year Aeronautical Engineering student here at Embry-Riddle. I first moved here during the Fall Semester from my hometown of Miami, Florida. At first, it was scary and confusing, but I was able to adapt to my new surroundings over time. Now one year later, I became the Development Officer of Silver Wings, a Student Advocate for the school’s SGA Justice Branch, as well as a proud member of our school’s local newspaper, The Avion. Now that you know a little bit about me, I wish to depart some wisdom that will help teach you how to survive the strange, confusing, and exciting world of college. This is Salim’s Declassified College Survival Guide, (Results may vary). Tip #1: Before you start that crazy college party you’re dreaming of, it’s important to introduce some order into your life. One day you may get homework for each of your classes; another day, you may get a project worth 70% of your final grade. To combat this, I recommend keeping two different lists of activities; one for everything due this week, and one for any big assignments due at least two weeks from now. This will help you keep track of what you should do as quickly as possible and what you should start on now so later you will have less work to do. Tip #2: College is a place where you will face what seems like a constant barrage of tests, quizzes, and projects. So, you may end up believing that all your free time should be spent studying. While studying should always be your top priority, you are still allowed to have fun. I recommend that every day you take at least one hour to enjoy life. Maybe you like to play volleyball, maybe you love drawing a peaceful image, or maybe you prefer playing video games in your dorm; whatever it is, you should do it. At first, it may seem dumb to waste your time not studying, but by reducing your daily anxiety if even by a little bit, your body will feel more relaxed, allowing you to study for a longer period of time. Tip #3: Make some friends. College is a time when you will meet so many people from different walks of life that you would never meet in your old hometown. If you are given the opportunity to encounter a new experience in life, you should take it and expand your world; otherwise, it will remain ridged and small. I hope y’all enjoyed the wisdom, and may college be the best four years of your life!
sincerely, salim roig
from a junior... Hello, fellow new students, I am originally from Jordan, but I have lived my entire life in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; therefore, I consider it my hometown. As of Fall 2020, I will be a junior majoring in Aeronautical Science and minoring in Business Administration. So far, I have had an amazing journey through my life at Embry-Riddle; each semester is a new experience for myself. Being at Embry-Riddle directs you to so many different opportunities and paths that you may have never thought of. To be able to have those experiences and paths, you have to include yourself on campus with clubs and organizations. I am part of the Orientation Team and the PEER Mentor Program on campus. Being part of a group or an organization makes you feel like you belong with everyone else, and it definitely helps ease your transition from high school to college. Personally, I have benefited from joining the Orientation Team; it has helped me make amazing friendships, make great connections, and just meet people and socialize. These are just some examples of how joining a club or organization can really help out all new students, which is my main advice when joining Embry-Riddle. At Embry-Riddle, I have learned that everything becomes easier when you start involving yourself on campus or just being present for important events. In this way, you start making connections, which is an important aspect for any college student’s future. Another thing I learned is never to be afraid or shy to use all resources provided for students, whether it be scholarships, professor office hours, tutoring labs, etc. A resource I used was the PEER Mentor Program, which has helped me practice interviews, figure out talking points for effective communication, and plan a strategic way to succeed at Embry-Riddle. Overall, you have to remember that being in college is a crucial building block required to have a successful career life; moreover, you have to go through it by working smarter, not harder and do not forget to have fun while doing it.
sincerely, samir khairi
from a senior... Hailing from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, I am a senior in Aerospace Engineering here at Embry-Riddle. Like the normal stereotypical college freshman, I was scared out of my mind to start this journey. Throughout my time here at Riddle, I have been a part of organizations such as the Emerging Leaders Program, the Embry-Riddle AcaFellas, the Orientation Team, and Greek life. Balancing all these activities and responsibilities while still working part-time jobs and going to school full-time can be tough. It even feels like torture at times, but it has taught me the importance of time management. It has, most importantly, taught me the value of doing what you love. My first piece of advice would be to get involved in organizations that you are genuinely interested in. The rule of thumb that I try to follow is having one organization for professional development and one for personal enjoyment. When I had to audition for the AcaFellas, It took me literally three hours of pacing back and forth, practicing my audition song over and over, doubting myself, and hyping myself up. Now I am the Vice President of the group, with multiple solos. In October 2016, I saw the fliers up for O-Team’s interview process, but my fears took over, and I left. I did not interview that year, but now I am an Orientation Team Captain. These are feats that I would have never been able to overcome had I not taken the plunge into what I love. Second on the list of advice would be to create a schedule and try as much as possible to stick to it. In this schedule, you should factor in your class schedule, time for meals, time for friends, time to study and do homework, and time for yourself. It is also a good idea to add major assignments or projects to the schedule and factor in a few blocks per week that you can set aside to work on it. That way, it is harder for you to be caught in the grasp of procrastination that most of us upperclassmen are still trying to break out of. College can be scary; the change in culture and environment can cause many people to naturally blossom or close in on themselves to build a shell. Allow yourself to open up to new experiences, even if it is a little at a time. With the advice mentioned above, the first semester should be a little easier to navigate. The most important thing to do is remember to enjoy the present moments. Four years can pass in a flash, so imagine how quickly four months can go.
sincerely, jordan thomas
dean hall
Adriana Hall is an Assistant Dean in the Division of Student Affairs. Adriana received her Bachelor of Science in Education from South America, Colombia where she focused in languages. Adriana’s career spans from teaching elementary to high school-level students and working for the United States Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. Adriana joined Embry-Riddle in 2003 in the Career Services Office and in 2013 joined Embry-Riddle’s Corporate Relations Department, before her transition to the Dean of Students team in 2015. A proud alumna from the College of Aviation, she also adjuncts for the College of Business. Working in the Dean of Students Office has allowed Adriana to witness students’ college career from day one to the day they cross the graduation stage, seeing them achieving their dreams is the most rewarding experience we could have in this field. Adriana enjoys working with the students in different areas and often tells them, “Don’t navigate the college experience on your own, let us be part of this adventure” & “Your Professional Career starts your first day of college, so think about professionalism and work ethic”. Adriana loves to spend time with her family and can’t wait for soccer season to come back for her daughter.
meet your...
dean bell
Paul W. Bell, M.Ed. (UGA), BS-BM (UNCW) is a veteran Student Affairs practitioner with over 29 years of experience in the higher education field. His professional experience began in career advisement, student leadership engagement, fraternity and sorority life and personal counseling. He credits working with university students as the motivation for his career in education and in giving him the foundational skills which led him to his current position as Assistant Dean of Students at Embry-Riddle. Dean Bell considers himself a problem solver, with interests in crisis management, student conduct, the first year experiential education model and leadership training. Mr. Bell continues to advise several student organizations, teaches a section of University 101 each fall and is very active in the equestrian community here in Volusia County.
The Embry-Riddle Daytona Dean of Students Office can be found on the third floor of the Student Union in Suite 324. It is here that our four Dean of Students act to provide the student body with the Student Honor Codes, which determines how the conduct process is administered, and ensures that students maintain the conduct expected at Embry-Riddle. The Dean of Students are also in charge of overseeing resources provided by the Students Affairs division, including, but not limited to, Career Services, the Counseling Center, Health Services and the Student Engagement and Student Union. The Deans provide a multitude of Student Services as well. If you ever wish to speak with the Deans, we encourage you to do so! Go learn a little more about them and never be afraid to seek them out for a chance to find new resources!
Kenneth Maddox is an Assistant Dean of Students, joining the Embry-Riddle team in August, 2016. Dean Maddox hails from Music City, USA, Nashville, Tennessee. He received his B.S. and M.A.ed. while in Tennessee, and is currently in pursuit of a terminal degree in education. Dean Maddox began his professional years serving briefly as an elementary school teacher, before returning to higher education. This July marks his 21st year working with college students. Dean Maddox’s background is primarily in student housing and student conduct, with a student development foundation. There are many hats to wear in the Dean of Students Office; all of which are charged with helping students navigate the collegiate experience. Dean Maddox do not have a particular preference, but the hat that calls out to him most is student conduct. He has found the educational benefits and restorative philosophies within conduct processes most satisfying. Dean Maddox shares that if he can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to visit him in the Dean of Students Office.
dean maddox
deans of students Lisa Scott Kollar has been part of the Embry-Riddle family since 1988, first as a student and then as a professional in the departments of Career Services, Alumni Relations, Corporate Relations/Government Affairs, and now as the Assistant Provost and Dean of Students. Lisa has had the privilege of serving in many leadership roles at the University, all of which provide the honor of working with students, alumni, and industry partners. She is a graduate of Embry-Riddle with a Master of Science in Aeronautics and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science. She is known for her high energy, transparency, work ethic, and humility. As an Embry-Riddle Eagle, Lisa contributes her success to her strong passion and determination of being a leader who walks the talk! Lisa is a pilot who holds a commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings and has represented Embry-Riddle as an aviation career services subject matter expert, often quoted in publications and other media sources. She is also a Florida-licensed aesthetician. Lisa’s favorite advice to anyone is to strive to show your best in attitude, work ethic, communication, empathy, and humility. These traits will help you achieve success!
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Campus Safety --------------- (386) 226-7233 Health Services -------------- (386) 226-7917 ERNIE Central --------------- (386) 226-6280 Housing/Res Life ----------- (386) 323-8000 SGA Office -------------------- (386) 226-6045 Mail Center ------------------- (386) 226-6017 Student Engagement ------- (386) 226-6039 Title IX Office ----------------- (386) 226-7971
dean kollar
Flight Ops ------------ 1-800-50-EMBRY Flight Supervisor ---- (386) 226-6813 Counseling Center --- (386) 226-6035 Chaplain’s Office----- (386) 226-6580 Fitness Center -------- (386) 226-8860 Bookstore ------------- (386) 226-6064 Dean of Students-----(386) 226-6326 Sodexo Services ----- (386) 226-6067
hurricanes: florida’s favorite fiend Oliver Du Bois News Editor
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espite being known as the Sunshine State, Florida is known for housing a far less appealing weather phenomenon: hurricanes. Yearly from June 1 to Nov. 30, Florida is plagued by what is known as the hurricane season. In this time period, massive groups of thunderstorms travel westward across the North Atlantic Ocean, some of which grow large enough to form hurricanes. Hurricanes, a tropical storm with winds of 74 mph or higher, have become a common occurrence for native Floridians. Common enough that most who have lived in Florida for longer than a year have lived through one and had to evacuate. For those of you who have not experienced a hurricane, or are just unsure of what to do, here are some basic ways you can keep safe during a hurricane.
Riddle’s Preparation Plan
Embry-Riddle has a hurricane preparation plan, which has been created by a syndicate of emergency response planners and meteorological experts. While this plan will be updated to better meet the potential threats brought by a hurricane, the overall theme is essentially the same for each hurricane that may pose a threat to Riddle students. Throughout hurricane season, Riddle’s Campus Safety and Security watch any potential storms which may pose a threat to the student body. If the storm does become a poten-
tial threat, the student body will immediately be informed by Campus Safety, so they may begin to prepare an evacuation plan. If the storm reaches 74 mph, thereby becoming a hurricane, the campus will be closed down, and students will be evacuated to safer locations. Prior to the mandatory evacuation dates, students will be required to submit their evacuation plans to Riddle. Whether they plan to go out of town with family, stay with a roommate in a safe zone, or evacuate into a shelter, students will need to show that they will be safe. For students who are unsure whether they can find a safe place to remain, Riddle will arrange for them to stay in evacuation shelters throughout the hurricane.
Knowledge is Key
Overall, the most important thing regarding hurricanes is to stay knowledgeable. In the event of a hurricane, Riddle will consistently provide updates and materials to ensure all students are able to remain knowledgeable and safe. If you ever have any concerns regarding a hurricane, feel free to reach out to Campus Safety, or any other staff at Riddle. The University is dedicated to keeping you secure and ensuring you have all your needs met, providing you with the best possible college experience!