MONTAGE
The
Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient VOLUME 56, ISSUE 1
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM
ON CAMPUS DURING COVID
While the majority of STLCC students are starting the year online, Meramec remains open for hybrid and face-to-face classes
I
Jacob politte Online editor
n March, the spread of COVID-19 shut down all STLCC campuses. Seemingly overnight, the Meramec campus became a ghost town until employees returned in mid-May. Now, at the end of August, the campus remains largely vacant, since many classes during the fall semester are being delivered in an online format via Blackboard and other associated platforms. However, a limited amount of courses are still being held on campus. “Many of the classes delivered on ground have equipment, instrumentation, and facilities needed to function,” said Meramec Campus President Feleccia Moore-Davis. “A small number of other classes have pedagogical practices that are challenging at a distance, and a few are offered on each campus to meet the needs of students with technological or other hurdles.” Students are not restricted on how much time they can spend on campus, according to Vice Chancellor Andrew Langher. “There are no time limits set on students to remain on campus.
However, we recommend that students do not linger for their own safety and avoid increasing touchpoints with others throughout the day,” Langher said. “Other activities are limited within the county and city health guidelines;
such as maintaining social distancing, limiting gatherings of people, wearing face covering and any other appropriate PPE, and completing the daily screening before coming to campus.” The campus itself remains largely
accessible, although certain sections of various buildings have certain areas blocked off. Moore-Davis said that the only area that is completely closed to students is the gymnasium. The Business Administration building does not have classes scheduled in it this semester. According to information provided by Vice Chancellor Langher, it is the only building on campus that will not host classes this fall. There is a computer lab available for students to use in the building, however. Administrative offices in the building will also remain open. “We consolidated as much as we could to save energy,” Moore-Davis said. Moore-Davis also said that the cafeteria is also closed for business due to county restrictions to limit social gatherings, and to help others stay safe. The space is open for students to study, however, albeit at a socially safe distance. Vending machines remain stocked and operational, and the bookstore remains open to students from 8am-2pm every Monday through Friday, with special protocols in place. The Meramec Library remains open, although with varying hours and a few new protocols in place. Obtaining usage of a library computer now requires a
Continued on p. 3
TOP PHOTO: Tables and chairs are spread apart in the Meramec Cafeteria. The cafeteria is closed for business until further notice. BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT PHOTO: A comparison of how the library looks currently to the library in October 2019.
PHOTOs by Jacob politte and Syed Ali
NJCAA set to move all fall sports to spring semester Ashley biundo editor-in-chief
During the summer, the NJCAA announced that all fall sports, including volleyball and soccer are set to be moved to the spring semester due to COVID-19. A statement from Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO on July 13 from www.njcaa.org, “Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our studentathletes. Through a unified effort from our Presidential Advisory Council, the Board of Regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides
a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful.” According to the website here are the plans for the upcoming sport seasons: “The most recent plan of action shifts all close-contact fall sports to the spring semester. All winter sports competition will begin in January with a majority of championship seasons moved from
March to April. Spring sports competition remains intact with minor adjustments to dates. Along with adjustments to competition season and championship dates, the NJCAA has provided information as it relates to scrimmage and practice dates and allowances in the fall. Championship dates are subject to change based on championship facility availability.” For more information on athletics please visit www.njcaa. org.
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NEWS 3
September 3, 2020 Continued from p. 1
EDITORS ASHLEY BIUNDO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JACOB POLITTE
ONLINE EDITOR
MARY WILSON
OPINIONS EDITOR
STAFF SYED ALI HANNAH SCHOENROCK TAYLOR WERGES
Shannon Philpott-Sanders Faculty Adviser
reservation, and some computers are unavailable for students to use in order to satisfy social distancing protocols. Tables available for students to study now only have one seat available at them. And all bookshelves are roped or tarped off; a library employee must help you obtain what you’re looking for. In-person tutoring is also available through the Academic Success and Tutoring Center (formerly known as the Academic Support Center), although an appointment must be made online ahead of time. Tutoring is also available virtually. According to employee Sally Kloppe, an appointment for writing and math tutoring can made through Archer Online (https://stlcc.mywconline.net/), while appointments for tutoring in other subjects are now made through “Navigate,” which is accessible through
the main STLCC website. Kloppe says that while both in-person and online tutoring sessions are available, the latter option has greater availability. Despite the campus being largely open to students, much of the furniture in the buildings has been removed. This furniture is being stored mostly in classrooms that are not in use during the semester, or in closed-off areas in other rooms like the cafeteria. Specifically, all of the hallway seating in every building has been removed, as well as excess chairs and seating in the library and various parts of the Student Center. Hand-sanitation stations have been installed in all campus buildings, and signs reminding students and staff to wear masks and socially distance are all around campus. Langher said that all surfaces and areas on campus are being cleaned routinely.
“We are cleaning classrooms and laboratories between classes,” Langher said. “Staff in open labs and library space are cleaning surfaces between student use.” Moore-Davis agreed. Both Langher and Moore-Davis said that more information could be found on STLCC’s COVID-19 Resource Page, and in the Safe Return Student Guide that can also be found on the Resource Page. When asked about whether she thinks that more classes will be held on campus during the spring semester, Moore-Davis said that depended on the trajectory of the COVID virus. “We would love to have more classes [on campus], it’s one of the things I miss most,” she said. “But our first priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”
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PHOTOs by Jacob politte LEFT: All tables and chairs have been removed from the Lecture Hall building. MIDDLE: All water fountains have been turned off due to CDC guildelines. RIGHT: A sanitation station has been placed in Humanities East Building while all the chairs have been removed.
News Briefs Student self-health screening form required for on-campus visits
STLCC appoints new general counsel to serve the district
STLCC is requiring that all students who plan to be on campus complete a self-health screening form prior to each visit. The daily self-health assessment is available on the Healthfully smartphone app. The form assesses COVID-19 symptoms and responses determine whether students can be on campus or if they should seek medical care or stay at home. All students scheduled to attend classes on campus should have received an email invite to the Healthfully app.
STLCC has appointed Lucy Singer as the general counsel for the district. Singer will be responsible for advising the Board of Trustees and college administrators on legal and compliance matters. Singer is a native of St. Louis and joined the college Sept. 1 after serving as the general counsel and vice president at the University of the South in Sewannee, Tennessee.
Meramec Honors Program accepting virtual applications
STLCC libraries are seeking submissions for the ‘COVID Chronicles’ to tell the stories of students, staff and faculty during these unprecedented times. All are encouraged to submit stories that focus on work-from-home or study-fromhome experiences, ways you have nurtured your physical and mental health or ways you or a loved one has been touched by COVID-19. Entries can include test, video and photos. For more information, visit the COVID Chronicles website at https:// guides.stlcc.edu/CovidChronicles.
Students interested in applying for the Meramec Honors Program can apply for admission virtually at stlcc.edu/ mchonors. All new applicants must also schedule a virtual interview. For more information, contact Dr. Jerry Myers, honors coordinator, at mchonors@stlcc.edu.
STLCC hosts Racial Justice Film Series Sept. 22 STLCC will host a virtual conversation as part of the Racial Justice Film Series. The fourth discussion of the series will revolve around the film “13th” and will be hosted from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 22. All participants must register in advance to join the conversation. Registration is available at https://libcal.stlcc.edu/event/6955240.
Submit to the ‘COVID Chronicles’
REMINDER
MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL STLCC CAMPUSES
4 ART & LIFE
September 3, 2020
5 Tips To Succeed With Online Learning Online classes can be challenging, but these five simple tips can make your experience easier and manageable Jacob politte Online editor
We are living in unprecedented times. Many STLCC classes have been forced to be held online, due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis that first shut down the campuses in March. With many classes continuing to be held online during the fall semester, here are some tips to help students maximize their success in their online courses.
1. This is the hardest thing for many students to do. We live in a world where we are attached at the hip to our phones, and that’s become especially prevalent since the rise of COVID-19. But in order to succeed at online learning, you have to minimize those distractions. It’s impossible to completely erase them, and it’d be foolish to pretend otherwise. If you can’t focus on your coursework, though, you’re in trouble. 2. As someone who’s taken plenty of online classes sanctioned by STLCC in the past, I can tell you that one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is time management skills. As a result of my own learning experiences, I can personally attest that setting up scheduled times to get coursework accomplished is a good idea. Procrastination is the enemy. 3. Quite a few STLCC professors are delivering live lectures during their previously scheduled class periods on Blackboard Collaborate. Instructors are doing their best to make this unprecedented situation as easy as possible for their students, and are doing all they can to assist you. Attend those lectures, as awkward as they may be. It may feel easy to not pay attention, but doing so is crucial. If your professor provides lecture notes, read them and study them. 4. This seems like a no-brainer, but for some people, it’s possible to be so focused on coursework and forget to stay healthy. It’s OK to eat and drink. 5. College is a lot of hard work. It’s a lot of work, period. It’s definitely OK to step away from the computer screen after a period of time. Go on a walk, read a book, or take a nap. Do whatever activity is healthy in order to decompress. College is stressful, and it’s ok to relax when you’re working hard.
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September 3, 2020
ART & LIFE 5 Campus Life Goes Virtual
STLCC plans unique events for students on Blackboard and Zoom Jacob politte Online editor Despite the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, STLCC-Meramec is still hosting events for students, albeit virtually. According to STLCC, some of the events will be hosted on Blackboard Collaborate, and some will be hosted using Zoom. More details about the events will be released soon, and students can find out more details about them from the STLCC Events Calendar or Campus Life and Community page.
Thursday, Sept. 3, 6-7 p.m. Text Breakers Game Show “Text Breakers is a virtual game show that includes trivia, Guess the Picture, Fill in the Blank, and more. Students play on any laptop, tablet or mobile device with the Zoom app. All answers are sent by text from your device and displayed on screen for everyone to see and laugh at together.”
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6-6:45 p.m. Maya May - Comedy Show “Maya May is a high-energy and positive performer who keeps audiences engaged with carefully crafted jokes that combine her life experiences with observations on race, politics, class and gender. She has performed at Boston Comedy Festival, Women in Comedy Festival, Lady Laughs, All Jane and Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, cubicles, and for all the cashiers at Trader Joe’s.”
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m. Dance Like Magic Dance-Off “Dance Like Magic brings the energy of dance and you are the stars of the show! The team, Dance-Off Magic, will teach students some moves. Once the lesson is over, students create small teams, request the song of their choice and battle it out. The Dance-Off Magic DJ will spin LIVE! Students can participate through Zoom Interface.”
Thursday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-noon, 6-7 p.m. Conversation and Connection: STLCC Student Forum “Students are invited to join a conversation with College administrators to discuss topics of social unrest, injustices and equity. The forum seeks to gain insight and perspective from students.”
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m. Joan Leslie the Poet, Spoken Word “Joan ‘Lyric’ Leslie is an author, a slam poet, a backto-back Queen of the South Poetry Slam Champion and storyteller whose work journeys through self-discovery and self-love while incorporating a fair share of humor and wit. She uses poetry to challenge systemic injustice.” *Event information provided by STLCC.-Meramec
REMINDER
Graphic by Mary Wilson
MASKS ARE REQUIRED ON CAMPUS
6 OPINIONS
Please wear a mask
September 3, 2020
There’s a proven, effective way to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. So, what’s the problem? MAry wilson Opinions editor
M
y pre-2020 self wouldn’t have believed that the very existence of a deadly virus, and how to control it, would be the next polarizing topic in American society. Perhaps I’m too much of an optimist. I’m only 22, but I’ve seen countless divisive issues sweep through our country in my lifetime. We’ve seen the issues of gun violence and gun control divide our nation. (One might think that things would change after a classroom of kindergartners and their teachers were slaughtered using a militarylevel weapon, but there have been no changes since.) We’ve seen the topic of marriage equality tear us apart until the US Supreme Court finally said that gay people could get married, too. Divisive topics that aren’t divisive in other industrialized countries are common here, and we as Americans have gotten complacent with the rift in our country. So when COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel Coronavirus, started to make the news as it affected people in China, I thought that our government would control it before it got to bad levels here. I thought it would be like the SARS virus--it would be bad in China, but it wouldn’t get too bad here. I wasn’t too worried. Even though I don’t agree with Trump on anything, I still believed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would intervene. The first confirmed case of COVID-19
in Missouri was sometime in March. It’s now August, and cases in the United States are still skyrocketing. Even when the nation’s top scientists and health officials tell us that there is a proven, safe, inexpensive and effective way to slow the transmission of the coronavirus, we’re divided. As we rush towards the next presidential election, wearing a mask or face covering seems to be a way to tell if someone is a Democrat or Republican. Or if someone believes in science or not. I know: in the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC advised that we probably didn’t need to wear face masks or coverings. Then scientists started to do studies on the efficacy of mask wearing, and the CDC revised its position. The CDC looked at the evolving science and issued a different recommendation. In a world with misinformation and pseudoscience theories—does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19? Is injecting disinfectant into the body safe?-- one thing is clear: mask wearing is effective in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. For those that don’t know, COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets. In other words, it’s spread from person to person by activities like coughing, sneezing, and even talking or singing. The CDC reports that the incubation period of COVID-19 (the time it takes for an infected person to show symptoms of a disease) ranges from 2-14 days. In other words, a person could get infected, feel fine and continue doing their daily activities, all while spreading the virus to people they come in contact with.
When they start to feel sick, they’ve already infected other people, who have infected others, and so on. Cloth face coverings (even as simple as ones made from two layers of t-shirt fabric), when worn correctly— meaning that it completely covers the wearer’s nose AND mouth— slow the spread. Respiratory droplets don’t spread as easily through the fabric. When everyone wears a mask and stays the recommended six feet away from other people, transmission is lowered. That means that less people get infected, and fewer people get sick and die. The strain on healthcare systems is reduced. Hospital workers won’t have to worry as much about not having adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 80% of COVID-19 infections are “mild or asymptomatic.” In other words, people can be infected and spread COVID-19 without even realizing they’re sick. This is especially dangerous, and a huge reason why mask-wearing is essential. I know that this is scary. I know it can be a pain to remember to grab a mask whenever going out. I know that this
pandemic seems to be dragging on and on. I know that it’s easier to not wear a mask. I also know that since the start of the pandemic this past February, over 181,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Maybe you know one of them. Odds are you know someone who’s been infected. Maybe you have a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility and can’t visit them. You probably know someone with an underlying health condition who is especially susceptible to the effects of COVID-19. Maybe your kids’ school or daycare is shut down or doing virtual learning, or instead of going to the office, you work from home. This pandemic has been tough on everyone. There’s a proven way to slow the spread and save lives. Please, please, please: wear a mask.
“The Last Of Us II” is a masterpiece
We pick back up with Ellie on a brutal quest for vengeance, with a resolution that comes at an equally brutal cost. Jacob politte online editor
“The Last Of Us Part II” Released: 6/19/20 exclusively on the Playstation 4 ***SPOILERS BELOW*** For a game that has generated a lot of controversy and a surprising amount of hate from gamers in the last three months, I think that it’s safe to say that “The Last Of Us Part II” is still a masterpiece of a game. Graphically, it’s practically untouchable. The majority of the game takes place in the overrun city of Seattle, and many real life locations like the Seattle Aquarium and CenturyLink Stadium are incorporated into the game in cool, meaningful ways. But compared to the first game, it takes a much darker, more morbid turn. It’s violent and bloody from start to finish, with limited moments of calm and peace throughout. It’s the post-apocalyptic journey that you’d expect, but more brutal than ever before. A lot of the hate that the game has generated stems from it’s treatment of Joel Miller, the protagonist of the first
game. Considering all of the fuss that has been made of it, I don’t think that it’s too much of a spoiler to tell you that Joel does not survive the events of “Part II.” His fate is revealed in the opening two hours of the game, though he continued to be a presence through various flashbacks. His brutal death came as a direct consequence of his actions at the end of the first game, where he saved his surrogate daughter Ellie from death. Ellie is the only known person that is immune from the virus that caused this post-apocalyptic world in the first place, and she appeared to be the only hope for a cure, although getting that cure would’ve killed her. Joel didn’t allow that to happen; he killed an obscene amount of people to save Ellie from the operating table… and lied to her about why afterward. One of those people that Joel killed was a surgeon named Jerry Anderson, who was the only person that could possibly create a cure using Ellie’s brain. He also had a daughter named Abby that vowed vengeance, and four years later, she achieved that. Abby and a group of her friends (some of whom were also in the hospital where Joel went on his rampage) tracked him down to his settlement in Jackson, Wyoming. While he ironically ended up saving Abby from a
massive horde of infected, it’s not enough for Abby to spare his life. She killed him, and Ellie was forced to watch. Abby Anderson proved to be a divisive character, and some people cannot look past her murder of Joel. They just do not like her, and loathed the fact that her character’s journey takes up a good portion of time in “Part II.” Here’s the thing though: her bloodlust is completely understandable. Joel took away the only family member that she had left, for his own selfish reasons. While her actions are reprehensible, they’re also justified in this world. Months later, while Ellie goes on a rampage of her own in Seattle, Abby realizes the reality that she now finds herself in. Abby is a part of a militant group called the Washington Liberation Front (identified by the acronym WLF) that is currently at war with a primitivist religious cult known as the Seraphites for control of Seattle. After finding two Seraphite children who were almost killed by their own people, Abby takes them under her wing and becomes disillusioned with the WLF and their mission. There’s much more to this story than I can write here. “Part II” is a magnificent story that must be played, probably
Image courtesy of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
more than once, to fully appreciate. It’s a story that goes in unexpected and uncomfortable directions that some players may not like. But it’s a game that ultimately is a meditation on the unnecessary harm and violence that we inflict on others, and whether or not that violence is truly warranted. It’s a game that forces the player to look at what’s happening on both sides of a conflict, and why both sides made the choices that they made. The issues at hand aren’t black and white; they’re simply shades of grey. And as such, there are no heroes of this story… there are only survivors.
Grade: A+
SPORTS 7
September 3, 2020
Tips for staying in shape during a global pandemic Ashley biundo editor-in-chief
I
n the midst of a pandemic, it can be hard staying in shape and working out. Although gyms are starting to open with strict guidelines, some people are still staying away and staying at home. “Never underestimate the power of body weight circuit training and bands! Just being active whether it is a walk or actual weight training will be beneficial to anyone,” said Ashley Boettge, personal trainer and Meramec student. Here are some tips and tricks to staying in shape even when a global pandemic limits your options. 1. Go to the Gym. Most gyms are open across the St. Louis Area under strict CDC guidelines and using CDC-approved spray, if you are daring enough to visit one. Most gym prices range from $10$50. Call or go in person to see which one is right (and clean) for you because some have year long contracts if you are not from this area and just living here for school. 2. Take a walk in the park. Don’t want to go to the gym? That is okay! Exercising
outdoors keeps you active and gives you a breath of fresh air from being inside all day. Bring a couple friends (no more than 10) or your pet so they can get the right exercise too and makes it more enjoyable. 3. Do home gym workouts. Even though most gyms are open, they still offer free online workouts for you to be able to do at home. Get in touch with personal trainers that can help you. Some exercising don’t need equipment like squats, burpees, pushups, and even yoga. Youtube has millions of videos on how-to do the workouts and even more. 4. Eat the right foods. Yes, some healthy foods can be expensive but eating right can help you stay healthy and fight off illnesses. Ordering groceries online has never been easier until now, and can have expensive fees though. A tip would be to purchase frozen fruits and vegetables since they last longer and not quite as expensive. Great in smoothies and protein shakes! 5. Clean your place. Yes, clean. It keeps your body active and also it is easier to focus in a clean environment. Do some early spring cleaning and get ready for the rest of the school year!
PHOTOs by JACOB POLITTE There are plenty of opportunities for exercise or activities in the sun at local parks. River Des Peres Park, pictured above, features plenty of open space to stretch, run, play ball or toss around a frisbee with friends and family during the pandemic.
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The Montage is pleased to return to printing for the Fall 2020 Semester with four monthly issues, scheduled for Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. As the student voice of St. Louis Community College - Meramec, we are committed to providing you with the news you deserve.
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