VOL. LXXIX , ISSUE 1 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Utica University rebrands its DEI Office, leaving students divided over transparency
Netflix and Peacock shows dominate students’ summer watchlist
Utica Football 2025 Season Preview
Megan Wright, Editor-in-Chief, Grace Christopher, Contributing Writer
On Aug. 25, Utica University announced proposed programs to be cut for future Pioneer students next May. These programs include degrees for Adolescence Education in specific curricula, History, Africana Studies, and more; minors include Africana Studies, Gender Studies, Global Citizenship, Human Rights and Advocacy, and more.
The complete list of proposed deleted/deactivated degrees and minors can be found on the university’s website: Curriculum Deletions and Deactivations.
Despite some rumors that people in specific degree programs might not be able to finish their four years at Utica University, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Stephanie Nesbitt announced that anyone currently enrolled with these programs will be able to finish their degrees here. However, no new students will be accepted into the programs in future years if programs are deleted by May 2026.
“These recommendations are informed by a comprehensive review and analysis by the Office of Academic Affairs of many years of data that illustrate declining student interest,
enrollment patterns and national employment trends,” Nesbitt said in the announcement.
Dr. Leonore Fleming, President of Utica’s faculty labor union AAUP-Utica and Professor of Philosophy, said the adolescence education programs listed to be cut were already going away because of New York State requirements.
“And so that leads me to think that those programs were thrown in there as a diversion and that the remaining programs, mainly teaching DEI, are mainly taught by women and our few faculty of color,” Fleming said. “At this moment, we should be working together to find creative solutions and ways to create a vision and not tear down what we have here already.”
However, Nesbitt reiterated that
these recommendations were purely based on numbers of enrollment, student interest and employer needs.
“What we really looked at was enrollment in the items that were offered and when we looked at the enrollment there just didn’t seem to be a lot of student interest in those areas,” Nesbitt said. “So the DEI component wasn’t a consideration there.”
Kyle Riecker, Coordinator of Education Partnerships and Clinical Practice at Utica University, recently shared information on his Facebook account, updating on what this actually means for Utica’s educational programs. He said the cuts look worse than what they really are.
“On paper, it looks like Utica gutted their special education programs, but in reality, these programs were
being taught out and replaced by ones that will provide our alumni with current curriculum and certifications. Our special education enrollment is UP 35% compared to last year,” Riecker said in a Facebook post late last month.
Knowing that students’ options will be limited and more focus will be put on programs the university feels are more employable upsets Sharon Kanfoush, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science. Students in the geosciences programs eliminated in the previous round of eliminations a few years ago have had very successful careers, she said.
“I also think it’s sad that students in certain majors are now no longer going to see the diversity of interests and the diversity of career options they have not been aware of and considered and could find an interest in,” Kanfoush said.
“I am especially disturbed by the planned elimination of the general education program. I’m sure it will be replaced with something analogous, but we do not yet know what (this) will look like.”
Kanfoush is a staunch supporter of a broad and diverse education because, she said, it teaches students to critically evaluate information and
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Editor-in-Chief - Megan Wright
Online/Social Media Editor - Ezra Duffy
Sports Reporter - Nick Phillips
Staff Photographer - Luke Reed
Circulation Manager - Ja-xavion Corley
Adviser - Mary Christopher
Publisher - PJ Green
The opinions and columns expressed in The Tangerine are those of the individual writers and do not represent the views of The Tangerine or Utica University.
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infuses new ideas and creativity into a chosen field of study.
“It also exposes students to ideas, people, cultures, and histories that may be different from their own personal situation and background, enabling them to better understand others and issues important to them,” she said.
any plan for what to replace it with, so it was an exercise in destruction,” Fleming said.
What frustrates senior Jerry Almas most is the university’s lack of transparency about its financial crisis. He said the president now has the authority to cut faculty in order to reduce payroll, yet has not been forthcoming with information that affects thousands of people.
“I want to know where our student activity fees are going. I want to know how much debt we’re in. I want to know how many faculty members are at risk of losing their jobs,” Almas said. “I want to know whether the university plans to remain open or file for bankruptcy. If cuts are to be made, cut top heavy people.”
Unlike the cuts previously made in 2023, according to Nesbitt, these recommendations are going through a process before complete deactivation. When Fleming was asked about the program cuts in 2023 she explained that many students transferred, most likely harming the institution financially, and are likely to harm it again that way. Not only are they proposing to cut DEI minors and majors but they are also threatening general education.
8/20/2025 2:00 PM Medical Assist Ralph F. Strebel Student Center
8/20/2025 8:26 PM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
8/21/2025 9:58 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
8/22/2025 7:10 PM Fire Alarm Pioneer Village
8/22/2025 10:29 PM Odor of Marijuana Boehlert Hall
8/23/2025 11:54 AM Restricted Access Bell Hall
8/23/2025 8:56 PM Suspicious Activity
8/23/2025 11:10 PM Fire Safety Violation Pioneer Village
8/23/2025 11:35 PM Medical Assist North Hall
8/24/2025 12:25 PM Medical Assist South Hall
8/24/2025 12:29 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation
8/24/2025 1:34 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
8/25/2025 4:35 AM Fire Alarm Pioneer Village
8/25/2025 11:00 PM Student of Concern South Hall
8/28/2025 2:30 PM Odor of Marijuana Bell Hall
8/28/2025 2:33 PM Fire Alarm Ralph F. Strebel Student Center
8/28/2025 6:39 PM Graffitti Softball Field
8/28/2025 10:14 PM Roommate Conflict North Hall
8/29/2025 12:15 AM Accident Report Unkown/Other
“The Provost proposed completely deleting our general education program, without
Despite these frustrations, Kanfoush understands that Utica University must address financial issues while facing a demographic cliff and emerging uncertainties at the federal level.
“A number of things have been tried to get the institution on firmer financial footing,” she said. “It has been disappointing however that there has not been more transparency in sharing information on our financial condition. I understand under difficult financial circumstances cuts may be necessary, but I would like to see the financials and better understand why. I know I and my colleagues who may be facing elimination due to previous program cuts and recently announced potential program cuts are trying hard to stay focused and still do our best for our students who certainly deserve our very best.”
Through this time of unknown change, Nesbitt reiterated:
“Change is hard. And contemplating change is hard.” Nesbitt said. “But the bottom line for students is, if you are recruited to come to this institution for a major and you want to proceed, and graduate with that major, you will.”
Elijah Faucette, Staff Writer
Utica University students returned this fall to find one of the school’s most visible offices restructured with little explanation. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), once led by former Vice President Anthony Baird, has been rebranded as the Office of Community Belonging and Engagement, now directed by longtime staff member Kira Maddox.
President Todd Pfannestiel said the change is about broadening scope, not cutting back.
“First of all, the dedicated office has not disappeared,” he said. “We made the decision to rebrand what we’re doing here. So, it has not gone away. It is now being called the Office of Community Belonging and Engagement.” Pfannestiel argued the shift reflects student and staff concerns that the term “DEI” felt narrow.
“What people most want is to understand: How do I belong at this university?” he said. “The ‘B’ is really a
critical piece for everybody.” He added that popular events like the Unity Walk and diversity banquet will continue, with hopes of expanding them.
However, some student leaders say the bigger problem is communication. Student Government Association President Evelyn Enriquez said she only learned of the restructuring informally over the summer.
“The elimination of the DEI office was never formally communicated to me as the Student Government Association president,” Enriquez said.
She later raised the issue directly with Pfannestiel, who told her an official email had been drafted but never sent due to a miscommunication within his office. According to Enriquez, Pfannestiel promised a September 1 announcement.
“To be quite frank, I don’t think an email would’ve gone out at all if the question was never posed to him,” she said. Enriquez emphasized that the Student Government was excluded from the decision. “There’s a common misconcep-
tion that Student Government is involved in or informed about all major decisions made by the administration,” she said. “This is simply not true. We were not part of this decision and had no say in the process.”
For student activist Xavier Moore, the issue cuts deeper than a missed announcement.
“Students are confused, frustrated, and honestly concerned for the future of Utica’s values,” Moore said. “The administration never posted Dr. Baird in the ‘comings and goings’ and still has yet to make an announcement about his dismissal and the removal of the office. The communication has only worsened since last semester and that is a cause for concern.”
Moore argued the restructuring signals a lack of commitment to underrepresented students.
“The removal of a department tasked with ensuring every voice is heard means that as a community of underrepresented voices...”
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“...we need to organize ourselves to amplify our voices and support each other,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as a “horrendous history of bad communication” from the administration.
“It won’t be a one-off town hall where all the answers are PR-curtailed nor an email to fix this,” Moore said. “We need honesty about our financial status and decisions that will end up impacting everyone.” Pfannestiel maintains that the university’s values remain intact.
“I see it as strong as it’s been over the past 12 months,” Pfannestiel said. “We live it in the classroom, in our events, in how we welcome students. But I think we could do a better job of visibility. We need to brag about the way we live this and make sure people outside this campus see it.”
Jenna Skutnik, Staff Writer
Students returning to Utica University for the fall semester were met with significant changes in their digital learning platforms. Google products were replaced with Microsoft tools, and the Engage classroom was traded for Moodle.
After the swift change, student reactions were mixed.
Glory Stevens, a junior English major with minors in theatre and creative writing, expressed a neutral stance on the classroom shell change.
“Honestly, I think they function pretty similarly,” Stevens said. “From what I can tell, there isn’t much of a difference.”
Stevens revealed a personal preference, admitting she has long favored Microsoft Word over Google Docs.
“Hot take: I’ve always preferred Word,” Stevens said. “I know that’s not the generally accepted opinion.”
Despite favoring Microsoft products, Stevens sympathized with those adjusting to the change.
“I can see how it’s annoying to have to swap to a new platform for some people,” Stevens said. “I don’t know when this change happened, but it was announced right before the semester started. I think they could have spread that around a bit sooner.”
Jasmina Ahmetasevic, a senior biochemistry major, has used Engage
throughout her college career and felt that, despite similarities, the transition was noticeable.
“I’ve been using Engage for three years, so I was pretty used to it,” Ahmetasevic said. “Moodle is pretty much the same format, but it’s just a little different.”
Her main frustration, however, was with the shift from Google tools to Microsoft.
“I’ve used Google since high school, so Microsoft is a bit more confusing. I feel like Google is more simplified, it’s easier,” said Ahmetasevic.
For Iyonna Pemberton, a freshman nursing major, the adjustment to Utica’s new chosen platforms has been a frustrating one.
“I hate Microsoft, and I hate Moodle,” Pemberton said. “The Moodle pages are always glitching, and most of my professors just post links to different websites anyway.”
Pemberton, who was accustomed to Google tools in high school, was disappointed over the decision.
“At my high school, we used Google products. I wish we did here too,” Pemberton said.
Murray Spaulding, a sophomore construction management major, found little to distinguish Moodle from its predecessor, Engage.
“To me, they’re the exact same,” Spaulding said. “The shells look the exact same, so there’s no difference besides the name.”
However, Spaulding was vocal about his preference for Google products.
“I really like Google. I don’t like Microsoft. Google is way easier and more
user-friendly,” Spaulding said. “Microsoft is not, so I don’t know why they changed that.”
Many on campus share Spaulding’s confusion about the switch to Microsoft, but Mike Roberts, Utica’s vice president for information technology, explained the logic behind the change.
“Google provides free products to higher education institutions like Utica University, but with certain limitations,” Roberts said. “We were beginning to exceed the resources Google offers at no cost, which meant the service could
eventually stop working without warning. Since we already had a Microsoft agreement in place that included everything we needed, the decision was made to transition.
Importantly, Google products such as Drive and Docs are still available, but we are slowing their usage to ensure long-term stability.”
Roberts identified two major benefits: improved security and faster response times.
“For example, what used to take hours to address in Google, such as
reacting to phishing attempts, now takes just minutes in Microsoft,” Roberts said.
Despite the positives, the University recognizes some may be struggling with the transition and has introduced Microsoft Mondays.
“To support the community, we’ve introduced Microsoft Mondays, highlighted in the MorningMention, where anyone can drop in to ask questions and get help with the Microsoft tools available to them,” Roberts said.
Amal Adir, Staff Writer
Utica University announced on Aug.20 a new partnership with WellNow Urgent Care, a leading supplier of urgent medical and virtual care services. The service has officially started this semester and is now accessible to students on campus.
Providers from WellNow have set up at the Student Health Center located at 204 Strebel Student Center, offering their services Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alongside in-person appointments, students can take advantage of 24-hour virtual care, as well as three Well Now locations easily accessible within five miles of campus, all open seven days a week.
Students should bring their student ID, insurance card and credit card payment.
“The partnership with WellNow aligns with student needs and preferences,” Dean of Students Richard Racioppa said in the university’s announcement. “We’ve tracked the data for several years and found that many students were already gravitating toward Well Now because they’re familiar with the brand and have had good experiences there. Partnering with Well Now seemed like a natural fit because it allows us to offer students expanded service, hours, and
convenience with a brand they know and trust.”
Ariel Rios, executive director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, confirmed the services are fully operational and that students have already begun using them.
The easiest way to schedule an appointment is to visit wellnow.com/uticauniversity and for more information visit utica. edu/health.
Brenna Curran, Staff Writer
Over the summer, two shows kept showing up in students’ conversations and social media feeds: Adolescents on Netflix and Love Island on Peacock. Whether it was the intense drama of teen life or the chaotic fun of a reality dating show, these two series dominated many students’ screens all summer long.
“I started Adolescents just to see what the hype was about, and I ended up finishing it in like three days,” said Frances Arneman, a junior nursing major at Utica University. “It felt really real, like the stuff the characters go through isn’t that different from what people our age are dealing with.”
Meanwhile, others leaned into the guilty-pleasure energy of Love Island, a show that drops singles into a luxury villa and watches the drama unfold.
“It’s kind of ridiculous, but that’s what makes it fun,” said Adrianna Felice, a junior nursing major. “It’s just people flirting, fighting, and making dumb decisions on a tropical island — and I can’t stop watching.”
Streaming played a big role in how students spent their down-
time this summer. With fewer responsibilities and more free hours, many found themselves binge-watching full seasons over a weekend. Platforms like Netflix and Peacock made that easy with auto-play and mobile access.
“I’d be watching on my phone while doing laundry or eating lunch,” Arneman said. “It kind of became part of my routine.”
According to Nielsen data from July, streaming made up nearly 40% of all TV time for viewers ages 18 to 24.
Netflix held the largest share, with Peacock gaining ground thanks to its reality content
lineup, especially Love Island.
Elizabeth Prime, a junior nursing major, said shows like these catch on because they fit what students are looking for during summer break.
“During the summer, people want something engaging but not necessarily heavy,” she said. “A show like Adolescents reflects issues young people care about, while Love Island offers escapism. That balance is why both shows gained popularity.”
It wasn’t just about watching — these shows also were mentioned in group chats, memes,
and even watch parties.
“My friends and I would get snacks and watch Love Island together at night,” said Felice. “Half the fun was yelling at the TV when someone made a bad decision.”
Still, not everyone was into the trend.
“I watched an episode of Love Island and couldn’t do it,” Prime said. “It just wasn’t for me. I spent most of my summer catching up on true crime podcasts instead.”
Even so, the influence of both shows stuck around as students returned to campus. Clothing styles from Love Island — bright colors, crop tops, and matching sets — showed up during Welcome Week, and quotes from Adolescents found their way into TikTok captions and Instagram posts.
With fall classes now in full swing, there’s less time to bingewatch. But students say they’re already looking forward to whatever comes next summer.
“I’ll probably watch less during the semester,” Arneman said, “but when winter break hits? It’s binge time again.”
charming for a walk once you arrive. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to crank out a paper (try Utica Coffee) or want to browse in a few of the boutique stores, Clinton’s unique charm makes for a fun afternoon. Be sure to stop at the Clinton Cider Mill - they have a huge variety of fresh apples, baked goods and other treats. Their cider is delicious.
3. Café Florentine
With two inviting locations— its original location on Bleecker Street in East Utica and a second in New Hartford’s Orchard Plaza —Café Florentine has become a true treasure for anyone who appreciates good food and Utica’s amazing Italian pastries. Blending Italian inspiration with local flair, the café is beloved for its freshbaked pastries, hearty sandwiches and flavorful brunch/
lunch options. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before class or linger over a cappuccino and conversation. With its cozy, European-style atmosphere, Café Florentine offers students a delicious escape from dining hall routines and a taste of something special right in the heart of Central New York. Try a cannoli or pasticciotti (aka “pustee”).
4. Grow Brewing Co.
For students of legal age, Grow Brewing Co. in New Hartford offers a relaxed, young and vibrant environment that feels different from typical college bars. With a rotating menu of small-batch craft beers, the brewery is a great place to unwind after a long week or to gather with friends for trivia nights and local music events. More than just a brewery, it’s a great local hangout spot that gives students a taste of Utica’s
Utica University’s Women’s Soccer team defeated SUNY Canton, 7-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 2 on the road. The team record so far this season is 1-1.
Grace Christopher, Staff Writer
College life isn’t just about classes, late-night study sessions, or campus events— it’s also about finding the perfect spots to grab a coffee, hang with friends, or enjoy a low-key night out. Utica may not be the biggest city in New York, but it’s packed with underrated local treasures that make
student life a little more flavorful. Here are five hidden gems around the Utica area that every college student should have on their radar.
1. Thriftish
For students who love a mix of vintage niche and sustainable shopping, Thriftish is a must-visit. This quirky thrift store offers a wide range of clothing and accessories. Beyond just shopping, Thriftish
feels like a creative hub ideal for students looking to express individuality and be themselves. It’s a place where you can find affordable Ferragamo pumps and a 1960s dress, and pick up some new clothing as well. The owner, Carlene, is a lot of fun and will pull out interesting pieces that she hands picks. Definitely worth the visit.
2. Village of Clinton
Every college student needs an escape spot to feel away from the stresses of school, and Clinton’s cozy, quaint atmosphere is the place to go, especially as we enter the fall season. Located about 10 minutes from campus, the drive to Clinton is pretty no matter which way you take and the older homes and tree-lined streets are
Freshman Samantha Ferguson scored her first three collegiate goals in the game. Senior Amber Piersma scored two goals, while sophomore Madison Wagner and senior Kayla Giovingo also netted one goal each during the game – marking Wagner’s first collegiate goal as well.
Goal keepers Hannah Pcola, a senior, and Emily Duro, a sophomore, combined their efforts to maintain the shutout.
Next, the Women’s Soccer team faces SUNY Fredonia on the road at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 in the annual Blue Devil Clarion Classic. The team will play Oswego State on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m. as part of the Classic.
growing craft scene.
5 Bennu Cafe
Bennu Café serves up a creative menu of wraps, paninis, sandwiches, burgers, salads, burritos and soups—many with a clever nod to Egyptian mythology, like the “Phoenix Wrap” and the “Twister.” The café’s warm, welcoming at-
mosphere makes it the perfect retreat from the noisy dining hall, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or for a relaxed meal with friends. Located about 8 minutes from campus in Whitestown Plaza, Bennu’s expansive menu has something for everyone.
Nick Phillips, Sports Reporter
The time has almost come, Utica Football has a game this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Pioneers will travel to Washington, Pennsylvania and face Washington and Jefferson College in their season opener.
Right off the bat, it is going to be a tough matchup for the Pioneers. Washington and Jefferson College finished the regular season last year with a 9-1 record. Their record earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament a season ago, where they would go on to lose to Randolph-Macon in the Second Round of the tournament.
Looking past this weekend, this is an interesting season for the Pioneers. Under coach Blaise Faggiano, Utica has had a ton of success in recent years. In 2022, Utica had their most successful season where they went 9-1 in the regular season and beat Susquehanna in the NCAA Tournament to round out a 10-2 record. In 2023, Utica had their second most successful season where they went 9-2 overall.
The Pioneers could not find that same success last season, finishing with a 5-5 record. Utica just did not seem to look right even though they still had talent on the roster. An example of this was that three of their losses were one-score games where they had multiple opportunities to come out with a victory. Many who followed the team, including myself, felt like last year was not a good representation of the program, instead 2022 and 2023 are better examples of how the team will perform this year.
will
A big question for the Pioneers this season that may determine how they perform comes down to the quarterback play. After the current Recruiting Coordinator, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator and Quarterback Coach Braeden Zenelovic had a fantastic season in 2022, the team turned to current senior Brett Fuller in his sophomore campaign. Fuller led the team to a 9-2 record in his first season as a starter, but he only managed to throw 10 touchdown passes to eight interceptions. Last season, Fuller took strides. While the Pioneers only managed a 5-5 record, Fuller doubled his touchdown passes from the previous season while throwing for more yards and two fewer interceptions. This improvement would not be enough for him to keep his starting job coming into this season.
The Pioneers announced that their week one starting quarterback is Tyler
Szalkowski. Szalkowski is a fifth-year senior who previously played for Division 1 programs UAlbany and Robert Morris. In addition to being named the starting quarterback, Szalkowski has been named as one of the four captains for the Pioneers this season.
While there are a lot of questions the Pioneers will face this upcoming season, including how Szalkowski will perform, I expect them to bounce back. While they lost key players on defense, such as Norman Booth, Dougie Simmons and James Lanier, Utica retained a lot of players on that side of the ball including Eli Douglas, which makes the group scary coming into this season.
The Pioneers’ first game will take place on the road at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Washington and Jefferson College at Cameron Stadium.
