The Alestle Vol. LXXIII No. XVI

CAN’T STICK TO THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? page 2 thursday, 01.16. 20

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DO NOT CHANGE

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WHAT YOU MISSED IN SPORTS OVER BREAK page 7 vol. LXXIII no. XVI

New dean of students position filled JENNIFER GOECKNER managing editor

Beyond the show ‘You’:

“Most stalkers don’t abduct people, they don’t kill people, but [Joe’s] thoughts around all of that and his willingness to harm other people for what he claims to be a good intention, that’s pretty accurate,” Dickens said. “Stalkers get really obsessed, they want to have a lot of control over the person they’re obsessed with and they’re willing to make sure other people get cut out of that person’s life to have control over them. So again, Joe’s kind of an extreme example, but fairly accurate.”

Throughout both seasons of the show, Joe victimizes multiple women — Beck, Candace and Love — as well as their loved ones. Dickens said having multiple targets is also commonly seen with stalkers.

“Just like with sexual assault, just like with domestic violence, most stalking offenders are serial offenders, they’ll go on to stalk another person,” Dickens said. “We

After more than 25 years at SIUE, Kara Shustrin stepped into a new role at the beginning of the year as the dean of students.

The new dean of students position combines the responsibilities of two previous positions: associate dean/director of student conduct and associate vice chancellor for student affairs/dean of students. Shustrin served as the associate dean/director of student conduct for the past four years, while the associate vice chancellor for student affairs/dean of students position has been vacant since its last occupant, Jim Klenke, retired.

According to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, a search was conducted to find a replacement for Klenke; however, the top candidate took a position at another university. Waple said they then reevaluated and decided it made the most sense to combine the two positions.

“Part of it was the person who was in the role before, who was the associate vice chancellor, many of their duties were already being assumed by Kara and her associate dean role,” Waple said. “A lot of the things that the former associate vice chancellor was doing were being transferred into Kara’s role as he was getting ready to retire.”

Waple said he felt Shustrin was the right fit for the position for a variety of reasons, including the professional relationships she has built across campus and her experience in a wide range of areas. “[Shustrin] has great empathy,” Waple said. “She has built a great work network across campus, she has gained the respect and credibility of her colleagues.

She’s been handling all our student conduct for the past four years, [and] she’s been handling a lot of the Title IX sexual assault complaints as well… She has also supervised staff, and that’s important.”

Her first position was in University Housing, where she worked as SIUE’s first hall director when Woodland Hall opened in 1994. Since then, Shustrin has held a number of positions, including the assistant director of resident life, the

see STALKING on page 8

see DEAN on page 3

| photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels

How stalking presents in real life MADISON LAMMERT editor-in-chief

Between girls on Twitter begging the fictional stalker Joe Goldberg to kidnap them to the (uncomfortably) funny memes surfacing after Season two, Netflix’s “You” is doing exactly what pop culture is supposed to — creating a big buzz.

Under the surface, however, the show is sparking conversations about stalking, and forces critical viewers to go beyond their screens to consider how true-to-life Joe’s character really is.

These conversations can be hard because the very definition of stalking is not clear cut. However, Prevention Education and Advocacy Center Coordinator Samantha Dickens said there are a few commonalities among the various definitions: it’s unwanted and causes what is considered a reasonable person to fear.

“Something to that effect is pretty typical because with this definition it takes into context that some people who have been through trauma or who are mentally ill might be more prone to paranoia, hallucinations and delusions [so] they might believe they’re being stalked and they’re not,” Dickens said. “Or, they might think they’re being stalked but [they] are taking what is actually appropriate behavior and because they have experience with trauma or they’re mentally ill they misconstrue it.”

Further complicating discussions surrounding stalking, there is not much known about the issue.

“There’s not a lot known about stalking because there’s not a lot of evidence and many stalkers are never arrested,” Dickens said.

From what is known, the show can be considered a fairly accurate — although extreme — representation of stalking, according to Dickens.

New laws college students need to be aware of MADISON LAMMERT editor-in-chief

Fight for $15

With the passage of SB 1, minimum wage workers will gradually find their paychecks getting larger and larger. The hourly minimum wage in Illinois made its way to $9.25 an hour on Jan. 1, and will be $10 come July. The increase will continue until 2025, when minimum wage will reach $15.

That blunt is now legal-ish

Many excited Illinoisans gathered outside marijuana dispensaries on Jan. 1, the day recreational use became legal in @thealestle

the prairie state. The passage of HB 1438 allows Illinois residents age 21 and up to possess limited amounts of marijuana — 30 grams of the flower, five grams of concentrate and 500 milligrams of edibles, to be exact. However, as illinois.gov’s summary of the new law states, those registered as part of the medical cannabis pilot program may obtain more than 30 grams, provided it’s grown and kept in their residence. For those traveling to Illinois to legally indulge, the possession limit is cut in half.

Use is restricted into one’s own residence — meaning legally owned — as landlords may legally prohibit use on their properties. Essentially, the amount and place used is the difference between abid@thealestle

ing by and breaking the new law. SIUE is one of the places where marijuana is strictly prohibited.

As The Alestle previously reported, marijuana is not allowed on campus at all, including paraphernalia, even if it’s stored in personal vehicles.

More student votes on BOT

In late July, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed HB2239 in SIUE’s very own Goshen Lounge. Now, with the passage of the new year, both SIU student trustees will officially be able to vote on Board of Trustees matters.

The bill was spearheaded by Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville. Before the new year, only one student trustee had voting The Alestle

power at the discretion of the governor.

Grad assistants granted employee rights

Graduate assistants will now be classified as employees, rather than students, in the Illinois Labor Relations Act. This is more than a small wordage change, as it grants graduate assistants the same rights as employees, such as the ability to collectively bargain.

Increased punishment for hitting construction workers

The passage of SB 1496 increased the maximum penalty one could receive for see LAWS on page 3 alestlelive.com

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How to keep your New Year’s resolutions at SIUE ELIZABETH DONALD copy editor

It’s January, and you know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. We’re two weeks into the year, so maybe your resolutions are already busted. If not, starting a new semester can throw you off that new routine! Here are a few of the most common resolutions, and how you can try to keep with them even with the new semester beginning.

Resolution: I need to drop the “freshman 15.”

Solution: This is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, after we all over-indulged during the break. At least 50 percent of Americans who make resolutions vowed to exercise more; 43 percent want to eat healthier; and 37 percent want to lose weight, according to a survey by YouGov. Good news: Group fitness classes begin this week! Check out the group fitness schedule at Campus Rec for boot camp, yoga, body blast, Zumba and much more. There’s also the indoor climbing and bouldering

gym, and two weight rooms with a variety of equipment.

Not sure about diving right in? The Fitness Center offers a fitness assessment free for students and members to help you create a personalized fitness plan.

You can also do a basic consultation or orientation on using that funky equipment so you know what you’re doing and don’t injure yourself.

Not really one for workout classes? The indoor pool is open seven days a week, and there are always pickup basketball and volleyball games going on in the Fitness Center. When it’s cold and the snow is flying, the indoor track is on the second floor of the Fitness Center circling the gym, and is open any time the building is open. Once it warms up outside, the biking and hiking trails go throughout the entire campus.

As for eating healthy, Campus Dining offers a salad bar and grab-n-go salads and yogurts, as well as vegetarian options at several stations. You can also look for low-calorie and high-protein smoothies at Freshens in the Student Fitness Center.

Last spring the Land of Gos-

news in brief Esports arena to hold grand opening today

New CSDI director announced

After being anticipated for months, the grand opening of the new esports arena in Bluff Hall will be held from 2 p.m. 4 p.m. today. The ceremony will be open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni, and food and refreshments will be provided.

Inside the arena, there is a collection of 12 high-end gaming computers and two televisions for students to attach their own systems and play. Phil Leyerer, Campus Recreation’s coordinator for club sports, said they want this new space to be a place where any student is welcome to show up and enjoy themselves, not just a spot exclusive to esports teams and clubs.

“We know there’s so many casual gamers, and we have a lot of students who are interested in gaming but might not own a gaming computer or a console.

That’s the group we want to invite,” Leyerer said.

At the grand opening, Natalie Hawkins, assistant director for recreational programs, said members of the esports club will be showing off their respective competitive games. However, she, like Leyerer, said this is not the only crowd they are hoping to draw to the new arena.

“This isn’t just for esports or club members to go and practice there. We aren’t just stopping there,” Hawkins said. “We’ve been reaching out to multiple different groups on campus, and we’re hoping this expands by word of mouth to other people to be a space for everyone to come.”

For any further questions about the esports arena opening, email Natalie Hawkins at nrosale@siue.edu.

Lindy Wagner was named as the new director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion in an announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 14. She will officially take on the role March 2.

The position has been vacant since the previous director, Timothy Staples, officially became the director of the East St. Louis Center in September, with Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia providing leadership at the CSDI in the interim.

While Wagner is new to SIUE, she has experience within the SIU system. She most recently served in the Office of Associate Chancellor for Diversity at Carbondale, starting in August 2019. In this role, she provided diversity and inclusion training for students, faculty and staff.

Wagner has also served as an associate at the Sustained Dialogue Institute since January 2017. SIUE has had a Sustained Dialogue program since Fall 2017.

In addition to SIUC, Wagner has worked at several other universities: Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina; Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

In her new role as the director of the CSDI, Wagner will be responsible for upholding the center’s mission, listed on their website as “to ensure a campus community that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of all individuals, differences, cultures and diversity of thought.” Wagner was appointed to the position by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple.

hen Community Market set up on the quad once a week in the spring to offer fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. Unfortunately they will not be returning this spring, but if you’ve got a car or other transportation to Main Street, they’re set up inside the Newsong Fellowship Hall downtown on the third Saturday of each month.

Resolution: I need to quit smoking or vaping.

Solution: Nicotine addiction is not an easy thing to kick, despite the well-known health risks.

Health Services offers a smoking cessation program to any enrolled student, according to Health Services Director Riane Greenwalt.

“While we prefer to create a class, there is also an opportunity for one-to-one sessions,” Greenwalt said.

Those programs are structured through the American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking program, according to Greenwalt.

Anyone can also use the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, which is managed by the Illinois Depart-

ment of Public Health and American Lung Association and is also free. Call the Quitline at 866-7848937 and talk to a counselor, who can offer you six weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy in most cases. Patches, gum, inhalers, lozenges or other medications may be indicated, and are provided free regardless of insurance status. When you’re itching for another hit, you can call the Quitline counselors and they will try to help you get through the craving.

Find out more at quityes.org.

Resolution: I need to manage my stress better.

Solution: Stress is one of the biggest challenges college students face, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Counseling Services provides assessments, group and individual counseling and referrals to community providers free of charge.

Group sessions include Mindful Mondays, which focuses on coping skills and self-care; Survivors of Silence, offering support for male and female survivors of sexual violence; Understanding Myself and Others, which focus-

es on relationships with others; and Powerful Minds, which helps members find techniques to manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Screening is necessary before joining these groups, so contact Counseling Services for more information.

Resolution: I’m going back to school.

Solution: You’re already here!

Congratulations. It’s not easy to go back mid-year or to go back at all, especially if you’ve been gone a while. But you’ve taken a great step by coming back to continue your education.

SIUE’s Winter Welcome is over now, but the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) Center is here to help underrepresented students with retention and graduation; the Writing Center assists students who might be struggling with writing assignments; the Tutoring Resource Center works with students on a walk-in basis in individual and group sessions; and your advisor might also be able to direct you to extra help. Welcome back!

SIUE appoints Mallory Sidarous as new director for University Housing MARCUS KEY reporter

non-residents.”

After listening to what students had to say about improvements they preferred to see within Housing, Sidarous has been responsible for making several updates possible, including renovations to Woodland Hall. The residence hall is receiving new flooring and furniture on three floors and will be completed in the fall semester.

Sidarous said she is looking forward to constantly improving

After serving as a member of the University Housing staff since 2008, Mallory Sidarous was officially appointed director for University Housing after acting as interim director for six months.

Sidarous assumed the position Jan. 2 and replaced her predecessor, Michael Schultz, who retired in May 2019 after serving 30 years as director.

Now as the director for University Housing, Sidarous said she is excited about what is to come for the department and the changes and updates within Housing for students as well.

Since being in the role, Sidarous has been able to make the necessary changes and improvements MALLORY SIDAROUS within University Housing director of University Housing to enrich the experience of students choosing to live on campus. In Bluff Hall, an es- the way University Housing proports arena will be opening this vides students with a unique exsemester. The opening of this are- perience in an effort to bring stuna has been a collaboration with dents together as a community other campus partners, including and make them feel like SIUE can Student Affairs and the Chancel- be their home away from home. lor’s Office.

Sidarous also said she is exSidarous said this project cited about the new upcoming was imperative to meet the needs housing options in Cougar Vilof students to have space to come lage that will allow students the together in the housing commu- choice of deluxe apartments for nity. one person.

“Opening this arena was “My goal now as director for needed to meet a growing need University Housing is to make for students to have that gaming the experience better for students space, and we are excited that because they bring the SIUE we are going to be able to offer community together, and being a that in a housing area,” Sidarous part of that and seeing all of our said. “This level of engagement goals and plans come to fruition will provide students interested is the best part about my job,” in gaming a space to play and Sidarous said. “It has been excitpractice, for both residents and ing being a part of the experience

that makes the SIUE campus a growing one.”

Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs, says since Sidarous served as interim and now as permanent director of University Housing, she has seen her grow both professionally and personally.

“Mallory has really brought to the department this approach of caring, creative and collaborative spirit,” Roccia said. “She has grown personally in the role by diving into the areas that were not her expertise in the past, and really attempting to learn and do everything she could to key in and learn as much about the facilities component of University Housing and the residence life component. She has done a great job at listening and learning from staff and students to be more impactful for the student experience.”

Among the many things Sidarous has learned so far in her role, she said she appreciates the engagement experience among both faculty and students.

“The director has a really unique opportunity and chance to work with students and staff in all areas of the department, and among other things, I’ve really enjoyed getting to expand my exposure and my time spent with staff in different capacities,” Sidarous said. “Being able to have a closer look at what people are doing, the impact they are making and seeing what they’re excited about has been rewarding.”

Sidarous can be contacted at 618-650-0546 or msidaro@siue. edu.

“Being able to have a closer look at what people are doing, the impact they are making and seeing what they’re excited about has been rewarding.

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thursday, 01.16. 20 LAWS I COVER

01.03.19 SIUE Police received a report of a male subject that was agitated and would not leave Building A at the East St. Louis Center. The responding officer advised there was a verbal argument and the subject left without incident.

01.04.19 An officer responded to a call about a window being busted out of a parked vehicle and a purse being stolen in the Madison County Transit parking lot off Stadium Drive.

01.08.19 SIUE Police initiated an investigation after an officer responded to a call regarding a person damaging a sculpture at the East St. Louis Center.

01.13.19 An officer responded to a report of a subject putting flyers on vehicle windshields in Parking Lot 8. The officer advised the subject of SIUE’s solicitation rules, and the subject said the guidelines would be followed next time.

hitting a construction zone worker — what used to be $10,000 is now $25,000. Disobeying traffic-control devices in a construction or maintenance zone could cost between $100 and $1,000.

Don’t ignore school bus stop signs

This one might require students who commute through residential areas to leave a bit earlier, as the penalty for illegally passing a school bus has doubled. Under HB 1873, the first violation will cost $300, and repeat offenders will face $1,000.

Approach emergency vehicles with extra caution

Remember Scott’s Law from driver’s ed? January made the stakes higher for failing to comply. For those who need a quick refresher, Scott’s Law states drivers must slow down, change lanes and proceed with caution when coming across emergency vehicles or broken down cars on the side of the road. The minimum fine for first-time offenders saw a $150 increase, taking it up to $250, and the second offense was brought to a minimum $750.

Inclusive restrooms are now law

More and more restrooms will begin to look like those at Starbucks: under SB 556, public single-use restrooms must be

clearly labeled as usable for all, regardless of gender.

State IDs move beyond the binary

As soon as the Secretary of State’s office updates their system, there will be more than just two options when designating sex on state ID cards and drivers licenses. A third non-binary option will be added as X, but may not be available until 2024, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality. In the meantime, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office accepts a form for gender change here, but only for male or female.

REAL ID soon needed for air travel

Anybody tuning into local news recently has probably heard of the coming enforcement of the REAL ID Act, however, there is still a lot of confusion as to what it is. Essentially, Illinois and Missouri residents have until Oct. 1 to obtain what is called a “REAL ID” from the Secretary of State’s Office. The REAL ID is upping security — it requires more documents to obtain. If one doesn’t meet the Oct. 1 deadline and does not have a valid passport, they will not be able to fly domestically.

For a full list of what Illinois residents need to obtain a REAL ID, visit realid.ilsos.gov. Those who live in Missouri may check out the REAL ID information packet at dor.mo.gov.

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assistant director for academic programs and assessment, assistant director for marketing in University Housing and program specialist for Student Affairs.

Shustrin said these various positions have led her to many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Shustrin said. “I’ve worked for a number of people who were able to give me opportunities that I never imagined when I first walked through those doors right out of graduate school.”

Shustrin said she considers some of her greatest achievements at the university to be helping to establish Focused Interest Communities in University Housing and the SIUE Experience, the program that welcomes incoming freshman in their first days on campus.

“It was nice to be able to take a look at it as a university and say, ‘Okay, what do we want to make sure we get into students’ hands so that they have the tools and resources they need to be successful in that transition, whether that be from high school to college, whether that be from a transfer institution, whether that be someone who’s coming back to school for the first time after working for 20 years, [or] whether that be a veteran who’s transitioning to our campus after being in the military?’” Shustrin said.

Prevention Education and

Advocacy Center Coordinator Samantha Dickens has worked with Shustrin throughout her three years at the university. Dickens said she views her working relationship with Shustrin to be a kind of mentorship.

“Kara has been working in higher education for many years, so she was a mentor and guide for me through [a career in] higher education,” Dickens said. “She’s actually the first person I met when I came for my interview, and she was my first introduction to campus.”

Dickens said she believes Shustrin has demonstrated her dedication to the university and SIUE students, and that Shustrin will do well in her new position.

“I think [Shustrin] has shown that she has a real passion for SIUE, a real passion for the students, and she’s very thoughtful and intentional about the work she did in conduct,” Dickens said. “She’s willing to make changes so that process is a better process and more effective, more efficient, with more student participation.”

Shustrin assumed her role as dean of students on Jan. 2, which sees her supporting the Offices of Student Conduct, Health Service, Counseling Services and ACCESS. Her office can be reached at 618-650-2020.

JENNIFER GOECKNER 650-3527 @jgoeck_alestle jgoeckner@alestlelive.com

NEXT WEEK READ ABOUT SCOUTING WORKSHOPS page 4

lifestyles

contact the editor: lifestyles@alestlelive.com 650-3527 thursday, 01.16.20

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Service opportunities transform student experience JENNIFER GOECKNER lifestyles editor For students who would like to volunteer their time but don’t know how to find organizations or causes that are the right fit for them, there are many resources to help.

SIUE provides its students with a wide variety of opportunities to participate in community service projects both as individuals and within larger groups. These opportunities include Service Saturdays, Alternative Spring Breaks, the Food Recovery Network and more.

Carolyn Compton, the assistant director of community engagement at the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, said doing volunteer work is important for college students for a variety of reasons, including personal growth as well as bettering the community.

“I believe that service is a real cornerstone for developing leadership, for developing a sense of value and a sense of self,” Compton said. “I think that to be civically engaged is absolutely important in our society, and volunteering in your community helps you understand your community better, and it helps you establish roots.”

According to Compton, Service Saturdays are the most common service opportunities available to students. Compton said most Saturdays there are between one and three opportunities for students to volunteer at a variety of locations, including at farms, homeless shelters, food pantries and hospitals.

For students who are looking for more individualized service experiences, Compton said the Kimmel Student Involvement Center works with a variety of organizations and can connect students to service projects that meet their interests.

Some scholarships, programs and organizations require students to complete service hours. Among these are the Jonetta Haley Scholarship, which requires recipients to complete 12 service hours per

semester, and the University Honors Program, which requires students to complete 50 service hours prior to graduation.

Alexandria Taylor, a sophomore biological science major from Lincoln, Illinois, helped organize volunteer opportunities for honors students as the Honors Student Association’s service committee chair. Taylor said she enjoys organizing service events because of the gratifying feeling she gets from helping others, and she believes volunteering helps people recognize their own privileges.

“Many students grow up in environments where they don’t have to worry about food at home. They don’t have to worry about shelter or anything like that,” Taylor said. “So when you volunteer and you see these people that are lined up at soup kitchens or food pantries, it’s a very humbling feeling because you realize all the things that are given to you.”

Taylor said one of her best pieces of advice for individuals looking for a community service project is to ask those around them.

“There are volunteer opportunities that I didn’t know about that I learned about from other people,” Taylor said. “And there’s normally always something to get involved with. I would utilize all your resources.”

In addition to scholarships and the honors program, Greek life organizations also require their members to complete community service hours. Members participate in events and raise funds for their organizations’ philanthropies and other chosen causes.

Jimmy DelVecchio, a junior applied communication studies major from Belleville, Illinois, previously acted as the Interfraternity Council’s vice president of community outreach and is their current vice president of public relations. According to DelVecchio, Greek life has exposed him to a lot of community service opportunities and causes he wouldn’t have known

Members of the Honors Student Association fold boxes at a food pantry in New Orleans, Louisiana during their annual alternative spring break service trip.

I Jordyn Nimmer / The Alestle

about otherwise. One such cause is the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which DelVecchio said has had a deep impact on his life.

“Last year, our organization, Sigma Tau Gamma, raised over $20,000 in an effort to give back to children who unfortunately get diagnosed with cancer,” DelVecchio said. “And our members in my fraternity, we shave our heads in solidarity and we show that we are in union with this cause, and being a part of something like that is something that I would’ve never, ever experienced if I wasn’t a member of Greek life.”

DelVecchio said he wants people to know that Greek life is about more than just the social aspect of these organizations.

“There’s a stereotype that people think when it comes to fraternities, but I know firsthand that being in this fraternity that I am, Sigma Tau Gamma, and being on the Interfraternity Council and seeing all the work that the fraternities and sororities do is actually incredible,” DelVecchio said. “The Greek life here at SIUE is not just about partying and a social image, it’s

about giving back to our communities and building character through help those that need our help.”

Many organizations and programs that require students to complete service hours ask them to log these hours through SIUE’s Get Involved page. Compton said students should take the form seriously because it is checked before the service hours are approved.

“What I always tell people it’s important to remember is that there’s an actual person on the other side reading it, it’s not a computer that just automatically approves service hours,” Compton said. “When they’re doing their reflection in the space that asks for that, they need to actually think about the connection to experience and what it means to them and what it might mean to the community.”

Students who are looking for more information on volunteer opportunities can visit the Kimmel’s website, SIUE’s Get Involved page or visit the Kimmel for individualized guidance.

REVIEW: ‘The Witcher’ series bewitches new fans SHANE WHEATLEY copy editor Over the break, Netflix dropped its adaptation of “The Witcher” video game series based on the books about the same main character, Geralt of Rivia.

For those unaware, a Witcher is a human who has had experiments done on them so that they can more efficiently hunt monsters. Stronger than a normal human, cat-like eyes and quick reflexes are just some of the staples of being a Witcher. They take the skills that have been given to them and make their living on the road, doing odd jobs here and there that village folk aren’t able to do themselves (and that usually involves hunting a monster or two on the way).

Being set in the time of knights and kings, “The Witcher” brings a fresh take on the genre after Game of Thrones left us wanting more medieval action, though their similarities stop at the setting. Before going into the negatives of the show, I’d like to give credit to the show for all of the things they did right.

Starting with the main actor, Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, I think he did an amazing job akin to Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine. His demeanor, tone of voice and physique are all on point when it comes to bringing Geralt to the screen. Having done a lot of research about the character he’d be playing, one can tell that Cavill put a lot of work into making sure that he didn’t let anyone down when he set foot onto the set.

From one of the very first scenes we see him in, where he walks into a tavern and is immediately greeted by nasty looks and vile comments, I believe Cavill portrays Geralt perfectly. While simply looking for an alderman in town, he is told by the tavern owner that his kind (Witchers)

aren’t welcome. Such a simple scene like this is elevated by Cavill’s performance, as he uses body language and facial expressions to show a huge amount of character in just a few seconds.

The show did an excellent job casting all around -- not just with Geralt. Yennefer, the disabled farm girl turned all-powerful sorceress, and Ciri, the young girl running from her slaughtered town trying to find her destiny, both carry themselves on screen to such an amazing degree, that it can be easy to forget you’re watching a show on Netflix,

“While ‘The Witcher’ does a lot of things right ... it has quite a few things it needs to improve before its second season comes along. and not just playing “The Witcher” game outright.

While “The Witcher” does a lot of things right, from the characters to the musical score pulled directly from the games at times, to the choreographed fighting, it also has quite a few things that it needs to improve before its second season comes along. The biggest issue I had with the series was the timeline it followed. Following the three main characters, Yennefer, Ciri and Geralt, the show doesn’t outright explain to you the jumbled timeline. When you’re witnessing scenes involving Ciri, the time period is 10 years past the scenes you see involving Geralt and Yennefer.

While they do give context clues to these hints, and

everything does eventually all connect on the final episode, it can be very confusing to have the show jump back and forth between timelines, and made it very hard to keep track of what was going on until the the timelines finally merge.

Another aspect the show could work on is the narrative itself. They do an amazing job of dialogue and Geralt explains everything out loud very often. However the story can feel a bit disjointed at times, with the scenes flipping between action in one place and then slow dialogue and drawn out sequences in another. This often left me groaning in disappointment whenever the flow of the show was cut by yet another dialogue-heavy scene that seemed to have no place being there.

One scene in particular shows Geralt facing off with enemies in a cave while defending a dragon egg. As the fluid fighting and clashing continues, the scene cuts back to Geralt’s lovely bard companion back at camp for a little bit of comedic relief. Whenever this would happen in the show, I’d often miss the important dialogue they were trying to get across to me because I’d be too focused on wanting to get back to watching Geralt fight. This kind of disjointed narrative cuts into the flow of rising and falling action, and leaves the viewer unhappy.

While “The Witcher” has some work to do, I think that it did everything it could with no frame of reference, as there haven’t been any previous films or adaptations of “The Witcher.” The things the show does right heavily outweigh the things that the show could improve upon, because the negatives aren’t a deal breaker for me. I think that the areas the show falls short on can easily be improved over time with future seasons, and I think they did an amazing job on their first season. I’m excited to see where they take the series next.

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WHERE TO BE AT THE ‘E’: JANUARY THURSDAY, JAN. 16

Back 2 School: Buttons and Brunch 11 a.m., Goshen Lounge Esports Arena Grand Opening and Open House 2 p.m., Bluff Hall

FRIDAY, JAN. 17 - SUNDAY, JAN. 19 The Loop Ice Carnival Delmar Loop, University City, St. Louis

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 THURSDAY, JAN. 23

Student Organization Activities Fair 10 a.m., Goshen Lounge

37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon 11:30 a.m., Meridian Ballroom

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 SUNDAY, JAN. 26

Inaugural Global Brew Chili Bowl 12 p.m., Global Brew Tap House

Cougar Kids Saturday: Chef Bananas 12 p.m., MUC Mississippi/Illinois Room

MONDAY, JAN. 27

Student Government Senate Meeting 6 p.m., Goshen Lounge

TUESDAY, JAN. 28

Greek No More Cancer Rally 6 p.m., MUC Hickory/Hackberry Room

THURSDAY, JAN. 30

Arts & Issues: Chaos Magick 7:30 p.m., Dunham Hall Theater Late Night at the MUC: Cocoa and Candles 8 p.m., Goshen Lounge

Songs defining the decade “When I finish this if you listenin’ then sure you will agree/ this plot is bigger than me, it’s generational hatred/ It’s genocism, it’s grimy, little justification.” Sit down and let the words marinate with this one.

— Madison Lammert, editor-in-chief

THE ALESTLE STAFF Often, memories are marked by music: we’ll never forget the song that was on when we watched the Blues win the Cup, the ballad playing through the car speakers as we had our first kiss, the one that wraps up our favorite movie as the credits begin rolling. So, it only makes sense that we commemorate the decade by making a Headphone Jack playlist comprised of the most special songs that helped define these past 10 years. Enjoy!

‘Blacker the Berry’ by Kendrick Lamar, 2015

When our staff was throwing around ideas for our very first print issue of 2020, we unanimously agreed we should do a special Headphone Jack. I also knew what my contribution would be: Lamar’s ‘The Blacker the Berry.’ The problem didn’t set in until I sat down to write about it: How can I possibly give this song the justice it deserves in one to two short paragraphs?

Forgive me for all I leave out. From the intro to the last verse, Lamar brings it.

It’s honest. It’s not sugar-coated. It’s what America needed at the time, even though it wasn’t a saving grace — wake the hell up and acknowledge race in America. Acknowledge at the same time employers are punishing a Black man for wearing dreadlocks, there’s a whole slew of people trying to appropriate a culture they try to destroy every day. And when it takes the form of violence to which we cannot turn a blind eye, it didn’t start with a few racist cops:

‘I’m Not Racist’ by Joyner Lucas, 2017

I had a really tough time trying to decide what to put on here that made the most sense as a “song of the decade.” The more I thought back on the decade, the more I remember nothing but negative media surrounding both sides of a racial issue, and that’s something I hope we can leave behind us for this new decade.

This song has a strong message, conveying two sides of a debate: a white man and a Black man. The song is full of explicit language so if that isn’t your thing, maybe skip this one. However, looking at the deeper message of the lyrics really gives an insight on what we might be able to do moving on to this next decade.

One of the most powerful lyrics is said by both the white and the black character, and it goes “I’m not racist and I never lie, but I think there’s a disconnect between your culture and mine.” A lot of the issues we saw stem up in the last decade came about due to a lack of knowledge about the diversity in people around us, and most of them could be solved by just sitting down and trying to understand the people who aren’t similar to us.

— Shane Wheatley, copy editor

‘Homecoming Queen’ by Kelsea Ballerini, 2019

Kelsea Ballerini has inspired me since she released her first album in 2015. As a young female singer, she became a voice for people that could relate to her personal experiences. I chose this song to recognize how important it is to remember that there is not a single person in this world that does

not face difficult situations, including the most popular girl in school.

The lyrics emphasize the lies we often tell to prove ourselves to people every day.

As the decade progressed, the presence of social media became more prominent all over the world. It is easy to hide behind an Instagram post, to pretend you have it all figured out and put together. It is even easier to convince yourself that you are the only person struggling after seeing how “perfect” everyone else’s lives are. We are constantly surrounded by people at the touch of a button, yet many people will report that they have never felt more alone.

Listening to this song brings me peace of mind as it reminds me that everyone has to fight their own battles, both silent and shared. ”Homecoming Queen” says that we are not alone, and that we do not have to hide who we are or what we feel.

— Mackenzie Smith, multimedia editor

‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ by Gotye, 2012

“Somebody That I Used to Know” is one of the most iconic breakup songs of the decade. It’s a song that you hear for the first time in a while, and it’s immediately stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Gotye’s voice captures a perfectly melancholy tone on the verses, which is contrasted by a higher-pitched, more impassioned tone on the chorus. However, my favorite part of the song will always be the verse sung by Kimbra. While most of the song comes from one partner’s perspective during the breakup, this verse reveals the other side, adding more depth and contrast to the song.

Perhaps even more memorable than the song itself is the music video. With both singers’ naked bodies painted to blend in with the backdrop, it is one of the most simple yet artistic music videos I’ve ever seen. The highlight for me, however, is Gotye’s acting in the video. The nuances

in his facial expressions really sell the emotion behind the lyrics, especially as Kimbra sings to him about how badly he hurt her.

Heartbreak is one of the most relatable and timeless topics, and I think this song and its accompanying music video will both be timeless as well.

— Jennifer Goeckner, managing editor

Ballad of the Dying Man by Father John Misty, 2017

“Naturally the dying man wonders to himself, has commentary been more lucid than anybody else?” In this song Father John Misty sings about a bitter, conceited man who, even on his deathbed, can only wonder who will critique the “idiots, dilettantes, and fools’’ after he’s gone. In the 2010’s, the internet peaked, finally becoming accessible to everyone. Though it has so much to offer, some people have chosen to only use the internet as a means to channel their hate. This song perfectly represents that culture by using something as significant as one’s final moments to show how pointless a lifestyle like that is.

Though Misty likes to sing about pretentious fools who think they’re better than everyone, many have accused him of being that very thing. In my opinion, they’re right, but this only further proves the song’s significance. So many have listened to this song and thought it was so clever, and then went on the internet to judge people like the man in the song. Others hated the song and went on the internet to judge people like Father John Misty. Suddenly both sides look pretty stupid.

An examination of this song and one’s reaction to it can reveal how focused on hate and cynicism so many people have become. This song, and others on the album show that it might be a time to take a step back from those things that make us bitter, like the internet, and try to focus on the more positive things in life.

— John McGowan, reporter

opinion

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The Sizzlin’ Outback is brought to you by ExxonMobile THE ALESTLE STAFF editorial board

More than 15 million acres of land have been engulfed in flames over recent months throughout Australia. At least 24 human casualties have been reported, and millions of animals have been killed by the fires, according to a TIME article published over a week ago.

And these figures aren’t fully representative of the destruction, as damage has since continued.

The government’s response has been widely criticized as insufficient.

The causes of each individual fire vary, as they always do during the fire season. What is unique to this season are the atmospheric

conditions causing a significant increase in the spread and damage done by the fires after they have ignited. The season typically does not even peak until late January, which is cause for concern since we may not have seen the worst of the disaster yet.

Climate change affects everyone by destabilizing the atmosphere of the planet on which we all live. Likewise, it is affected by everyone in some way, meaning we each carry a small amount of personal responsibility in addressing climate change.

Reducing the amount of pollution we create through things like plastic containers, car emissions and meat consumption is one way in which everyone can personally combat climate change

to a degree, as is spreading awareness. However, the impact to the environment caused by the corporations we interact with every day is far greater than that of any individual, and a comprehensive understanding of climate issues has to include this impact.

One study from 2017 found that just 100 companies were responsible for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions. ExxonMobil, BP and Chevron, for instance, were each found to be individually responsible for between 1 and 2 percent of total emissions worldwide.

This crucial information is often neglected in discussion of climate change, and we are beginning to see lives lost, in no small part due to unregulated industries

making short-sighted decisions that can negatively impact the health of all life on Earth.

Reframing the discussion to include appropriate sources of the pollution responsible for tragedies such as this is one of many important facets of combating climate change worldwide and minimizing the collective harm we are causing the planet.

By presenting informed perspectives backed by scholarly research, students can play a crucial role in addressing climate change and preventing future tragedies like the one currently happening in Australia. It is not enough to admit this is happening. We have to do everything we can to prevent more casualties from occurring.

SIUE exhibits ‘diverse’ ways of being apathetic LAMONYA SMITH copy editor

Before going to SIUE, I got a brochure from the school highlighting the percentage of students of color. After becoming a freshman at SIUE in August 2017, one of the first things I heard about was when someone posted the N-word on a black student’s door in Cougar Village.

Since then, there have been several other hateful incidents, including people yelling racial slurs from cars on campus parking lots, vandalized cars with homophobic slurs, Quad preacher Tom Rayborn allegedly calling trans students “demons” at the rock and conspiracy papers being put up around campus promoting autogynephilia. The number of incidents like these with no leads or regular updates for investigating is strange for a school that seems to highlight diversity and inclusivity when possible.

Today, the people who par-

ticipated in those incidents were never identified. Students weren’t informed on the investigation process for the Cougar Village incident, even though SIUE offered a cash reward for any information that could lead to finding the perpetrator. At the same time, another student wrote “F--- white supremacy” on the rock in response to the racist incidents that occurred in 2017, but the school condemned the use of profanity on the rock. On Sept. 23, 2017, SIUE sent an email addressing the “offensive profanity,” which “runs counter to our campus culture” and “undermines the University’s tradition of civil discourse and respect for individuals, differences and cultures.” After all these incidents, the school sent other emails of varying quality to students about how diversity is “important,” and that hate is unacceptable on campus.

Despite how much SIUE promotes their “diverse” campus, the school seems to be using its apparent inclusivity as a front to

advertise the school itself, even in brochures for incoming students. The obligatory emails and lack of action make it seem like SIUE doesn’t care for marginalized students who don’t want to be bombarded with hate—they seem to only care about keeping the school’s image clean and silencing certain protests that call out bigotry, especially bigotry that hurts minorities.

This is also apparent as many students have complained about Rayborn. Though SIUE’s honorary heads had a town hall meeting about Rayborn, according to Ryan Bieri’s Alestle article on the town hall meeting, Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker said that different types of expression “gives you the option to debate or challenge your own beliefs … But the moment we start restricting what people have to say … it’s the same result.

That’s a very dangerous path to go down, in my opinion.”

SIUE may have strongly condemned using profanity

on the rock, but there was little clarity in investigating whoever put up the N-word. The school seems to give a message that hate speech is allowed but protesting those beliefs that use language the honorary heads don’t like should be immediately dealt with and heavily condemned.

The school promotes all these programs with buzzwords like “diversity” and security for marginalized groups—the SIUE Multicultural Center, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and so on—but if the school isn’t doing anything about actual hate these marginalized students get on campus, these programs and declarations of inclusivity are only good for expensive promotion.

Transparency is SIUE’s best option. When other discriminatory incidents occur, there should be regular updates on investigations and more insight into what the consequences will be. If the school shows it cares, it would be easier to believe that it does.

sports

contact the editor: sports@alestlelive.com 650-3527 thursday, 1.16.19

SIUE Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL

OVERALL OVC

Murray State Austin Peay Belmont Tennessee State Morehead State Eastern Kentucky Jacksonville State UT Martin SIUE Eastern Illinois SEMO Tennessee Tech

JOHN MCGOWAN reporter

After rising above over 400 other schools, SIUE esports club’s Hearthstone team finished fourth at the Fall 2019 Collegiate Championship Semi Finals on Dec. 14, at Full Sail University in Florida.

Hearthstone is a virtual card game where players build decks of cards and choose one of nine classes to play as, each class having their own special powers and cards. Two competing players then take turns playing cards in order to deplete their opponents’ health. During a tournament, like the one SIUE competed in, teams of three work together to decide the best strategy to defeat the other team.

Johnson had a positive outlook on tourThe team included the captain, senior naments going forward. computer science major Esmir Karabas, of “I think you can expect us to maybe St. Louis, senior computer engineering mamake it back again to the prize pool if Tespa jor Brad Johnson, of Chatham, Illinois, and wants to sponsor another tournament this sesenior music composition major Bryan Dinmester, because we [made it to semifinals] last man, of Chesterfield, Illinois. The tournament semester it did give us a lot of confidence and they competed in is a semester long tourreason to take it more seriously and give it a nament in which shot,” Johnson said. teams first must The team’s loss qualify in the top “They were the only team ... can be attributed to 32 teams of their changes in the game regions and can that had smiles on their faces before the tournaproceed by qualifyment and the date ing in the top four. during every single part of the event itself.

The four teams The tournament that made it to the of the game. took place right semifinals along after finals which, with SIUE were JORDAN KRAMER according to JohnRochester Institute Esports Club President son, didn’t give the of Technology, Uniteam a lot of time versity of Califorto practice. Johnson nia at Berkeley and also said changes in Simon Fraser University. SFU beat SIUE in the game forced them to adapt quickly. their match and after RIT won their match “The game had an expansion drop like against UC Berkeley, they went on to beat three days before the tournament which SFU in the final game for the grand prize. changed the meta and the strategies coming Karabas commented on the elimination. into the game,” Johnson said.

“We played to our strengths the best we When the team did have time to praccould, but we were always missing that one tice and prepare, they would do so by playing card,” Karabas said.

winter Break update: SIUE Track and Field stood out from other sports over winter break.

While wrestling and basketball have been struggling to make headway these past few weeks, the track and field teams are ready for a promising indoor season.

SOFTBALL

BASKETBALL

Men’s basketball has won two out of eight games since winter break started, keeping in line with their few wins this season thus far. While most of these losses are only a few points short of a win, the team is going to have to turn it around to improve for the rest of the season.

In a recap of their most recent game, Head Coach Brian Barone has said the team is still figuring out how to play togeth-

page 7

alestlelive.com

Esports team 4th in championship semifinals

JOHN MCGOWAN reporter

GET TRACK AND FIELD, BASKETBALL COVERAGE NEXT WEEK

er. While the team features an even mix of younger and older players, many of the upperclassmen on the team are new, having joined this year or last year.

Women’s basketball has fared similarly to men’s, with only one win since break started in a season where they have gone 1-4 in terms of wins to losses.

Head Coach Paula Buscher acknowledges the season has been rocky so far, but still has high hopes for the team.

“The spirits of the team are good, you know, we’re not having the success of the season we’d like but that’s part of it. We’ll just keep battling and there’s a lot of conference season left to play,” Buscher said, “That’s part of basketball — you have to put that behind you and concentrate on the next game.”

Men’s & Women’s Basketball vs. Jacksonville State 1 p.m., Jan. 18 Vadalabene Center

11-5 10-7 12-5 11-6 9-8 6-11 7-10 5-10 4-13 7-9 4-13 3-14

4-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 3-1 3-1 2-2 1-3 1-3 0-4 0-4 0-4

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

OVERALL OVC

MCT Campus /Observer-Dispatch

each other one on one, taking time to coordinate decks and strategies, and researching the current “meta,” which is what cards and strategies are currently considered best by the game’s community.

Moving forward, the team is ready to compete in the Spring 2020 tournament, and they’re also looking to recruit other potential players to form sister Hearthstone teams for the esports club.

Esports club president, senior computer science major Jordan Kramer, of O’Fallon, Illinois, is proud of the team.

“When they were down there they just seemed like one of the most happiest teams,” Kramer said, “They were the only team that I saw down there that had smiles on their faces during every single part of the game … they placed top four in the whole tournament which is unbelievable and they had fun doing it which honestly is what matters in the end.”

Students interested in joining the esports club can reach out to Kramer by emailing him at jkramer@siue.edu. The club will also host an open house for their new esports arena at 2 p.m., Jan. 16, in Bluff Hall.

JOHN MCGOWAN

650-3527 jmcgowan@alestlelive.com

Tennessee Tech UT Martin Eastern Illinois Belmont SEMO Jacksonville State Morehead State Austin Peay Murray State Eastern Kentucky SIUE Tennessee State

11-4 8-7 9-6 8-7 10-5 6-9 6-10 10-5 8-7 7-8 3-12 2-12

4-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 0-4

WRESTLING

OVERALL MAC

EAST DIVISION Rider Clarion George Mason Edinboro Old Dominion Lock Haven Bloomsburg WEST DIVISION Missouri Northern Illinois Cleveland State Central Michigan Buffalo Kent State Ohio SIUE

6-2 6-3 7-3 8-4 3-7 5-2 2-3

2-1 3-2 2-2 2-2 1-1 1-2 0-2

6-5 7-3 6-1 2-3 7-6 5-6 2-5 1-7

3-0 3-1 2-1 2-1 3-2 1-1 0-2 0-4

Track and Field stands out; wrestling, basketball have work to do

SOFTBALL

WRESTLING

Wrestling is yet another SIUE sports team that has faced many losses recently. Of the twoteam meets, they have played this season they won only one out of eight.

The team has had individual successes though, including Justin Ruffin, a sophomore in the 157-pound weight class, and Tyshawn Williams, a redshirt senior in the 149-pound weight class. Ruffin was able to beat Old Dominion University wrestler Larry Early, ranked fourth in the country, in a double overtime match. Williams was able to make a comeback and beat a highly ranked Purdue wrestler he had lost to in a previous dual meet.

“We’re not in a great spot but we’re moving up … at the beginning of the year I think we were ranked 14th out of 15th or maybe even 15th out of fifteen

[in the MAT conference] … the latest ranking just came out yesterday, and we’re up to 11th,” Head Coach Jeremy Spates said.

SOFTBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

In contrast with basketball and wrestling, the men’s and women’s track teams are expecting a good indoor season.

Though they started slow, having both lost a two-school meet right before break, they gave strong performances at the Hawkeye Invitational Jan. 10-11.

Sophomore thrower Alexis Hutchins’ 16.26m weight throw left her in sixth place in the event.

She also placed eighth in the shot put with a throw of 12.70m.

The men did well in multiple places. Sophomore jumper Ethan Poston earned gold for his high jump of 2.05m. Senior thrower Nick Matthews and sophomore sprinter and jumper Conor Mc-

Carthy, both got third place in the weight throw and long jump, respectively.

While both men’s and women’s teams are starting the indoor season well, McCarthy believes they will shine more individually than as a team.

“I’m definitely excited for a lot of the individual performances moving forward,” McCarthy said, “Obviously, it’s a little bit harder to compete for a conference title just because of the size of our team, but we do have some really good outstanding individuals, which I’m excited about.”

Wrestling vs. Cleveland State 6 p.m., Jan. 24 Vadalabene Center JOHN MCGOWAN

650-3527 jmcgowan@alestlelive.com

page 8

alestlelive.com STALKING I COVER

didn’t get to see a lot of Joe’s behaviors with Candace, but there definitely seemed to be an element of stalking there, and then he did it with Beck, then he did it with Love.”

In this way, the show can be informative, but it may present some drawbacks. Director for Title IX Coordination Jamie Ball said while she has not watched the show, she has kept up with conversations surrounding it, and fears Joe’s behavior coupled with his handsomeness can be misconstrued. The show is largely narrated by Joe, also adding to possible mixed messages.

“There’s still the potential for there to be a romanticized notion for that kind of obsessive behavior, that it’s somehow ‘he must really love her if he’s willing to go to such extremes,’” Ball said. “I think, especially for an immature audience … it could be mistaken for a very devoted form of love.”

Ball said this mistake can easily translate into real life as well.

“The thing that we all need to be respectful of is sometimes what ultimately evolves into a stalking situation might begin as some sort of polite interaction,” Ball said.

According to Dickens, stalking occurs the most frequently in younger populations.

“Most stalkers start young,” Dickens said. “The majority of stalking victims are 18-24; over 50 percent of people who had been stalked were stalked in that

age range, and typically your stalker happens to be in a similar age range.”

Even though most college students fit within this age range, Dickens said about 13 percent of college women reported being stalked while in school, but within the larger population, about 15 percent of women and 6 percent of men reported being stalked.

Dickens is familiar with surveys sent out by Trish Oberweis, a professor in the department of sociology and criminal justice studies. Dickens said the number of students who reported on the 2018 survey as having experienced stalking behaviors was slightly higher than that of 2016.

Dickens also said the results showed slightly higher incidents of stalking reported than at the national level for college campuses.

“Now some of that is probably just our students having a better understanding of what stalking is, but some of that is also probably a genuine rise in stalking,” Dickens said.

Ball said she hypothesized these higher numbers to be a byproduct of the MeToo movement, which made people more willing to recognize and speak about their experiences.

Throughout her time in SIUE’s Title IX office, which has been roughly two years, Ball said she has seen approximately 12 incidents of concerns of stalking, and some of these cases may have been cross-reported with the police.

Between Ball’s office and the police, concerns of stalking-like behaviors typically fit into one of two categories: two people knew each other well but the other doesn’t want to continue being contacted, commonly seen in break-up scenarios, or two people do not know each other well but one devotes a lot of attention to the other person.

Ball said she finds the first scenario to be the most common, while Police Chief Kevin Schmoll said he has seen more of the second scenario.

“It’s usually an acquaintance-type thing and they’re classmates somewhere and usually the person just wants to get to know them better, maybe have a relationship with them, and just kind of follow them around trying to find the opportune time to talk to them, but the other person doesn’t want anything to do with them,” Schmoll said. “So it’s really not stalking, it’s just them trying to establish some type of relationship with the other person.”

While strict requirements must be met to press charges and the Title IX office also defines stalking as more than one instance, a situation does not have to meet this criteria in order for law enforcement, Title IX or the office of Student Conduct to help.

“Say somebody follows someone one time and it doesn’t meet the two times [definition], we can still step in at anytime and talk to that person, and like I said before, we do have some of those

thursday, 01.16.20

from time to time and usually, 99 percent of the time, it stops and there’s no more recurrence of that type of behavior,” Schmoll said.

In addition to talking to the person exhibiting concerning behavior, the police can also escort students to and from classes, their vehicles and, if they live on campus, their residences.

Ball said her office, the police and the Office of Student Conduct can also issue no contact directives without a formal investigation and finding of responsibility.

“If the idea is we want all of the contact that’s being attempted to stop, [a no contact directive] is one way to get that to happen and the communication would be really specific about the type of contact that’s prohibited,” Ball said.

Ball also said the directive can help students navigate situations

where contact is unavoidable.

“Sometimes when we’re developing a no-contact approach with two students, we’ll even get into how their paths might be crossing on campus,” Ball said.

“So if they share classes or they’re using the same facilities at the same time, we’ll figure out how they’re going to do that in a way so they can both use the spaces they need to use but avoid interaction as much as possible.”

Those concerned about stalking or who have further questions may contact SIUE Police on their non-emergency number 618-650-3324 or the EOA & Title IX Coordination office at 618-650-2333.

MADISON LAMMERT 650-3527 @madison_alestle mlammert@alestlelive.com

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