April 2023

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to introduce you to the latest edition of Eagle News. I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated team of writers, designers and photographers all year to bring you a publication that showcases our student body and the FGCU community at large.

This month’s magazine is particularly special because it captures our most pressing issues as an institution: student housing, a bill that would bring changes to minority-based organizations and hiring practices, as well as information on FGCU’s continued presidential search ending in May.

It also happens to be my last issue working with Eagle Media. During my time at FGCU, I, along with my peers, have lived through a pandemic and adapted to new ways of learning and connecting. We endured a devastating Category 4 hurricane. But we also gained our seventh straight ASUN Women’s Basketball Championship. But through it all, we have demonstrated our resilience and perseverance.

For those of us who are graduating, we are entering a new phase as alumni of a university that has played a significant role in shaping who we are today. As we step into the next chapter of our lives, we carry with us the memories, experiences and friendships that we have gained as Eagles. We also have a responsibility to use the knowledge and skills we have acquired to make a positive impact on the world.

As my time with Eagle Media comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and passionate team. This year has tested us in ways we never could have imagined, but we have come out stronger because of it. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your reading experience, and I hope that you continue to support Eagle Media and the dedicated team behind it.

Wings Up Always,

Riley Hazel Executive Editor, Eagle Media

Photo by Jessica Piland

APRIL 2023

EAGLE MEDIA

EM Advisor

Justin Paprocki

Executive Editor

Riley Hazel

Business Director

Michael Patella

Graphics Editor

Gabriella Lopez

Sports Editor

Nick Asselin

EAGLE NEWS

Editor-in-Chief

Tori Foltz

Assignment & Features Editor

Hayley Lemery

Opinion Editor

Delinah Rosario

Photo Editor Jessica Piland

ENTV Director

Jakira Bryan

Entertainment Director

Lilah Wilcoxson

EAGLE RADIO

Station Manager

Keyshawn Frazier

Programming Director

Kelly Pingitore

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eaglenews.org

Four Finalists Announced for Continued 5th Presidential Search

By Hayley Lemery

Do Graduates Feel Career Ready?

By Gracie Burgess

Students Desperate for Housing Turned Away From Residence Halls Due to Maxed Capacity

By Alex McNamee

25th Presidential Ticket Retires

By Abigail Muth

Baseball Carries Through Their Historic Season

By Nick Asselin

A Year in Photos at FGCU

By Jessica Piland & Graphics by Gabriella Lopez

Speaking Up and Protecting Student Survivors

By Emma Diehl

Be Aware of Your Stress

By Delinah Rosario

A Quest for a Greener Campus

Letters compiled by Dr. Ankit Singh

Florida House Bill 999

By

Emma

Rodriguez & Eddie Stewart

As Graduation Approaches, Students and Families

Encounter Ticket Scams

By Gracie Burgess

Cartoon

By Alexandra Porter

Four Finalists Announced for Continued 5th Presidential Search

Hayley Lemery, Assignment & Features Editor

Four presidential finalists were announced for consideration to be FGCU’s fifth president on April 7. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee and Greenwood Asher and Associates narrowed eight semi-finalists down to the final four.

Henry Mack III, Ed.D. – Senior Chancellor, Florida Department of Education

Neil J. MacKinnon, Ph.D. – Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Augusta University

Joseph A. “Jay” Morgan, Ph.D. – President, Morehead State University

Aysegul Timur, Ph.D. – Vice President and Vice Provost for Strategy and Program Innovation, Florida Gulf Coast University

Pamela McCabe, coordinator of university communications and media relations, sent out the announcement over email on behalf of Edward Morton, chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

“All other candidate information remains exempt and confidential, according to Section 1004.098, Florida Statutes,” read the email. “In the coming weeks, each candidate will spend a full day on campus and conduct public forums to engage with students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders. Our search consultants are currently planning these events, and details will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.”

Public forums for each candidate will be announced via email.

The Board of Trustees will conduct final interviews on Thursday, May 4. Concluding the meeting, a president-elect will be presented before the Board of Governors on May 10 for confirmation as FGCU’s fifth president. The new president is expected to take office on July 1.

Mack has been the senior chancellor in the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee since 2021. Prior to this, he was the chancellor from 2019 to 2021. He also served as the associate vice president

of Broward College from 2018 to 2019 and was an associate dean there from 2014 to 2018.

“One of the major goals I would bring to FGCU is an emphasis on workforce education and training, particularly at the undergraduate level,” Mack said in his cover letter. “While liberal arts learning and research and development should remain a priority of the university—indeed, I would seek to increase FGCU’s research funding twofold—I would bring my experience in creating new, market-aligned programs to supercharge the regional and state economy. In short, there is no reason why FGCU cannot itself be the driving force for workforce talent and economic development for all Southwest Florida and beyond.”

MacKinnon has been the executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost of Augusta University since 2021. Prior to this, he’s worked at various universities, holding numerous positions at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Arizona and Dalhousie University.

“The opportunity at FGCU is very appealing. I believe there is an excellent fit between my abilities, background, and skills, and what you are seeking in your next President,” MacKinnon concluded in his cover letter. “I am an experienced and highly collaborative leader. I have a track record of success in strategic planning and academic leadership, fostering inclusive excellence and a sense of belonging/student success, participating in development and obtaining resources, promoting sustainability and the prudent use of resources, and leading discovery, scholarship, and creative works.”

Morgan has been the president of Morehead State University in Kentucky since 2017. He served in multiple positions at Murray State University in Kentucky from 1999 to 2015. He was the state chief academic officer and vice president for Academics and Student Success for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education from 2015 to 2017.

Graphic by Gabriella Lopez

“The next chapter cannot be achieved alone and we must call upon the high caliber academic, research, and service capabilities of FGCU, as well as alumni, donors, and friends,” Morgan said in his cover letter. “We must also constantly push for a strong transfer and P-12 pipeline initiative. It is when you have all these groups and processes moving in the same direction that great things can happen. In the shorter term, we must also not forget that FGCU also has a vital reaccreditation visit within the next year or two, and I believe my prior experience could be beneficial in that as well.”

Timur has been the vice president and vice provost for Strategy and Program Innovation at FGCU since June 2020, and served as the assistant vice president of Strategic Initiatives from April 2019 to June 2020. Timur held multiple positions at Hodges University from 1999 to 2019.

“This brief overview of my past achievements, my ongoing work, and my vision for integrating the continued success of FGCU into our region’s overall

economic development demonstrates my considerable experience working with community partners; developing strategic plans, allocating resources and budgets, and collaborating with FGCU’s Board of Trustees; and the ways I am able to build bridges across silos,” Timur said in her cover letter. “I have successfully recruited and supported effective teams by using an inclusive leadership style to turn ideas and strategic plans into impact. I have also nurtured relationships throughout our five-county region that will facilitate successful fundraising for the University.” All the candidate cover letters and resumes can be found on FGCU’s website for the presidential finalists. •

Photos courtesy of FGCU

Henry Mack III, Ed.D.

Neil J. MacKinnon, Ph.D.

Joseph A. “Jay” Morgan

Aysegul Timur, Ph.D.

Do Graduates Feel Career Ready?

Gracie Burgess, Staff Writer

“ Do graduates feel career ready?” I believe that this is a question that many seniors and soon-to-be graduates across campus dread. It can be difficult to find a career in the current market we are living in. Either jobs are not hiring, they’re doing internal hires, or they are extremely competitive and are looking for experience over education level.

I have said for many years that my degree only means that I was able to survive a few years in college. Employers do look for a degree, but they especially look more for hands-on experience. In my situation, I came into college wanting to be an exercise science student. From there, I wanted to be an athletic trainer or sports medicine physician.

However, that is not the case anymore. I am a health science student with a minor in marketing and I will be working towards a master’s degree in marketing or journalism.

Everyone has a different situation in college. Some come in knowing what they want to do and stick with it, while others, like myself, change their minds throughout

to begin.

College prepares students for the “real world” much more than high school ever did, but there is a lot more that I think college can do to help prepare students. Another struggle is that many do not know how to complete a job interview or cerate a resume. It is also very shocking to me the number of students who do not have a LinkedIn profile. It all boils down to the same reasoning of “I didn’t know.”

I have been very thankful to have professors and mentors encourage me and guide me toward a successful career in the future. Most students do not get that fortunate though. They struggle to know what to do because they do not have a mentor to help assist them along the way.

Many students also realize that the career fields are beginning to require a master's or doctorate-level degree to be successful. If they do not possess one of those degrees and experience to go with it, they have to start from the bottom and work their way up.

I do want to address the flip side, though. While a lot of students do not feel career ready, some students do. Students, like myself, have a plan to make themselves successful and have a career they are proud of. Even though I do not feel fully career ready coming off of my bachelor’s degree, I do have a plan for how I am going to be successful. Many other students can speak to the same state. They acknowledge that they are not able to get into a career right off of their bachelor’s degree, but they do know that they are able to create a plan to be career ready and have a successful path.•

Photos couresty of Unsplash

Students Desperate for Housing

Turned Away From Residence Halls Due to Maxed Capacity

For students looking at which colleges they would like to attend, one thing that they look at is housing. From which dorm, room type and who to room with, new and returning students rely on housing to be able to attend the school of their choosing.

Students at FGCU are currently faced with limited housing leading up to the fall 2023 semester.

When it comes to returning students searching for housing on campus, the application opened last November and the process closed in February.

Charlie Braun, the director of assignments and billing for housing, gave insight to this issue.

"Where you may be hearing a waiting list out in the universe right now, is related to the current students, our returning applicants,” Braun said. “They don’t get to select from the entire inventory that we have on campus. We have close to 5,000 beds, and some of those are reserved for incoming first-year students.”

Palmetto Hall, Everglades Hall, Biscayne Hall and Eagle Hall in South Village are residence halls designated for freshmen. Currently for new applicants, or students who have not lived on campus the previous semester, currently there is no waitlist.

Braun and colleagues have seen an increase in anxiety surrounding whether or not students are going to be able to afford to live on campus due to the rental climate in Fort Myers.

“We have certainly seen high demand, but it's impossible to predict how that will all play out. I think that COVID and the hurricane are proof of that,” Braun said. “We do have a waiting list every year, that’s not unusual to us, but I do believe perception of the waiting list has shifted based on their experience in the last couple of years.”

Housing on campus currently ranges from $3,078 to $3,398 per semester.

If returning students were placed on the waitlist for housing it is encouraged to look for options and to have more than one plan. For returning students who applied after the deadline, they are not turned away but instead placed on the waiting list.

“If they are on the waiting list and don’t get housing, it is because they didn’t participate in the process like they were supposed to,” Braun said.

Housing is no longer accepting applications from returning students who wish to live on campus.

There are three off-campus options for student housing. University Village, The Reef and Coastal Village are communities advertised for student living arrangements.

Incoming transfer student, Jessica Rockey, is one of the students struggling to find housing this year. When Rockey toured campus in March, she knew FGCU was the school she wanted to go to. Right after making her decision, Rockey was immediately told to apply and pay for housing, or she wouldn’t find housing for the fall semester.

“I was really glad in my decision for FGCU, but it has been a huge stressor,” Rockey said. “I ended up finding a room at Coastal Village, but that was super stressful because when I was signing the documents, they were telling me I had to sign it by the end of the day because they couldn’t guarantee my housing since they were out of space. It's scary because even though you are signing a lease agreement and you think you are all set; you could find out you didn’t have a spot.”

On Facebook, there are many groups that students can join to find roommates and housing options, such as FGCU Roommates and FGCU Subleases and Roommates. One common thread of these groups is students writing that they are in urgent need of housing for the upcoming semester or that they are looking to sublease their room.

For students still looking for housing, these are groups to join to find subleases at these student housing communities or other housing options.•

Alex McNamee, Contributing Writer

Housing on campus currently ranges from $3,078 - $3,398 per semester

Photos by Adriana Hall

“I was really glad in my decision for FGCU, but it has been a huge stressor”

-Jessica Rockey

25th Presidential Ticket Retires: Brannigan

and Varnadore’s Lasting Mark on FGCU

Abigail Muth, Staff Writer

Former Student Body President Grace Brannigan nor former Student Body Vice President Tyler Varnadore came to FGCU with the intention of running for the Student Government presidential ticket, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t work in these roles as if they were meant for it.

When Brannigan first got involved in Student Government, she did not know what the experience would hold, but a lot happened between being a senator and becoming student body president.

After being a senator as a sophomore and getting appointed into the appropriations chair position going into the summer before her junior year, Brannigan had the opportunity to run for senate president in the fall of her junior year. When asking for advice from former Student Body President Alyssa Fleischer about going for this position, Fleischer asked Brannigan if she could see herself going for student body president in the future.

“Sitting there in her office I realized yes, I did. I did want to be the student body president and I felt that in the time I had been in Student Government, and the things that I was watching happen, and the things that were already starting to sort of form on the horizon, I had realized that that was what I wanted to do,” Brannigan said.

Varnadore had a similar experience when working his way up into a presidential ticket. He started as a senator, later becoming the treasurer on the executive cabinet, before being approached by Brannigan regarding running for vice president.

“Vice president, to me, did not really become something I thought I was capable of. Not so much that I couldn't do it. It was more so that I didn't think anybody would see that in me,” Varnadore said.

When first running for Student Government, it was a time of heavy involvement and there was a waitlist for Varnadore to get a seat in the Senate. He knew it would further himself and his ability to help other students at FGCU, which is why he first decided to run.

“But when I came here, I realized I wanted to make my mark at this institution in a way that I felt would not only help others, but also allow me to have personal growth,” Varnadore said.

Brannigan and Varnadore had been in Student Government together before running as a presidential ticket. Brannigan asked someone else to run with her first, but they had declined. Varnadore had been approached by another presidential candidate to run as their vice president, but thought Brannigan

had the presidential outlook necessary to lead the student body.

“I would say that Grace's outlook on solving issues, Grace's ability to assess problems and being assertive and taking care of them, was one thing that really drew me towards her and she had also had outstanding success as senate president,” Varnadore said.

Brannigan understood the necessary qualities she needed to look for when recruiting a vice president, and knew that Varnadore possessed those qualities.

“He has every quality I don't have and that was what was attractive to me about him. He's organized, he's perceptive and he's thoughtful in a way that sometimes I'm not. He thinks a lot before he speaks. And he's likable, right? He's pleasant to be around,” Brannigan said.

Brannigan and Varnadore had several unforeseen circumstances this year that they didn’t need to take responsibility for, but chose to for the good of FGCU’s student body. One of these circumstances was surrounding Hurricane Ian hitting Southwest Florida.

Brannigan made the decision not to evacuate her home and shelter elsewhere, but rather to stay with the students and assist in Alico Arena. During her time there, she had a student come to her and say “I feel better knowing you’re here,” which made her realize she had made the right decision.

“I found that choice and the things that I got to do and the things that I did afterwards to be the most rewarding,” she said.

Each year, FGCU students take a trip to Florida’s capitol in order to advocate for their campus and fellow students. This event is typically headed by the director of government relations, but this position has been vacant this year. Varnadore took it upon himself to do the behind-the-scenes work for this event, knowing how important it is for students.

“That was where I stepped up and I really did go above and beyond but it's because FGCU Day was a very impactful moment for me as an individual, who at the time, wasn't sure what his future was going to be in this organization,” Varnadore said.

FGCU’s 25th presidential ticket worked hard for the student body. However, former President Brannigan and former Vice President Varnadore are ready to retire. It’s been a hard year for FGCU as a whole, and they carried the weight of a lot of decisions made in order to support their colleagues and constituents.•

Photos by Jessica Piland

“But when I came here, I realized I wanted to make my mark at this institution in a way that I felt would not only help others, but also allow me to have personal growth,”

- Tyler Varnadore

Team Chemistry and OnField Success Carries FGCU Baseball Through a Historic Season

Nick Asselin, Sports Editor

First, there was the term “Dunk City” for men’s basketball, but now the FGCU Baseball team is making a name of its own: “Rake City.” Being ranked 15th overall in the nation, the team is having one of its most historic seasons.

Through their first 33 games, the Eagles hold a 26-7 record. The Eagles started the season 9-1, which set their best start in program history. On offense and defense, the Eagles have excelled. The overall energy the team brings to each game plays a factor in that, according to senior Joe Kinker.

“We say it every game, ‘energy wins ball games at the college level,’” Kinker said. “We try to keep the energy high and the vibes good.”

As of the games played through April 10, the Eagles rank in the top 5 of the nation for hits, home runs and batting average. Kinker says the team’s ability to combine their strong offense with improved pitching and defense has allowed them to win games.

“We’re doing a great job this year of pitching and playing defense behind our pitching,” Kinker said. “That was kind of the missing ingredient that we’ve lacked in years past and I think our defense and pitching is really what’s picked it up this year.”

Freshman pitcher Justin Henschel has

been a consistent pitcher for the Eagles this season. Recording a 3.71 ERA over 34.0 innings pitched, Henschel has leaned on some of the veteran players to learn everything he possibly can.

“The veteran guys have been great help to me,” Henschel said. “I’ve learned so much from them. Coming into the fall, I kind of didn’t know what college baseball was like and just talking to them and being such great teammates and very good friends. They really taught me a lot.”

This level of team chemistry has been apparent all season, so much so that multiple team members decided to bleach their hair. Henschel claims sophomore Edrick Felix was the firestarter of the trend.

“Jake Mummau has always bleached his hair, and then we saw Edrick do it one day. I guess you’d call him the fire-starter,” Henschel said. “Everybody started doing it after him, and it just helps the team chemistry because everybody can kind of laugh together and not make fun of it.”

The team hasn’t just celebrated their wins, but they’ve also celebrated records set along the way. On March 7, Kinker became the all-time home run leader at FGCU when he hit a two-run homer for his 47th home run of his FGCU career. Kinker says it’s great to be recognized amongst many of the great players that have played at FGCU.

“It’s a great feeling to hold that title,” Kinker said. “I’ve definitely worked hard to earn it. It’s cool to leave your mark on a program and it’s a good one to have. There’s a lot of great guys that have played here.”

On April 11, redshirt senior Brian Ellis walked his way into the NCAA record books as he set the new national record for the most consecutive games reaching base safely when he was walked during his 1st inning at bat.

Dating back to April 2021, whether it was by getting a hit, walk or hit by pitch, Ellis has reached base in 102 consecutive games. Thinking back two years ago, Ellis says breaking this record never crossed his mind but that winning a championship is at the top of his list.

“Having the record now is a great feeling, and hopefully my teammates can join me on the record too,” Ellis said. “It’s a great feeling to have an individual record but right now we are focused on winning a championship.”

Heading into their final stretch of ASUN conference games, the Eagles hold the top spot in the conference over Jacksonville State. The Eagles are fighting for their first ASUN championship since 2017 and their second in program history.•

Brian Ellis (13) holds up first base after reaching base for the 102nd consecutive game. Ellis is now the national record holder for consecutive games on base.

Pictured above: Joe Kinker (44)

A YEAR IN PHOTOS AT FGCU BAILANDO

Graphics by Gabriella Lopez

Photos by Jessica Piland

A Quest for a Greener Campus

Dr. Ankit Singh is a professor at The Water School and teaches environmental philosophy. He asked his class to submit letters to the editor regarding steps FGCU can take to become more environmentally cautious and sustainable.

“The cornerstone of my environmental philosophy class was to allow for engagement in environmental debate through varied perspectives. Only when we appreciate and acknowledge the other side do we begin to form a pathway to a more sustainable solution.” -Dr. Ankit Singh

Dear Editor, FGCU is known for its waterfront location, 400 acres of preserved land, 15 acre solar energy field and the Food Forest, but just how environmentally friendly is FGCU?

Most FGCU students are commonly found in campus restaurants working on assignments or collaborating with peers. However, for being a sustainable campus, there is a large amount of non-recyclable waste associated with frequent on-campus dining. While there are many positive environmental aspects of campus which could be considered “sustainable,” there are some areas which could be easily improved.

For example, Chick-fil-A utilizes styrofoam cups, The Marketplace packages their snacks with single-use plastics and plastic silverware can be found at each oncampus dining location.

Plastics that are recyclable are often not recycled properly. This is not intentional either— there is no denying that discerning which plastic items from your lunch are recyclable can be confusing. For this reason, FGCU has taken the liberty of displaying infographics above some of the recycling bins in academic buildings to clear up this confusion. Despite this effort, many of these infographics require updating or are faded beyond readability.

However, there are many below-surface happenings on campus that may cause students and staff to question the sustainability level of FGCU, this campus has taken many strides to be environmentally conscious. Einstein Bagel Bros offer biodegradable straws, metal silverware is provided in the SoVi Dining, compost containers for straws can be found in the Cohen Student Union and light switch stickers remind students to turn off lights in on-campus dormitories.

So is FGCU a sustainable campus? If you feel we can do better, jump in and help out!

Thank you, Sofia

Huber

Dear Editor,

As I sit in the newly constructed Water School that costs upwards of $58 million dollars, I consider FGCU’s identity of sustainability. FGCU claims to be one of the most sustainable campuses in Florida, and for this reason many people decide to come to this school, myself included. But how sustainable is FGCU truly?

FGCU was also built on hundreds of acres of wetlands. While some of this land is currently preserved, it is also infested with thousands of invasive species. These species include Melaleuca, or the Australian paper tree, that invades wetlands and is resistant to the natural wildfires that are necessary for this region’s vegetation. You can see this especially along Ben Hill Griffin Parkway where there has been a significant chunk of trees that have been removed exposing the rows upon rows of this invasive species. We preach about the importance of native species but continue to ignore the problem on our doorstep.

With all this being said, I do believe that FGCU is one of, if not the most sustainable, campuses in Florida. We do, however, practice sustainability within the curriculum as we currently teach every student about sustainably in some way, there are education programs in place such as the Panther Posse, as well as we have The Water School which focuses on environmental education. While these are great tools and practices, this does not mean that we could not improve.

Thank you, Henna

Gavem

Dear Editor,

There’s obvious hypocrisy behind a “sustainable” school which offers known major polluters such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts on campus. Starbucks alone uses “more than 8,000 paper cups a minute, which adds up to more than four billion a year. 1.6 million trees are harvested every year”, according to the Clean Water Action. The paper cups Starbucks uses are also lined with plastic, so they will not break down in the environment. Starbucks promised to utilize reusable cups in 2008, and as of today only sees 1.6% of sales in non-disposable containers. If a student doesn’t wish to support Starbucks, they can venture over to Dunkin’ Donuts, where by 2020 they switched from Styrofoam to-go cups for hot beverages to double-lined paper cups. This would be an environmental win, if they weren’t lined with polyethene, a plastic. Actions continue to show that these companies are more concerned with economic gain than environmental impact and their plastic use only scratches the surface of their negligence, so it’s difficult to understand why FGCU offers them on campus.

FGCU should be advocating for companies such as these to reflect on their environmental impacts, not supporting them. These companies continue to fail on promises to switch from single-use plastics which come with deforestation, pollution, and other ecological consequences. I come to you as a concerned student, who urges our school to think about finding other options for a student who just want a cup of coffee. I believe my fellow students and I would love to support a smaller name who is committed to the environment, just as many of us are, rather than a company like Starbucks or Dunkin’.

Thank you, Abigail

Blum

Graphics by Gabriella Lopez

Speaking Up and Protecting Student Survivors

Emma Diehl, Contributing Writer

Content Warning: this article addresses sexual assault

“He is innocent until proven guilty, but I am a liar until proven truthful.”

“My clothes do not determine my consent.”

“Today my professor told me every cell in our body is destroyed and replaced every seven years; how nice it will be to have a body that he never touched.”

These quotes, and thousands more like them, are from female survivors of sexual assault. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and it is time for members of the university community to stand up and join the fight against the campus sexual assault crisis, which sees one in every four women sexually assaulted during their time in undergraduate study.

26.4% of undergraduate females experience rape or sexual assault during their time in college, and 6.8% of males experience the same, according to RAINN. Five FGCU students reported sexual assault-related offenses last semester alone according to monthly university crime logs. This does not account for unreported activity.

Rape survivors are common, but rapists are not. Most college rapists are repeat offenders, committing an average of six assaults, according to Slate Magazine. And though a survivor might go through the entire process, from reporting to questioning to therapy, consulting a lawyer and more, less than 6% of rapists will spend a single minute in a jail cell.

“Why is it that every woman knows another woman who has been raped, but no man knows a rapist,” author and activist Sara Erdmann questioned.

Women who have been sexually assaulted are three times more likely to suffer from depression, four times more likely to contemplate suicide and six times more likely to have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), according to GoodTherapy.

Most times the mental health of a survivor is severely damaged after their traumatic event. The feelings

associated with reporting and going through a sexual assault trial (shame, sadness, anger, fear) all flow through the mind of the survivor in no set pattern, making it hard for them to live their daily life.

Based on my personal experience, as well as those who have been through similar circumstances, most of us suffer from some form of PTSD; some of us cannot go to campus alone, sleep alone or cannot be in a committed relationship because we fear being hurt again.

I know a girl who cannot even be hugged without wincing, one who cannot sleep without a friend talking to her until she passes out, and, in my case, I cannot sleep without being heavily medicated (which does not guarantee I will not still have night terrors). Being put through hell, and then living that hell on and off for years to come is something no survivor should have to endure. Yet, we do, since our universities and police forces cannot protect us from the actions of our peers, nor can they do an effective enough job in the aftermath.

“I hate getting flashbacks from things I don’t want to remember. PTSD from sexual assault is a double punishment. Your body was violated, then your mind will not let you forget,” a student, who wished to stay anonymous, said.

Based on these statistics, my personal testimony and more, I have decided to start a chapter of It’s On Us. It’s On Us is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sexual assault prevention and education at American universities. The purpose of this new FGCU chapter is to start an activist movement while also supporting survivors that attend school at FGCU. I am starting this chapter to unite my fellow survivors and even students who have not been through sexual assault, against the college rape crisis.

No one act is too small, and starting a chapter at FGCU is one step in a long fight to change the way we address the campus sexual assault crisis. •

If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual assault, call the national sexual assault hotline at 1-(800)-656-4673, or seek help from local professionals or even fellow survivors.

Be Aware of Your Stress

Delinah Rosario, Opinion Editor

Stress is a normal feeling, especially as a full-time college student. As someone with four or five classes and two or three jobs, you are bound to get overwhelmed. No one can blame you. Everyone handles it differently. Some people take breaths and keep moving, while others prioritize their self-care. Some get the help they need by relying on the people in their life to help. There is no right or wrong way to deal with the stressors of your life, but it is good to be aware of those triggers that stress you out. It’s just as important to notice when you are stressed.

How do you handle stress? I know for me going home after a long day, hopping in bed and turning on the TV is the way I let go. To most, that may seem like a normal activity, but for me, it’s my way to keep calm. I don’t always have the time or energy to de-stress the way I want by lighting candles or having a spa night, so taking the time to watch a movie or catch up on my comfort show brings me a peace of mind. I know I’m not the only one with a “comfort show.” Bundling up in my PJs and being wrapped up in my blanket is what I look forward to at the end of the day.

April is National Stress Awareness Month which was created to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress. There is not one definition for stress, but the most common explanation is physical, mental or emotional strain/tension. Not all stress is terrible, but long-term stress can have harmful impacts on physical and mental health. It’s important to recognize what stress and anxiety looks

like and to take the steps needed to build resilience and manage it. It’s also important to know where to go for help.

You can go to friends, family, mentors or even licensed professionals. FGCU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is just one great resource that university provides. Getting help isn’t a weakness. You don’t have to handle everything on your own. I am the type of person that usually likes to do just that. I try to fix all of my own problems and handle stress in my own way. The problem with that is that it may not always be the healthiest. Finding healthy ways to manage stress and being okay to go to others when it becomes too much is important.

Take a day to yourself, go out with your friends, read a book or go out to eat. Whatever clears your mind at the end of the day. Do what makes you happy. Life will always be busy. There will always be stressors whether big or small, but it’s how you handle them that matters. Try your best to see the little things that get you worked up. Find the moments when you feel overwhelmed. In doing so you will be able to figure out how to best manage the stressors before they become too much.

Being aware of your stress can help you better cope. Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels anxious or threatened. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope and get the proper care and support you need in order to help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms. Together let’s learn to overcome issues you can’t change. •

Graphics by Gabriella Lopez

A Quest for a Greener Campus

Dr. Ankit Singh is a professor at The Water School and teaches environmental philosophy. He asked his class to submit letters to the editor regarding steps FGCU can take to become more environmentally cautious and sustainable.

FGCU was named the top “green” school in Florida in 2020 and number 32 in the nation. Does reality reflect this statistic? There have been great endeavors accomplished across campus in recent years, such as six buildings becoming LEED certified, giving back through the food forest and educating members of Lee County and FGCU community about how they can lower their ecological footprint. I believe that even more can be done to increase the quality of life for FGCU students and help sustain the community.

The first issue that is of utmost importance is to take a closer look at potential microplastics in the ponds on campus. I monitored three retention ponds over the course of two weeks, one next to parking garage three, one next to Cohen Student Union and the other next to the library. Both the one next to the library and the one next to the student union had trash in them including plastic bottles. Plastic remaining in the water for a long period of time leads to a bigger issue of microplastics, which is when plastic breaks down into smaller pieces of plastic that is invisible to the human eye. Microplastics are toxic to fish and can cause tissue damage as well as immunerelated gene expression.

FGCU would be more sustainable is if there was a location on campus that students could shop for locally grown produce and sustainable grocery products. Many students who moved from out of the area do not have the knowledge of locally grown products. Alternatively, they may not have transportation or the finances. Providing an easily accessible location for students would allow them to use their Eagle/Flex dollars and would help give back to the community.

The final improvement that I believe would lead to a much more sustainable campus is more options for students who use personal transportation. Many students use skateboards or comparable methods of transportation to get around campus, but when it comes to inside the classroom it becomes awkward to store them. If there were skateboard racks inside of classrooms, then I believe it would encourage more students to use skateboards and similar methods.

“The cornerstone of my environmental philosophy class was to allow for engagement in environmental debate through varied perspectives. Only when we appreciate and acknowledge the other side do we begin to form a pathway to a more sustainable solution.” -Dr.

The Florida panther has come a long way since it was first put on the endangered species list in 1967. The population was once down to just 10 animals, mainly because of overhunting and habitat loss and fragmentation. With such a small population, there were a lot of problems with genetic defects and diseases due to inbreeding. As the population grew, genetic variation and survival rates began to improve. There are now more than 200 Florida panthers remaining, but they remain one of the most endangered large mammals in the world and their recovery is far from over.

Low genetic diversity is still a concern for the Florida panthers, but a larger threat is development and habitat loss and fragmentation. It has been estimated that around 1,000 people move to Florida every day, and as the population grows, more development booms disrupt panther habitats and corridors. Without enough space, it will be very difficult to continue increasing the panther population. Urbanization not only reduces the amount of land available for panther habitats, but it also separates populations with buildings and roads. Vehicles are the biggest killer of Florida panthers in which they resulted in 21 panther deaths just in 2021. Wildlife crossings or corridors are one way to combat the number of panthers being hit by cars. Wildlife corridors are bridges with underpasses so that wildlife has a way to cross major roads and highways without the threat of automobiles. This will not eliminate the problem, but it could reduce vehicle-related wildlife deaths.

With the presence of Florida panthers on campus, it is incredibly important that we drive slowly and carefully on FGCU grounds, especially at night. Make sure to look out for wildlife and pedestrians while driving and keep your car at the speed limit. Accidents can happen fast, and you may not see an animal on the side of the road until it runs out in front of you. If we all drive a little more cautiously, we can not only reduce vehicle-related wildlife kills but save some human lives as well.

Ankit Singh

I am writing in regard to FGCU’s required course, University Colloquium, and the ongoing discussion of removing it from the university’s curriculum. Colloquium has been around since FGCU opened in 1997 with the goal of introducing students to the concept of sustainability as it relates to ecological, social, historical, economic and ethical issues in our society. This course has played a significant role in the identity of the university, especially as it relates to the school’s dedication to sustainability and the environment. With the completion of the construction of The Water School, the clearing of twelve acres of wetlands in the southeast corner of campus and the rebranding of the school’s logo, it is clear that the university is going through changes, and it is unclear whether or not the Colloquium requirement will continue forward with these changes.

It appears that the student body is largely unsure where it stands on this issue. While I have spoken to some students who appear unphased or even happy that a course they viewed as a waste of time would no longer be required, other students appear to be outraged at the notion of getting rid of a class they thought to be integral to the development of a sustainable consciousness within them and their peers. In any case, it seems strange to me that a school with sustainability as one of the core values of its mission is considering removing a requirement for its flagship sustainability course.

If Colloquium will continue to stick around, it is clear that changes will have to be made. First, I would encourage students to take the course early on, allowing them to carry the perspectives they learn with them throughout the rest of their coursework. Instead of requiring faculty from all disciplines to teach the course, allow professors who are truly passionate about sustainability to teach it. It is my hope that implementing these changes will lead to a Colloquium course that has a real impact on students and the communities they venture off to.

Florida House Bill 999— Postsecondary Educational Institutions (HB 999)— is a controversial article of pending legislation in the Florida House of Representatives that has the potential to impact every public education institution in the state.

If passed, the bill would prohibit the expenditure of university funds on campus offices or student organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), give hiring authority to each Florida public university’s governorappointed Board of Trustees, and ban majors deemed by lawmakers as “woke.”

The bill would institute a system of review for tenured professors– a system that FGCU does not utilize.

HB 999 is endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis, whose office released a statement saying the bill is necessary to push back against “the tactics of liberal elites who suppress free thought in the name of identity politics and indoctrination.”

Although the wording of the bill leaves its full impact difficult to gauge, student leaders and faculty alike are concerned by the potential ramifications of the bill–with faculty primarily focusing on the proposed hiring authority of the Board of Trustees and student leaders worried about potential lack of funding for DEI-focused organizations on campus.

It is unclear in the wording of HB 999 how far the Board of Trustees’ power to hire would go, or what specific positions it would hire for. However, Dr. Landon Frim, an FGCU professor in the programs of philosophy and religious studies, believes that the proposed changes in hiring practices would lead to long term problems for the Florida State University System.

“It’s simply worsening the quality of higher education in Florida,” Frim said. “We’ll experience a serious brain drain, not just students but faculty draining out of Florida.”

Several student leaders find issues with HB 999’s proposed prohibition of student funds to campus offices or student organizations that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Andrea Toles, the president of the Black Student Alliance, says that the organization she runs may not be able to survive HB 999 intact.

“I’ll try my best to keep it afloat, but honestly it just won't be able to happen,” Toles said. “The big reliance on BSA is that we have school resources backing us up, no matter what we'll still be here because the school is able to provide us with money to fund it.

And if we don't have that there's just not a feasible way for students, black students on campus, to just

Photos by Jessica Piland

Florida House Bill 999:

What It is, What It Isn’t, and Its Potential Impact

at FGCU

Emma Rodriguez, Assistant Assignment & Features Editor and Eddie Stewart, Staff Writer

pay out of pocket to be a part of an organization that was supposed to be free.”

As for students studying majors that may be endangered by HB 999, like jewish studies, gender studies and critical theory, answers on their future are nowhere to be found. Governor DeSantis’ office has not answered questions regarding what will happen to students majoring in endangered subjects if the bill passes.

Kaylee Dombrowski, the co-chair of the FGCU branch of Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) and a junior minoring in gender studies and critical theory, calls the proposed legislation a “monstrous and barbarous attack on Florida education by legislators.”

An additional qualm that FGCU student leaders have with the bill is where money taken away from student groups and organizations may be going. Each Florida institution collects an activity and service fee, which for FGCU comes out to $11.50 per credit hour for each student. This money is allocated by FGCU’s student body senate, which creates the university’s budget for each fiscal year.

Currently, the senate allocates money to organizations that cannot be funded under HB 999. As the reallocation of funds currently given to organizations that promote DEI is left unstated by the bill, it’s up for speculation where the funds will return to, with student leaders predicting that those unusable funds will be pocketed by the university.

In a speech to students interested in learning more about the bill, former Student Body President Grace Brannigan explained that FGCU’s accreditation may even become at risk under HB 999.

“For us to give out degrees, we [FGCU] have to be accredited by a third-party board that’s able to verify that we meet the requirements to teach certain majors. Whatever the accreditor is, they have a diversity, equity and inclusion requirement. The NCAA also has a diversity, equity and inclusion requirement. The legislature and the governor's office have not produced an answer about what is going to happen to us should we not meet the requirements for our third party accreditors,” she said.

Brannigan added that while HB 999 attacks DEI, there is an exception for federal initiatives. One such federal initiative is the designation of “Hispanic-Serving Institution,” a title FGCU is currently working to achieve. Through this distinction, FGCU would be eligible to receive federal money in the form of grants.

HB 999 is not Governor DeSantis’ first attempt at keeping DEI out of Florida schools. Last year, he signed in HB 1557, known informally as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, restricting discussion of gender identity and sexuality for certain grades of primary school. Additionally, in January, the governor sent a survey to each state university, requesting the number and ages of students that sought gender-affirming healthcare. FGCU complied with the request.

Several FGCU student groups are making efforts to protest the bill. The FGCU student body senate passed a resolution last week to ask the FGCU Board of Trustees to not comply with the legislation, and the BSA hosted a protest on April 10 and sat in on the April 11 Board of Trustees meeting.

As Graduation Approaches, Students and Families Encounter Ticket Scams

Due to the capacity of the graduating class, FGCU is holding four graduation ceremonies to accommodate families, but some students and families feel this isn’t enough.

With spring 2023 commencement upon us, many students are excited to be able to walk the stage in a traditional ceremony. For some, this is a very momentous occasion since they graduated high school in spring 2020. Due to the uprising of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students did not get to attend a traditional high school commencement ceremony.

“At this time, FGCU is only able to offer four tickets per student due to the amount of graduates at each ceremony, and capacity limitations at Alico Arena (where the ceremonies are being held),” Coordinator of University Communications and Media Relations Pamela McCabe said.

Many students and parents, like Tammy W., have taken

to Facebook to try and find tickets available to purchase from others who do not need them. While it may seem like a good idea at first, there have been scams going around the “FGCU Graduation Tickets” Facebook group.

One individual posed as a student that was unable to attend graduation alongside their friends and had multiple tickets that would be for sale.

Desperate for tickets, some parents went through with the deal, later finding out after they sent the payment, the account would stop responding.

“When the person [direct messaged] me and not any of the other 100 or so people that were needing tickets, it was my first red flag,” Tammy said. “They wouldn’t let me pay [PayPal] friends and family to avoid fees and were very persistent about paying now.”

Tammy soon saw others were experiencing the same problems with that account and knew she made the right choice to trust her instincts and not purchase tickets.

Graphic by Gabriella Lopez

Gracie Burgess, Staff Writer

“The university does not sell guest tickets for commencement, and those attempting to purchase tickets online should be wary of scams and the potential of fake tickets,” McCabe said. “Each commencement ticket comes with a unique barcode. This means duplicate tickets will not be accepted. Once a ticket is scanned, a duplicate ticket will not be accepted, and people will be turned away at the door.”

Heather Borrelli is a FGCU alum who had a very similar challenge when she graduated from FGCU in 2016.

“It only impacted me because I had to consider who I invited,” Borrelli said. “Just family, no friends.”

However, when Borrelli graduated, she was given six tickets, unlike the spring 2023 graduates who are getting four.

Tammy and Borrelli both agree that there needs to be a solution to this yearly, ongoing problem.

Alico Arena has a capacity of 4,633, making it a smaller

arena in comparison to the growing student body on FGCU’s campus of 15,971 in the fall of 2021.

“They are having growing pains for sure,” Tammy said. “From housing, to classes, to parking, it is a problem for them.”

While four tickets to graduation may not be enough for many students, there are going to be more tickets released the week of April 24. There is no guarantee for all students to get the number of tickets they desire, but there is a chance to get more tickets.

“Please note that each ceremony will be streamed live,” McCabe said. “The link will be published on the FGCU commencement website prior to each ceremony, but not until the day of the event. The ceremony will also be broadcast live in the Cohen Student Union, room 214, where chairs will be set up for viewers.”

Students and parents are advised to remain cautious and not purchase tickets offline from other students or parents who seem to be selling tickets.

By Alexandra Porter

Our Mission

Eagle News, the official student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997, represents the diverse voices on campus with fairness. We select content for our publication and our website that is relevant to the student body, faculty and staff.

Members are committed to reporting the news with accuracy and truth. Our purpose is to encourage conversations about issues that concern the on-campus community.

Eagle News views every culture with equal respect and believes every person must be treated with dignity.

Graphics by Gabriella Lopez