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Executive Editor ............ Nathan Wilson Eagle News Editor......... Samantha Roesler Assignment & Feature Editor........ Assistent AF Editor ...................... Beat Reporter ................................ News Clerk ............................ Opinion Edditor .................... Sports Editor .......................... Assistant Sports Editor ................. Photo Editor ............................ Assistant Photo Editor ............... Graphics Editor ....................... Senior Copy Editor...............................
Director ...................... Samantha Romero Assistant Director ............. Head Video Editor .............
Station Manager ............. Lauren Shanley Programming Director ....
INDEX
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
News .................... 3A-12A Sports ................ 1B-3B Eagle Radio ........ 4bB-5B Opinion ................ 6B-12B
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Our Mission
Eagle News, the offical 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 relevent to the student body, faculty, and staff. Members are commited to reporting the 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 resoect and believes every person must be treated with dignity.
NEWS Letter From the Excutive Editor
Photo By: Josh Brusseau Nathan Wilson Executive Editor Throughout these past few months, Eagle Media has undergone many exciting changes. Our hardworking staff has worked tirelessly to bring coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, national protests, and other historic events to our fellow FGCU students – all while reformatting our physical newspaper and hiring new a new executive
board, section editors, and staff members. As the new Executive Editor of Eagle Media, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a phenomenal team. Throughout 2020, one word has remained relevant when I think of how my peers throughout FGCU have persevered throughout these unprecedented times: Strength. True strength can lie within each of us,
but we do not know the real capacity until tested. Strength is defined as “the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure”. We are experiencing great forces all around us, challenging us to adapt to new changes and think differently. The constant social pressures regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, and general discomfort within the world
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may feel overwhelming at times, but our resounding strength holds us together. Throughout 2020, we have witnessed examples of strength and selflessness across the nation – in protestors, activists, essential workers, doctors, nurses, and anyone else who has selflessly worked to better society. Strength is earned, not given, and each of us has the potential to be strong. We must expect that our current situation as a nation may become more complicated, but “strength grows in the moments you think you can’t go on, but you keep going anyway”. It is time that we, as a university and community, band together to support those who have been especially impacted during these trying times. Real strength is shown when we sacrifice our needs and wants for the greater good, and are willing to put our differences aside to solve a common problem - and I know as Eagles, we are strong.
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NEWS
The Generation of Change: FGCU’s Response to the BLM Movement
FGCU students pass Lutgert Hall during a Black Lives Matter march. The demonstration, comprised of approximately 150 students, began at Miromar Outlets and ended on the Library Lawn.
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Nina Mendes Staff Writer The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked racial injustice outrage across the nation. Since late May, numerous peaceful demonstrations that stand in solidarity
with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement have taken place throughout the United States. As BLM remains a trending topic within media outlets, gatherings have escalated to a global scale. A student-led protest was organized on Thursday, June 11,
where participants began at Miromar Outlets and ended on FGCU’s campus. President Martin briefly commented on diversity and inclusion at FGCU in his June 28 Coronavirus Update Video. “Our continual commitment is to be a university that embrac-
es diversity, embraces inclusion, and is here to make this a safe, engaged, collegial place for everyone,” said Martin. “Wherever you come from, whoever you are, whatever your ethnicity or race… [FGCU] is a place for you.” With FGCU’s student body being
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NEWS over 63% white, student organizations have begun planning how they will promote racial inclusivity among everyone this upcoming semester. Student Government President Jacob Goldman said a committee was recently created to advocate for change, which he hopes will leave an impact on our community. “We have had Student Government members attend a variety of events and conversations about minority representation that have been hosted by different student groups and campus departments,” said Goldman. Although Student Government did not play a role in organizing the student-led protest, Goldman said they fully support the event and the awareness it brought to the BLM movement. Goldman attended the protest with Student Government Vice President, Alyssa Fleischer. Another student organization that supported the march on campus is the Multicultural Leadership Development Center (MLD). Leadership Development Coordinator, Travell Oakes, is personally impacted by today’s racial climate. “As an African American male living in America, I have to learn how to cautious-
ly navigate today’s society while others have the privilege to live in this world,” said Oakes. “We must increase the awareness of these inequalities through educating individuals about the BLM movement.” Oakes also said the resources the MLD Center provides have always been there for students and are not a direct response to the BLM movement. Some of those resources include increasing awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural differences. According to Oakes, multiple professors have reached out to the MLD Center, asking for help to promote racial inclusivity within their classroom. “[Staff] have to view the students holistically, and not just one of the several
identities they hold in order to help them succeed through college,” said Oakes. “In the MLD Center, we are committed to empowering our student leaders while embracing diversity.” Goldman also commented on diversity within the classroom. While he believes many FGCU professors have a progressive mindset, Goldman said there is always room for improvement. “I will be having conversations with faculty to determine ways that we can continue to grow and enhance our educational experience and increase our racial inclusivity within classrooms,” said Goldman. Both organizations agreed that keeping students engaged in discussions during the summer break will
help gain traction for this upcoming fall. The MLD Center hosted a Juneteenth Celebration in commemoration of freedom for African-American slaves across America. Viewers experienced music, spoken word, art, and cultural foods through a virtual platform. The conversation of BLM is just beginning, according to Oakes. “With the momentum built from the BLM movement, we will continue to educate others on their social responsibilities toward their communities and beyond,” said Oakes. “I believe we still have a long way to go, but it is important to acknowledge the small gains during this movement.”
FGCU diversity report taken from College Factual
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NEWS
FGCU gets granted $15 million for the Water School
FGCU’s Water School began construction on earlier this year, after a groundbreaking ceremony featuring university administrators, benefactors, and professors. Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Nathan Wilson Executive Editor
addition: The Water School.
Recent approval from Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has provided Florida Gulf Coast University with the necessary funds to move forward with its latest campus
On June 29, DeSantis granted the university’s full appropriations request of nearly $15 million dollars. The total budget is $57.9 million dollars. DeSantis has expressed
interest in prioritizing his administration’s environmental agenda beginning with his appointment of FGCU’s Dr. Mark Parsons to the state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force in 2019. The 117,000 square-foot, four-sto-
ry Water School will be FGCU’s largest academic building, and will include modernized classrooms and laboratories. According to FGCU’s website, The Water School will feature state-of-
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NEWS the-art research and learning facilities where students receive the professional preparation they need to tackle real-world problems as they partner with local organizations including Naples Botanical Garden and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
equipment for students to use as part of their education and training. The new facility and the new faculty we continue to hire will also provide additional research opportunities for students to better serve them for life after FGCU.”
to showcase the contributions it has provided Southwest Florida, and our state legislators see the passion and dedication that comes from our very own students,” FGCU student and government relations intern Jason Orellana said. “With the funding that we graciously FGCU students have received from the state, we “We are very excitspent months contacting will be able to lead research ed about the new building local legislative members re- in water quality and tackle that will house the home of garding the project, including environmental issues unique The Water School at Floritraveling to Tallahassee to to Florida.” da Gulf Coast University,” lobby for government fundsaid Water School director ing to be budgeted toward The Water School will Dr. Greg Tolley. “This new environmental funding. be located next to Parking facility will create much Garage 1 and is expected to needed additional classroom “At FGCU Day at the open in fall of 2021. space for FGCU students and Capitol, our university has will feature state-of-the-art had an amazing opportunity
Dr. Tom Frazer (right) leads the fifth Blue-Green Algae Task Force Meeting alongside Dr. Mark Parsons (left). The meeting was held at FGCU’s Kapnick Center in Naples, Florida. Photo By: Julia Bonavita
NEWS
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FGCU Student Government weighs in on international student deportation
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Julia Bonavita Staff Writer / Photo Editor A controversial decision from the Trump administration regarding the status of international college students throughout the United States sent shockwaves through higher education. The policy stating that international students enrolled in universities offering only online courses as
a result of COVID-19 will no longer be permitted to reside in the United States was rescinded on Tuesday, July 14. The decision is a relief for over one million international students throughout the United States, including FGCU’s 117 international students. FGCU’s student government released a statement regarding the decision through social media on Wednesday, July 8.
“In the event that these guidelines change and Florida Gulf Coast University is required to transition to complete remote learning for the fall semester, Student Government will advocate and pursue any option to protect our international eagles,” Goldman said. To showcase unity with the executive branch of student government, campus senators released a
similar resolution on Monday, July 20. “When that right to intellectual access, and intellectual creative freedom is threatened, we have a responsibility as student leaders to fight against that, and to stand up for our fellow Eagles and make sure that their voices are being heard,” said Student Senate President Carson Brown. The senate legislation, titled “On
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NEWS Standing in Solidarity with International Students”, addresses the decision from the Trump administration, and states “Therefore: Although the announcement has since been rescinded, the Senate pledges to fearlessly fight for the protection of, and to exercise compassion towards, nonimmigrant students at our institution; we pledge to advocate for international students as they seek to secure their unimpeachable right to live, study, and learn in the harbor of educational independence that is the United States”. Although the statement from the legislative branch came after the decision was rolled back, senators believe that its message is still imperative. “After the announcement had been rescinded, senators did raise questions about that,” said Brown. “The sponsors, Senators Bradley and Kessler, went back and made a very minor amendment that was passed by the senate unanimously and incorporated into the final text, which is the second-to-last clause that talks about ‘although the announcement has since been rescinded.’ That was the only thing that was changed, the rest of the wording still remained the same, because
whether or not [the order] had been rescinded or the wording had still been there, the sentiment remains the same.” The resolution was delayed due to procedural rules that require resolutions be sent through a first and second reading before it is voted upon within the senate. The first reading took place on Tuesday, July 14, and the second was during an emergency meeting, where senators voted to change the legislative process in order to pass the particular resolution, on Wednesday, July 15. According to US District Judge Allison Burroughs, the Trump administration is expected to return to a policy released in March that provides international students with various options if their campus has moved to online instruction due to the coronavirus. “This resolution is giving them a notice that the school is proud and happy to have international students continuing their studies and doing everything to fulfill their dreams,” said Student Government Legislative Chair Jocelyn Corcuera. the-art research and learning facilities where students receive the professional preparation they need to tackle
real-world problems as they partner with local organizations including Naples Botanical Garden and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “We are very excited about the new building that will house the home of The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University,” said Water School director Dr. Greg Tolley. “This new facility will create much needed additional classroom space for FGCU students and will feature stateof-the-art equipment for students to use as part of their education and training. The new facility and the new faculty we continue to hire will also provide additional research opportunities for students to better serve them for life after FGCU.” FGCU students have spent months contacting local legislative members
regarding the project, including traveling to Tallahassee to lobby for government funding to be budgeted toward environmental funding. “At FGCU Day at the Capitol, our university has had an amazing opportunity to showcase the contributions it has provided Southwest Florida, and our state legislators see the passion and dedication that comes from our very own students,” FGCU student and government relations intern Jason Orellana said. “With the funding that we graciously received from the state, we will be able to lead research in water quality and tackle environmental issues unique to Florida.” The Water School will be located next to Parking Garage 1 and is expected to open in fall of 2021.
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
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NEWS
Potential for an Election Week looms as states struggle with Vote-By-Mail
Grapics By: Julia Bonavita
Julia Bonavita Staff Writer / Photo Editor As Americans enter potentially the most divisive presidential election in modern history, experts are bracing for the possibility of an “Election Week” due to an influx in vote-by-mail ballots. Primary elections in Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania have provided a glimpse of what may be in store for voters on Tuesday, November 3: Election results that take days – or even weeks – to
be counted. The potential delay in results is one of many changes tied to the Covid-19 pandemic, due to a rise in demand for voteby-mail ballots stemming from fears of physically going to the polls. Lee County has already seen record numbers of requests for mail-in ballots in anticipation for the upcoming election. In response to the heightened demand for vote-by-mail ballots, many election supervisors have requested additional supplies to ensure that no vote will go
uncounted. “I’ve already took deliveries of 500,000 envelopes in preparation of a high increase in voteby-mail,” said Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle. Florida is one of 28 states that does not automatically send each registered voter a mail-in ballot, or requires a documented reason to vote absentee. “It’s likely that many states will be counting ballots past election day, which could affect the presidential election if it is close,” said FGCU
Political Science professor, Dr. Joseph Ross. “In recent elections, mail ballots have been slightly more likely to favor Democrats; I expect that difference to increase this year, as Democrats are focused on registering voters to vote by mail while Republicans have cast doubt on the reliability of mail ballots.” Mail ballots tend to take longer to tabulate than those cast in person, resulting in a lengthy process of opening envelopes, counting votes, and verifying signatures. According to state law, elections
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NEWS offices within Florida are permitted to begin verifying signatures 22 days before Election Day. However, in an Executive Order released by Governor Ron DeSantis on March 9, County Canvassing Boards are not required to adhere to the 22-day requirement, and may begin counting mail-in votes upon completion of the Logic and Accuracy Testing of Tabulation Machines/Equipment. Many states – including key battlegrounds Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania – do not allow counties to begin counting ballots until Election Day, resulting in a potential for delayed final numbers. Election officials are working to ease those mandates in states where early tabulations are not permitted, in anticipation for a record-number of vote-by-mail ballots. “There’s a trade-off to having mail ballots returned earlier. If a state requires only that the ballots be received by Election Day, they can start counting them earlier, but people have to mail their ballots earlier,” said Ross. “States will take longer to report results if a ballot only needs to be mailed by Election Day, but that makes it easier for people to vote. Something else that could delay the counting of mail ballots is the certification of signatures that has to happen for each ballot to be accepted.” President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of mail-in ballots, and a longer processing period may fuel the idea that the process is fraudulent. “There’s no real voter fraud. In everything we do there’s fraud, but there’s no evidence of massive fraud,” said Doyle. Trump, a resident of Palm Beach County, voted by mail in March, but Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link expects him to vote in-person when he casts his
ballot for reelection. A delay in results could open the system up to conspiracies and criticism, but a longer waiting period signifies that the process is secure. Each mail-in ballot must be verified and counted - and if there is a question of voter intent, it is sent to the county’s canvassing board for review. “It is possible that we could see states report Election Day returns favoring Republicans, while mail ballots sufficient for Democrats to pull ahead take a few days to count. That could be a major problem if Republicans, particularly those in the Trump campaign, try to discredit these ballots,” said Ross. However, some voters do not mind waiting days – or even weeks – to receive the results, as long as their vote is counted and the numbers are accurate. “To me personally, it does not really matter when the results are
FGCU STUDENTS HAIRCUT DISCOUNT
released. I will cast my vote and that’s all I can do. With the threat of coronavirus everywhere, many voters that are immunocompromised or elderly will not come out to vote. Yes, they can mail in their vote, but many people still may not do that,” said FGCU senior Jessica Gardy. While states continue to see an increase of Covid-19, Americans should expect a new experience at the polls in November – the latest of many changes that has impacted the country since the pandemic began. “Our democracy is founded on this,” said Link. “So, I would fear that if we can’t get the younger folks to make this a way of life for themselves, where they believe that voting is not something worth their time, that but it’s got to be important enough for them to make the ballot box where you make those decisions and where you make those peaceful changes.”
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NEWS
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Sports
Defending NBA champs enter Dunk City to prepare for season
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
SPORTS
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Defending NBA champs enter Dunk City to prepare for season
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Julia Bonavita Staff Writer / Photo Editor
restrictions between the United States and Canada, and instead arrived in Fort My Alico Arena, ers on Wednesday, FGCU’s primary June 24 to begin the athletics complex, first phase of their spent the summer return to the league’s housing a temporary, season. A travel high-profile guest: party of 37 people, The Toronto Raptors. comprised of 15 to The defend17 players, touched ing NBA champions down in Lee County opted not to return with plans to utilize to their home marFGCU’s basketball ket due to border facilities.
“Really nothing out of the ordinary was done in advance aside from the normal court prep that would happen for any basketball related event,” said John Sinnett, assistant athletic director for athletics communications at FGCU. “Alico Arena has been closed down for several months to the public, and a
very small amount of student-athletes have been in the area since school transitioned to remote classes. Our Facilities and Operations department coordinated with the Raptors on logistics, but really that was all confined to the courts and how the team would enter [and] exit the building.”
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SPORTS The team was diligent in protecting themselves against the coronavirus while in Alico Arena. “From media reports, they did COVID-19 testing either daily or every other day. They participated in small workout sessions that were mainly geared towards a small number of players and coaches rotating through the gym during the day and working out at individual baskets - in other words, they did not do full team practices,” said Sinnett. “Between groups of players/ coaches, they had a cleaning company sanitize the rims,
backboards, floor, seats to prepare for the next group. They also utilized the campus rec facility and a local high school to spread out their players when needed.” The Raptors have a few surprising ties to FGCU, including head coach Nick Nurse’s wife and former FGCU volleyball player, Roberta Santos, and former assistant strength and conditioning coach for basketball, Travis Wallace, who also worked as the personal strength coach for the Raptors’ Kyle Lowry. The $30,000 rental agreement did not permit spectators
and media inside the facilities, but their arrival was confirmed by observant fans spotting FGCU’s logo and the familiar interior of Alico Arena in the background of photos posted on the Raptors’ official Instagram. The practices also served as an operational blueprint for FGCU Athletics regarding hosting sporting events in the midst of a global pandemic. According to the NBA, the team remained in Dunk City until early July, then traveled to Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and entered the COVID-
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19-free “bubble”. Players were given a 100-page document from the NBA, outlining precautions regarding coronavirus testing and quarantine requirements. The Toronto Raptors are now participating in a training camp along with 21 other NBA teams before resuming season games and the playoffs.
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Eagle Radio
Eagle Radio presents Bird Nest, a new student podcast that discusses what's going on in our society and culture! The first episode of the podcast offers FGCU’s University Police Departments Chief Steven Moore's opinion on the recent protest for the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as discussions
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about how UPD has been involved in a student-led protest at FGCU. It is Bird Nests’ goal to discuss what is going on in society and to feature different perspectives from the FGCU community and unique experiences. Please visit Eaglenews.org to listen to your school’s podcast!
Eagle Radio
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Being an incoming freshman in the times of COVID Page10B
Opinion Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Should FGCU require face masks without a statewide mandate? Page 8B Photo By: Julia Bonavita
Should COVID-19 impact the cost of tuition?
Sabrina Salovitz Staff Writer
Florida Gulf Coast University’s fall semester will be kicking off in just a few short weeks, marking the beginning of what promises to be an unusual year for students and staff alike. FGCU is one of the many universities that are choosing to open their doors come August, despite the recent spike in Coronavirus cases in Florida and across the country. These institutions are choosing to address the health concerns associated with opening doors in the fall in a variety of ways. There will be increased sanitation, changes to housing pol-
Dressed in protective gear to combat COVID-19, shoppers stock up on essential groceries during Publix’s early morning senior hour at Grande Oaks Plaza. Photo by: Julia Bonavita
icies, and perhaps most significantly, a shift to online for many classes. “I’m glad that we’re not fully online like some universities,” said Izabela Lagocki, who will be returning as a sophomore in the fall. “I’m glad that professors
do have the choice to teach the class in-person if they want to; it kind of keeps some normalcy.” While FGCU will continue to offer classes on-campus, it has also converted many courses to online. “We will almost
certainly hybridize or hyper-hybridized many of the things we do by blending both in-class and remote delivery technology to offer coursework,” said President Mike Martin in a video update in late June.
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OPINION This shift to online schooling has many implications. Professors will have to adjust their curriculums to this new platform, and students will have to adapt to remote learning all over again, with many students deciding to commit entirely to online schooling. “As a student myself, as someone who wants to respect the health of those around me, I would not blame anyone who decides it’s best to not live on campus,” said FGCU junior and Resident Assistant Erica Fish. Across the country, many schools are feeling significant pressure on their finances due to the coronavirus, with many students choosing to take gap years or attend more affordable institutions. Nonetheless, it strikes many as unfair that students seem to be bearing much of the schools’ financial burdens. “We aren’t paying for an online education,” said Lagocki, who will be living on campus, but only taking one of her five courses in-person. “The majority of our classes are online; I think the price needs to change and it needs to reflect that.” FGCU claims that its main priority is delivering high-quality academic programs
while ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all, but there is no denying the inherent differences between an online class and an in-person one. “We’re not getting the same quality of education, no matter what the university claims,” said Lagocki “And I feel like the prices should kind of reflect some of the realities.” For students who do not intend to return to campus in the fall, there is the added factor of paying for a college experience that they will not be receiving. “I can confirm that for my residence hall… we are not going
to be reaching capacity,” said Fish. “I highly doubt it’s going to reach that number for spring.” While Fish says that Housing & Residence Life will be working hard to provide a positive experience for students who intend to live on campus, this will do little good for students who stay home. In the past, online schooling has been an option that is typically less expensive than attending traditional brick-and-mortar universities, as remote learning students do not have access to on-campus utilities like the library and computer labs; they are also not able to attend
on-campus events and participate in clubs. These are just some of the differences that are usually reflected in the cost of tuition, but not for FGCU’s remote learning students, who will be paying the regular price of tuition for the fall semester. “(Tuition price) should definitely be different, I find it incredibly ridiculous,” said Fish. “But of course (neither) the state nor university is going to change the amount of how much it costs because of how many students have disenrolled and are taking off for the semester or year. They don’t want to lose that money.”
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
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OPINION Should FGCU require face masks without a statewide mandate?
Photo By: Yaritza Rivero Allie Brown Staff Writer
weeks after the final approval, the university added that face coverings will be mandatory for all students, staff, and faculty while on campus.
FGCU’s proposal for reopening plans was approved by the State University System on Friday, June 26. Two
Although Florida has not implemented a statewide mandate regarding the usage of face coverings, many private businesses – including Publix, Home Depot, and Whole Foods – require patrons to wear masks. These policies have proved to be controver-
Despite an immense increase in COVID-19 cases, Florida colleges are moving forward with their plans to reopen for the upcoming fall term.
sial among Americans, with some arguing that such policies infringe on their First Amendment rights, while many believing that they are necessary to stop the spread of the virus. FGCU’s latest policy has created a divide among students. “With the rapidly increasing cases in Florida, it
OPINION should be clear that they [face masks] are necessary if we want any sense of community on campus,” said Abigail Bishop, an incoming freshman at FGCU. Florida has become to global epicenter for the coronavirus, with state totals reaching 360,394 on Monday, July 20, according to the Florida Department of Health. The coronavirus pandemic has forced FGCU students to realize that they will be subjected to a stark new reality upon returning to campus. “ It’s our responsibility to protect other people around us as well and although wearing a mask is a minor inconvenience, protecting our most vulnerable is key,” said Madison Franz, an incoming freshman at FGCU. “Facial coverings are not strictly for your own safety, but all those around you. Face masks reduce the spread of germs by trapping respiratory droplets that come out of the wearer’s mouth when they sneeze, cough, or speak.” Franz also notes the sense of community that wearing masks creates. “We cannot only affirm our university’s commitment to the community, but also demonstrate that we, both as students and as humans, are all in this together,” said Franz. FGCU’s reopening plan relies heavily on students doing their part to reduce the spread of the virus.
According to the CDC,
9B cloth face masks are best for the general public and to steer away from surgical masks and respirators, which should be reserved for health care workers. However, face masks are not substitutes for social distancing. Officials recommend that when wearing any type of facial covering, social distancing efforts are still maintained. Cloth masks will be provided to FGCU’s students, faculty, and staff, and are available for pickup during assigned times. Students are encouraged to check their university email to determine when they will be permitted to obtain their complimentary face mask.
Our return to campus may not be ideal, but by abiding by FGCU’s new policies, we can still have our school year back. It is necessary for everyone to have a mask on when in a public setting for everyone’s safety. It is imperative that we collectively act on preventive measures for everyone’s safety and as a way to support each other through the pandemic. It is together that we can make or break our community.
OPINION
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Being an incoming freshman in the times of COVID Allie Brown Staff Writer How do you remember your freshman year orientation? Did it include a campus-wide tour, being put in groups to socialize and play games with other incoming first-year students like you and staying in SOVI for a night? Like any other college freshman, I was required to attend Eagle View Orientation, to help me get better acquainted with FGCU. I was excited for the experience of getting to know the campus and meeting some of my peers. However, COVID-19 came along and swept it away. The first week of the semester is often full of stress and confusion for freshman as they are thrown into a completely new environment both academically and socially. Anxiety weighs on many freshman shoulders, but those few familiar faces from orientation can make that first week more bearable. With a virtual orientation I lost that opportunity due to the coronavirus. Unlike an in-person orientation, we didn’t have meals together, or time between each presentation resulting in a lack of time to just talk. Although we did
speak more in small groups, it was typically for a quick debrief on prior information. If you’re anything like me, you learn best through experience. As a person who struggles with verbal directions, I rely heavily on walking around new places to memorize my route. Also, I was excited to spend the night in a dorm because there are limited photos online of the dorms. I needed to be able to see the actual room, so I could visualize how I would set up my belongings when I moved in. Despite the lack of social time and not being on campus, there were some highlights over the two days. One of the best parts was everyone had the opportunity to meet with their advisor oneon-one. Over a few hours, the advisors had met with all students to create a schedule and answer any questions. It was great to have one-on-one time because they were able to listen to everyone’s individual needs. There were a variety of presentations to choose from that catered my interests. During these times, students were well-informed on important topics concerning financial aid, research, organization to join, study abroad and much more. It
personalized the experience and further informed students on the perks of attending FGCU. Overall, I felt well-informed about life on campus and the academics. Despite orientation being centered around freshmen, we were not the only people to miss out. The First Year Experience (FYE) team had lost out on this experience as well. After training to be orientation leaders and planning the event, the pandemic occurred and FYE was forced to quickly modify the orientation experience. Although some things may not have gone as planned, the team was enthu-
siastic and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each leader was enthusiastic through the whole event and constantly reassured their groups that they would find a home on campus. I must applaud the FGCU faculty and the First Year Experience team for the dedication they have towards their students during this time. It was with their positive energy that made orientation the success that it was. Although it was not ideal, I can say I am truly well-prepared for the school year to come and excited to be a part of the Eagle community.
Photo By: Julia Bonavita
OPINION
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Want a job in media? Eagle Media is looking for applicants for the 2020-21 school year. Contact: executive@eaglenews.org