Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York
Collegian cayugacollegian@gmail.com
VOL. 68 ISSUE 3 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
CAYUGABRIEFS
GET INVOLVED WITH CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
AUDITION NOW!!! Cayuga’s theater troupe, Harlequin Productions, has been given permission to stage a new production this fall. Theater Director Robert Frame says that there are roles for both male and female actors, as well as technicians. He encourages people to come audition at the Irene A. Bisgrove College Theatre on the Auburn campus. Auditions will be held on Monday, September 20 at 3 PM, and Tuesday, September 21 at 3:30 PM. Frame says students do not need any experience in theater to participate; no preparation for the audition is required. “Just come on in,” Frame said. For further information Contact: Bob Frame, ext. 2340, Rm. M-206A.
By Caitlyn Major, Editor-in-chief Getting involved in school activities is a great way to make the most of your college experience. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people and gain new experiences. Norman Lee will be sending out emails about cam-
Caitlyn Major EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MARK THE DATE TO VACCINATE BY SEPTEMBER 27 On-campus students have until Monday, September 27, to complete their mandated COVID-19 vaccination and submit that information to the College. To clarify, on-campus students who fail to meet these obligations, and have not been granted a medical or religious exemption, will be: • Restricted from campus; • Deregistered from their in-person classes; AND Held responsible for outstanding tuition and other fees. COVID-19 Testing Any student who accesses campus, regardless of the reason, will participate in COVID-19 testing. Vaccinated individuals are required to test every other week. Before September 27, unvaccinated individuals will test every week. If students are unsure of their testing requirements, please direct them to the testing site to talk with an employee. Vaccination Exemptions The deadline for students to request a medical or religious exemption was Friday, September 10. This was communicated to students ahead of the deadline. Any student who submitted a request before that date will receive a formal response from the College. New requests will no longer be considered. Possible Exceptions to Sept. 27 Deadline Consideration will be given to students who have received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine before Sept. 27 and intend to receive the second dose following that date. These instances will be evaluated on a caseby-case basis and students should be directed to follow up with Kathleen Chaykosky via email at kchaykos@cayuga-cc.edu.
CAYUGA BYTES
LIVE TO ZOOM TAPE RECORDINGS BEGIN AT 2:30 PM ON WEDNESDAYS The independent student media production called Cayuga Bytes is a fun way for student to share information creating watchable content shared on the Cayuga Bytes YouTube Channel. All students majoring in any area of study are invited to join the production. No experience necessary, you just have to be a Cayuga Community College student!
ZOOM ID NUMBER
899 6977 5480
Shawn Smith (left) and Gordon Wu chat while taking a break in the hallways of the Auburn campus between classes last week.
FALL SEMESTER 2021 - MASKS REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF By Emma Deloff, staff writer When the infamous COVID-19 virus first made an appearance, it struck the world — and not in a good way. Since March of 2020, every community of every society was taken under by the abrupt attack of the Coronavirus; anywhere a person could travel had shut down and people locked themselves in their houses, spraying any outside surface with gallons of cleaning products. Everyone was urged to stay home at all costs unless absolutely necessary, but now we find ourselves slowly crawling out of that predicament and making progress.
For the first time a class attended the Fall 2021 Virtual Activities Fair — Choral Director Erica Walters made a plea for chorus members along with her voice students. Chorus — club advisor Erica Walters (edennis@cayuga-cc.edu). Chorus meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It’s one credit per semester, which can be repeated up to four times. No auditions required, everyone is welcome.
Emma Deloff STAFF WRITER
When COVID-19 hit, schools of all sorts shut down (grade schools, colleges, etc.) and no one was sure when on-campus learning would be available again, but luckily plans were put into motion to allow us the most regular-looking education they could muster — thus came the masks. Since around August of 2021, schools have reopened their doors and are now welcoming students back under the protection of face masks. Though it’s not an ideal situation, masks have provided both Cayuga’s students and staff a chance to meet one another face-toface again so we’re not staring at computer screens every day — and so far, it seems to be working. Freshman English professor Benjamin Martin says “there’s a bit of a learning curve. I have a tendency to try to
pus clubs and events. Every activity is open to students on both the Auburn and Fulton campuses. Lee hosted a virtual activities fair on Wednesday September 15, 2021. The fair was on Zoom at 11 AM, and representatives from multiple clubs on campus were present. All of the club advisors who attended the fair gave a brief description of their club, the meeting Norman Lee hosted the Virtual times, and their contact Fall 2021 Campus information. Here is the inforActivities Fair mation about each club present at the Fall 2021 Virtual Activities Fair:
put in a lot of personality, and previously I had a tendency to try to do a lot of inflection and bring a lot of humor into class — and I initially found this more challenging with masks. However, I have once again learned to adapt around this. I think it’s important that we continue to use masks for now because of the new variants of the Corona virus, but I’m looking forward to a time to when we no longer have to.” CONTINUED PAGE THREE
Greg Sevik, Anime Club Faculty Advisor
Anime — club advisor Greg Sevik (gregory. sevik@cayuga-cc.edu). This club is open to anyone with an interest in anime, regardless of how much knowledge one has on the topic. They typically meet on Friday afternoons to get together and watch anime. Art Club — club advisor Melissa Johnson (melissa.johnson@ cayuga-cc.edu). The Art Club is a club that’s open to anyone with artistic interest, and meets Wednesdays at 11
Melissa Johnson
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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HOW I SEE IT... CAMPUS ACTIVITIES... Should Young Kids Have Access to Social Media?
OPINIONS
Social media is something that the majority of the population has access to today, especially in the United States. It’s an excellent way for people to stay connected with people from different times in their lives; as well as a way to make new friends that you may have never had the opportunity to meet in real life. It’s a great way of communication, and it keeps people in the loop when it comes to current events.
Caitlyn Major
HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Send your qualified submission to cayugacollegian@gmail.com. Your submission must include the writer’s full name, college year, area of study, phone number, and hometown. All submissions must have an email domain of ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ to be published. Anonymous letters and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published. For verification purposes, submissions must also include the writer’s home address. The staff of The Cayuga Collegian reserves the right NOT TO PUBLISH without an explanation.
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TELL US HOW COVID-19 IS CHANGING YOUR LIFE! EMAIL THE COLLEGIAN!
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Despite these positive aspects, it can be dangerous if used in the wrong way. It’s an easy way for stalkers to keep tabs on their victims. It’s also easy for predators to target young and vulnerable people. The way I see it; if kids are going to be allowed access to social media, it should be closely monitored. I think that social media can have a positive impact on a kid’s life. It can make them feel included, and it can just be a fun outlet for them to connect with their friends. However, an easy way to keep them safe is to keep their accounts private. Also, a parent or guardian should be allowed access to the account so as to ensure that the child isn’t engaging with anyone that they don’t know in real life. Obviously, this can’t continue forever. Once a kid reaches a certain age, they should be allowed the freedom of having their own social media without fear of their parents invading their privacy. Hopefully, though, they’ll have grown up learning about how to stay safe online. This way when the kid becomes a teenager, they can be trusted to use social media responsibly. I also think that it’s important to remember that we never truly know who we’re talking to online, at any age. Oftentimes adults feel like they couldn’t possibly be targeted, but it does happen. Sometimes people need a reminder to use caution whenever engaging with strangers online.
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AM. They do art projects, and have previously had virtual information sessions with possible transfer schools. Cayuga Collegian/ Cayuga Bytes — faculty advisor Mary G. Merritt (merrittm@ cayuga-cc.edu). Write for the student-run college newspaper, or join the recorded news/discussion sessions called Cayuga Bytes. Cayuga Faculty Advisor Bytes records on Zoom to the Cayuga Wednesdays at 2:30 PM. Collegian and You’re invited to join Cayuga Bytes in with your opinions Mary G. Merritt about current events, and what’s new in the latest issue of The Collegian.
PTK National Honor Society — club advisor Sheila Myers (sheila.myers@cayuga-cc.edu). Meets every other Monday from 11 AM to noon in room M321. Limited to 10 people per meeting, so members of the honor society must RSVP with Myers ASAP.
Cayuga Records club advisor Michael Cortese
Veterans Club advisor Emily Cameron
Cayuga Records — club advisor Michael Cortese (cortese@cayuga-cc.edu). Cayuga Records works on 2 EP recordings for the spring semester. Members learn how to record, edit, and mix a professional EP.
Veterans Club — club advisor Emily Cameron (Emily.Cameron@cayuga-cc.edu). First Zoom meeting September 27 at 11 AM. A club for anyone interested in supporting the troops.
Criminal Justice club advisor Teri Misiaszek Criminal Justice — club advisor Teri Misiaszek (misiaszek@cayuga-cc.edu). Members don’t have to be majoring in criminal justice, you just have to have an interest in it. They have a lot of community activities, lectures from people in the field, and field trips to local law enforcement buildings.
CAYUGA CLUBS! FULTON AND AUBURN CLUBS Please share your meeting times, events, and fund-raisers with The Cayuga Collegian We want to publish your news!
Email: cayugacollegian@gmail.com Early Childhood club advisor Penny Lupo
US
Early Childhood — club advisor Penny Lupo (plupo@cayuga-cc. edu). Club meets 11 AM -12 PM; Mondays or Wednesdays, most likely on Zoom. Focused on the students, and helping the child care system, they’re currently working on getting a new playground for the day care center.
Engineering Tech Club — club advisor John Campbell (campbell@cayuga-cc.edu). Meets virtually the first Monday of every month from 11 AM -12 PM. The club offers virtual tours through engineering facilities.
P AM
Gaming Club advisor Kelley Rowley The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers. Submissions must be from a ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ email domain. Contact us at cayugacollegian@gmail.com. Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves. All letters may be edited for content or length. We reserve the right NOT to PUBLISH.
Caitlyn Major EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER
Samantha Brodeur Nicole Lamphere Natalia Brillati Emma Deloff Alexander Chapman Kyle Weisman Mary G. Merritt
FACULTY ADVISOR
We are looking for more staff members!
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 PAGE TWO
events. All events will be virtual for the fall 2021 semester.
Gaming Club — club advisor Kelley Rowley (rowley@cayuga-cc.edu). They play all sorts of games; board games, card games, video games, etc… They even hold tournaments. Meetings are Thursdays from 3 PM - 5 PM on Zoom. National Society of Leadership and Success — club advisor Norman Lee (LeeN@cayuga-cc.edu). This club offers a lifetime membership. It allows students to build up their skill sets, offers assistance with things such as resumes, and is completely on-line. Student Activities Board — club advisor Norman Lee (LeeN@cayuga-cc.edu). This organization programs most of the campus
PTK National Honor Society club advisor Sheila Myers
Steven Keeler, RAT Guild advisor Radio and Television — club advisor Steven Keeler (keeler@cayuga-cc.edu). Meets on zoom Wednesdays from 11 AM to noon. Discusses radio and television media, and has a trip to New York City planned for spring semester 2022.
Jeff Szczesniak, Cayuga Radio Station advisor Cayuga Radio Station — club advisor Jeff Szczesniak (jeff.szczesniak@cayuga-cc.edu). The radio station offers students a chance to learn how radio broadcasting works and to try it out for themselves. Sexuality and Gender Alliance —club advisors Jerimy Blowers (jblowers1@cayuga-cc.edu) and Christina Bentley (cbentle2@cayuga-cc.edu). A club for anyone interested in LBBTQ+ issues; allies are welcome. They have guest speakers, and plan to host more events. Jerimy Blowers Their recent most notable event was a masquerade ball held a few years ago. National Alliance for Mental Illness — club advisors Jerimy Blowers (jblowers1@cayuga-cc. edu) and Christina Bentley (cbentle2@cayuga-cc.edu). A club for students struggling with a mental illness, or those who just have an interest in Christina Bentley helping those who do. These are just some of the many clubs that CCC offers. Students are encouraged to check their emails regularly for upcoming community clubs and events. If interested in any student activity, email the club advisor for more information.
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SPARTANS DROP ROAD MATCH TO HORNETS
SPORTS
Cayuga Community College Spartans Volleyball fell in a road contest against a strong SUNY Broome squad on Saturday. Playing their second road match of the season, the Spartans lost 3-0 to the Hornets by margins of 25-9, 25-7, and 25-13. The loss drops Cayuga to 0-3 on the season. Cayuga Coach Kaitlin Byrnes complemented the SUNY Broome team, noting that they’re a consistent force in the region. “They’re an excellent team. They’ve always been tough. This year they have
some great middle hitters, and we struggled against them,” she said. “Some of what we struggled with are the same issues we’ve battled in earlier matches this season. We’re going to keep working on those and hopefully our results will improve.” Byrnes said the Spartans came into the match planning on trying a different defensive approach, but weren’t able to keep pace with Broome. The adjustments worked better in the third set, noted Byrnes. Byrnes said the match left Cayuga with several positives to focus on, but also confirmed that the team needed to keep focusing on improving their defense. “Our communication was better. We
need to keep working on our defense. I don’t think we had too many errors on offense, but we need to put the ball away better. But our defense is something we definitely need to work on,” she said. Chayanne Okonewski led Cayuga with three kills, and Marrin Owens had 11 digs. Cassie Nolte added six digs, and Autumn Kelley and Taylor Hunter each finished with three digs. Paige Lane finished with one kill and one ace. The Spartans’ next match is a home contest against Jamestown Community College. The match is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25, at Spartan Hall.
2021- 22 CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Date Opponent Result Status SEPTEMBER Thu. 9 AT Finger Lakes Community College* L, 3-0 Final Sat. 11 VS Genesee Community College* L, 3-1 Final Sat. 18 AT SUNY Broome Community College* L, 3-0 Final Sat. 25 VS Jamestown Community College 11:00 AM EDT Wed. 29 VS Jefferson Community College* 6:00 PM EDT OCTOBER Sat. 2 AT Corning Community College* 12:00 PM EDT Tue. 5 AT Erie Community College 6:00 PM EDT Sat. 9 VS Finger Lakes Community College* 11:00 AM EDT Thu. 14 AT Monroe Community CollegE* 6:00 PM EDT Sat. 16 VS Niagara County Community College* 11:00 AM EDT Fri. 22 VS Tompkins Cortland Community College* 6:00 PM EDT * Conference
2021- 22 CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL ROSTER
2 Autumn Kelley Freshman 4 Marrin Owens Freshman 10 Cassie Nolte Freshman 13 Paige Lane Freshman 14 Allison Payne Freshman 15 Chyanne Okoniewski Freshman 30 Taylor Hunter Freshman
MASKS REQUIRED... CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
Many say they feel he’s right when he says that it’s hard to teach with a happier face when your students can’t see it; certain individuals communicate better when facial expressions and gestures are involved in a conversation. It’s clear that many of his students feel the same, as they say it’s difficult for them to portray emotions through character when their faces are hidden. For some people, masks aren’t nearly as big of an issue as it is for others. “It hasn’t been terrible, I’ve never had any issues with wearing a mask. It becomes difficult when I try to have conversations though. My hearing is not the best, and I often rely on reading lips. So I have been adapting to overcome that boundary. Otherwise it has been pretty simple,” said Cayuga student Julia Allen. It’s completely understandable why she feels this — masks do hinder communication when someone relies on lip movements to comprehend speech, and even the lightest face-covering impacts how audible someone is, especially with social distancing. We now have to rely on people speaking up at a volume some aren’t too comfortable using just to hear what our peers are saying, or messages portrayed from our eyes. “It’s kinda hard to hear people, and you can’t see people. You don’t know what they look like. You see people agreeing with their eyes; it’s hard for me to tell. It’s like you guys
SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 67 YEARS!
are talking with your eyes.” said Elementary Algebra Professor Carolyn Stevenson. Then of course comes the controversy in which many people have argued since this pandemic started: the ability to breathe. “It sucks; it’s like impossible to communicate and just pay attention because you worry more about breathing than learning.” said Cayuga freshman Arianna Laux. Many likely agree with her; no one wants to breathe the same air they’ve been breathing for hours, especially when that air is hot against one’s face often creating condensation. There are those who don’t seem to mind wearing these coverings, which don’t appear to be hindering their education. Cayuga is concerned for the safety of its occupants while still trying to give both students and staff the best experience they can for the semester. For the moment, the administration at Cayuga plans to keep its members in masks until the State University of New York college system states it’s safe to go mask-less, Let’s hope the masks continue to keep everyone safe. Clubs are reopening, sports are starting up again, professors and students are back in classrooms — it’s safe to say that we’re making progress through these trying times, but it’s important to keep spirits up and make the best out of a bad situation.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 PAGE THREE
THIS MAN WANTS YOU! to audition for his play! By Natalia Brillati, staff writer The show must go on! After two seasons with the Cayuga Theater program in darkness because of COVID-19, award-winning Cayuga Theater Operations Director Robert Frame is back in show business.
Natalia Brillati STAFF WRITER
CAYUGA
WELLNESS
SERVICES
Christina Bentley, MS Wellness & Intervention Counselor
Dr. Jerimy Blowers Wellness & Intervention Counselor
GET YOUR SLEEP!
—submitted by Christina Bentley, Wellness Counselor, Fulton Campus
One thing you should make sure you do during these tough times, is to make sure you are getting good sleep! Sounds simple, but it’s actually very important. Sleep helps keep our body’s immune system strong so that we can fight off infections and sickness. Sleep is also a good stress reliever. We tend to feel less stressed when we get good, quality sleep. When we go to sleep, this gives our bodies time to recharge.
Our brains are more focused, we feel refreshed and ready to start a new day. So, go ahead and make sure you are getting some zzz’s! A good 7-8 hours should do the trick! To reach out to one of the Wellness Counselors, contact Christina in Fulton at cbentle2@cayuga-cc.edu or Dr. Jerimy Blowers in Auburn at jblowers1@cayuga-cc.edu.
Frame is calling all students who are interested to come out to audition on Monday, September 20th at 3:00 PM and Tuesday, September 21st at 3:30 PM in the Irene A. Bisgrove College Theatre on the Auburn campus. Frame says no experience is necessary. Why should students get involved? “Because it’s fun and something to do; something to get involved in,” said Frame. “You get a better college experience versus coming in doing your classes and leaving again. Fun things to do equals a better college experience, not to just attend classes and leave.” Frame says students who have been cooped up learning on their computers at home should take advantage of this experience. “It’s just another opportunity that CCC can offer students,” said Frame. “Theater is about working together, being a group.” Frame’s last stage production was in March of 2020. It premiered for one weekend and then was forced to cancel the rest of the live performances due to the restrictions COVID-19 caused. Frame says it was a frustrating time. “You work hard for the six weeks to put it together then getting it pulled away,” he said. He says there was some relief when he got permission to stage the production with no audience on that Thursday in March 2020 to record performance for prosperity. “When you work so hard for six weeks, (about a month and a half), and to get it together then, for it to be ripped away was
Cayuga Theater Director Robert Frame wants you to audition Sept 20 & 21 for his new production. very frustrating,” Frame said. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place campus-wide, Frame says he has to select shows that will follow current protocols. “Looking at shows with short scenes in them where I can work them in short periods of time,” said Frame. “However that means less of a commitment to actors to be able to learn and get to know one another.” It’s that connection between cast members and crew that Frame says he misses the most so he urges students to take a chance and get involved. “No experience needed, do not have to show up with a monologue or anything,” said Frame. “To be involved at all, students must be fully vaccinated. All actors and crew members must be vaccinated, maintain a three-foot distance from each other and they all must wear masks at all times.” Frame says he has to follow the same rules as Cayuga athletes when participating in practices and competing.
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TEXT BACK
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