Northern Arizona University’s student voice since 1914 Vol. 113 Issue 10 | March 31, 2022 — April 6, 2022
Surfaces make it a night to remember New mask policy leads to division among students
I
MARK FABERY
f one thought Friday March 25 was just another movie night, they would have been in for a surprise as scores of students lined the exterior of Prochnow Auditorium to get a chance at snagging the best seats in the house. What was the special occasion on a seemingly quiet night in March? As Flagstaff welcomed the first week of spring, Prochnow Auditorium was ready to welcome Texas-based group, Surfaces and Tennessee-based duo Nox Holloway to NAU. Junior Katie Lautaret was one of the students waiting in line to get the chance to be in the front row. She said Surfaces, known for their blend of jazz, soul, pop, hip hop and calypso, is one of her favorite bands. “I love Surfaces and when I first learned that they were coming to NAU, of all places to perform, I made sure to secure my ticket,” Lautaret said. “I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember and I have always wanted to see them live, and have the chance to see them right in the pit.” Lautaret was not the only one in attendance excited to have the opportunity to catch Surfaces live in concert. Freshman Lauren Finch was sitting with the same group as Lautaret, discussing the importance of Surfaces’ music on their lives. The group even participated in games such as “finish the lyric” in preparation for the concert. Finch agreed with Lautaret on how Surfaces music has an important impact on her life. She mentioned she was not
WILLIAM COMBS III
A
An audience member records the band Surfaces perform at the Prochnow Auditorium, March 25. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack
familiar with Nox Holloway’s music style, but was nevertheless excited for a night full of music. “I don’t know much about Nox Holloway, but that’s OK, I already know that tonight is going to be a night full of great memories and fun for me,” Finch said. “Surfaces is one of my favorite bands and I’m just excited to have the chance to see them in concert.” Lautaret also said she did not know
much about Nox Holloway, but as soon as she learned Jon Bellion is one of their long-time influences, she was sold. It is not uncommon for NAU to land some of the biggest artists in the country. In the past, the university has hosted Blink-182, Andy Grammer and Tai Verdes. See SURFACES page 12
fter the second week of inperson classes without mask requirements, students are divided on whether it was too soon. With a new COVID-19 subvariant spreading, their concerns lie on the safety of immunocompromised individuals. According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), records of omicron BA.2 have doubled over a two week period and account for roughly 35% of new cases in the United States. The new subvariant spreads 80% faster than its earlier manifestation, which has led to concerns from public health officials. The White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNBC he expects to see an uptick in cases over the next few weeks, but does not anticipate a surge that would lead to more restrictions and mitigation measures. The subvariant has not caused a significant increase in cases in Coconino County. Due to low levels of community transmission, NAU lifted its mask mandate in classrooms March 7 — creating uncomfortable situations for some students who feel unsafe around unmasked classmates. Sophomore Kolby Nelson said it has been a rough time navigating the pandemic due to his sister’s See MASKS page 4
Sudden changes in Housing and Residence Life bring discontent EMILY GERDES
The department stated it will be moving toward Editor’s note: Multiple RAs spoke on this issue removing any mention or association with the word anonymously and will be labeled in order of appearance “resident.” RCA positional responsibilities will be to avoid confusion. altered to include more general duties in the hopes esident Assistants (RA) and Residential of better supporting students — a transition from College Ambassadors (RCA) are the lifelines catering toward individual academic colleges. RAs and primary support systems for every student will resume shifts at the front desk, a duty they were living in on-campus housing. Many staff members agree relieved of in past semesters, in addition to receiving a about the lack of respect and underappreciation these reduced dining package. student workers receive, despite the value they provide HRL’s actions contributed to some passionate to campus life. These dedicated student employees are feelings from the student staff. important to the wellbeing of their peers, committing “Cutting benefits is just NAU trying to save more valuable time and energy to uphold the image and money and everyone knows it,” anonymous RA #3 mission statement of Housing and Residence Life said. (HRL). An RCA adviser took notes during spring training, Many student workers said they feel as if they are which was provided in an email and is the only tangible overworked and underpaid. Junior Mikayla Lopez, an document The Lumberjack could access. These notes RCA, was one of few willing to speak on the record indicated HRL’s reason for the change was to, “[move] about her experience working in HRL. away from the phrase ‘resident’ and ‘residential halls’ to respect the trauma experienced by Indigenous nations who were forced into residential boarding schools.” The “new and improved” HRL Before each semester, all of HRL — including The language replacement is as follows: • "Residence Hall" is changing to "Campus professional staff and student employees — gathers for Living Communities" (CLC) training. Spring 2022 training ended with a proverbial • “Residential Assistant” (RA) is changing to bomb being dropped on many of the staff who were “Community Assistant” (CA) present. See HRL page 8 Due to a lack of physical evidence detailing these
R
changes, the verbal accounts will be summarized below.
Two students walk away from the entrance to Allen Hall, March 7. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack