3 CAMPUS NEWs 2022 Magellan Extended to Senior Students Back in December, students collectively began a petition on the grounds of fighting back against the red tape put in place by the Magellan community. The petition highlighted concern over the unadjusted use of the US State Department’s travel advisories. It points out that the US
Red & Black
has “nearly 10 times more covid cases than most of the level 3 or 4 countries,” yet domestic travel is not limited. The petition, which now has over 100 signatures, called for the administration to acknowledge their concerns: “The students would like for the college to keep their promise by giving these students the money that they legally own (without having to reapply for what is rightfully theirs), as well as have the ability to sign a waiver that allows them to travel to any country of their choosing at their own risk.” As of this reporting, the petition
has yet to receive a response from the Magellan staff or the administration. Thompson said she sent a formal email to the board of trustees in an attempt to bring light to student concerns and frustrations. Thompson has not received a response from the board. Dr. Felix helped to clarify that there is no direct board of advisors who worked to make decisions regarding the travel restrictions. However, original requests from students regarding the contact information of administrators and faculty directly
19 February 2022 involved in the decision were not provided. “If students have more questions about the Magellan Project or the Magellan Franklin Award, they should email professionalpathways@washjeff. edu,” Dr. Felix said. The Red & Black Campus Newspaper is currently looking to write a follow-up article in its February 25th publication that will aim to collect various student voices. Please contact the staff at redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu if you are willing to be interviewed.
Student Involvement Expo - Spring 2022 Akansha Das, Red & Black Managing Editor
On Tuesday, February 8, the Spring Student Involvement Expo occurred in the Media Room and Ski Lodge. From Sports tables like Intramural Volleyball Club and Cheerleading to academic clubs like Neuroscience Club to cultural student organizations like Indian Student Association (ISA) and Latinx Club, it was a showcase of the variety of student clubs and organizations that W&J had to offer! One of the cornerstones of small, liberal arts institutions like W&J are the variety of interdisciplinary interests and majors’ students hold allowing them to connect concepts and ideas across subjects and harness critical thinking skills they may not be able to explore in targeted degree programs. The variety of clubs that W&J offers are yet another way for students to explore interests they have or serve as a means of expressing
themselves in ways they may not be able to do effectively in the classroom. Sean Adamski’24, a member of Men’s Club Volleyball, commented that the expo was a great time to meet potential volleyball recruits and advertise their new club volleyball merchandise. However, there were some complaints among the student body. While there was appreciation for the arrangement, some wished social media pages and organizers would have been able to promote the expo to a larger audience or on greater platforms with a W&J sophomore saying they were unaware that the expo was happening until after the fact. Art major Alyssa Beckett’24 echoed desires for more and earlier advertising about this prime opportunity for networking with clubs as she was eager to learn more about activities on campus. Given that Beckett was remote her entire freshman year, the expo was a key time for her and many other virtual students to learn about campus opportunities. For members of student executive boards, the student involvement expo is a key opportunity to advertise and interact 1-on-1 with students and
Courtesy Akansha Das
The Red & Black Student Newspaper was in attendance at the Spring 2022 Involvement Expo!
deliver their “elevator pitch.” For students, the allure of the Involvement Expo includes not only the ability to join student organizations and learn about opportunities that interest them, but also collecting souvenirs and memorabilia from clubs ranging from stickers and pins to candy. The
creative ways student organizations choose to auction these items, from the Theatre Club’s creative “musical quote recognition” game to ISA’s interactive trivia game is another way to attract members and add some enjoyment to their booth and the event.
