Oct 29, 2020 (52.1)

THE

COMMUNICATOR

10.29.20

52.1

MI NDFULNES S a n d MANAGI NG

STRES S PAGE 9

PULLMAN COV I D RES P ONS E SFCC PULLMAN CAMPUS POLICY CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PAGE 4 FI NANCI AL AI D SFCC DEALS WITH HIGH VOLUME OF FAFSA APPLICATIONS THIS QUARTER P A GE 5 S P ORT S THI S Y EAR

WILL SPORTS BE ABLE TO COMPETE THIS FALL? WINTER? SPRING? PAGE 8

CONTENTS

10.29.2020

Cover illustration by Ashley Jacobson

NEWS

Learning new methods for coping in the COVID era

3 4 5

STAYING SAFE ON CAMPUS SFCC PULLMAN POLICY CHANGES FINANCIAL AID

6

ASG ELECTION

OPINION

This year, many people have found themselves struggling with their mental health. Now that school is in full swing with exam season just around the corner, many students may begin feeling overwhelmed and anxious. There are many methods to dealing with these issues, including mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, and organization tactics.

SFCC also provides free counseling sessions for students that are struggling.

Visit us online at: communicatoronline.org

SPORTS 7 8

SFCC GYM NOW OPEN SFCC SPORTS PUT ON HOLD

FEATURES

“Stress” by Ashley Jacobson

Check out page 9 for more information.

9 COVID TESTING 10 5 THINGS TO DO THIS QUARTER

A&E

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OUR STAFF Derek Tresner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Patrisha Paipot MANAGING EDITOR

Kalyn Sande A&E EDITOR

Corbin Willmorth PHOTO EDITOR

Aggie Bennett SPORTS EDITOR

Erika Bausman FEATURE EDITOR

Ashley Jacobson NEWS EDITOR

Leila Williamson WEB EDITOR

Jason Nix ADVISER

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3

News

The Communicator

10.29.2020

COVID-19: Where do we go from here?

SFCC admin discuss changes on campus following March outbreak Patrisha Piapot The Communicator Enrollment has decreased this fall, with fewer students taking classes on campus and the majority of students taking classes remotely. The student affairs office is offering additonal online support as well.

“Our fall enrollment is down by 18% from last fall,” said Kimberlee Messina, from the Executive Administration Office. “This is a nationwide trend, and we are hopeful that the post COVID environment will bring back enrollment.”

“Everything we did in person before on campus we are now doing online,” Vice President of Student Affairs, Keith Sayles said.

“With changes regarding

attendance, and late work it is all up to the individual teachers, but teachers are probably more understanding because of the change in modality.”

With changes to clubs, most are meeting remotely as well. There will be some permanent changes, and online enrollment will always be higher than before.

Because students are more familar with online classes now, they’ll be more inclined to take them in the future.

“Prior to COVID, we had some practices that were cumbersome and required in-person interaction,” said Messina. “Post COVID, while we will certainly return to an in person service model, we will continue to support students in the online format. In addition, while our instructional program will certainly return to a more robust in person environment, I predict that student behavior will lead to a greater number of online options than those

that existed pre COVID.” “We have had some very positive changes regarding Spokane Falls Community Colleges,” Sayles said.

“Staff was very quickly able to move onto the remote classes and it has been good to know that our students are able to get the help they need. We hope that the students will feel more comfortable now navigating their school work.”

“Regarding graduation rates for this year, we are hoping that there will be an increase because we are now able to offer more classes online to students.”

Messina said.

Students with jobs or other responsibilities are finding that remote learning is more convenient. While no classes have been cut, there were a few budget cuts that SFCC could work out through planned retirement.

“I have learned many lessons from this pandemic,” said Messina. “One is that we need to be flexible

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator Sections of the library are closed off to meet with new regulations.

and nimble. Strategic long term planning is critical, but it needs to have built in mechanisms to respond to the changing environment. I have also learned that some of the ways we did business, not just in higher education, were too rigid and needed to change anyway. This crisis propelled us to make necessary changes.

“COVID has required

isolation and highlighted the need for community and connection.”

“If I have learned anything about this process with adjusting to COVID-19, it is that we need to keep bettering our online classes and services for our students,” Sayles said.

Staying safe on campus during pandemic What students should know before stepping foot on campus Erika Bausman The Communicator

As Washington continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, Spokane Falls Community College has to take extra precautions to keep the campus and students as safe from the surrounding pandemic as possible. The campus security department is encouraging and following through with expected orders given to prevent the spread of illness.

Even with the changes that help keep students home safe, there are still students who need access to the campus. Other SFCC departments expect proper social distancing, facial masks, and staying sanitized; the security department wants sfcc.ashley.jacobson@gmail.com

to maintain positive attitudes throughout the campus.

“COVID, go away!” said Lead Security Officer, Jovonna Dunbar. “We want our community members back on campus unrestricted! We miss you all!”

Lately, the most common incident noticed by campus security tends to be “unauthorized persons accessing the campus for non-campus business,” said Dunbar.

There have been 14 total reports made from Oct. 1 to Oct. 19, 2020 from the SFCC campus security, ranging from alarm responses to noted suspicious activity occurring on campus grounds.

Alarm responses have made up a third of the incidents reported in the

month of October alone. Fire alarms in particular, which are responsible for alerting students and staff of possible fires in the building. Now the tricky part is evacuating everyone from the building while trying to keep as much social distance as possible without putting anyone in danger. As for many students, staying home this academic quarter is not a choice, so only arriving on campus when absolutely necessary will help limit the number of students in each building at certain periods of time.

For if any reason a fire alarm goes off, evacuating can be simpler with some sort of distancing.

Campus security is available no matter the emergency, including safety escorts, vehicle jumpstarts, and vehicle unlocks. Safety is accessible throughout campus and

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator Campus Security Squad Car drives on campus to patrol the area.

are responding to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“We encourage everyone to engage with our team when you do see them out and about,” Dunbar said.

Engaging with the safety team will help boost morale on campus during these difficult times.

To contact Campus Security, students can call (509)

533-3333 or you can get a hold of them at their office, located in building 16 (room 145).

Remember, social distancing, face coverings, and a completed health check form online prior to entering campus are required. It is vital to come to campus only if absolutely necessary in order to keep everyone safe. www.communicatoronline.org

4 News

10.29.2020

The Communicator

SFCC Pullman builds policy changes SFCC Pullman campus invents changes regarding safetsy protocols for students.

Leila Williamson

The Communicator The first COVID-19 case to hit Washington was on January 20, 2020. It’s been a little over nine months now since the United states has been impacted by Covid-19 and the world is trying to come back to normal, a very new and different normal.

Colleges around the country have been trying to find the right solution for their schools as a new academic year starts. At Spokane Falls Community College serious measures are being taken to ensure the safety and health of students and staff. At the Spokane campus, in-person classes are following safety protocols such as wearing masks while on campus and being six feet apart when in class. Listed under COVID FAQ on the school website, there is an outline of other cautions they are taking to keep students safe. However, things are a little different over at the Pullman campus.

At the SFCC Pullman campus, located within of Washington State University’s campus, students have been completely moved to online, meaning no in-person meetings.

Brooklyn Brown who is a part of faculty from the SFCC Pullman campus said this decision has affected their campus numbers. “...COVID-19 is affecting enrollment. Many students are not interested in a fully online schedule,” said Brown.

While there were lower numbers of enrollment, SFCC Pullman still faced some different

Leila Williamson | The Communicator Washington State University, which Spokane Falls community college shares a section of campus with.

challenges this fall surrounding COVID. Due to the size of the student population, when classes first started on the joint WSU/SFCC campus, there was a surge in the number of cases, even when there were no in-person classes taking place.

The National Guard was called in to set up their own testing sites to meet the demand of people needing to be tested. The SFCC Pullman Assistant Dean, Patrick Forster, works with the SFCC and WSU administration to decide what is best for the campus. He explains that the Pullman campus closely works with WSU and follows their public health and safety guidelines in almost ev-

“Our priorities are the well-being of our students, employees, and communities” Patrick Forster

sfcc.leila.willamson@gmail.com

ery instance. As to what they are doing to keep students safe here, alongside in-person classes being cancelled, he mentions there is information on how to stay healthy during this time throughout every space they operate in at WSU. While classes for the Pullman campus were completely online this semester, he hints at what the future may hold.

“Should the public health context improve substantially by February, we will discuss internally and with WSU a partial or even full resumption of on ground services and instruction,” Forster said. “Our priorities are the well-being of our students, employees, and communities... we live with an extraordinary challenge; each of us has had to sacrifice even as we meet the challenge with resilience and creativity.”

The decisions being made for each campus are entirely different, depending on their surrounding environment.

However it is clear these decisions are important and that each campus is doing everything it can to take all the precautions necessary during this time. Forster voices that these decisions, while not always easy, will help keep our school safe with the current rise in cases.

For more information about Washington State University, call 509-332-2706 or email Pullman@ sfcc.spokane.edu located at: 185 Veterans Way Pullman, WA 99164

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5

News

10.29.2020

The Communicator

Students struggle to receive financial aid ment status,” said Keith G.P. Sayles, VP of Student Affairs.

Hopefully this takes some stress away from students and parents knowing that they are not alone in this. Everyone’s needs will eventually be met, it’s just taking a little longer than usual.

For other students like Kiah Gary, it was an easy process. This is probably because she got it in before the late rush of students.

“Financial aid was actually super easy because I went through it with my sister when she did hers, so when I did mine I did my part easily and had my mom do the rest,” Gary said.

Drop box outside financial aid office

Students worry as the backlog of f inancial aid applications grows Kalyn Sande The Communicator

As if the financial aid process isn’t complicated enough, throw in a pandemic and an overflow of last minute applications and things are bound to get backed up.

It has been a crazy ride for SFCC students and staff.

“Financial Aid is seeing a high volume of students who submitted late aid applications in August and September, and staff are processing in order of receipt,” said Vice President, Keith G.P. Sayles in an email dated October 7th, to SFCC students.

There have been many complications with students receiving financial aid for the fall quarter, and it’s mainly COVID’s fault. It’s been hard to know what to do during this time and there have been many changes to how things are being done and the decisions being made. Some students have chosen to take the year off, while

She says she completed hers at the beginning of August. If she had done it later, it might not have been so easy.

The financial aid office is asking that everyone remains patient. They are working to make sure students are awarded as soon as possible. Team members are working to complete all aid packaging and will be in touch with students as soon as their package is complete. Student success is the highest priority at SFCC, and COVID can’t ruin that.

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator

others have had trouble deciding what school they should go to.

Many students who planned to attend universities switched to the falls last minute due to online classes.

“I decided to go to the falls instead of WSU because of COVID and being online. Spending all that money at a university for online school didn’t seem like a smart choice,” said student Elise Moore.

This played a major factor in the financial aid office having their hands full with the overflow of new students who need late aid. There has been some frustration because it has been hard to get into contact with financial aid services via phone, email, and Zoom.

This makes it difficult for any help to be given, questions to be answered, and making sure that FAFSA gets completed with enough time.

The office is also not taking appointments or walk-ins either. Staff are helping students remain in their classes while aid disbursement is pending.

“We will be communicating to all pending students in the coming week to provide updates on their processing and disburse-

We will be communicating to all pending students in the coming week to provide updates on their processing and disbursement status.

Keith G.P. Sayles, VP of Student Affairs

sfcc.ashley.jacobson@gmail.com

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6

Opinion

The Communicator

10.29.2020

Analyzing the ASG selection process SFCC selects student government without student body vote Derek Tresner

The Communicator

U

nprecedented: one way to discribe 2020--a theme consistent with the way in which the associated student government was selected this academic year. Due to COVID-19, this year’s ASG was selected with littleto-no input from the student body.

Natasha Monroe is the Academic Vice President of the Associated Student Government, and Hanna Thompson is the Associated President.

Currently, the selection of the next year’s student government is made by the incumbent student government, and the Director of Student Funded Programs, Heather McKenzie.

Hanna Thompson said that the executive team goes through an extensive process to be selected.

“I sent in my application, and that involves what classes I am taking, my GPA, how many credits I am taking,” Thompson said. “Why do I want to be a part of ASG, and what experience I have.”

She then made a presentation for an interview with the incumbent student government and the Director of Student Funded Programs.

“I presented to the previous president, academic vice president, and activities vice president, as well as Heather McKenzie and Cole Bond,” Thompson said. “Then I got a call back saying that they would give me the job if I wanted it.”

Thompson and Monroe were asked whether the student body had any say on the selection of student government members.

“To my knowledge, not really, other than if they want to be a change in the school then they can apply for [a] position,” Thompson said.

Monroe answered similarly about the involvement of the student body.

“They unfortunately don’t have much of a role,” she said. “It’s mainly very in-house.”

sfcc.derek.tresner@gmail.com

Ashley Jacobson | The Communicator A voting pin depicting the nature of the student government selection process at SFCC.

While the Associated President and the Academic Vice President both agree on the small impact of the voices of the student body today, they have differing opinions on whether this system of selecting the ASG is an effective way of listening to the student body.

“I think [selecting the student government] is this way so that it can’t be any kind of popularity contest,” Thompson said. “It is important to select the people that would be best suited for the roles— that really want the position.”

Thompson further justified her stance adding that she has had previous experience in high school with student government.

“I was in student government at my previous school,” she said. “It was partially a voting system. The Falls system is better because I’ve been in a voting system and it was a mess; granted it wasn’t for paid positions.”

Monroe had a different

opinion on the matter.

“For the executive team, I feel it would be a better idea to get the rest of the student population involved,” she said, referring to this year’s ASG selections. “It should have been an important process for students to have a say on who they think is best fit.”

Heather McKenzie, the Director of Student Funded Programs gave her responses to The Communicator’s questions via email.

She gave insight into the reasons for using a hiring process to select student government instead of electing them.

“In the election process we had very few students run for office and many of them ran unopposed,” she said. “When we switched to selections we had over 30 candidates for 15 positions.”

She also stated that the last year we ran an election to elect the student government was 20142015.

In addition to this informa-

tion, McKenzie stated that candidates must collect 300 student signatures for executive positions, and 50 student signatures for staff members. However, according to both Thompson and Monroe, due to COVID-19, this process did not take place.

Both Thompson and Monroe also stressed that there are positions still available to fill and urged students to consider applying for them.

The student government is at the core of addressing key issues concerning the student body; a key player in improving the school for the better. They have a direct impact on important decisions like allocating public funding given to them through student fees.

With this being said, the question remains: are we providing a fair enough system for listening to the voices of the student body and ensuring that the right people represent them?

www.communicatoronline.org

7

Sports

10.29.2020

The Communicator

SFCC gym in athletics center now open

SFCC Gym Open to All Students Corbin Willmorth The Communicator

ment before arriving

• Maintain social distance (minimum six feet) • WEAR A MASK EXCEPT WHEN ON CARDIO MACHINE • If you have any symptoms, please let your supervisor/instructor know and STAY HOME

Great news for those students who have been finding it hard to work out during this time of hardship, the gym in the Athletic Center is open for business! It’s excellent for those students who have been looking to get in an early morning workout just before class. One student seems particularly excited about it.

• If you have been in contact with anybody that has a confirmed case of Covid-19, please let your supervisor/instructor know and STAY HOME

“I’m glad it’s open, “said Thomas McKenna, member of the SFCC Baseball team, “Definitely excited that it’s open. If it wasn’t open, I would probably have to pay for a membership somewhere else.”

• Personal water bottles are permitted. No sharing water bottles during, before and after workout (there are no contact water bottle fill stations in the hallways)

For those who still worry about the current Covid-19 pandemic that is currently affecting the nation, there are safety precautions put into place. A maximum of fifteen students are allowed in at one time and there is a list of rules at the front desk.

One gym employee was confident about the gym’s safety.

• Spacing for workout stations will be directed from markings on the wall (x’s on the wall will mark out safe socially distanced areas for personal exercise space)

“The main rules are making sure you wear a mask and are hand sanitizing as much as possible,” said Ryan Webb, gym employee, “We have boxes around the floors that measure to six feet, one person in each box to help maintain social distancing. We have daily symptom checks and are working to limit numbers and creating more space to avoid any close contact.”

Items on the list of rules include: • No access to locker rooms or showers, the lavatory will be open • Wash hands often throughout your day (utilize hand sanitizing stations located at entry and exit points of building)

Of course, there are more rules than just what is stated on this list, but it is worth knowing that these are the main set. According to a sign on the gym door, a maximum of fifteen students are allowed inside the gym at one time, but Webb has confirmed that the gym will have more than fifteen recipients on a typical day.

Photos by Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator

Top: Student McKabe Cottrell lifts 350lbs.

Bottom: Equipment in the SFCC Gym in the Athletics Center

“Somewhere around forty-five to fifty students usually come in on a given day,” Webb said, “if it’s one of the sports teams, it’s typically higher.”

If all students follow protocol, there shouldn’t be any need to worry about the new restrictions. So, are you tired of working out at home? Feeling the need to use proper equipment? The Gym in the Athletics Center should have you covered!

• Clean any personal equipsfcc.corbin.willmorth@gmail.com

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8 Sports

The Communicator

10.29.2020

SFCC sports put on hold for the season Students continue to train while being unable to compete Aggie Bennett The Communicator During these crazy uncertain times, everyone has found themselves just sitting and waiting for life to go back to normal. If you’re a sports fan here on campus, you might find yourself waiting longer than expected for sports to kick back into full gear.

“Every sport has been canceled until winter and spring season,” said James Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald is the Athletic Director and Dean of PE and Recreation here at CCS. “All sports are training and following Spokane Regional Health Guidelines: wear a mask, groups of five people or less, and stay six feet apart,” he said. It is just a waiting game for when they

can even start discussing starting sports now.

“Whatever Spokane County can do they {the athletes} can do,” he said. “ The county is currently in phase 2 and no sports can participate in competition until the whole county is in phase 3.” Fitzgerald met with staff and athletes at the beginning of this school year to talk about how things would look and leave them with some wise words of advice if they dream of a season any time soon.

“If you want any hope of competition, this has to be a team effort,” he said. “You might want to think twice, next time, before going to that house party {or large social gathering}.”

These restrictions aren’t really affecting the athletes much, however, even if they can’t compete.

“Student’s sports scholarships still count,” Fitzgerald said. “Spring sports that did not compete this last year did not lose eligibility,

and that was conference wide.”

That means that if a student athlete was a sophomore last year, they can still compete this continuing sports year.

“Soccer wise, I don’t think it’s affecting the athletes too much,” said Brock Ogami.

Ogami is the head women’s soccer coach here at CCS. “It’s an adjustment but I think we are just thankful to be able to be out training again and being together as a group,” he said.

“The challenge has always been balancing athletics, school, and for a lot of them part time jobs. Our students at CCS as a whole think the challenge is being moved to online learning. That’s not going to suit everyone’s learning style.”

Athletes seem to be making the best out of this substandard situation. All that they can do now is plan that a season will happen in the

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator Left: Isaac Pastrana, right: Thomas Mckenna, at batting practice.

near future.

“Honestly, I have no clue what the future holds for our season or even what to think because of how much things keep changing,” Ogami said. “I’m extremely hopeful the season happens but right now the focus is on having a good training session Monday, making sure our grades meet our stan-

dards, and getting our 2021 recruiting class squared away.”

Nobody imagined a pandemic happening, especially in 2020, but it did.

Now, the only thing that can be done is to make the best out of these circumstances.

The athletic department here at CCS is sure doing that!

Hiking near SFCC

Find new places to explore near campus while exercising Kalyn Sande The Communicator

Taking breaks from studying is a must for college students, and there’s no better way to get freshed then to get out and enjoy some nature.

Hiking is a great way to escape from stress and get exercise in at the same time. The increase in blood flow will help the brain perform better after returning. There are many beautiful hiking spots to adventure here in Spokane, and fortunately these locations are near the SFCC campus. These breathtaking places are waiting to be explored.

Indian Canyon Mystic Falls is a very short hike that leads to a little waterfall. Everyone who lives in Spokane should go here at least once, because it’s an easy hike and well worth the experience.

“The trail is short and suitable for the whole family. In the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the trail sfcc.derek.tresner@gmail.com

is easily accessible and moderately trafficked by other hikers. In the winter months, the falls and adjoining creek freeze, which makes it a popular ice climbing destination,” says Mason Smith of Outdoor Project.

From the parking lot of Indian Canyon Park, the waterfall can be heard. It can be found by following the sounds, but there are many different trails to take. Beautiful greenery is seen everywhere on the way down.

“It is mystic, and it has a grandeur I would never have expected in Spokane,” said Debbie Cole, a Spokane resident, in the Spokesman review.

Remember the destination isn’t always what it’s about.

Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher is probably one of the more popular hiking locations. This is a short 2.1 mile loop that starts out with the famous swinging bridge. There are marvelous basalt structures and the river rapids surrounding it. It’s a great place for picture taking and other

Kalyn Sande | The Communicator Sarah Duncan and her dog Bently on a walk at Bowl and Pitcher on a hike.

activities.

“Riverside State Park encompases 14,000 acres and offers excellent hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, and fishing. The Spokane and Little Spokane rivers both flow through the park, so there are plentiful boating opportunities as well,” says Joe Timms of Outdoor Project.

Many people come here to enjoy how amazing the scenery is

here, but there is also a large variety of things to do.

Military Cemetery Trailhead is another great one for hiking, running, horseback riding, and sight seeing. The path starts at the southeast end of Mission Park and south on the trail. This will go through the Gonzaga campus and then shortly to a wooden bridge.

It continues to follow the Centennial Trail medallions for about 1.6 miles.

www.communicatoronline.org

9

Features

The Communicator

10.29.2020

Guide to local COVID-19 testing sites Leila Williamson

The Communicator

W

hile COVID-19 is a very confusing and unknown territory, not everything has to be challenging.

COVID testing is available locally whether you are a student attending the main SFCC campus in Spokane or you are at the Pullman campus. Below are a few resources to help you find the best testing site for you if you should need to get tested.

and if it will cover the test.

Without insurance it will be at least $175.

There is no appointment or referral required to get a test here if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 by another person or group that did not follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines within the last five to fourteen days. While it is not required it is recommended you schedule an appointment online as a precaution.

CHAS Clinic - Maple

Spokane Testing Sites Street Clinic 3919 N Maple St, Spo

MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care - South Hill 4911 S Regal St, Spokane, WA 99223 (509) 598-7810 indigourgentcare.com Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Call ahead to see if your insurance applies

for testing. For those without insurance CHAS will not bill you for your test.

To schedule a covid test you should text “COVID” to 424-354-4965. From there you will receive screening questions and further instruction before your test on where to go.

Pullman Testing Sites Readycare Respiratory Center 690 SE Bishop Blvd. Suite D, Pullman Wa (509) 332-2517 www.palousemedical.com/ rrc/

Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Cost: With insurance they will bill your insurance and you will have to pay your copay. Without insurance they recommend you call Hours: Monday through the number above to hear Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. different options you may Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. have.

Cost: Insurances will be billed, but patients will not You don’t need an appointment or referral to go be be billed or have a copay kane, Wa 99205 (509) 444-8200 chas.org/locations/maple-street-clinic

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator The CHAS Clinic is one site offering COVID-19 testing.

tested here.

Gritman Medical Center 510 W Palouse River Dr, Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 882-2011 gritman.org/coronavirus/ Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Your insurance will cover the cost of the test, if uninsured the US de-

partment of Health and Human services has made a program that will cover the cost of a medically needed test for COVID so the medical center will bill them for you.

This medical center requires that you have a referral sent in from your primary care doctor in order to be tested.

Students seek creative ways to relive stress New strategies to help cope with anxiety welcome relief during time of crisis Ashley Jacobson The Communicator

E

ven without a pandemic looming above students’ heads, college can be a stressful time. Many students can find themselves overwhelmed and falling into periods of severe stress and anxiety. It’s important to note first and foremost that these issues can arise in anyone and they are manageable.

Shawna Shelton, one of the counselors here at SFCC, said that one important way to deal with stress and anxiety is practicing mindfulness.

“Some practical tips that can be quite helpful for stress, are things like using a structured planner where students can create sfcc.leila.williamson@gmail.com

designated times for study, work, sleep, recreation, meals, family, etc.,” Shelton said.“It may feel tedious at first, but exercises such as these relieve an enormous amount of stress that often burdens students when they are trying to figure out how to balance everything they need to get done.”

In 2017, the University of Cambridge published a study on mindfulness. The subjects consisted of 616 students 18 years or older with no self-assessed mental illness or crisis prior to the study.

The students were split into two groups, where one was given an 8-week mindfulness course and mental health support that would normally be provided by the university, whereas the other group only received the usual mental health support. Over the course of four months, the researchers found that the group that took the mindfulness course experienced far less distress during exam periods than the group that didn’t take

the course.

Other people may also find they can manage their stress through yoga, meditation, or other physical activity. There are plenty of YouTube channels that specifically teach about yoga and meditation. Some free apps to encourage mindfulness include Smiling Mind, Insight Timer, Aura, and Inscape.

The University of Rhode Island administered a study to a group of 17 students between the ages of 19 and 23, asking the the students to complete a six week program in which they were required to complete an hour-long vinyasa flow yoga class once a week to determine if this had any effect on stress or anxiety levels. The students completed a questionnaire before and after their program, which consisted of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). From the questionnaire,

the researchers found that the students’ stress and anxiety levels made a significant decrease, while their mindfulness skills increased.

Shelton also noted the importance of touching base with someone you can trust as soon as possible.

“It is often easier to reach out sooner rather than later,” Shelton said. “When students are feeling overwhelmed, the thought of reaching out can be too much.

Finding a safe person to talk to, like a friend, a co-worker, or classmate who can help connect them with a counselor or other resources can be very helpful.”

SFCC has Counselors and Counseling Interns that can meet with students for free over Zoom, on the phone, and in person. Students can call (509)533-3525 or email sfcc.counseling@sfcc. spokane.edu in order to schedule personal counseling.

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10

10.29.2020

Features

The Communicator

Five things to do in your first quarter Steps for new students to feel successful Ashley Jacobson The Communicator If you’re entering college as a freshly graduated teenager, or coming back to school after a long time away, it can be a little scary.

New students arrive every year, but it’s not every year that there’s a pandemic to adjust to. However, don’t fear! In order to help you gain a little control during this turbulent time, here is a list of things both new and returning students can do to make the fall quarter successful.

First thing’s first! Fill out the FAFSA. If you haven’t yet, this is your reminder. Applications may close on June 30th, but getting it done sooner can mean that you have a chance of a bigger award.

Some scholarship applications also require that you have already applied to FAFSA, so the sooner it’s done, the better.

Secondly, apply for other financial aid. If you are in need of a little extra help, check out the

How To Pay For School section of the SFCC website. There you’ll find links to scholarship applications, work study, and emergency Covid funds. This is also where you’ll find scholarship and priority funding deadlines. Make sure to keep your eye on those!

“Right now we’re backlogged processing Covid fund applications, but we’re also trying to distribute CARES Act funds as soon as we can. We want to make sure that people who are in need of aid can get it,” said Ashley Johns, Acting Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Another thing that you can do to stay productive is touch base with your counselor. Based on the degree you’re aiming for, there’s certain classes you’ll need to take in order to meet the requirements.

It helps to check in with your counselor regularly, especially since winter quarter registration is coming up. If you’re getting ready to transfer, make sure you discuss your plans with both your SFCC counselor and your counselor at your transfer school to make sure

you’re on the right track.

You can also make sure you’re on the right track by taking your placement tests (if you haven’t).

There are new testing processes for math and English, so don’t be nervous if you’re not sure what to do. The new process is a “Directed Self Placement Survey”, which are guided self-assessments that are administered as the first activity in Bigfoot Orientation. However, before you take this assessment, and if you’ve graduated high school in the past three years, you’ll need to send in an unofficial copy of your high school transcripts to be evaluated for your math placement. It’s best to do this as soon as possible.

Your placements will remain valid for three years after you’ve taken your assessment.

“Students are encouraged to take their first English and math classes within the first two quarters at SFCC. This allows [students] to use their course grades as prerequisites and no further placement processes are required,” said Kris Moberg-Hendron, the Testing Center Manager.

Lastly, try to get involved on

Corbin Willmorth| The Communicator

The Building 17 Student Union sign campus. Now, this is not a “must do”, but it can certainly make your time here much more enjoyable.

In the For Our Students section of the school website, you’ll find links for student resources, student government, clubs, intramurals, and more. Many of these clubs are finding ways to meet remotely, so don’t be put off by worries of spreading germs. The weight room is also open and available to all students. And who knows?

You might meet some great people or find a new passion you didn’t know you had.

Does the way you look matter on zoom calls?

Online school changes the way students present themselves Aggie Bennett The Communicator With a pandemic this last year, causing in person schooling to come to a halt, people started to take it as an opportunity to wear their pajamas “to school” everyday.

“If you are at home what is the point of getting ready for the day?”

Trevor Crabtree said.

Crabtree is a running start student, or freshman, this year at SFCC. “It is hard to find the motivation to even brush your hair for an 8 am zoom call these days,” he said. “Especially when you ... aren’t even having to leave your house for school.”

SFCC students aren’t the only ones that are feeling this way.

“I used to try and do my makeup for my one Zoom call a day,” said Anya Deakins.

Deakins is a sophomore at East-

sfcc.kalyn.sande@gmail.com

ern Washington University this year.

“I felt ... more professional at least showing that I put in some effort.

After a couple weeks though, I just felt it didn’t matter for my one 30 min zoom call once everyday. Just wasn’t worth my time.”

School is one thing to not dress for success for, but what about a job interview over zoom?

Harvard Business Review conducted a survey on the best lighting, background, and colors to wear for more professional zoom meetings, back in March and April of 2020.

“Participants were asked to choose which background, clothing color and clothing style helped the speaker appear the most authentic (genuine, actions are in line with beliefs), the most trustworthy (honest, truthful, reliable), the most innovative (original, creative in thinking, willing to depart from the norm), and the most like an expert (highly credible,

an authority on the subject matter at hand),” said Noah Zandan.

Zandan is CEO and Co-Founder of Quantified Communications, a firm that combines data and behavioral analytics to help people measure and strengthen communication.

“On average, 54% of men (vs 43% of women) voiced having a clear preference about background, clothing color, and type of attire, and 57% of respondents age 18 to 29 stated a clear preference, compared to an overall average of 49%,” he said.

So, might want to think about how your clothes and background look depending on how the person who is interviewing you, identifies themself.

“Respondents identified business casual attire and neutral colors as helping the speaker appear authentic and trustworthy,” he said. “Patterns, neutrals, and bright colors were favored equally when it came to making the speaker appear innovative.”

Ashley Jacobson| The Communicator

Anatomy of the Online Student

What your background should look like is a little different.

“44% of survey respondents prefer to see a wall with books or bookshelves behind the speaker, while 34% prefer framed décor such as art, diplomas, or photographs,” he said.

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Flavors

The Communicator

10.29.2020

How to cook an Italian dish on a college budget Cooking in College Corbin Willmorth The Communicator My father is a professional chef; the greatest skill he has taught me is how to take whatever food we had make a seemingly gourmet meal with it. Being a college student, my main concern is my food budget. Here, I’ll tell you how to cook cheap.

The Hunt: The first step was a trip to my local Safeway. The best part about stores like these is that all are likely to have a kind of rewards program that costs absolutely nothing to join, which in return will make the products you buy cheaper. One tip I will give you right off the bat is to ALWAYS buy Storebrand.

The most expensive items you can buy will be meat, dairy, and spices. Therefore, my first stop was in the meat section, where I found a pack of chicken breasts for $9.49.

After that, I walked over to the dairy section and found a package of mozzarella cheese for $4.49.

Finally, I walked to the spice section where I found a bottle of garlic salt for $4.99. After finding these, I had a general idea of what I planned to make. At this point, I just started wandering around the store looking for what I was planning on using.

I found breadcrumbs for $1.99, a jar of pasta sauce for $1.99, a box of penne pasta for $1.29, and a bag of flour for $1.79.

I then grabbed a bottle of sparkling lemonade for $1.99. My last stop before leaving the store was to check the shelf of half-off items for anything useful, of which I found a small bottle of olive oil for $1.95.

In total, my shopping trip had cost me $30.09.

The Recipe: Now comes the tricky part, cooking everything. If you don’t have your own kitchen and cookware, just do what I did and ask a friend with a kitchen if they’d like a free meal. You will need a pot, a sfcc.corbin.willmorth@gmail.com

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator

Pollo Impanato e Mozzarella (Translation: Breaded Chicken with Mozzarella) prepared by Corbin Willmorth pan, a cast-iron skillet, a stove/oven, two bowls, a plate, a knife, and a spatula.

Preheat the oven to 275°F. In the cast iron pan, turn the burner on low, adding the pasta sauce and some garlic salt onto it. On another burner, put the pan on medium and drizzle on a little oil.

In one bowl, pour in a small amount of oil. In the other bowl, some flour and more garlic salt.

On the plate, spread some breadcrumbs.

Take your chicken and cut it vertically in half. Dip the chicken in oil, into the flour mixture, back into the oil, and then in crumbs. Cook on each side for seven minutes.

Once you are sure they’re done, place them into the sauce.

Sprinkle some cheese onto the top and place the whole skillet in the oven. While that’s cooking, make your pasta. It’ll be done by the time your pasta is ready. Strain it and plate it. Place the chicken on top of the pasta, spread some sauce over it, and dig in!

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator

Jars of Marinara Sauce on a shelf in Safeway

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10.29.2020

Arts

The Communicator

Tom O’Day hosts art exhibit “Exit-X-it” SFCC art instructor retires after 35 years Patrisha Piapot The Communicator Tom O’Day has been doing art since 1972 and teaching as an art instructor now for his 35th year. One of Tom’s pieces was in a case, it was a piece from a performance and installation that he did at Whitworth college where he buried thirty pieces of artwork that he had.

“The idea was to see what would happen after 20 years, the performance was sort of a funeral,” he said. “The people that attended were requested to wear black and I had an accordion

play.”

All the work that he had put in the hole had changed drastically after the twenty years, most of the work almost disintegrated.

The way he formatted this piece is in a case and if you look down at it you’ll see exactly how it was preserved after twenty years.

O’Day uses lots of wood in his art pieces. Another piece he did was with this long tree branch that he had observed sliding down a hill for an entire year.

“Eventually I dragged the tree to my house which was nearby, with some of the surface I applied copper embellishments,” O’Day said.

He decided to cut it to make it longer, afterwards he was trying to figure out how to show it. He drilled holes into sections and added dowels which looks almost as if the dowels went all the way through it. He also did

The idea was to see what would happen after 20 years, the performance was sort of a funeral.

Tom O’Day

Patrisha Piapot | The Communicator Tom O’Day shows some of his art work.

drawings that go along with this piece. The exhibition’s name, “Exit-X-it” has two meanings, one for him, as he retires from a long career as an art instructor from Spokane Falls Community College and the second for that X in the walls, is from a piece of art will “exit.”

Corbin Willmorth | The Communicator A piece of restored art from an explosion piece he had done 20 years prior.

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sfcc.kalyn.sande@gmail.com

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