The Arbiter 8.27.2020 Vol. 33 Issue 1

August 27, 2020

Vol. 33 Issue 1

I N D EPEN DE NT

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V O I CE

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B O I SE

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HOW BOISE STATE INTENDS TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY NEWS

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Boise State Admissions and Enrollment works to provide a safe transition for students back on campus.

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

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Prioritizing health and educational opportunities can be a difficult decision to make amidst a pandemic. arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

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SILC aims to provide engagement and community through various events for students. @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

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The Rec adapts to new health protocols to offer students a safe place to exercise and do other activities.

@arbiteronline

@boisestatearbiter

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Editor-In-Chief Taylor Rico-Pekerol editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Ashley Clark onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Marcos Guadarrama news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Madi Jones news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Blake Hunter culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter McKenzie Heileman culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Brad Verbout sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Paige Wirta opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas Digital Content Manager Mackenzie Hudson digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Drew Marshall Graphic Design Manager Sarah Schmid design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Jordan Barno Illustrator Abi Millet

Distributed Thursdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

First week of in-person and online classes, welcome back to the 2020-2021 school year, Broncos.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

ON THE COVER:

With a changing campus environment, Boise State creates protocols and mandates to protect students from the COVID -19 virus. Online and in-person classes, facial coverings on campus and self-isolation policies are some of the changes in place. Cover design by Sarah Schmid and Mackenzie Hudson.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites

MISSION:

As a student-run organization, we produce accurate and hyper-local information through non-par tisan and socially responsible media.

MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

UPCOMING EVENTS BOISE STATE VIRTUAL R ACE SERIES

SEPTEMBER 1 - 20

INTRO TO WHITEWATER K AYAKING SEPTEMBER 12

ALL DAY

A virtual race series put on by the Alumni

Join the Outdoor Club on the river for a beginners’ whitewater trip that will teach essential kayaking skills and knowledge.

FIRST FRIDAY A STRONOMY: TITAN

INVOLVEMENT FAIR

7:30 - 8:30 pm

2 - 5 pm

and Friends Center and Bronco Athletic Association.

SEPTEMBER 4

The online lecture is hosted by the Boise State Department of Physics, and viewers will be gazing at Saturn’s largest moon.

SEPTEMBER 2

The Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC) is hosting a virtual version of the bi-annual Involvement Fair.

It is the policy of Boise State University to comply with all federal, state and local authorities requiring nondiscrimination, including but not limited to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Executive Orders 12898 (Environmental Justice), 13166 (Limited English Proficiency) and 13672 (sexual orientation and gender identity). Boise State is an equal opportunity employer.

The University does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, protected veteran status, limited English proficiency, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

If you believe you have been subject to discrimination on the basis of sex or disability, please contact: Danielle Charters Interim TIX Coordinator Riverfront Hall, Suite 306 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1215 (208) 426-1258 ReportDiscrimination@boisestate.edu

If you believe you have been subject to discrimination on any other basis, please contact: Institutional Compliance and Ethics Riverfront Hall, Suite 306 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725-1215 (208) 426-1258 ReportDiscrimination@boisestate.edu

NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

HOUSING STAFF MAKES ADJUSTMENTS FOR RESIDENTS’ SAFETY

Boise State welcomes students back into on-campus housing with new protocols put in place Madi Jones | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

“Students need to take the personal responsibility of protecting the health and safety of other people.”

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Luke Jones, executive director of Housing and Residence Life

As students are welcomed back to campus, Housing and Residence Life prepare for their arrival.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter ith COVID-19 set aside 100 bed spaces for quarantine changing everyone’s and self-isolation purposes, if necessary. lives in some way, Boise While student housing is doing every State Housing and Resthing they can to ensure student health idence Life has taken precautionary steps and safety, Jones urges students to take to ensure student health and safety while personal responsibility. living on campus. Executive Director of “Students [need to] take the personal Housing and Residence Life Luke Jones responsibility of protecting the health and spoke about the new policies put in place safety of other people. If we want this unifor the academic school year. versity experience, if we want to have our According to Jones. students must wear campus open, every student, every memface masks anytime they are out of their ber of our community is going to have to rooms, and there will be limited occupan- do their part and help make this happen. If cy in certain facilities such as restrooms, we don’t do that, then I worry our campus lounges and elevators. There will also won’t remain open,” Jones said. be a max occupancy number posted in Compared to the 2019 housing enevery room to maintain social distancing rollment, fewer students have applied for practices, as well as increased cleaning housing this year, according to Jones. He protocols as recommended by the Centers believes the reasoning behind it is related for Disease Control and Prevention. to the uncertainty for the fall semester.

According to Jones, student housing has Merritt Brossia a communication major,

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has decided to live in Clearwater Suites for the year. Brossia was also unsure how student housing would work, however, safety regulations regarding student health have been communicated to those living on campus.

“They have made it abundantly clear that as soon as you’re leaving your room, you’re wearing a mask,” Brossia said. “They are not allowing any guests in the rooms, and of course, have rooms set aside if anyone needs to quarantine.”

Senior and multidisciplinary studies major Beth Manor originally decided to live on campus but said she withdrew her application due to lack of communication, the unknowns and increase in coronavirus cases in Idaho.

According to Manor, she applied for student housing in March but did not get off the waitlist until the day before the student housing deadline. With only 24 hours to decide to live on campus or not, Manor said she had a negative experience

with the process.

“I wanted to be in official campus housing just to have the environment, the protections, the regulations that come with campus housing. A chance to connect with other students more, to take part in more events, more clubs, study groups and things like that. I still will have access to some of those, but not as much as before,” Manor said.

Manor understands that her experience depends on the responsibility she takes for it and how to maximize the semester.

“I think that becomes even more challenging when there are less events and less resources that you have access to, and not having a lot of answers,” Manor said.

“Everybody has those questions, you know, ‘what exactly am I paying for this semester?’”

Manor says she is prepared for the possibility of leaving campus in the event of a spike in coronavirus cases.

“It’s an adjustment and not everyone is ready to make that adjustment,” Manor said.“I feel like there is definitely going to be a spike, and people just need to be prepared for that. The decision to not go back and live in student housing was based on the fact that they might shut down at the end of September and you have to pack up and go.”

Overall, Manor remains optimistic and trusts Boise State to provide a safe semester.

“I absolutely love Boise State, and I really wish that things were a little more cut and dry right now and making a decision about, pretty much anything, was easier.

But, I think that we have a really good president at BSU and that she is going to do everything she can to keep us safe,” Manor said.

NEWS

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT TEAM FOCUSES ON AN ONLINE SCHOOL YEAR

With in-person, hybrid and online classes, Admissions is beginning to recruit students for the 2021-2022 class Madi Jones | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise State has been working on providing a safe and easy transition into an online semester. Kristine Collins, associate vice president of Enrollment Services, spoke about the transition and how Boise State enrollment has been affected by the coronavirus.

According to Collins, at the end of the 2020 spring semester, Boise State was expecting a record high of incoming freshmen. However, because of the uncertainty of the fall semester and online classes, enrollment numbers are expected to drop.

“Currently, we are actually slightly up in enrollment for the fall but we don’t expect it to stay up. We probably expect it to be about flat, maybe slightly down,” Collins said. “That has contributed to the fact that coronavirus numbers are continuing to go up in our area, so some people are having second thoughts about coming to campus. Some students are experiencing more and more of their classes going online, and are maybe deciding to not attend.”

Boise State admissions and enrollment team has already started to recruit their fall 2021 class and expects enrollment numbers to be even, or slightly below average, compared to the fall 2020 class.

Since the beginning of the campus-closure in March, the university has provided virtual campus tours, virtual town hall meetings, as well as several virtual events including Bronco Day. “For continuing students, as well as new students, to make sure we can answer any questions they might have to see if there is anything we can do to maybe help with advising or enrollment,” Collins said.

Collins encourages students to reach out to admissions and their advisors if they are experiencing any problems.

Due to an overwhelming amount of classes being online, Boise State is honoring their decision to freeze tuition, as well as waive a 35 dollar per-credit fee for

With a predicted record-high freshman class enrollment, the numbers are predicted to drop for the fall semester.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter from applying? It’s possible. However, either way.” online courses. as long as the Mountain West is making Junior English major, Zachary Berreth Kelly Talbert, director of Boise State choices that are similar to the PAC-12 has chosen to be optimistic about the Admissions, spoke about how adapting to or other conferences, I’d suggest that this school year and the current state of events the “new normal” has worked for enrollwon’t have a major effect on enrollment on campus. He is excited to continue ment in the fall. classes virtually at Boise State this year and “In March, our team pivoted to campus “I understand a kind of drop limit his exposure to the COVID-19 virus. tours, information sessions, and events “I understand a kind of drop in student entirely in a virtual space,” Talbert said. in student morale. This is an morale.

This is an uncertain time and “I am proud of how quickly we pulled there’s definitely a lot of anxiety that’s that off. While nothing really matches an uncertain time and there’s going to be going into this semester, even in-person experience, we have gotten really a lot of anxiety that’s going more anxiety than what we as students positive feedback from students and parnormally have,” Berreth said. “At the ents who’ve attended our virtual events.” to be going into this semessame time, we can’t put our lives on hold When discussing the possibility of lower enrollment rates due to fall sports being ter, even more anxiety than because of the virus. We have to be careful about it, but we just have to keep pushing postponed, Talbert remarked how Boise what we as students normal- through this. If the human race as a whole State Admissions plans and projects for is anything, it is resilient.” what the future will look like. ly have.”

“Fall sports may be postponed or limited right now, but come fall 2021 when they arrive, the picture could be totally Zachary Berreth, junior English major different,” Talbert said. “Is it possible that limited sports at this time will keep them

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NEWS

BRONCO GAP YEAR PROGRAM GIVES STUDENTS A CHANCE TO TAKE A BREAK

Students not ready to return to school can take advantage of the new Bronco Gap Year program Marcos Guadarrama | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he global COVID-19 pandemic has put a burden on many students, and has made them unsure of how to proceed with their higher education goals.

Some students struggling to start college at a time of uncertainty have found relief through the Bronco Gap Year program.

The program is designed for firstyear and current students who are not ready to return to campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kelly Myers, interim associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, said the idea came about as a way to help those students who were hesitant about starting school or returning to campus.

“The idea initially sparked at the end of spring semester,” Myers wrote in an email. “Students visited Admin Council to reflect on their experiences and share what they’re hearing from other students.

At that meeting, they said that a lot of students were thinking about a gap year for the fall.”

The program is split up into four pathways including “changemakers,” “life-changing,” “world-changing” and a build your own option. All pathways are designed to provide learning opportunities such as professional development, project development, structured experience and reflection support.

The program is available for current and future Boise State students as well.

“We removed as many barriers to participation as possible,” Myers wrote.

“For example, people do not have to be enrolled at Boise State to participate in the gap year program. Because they are not enrolled in courses, all credits are through the credit from prior learning process.”

Boise State has a process in place that allows students to get credit for work or experiences outside the Boise State curriculum. The Gap Year program is implementing a version of that system in which students can provide evidence of

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their work at the end of the program and receive a minimum of three credits and up to a maximum of nine credits.

The program pairs students with a faculty member for ongoing guidance and mentorship, allowing students to get a better understanding of what they would like to eventually study.

Beth Manor, a senior multidisciplinary studies major, believes that the Bronco Gap Year program is a positive project Boise State is launching.

“My gut response is to wish that a version of this program had been available when I first started at Boise State,” Manor said. “The opportunity to be paired with a faculty member for guidance and mentoring could have been a game-changer that might have spared me portions of the college roller coaster.”

Manor hopes something like this could potentially help incoming freshmen when it comes to making decisions about their future, and can avoid jumping into the college experience too quickly.

“I believe that the traditional high school right [then] into the college pathway rushes young people into college without enough time to consider what they want from the experience besides social engagement and sports participation,” Manor said.

According to Manor, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught people how to be more thoughtful and to take the time to make big decisions in our lives.

“If this pandemic has a silver lining, it might be removing the stigma around handling uncertainty. The Gap Year program tells new students that it’s normal to not have all the answers about what you want to do or who you want to be,” Manor said. “While many people might already realize that, it feels profound to have that truth out in the open.”

Timm Huss is a junior business major who made the decision to take a gap year.

He thinks a program like this can be

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beneficial for students at Boise State and encourages students to pay attention to their mental health.

“As my degree intensifies, a mental health break is much needed,” Huss said. “I’m taking a gap semester due to COVID-19. I say do what is right for you. Mental health and focus are the top priority in my regard and if a break feels necessary there shouldn’t be anything stopping you.”

“As my degree intensifies, a mental health break is much needed. I’m taking a gap semester due to COVID-19.”

Timm Huss, junior business major

During this time of so much unprecitability, Myers knows it’s important for the Bronco Gap Year to provide options for students and non-students.

“Students are facing so many layers of uncertainty right now. There are financial concerns and constraints, friends and family members are, or could become, sick and there are so many unknowns,” Meyers said.

The program will allow students and non-students to make connections at Boise State and make some progress on their degree, all while having the flexibility they need.

“It’s another doorway into the university, a different entry point that, not only gives a new kind of flexibility but also helps them think about what they want to do with their educational experience and beyond,” Myers said.

The new Bronco Gap Year program allows students to take a break from school while still earning credits.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

ASBSU LAYS OUT ACADEMIC PLAN FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

NEWS

Associated Students of Boise State University work on their vision for the fall semester Marcos Guadarrama | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The ASBSU executive team met for assembly in the spring, and members are now meeting virtually to discuss plans.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

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he Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) are looking forward to returning back to work amid campus reopening and have laid out their vision for the upcoming academic year.

Cambree Kanala, vice president of ASBSU, is ready to get to work.

“Although this year has been faced with a lot of different challenges for people, ASBSU and the university, there is so much space for leadership among the challenges that we are all facing,” Kanala said.

Among ASBSU’s top priorities for the year are basic student needs, inclusivity, transparency, integrating the new senate chamber to ASBSU and successfully reintegrating students on campus for the fall semester.

“We’ve been in a lot of meetings with the administration about reintegration and how we are going to be able to go back to school and in what capacity, and how student organizations will be able to build community virtually,” Kanala said.

ASBSU plays a crucial role in important decision making by the university’s administration. ASBSU’s job is to advocate on behalf of the students and to make sure that the students’ voices are heard when big decisions are being made.

ASBSU’s goal is to promote safety and physical distancing while on campus.

Making sure that students are wearing masks and staying healthy as well as making the food pantry accessible for every student on campus to tackle food insecurity on campus.

“I know there’s a lot of questions and concerns with the university, COVID-19, tuition and student fees,” Kanala said. “We want to be that student voice to help address those questions and support what the university ultimately decides and explain it in a more student-centric voice.”

ASBSU understands that many students are upset with having to pay full tuition and fees and are actively having conversations with the university regarding these issues.

While there is no promise on what can

come from it, it is important to advocate for those things with the administration.

“We’ve definitely advocated for that.

We’ve let them know that virtual classes are not as valuable as in-person classes, but unfortunately, the university has to do what they have to do to stay afloat,” Kanala said.

Transparency and inclusivity are among other concerns that ASBSU hopes they can address and help create initiatives on in the upcoming academic year.

“I am confident that when transparency and inclusivity are the root of all matters, people are more apt to unite under a common cause,” wrote Kenny Huston, ASBSU’s ethics officer in an email.

Huston understands that the circumstances around the fiscal year for the university are challenging, but says he would like to see more campus resources be made available to everyone.

He hopes that even though the university and the students are facing tough challenges we will not forget about social justice issues.

“I am concerned with a general gap in Boise State’s curriculum that does not address social justice issues,” Huston wrote.

“While there are some courses that cover these topics, concepts of white supremacy, historical oppression and microaggressions are not included.”

ASBSU has started discussions around those topics and their training included exercises and discussions on white supremacy and how it shows up in their organization, how to eliminate it and hold each other accountable.

“We’ve started those conversations as an organization and would like to expand the conversation as well as those actions into what we do, our assembly and in our policy, because systemic racism is a big problem in our country,” Kanala said.

The academic senate is a new body of ASBSU this year and the purpose of the legislative body is to hold members of the

executive council, Inclusive Excellence Student Council (IESC) and funding board more accountable.

Emily White, communications officer for ASBSU believes adding the senate will add an additional layer of checks and balances.

“Adding an academic senate will aid in the separation of powers for ASBSU as a whole between the executive council, academic senate, IESC and student assembly,” White said.

With the new branch of ASBSU, all branches of student government will be held more accountable to their elected positions and the process of passing legislation will be tougher, according to White. There will be more representation and less executive influence and allow for more student voice in all academic decisions.

“The student representatives serving in the senate will have the same voting power as those in the general assembly.

To pass legislation it must pass both the senate and assembly with an appeal process through the IESC,” Huston said.

Other initiatives include expanding the food pantry, developing a no-tolerance policy on hate speech and hate symbols in housing, and expanding sustainability efforts on campus.

“I would like to create a no-tolerance policy on hate speech and symbols within housing. I feel like something happens every year and students aren’t really aware of the consequences of those actions,” Kanala said. “We also have a lot of environmental and sustainability concerns that we’d like to address.”

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OPINION AUGUST 27, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

WHY I’M CHOOSING TO LIVE IN A CAMPUS DORM DURING A PANDEMIC Despite the risk, students may be returning to campus out of responsibility to keep family members safe Paige Wirta | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Being exposed to the virus in on-campus housing is a concern for some.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

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ast year as a freshman, I lived on campus with three other roommates and had to move out shortly after Idaho reported its first positive COVID-19 case. Even then, a few weeks later I applied for housing for the following year with naive hopes and dreams that the pandemic would be long gone.

However, Idaho continues to report hundreds of coronavirus cases every day, with Ada County being one of the hotspots. Despite this, Boise State has pushed for an opening for in-person classes, and along with that, the university has committed to opening residential halls for students.

I have spent the past few weeks going

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back and forth on my decision to move in, especially after two of my three roommates — who are close friends of mine — decided not to. It is a challenging decision for everyone, especially with a lot of classes moving to an online or remote format, and some classes are still being changed this week. Even though it was a struggle, I have decided to move into the Clearwater dorms on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and I am full of anxiety, dread and excitement.

Why I am Choosing to Move-In Unlike many of my peers, I still have two in-person classes on two separate days.

That is two times I have to walk around campus and enter usually crowded build-

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ings, and despite social distancing requirements and a mask mandate, I know there’s a possibility I’ll be exposed to COVID-19.

That brings me to my main reason; I have a huge opportunity to be exposed to the virus. If I chose to live at home with my parents and commute, I’ll be coming home every day and exposing my parents.

My mom works an office job, and while she works remotely most days, sometimes she is needed to go into the office. Office jobs aside, my parents are in their fifties, and while they are not immuno-compromised, they still fall into a more vulnerable category when it comes to COVID-19.

Something else that drove my decision was my classes. A lot of students, myself included, had a number of in-person classes moved to an online or remote format. Of course, it would not make a lot of sense to live on campus if all classes are online, but I still have three in-person classes to attend.

Along with that, this year, I will be working two jobs on campus with office hours and some limited in-person meetings.

My presence on campus is required for this year. Commuting is a viable option for me since I do not live far away, but with a varied schedule, living on campus simply makes more sense to me.

The Possible Outcomes The New York Times reported over 1,000 students and staff are quarantining after a Georgia School District reopened on Aug. 3. Now, that is a mixture of elementary, middle and high schools. A medley of younger kids might not understand the importance of face masks and physical distancing, and I hope that college students will.

An outbreak on campus does not seem like an ‘if ’ so much as a ‘when.’ Even

though Boise State is committed to mandating face masks and physical distancing, along with improved and enhanced cleaning, there have been cases of even the most precautious catching the virus. No amount of mask-wearing, distancing or cleaning is fool-proof.. Still, wear a mask.

Mistakes will happen. Some students might refuse to wear a mask. Either way, students and staff will likely get the virus and spread it.

The Reintegration Plan Boise State sent out a reintegration guide to students, faculty and staff this summer and has continued to provide updates to the guide as things have changed.

Right off the bat, the introduction to the guide seems to show that the University has a mostly positive outlook.

According to the reintegration guide, “Boise State’s Reintegration Committee drew on a wide range of resources in developing its recommendations. This included guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Idaho Governor’s Office, Idaho Central District Health (ICDH), the Idaho State Board of Education, and other government agencies and professional organizations.”

Clearly, Boise State connected with important individuals who were educated on the subject and are following guidelines released by the CDC, ICDH and the Governor.

The decision making has been challenging and I’m sure the next several years will be as well. COVID-19 is not just going to go away as President Trump believes, but this is a once in a lifetime experience that we are living through. Things are going to get worse before they get better, but I think it is going to be interesting all the way to the end.

OPINION

WHAT BEING AN ONLY CHILD IS LIKE IN ISOLATION

Being an only child living exclusively with parents can be hard for some to handle Paige Wirta | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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s an only child, I have always felt more lonely than most, especially surrounded by friends and family with siblings. Despite that, when I first went to a public school, I made friends for what felt like the first time, and that loneliness subsided.

Finally, college came around, and I was surrounded even more by people my age. Along with that, I was around people who held the same opinions as I did, which is often a challenge in a smaller, more conservative town. The loneliness I felt being an only child faded as I embraced my newfound independence and made new friends.

On March 13, all Boise State students got an email announcing the university’s decision to move to entirely remote learning for the rest of the semester. The following week, all on-campus residents were required to move out.

I saw it coming, of course. There were headlines every day of nearby states seeing more and more infections and other countries struggling to tame the virus. I knew it was only a matter of time, especially as other colleges made the same decision.

This really threw a wrench into my life and the lives of pretty much everyone worldwide. I had made close friends that I depended on, and who depended on me, and I began to find myself in ways I had not before. I struggled with difficult roommates, dyed my hair many times and altogether had a great experience being so independent — but not lonely.

I loved being in charge of myself, fully autonomous and also being close to friends on campus. When I did need mom and dad, they were not too far either. I’d fallen into a perfect routine and I’d fallen in love with the city of Boise. But now, I had to leave.

It’s kind of embarrassing how irrationally I reacted when the initial email was sent out. I began packing immediately as if I was to be evicted within the hour. It didn’t

With no siblings to interact with or talk to, the isolation and loneliness can be emotionally draining.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Heath help that I was alone in the dorm and my parents were at a social event, so I felt very alone once again.

I moved out within a few days and fell into a new routine: wake up at 11 a.m., call into my classes, work, walk for two hours and repeat.

The loneliness that came from isolation and the stay-at-home order was worse than ever before because I was home all the time.

My only face-to-face interactions were with my parents and that did not compare to Disney movie-nights with my friends and coffee-dates with my roommates.

A study led by epidemiologist Nicole Valtorta Ph.D. in 2016 linked loneliness to higher levels of both mental and physical harm.

“Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits,” Valtorta wrote.

“In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety.”

My sleep schedule has also taken a big hit. I went from sleeping from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. to now falling asleep at 3 a.m. and eventually waking up around 11 a.m.

Social media replaced my need for social interactions and I often stay in my room until the afternoon talking to my friends online and liking everyone’s tweets.

I also grew dependent on my devices.

Scrolling on TikTok and Twitter, watching and re-watching Parks and Rec, playing

Minecraft and The Sims 4 for hours at a time was the new normal.

My screen time report, a feature on Apple products that measures how long you’re on your devices every day, sky-rocketed and it is still much higher than it has ever been. A good portion of that screen time is dedicated to my summer classes and work, but with all of that being online, it still strained me.

Thankfully, several months into my isolation I’ve been able to replace some of my unhealthy habits with reading and sitting outside with my dog. Still, navigating a life changed so drastically by COVID-19 has been a struggle I didn’t know I would face in my first two years of college.

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F E AT U R E

MANAGING A PANDEMIC: WHAT BOISE STATE IS DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE

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s coronavirus cases began to surge in spring 2020, students like senior political science major Alee McCormack scrambled to move out of student housing.

After receiving an email that she had to leave within a week, McCormack struggled to find a storage unit for her belongings, pack everything else into her car and drive back to southern California.

Now, McCormack is back living in on-campus student housing for her final year at Boise State hoping to make memories during unprecedented times.

“It’s my senior year and I was wondering, Are we going to go back? Am I not going to have the on-campus experience?

But it’s nice to know I will be in Boise now for my last year,” McCormack said.

One of her main concerns is how many students will listen to the safety protocols put in place and whether they will realize how important it is to follow the rules to keep everyone safe. To mitigate these concerns of students, the university has put precautions in place to have campus buildings accommodate for physical distance practices and offering some classes online or remotely.

Other universities around the country have similar rules

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and protocols, but some students are not adhering to guidelines, and hundreds of COVID-19 cases have been linked to fraternities, sororities and parties. Boise State hopes to keep the campus open by requiring masking and physical distancing, offering flexibility in student learning, and making improvements to campus facilities where possible.

Safety protocol and procedures In a town hall meeting earlier this month, public health officer Maureen Welcker, and other faculty described four pillars to personal protection from COVID-19: facial coverings, physical distancing, increased personal hygiene and staying away from others when feeling ill. Facial coverings are mandated on campus inside and outdoors when physical distancing is difficult.

“As you probably have and will continue to see, our campus communications continue to drive home the point that ‘we’ve got this covered’,” Welcker said, referring to the university’s current safety motto. “Therefore, we need everyone on campus to be covering their nose and their mouth completely. That is going to be the standard for good facial coverings.”

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Students living on campus were given two of their own masks with washing instructions and a university-wide pledge has been sent out to students asking them to acknowledge their role in keeping the campus and each other safe.

McCormack signed the pledge but felt that other students might not give it a second thought.

“I think the pledge is a good outline of what Broncos should be doing and how many feel, but sadly we already see people disregarding the pandemic and going out to party before the school year has even officially started,” McCormack said.

For students, faculty and administration who feel they need to isolate and quarantine, the Public Health Office works under the Community and Environmental Health Department. The office will be available to offer resources and connections to health care teams for students who are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

Welcker announced there will be an opening of a nonprofit 501(c)(3) laboratory dedicated to adding 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day, with a short turnaround time for results to the community. The laboratory will be opened around Sept. 7 and is in partnership with Boise

State, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital.

“This is also a fantastic example of a cando attitude and innovation of Boise State,” Welcker said. “Timely testing for asymptomatic individuals in the Boise area has been hard to come by recently, and we had to alter our original plans to have everyone test negative to COVID-19 prior to arrival.”

There are 100 beds set aside in the dorms for students who either have the COVID-19 virus or have come in contact with someone who has had it, according to Leslie Webb, vice president of Student Enrollment and Enrollment Management.

Already students living on campus have fully online or remote classes, and Webb is certain the university intends to stay open throughout the semester, even after Thanksgiving break, for students living in the residence halls.

The decision could ultimately be affected by local, state and federal mandates and whether students are adhering to the safety protocols put in place.

Learning During a Global Pandemic As the fall semester begins, students wait for their professors to find classrooms to fit their capacity or change to a remote environment to better fit classes’ needs.

F E AT U R E

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Tony Roark noted there are about 51% of classes in-person or a hybrid version of in-person and remote, which has students log on to Zoom at a specified time.

The other 49% of classes will be delivered either online, meaning students can log on at any time, or the course will be fully remote.

“Both of those have benefits, both of them have downsides depending on what your preferences are, but we really have a blend of both of those modalities online and remote,” Roark said.

Every professor has been asked to have a plan to switch their in-person or hybrid classes to fully remote if the university were to shut down again, according to Roark.

Students who are enrolled in Online and remote students should still have access to their instructors, and professors have been asked to work with students who become ill, according to Roark.

Students will have one academic year to complete their coursework, and a contract will be made between the student and faculty member to replace an incomplete grade with a grade that represents the coursework once it is finished.

According to Roark, after discussing with

other deans and faculty, the decision was made to suspend a policy for students that would have required them to have 80% of their coursework or time completed.

“Moving into this fall, that [policy] seemed to me to be inappropriate, and I was convinced especially after talking to faculty leadership, talking to the deans, talking to some of the students that there needed to be more flexibility,” Roark said.

The hope for Roark is to equip students with all the necessary help and planning his department can provide to make the school year as beneficial as possible.

Campus Usage Along with adjusting curriculum for students, different departments on campus have worked over the summer to make sure classrooms will allow students to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and other safety protocols.

With the need for physical distance in classrooms, the entire campus will be utilized as meeting space for classes, including athletic facilities and the Student Union Building. Webb feels confident that if the need arises for a class to pivot from in-person to remote, the university and professors will be easily able to do so.

“We’ve changed our facilities for this

coming year prioritizing your ability to continue your education and so what we’re doing is using our entire campus square footage. We’re spreading out across it so there’s no reduced facility usage,” Webb said. “We’re open and we’re modifying.”

The Facilities, Operations and Maintenance team prepared for the possible arrival of students in the fall as soon as summer began and have been continuing their work for enacting safety protocols as students arrive on campus.

“I call this whole spring and summer the lemonade days because we have just decided to make lemonade out of all of these lemons and so these teams have worked incredibly hard,” said Barbara Beagles, the director of Facilities, Operations and Maintenance.

“Campus has never been cleaner. We have painted more miles of real estate in the past four and a half months than probably has ever been painted.”

The buildings on campus have been updated with new ventilation systems from the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Department. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 600 parts recycled air per billion of air from outside and, if bringing that number lower is possible, it is recommended.

“Every building is different. We might be able to be successful at getting some of these buildings down really low, but it hinges on the type of HVAC equipment in the building,” Beagles said. “Some of this is really antiquated equipment.

We don’t have as much control as some of these newer buildings, but we’re still in every building regardless if it’s old or new really bringing in as much fresh air as we possibly can.”

The university is in the process of hiring an additional public health specialist to add additional support to Housing and Residence Life. Webb hopes the added help will mitigate the unknown factors and the evolving situation for the fall semester.

Webb thanked students for the grace and patience they have shown so far.

“We need it, I think we all need it,” Webb said. “We’re going to need to navigate the complexity of what lies ahead and what we will face together as a community.”

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C U LT U R E AUGUST 27, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

THE SILC STUDENT-LED EVENTS TEAM STILL HAS THEIR EYES SET ON STUDENTS Over the summer, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center adjusted events to fit the new student experience Blake Hunter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The SILC has adapted to the safety procedures on campus, and in-person events will be hosted with these in mind.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

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his past March, when Boise State students got the fateful email regarding the decision to move classes to remote learning, many campus events were cancelled. The university facilities that were originally planned to host these events were deemed unsafe and closed, and there simply was not enough time to pivot and plan virtual versions.

For other upcoming fall events that were being planned at least five months in advance by program assistants at the Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC), there was reason to hope that come August, in person events would be possible.

Now that August is here, it is clear that fully in-person events are possible with certain stipulations, considering

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everyone has had more time to plan and make accommodations.

That is why Melinda Jean Stafford, the assistant director at the SILC, has high hopes for the events that kick off the fall semester every year.

“We want to hold in person programs,” Stafford said. “That’s what we’re good at, it’s our specialty. So we’re fighting for students to come back safely. That’s really our bread and butter.”

The team of program assistants at the SILC is responsible for hosting some of the university’s biggest events that engage new students. However, since the events that had been planned in the spring were unsafe for this semester, the team faced the daunting task of creating new events in a fraction of the normal time it takes to plan an event that would comply with

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quickly changing guidelines.

Sarah Gores is a junior business administration major and a program assistant who worked on the team last year. She has returned this year and felt the shift in planning.

“The last few months have required a lot of flexibility from our team because we are unfortunately unable to put on many of the events we usually do,” Gores wrote in an email. “We have been sent back to the drawing board and have been working hard to plan fun events that give students the opportunity to get connected within the Boise State community, while being safe.”

For Campus Program Coordinator Mikayla Mitzel, student health and engagement on campus go hand-in-hand.

“We want our students to know that their safety is our number one priority and their engagement with the university is also a top priority,” Mitzel said. “We’re following all the guidelines but still giving people the opportunity to meet each other.”

Instead of the Splatter Party, Movie on the Blue and Bronco Night — ­ events that have historically welcomed students to campus — the SILC has planned events that will extend physical distance and limit group size. These include a campus-wide scavenger hunt on Aug. 22, the Transfer Student and Friends Social on Aug. 25 and Service Saturday river clean up on Aug. 29, which are all available to groups or individuals.

Another event is the Involvement Fair, which is held every semester to introduce students to fraternities, sororities, organizations and clubs around campus.

This year, the event will be held on Zoom, where the chat room function

will be used to host students who are interested in asking questions or learning about a particular group.

Though this is not the fall she had expected, Stafford said that it still presents new opportunities that students have risen to so far.

“While there are some traditional [events] that people appreciate continuing, this is going to force the team to get out of the comfort zone and get creative and ask ‘what else can we do?’” Stafford said.

Gores and the rest of the team at the SILC know how tiring Zoom meetings can be. Beyond that, they also know how isolation can make it harder for students to connect and build community.

“We want every event we put on to not only put a smile on a student’s face, but to also make them feel like they belong here,” Gores wrote.

Gores recommended using @getinvolvedbsu on Instagram or their website at boisestate.edu/getinvolved to learn more about upcoming events. Students can sign up at engage.boisestate.edu.

Gores and Mitzel both hope that the SILC’s message of hope to students is heard loud and clear.

“Our goal regardless of the pandemic is to get students involved on campus, and we want students to know that,” Mitzel said.

C U LT U R E

BOISE STATE STUDENTS DANCE THEIR WAY THROUGH VIRTUAL CLASSES

Beginner and advanced dance classes are offered to all students interested McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise State offers dance classes for those interested through their dance minor program.

The dance program welcomes any students from any major, according to Marla Hansen, director of the dance minor program.

Hansen teaches all the classical ballet and pointe technique classes, as well as the Movement and Dance for the Performing Artist class, where students learn all types of the athletic art form. In musical theatre, fight scene choreography and repertory courses, students can choreograph their own piece and showcase it in a performance.

“It’s a diverse, comprehensive program with a variety of classes and levels, despite being only a minor,” Hansen said.

The program offers many opportunities to its dancers, according to Lemuel Reagan, a student of the program and a senior theatre major.

“The program is small but it has some of the best teachers in Idaho,” Raegan said.

“As a whole, it’s rigorous and rewarding.

It’s a pity it hasn’t been expanded.”

“The program is small but it has some of the best teachers in Idaho. As a whole, it’s rigorous and rewarding. It’s a pity it hasn’t been expanded.”

Lemuel Raegan, senior theatre major The dance program wants students to experience all the benefits dance provides for the body, mind and spirit, according to Hansen. There are multiple beginner classes to get a new dance student started, which are varied in skill level so that a student can choose which class they think

The Boise State dance minor encourages students of all skill levels to enroll in a class. will best suit them and their interests.

Anne Milner, a student of the dance program and a sophomore nursing major, encourages students who are interested in trying a beginner class to take advantage of those offered through the university.

“Don’t be afraid or intimidated, it’s a welcoming environment and you certainly won’t be the only beginner student.

You’ll see huge improvements and you won’t be the same person you were before,” Milner said.

According to Milner, Hansen is ensuring students get a chance to perform through a live-stream, which is where the student’s hard work pays off, even in the current online and virtual setting.

“The incredible opportunities are one of the best benefits of the dance program

at BSU,” Reagan said.

Internships are available at Idaho Dance Theatre, where people can be choreographed by professionals, according to Raegan who was able to perform during TreeFort due to the opportunity.

Although dance is about performance, proper technique and knowledge of the craft, dance is also fun and a great stress reliever, especially during these difficult and confusing times, according to Hansen. She wants people to remember to put on music and move.

“Dance is difficult to do alone, so it’s been extremely challenging lately, last semester included. It’s going to be hard this semester, adapting to a new style of class that won’t come close to a class we knew before COVID-19. I want people

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

to stay healthy so we can keep dancing,” Hansen said.

Reagan’s advice to beginner dance students is to have fun with the classes.

“Look like a fool,” Reagan said. “People are going to judge you anyway, so just go for it because if you stay safe, you will never do anything worth doing.”

The dance classes exist under the Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing Department. Students can contact Hansen with any questions they may have at mhansen@boisestate.edu.

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STUDENTS STRUGGLE WITH A DECLINE IN MORALE AS CLASSES RESUME Boise State’s usual high energy has hit a low point this semester due to absence of sports and events McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Adjusting to the “new normal” can be hard for students on and off campus.

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ith cancelled sports seasons, events and a limited number of students and university personnel on campus, Boise State’s morale is scarce compared to previous years. Campus is experiencing a major culture loss due to the lack of traffic that is usually on campus this time of year.

For Beth Manor, a senior multidisciplinary studies major, the lack of school spirit seems to embody how students will connect and engage with one another. According to Manor, she felt she lost in-person classes, friends and campus engagement in March when Boise State went online.

So many of her experiences on campus were connected to sports and events, but as many of those have been canceled or moved into virtual spaces, Manor feels as if she is losing out on

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making memories.

“Sports and events are a huge part of the college experience. But now that those things aren’t happening, the college spirit is lacking.

There’s positive memories I just won’t be able to make this semester,” Manor said.

Alexis Walsh, a junior biology major, feels a similar way. According to Walsh, being on campus is where the excitement of the university lies.

“Students want the same energy we had before, but it’s just not going to be the same.

People I used to talk to every day I haven’t talked to in months, it’s just not the same energy,” Walsh said.

Walsh is also concerned about adjusting to the new normal of campus life during the coronavirus pandemic after being removed from campus since March.

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Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

“Students want the same energy we had before, but it’s just not going to be the same. People I used to talk to every day I haven’t talked to in months, so it’s just not the same energy.”

Alexis Walsh, junior biology major

“It’s scary because we haven’t dealt with something like this before. It’s going to be hard to get back into the loop and get excited for things again,” Walsh said.

According to Walsh, students will try their best to adjust to the new campus life and the energy it provides. She believes it will be a noticeable difference.

“Campus is a fun and welcoming environment when there’s not a complete lack of energy like there is now,” Walsh said.

For Clare Tester, a junior rhetoric, composition and family studies major, the campus is still a caring and welcoming environment.

“Although it’s going to be a super different year because of the amount of online classes everyone has to take, I’ve noticed the campus is still caring,” Tester said.

“The professors are here to offer support.

The future is unknown, but I’m blessed to go to BSU. I will miss the fun of going back to school and meeting everyone.”

Tester knows that the Boise State community will be able to get through this together, despite the challenges the pandemic has been providing.

“Things look way different and you may feel like you’re missing out on a normal campus life, but this is going to make you stronger. Just because it’s not a regular semester doesn’t mean you won’t get the same amount of support; just ask for what you need,” Tester said.

Tester is optimistic for the fall semester and feels that though it’s a challenge, the student body can bond and form great connections.

“We are Broncos,” Tester said. “We can get through this.”

A DESIRE TO COME BACK TO CAMPUS

C U LT U R E

ALL ABOUT HEALTH SERVICES

Returning to campus is a need to return to normalcy for some

Counseling Services shed light on health disparities

McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Taylor Rico-Pekerol | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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ith rising coronavirus cases throughout Idaho, it is unclear if Boise State’s plan to return to campus is simply a desire to return to the societal normalcy known before the pandemic. For Claire Oberg, a senior education major, it seems that the university wants a “new normal” for students by having them return to campus.

Though masks, rigorous cleaning procedures and physical distancing are part of what people now consider normal, it may seem as if a return to campus is a need to reintegrate students into regular campus life.

“I think one of the biggest factors to return this fall is financial reasons, and the idea that in-person discussions, teaching and learning is very hard to recreate in a virtual environment,” Oberg said.

Oberg believes everyone will have to adapt in their own unique way due to the changes students will be dealing within the campus environment, learning and studying.

“As a student, I hope my professors handle their classes with complete open communication.

People are going to be stressed and dealing with a lot outside of school, and we all need to be aware of that.”

Claire Oberg, senior education major

“As a student, I hope my professors handle their classes with complete open communication. People are going to be stressed and dealing with a lot outside of school, and we all need to be aware of that,” Oberg said. “I hope that my professors, even when there are changes, or they don’t know what something is going to look like, they share that with us.

For me, even having someone who is in an authority position be open and honest about the unknown, it’s better than no communication.”

Oberg’s worry is that students who become too familiar with the safety precautions against COVID-19 will not take necessary safeguards to keep everyone safe.

For Trevor Bagley, a freshman marketing major, it seems as if the university is pushing for students to come back to campus like normal due to financial reasons.

“It’ll be more difficult to learn online because I like in-person classes, but if I find the motivation, I’ll be fine,” Bagley said.

Bagley hopes that his professors communicate more frequently than they would if it was an in-person class.

“I think it will be tough at first, but I think I can get past that and have a great time at college anyway,” Bagley said.

With all the new changes happening, Bagely is not sure what to expect but feels comfort in knowing that his peers are feeling the same way.

Freshman media arts major, Fenix Dietz, is cautiously optimistic about classes beginning this semester.

Dietz knows this is a unique situation for everybody and hopes his professors will be more understanding.

“I think this semester is going to be very interesting, especially as a freshman. I already have anxiety about going to college, but with a pandemic on top of that; it’s going to be a bigger hurdle than I expected,” Dietz said.

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person’s mental health is equally as important as their physical health, if not more so, according to Jeralyn Jones a psychiatrist for Boise State University Health Services.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, patients have had to switch to telehealth appointments via Zoom or phone calls beginning in March. One of the main points of discussion Jones has with patients is the feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation.

Some of these emotions are being heightened by the Black Lives Matter movement and political tension in the country.

“I feel like for some people who are already experiencing microaggression, who are already disenfranchised and have that stress, then they have the murders of the young Black men and women,” Jones said.

“I think that is re-traumatizing as well and especially for people of color right now.”

Rates of depression can range in diverse populations but are lower in Black and Latinx people than in white people. However, depression is more likely to be persistent and long-lasting in people of color, according to the American Psychiatric Association. The persistence and longevity

of mental disorders may be attributed to treatment barriers and lack of access to care, according to Jones.

“It’s kind of what you would expect [when looking at the barriers to care.] A lack of insurance, mental illness stigma can be greater among minority populations and one we are looking at and trying to address at University Health Services is the lack of diversity among mental health care providers,” Jones said. “Also a lack of culturally competent providers, so people just not even being aware.”

Language can be another barrier of receiving the correct care, as well as the minority communities having distrust for the healthcare system in general due to possible bias, according to Jones.

“I don’t want to be gloom and doom, but it is tragic and it’s the truth,” Jones said.

The University Health Services is working towards diversifying their staff, as well as receiving training to care for patients of the minority community in an educated and helpful way, according to Jones.

Anyone looking for medical services, counseling or wanting to schedule a telehealth appointment can visit the Health Services website.

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SPORTS & REC August 27, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

CAMPUS RECREATION INTRAMURAL SPORTS KICKS OFF THEIR SEASON Intramural sports are set to begin as early as Sept. 6 for the fall semester Brad Verbout | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise State intramural sports are set to kick off as early as Sept. 6.

Intramural sports are hosted by the Campus Recreation, which provides referees, stat keepers and medical help for all competitors.

Intramural sports give students opportunities to participate in various sports at a competitive or recreational level. Single-day events and leagues are offered to current Boise State students and faculty, staff, spouses or partners of students and alumni are also eligible to participate if they have a Rec membership.

“Campus Recreation is working in unison with Boise State’s Reintegration Committee and Boise State’s Public Health Officer to continually evaluate what programs will be offered this fall and what modifications must be made in order to deliver those programming opportunities safely,” Campus Recreation Director Jason Hermes wrote in an email.

For additional information on Rec guidelines, updates, intramurals, hours of operation and more can be found on their website.

“While all programming activities are subject to change based on recommendations or requirements from university, state or federal guidelines, Campus Recreation is planning to offer non-contact, outdoor recreational opportunities in which strict physical distancing and/ or facial covering wearing can be maintained,” Hermes wrote.

Only four leagues are being offered this fall, including four-person sand volleyball, softball, kickball and modified human foosball.

Junior criminal justice major Justin Donaghy plans on sitting out of

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intramural sports this year due to the selection available.

“I’m probably not going to do intramurals this year. For me, it’s more because of the sport selection. I’ve played football in the past and it was fun, but I really don’t like any of the other sports. Maybe if one of my friends invites me to go I will, but I doubt it.”

If an athlete is feeling sick, has recently been in contact with someone who is sick or is showing signs of COVID-19, they are asked to stay home. Athletes participating are also asked to bring their Boise State ID card and a personal water bottle.

Requirements for face coverings will depend on the sport being played. All Rec staff is required to wear a face covering, and when athletes interact with staff members, they will also be asked to wear a face covering.

In order to protect athletes, the Rec has decided to only offer sports in which there is minimal contact and social distancing is possible. This means two popular leagues for the Rec will not be played this fall: seven-on-seven football and indoor volleyball.

Rules for modified games and sportsmanship scoring will be posted by Aug. 24.

Intramural referee Nick Lopez has participated in intramural sports in the past and plans to do so again this year.

“I loved doing intramurals in the past.

I met a lot of my good friends playing them. They are a great way to exercise too.

I became a referee last year because I loved hanging out with the other referees,” Lopez said. “I am going to be playing and most likely reffing games again this year. We will do our best to keep everyone safe and playing is too much fun to pass up.”

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A new list of intramural sports was posted to the Rec website.

Jordan Barno | The Arbiter

SPORTS & REC

BOISE STATE FALL SPORTS POSTPONED FOR THE SEMESTER

Fall sports will reevaluate their schedule closer to the spring semester Brad Verbout | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Mountain West was the second conference to postpone the fall sports season in hopes of playing in the spring.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

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ountain West Conference fall sports have been postponed after a vote by conference presidents on Monday, Aug. 5.

The news was originally reported by the Stadium and was confirmed shortly after by the Mountain West Conference’s official Twitter page.

“We were hopeful we could carefully and responsibly conduct competition as originally scheduled with essential protocols in place,” Mountain West Commissioner, Craig Thompson said in a press statement. “However, numerous external factors and unknowns outside our control made this difficult decision necessary.”

The decision was made to protect campus communities, student-athletes, team personnel and fans from the spread of the coronavirus.

Mountain West presidents are discussing the possibility of pushing fall sports

into the spring. Team related activities for enrolled student-athletes will be evaluated

by NCAA legislation and guidance.

“Can you put the fall into the spring?

Can you play all of those sports? What does football look like in the spring? For months, we’ve all been saying nearly the same thing — last resort, only if we have to. Well, for the Mountain West, it’s the last resort, and only if we have to,” Thompson said.

The Mountain West is the second Football Bowl Subdivision conference to postpone its season and the Mid American Conference announced its postponement on Aug. 8.

On Aug. 5, the Mountain West announced a football schedule that included eight conference games and an option for two non-league games. The schedule was set to begin no earlier than the weekend of Sept. 26.

“Despite everything that has been

thrown in their way over the last several months, our student-athletes, coaches and staff had been preparing for a 2020 season,” said Curt Apsey, Boise State athletic director. “They were ready for every possible uncertainty, but in the end, the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes across the conference necessitated today’s announcement.”

Boise State head football coach Brian Harsin held a press conference the day after the decision was made to postpone the football season.

“I was extremely disappointed to learn yesterday that our fall football season was being postponed. Our players and staff have been working extremely hard in preparation for the 2020 season all while working to adhere to do so as safely as possible. This team wanted to play, our coaches wanted to play, I wanted to play,” Harsin said.

Elementary education major and

Bronco football fan Bailey Wardle shared her thoughts on the canceled fall sports season.

“I understand why they are canceling sports, but it upsets me that the athletes can’t showcase all the work that they put in over the summer,” Wardle said. “It will be a weird fall in general, but no sports makes it worse.”

Football and other fall sports across the nation are in jeopardy as coaches and players have voiced their concerns about a college football season this fall.

Jon Drezner, University of Washington’s team physician and member of the Pac-12 medical advisory board explained why fall sports are not feasible this year in an interview with CBS sports.

“We are in the middle of a pandemic, our country is one of the worst controlled on the planet,” Drezner said. “We have more deaths than any country. We have cases surging all over the place. We haven’t done what we needed to do to play fall sports.”

Presidents of the Power 5 conferences held a meeting on Sunday, Aug. 9, to discuss the state of football. ESPN reported that Big Ten presidents are ready to back out of its fall sports season. Meetings amongst Power 5 conferences and schools are scheduled to meet throughout the week to discuss the fate of the season.

“The guys that have been here, and not everybody has been here every single day, but the guys that have been here are the guys that have been working out the guys that have been putting in the time, they’ve done a tremendous job,” Harsin said.

“Our strength staff has done a great job getting our guys in shape because that was always the plan.”

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SPORTS & REC

CAMPUS RECREATION REOPENS AFTER A FIVE-MONTH CLOSURE

The Rec opens its doors once again for patrons to enjoy the amenities with new safety protocols Brad Verbout | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Boise State Campus Recreation (the Rec) reopened its doors to students on Aug. 3. The reopening comes after the Campus Recreation was shut down in March due to a COVID-19 outbreak and closure of campus.

The Rec will require patrons to wear facial coverings at all times. The only time students are not required to wear a facial covering is when showering and swimming, or if working lifeguard duty as a staff member. Patrons are asked not to go to the Rec if they feel sick or have recently been in contact with someone who is sick.

“Student staff are trained on Campus Recreation’s new guidelines, protocols, operational changes and community expectations during COVID-19. Student staff will be completing the Environmental Health and Safety COVID-19 training,” wrote Campus Recreation Director Jason Hermes in an email. “Student staff are trained on American Red Cross’ new guidelines for performing CPR/first aid during COVID-19.”

The Rec patrons are also asked to avoid physical contact with others, not to use equipment that has been marked for nonuse, disinfectant equipment before and after use, and be mindful that hours of operation are subject to change.

All equipment and workout spaces are altered to meet physical distancing measures. Signage, floor markings and equipment modifications have all been added to the Rec. “Some of it is definitely annoying, but I totally get it. I would rather go through the steps than someone get sick. I feel safe when I’m working out,” said Alex Fernandez, Rec patron and junior kinesiology major. “I will say I didn’t need an extra excuse not to go to the Rec, but now I have one. Working out with a mask is difficult, but at the same time it is doable.”

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The Rec has modified its hours, equipment and workout spaces to follow new guidelines.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter is safe. Everyone is required to wear Items and activities available at the fectant bottles and towels to wipe down Rec include: swimming pool, locker equipment for all patrons upon checking a mask and everything is pretty well spaced out, especially with the Rec room, showers, towel service, badminin. The used bottles and towels can be [where] everyone is constantly wiping ton, pickleball, ping pong, racquetball, dropped off before leaving. down their used equipment and everyweight belts, resistance bands, jump Campus Recreation staff will be thing that they use,” Sanchez said. “We ropes, dip belts, bar pads. placed around the gym to clean equipalso clean everything every couple of Items and activities not available at the ment, and ask patrons to move to a hours and every night. It will be interrec include: guest passes, cash transdifferent machine area to allow for esting to see what happens once everyactions, food and drink sales, saunas, cleaning or social distancing. basketball, futsal, indoor soccer, volleySecond-year Rec employee Mekel San- one gets back to campus. I don’t really know if anyone has an answer for that.” ball, wallyball, boxing gloves, wheelchair chez shared his thoughts on the reopenbasketball, athletic training. ing and the health and safety guidelines.

The Rec will provide individual disin“I feel that working at the Rec center

ARBITERONLINE.COM

OUR BEST GUESS

TAURUS

VIRGO:

Virgo, things are going well for you now, but in order to continue forward you must be analytical of your future choices. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and take risks, but be aware of your surroundings. Everything will seem like it is outside your comfort zone this week, but make sure to look at different situations with open eyes.

The Arbiter aligns your stars.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FED 17

Aquarius, don’t get lumped in with everyone else.

Make sure you let your unique personality shine through and attract the positive energy you radiate. Those around you may be feeling forgotten, so make sure you reach out to your loved ones.

Clear communication is key this week.

AUGU

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

ST

Mars is going to be making an uncomfortable entrance into your life, Pisces, so take advantage of the freedom you have right now. Look for people who challenge your ideals and bring a positive energy into your life, these people could prove to be lifelong friends. Dig deep!

-S

2

3

EPT

ARIES

2 EMBER 2

MARCH 20 - APR 20

Aries, all the new changes in your life can feel overwhelming, but push through and focus on your path this week. Face challenges head on! Be aware of how much energy you are putting into your projects and try to place some of it into activities that make TAYLORRICOPEKERO@BOISESTATE.EDU you happy. Try to get tasks done early in the morning so you can focus on more fun things at night.

TAYLOR RICO-PEKEROL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LIBRA

APR 20 - MAY 21

Stay away from the drama that is surrounding you right now, Taurus, and be honest in who you consider a friend. Become in tune with your body and soul this week and try out some yoga or go for a walk to calm your mind. Make sure you are listening to your peers and taking their advice, they may know more than you believe.

SCORPIO

GEMINI

OCT 23 - NOV 21

MAY 21 - JUN 21

The sun and mercury are in your zone, Gemini, meaning you should think about where your priorities lie. Resist the temptation to splurge this weekend and instead save your money for something that could bring you genuine joy in the future. Rest, relax and restore your body this week so that you can come back rejuvenated.

CANCER

You may be tempted to follow the path less traveled this week, but be cautious of the unknown, Scorpio; you may not know what is waiting for you.

Let your guard down and let people in because someone could help open up your mind to creative insights. Go outside and get some fresh air.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

JUN 21 - JULY 23

Cancer, trust your gut when it comes to your first instinct and don’t overthink the small things. When it comes down to it, you know what is right and wrong. Although you have an open and kind heart already, make sure to be vulnerable with that special someone. You may surprise yourself.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

Make sure to stay on task this week and don’t let yourself get swept up in the clouds, Libra. Focus on what you want to accomplish this week and manifest some of your own destiny. Don’t get bogged down by the small details and make sure you’re looking at the bigger picture. Take a chance on that dream.

Sagittarius, take time for yourself and focus on what it means to give yourself a break. Use your compassion to help someone else and remind yourself how good it feels to make others happy! A project may soon become challenging for you, but it is nothing you can’t handle with some creativity.

CAPRICORN

With lively Mercury in your orbit, Leo, you can learn a lot with an open perspective and willingness to grow. Establish the patterns in your life that you enjoy and recreate them to continue down a path of prosperity. Work with the aggressive energy you are feeling instead of against it, and you may find that it helps you in the long run with your personal life.

DEC 21 - JAN 20

With your work and school life ramping up, Cap, don’t get bogged down by the things out of your control. Let go of everything weighing you down so that you can open up new doors of opportunity.

Accept the help you are given and don’t let your pride get in the way of your success.

On September 19th, all college students with a valid student ID can enjoy these offers: Valid 9/19/2020

20% off Home

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Valid 9/19/2020

15% off Electronics

Excludes: Nintendo, “New! Lower Price” and “Low Prices on Your Favorites” Items, Price Blaster Items and Clearance.

Head to your East Bench Fred Meyer store and show your student ID to your cashier to redeem.

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