The Arbiter 2.11.21 Vol. 33 Issue 6

February 11, 2021

Vol. 33 Issue 6

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CREATING SPACE FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR IN STEM AND HIGHER EDUCATION NEWS

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The Campus Food Pantry is looking forward to possible new equipment and renovations in the future.

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

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Boise State professors should give students “About Me” surveys during the first week of classes. arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

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Students work with local journalists to translate articles with COVID-19 information into Spanish. @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

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Women’s tennis wins first games of the season against Idaho State Bengals and Lewis-Clark State Warriors.

@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 Lexi Almeido sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Paige Wirta opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editor Delaney Beale copy@stumedia.boisestate.edu Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas Digital Content Manager Mackenzie Hudson digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Abbey Nimegeers Claire Keener Graphic Design Manager Sarah Schmid design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Jordan Barno Illustrator Alieha Dryden

Distributed monthly on 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.

Students enjoyed time around the rink at the Broncos on Ice event on campus.

ON THE COVER:

With a $1,000 Hometown Project scholarship, Mone’t Alberts is working to help students of color in high school learn about higher education opportunities. “Yours Truly, Mone’t” is an Instagram account tailored to the project. Cover design by Alieha Dr yden and photo by 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

Claire Keener | The Arbiter

CREATIVE WRITING FEATURE GUEST WRITER: TRISHA KANGAS

EMAIL US AT:

Personal Poem - "I drew myself a map"

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t is eternity’s eyes which makes my heart beat faster.

Sun’s dance shines through, but only between specks of laminated time.

HAVE A COMMENT OR SUBMISSION? editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Holographic winter, where my mind wears thin.

Take me back to the moment when the sweet ethereal’s chest was opened and I, birthed amongst moondust and happy, stepped upon craters of sparkling infinitude like it was nothing.

Photo Courtesy of Colby Thomas

NEWS

FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS LAUNCHES BRONCO CORPS Bronco Corps helps Idaho nonprofits and small businesses by providing internships to Boise State students Madi Jones | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise State’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) recently launched Bronco Corps, a program designed to help Idaho nonprofits and small businesses by providing internships to Boise State students.

Bronco Corps is funded by College of Business and Economics Advisory Council (COBEAC) member Davi Wali in association with Gardner Company and Laird Norton. Bronco Corps was developed to help students who may have lost internships due to the coronavirus pandemic by connecting them with Idaho small businesses and nonprofits.

Laura Chiuppi is the director of COBE Career Services and manages the Bronco Corps program.

“We were actively creating opportunities for our students who are looking for opportunities, especially since many of their [internships] were rescinded at the start of COVID-19. In addition, this is also helping those small businesses and nonprofits by connecting Boise State talent to those organizations,” Chiuppi said.

Bronco Corps connects students to Idaho nonprofits and small businesses through an application on Handshake where selected businesses can choose who they want to hire.

Bronco Corps is available to all full-time students at the university and all positions are paid, allowing students to earn up to $2,000 per 160 hours.

Bronco Corps has enough funding to connect 47 students with small businesses and nonprofits, according to Chiuppi.

“What’s cool about this program is that it’s allowed Boise State University to build relationships that otherwise didn’t exist with our nonprofits and small business community, and teach them about internships and show them the value that interns have,” Chiuppi said.

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Students can earn paid internships with Idaho nonprofits and small businesses through the Bronco Corps program.

Photo courtesy of Bronco Corps Through this program, some students Blakley encourages all students to exhave been offered permanent positions at plore the opportunities Bronco Corps has these selected businesses and nonprofits, to offer. according to Chiuppi.

“Students should definitely go online Perrine Blakley, director of gift planning and see what’s available. There’s a varied for Bronco Corps, said that the program number of small businesses and nonprofits is beneficial to the community, businesses so there’s something for everyone’s interand students at Boise State. est,” Blakely said. “Students should really “[Bronco Corps] is a benefit to the take advantage of this program especially if students who were looking to receive really they’re needing work experience and a little good career preparation, experience, to do extra money right now.” something good in the community and For more information or help applying to earn money,” Blakley said. “It helps visit the Bronco Corps website. the businesses and nonprofits who get an intern to accomplish things they otherwise couldn’t do. It also helps the community so that those businesses and nonprofits, Laura Chiuppi, director of COBE Career when the end of the pandemic comes, will Services still exist.”

“What’s cool about this program is that it’s allowed Boise State University to build relationhips that otherwise didn’t exist with our nonprofits and small business community, and show them the value that interns have.”

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NEWS

BSU SWITCHES TO COVID-19 SALIVA TESTING FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER

Compared to the nasal swab tests, the new saliva tests are cheaper, less invasive and self-administered Madi Jones | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The university has been accepted as a vaccination site and is in the process of hiring staff and purchasing equiment.

Photo courtesy of Hans Reniers is self-administered, a fraction of the cost oise State created a testing compared to the nasopharyngeal swab test, center for students and faculty and gives an overall better sample. in response to the COVID-19 As of Jan. 19, 6,769 tests have been conpandemic in the fall of 2020. Studucted on campus, according to Bastian. To dents and staff of the university operate the get tested on campus, students have to schedtesting center alongside the Public Health ule an appointment with the testing center.

Office to help ensure the safety of the Boise Currently, the testing center is not open State community. to the general public, but the university has Public Health Officer Jordan Bastian worked with organizations to provide testing explained how the testing center has become as needed. more efficient since it started.

Overall, Bastian encourages everyone to “This is a program that has been built stay home if they are sick and continue to from the ground up. We have appointments wear facial coverings while social distancing. that are available now, an easier registration “We continue to encourage that if you’re fashion and we can get people through quicksick, report it to the Public Health Office so er. Instead of two people getting swabbed we can evaluate and you can get the propat a time, we can have up to eight people er test and treatment. I always encourage providing a saliva sample at any given time,” everyone to maintain social distancing and Bastian said.

In December 2020, the university switched use face covers. Stay home when you’re sick.

Jordan Bastian, Public Health officer That’s one of the most important things,” from a nasopharyngeal swab test to a less Bastian said. invasive saliva test. The new way of testing

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“We continue to encourage everyone that if you’re sick, report it to the Public Health Office so we can evaluate and you can get the proper test and treatment. I always encourage everyone to maintain social distancing and use face coverings.”

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At this time, Boise State has applied for and been accepted as COVID-19 vaccination site and is in the process of hiring staff and purchasing the proper equipment. The university is looking to serve the campus community and the general public in the future with the vaccination site, but has not confirmed where on campus it will be yet.

Michelle Ehlke, a junior radiology major, has been tested numerous times on campus as required to participate in lab activities on campus for her major. Ehlke has been tested using both the nasopharyngeal method and the saliva method.

“Even though the nose [test] is more uncomfortable, I think I prefer that one. With the spit [test], you have more people in there with their masks off for an extended period of time until they get enough spit. Which, to be honest, took me about five minutes the first time and with the nose, it’s maybe 20 seconds,” Ehlke said.

Other than the extended wait time for a saliva test, Ehlke said the process is simple and easy.

“I really think Boise State is doing a good job and did a good job after break,” Ehlke said. “They’re doing their best to stop the spread.”

Boise State continues to require facial coverings on campus and social distance guidelines. The university has introduced a reintegration plan, which includes the first week and last two weeks of the spring semester to be delivered remotely, according to Boise State University.

As described in an email sent to students, Boise State has created an easy process for contact tracing. In classrooms across campus, QR codes are displayed for students to scan on their phones, which will pull up a list of questions about the student’s current location. If students are unable to scan the QR code, a seating survey form is available on my.boisestate,edu.

For more information about the testing center and Boise State Guidelines, visit the COVID-19 information and resources page.

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NEWS

TWO STUDENTS SHARE WHY THEY ARE SELLING THEIR HOUSING LEASES Students are attempting to sell their leases for May, June and July of 2021 McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he ongoing pandemic has affected many areas of student life, including housing. Since the beginning of the pandemic, rental prices in Boise have increased by 9.4%.

A look at the Facebook groups for each year’s class shows that many Boise State students are attempting to sell their leases, though the pandemic may not be the only deciding factor. Other factors may include roommates or financial concerns.

One student, Peter Majmundar, a senior communications major, has a lease that will end in July, but will leave his current residence in May. “I would rather give the lease to someone else than pay the rent for May, June and July,” Majmundar said.

Majmundar’s situation is understandable and is the case for many other Boise State students. Currently, Majmundar lives in the Identity apartments, but is trying to sell his lease by posting in Boise State student Facebook groups.

“So far, no one has responded to my posts,” Majmundar said. “Once the deadline is closer, I’ll try posting more or tell my sophomore and junior friends about it.”

Majmundar has enjoyed living in Identity, claiming it is a clean and well-maintained building that is close to campus, which makes getting to class easier.

For Majmundar, moving back home is not an ideal situation. However, because he does not want to live in Identity after early May, moving back home is his only other option.

“I hope I’ll like being back at home with my family, but really, who wants to do that?” Majmundar said.

Morgan Collins, a leasing agent at Greenleaf Riveredge apartments near campus, has seen an increase of students selling their housing leases.

“I believe there will be a lot of school related effects,” Collins said. “But for us, as an individual housing complex, I have not

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seen a lot of issues.”

According to Collins, it is the individual’s responsibility to find someone to take over their lease if they choose not to stay.

However, for Riveredge, anyone can live in the apartments as long as they qualify — it is not limited to only students.

Katie Lopez, a sophomore finance major, is also looking to sell her lease. She currently lives at Vista West in a four-bedroom apartment for $650 a month, not including parking.

“I’m selling my lease because I won’t be

attending school for May, June and July,” Lopez said. “It’s more cost effective for me and my family if I move out and don’t have to pay the rent for those months.”

Like Majmundar, Lopez posted about her lease in student Facebook groups, at the suggestion of her roommate. According to Lopez, many students are in a situation similar to hers.

“Based on who I know that is also selling their lease, it’s more cost effective for them to sell. If you’re not going to be living there, why pay the rent?” Lopez said.

Lopez plans to move back home to New Mexico with her parents if her housing lease sells. However, if the lease does not sell, she plans to remain in Boise and work full-time in order to pay the rent for May, June and July.

“It’s going to be hard to adjust to living with my parents again, based on being sent home last March,” Lopez said. “I have to choose: do I live here and miss my family?

Or do I go home and make the sacrifice of living with my family and missing all my school friends?”

The pandemic and financial concerns are two reasons some students are selling their housing leases for upcoming months.

Claire Keener | The Arbiter

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NEWS

THE CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY EXPECTS NEW ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS

In the coming months, the pantry will soon be able to accept perishable items and offer virtual cooking classes to students

Amanda Niess | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Boise State Campus Food Pantry has remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic for all current students looking for a snack or to fill their refrigerators.The pantry is also expecting some new renovations and additions, such as a refrigerator and freezer, to welcome new types of donations for students and staff on campus to use, as well as new herbs to add to their garden.

In the coming weeks, Food Network Star Jyll Everman will be hosting a free virtual cooking class for Boise State students and faculty. Free kits will be available to those who participate and the link to sign up will be open soon.

Sophomore sociology major Morgan Friday plays a huge role in working with the Campus Food Pantry to ensure that every student’s needs are satisfied, whether they are regulars or first-time users.

“I think the important part is we have a lot of our regulars still coming,” Friday

said. “That’s a big reason for us staying open is because of the people who regularly use [the pantry] as a vital resource.”

“That’s a big reason for being open; not only for others, but for the people who neeed the pantry.”

Morgan Friday, sophomore sociology major

Located across from Chrisway Drive at the Campus School Building in room 103, the pantry is currently open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate students looking for free resources. The pantry has since re-opened in January to ensure that students are well taken care of.

The Campus Food Pantry always accepts donations and volunteers.

Amanda Niess | The Arbiter

Friday believes many students are unaware of the Campus Food Pantry, yet it provides an extremely vital resource for students, which is why it is important to keep open.

“That’s a big reason for being open; not only for others, but for the people who need the pantry. We are more than happy to be open for the people that really need it,” Friday said.

With the new year, new plans for the Campus Food Pantry are in the works. The pantry has begun collaborating with Boise State’s Service Learning Program in order to collect donations and improve the space as a whole.

Friday provided updates on the new and improved Campus Pantry, including the free virtual cooking class.

“It will be completely free to do with all the foods you have and you will be able to cook it,” Friday said. “So that’s a good option for people who are maybe looking to expand their cooking knowledge.”

Friday mentioned that the pantry is looking for new volunteers to help with delivery and unloading donations.

To stay informed on the pantry, students can sign up for their newsletter that will be going out to recipients once a month. This letter will include pantry needs, volunteer opportunities and a staff member spotlight.

“You can ask to sign up [for the newsletter] when you come into the pantry,” Friday said. “There’s an online form [too] and it will ask you if you want to stay updated with the Boise State food pantry.”

Donations to the food pantry are always encouraged and accepted. Until the pantry receives funding for the refrigerator and freezer, the pantry will only be accepting non-perishable food items. Sign up sheets are also available online to schedule a donation date and time, in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.

Students have made the trek back to campus after spending the holidays at home for winter break. However,

COVID-19 displaced many members of the campus community, making it difficult to return home for the holidays.

Many out-of-state students took the risk and went back home for winter break, but others made the tough decision to stay on campus throughout the final months of the semester, which introduced some new complications regarding food resources and dining options.

As expected, Boise State’s dining halls closed on Nov. 29 and remained closed until Dec. 18. The only dining hall that stayed open through the rest of the semester was the Boise River Cafe (BRC) located in the Student Union Building (SUB).

Eric Kline is a sophomore studying supply chain management at Boise State.

Kline is one of those students who decided to stay on campus during the winter break in order to ease the concerns of possible risks surrounding traveling during a global pandemic.

“I have family across the country that we normally would go see, but partially for safety reasons and partially because I wouldn’t want to have to quarantine when I got back, it seemed like it would be easier if I was [on campus],” Kline said. “It would be nice to be on campus in an environment where I can really focus [for finals].”

Kline and the many other students who decided to stay on campus for winter break had to think about their food supply as well. Since most dining options were closing temporarily, these students were forced to find alternatives to make sure they did not go hungry over the holidays.

“It is tricky trying to figure out how I’m going to eat when I’ve only used on campus food for the whole year,” Kline said.

For some students, however, spending money on food supplies at grocery stores isn’t financially feasible. Fortunately, there were other options for finding food on campus, one being the Campus Food Pantry at Boise State.

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OPINION FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

PROFESSORS SHOULD TAKE THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW THEIR STUDENTS

A simple form asking about a preferred name or pronouns can make a world of difference to students Taylor Rico-Pekerol | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

During the pandemic, connecting with students is more important than ever.

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he traditions for the first week of classes, commonly known as “syllabus week,” looked a little different than the usual protocol of everyone introducing themselves, our professors telling us about themselves and taking a syllabus quiz. To start off the spring semester, the first week of classes were online only due to COVID-19 safety requirements made by the university for students possibly coming back after break.

In five out of my six classes, professors shared Google forms or questionnaires asking us students about ourselves. The questions ranged from what my preferred name was, my pronouns, a fun fact and why I did or didn’t want to take the class.

Through this, it felt as though my professors actually cared about me, and wanted to get to know me further than the typical intro-

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duction of name, year and major. One of my professors also had me email her my response to why I was taking the class so that I could have her email, and so she could respond to my answer.

The response from my professor made me feel less like another random student, and more like an individual in a class where I was valued as a person. An “About Me” form should be something all professors institute as a way to get to know their students. Even if the class is a large lecture with 100 students, the form can be as simple as asking student’s name and pronouns.

For smaller classes, professors can ask more questions and make them specific to their course, but the basics should be included first.

In my poetry class, my professor asked if there were any disabilities or health concerns she should know about.

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Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter Although the Educational Access Center on campus usually notifies students’ professors of a disability, the professor does not receive specific information about what the disability is. If students are given an option in a form to let their professors know what their disability is, it could make for a better learning environment.

Further, for students who use a different name than the one on their birth certificate, whether it is a preferred name or nickname, it could mean a lot to a student when professors don’t assume their name on the roster is correct.

Specifically for transgender students, it can be harmful when professors use their deadname, the name that was given to someone at birth that they don’t use anymore. A person’s pronouns should always be asked for, whether they are trans or not, and it can be a good

reminder for professors if they have a list from a form given to students to fill out.

According to an article written by KC Clements for Healthline, “when you refer to a person who is transgender by their non-affirmed name, it can feel invalidating. It can cause them to feel like you don’t respect their identity, you don’t support their transition, or that you don’t wish to put forth the effort to make this necessary change.”

Having students fill out an “About Me” survey before the first class can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety trans students may feel surrounding their deadname and pronouns.

Not only can it help with first-week stress, but student-teacher relationships are also proven to be effective in improving students’ learning abilities and retention. According to an article by Sarah Sparks for Education Week, “a Review of Educational Research analysis of 46 studies found that strong teacher-student relationships were associated in both the short- and long-term with improvements on practically every measure schools care about...”

When professors in the past have taken the time to get to know me, or given me personal feedback on an assignment, I have always felt more inclined to participate and pay attention. The student-professor relationship seems to always benefit both individuals and can develop stronger mentoring relationships.

There are a few professors I have that took the time to get to know me on a personal level, or have given constant receptive feedback to my work. Those professors are the ones I check in with periodically and who I go to for letters of recommendation or simply help in general.

Taking the time to start the semester by getting to know students can make the world of a difference, and I believe every professor should adopt the first-week “About Me” forms and questionnaires.

OPINION

ALL THE INFORMATION YOU COULD WANT REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINES

As more doses are administered, many questions revolve around the vaccines Paige Wirta | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

access to the vaccine.

The group prioritization, announced by Gov. Brad Little on Jan. 12, states that the general public, aged 16-64, are a part of group four. This group is expected to be open to vaccination in May, depending on availability. Variations exist in the groups for those with high-risk health conditions, but hopefully the majority of us can receive the vaccine by the time summer break begins.

The Pfizer vaccine has a 95% effectiveness rate and the Moderna vaccine has a 94.5% effectiveness rate.

Photo courtesy of Steven Cornfield s the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available to Americans nationwide, I have heard a lot of speculation and restraint from members of the Boise State community. I think that it is important to provide everyone with as much accurate and helpful information as possible. Use this as your source of local information regarding the virus coming from our trusted and valued health officials.

Is the vaccine safe?

According to the St. Luke’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page, the technologies behind creating a vaccine are not new.

The FAQ page states:: “When we compare

the risks to those at the frontlines that are being exposed to the virus and those in our community who are at high-risk for severe disease and death, those risks greatly overshadow the unknown risks of the vaccine.”

To put it in other terms, the often incapacitating effects of COVID-19 are much worse than the possible risk of a fever or minor allergic reaction from the vaccine.

There are always side effects for a vaccine, be it for a typical flu or COVID-19. But those side effects pale in comparison to the symptoms brought on from COVID-19, or the possibility of death.

How effective is the virus?

St. Luke’s states that the Pfizer vaccine

has a 95% effectiveness in preventing infection seven days after the second shot, and the Moderna vaccine has a 94.5% effectiveness. Of course, more data is needed to understand how long the immunity produced by antibodies from the vaccine will last, but current research shows the antibodies lasting in adults for around four months.

When are students eligible to receive the vaccine?

As recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health care workers, residents of care facilities, essential workers and those 65 and older are among the first groups to have

What will the COVID-19 vaccine accomplish?

There are also questions surrounding what exactly the COVID-19 vaccines will do. Will it stop one from contracting the virus or just reduce symptoms? According to St. Luke’s, states that the vaccine can actually do both, stating that “more than 90% of the people in the phase 3 trials did not get COVID-19. Of those who did get it, only one person in the Pfizer study has a severe case, the rest of the participants in Pfizer had minor symptoms.”

However, it is important to keep in mind that even after someone gets both doses of the vaccine, they may still be able to spread the virus, so continuing to partake in COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing a facial covering and social distancing, is key to stopping the spread of the virus.

If you still have questions, concerns or other worries about the vaccine, there are a number of local and national sources to keep yourself up to date on all the news and information regarding the vaccination.

The Idaho COVID-19 website gives out the number of vaccinations administered and COVID-19 cases confirmed. Additionally, the Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee website shares information from all of their meetings.

For those looking for campus information, visit the Boise State Spring Semester COVID-19 Updates page.

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

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life-changing opportunity for students, both incoming and those already in college, could be only an email away. And that is the message Ph.D. student Mone’t Alberts wants to spread as she works towards a doctorate in biomedical engineering with an emphasis on tissue engineering.

During the summer of 2020, Alberts was awarded the $1,000 Hometown Project Scholarship to create a project of her choosing to better her community. With that scholarship, “Yours Truly, Mone’t” was started.

In 2015 as an undergraduate student, Alberts sent an email to her professor asking if he knew of any internship opportunities she might apply for. He replied letting her know he had a spot in his engineering lab if she wanted it. Alberts accounts where she is today to the email she sent back accepting the position, which she signed off with “Yours Truly, Mone’t.”

“I thought that it was right to just name my initiative [the Hometown Project] because I never would have gotten to this point if I didn’t send that email and I truly believe that,” Alberts said.

As incoming freshmen, some students have little to no idea what they want to pursue a career in. For Alberts, she took an interest in planes and ran with it. Now working as one of six women in her engineering class and the only Black woman, she is working to help students of color find their passions.

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Finding a passion for STEM Spending seven years at Boise State was not Albert’s original plan, but there’s nowhere else she’d rather be doing what she loves. Although Alberts enjoys her time at Boise State now, it was not always easy.

In 2015, Alberts came back to Boise after taking a year to attend Montana State University Billings on a soccer scholarship.

An injury cut her soccer career short, and she decided to give Boise State another chance.

“After I came back, I was trying to decide because I hated psychology. I was like, ‘This isn’t it for me, there’s not enough math, there’s not enough science,’” Alberts said.

“And I’ve always been in love with math and science and have been good at it. I really enjoy learning.”

After a phone call with her father Rico Alberts, she landed on an interest in airplanes. Her father joked that she was legally blind and would not be allowed to fly one, so Alberts settled on figuring out how they were built.

She searched for different types of engineering majors that she might be interested in and found material science engineering.

Her first class introducing material science was with Associate Professor Eric Jankowski in the Micron School of Material Science and Engineering.

Jankowski started working for Boise State in 2015 and taught a computing course in materials science. Students learn the programming skills that engineers need, and for participating in Jankowski’s lab.

Using computer simulations to study materials, they work on trying to make better

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solar panels out of plastics and carbon fiber composites with plastics for companies like Boeing, and organizations like NASA. “Mone’t was in that very first class [I taught after coming to Boise State]. And she was great. She came in super eager to learn, but it was also her first semester as an engineer. And I could tell that she was being pulled in a bunch of different directions,” Jankowski said.

Alberts is a first-generation college student and an older sibling. During the first few years of her undergraduate career, she worked two jobs to pay her tuition and cost of living while also taking a full course load. After working in Jankowski’s class, he showed her different scholarships she could apply for and offered her a paid internship in his lab for the summer.

Over the summer, Mone’t helped develop computational tools and epoxies for boats and planes.

“Mone’t did a whole bunch of work, helping us develop those computational tools.

We’ve got a paper that she’s written, that we have not yet submitted, and she has co-authored three other published papers. And she’s just one of the integral early members of my lab,” Jankowski said.

While working in Jankowski’s lab, Mone’t Alberts made sure she was showing up and consistently putting in the work.

In her engineering class, she was one of six women and the only Black woman in her class of 26 students.

Although she did not have role models that looked like her within the engineering field, it never stopped Alberts from continuing to learn and develop her skills as an engineer with Jankowski and Boeing.

“When Mone’t started, it’s not like she showed up and was like ‘I’m going to show you all how to be a team that is responsive to Black women’s issues.’ She showed up and

F E AT U R E

2013

2014

2015

Attended Boise Attended Montana Returned to BSU State and majored State University, to study in psychology Billings to play mechanical engineering soccer

was learning and we were learning along with her,” Jankowski said.

From her time in Jankowski’s lab, Alberts has been offered an internship with Boeing, worked for a semiconductor company and created her own Hometown Project.

Hometown Project While working on her Hometown Project, “Yours Truly, Mone’t,” Alberts reached out to high school teachers to see if they would be interested in collaborating with her to help marginalized students.

Alberts believes that Idaho doesn’t have a lot of resources and representation for students of color who are interested in higher education. She wanted to set up workshops to go to local schools and help students learn about science, college and scholarships or internships for students of color.

In March 2020, no one knew how long the pandemic would last and teachers responded to Alberts saying they weren’t going to see their students for a while. According to Alberts, other teachers wrote back saying they couldn’t pass out the information because they were afraid of the possible reactions of saying it was for only students of color. “[All of the responses] were at the height of BLM (Black Lives Matters) protests and it was at the height of all of that stuff that was happening all over the U.S. and we live in Idaho,” Alberts said. “So, no one wanted

2016 Interest in planes began and started interning at Boeing

to do it. And that was a really hard pill to swallow, but it’s a pill I’ve been swallowing my whole life.”

Alberts decided to pivot to a platform high school students are familiar with — social media. She created an Instagram account, @ yourstrulymonet, where she posted about available opportunities to students of color in Idaho and a video explaining why she started the project and her story on how doors of opportunities were opened for her by sending one email.

“I wanted to be a stepping point for students to go to to find these opportunities, and strictly in the lens of opportunities for minority students. When I started that, I was very optimistic, very excited about how much time I would have to spend on that.

And it’s been hard these last few months finding stuff that’s important enough to share because almost everything is gone,” Alberts said.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, funding and opportunities have decreased for programs across the county and in the state of Idaho. Now, Alberts is going to speak with the Boise Rotary about how to continue helping minoritized students when opportunities aren’t readily available and if they would be willing to offer assistance with her Hometown Project.

2019 Received an internship at ON Semiconductor Company

2020

2020

Graduated with Started her Ph.D. a bachelors in in biomedical materials science engineering and engineering from received the BSU Hometown Project scholarship

A role model for everyone Growing up in Idaho her whole life, Alberts was told by countless teachers and faculty in elementary, middle and high school that the experiences of students of color were not bad.

As a constant straight-A student and Black woman, Alberts experienced multiple forms of bullying and harassment from both students and teachers.

“I was bullied a lot in school here and not just by students. When I was in sixth grade, I got accused of being in a gang for no reason.

They checked my locker and my backpack in front of everybody,” Alberts said.

With “Yours Truly, Mone’t,” Alberts hopes to offer a safe space for students of color to reach out and ask questions. She has grown up being the oldest sibling and being the best role model she can for her siblings, and she continues to try to be that role model for all students of color.

“It’s not invisible for us. Like it may be invisible for people that have never had the experience growing up here as a kid of color, but it’s not and it needs to change because there are kids of color here. And as Idaho grows, there’s going to be more, and they need a space where they can be safe, feel safe and feel like someone cares about their future and where they end up,” Alberts said.

Alberts attributes a lot of her drive and passion to her parents who have been a constant support system throughout her life. Rico Alberts, her father, had to learn to let his daughter

go and watch from afar as she grew into her role in the community.

“Being a person of color and also being a woman, those are two tough things to deal with, as well as living life in general” Rico Alberts said. “So, she’s going into a field dominated by men and how can you not be proud of her? She goes in and she has earned respect.”

Rico Alberts watched as his daughter grew into not only an independent woman, but as an outspoken leader in the community. She does not try to compete against others or be better than someone else, according to Rico Alberts. Mone’t Alberts simply outdoes and competes against herself.

While working towards her Ph.D., Alberts plans to continue to develop and collaborate with those in the Idaho community to bring further awareness to students of color about “Yours Truly, Mone’t.”

“When I do interviews like this, students go to my Instagram, they message me, they find these interviews, and they find me and ask me questions about school,” Alberts said. “Even if it’s one student or two over the course of the time that I’ve been doing this program — that’s worth it to me because I never had that, and to even be able to help just a couple of students is worth it.” worth it to me because I never had that, and to even be able to help just a couple of students is worth it.”

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C U LT U R E FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BSU CLASS WORKS WITH JOURNALIST TO TRANSLATE COVID-19 INFORMATION

Key updates to the state’s coronavirus responses haven’t been available for Spanish speakers throughout the pandemic Blake Hunter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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alfway through an already challenging semester, Fátima Cornwall, a Spanish language coordinator at Boise State, brought the students in her Spanish 382: Spanish for Healthcare class a proposal to change their entire fall 2020 course schedule.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s frequent press conferences providing updates and announcements to Idahoans about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic weren’t reaching Idaho’s Spanish speaking population because no interpretation from English to Spanish was being offered. Cornwall asked her students if they wanted to change their semester to provide a public service by translating Little’s message to Idahoans.

The proposal had originally been brought to her by Nicole Foy, an investigative reporter for the Idaho Statesman who also covers Idaho’s Latinx communities.

Through a prestigious John S. Knight fellowship at Stanford University and support from her editors, Foy has been able to provide COVID-19 stories translated into Spanish.

But Little’s press conferences, which have often included announcements and major news throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, have only been offered in English and American Sign Language.

Knowing that thousands of Spanish speakers in Idaho would benefit most from audible news, Foy proposed that Cornwall’s class translate the conferences.

“This is a public health crisis, and we were very concerned that people were not being given the information they needed in the language they speak best to keep them and their families safe,” Foy said.

Cornwall’s class had already completed one community project during the fall semester partnered with the Idaho Caregiver Alliance.

After seeing how her class responded to that

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challenge, she wanted to offer any other opportunities that presented themselves for her students to connect with the community.

“After grading all that homework [from the Idaho Caregiver Alliance project], I got the feeling that a lot of students are just big-hearted and loved that idea of serving and putting their skills to good use,” Cornwall said.

“After grading all that homework [from the Idaho Caregiver Alliance project], I got the feeling that a lot of students are just big-hearted and loved that idea of serving and putting their skills to good use.”

-

Since Little’s press conferences are live, the students translate recordings selected

by Foy in teams into writing, which is then read and recorded, all within a 48-hour turnaround period.

Gabby Bates, a senior accounting and spanish double major, said that working in different roles has been both challenging and fun as students take turns translating and recording audio.

“It’s been cool because we’ve been able to work in a close group and ask each other questions and kind of bounce ideas off of each other, but we’ve also been able to try different roles within our groups, which has been really fun,” Bates said.

Throughout the fall and as winter progresses, the Idaho Statesman’s “Noticias en Español” have been kept freely available and have received some of their website’s highest traffic.

Foy said that weekly coronavirus videos

in Spanish she creates with a reporter based in Twin Falls have received five times as many views on Facebook as many of the page’s other videos, showing a clear need for information.

To continue providing this service, five of Cornwall’s students from last semester have stayed on the project for one credit each, and their latest video translates the government’s latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines reaching Idahoans 65 years or older.

As the vaccines bring hope to ending the pandemic, Cornwall and Foy both hope that the pandemic has taught institutions important lessons about how to communicate with the public.

“I think sometimes there’s this misconception that because somebody speaks Spanish they’re not an Idahoan,” Cornwall said. “They are living in Idaho. They are Idahoans, and if people say we’re all in this together, it means all, not just people that speak English.”

Fatima Cornwall, Spanish language coordinator

Of the 23 students in the class, 13 opted to translate the announcements, while the rest finished their original planned course.

Jessie Wine, a senior Spanish and English linguistics double major, said she immediately knew that she wanted to be part of the new project.

“When Dr. Cornwall gave us the option, I was super excited,” Wine said. “It really appealed to me just because it sounded like something that would be really helpful to people — like it was for a cause, it wasn’t just an assignment. And so I thought, ‘Oh, this is great, it’s something that’s actually going to help people. It’s providing that service to Spanish speakers so that they can get that important information.’”

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As a collaboration, this Spanish class has translated Idaho’s newest coronavirus information into Spanish for the thousands of Idahoans who need it.

Photo courtesy of Idaho Public Television

C U LT U R E

STUDENTS CONSIDERING GRADUATE SCHOOL HAVE A BIG SUPPORT SYSTEM Boise State has multiple resources to aid students in their search through the Career Center and the Graduate College Stephanie Gull | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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raduate school may seem like a daunting or formidable question when one doesn’t know where to look or who to talk to. However, Boise State offers numerous resources that are readily available to students in order to make the search as easy as possible.

Melissa Krancer, the recruiter for Boise State’s Graduate College, is usually one of the first people students talk to when they are confused or unsure.

“I talk to people from traditional students, to people in their sixties who have a passion that they’ve been putting off,” Krancer said. “There really is no limit to who can return to school and decide to pursue an education, and it can be for so many different reasons.”

According to Krancer, there seems to be varying perceptions of higher education within Idaho. Some people are terrified of higher education because they worry about debt or the possible lack of a job, while others believe it’s the “Emerald City,” and that all of their problems will be solved by a degree.

“It’s a big investment,” Krancer said. “It’s a lot of time, it’s a lot of money and it’s a lot of work. It’s all those things. You need to get some good career counseling at the front end to make sure you match up with what you want to do. It’s not to be entered lightly.”

Alex Gutierrez, the senior associate director for Career Services, explained that the first step in considering graduate school is ultimately determining what your personal and career goals are.

“Do the research on yourself,” Gutierrez said. “What are your own personal goals and wishes? If you’re going into graduate school, what do you hope to get out of that?”

Both the Career Center and Graduate College have staff that are eager to help students with this process, and each of the graduate programs also has a program coordinator ready to talk with students that would like to learn more.

Through the BroncoLink program, students can become acquainted with alumni in their career field.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter Another helpful tool from the Career Center is a program called PathwayU, which is a free online assessment for students who are struggling with pinpointing their career goals. It looks at a student’s interests, values and strengths, and gives suggestions of possible careers to consider.

“Whether you’re a freshman taking it just to figure out what to do or study, or a senior gathering all of their experiences to find things they really enjoy, this tool can give career suggestions that students may not have even thought of,” Gutierrez said.

Another important step that students can take is simply talking to other people regarding graduate school.

“Talk to your advisor and professors, and ask if they know anybody that you can talk to in the field you’re looking into, to evaluate and ask questions,” Gutierrez said. “Ask them questions like: How did you enter the job market? How do you like what you do? Was it tough? Do you have further education (a certification, a

whole different major, a graduate degree), and did that help? How did that affect your prospects?”

This also leads to a helpful resource called BroncoLink, which is a system of alumni that are willing to do informational interviews, job shadows and answer any questions.

Ultimately, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to graduate school, including choosing a program, picking the right school, going through the application process and figuring out funding, but it all just truly depends and begins with what you want to do.

According to Gutierrez, ideally students start thinking about this at the beginning of senior year, or maybe even junior year, because it’s really about getting information to help make a decision. However, he doesn’t think it’s ever too late to start.

Lilly Crolius, a first year technical communications graduate student, initially started her research into graduate school

by looking at Boise State’s website and going into the graduate college office as a walk-in appointment. She described her transition into graduate school as relatively easy due to her personal support group and Boise State’s resources.

According to Crolius, her advice for students who are even slightly interested in education beyond an undergraduate degree is to start with broad research and to pay close attention to deadlines.

“Keep all your application stuff together and organized, stay on top of it and don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification,” Crolius said. “Always remember that programs may be competitive, but usually professors and department heads are excited when students are interested in their subject. You’ve got this.”

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C U LT U R E

NEW TRIO DISABILITIES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES STARTED ON CAMPUS

The TRIO program is one of many services on campus available to students with disabilities Blake Hunter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Center for Multicultural and Educational Opportunities was awarded five grants totaling $7.1 million from the Department of Education last September, one of which was created to fund a TRIO Disabilities Student Support Services (DSSS) program for five years.

Allison Gonzalez, who formerly worked at the Educational Access Center, is now the director of DSSS, and she explained the application and enrollment process for students.

“There’re many different branches in TRIO,” Gonzalez said. “For this particular branch that serves students with disabilities, 100% of the students enrolled in the program have to have a verified disability, and then a percentage of them also have to be low income.

We don’t have to have any first-generation students, whereas some of the other TRIO programs [do].”

Students must apply to TRIO DSSS, which provides access to tutoring for any first or second-year course, additional major advising, academic coaching and more. According to Gonzalez, academic coaching is often crucial for students with disabilities, as it provides accountability for time management and organization with a mentor students feel comfortable with.

“One of the biggest focuses of this particular program is the academic coaching that we do,” Gonzalez said.

“When I worked for the EAC, something that I really noticed was that a lot of students were just kind of missing some of the strategies that they needed to be successful college students. So that’s a lot of what we do in one on one coaching, where we’re addressing some of the academic concerns that a student is having.”

For example, Gonzalez said that for a student with severe social anxiety who is taking a class with several presentations and a lot of group work, an academic advisor would help that student build the skills necessary for that class.

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“We wouldn’t want them to avoid doing presentations,” Gonzalez said.

“What we would want to do is teach them some skills and strategies so they can confidently work in groups and competently do presentations. It doesn’t happen overnight, obviously. It does take practice and it does take some skill-building.”

The Educational Access Center (EAC), located next to Veteran Services Center, provides an additional connection to resources that make a Boise State degree more attainable for students with disabilities both permanent and temporary.

Wendy Turner, the director of the EAC, explained that while the center is remote, students can still reach out in the same ways as before the coronavirus pandemic. Through the Access Portal on the EAC’s website, students can request accommodations from the EAC, which staff members then review.

“The student is the key to the whole thing,” Turner said. “They’ve got to explain what their situation is, what barriers exist for them, and then we work together to figure out some accommodations so that they have access to their classes.”

Mike Gibson, one of the EAC’s three Access Coordinators, said that the interview with students and later conversations with professors are both important steps because a very challenging situation on paper can then turn into a simple solution for a student, whether it be that they need some extra time on a test or a book in an alternative format.

“The interview is really key to making sure that the accommodations are tailor-made to that particular student because it varies so widely from individual to individual,” Gibson said. “It can be a very collaborative process to make things happen because we each bring our own individual experiences to help solve whatever the barrier might be.”

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The TRIO office is located in Boulder Hall and information about the new program is available online.

Blake Hunter | The Arbiter

“The interview is really the key to making sure that the accommodations are tailor-made to that particular student because it varies so widely from individual to individual.

Mike Gibson, EAC access coordinator

Turner and Gibson both hope that the difficulties and barriers to education that have been exacerbated by the pandemic encourage faculty, students and staff alike to consider learning about and implementing Universal Design, which promotes practices and spaces that automatically provide accommodations for people of all abilities, ages and situations.

“The thing I’m hoping that continues [after the pandemic] is helping to inspire faculty to think differently about things because they were forced out of their box, simply out of their comfort zone,” Gibson said. “Learning how to work in a group and maximize each other’s strengths really creates a much more inclusive environment for everyone.”

ALL ABOUT HEALTH SERVICES

C U LT U R E

REVIEW: “RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE”

BroncoFit’s body positive “Beyond Comparison” campaign

The popular LGBTQIA+ romance novel is not worth reading

Blake Hunter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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

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he coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated many health problems for college students, including increased stress and anxiety. One of the impacts this can have is a heightened risk of disordered eating and body image issues.

Delainey Jones is a new dietitian and health educator at BroncoFit focused on improving awareness and education around disordered eating, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms for the hardships students face.

“Eating disorders and disordered eating is a huge topic, and especially with COVID, rates are going up, so I wanted to really spend some time focusing on eating disorders, how to have those discussions [about eating disorders] and the mental health side of it as well,” Jones said.

The last week of February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and to celebrate BroncoFit is kicking off its week-long “Beyond Comparison” campaign designed to promote body positivity and eating disorder awareness.. Additionally, Jones is participating in a webinar along with a dietitian who specializes in Health at Every Size (HAES) and a counselor who specializes in eating disorder recovery.

“Our programming on campus is to kind of get people thinking about how they view their bodies and try to encourage them

Sarah Schmid | The Arbiter

to think positively about them or think about what their body image is,” Jones said.

“We also open up discussions if people feel that they have disordered eating or eating disorder tendencies, or if they have a friend or roommate who does.”

Although research has not yet been completed showing rates of disordered eating because of the pandemic, Jones cited a survey conducted by the American College Health Association on college student’s mental health as part of her reason for being proactive by starting conversations about body image and disordered eating during the pandemic.

“What we see is just a huge increase in stress, anxiety and depression, and oftentimes those are directly linked to eating disorders if people have tendencies with that already,” Jones said.

For students struggling with eating habits or body image, or concerned about a friend or family member, Jones recommended exploring BroncoFit’s resource pages — including the “Ask the Dietitian” which links students anonymously to Jones — as well as getting familiar with the terminology, considering therapy or talking with trusted friends or family members.

Students can follow along with each day’s activities on the “Beyond Comparison” website, and sign up for the webinar which will be held live on Feb. 23 from 2-3 p.m.

I

am a straight, cis woman, and I aim to learn about different life experiences through the literature I consume. Most of that literature is valuable and teaches me about the experiences of people who are different from me.

However, in my goal to read more LGBTQIA+ literature, I read a novel that was, in my opinion, simply not worth reading for the objective of expanding one’s knowledge of LGBTQIA+ experiences.

“Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston, published in 2019, is a young adult romance novel that tells of the relationship that develops between the son of the President of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and a fictional Prince Henry of Great Britain.

Though this novel has its positives, such as a woman president and gay and POC representation, it is brimming with negatives. Its plot is predictable and lacking any lasting conflict, every situation always ends up turning out perfectly fine and its characters are stereotypical and uninteresting.

My opinion about this novel is controversial, as many people have declared their love for this story over social media, receiving a 95% positive rating among Google users.

However, I must disagree. What makes a story interesting and realistic is its conflict, of which there is almost none in the novel. Any conflict that does arise is resolved in the following ten pages, making the story predictable and, quite frankly, boring.

For example, Alex doesn’t realize he is bisexual for approximately the first 100 pages of the novel.

McQuiston writes, “He [Alex] thought he was smart enough about his own identity that there weren’t any questions left.”

From that point, where readers can assume Alex is still questioning his sexual identity, to the point where Alex

knows he is bisexual, only 15 pages have elapsed. One of the most significant and important conflicts of the novel began and ended within 15 pages. I am not critiquing the idea of Alex realizing he is bisexual, or questioning that, but rather the fact that there is a lack of focus on his internal thoughts.

Another major point of conflict within the novel occurs when the general public discovers that Alex and Henry are in a relationship. This problem happens about ¾ of the way into the novel, and is fixed within one chapter. For as large of a problem as the novel makes this situation out to be, it is resolved too quickly.

In the next chapter, when readers skip forward in time by four weeks, Alex’s mother wins presidential reelection, despite that being a significant concern because of the public finding out about Alex and Henry’s relationship.

To me, this isn’t realistic or interesting because the conflict does not last as long as it realistically should, nor does the conflict have any long-term effects.

Though the novel’s conflict is a considerable problem for me, so are its characters. Each character is a flat, one-dimensional representation of what a person actually is. The characters lack depth and any true development.

For example, though a side character, Zahra, the president’s assistant, is lacking any sort of emotional depth, only capable of making orders. Readers learn one emotional fact about her at the very end of the novel. This makes for a lacking, soulless character that readers aren’t able to relate to, or even like.

Despite its overall sweet love story, “Red, White and Royal Blue” is a novel depicting unrealistic characters and situations that do not add value to LGBTQIA+ literature.

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SPORTS & REC FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BOISE STATE WOMEN’S TENNIS SWEEPS IN DOUBLE HEADER

Women’s tennis opens their season with a 2-0 win against their opponents Brad Verbout | Sports & Rec Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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n their first match in over 300 days, Boise State women’s tennis came out firing on all cylinders led by a group of freshmen. The Broncos took on the Idaho State Bengals in the first match of the day and the Lewis-Clark State Warriors in the second.

“347 days is a long time and I think that was definitely on our minds,” said Head Coach Beck Roghaar. “But I think what it’s about is what we’ve been doing over those last 347 days to prepare ourselves for right now. I felt proud of our team coming in because we felt prepared, and even though the nerves were going to be there, we were all really amped to play.”

“347 days is a long time and I think that was definitely on our minds. But I think what it’s about is what we’ve been doing over those last 347 days to prepare ourselves for right now.”

Beck Roghaar, head coach

The day started on court one with redshirt freshman Joana Baptista and freshman Shauna Heffernan coming from behind to win their match 6-2.

Redshirt freshman Holly Stewart and freshman Pauline Ernstberger played and

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Although the women’s tennis team had not played in over 300 days, they have continued practicing for the season.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter won their doubles match 6-2 as well.

The wins put the Broncos up 2-0 heading into singles play.

True-freshman Pauline Ernstberger won her match 2-0 in a game one, 6-0 shutout and 6-2 victory. Ana Conde Vendrell didn’t let up for the Broncos, winning her match and giving Boise State a 5-0 lead and securing a Bronco win.

“I think that’s really a testament to the culture of our program where the players understand what it takes to come out and be ready to go for our season,” Roghaar

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said. “It builds a lot of confidence to start off the year with some wins and we’re looking forward to doing more of that along the way this season.”

The Broncos did not show any signs of fatigue heading into their second match of the day. Their doubles teams continued to dominate putting the Broncos up 3-0 in doubles play. The singles kept up the pace shutting out the warriors in a 7-0 victory.

All three true-freshmen were able to earn their first collegiate win for the

Broncos on Saturday.

“Our three freshmen coming out and getting their first action was phenomenal,” Roghaar said. “They’re as good as advertised and we’re super excited about their futures and how they’re going to contribute and all they’ve brought to the team already.”

Boise State women’s tennis will play host to Brigham Young University Feb. 12, and Montana Feb. 14, hoping to keep their undefeated season alive.

SPORTS & REC

BOISE STATE GYMNASTICS SENIORS SET PERSONAL BEST AGAINST UTAH STATE

The Broncos pulled ahead during a close meet against the Aggies for a 196.350-196.250 win Lexi Almeido | Sports & Rec Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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raveling to Cedar City, Utah the week prior, the No. 20 Boise State Gymnastics team fell to No. 17 Southern Utah University. This was the team’s first loss of the season after defeating No. 13 Oregon State and No. 14 BYU in the month of January.

Swinging into the month of February the team faced off against Utah State University on Feb. 6. After four events, the Broncos beat the Aggies 196.350-196.250.

On Feb. 1, Boise State Athletics announced that a limited number of fans would be allowed inside ExtraMile Arena.

“Beginning with this weekend’s women’s

basketball homestand and a home gymnastics meet, Boise State will allow attendance to ExtraMile Arena for a limited number of immediate family members of Bronco student-athletes and coaches. Family members will be required to test negative for COVID-19 prior to gaining entry.” a statement released by Boise State Athletics.

A small group of Boise State fans and family members cheered on the blue and orange throughout their four events, shaking poms and waving BSU flags.

The Broncos started out the night on vault with redshirt junior Tessa Otuafi.

However, the Aggies swiped the first place

spot. Coming in at second place was redshirt senior Maddi Nilson. She scored a 9.850 and was the highest-scoring Bronco in this event.

Rotating to their second event uneven parallel bars senior Emily Muhlenhaupt came out on top with a near-perfect score of 9.975. Right behind her in second place was freshman Emily Lopez with a 9.875.

The Broncos and the Aggies came close in points with these two high scores on bars and a high score from Nilson on vault.

“Maddi (Nilson) got us started with that stick on vault, and Emily (Muhlenhaupt) did her normal thing on bars, carrying

the momentum through beam, and then Maddi set a personal best on floor,” head coach Tina Bird said. “I’m proud of our senior leadership, but we’re going to have a target on our backs as we move forward and we’re definitely going to need to keep cleaning things up as we progress through this season.”

“Maddi (Nilson) got us started with that stick on vault, and Emily (Muhlenhaupt) did her normal thing on bars, carrying the momentum through beam, and then Maddi set a personal best on floor.”

Tina Bird, head coach

Heading into beam, Muhlenhaupt came in second place with a score of 9.875 behind Autumn DeHarde (9.925) from the Aggies. The next Bronco to place was senior Gabriela Cavinta (9.825) who tied for fifth place with two Aggies.

Rotating to their last event, floor, Nilson took first place scoring a 9.900 with her routine. After her came three Broncos who tied for third with a 9.825. These student-athletes were juniors Hope Masiado and Samantha Smith and freshman Courtney Blackson.

After evaluating the scores, the Broncos led with a .100 point difference and took home another win.

Utah State will get a rematch against Boise State on Feb. 13 in Logan, Utah.

Ending the meet in Cedar City, both the Broncos and Aggies achieved high scores in vault and bar.

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SPORTS & REC

BSU MEN’S BASKETBALL WINNING STREAK ENDED IN SPLIT SERIES BY CSU

Colorado State gave the Broncos their first at-home loss of the season with a final score of 78-56 Lexi Almeido | Sports & Rec Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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iring up another two-game series for the Broncos was guard Marcus Shaver Jr. with a 3-pointer in the first half. Shaver then put up two more points after his shot outside the arc.

Guard Derrick Alston gave the Broncos a five-point lead with a dunk. However, this lead did not last long.

This Boise State men’s basketball team has been the most successful in program history. With a 13-1 record and going undefeated in conference play, it came down to their game on Jan. 27 against Colorado State for the team to experience their second loss of the season and first at home.

The team traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado to take on the Rams on Jan. 27 and Jan. 29. Wednesday night’s game resulted in a loss of 78-56., however, the Broncos were able to turn that loss around and beat the Rams 85-77 during Friday’s game.

“It’s just one game, one game doesn’t make or break your season we know that,” Alston said. “It happens. You win games and lose games, we’re going to take the film and respond. We’re fortunate enough to get to play them again on Friday.”

In the first game of the series, the Broncos allowed the Rams to gain a 10-point lead in the first 20 minutes of action Forward Abu Kigab had a back-to-back jumper and dunk. Minutes later he scored on a layup, but the Rams still had the lead.

Alston started out the second half with a 3-pointer. He was the team leader in points (20) during Wednesday’s game.

Although the Broncos put up a total of 31 points in the second half, they were unable to close the gap between them and the Rams.

“We’ve won 13 straight games and we’ve won the boards in all 13,” said Head Coach Leon Rice. “I thought we did a good job in the second half clawing our way back in. You wouldn’t know it by the final score, but we were right there down five with the ball.”

Friday, Jan. 29 was a late night for

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Emmanuel Akot dribbles down the court looking for a teammate to pass the ball to.

Boise State, but their orange uniforms lit up Moby Arena. With a 9 p.m. tip-off, Colorado State was the first to score with a 3-pointer.

Following that play, forward Mladen Armus (12) was able to score two points for the Broncos and get his team on the board. Minutes later, he made back-toback layups to tie the game 9-9.

Kigab (17) scored two 3-pointers during the half, the first one was scored shortly after Armus.

“We just came out with more energy and passion and just really played harder,”

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Kigab said. “It’s infectious and that energy just gets us going and going and our defensive stops get us going on top of that, so we gotta continue to keep doing that and I’m very proud of my guys.”

Guard Devonaire Doutrive (13) was subbed in for the Broncos and quickly scored two points to create a small lead over the Rams.

While the clock ticked down in the first half, Alston scored two points with a jumper. This shot closed the gap between the Broncos and the Rams to one point.

Shaver (21) was able to put up five on

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter the scoreboard within the first two minutes of the second half.

The Broncos began to pull away from the Rams when the team scored eight points in less than two minutes. With time winding down on the clock, the Broncos gained a 10-point lead over their opponents.

The game resulted in a win over the Rams. Boise State will face off against the Nevada Wolf Pack in Reno on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.

OUR BEST GUESS The Arbiter aligns your stars.

AQUARIUS:

Aquarius, take some time for personal reflection and search for what makes you happy.

Doing too much for others and not enough for yourself could leave you feeling hollow. The only person that expects you to be perfect is yourself, be patient with what you want to accomplish.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 19

Take chances, don’t be scared to see what happens, Cap. Look forward to the growth you can find while stepping outside the comfort zone you created. Opportunities will be presenting themselves, but be meticulous about what choices you make. Playing the long game is only fun for so long, be careful of burnout!

PISCES

FEB 19 - MARCH 20

Now is the time to focus on your career, Pisces. It’s been all fun and games up until this point, but now it’s time to get serious with what you want to do.

Others will doubt how far you’ve come, but you are the only true judge of your growth. Open your mind to the different possibilities presented to you.

JAN 20 - FEB 18

TAYLOR RICO-PEKEROL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TAYLORRICOPEKERO@BOISESTATE.EDU

ARIES

MARCH 21 - APR 19

Aries, when you’re feeling energetic, it feels like you can accomplish it all. Ride that feeling into the next week and finish the rest of your to-do list. Others will be looking to you to lead, so don’t be afraid to get your sleeves dirty and get to work. Being a leader doesn’t mean working alone. Make sure to take other’s ideas into account.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 20

Change is in the air for you, Taurus. Pinpoint what you want and locate any obstacles in your path, then remove them. Intense emotions may try to reveal themselves and ruin your week. Make sure to keep those negative thoughts in check, but don’t keep things bottled up.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

Gemini, it’s time to face that creative block you’ve been ignoring. This is your week. Sit down and let your imagination run wild; you have the power to create great things, don’t hold yourself back.

Reflect on your emotions as you do so. Take note of the way you feel.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 22

Watch for conflict at home, Cancer, and use your empathy to work through the problems instead of leaving them to grow. You have the power to guide through a therapeutic discussion and help everyone reach a comfortable solution. Let yourself feel these emotions.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 22

Leo, look forward to a thrilling new challenge in your career. Don’t let it dissuade you from tackling it head-on; you’ll come out of it stronger than you were before. You may have feelings of trepidation or confusion in the following days. Give yourself extra time to think over important financial and relationship decisions, but don’t doubt yourself.

VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEPT 22

Virgo, things are picking up for you, and it may seem like you’re too busy to check in with yourself. Take some time to reflect on how far you’ve come! You may feel dominated by your emotions, but it’s not always good to hide behind distractions. Before you start to spiral, get outside and go for a walk.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

This week could cause some financial stress for you, Libra. Make sure to manage your spending and splurge only when it’s absolutely necessary.

Instant gratification only lasts so long, and the happiness from having savings will bring you peace.

Make lists this week of what you need and want.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21

Scorpio, you may be feeling like isolating yourself from those around you. Self-reflection is good, but spending time with those who care about you is healing. Find activities to occupy your time and connect with others who share similar interests. If you need to recharge, make

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

Do something for you, Sag. The planetary alignment has been spotlighting you and maybe making you feel more drained than usual. Don’t fixate on what you can’t change, and find a healthy outlet to let go. Your light is shining through, and the more you radiate, the stronger people will be attracted to you.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY 2021-22 STUDENT TUITION AND FEE HEARING BSU students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about proposed 2021-22 tuition and fees at a virtual hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2021, beginning at 1:00 pm.

BSU students, faculty and staff wishing to provide comments during the meeting must sign up by February 14, 2021. BSU students, faculty and staff may also submit written comments prior to February 16, 2021.

Log-in instructions for the hearing, instructions for signing up to provide comments, and instructions for submitting written comments may be found at:

https://www.boisestate.edu/vpfa/student-tuition-and-fee-hearing/ Persons not currently affiliated with Boise State University are allowed to testify at the Student Tuitiona and Fee Hearing under the following conditions: 1 They must sign up to testify and in doing so, indicate they are not a student, faculty or staff.

2 They must submit a written copy of their testimony prior to testifying.

3 They will be allowed to testify only at the discretion of the hearing officer.

4 If allowed to testify, they must identify themselves as a non student at the onset of their verbal testimony.

ACTIVITY FEES

Current Fee/Semester

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer Full Time

Student Health Center Student Union Campus Recreation Student Transportation Fee Associated Student Body Student Activity Fee Intercollegiate Athletics and Spirit Squad TUITION AND FEES

53.50 68.50 71.19 12.00 13.50 99.61 122.15

OTHER FEES Graduate Fee Non-resident Fee Western Undergraduate Fee

Boise State University Office of Budget and Planning 1910 University Drive Admin. Bldg., Suite 210 Boise, ID 83725

per credit

4.86 6.23 6.47 1.09 1.23 9.06 11.10

4.32 6.23 6.47 1.09 1.09 7.25 8.88

Current Fee/Semester

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer Full Time

Tuition Facility Fees Technology Fees Activity Fees Total Tuition and Fees

Part Time per credit

2,766.18 694.80 128.57 440.45 4,030.00

Part Time per credit

Full Time

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Full Time

Proposed Percent Increase

75.00 35.00 n/a

per credit

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Proposed Change

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

103.00 357.00 n/a

Part Time per credit

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer

199.08 49.44 8.90 35.33 292.75

789.00 8,460.00 2,015.00

251.75 63.16 11.69 40.04 366.64

per credit

Proposed Change

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer

Part Time per credit

per credit

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 n/a

0.00 0.00 n/a

Proposed Fee/Semester

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer Full Time

53.50 68.50 71.19 12.00 13.50 99.61 122.15

Part Time per credit

per credit

4.86 6.23 6.47 1.09 1.23 9.06 11.10

4.32 6.23 6.47 1.09 1.09 7.25 8.88

Proposed Fee/Semester

Fall / Spring Fall / Spring Summer Full Time

2,766.18 694.80 128.57 440.45 4,030.00

789.00 8,460.00 2,015.00

Part Time per credit

per credit

251.75 63.16 11.69 40.04 366.64

199.08 49.44 8.90 35.33 292.75

103.00 357.00 n/a

75.00 35.00 n/a

To be eligible for Federal and some institutional financial aid, you must enroll in 12 or more credits.

The full time undergraduate fee is charged to undergraduate students taking 11 or more credit hours.

The full time graduate fee is charged to graduate students taking 9 or more credit hours.

If approved, proposed changes would take effect starting Fall semester 2020.