The Arbiter 4.22.21 Vol. 33 Issue 9 by The Arbiter at Boise State University

April 22, 2021

Vol. 33 Issue 9

I N D EPEN DE NT

S T UDE NT

V O I CE

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B O I SE

STAT E

S I N C E

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THE BOISE COMMUNITY IS WORKING TOGETHER TO NAVIGATE THE PANDEMIC NEWS

Everything you need to know about the inner workings of ASBSU and the role of student government.

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

Stunned by shooting near campus, students feel Boise State admin neglected to provide proper support. arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

Vaccination clinic opens on Boise State’s campus to all students and eligible community members. @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

The spring football game showed fans and spectators what a season with Andy Avalos could look like.

@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.

With three weeks left of the semester, seniors are taking graduation photos around campus. Claire Keener | The Arbiter

ON THE COVER:

The coronavirus pandemic brought on unexpected hardships to students and community members. BSU and Interfaith Sanctuar y quickly adapted to help provide necessar y accommodations. Photo courtesy of Interfaith Sanctuar y and cover design by Alieha Dr yden and Sarah Schmid.

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

CREATIVE WRITING FEATURE PERSONAL POEM - "no women in this graveyard" Guest Writer: Jenny Moon

here are no women in this graveyard

bats hang upside down in my closet

where are the tours for women – dead or alive?

while pristine marble phalluses glint on the national mall

eleanor roosevelt a scant appendage to fdr's sanctified sprawl

EMAIL US AT:

editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

suffragists in stone inhabit the capitol basement, now the rotunda

only monuments to dead presidents and wars

what space do we occupy what spaces do you terrorize

HAVE A COMMENT OR SUBMISSION?

who gave birth to all of this? will there ever be women in this graveyard?

Photo Courtesy of Andy Feliciotti

NEWS

APRIL 22, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

A NEW TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM COULD BE COMING TO THE TREASURE VALLEY Implementations of a high-capacity transit system could be making its way to Ada and Canyon county Fenix Dietz | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

he Community Planning Association of Southern Idaho (COMPASS) has been taking the first steps toward implementing a high-capacity transit system in the area. COMPASS is an agency made up of local governments that are responsible for transportation planning in both Ada and Canyon County. In 2020, COMPASS received a study that explored various types of high-capacity transportation systems they could be incorporated into the Treasure Valley. This study was an update to a previous one done in 2009, and served to bring current and relevant information into consideration. Surveys were also conducted to determine if the public was interested in high-capacity transit. The most recent COMPASS survey was conducted to determine what the public wants in a high-capacity transit system and 11,706 individuals participated in the survey. A majority of participants said they would prefer the system to be separated from traffic, the inclusion of more stops and a more expensive system would be a better long term investment for the community. There was a mixed response to whether this system would focus its service during rush hour or not. COMPASS has not yet chosen the type of high-capacity transit that will be put in place, and the Treasure Valley likely won’t see this new form of transportation for another 20 years. Rachel Hakkula, an Associate Planner with COMPASS, explained the results of both the study and the survey. “The first two surveys that we did for our long range plan indicated that people were interested in high-capacity

APRIL 22, 2021

transit,” Hakkula said. Hakkula cited population growth as the primary reason for the project. The study supports the growth, showing that the two counties had experienced a total growth of 23% between 2010 and 2019. “With more people, we think we’re going to need more transportation options to get people around because the congestion, especially on I-84, the major East-West connector, is going to continue to increase and make it difficult for people to travel,” Hakkula said. “With Boise being that main employment center on the east end of the region, we need to have more options to get people where they need to go.” The study provided several types of transportation systems for COMPASS to consider, but they were able to narrow it down to three options: commuter rail, light rail and bus rapid transit. “There are more options out there, but those are the ones that our studies have shown to be best for this project and this region,” Hakkula said. Diego Espinosa is a senior business major living in Meridian and commutes from his home to Boise State nearly every day. Espinosa echoed the concerns that COMPASS has in regards to the population growth of the region and the traffic conditions that have followed. “I was on a freeway the other day, and it’s getting a little dangerous,” Espinosa said. “Even when I was taking the back roads, I found them to be super busy.” When asked if he would use one of the high-capacity transit systems being considered by COMPASS, Espinosa said yes. However, he said cost would be a primary factor. “Being a college student that com-

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A survey was conducted in 2020 to determine the most relevant forms of public transportation for community members. Taylor Rico-Pekerol | The Arbiter mutes not only to school, but to work as well, you’re spending a lot on gas,” Espinosa said. Nearly a third of students who enrolled for the 2019-2020 semesters were commuter students according to enrollment data for that time. Jillian Moroney, a clinical professor for Boise State’s Urban Studies and Community Development program, explained that multiple forms of transportation are very important within a community. “[It] makes communities more accessible and more vibrant. It makes them more equitable for all sorts of different people because they’ve been planned, not just for car owners,” Moroney said. Moroney does see a major financial

benefit for students if any of the three systems were implemented. It would remove the need for getting a parking permit for some students, while also allowing them to explore more housing options outside of Boise. However, she does see a potential complication with this project. “We have historically been very dependent on cars,” Moroney said. “There’s already some hesitancy to use public transportation and if it goes into effect and isn’t used, taxpayers are going to point to that as a waste of money.”

NEWS

BOISE STATE HAS SEEN A SURPLUS IN CALIFORNIA STUDENTS

Idaho has seen the largest net gain in population during the coronavirus pandemic, mostly from California

Jackie Stone | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

oise State is home to many students coming in from all over the country, particularly from the Golden State — California. Kat Everard, an admissions counselor at Boise State, works exclusively with the California students coming to Boise State. Everard believes tuition at Boise State plays a big role. “The cost of school is definitely the reason why most students come here,” Everard said. Everard also gave suggestions to specific scholarships that have helped out-of-state students in choosing Boise State as a possible school to attend. “The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship kinda drags them in, and then they fall in love with the campus. The city is young, fun, beautiful and affordable,” Everard said. According to Everard, a lot of California students are either not able to afford higher education in California, or unable to get into in-state schools. The average in-state tuition for California is about $15,000, without room and board, and the other added costs like textbooks, meal plans and extracurriculars, according to Everard. While Boise State’s out-of-state tuition is $24,988, the WUE scholarship lowers tuition by about $12,800. This brings tuition costs lower than that of a California school and close to Idaho’s in-state tuition, making Boise State a more affordable option for California students. Lindsey Brown, a junior education major from southern California, loves Boise State and Idaho’s weather. “It’s a different kind of beautiful here in Boise, and we get all four seasons where we don’t get that in California,” Brown said. “As much as I love the heat and the sun, there is just something so special about getting to see the leaves fall in autumn, snow in winter and beautiful days

The Western Undergraduate Exchange scholarship brings out-of-state tuition to almost in-state prices for west coast residents. Ashley Clark | The Arbiter in the spring and summer” need to attend a university in a state that seen the largest net gain in population Brown also enjoys the safety and I was not accustomed to in order to grow than any other state. cleanliness of Boise State and the surmy life experiences,” Potter said. “California students leave the state of rounding area. Both students felt the need to reach California for a variety of reasons: educaWhile Brown was most enamored beyond what they are used to, and that tion in California is very competitive, and with the weather of Boise, another stuincluded getting out of California. Boise State is a great out-of-state option,” dent sought out other amenities Boise However, students are not the only Everard said. “It is a great college that will had to offer. people from California moving north, as give them the four years education they Matt Potter, a freshman business ad20,800 people from California migrated need, with a good degree, that is worth it ministration major from Vista, California, to Idaho in 2018, according to estimates for their money.” liked the convenience of lower tuition, of the census obtained by the Idaho along with several other factors. Statesman. That number has only grown “Growing up in California I felt the during the pandemic because Idaho has APRIL 22, 2021

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NEWS

WHO ARE THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY?

ASBSU is the student government on campus where student leadership make decisions for the campus community Fenix Dietz | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The ASBSU website lists their core purposes as “facilitat[ing] educational, intellectual, social and cultural engagement at the University and advocat[ing] for the interests of students at the University.” With a lack of understanding and awareness of ASBSU, the student-led organization has been working towards more transparency.

All of these positions are elected via a ranked-choice voting method. The president is ultimately responsible for defining the direction of ASBSU, ensuring that ASBSU is operating effectively and executing any legislation passed by the Academic Senate and Student Assembly. The hired positions consist of the administrative director, government relations officer, ethics officer and communications officer. Those who are interested in these positions must go through an application and interview process before being appointed by the ASBSU president and vice president. The ASBSU Executive Code outlines the responsibilities of each position within the Executive Council. The administrative director is in charge of managing ASBSU funds, while the ethics officer handles ASBSU complaints and ensures that the rules of the organization are being followed by those within it. The government relations officer advocates for students on a political basis, and the communications officer is responsible for community outreach and social media management.

Executive Council The primary branch of ASBSU is the Executive Council. The ASBSU website page for the Executive Council describes this branch’s role as, “manag[ing] the internal and external affairs of ASBSU. This includes anything from spending money to collaborating with university administrators to ensure that the student voice is a part of decisions at Boise State.” There are nine positions within the Executive Council. Five of the positions are elected, with the remaining four being hired positions. The elected positions are the ASBSU president, vice president, vice president of Academic Affairs, vice president of Inclusive Excellence and vice president of Student Organizational Affairs.

Student Assembly and Academic Senate The Student Assembly and the Academic Senate are the primary legislative bodies within ASBSU. This means their tasks include drafting and approving legislation, serving in committees and voting on impeachments, among other responsibilities. These branches are also responsible for disseminating information to the student population. According to the ASBSU Constitution, the Student Assembly consists of members who represent “concentrated student populations” including athletics, commuter students, veterans, sororities and fraternities and others. The ASBSU vice president leads the Student Assembly. Student Assembly members are cho-

“The whole incident that went down with Big City Coffee is what I predominantly [know ASBSU] from. I [had] to do some research into [them] because I knew a little bit about them.” Braedon Trujillo, freshman games, interactive media and mobile major

The student government consists of an executive team, academic senate, student assembly, inclusive excellence student council and the funding board. Abbey Nimegeers | The Arbiter

he Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) is the student government for the university. The advent of events such as the departure of Big City Coffee, the impeachment of former President Angel Cantu and the most recent ASBSU elections have brought newfound attention to the organization. A common consensus is that most students are unaware of ASBSU. During the 2021 ASBSU Election Debates, candidates expressed that many of the students they were talking to during their campaigns were unaware of ASBSU to begin with. Election data reported by ASBSU

APRIL 22, 2021

emails support this claim, with only 5.9% of eligible student voters participating in the last election. The 2021 ASBSU Election experienced a small increase in voter turnout at 7%. Braedon Trujillo, a freshman games, interactive media and mobile major, says he was familiar with ASBSU as a student government organization, but he ultimately didn’t know what their full role was within Boise State. “The whole incident that went down with Big City Coffee is what I predominantly [know ASBSU] from,” Trujillo said. “I [had] to do some research into [them], because I knew a little bit about them.”

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sen through an application and election process, before eventually being appointed by the Executive Council. Vacancies are filled by a student from one of the populations outlined in the constitution, who is appointed by the vice president and confirmed by the president. The Academic Senate is composed of two members who represent each academic college. The senators are then selected through either an election or by appointment, with the method being ultimately decided by the academic college. Vacancies for the Academic Senate are filled by students who apply by the Inclusive Excellence Student Council (IESC) and the Ethics Committee. The vice president of Academic Affairs is the chair of the Academic Senate, while also representing Boise State students in all matters pertaining to academic affairs. Inclusive Excellence Student Council The IESC is also a legislative body, but their overall role is unique when compared to the two previously mentioned branches. Its primary purpose is to advocate for the interests of communities and identities that have been historically marginalized. The ASBSU Constitution describes their responsibility as “hold[ing] the greater Boise State University accountable to its Statement of Shared Values, Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, and the Student Code of Conduct.” Hailey Opperman, the current vice president of Inclusive Excellence (VPIE), provided a definition for what historically marginalized communities and identities are. “Historically marginalized identities are folks that have traditionally been systematically ignored or excluded by those with power,” Opperman said. The IESC is composed of five council members including the VPIE. While the VPIE is an elected position, the council members are hired. “We seek to ensure that the applicants have the cultural competency and knowledge of systems of oppression and intersectionality to be an inclusive student leader that would best advocate for marginalized communities,” Opperman said. The IESC is also responsible for appoint-

ing five students to members of the Student Assembly who are not also members of the IESC. Funding Board The Funding Board exists “to manage the grants that ASBSU provides for Boise State students. This includes anything from funding a student’s conference to granting an organization money to hold an event,” according to the ASBSU website. The elected vice president of Student Organizational Affairs acts as the chair and leader of the Funding Board. The ASBSU Constitution requires that the ethics officer and the administrative director are to have seats on the Funding Board, along with three officers who are hired and then appointed by the president with approval by the Executive Council. Getting Involved There are several ways a student at Boise State can become involved with ASBSU. Running for elected positions and voting in ASBSU elections are some of the most known methods of doing so but not the only ones. Emily White, the current ASBSU communications officer, suggested that participating in meetings, reading the meeting minutes and even reaching out to your Academic Senator and Assembly Member are other great ways to get involved or become aware of ASBSU. White also recommended that students look into joining a committee within ASBSU that has something to do with their passions. Students are also able to work with ASBSU members to write bills and resolutions. “Whether you want to run for elections next year, or you want to be on the lighter end and join a committee, depending on the time that you have and what your passions are. There are a lot of different ways to get involved based on what you want to do and what your interests are,“ White said. Students can follow ASBSU’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get more involved and receive up-to-date information on the student body government.

NEWS

THE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 200 COURSES RESUME LEARNING

Students are working on courses again after being suspended by Faculty Senate leadership

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

oise State students enrolled in the University Foundation (UF) 200 courses have been allowed to resume some instructional activities after being suspended. In a follow-up email sent by Interim Provost Tony Roark to students taking the UF 200 courses, rules were outlined for the now asynchronous course, meaning the students and professors will not meet in person. The following guidelines were provided to students: Regular communication between students and instructors may resume. All instruction and other class activities will be asynchronous. Discussion boards, group work and any other course-based peer-to-peer interactions remain suspended at this time. Sophia Saucerman is a freshman philosophy major enrolled in the Ancient Religions and Hospitality UF 200 course. Saucerman was prepared to drive to campus for her in-person class but received an email right before leaving that the courses were suspended. “The past two semesters it’s been so dystopian, and it kind of feels like this is pretend, and going to classes is just so odd right now,” Saucerman said. “It kind of feels pointless sometimes with this class being canceled, it’s not like I’m not surprised but it’s also kind of driving home the idea that this is just ridiculous or being in school right now it’s just ridiculous.” Although the courses have been suspended and are now asynchronous, Saucerman never felt that her professor was rude or demeaning in any way. She appreciated the way he taught the material and counts it as one of her favorite classes she has taken so far. “I had a very small class, so he would

spend the entire time or he would even bleed into the next class to make sure that he would ask everybody their opinion and have a whole conversation with them about it,” Saucerman said. Faculty Senate President Amy Vecchione was included in the conversation about suspending all UF 200 courses. She felt that the number one priority and focus of making the decision should be about students. “The chairs of those committees and myself were pulled into a conversation about that [UF 200] decision, and that focus was always the well-being of the students to make sure that all of the students are being cared for,” Vecchione said. “My number one priority is always the experience of our students.” The Faculty Senate is continuing conversations about how to help students while an ongoing investigation takes place. According to Vecchione, the university has hired Hawley Troxell, an external law firm to conduct the investigation. The Arbiter reached out to university officials to answer further questions but they were unable to comment due to the status of the ongoing investigation. “Faculty, and the Faculty Senate, we’ve been discussing how important academic freedom is and how important the principles of discussing multiple viewpoints, even controversial viewpoints are,” Vecchione said. “And that ability to freely discuss ideas is the most important aspect of the university, regardless of what those topics are.”

APRIL 22, 2021

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OPINION APRIL 22, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

THE UNIVERSITY FALLS SHORT ON SUPPORTING STUDENTS AFTER SHOOTING Boise State alerted students of a shooting near campus, but waited hours to update students closest to the area Paige Wirta | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The police had set up right next to the dorms and students could hear them searching the area for the shooters. Paige Wirta | The Arbiter

onday, March 15, at around 11:30 p.m., I was watching T.V. with my roommate in our dorm at Clearwater Suites. Both of us heard a number of loud noises, but that was nothing new. Dorm life is never quiet, so we thought nothing of these noises. That was until 15 minutes later, when I was getting ready for bed, my roommate asked me if I had gotten the BroncoAlert. The alert was sent out at 11:45 p.m. and read “Shooting reported at 1410 Chrisway/ Jade Hall. 1 victim shot. Unknown if suspect(s) in the area. Stay out of area.” A second alert told those nearby to shelterin-place, until 12:47 a.m. when the order was lifted, letting people know that two suspects were taken into custody.

APRIL 22, 2021

To say the least, Monday night was a nerve-wracking event. Living on the first floor of a building in the same lot as Jade Hall was frightening, and even after being notified that the suspects were in custody, I was scared. The police had set up in the parking lot right beside my dorm, and I could hear their search. My friend, who lives a few floors above me, had a clear vantage point of the police presence, even saying she saw medics transporting a stretcher to an ambulance. Police did not leave until well past 3 a.m. despite the all-clear sent earlier. I could hear them from my room, moving around until then. Due to the BroncoAlert clearly stating that the shooting had occurred on campus, near or in Jade Hall, I spent the

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entire night sleepless, worried a student had been killed entirely too close for comfort. It was not until after 3:15 p.m. the day following the shooting that university officials reached out to let students know what had happened and that the shooting technically had not occured on campus, as we were initially told. I, along with my peers and my parents, were incredibly shocked to not have received any information or resources prior to the 3:15 p.m. email from Dean of Students Christian Wuthrich. I had spent the entirety of Monday night and most of Tuesday extremely concerned for my safety and heartbroken at the loss of someone on campus. To not have been reached out to quickly the following day was incredibly disap-

pointing. It felt as if the university expected students just to go on with their lives as if nothing had happened, though we heard someone get shot on Chrisway Dr. Speaking with a student the night of the shooting, we both expressed expectations that the university would reach out to the campus community early the next morning, perhaps even cancel university classes and/or activities as well. It was a mortifying experience that affected students and community members whether or not they lived on campus. The very knowledge that someone had been shot and killed only a few feet from campus was a traumatic thing. In my mind, it seemed like the university was trying very hard to push the fact that the shooting had occured off campus. While this is the case, it was not very far away, only a few houses away from my dorm. Not only that, but students were initially told that the shooting had happened not only on campus, but on or near Jade Hall. Further, police presence was on campus. We were informed by University Suites Resident Director Jackie Mayfield that Boise Police had “set up a command post in [the University Suites] community.” They were set up close enough that I could hear the police searching in our area, and in some instances I could even hear them speaking. Suffice to say, the shooting that occurred was a traumatic experience for myself and many community members. I had a number of hopes for responses from the university, but I strongly feel that the university fell short in their responsibility to supporting students through something that had occurred so close to student life.

OPINION

A STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE RECEIVING THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCINE From the first shot to two weeks after, an experience with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine Paige Wirta | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The ExtraMile Arena was set up as a distribution center for the vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 3.

esidential students at Boise State received an email from the Vaccination Clinic that a special vaccination opportunity would be available on Saturday, April 3. I had been trying for the week prior to get on the Boise State vaccine waste list, where any extra doses of the vaccine can go to those who sign up for the list. I was immensely excited and relieved when I received this email and signed up for an appointment immediately. Since I have seen a lot of misinformation, confusion and apprehension surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines, I am sharing my experience with receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, including describing the process of getting vaccinated on campus and the side effects that followed.

Initial Experience Setting up and making my appointment was relatively painless. Since I signed up so soon after getting the email announcing the opportunity, I had free range to choose my appointment time. I set my appointment for 12:06 p.m. and received an email on Friday with instructions on when to arrive, where to park and other descriptions. I was told to arrive at least five minutes early, and with that in mind I ended up walking into the ExtraMile Arena 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment time. I was surprised by the amount of people who were on-site, directing traffic and answering any questions or concerns I had. Each individual seemed knowledgeable about the vaccine and led me through the arena until it was my turn to be vaccinated. Even though I arrived earlier than necessary, I was not required

Paige Wirta | The Arbiter

to wait long at all and sat down to get my shot around five minutes early. The actual shot was very similar to that of a typical flu shot, though I would say that I could feel the injection more. After receiving the vaccination, I was directed to sit in the waiting area for about 15 minutes, and to raise my hand should I begin to feel especially sick. Thankfully, I felt fine. The injection site was not really that sore, and I left 15 minutes later as suggested. Side Effects I have never had a strong reaction to a flu shot, so I was hopeful that my side effects after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccination would be minimal. Besides some soreness at the injection site in my left arm, I did not have any other symptoms until around six hours after my vaccination when I got incredibly tired.

It was strange to feel ready to fall asleep at 6 p.m., but I ended up staying awake pretty late. Sadly, the night after receiving my shot was pretty miserable, and I was unable to fall asleep until well past 2 a.m. By the time I got in bed, I began experiencing chills, a sure sign I had a fever though I did not check my temperature. I felt exhausted and restless at the same time. By the next morning, my fever had gone down significantly and my only remaining side effects for the following few days were a dull headache and a sore arm. On April 12, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for a pause on the Johnson and Johnson vaccines after six reports of rare blood clots in the days following receiving their vaccination. Because this type of blood clot requires “different” treatment from that usually administered, both the FDA and CDC recommended “a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution.” Initially when I saw this, I was a little worried. Could my side effects actually be attributed to a blood clot? But reading on, the FDA shared that out of seven million Johnson and Johnson vaccines administered, only six women developed this rare blood clot. The FDA continued to reiterate that these blood clots were incredibly rare, and now that the symptoms of these clots were listed, people who had received the vaccine could be on the lookout. Two weeks following my vaccination, when the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is supposed to have fully vaccinated an individual, I feel fine. Knowing that I can now make some summer plans and interact with family members, continuing to follow mask and social distancing guidelines, is incredibly relieving. I hope that by reading my experience with the vaccine, others may use it to aid in their decision making on getting vaccinated.

APRIL 22, 2021

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Ashley Clark | Online Editor | onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The graph reflects students throughout the United States in 2020. Data was sourced from the #RealCollege 2021 Survey results produced by The Hope Center.

he year 2020 has commonly been described as ‘unprecedented;’ synonymously defined as bizarre, remarkable or unparalleled. But this quaint anecdote definitively fails to truly encompass the loss and tragedy felt in the country and around the world this past year. There have been 563,980 COVID-19 deaths and counting in the United States alone, as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unemployment rates hit a record high in the nation, peaking at 14.8% in April 2020, according to the Congressional Research Service. And as of December 2020, more than 11 million people were “significantly overdue” on their rental or mortgage payments, putting them at higher risk of losing their housing to foreclosure or

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eviction in the following months, says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “A collective suffering. A collective sacrifice. A year filled with the loss of life — and the loss of living for all of us,” as President Joe Biden said in his speech on the anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown. The coronavirus pandemic has brought many obstacles both physically and mentally to people around the state of Idaho. Boiseans specifically have seen a needed increase in housing aid, mental health help and food assurance. The Interfaith Sanctuary, a privately-owned shelter and support services organization located in downtown Boise, and Boise State, among other programs, have been working in the Treasure Valley to bring relief to citizens and students.

Boise State’s student assistance With the suddenness of the pandemic shutdown last March, many students across the country were forced to immediately vacate their residences with little to no warning, including Boise State students living in on-campus housing at the time. According to the #RealCollege survey, 14% of students in the United States were affected by homelessness and 48% were affected by housing insecurity in 2020. Before the pandemic, student researchers reported that the housing shortage around Boise State campus and in downtown Boise had been some of the biggest challenges for students with financial struggles. The Boise housing crisis was even further exacerbated during the pandemic as rental prices jumped up to 9.4%.

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In response to housing and other resource insecurity issues, the Boise State Office of the Dean of Students seeks to assist students in any way possible. “We are in the process right now of starting the conversation of what does subsidized housing look like for university students?” said Megan Quinn, graduate intern with Dean of Students. While details on these potential initiatives have not been made public, the Dean of Students continues to provide support to students in other ways, such as the Student Emergency Fund. According to the Boise State website, “The Student Emergency Fund provides short-term financial assistance to Boise State University students who are in danger from withdrawing during a semester due to unanticipated, temporary financial hardships resulting from emergency or crisis situations (e.g., accident,

F E AT U R E illness, death of a family member).” The Student Emergency Fund grants up to $400 to eligible students only once in their academic career. Since the start of the pandemic, the Dean of Students has seen an increase in the number of students utilizing the emergency fund. According to Michelle Tassinari, the outreach and prevention case manager with the Dean of Students, the department believes that the students applying during the pandemic have different needs than students who applied before. “It’s folks that are experiencing hardship, maybe for the first time. We had a pretty significant increase [in applications],” Tassinari said. Food & mental health resources In addition to the emergency fund, the Office of the Dean of Students also hosts a food pantry that is available to all students, no questions asked. According to Tassinari, the food pantry has been expanded since the start of the pandemic to accommodate an influx of student needs. Hygiene products, herbs, produce and more shelf-stable products are available. “[The items in the pantry] kind of just help bring some normalcy to the food that you might be getting from a food pantry, but also just increase access to healthy options for students,” Tassinari said. In 2020, three in five students nationwide reported struggling with basic needs insecurity. In 2021, 28% of Boise State students reported being food insecure at some point within the last 30 days of the survey. Many students and Idahoans have reported struggling with mental health over the past year, approximately 35% of students nationwide reported struggling with anxiety. Along with medical and fiscal challenges, the pandemic has also ushered in a wave of mental health struggles. A weekly study conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation found that an average

of 34.6% of Idahoans were reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic. A 2020 health report showed that 30.4% of Boise State students reported being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, 25.2% reported being diagnosed with a depression disorder and 7.1% reported being diagnosed with insomnia. Many symptoms of these mental health issues can be exacerbated by isolation, fear and loneliness. The University Counseling Services helps students with direct counseling and crisis intervention, the Office of the Dean of Students also provides wellness resources to students on their website. In order to help students feel seen, valued and cared for, the Dean of Students also hopes to safely get student life and campus events back up and running in the fall to encourage community and involvement among students. “We are in the midst of planning for next year’s format and what that’s going to look like, especially what student life is going to look like on campus,” said Ryan Vilfer, a case manager with Dean of Students. Adapting to accommodate community needs Following the shutdown and continuing with the progression of the pandemic, many businesses and organizations were forced to close their doors or, at the very least, limit their interactions with the public. However, Interfaith Sanctuary, a privately-owned shelter and support services organization located in downtown Boise, was determined to continue serving the local community. Throughout 2020, people experiencing homelessness were considered among the most vulnerable population. In response to COVID-19, Interfaith Sanctuary had to make some big adjustments to protect the health and safety of their guests. According to Executive Director Jodi Peterson-Stigers, Interfaith Sanctuary went from utilizing a single

warehouse dorm-style housing unit to opening up four different shelters. With help from the City of Boise and an emergency task force put together by Mayor Lauren McLean, Interfaith Sanctuary created a hotel housing program, with specific spaces and accommodations for seniors, “medically fragile” guests, families with children and even COVID-positive guests. “[For] the families, it’s much less traumatic to experience your homelessness as a family unit in a private room where you’re able to at least be a family at the end of each day,” Peterson-Stigers said. Interfaith Sanctuary currently serves about 140 adults in an emergency shelter; 62 family members, with 37 of those being children, in the hotel housing program; and 16 people in the senior and chronically ill unit. According to Peterson-Stigers, Interfaith Sanctuary has a partnership with Family Medicine Residency of Idaho in which the clinic provides medical rounding, while the sanctuary is responsible for nutrition, case management and other supportive services. Along with COVID-19 response and other medical care, Family Medicine also created a mobile vaccine clinic that was administering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Interfaith guests and residents. Peterson-Stigers believes that almost the entire population of people strug-

gling with homelessness in Boise were, or had the opportunity to be, vaccinated by the month of April. Before temporarily closing for remodeling, the day shelter — known as the “cooling shelter” in the summer and the “warming shelter” in the winter — was serving about 180 guests daily and doing weekly onsite COVID-19 testing with Crush the Curve. Through the donation of a commercial kitchen food trailer and collaborative partnerships with Create Common Good and Life’s Kitchen, Interfaith Sanctuary now helps to facilitate the distribution of around 6,000 meals a month. “Suddenly, we had a much bigger responsibility to make sure that anyone who was unhoused and needed a meal, Interface Sanctuary had to come up with the ability to make sure people were fed,” Peterson-Stigers said. Interfaith has also received help from Central District Health (CDH), Idaho Health and Welfare and United Way. The sanctuary has been happy to collaborate and partner with several other organizations including Boise Rescue Mission, Continuum of Care and more. “Yes, [the pandemic changes] were necessary, and Interfaith was honored to be part of the graceful service, but it’s been really hard,” Peterson-Stigers said.

APRIL 22, 2021

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APRIL 22, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BOISE STATE STUDENTS REACT TO ONE YEAR OF A CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC It has been over one year since the first COVID-19 cases and students miss the simple things about life McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Students and faculty alike miss the normality of life before the coronavirus pandemic. Abbey Nimegeers | The Arbiter

t has been over one year since Idaho’s first COVID-19 case, and a new normal has taken over both the state and the entirety of the world. Oliver MacDonald, a freshman engineering student, is surprised that it has been one year since the first coronavirus case. “I did not have high hopes for it lasting a year,” MacDonald said. “It was very surprising to me to know that.” For MacDonald, there have been fewer things he can do outside of his home due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Since most of the state dropped the mask mandate, I’m not doing anything until I can get the final vaccine,” MacDonald said. “I’m a lot more careful

APRIL 22, 2021

around people when I do have to go out.” MacDonald is concerned for the future, thinking it might look different in America than in other countries because of the differences in handling the situation. The thing MacDonald misses the most about pre-pandemic times is having classes in person, which Boise State has not been able to without masks for approximately a year. Desiree Brunette, a sociology lecturer, hopes Boise State and the larger Idaho community will be back to normal soon because of the vaccination rolling out. However, Brunette has been lucky. “I have had the privilege of not suffering

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economic or physical health consequences from this virus. I have been affected personally by my children doing ‘distance’ learning for the past year, and trying to do my own job. My husband is a physician, and it has been nutty for health care workers,” Brunette wrote in an email. Due to living with someone who has an understanding of epidemiology, Brunette knew everyone would be in this pandemic for at least a year. “I kept hoping it would get better sooner, but unfortunately somehow we managed to politicize the virus, there was not a collective move to stop the spread,” Brunette wrote. Also concerned for the future, Brunette hopes the community will be able to return to as much of a normal as possible. “I think the mental health consequences of people being locked in their homes will linger and have significant consequences. We may normalize wearing masks, which, don’t get me wrong, I am fine to wear a mask for public health, but it bums me out because it really impedes communication,” Brunette wrote. ‘I worry about all these little kids that haven’t been socialized in public settings. I think there will be a new normal,’ and as a social animal it kind of scares me!” Brunette truly misses everything about pre-pandemic times, like hugging and her kids going to school in person. For Abby Quigley, a freshman health studies major, it feels unrealistic that it has been one year of the pandemic. “A year ago, I was a senior in high school. The pandemic changed the way I live life. Now, everyone wears masks and the way everyone interacts has changed,” Quigley said. “It’s a different reality.”

“A year ago, I was a senior in high school. The pandemic changed the way I live life. Now, everyone wears masks and the way everyone interacts has changed. It’s a different reality.” Abby Quigley, freshman health studies major

Due to the pandemic, Quigley did not move to Boise because it was not practical for her, since classes were moved online. Because of that, Quigley does not feel as if she received the full college experience. Quigley initially felt confused by the pandemic, but she will be able to study respiratory care this fall, and feels excited by that. “I think this eventually will be past news but in the close future, COVID-19 will be our reality. Masks will still be worn and vaccinations will still be given out,” Quigley said. Quigley misses the simple things about life, like going out with friends and not having to worry about getting others infected. “I miss school in person, too. I really took that for granted,” Quigley said.

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THE UNIVERSITY VACCINE CLINIC IS NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE The clinic is located on campus, run almost entirely by students and the vaccination is free Stephanie Gull | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

hree short months ago, the headquarters for Boise State’s Vaccination Clinic was merely a storage unit for random art supplies. Now, room 106A inside of the Campus School building is where roughly 100 COVID-19 vaccinations are administered every single day. Jason Carter, the clinic’s manager, described the clinic as following the “crawl, walk, run” method — the very first injection given was on March 3, and less than three weeks later over 1,000 doses have been given. “We created this from the ground up — new floors, walls, ordered all this medical equipment,” Carter said. “From the ground up in January, to putting shots in arms by March.” According to Carter, the clinic does around 500 shots per week Monday through Friday, and it is staffed almost entirely by students on a volunteer basis. He describes their operation as extremely efficient. “People are in and out — from the time they show up to when they leave, it takes about 25 minutes,” Carter said. “A hundred people a day is not a problem for us. I’ve been to Afghanistan and Iraq as a nurse — this is nothing.” This clinic is open to everybody and the vaccinations are free. Appointments and waitlists are made online, and do not prioritize any one person over another in the vaccine selection process. Carter emphasized that this is a very small operation, and a lot of the phone calls and emails they receive can be easily answered by their website. On Monday, March 29, he said they had received 48 calls that morning alone. There is free parking in front of the building’s entrance, as well as designated spots within the Brady Street Garage. People simply have to show proof of Idaho residence, which may include a school ID card, driver’s license, utility bill, letter from an employer or other forms of identification.

Halley Stamper, a senior nursing student, works within the clinic as a registered medical assistant administering vaccine doses, said that the clinic has been able to adjust quickly to meet the need for public vaccine distribution. “They really hit the ground running,” Stamper said. “Especially for it being so new, I feel like it’s very established. We know what’s going on, so it’s not like we’re just running around like chickens with their heads cut off. They did a really good job getting it prepared.” According to Stamper, the overall experience so far has been extremely positive. “I was actually nervous to start because

I didn’t know if people would be scared to get the vaccine,” Stamper said. “But everyone here is so excited to get it, so it’s been really reassuring — especially when you’re the one poking them in the arm.” Jordan Bastian, a public health officer, described how the Public Health Office has been the operational support behind the clinical team. For example, they allocated the space for the clinic, refurbished it and set up the medical equipment, as well as handled the appointments and registration system. Bastian said it’s been an amazing experience to see everyone not only support the university, but also support the communi-

ty in order to make this clinic possible. “I just encourage anyone who is eligible and willing to get the vaccine,” Bastian said. “It’s really going to help the efforts with the pandemic, and to get things back to how we want things for our campus — to allow us to stay open and allow us to stay safe.” According to Bastian, vaccines are effective and are proven to be very efficient. “Even if it doesn’t prevent COVID-19, it will at least lessen the symptoms,” Bastian said. “Regardless of what vaccine you get, getting a vaccine is better than not.”

Starting Monday, April 6, the COVID-19 vaccine became available to anyone 16 and older in Idaho. Paige Wirta | The Arbiter APRIL 22, 2021

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THE MAKER CLUB AIMS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS A new club on campus, the Maker Club allows engineering students to apply their learned classroom skills McKenzie Heileman | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

o help them apply their learned skills, the Maker Club is geared towards helping all engineering students at Boise State. Ryan Olson, a sophomore mechanical engineering student and president of the club, said that the Maker Club is different from other engineering organizations. “For all these other clubs, there’s so much focus on write-ups or approvals,” Olson said. “But I wanted a club that allowed me and other students to make whatever we wanted.” As part of the Maker club, engineering students can apply their knowledge learned within the classroom, but also try all sorts of new and different skills, like 3D printing, metalworking and woodworking. According to Olson, the club is most beneficial to engineering students because they have the opportunity to learn real-world skills. “In the classroom, you’re learning formulas,” Olson said. “With the Maker club, students can use tools and learn the boundaries of the tools, which is something that you can’t learn in the classroom.” For Olson, the Maker club is not only a fun outlet, but useful for engineering students to learn skills to use in the job market. “Manufacturers want engineers who know how to use tools and know the limits of those tools,” Olson said. “We can provide that with the Maker club.” Though the club has not been actively doing much due to the coronavirus pandemic, Olson has been planning for when the virus is not an issue anymore. “There’s not so much of that club feeling because of COVID,” Olson said. “During this time we’re mostly planning and recruiting.” The club’s Vice President Aidan McConnehey, a sophomore mechanical engineering student, feels that this

APRIL 22, 2021

ARBITER-

President of the Maker Club Ryan Olson created the club with help from others to support and build up community between students. Photo courtesy of Ryan Olson semester has been difficult due to the McConnehey likes the Maker Club three projects, they become an official pandemic, but is still trying to provide because it gives students the opportuni- member of the Maker Club. a valuable club experience. ty to use their learned skills, as well as To get involved with the Maker Club, “Our original vision was to host learning new and different skills. students can contact Olson through workshops, bring in teachers and give The Maker Club is focused on the his email at ryanolson149@u.boisesstudents connections,” McConnehey sense of community they provide for tate.edu or through the Maker Club’s said. “We’re hoping to return to that.” students involved in the club. The club Engage page. uses Discord, a platform to chat virtually, to share projects, ideas and talk about the club itself. For McConnehey, the Maker Club is essential to Boise State’s campus, especially for the university’s engineering students. “We give engineering students valuable skills,” McConnehey said. According to Olson, a student is required to make only three things per Aidan McConnehey, Maker Club vice semester. After a student has made the president

“Our original vision was to host workshops, bring in teachers and give students connections. We’re hoping to return to that.” -

MY TWO CENTS: “THE HIGH NOTE”

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REVIEW: “HONEY GIRL”

The 2020 comedy-drama movie is a sweet escape from reality

A highly praised debut novel is not worth the read

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

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

rom-com movie “The High Note,” directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Flora Greeson, debuted through different streaming platforms in May of 2020 due to theaters being closed. The movie follows super-star singer Grace Davis, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, and personal assistant Maggie Sherwoode, played by Dakota Johnson. The pair has to make decisions that could severely alter both of their career paths. “The High Note” draws a parallel to all of the tropes following an aspiring assistant with loftier career goals and their difficult, famous and high-strung boss. However, the movie develops the characters in a way that makes viewers root for and cringe with Davis and Sherwoode. Although this movie is a story told time and time again, there is something about the plot that makes you root for the characters, even if they are averse to taking any sort of chance on themselves and others. We also meet sweet soul singer David Cliff (Kelvin Harris Jr.) while Sherwoode is shopping, the two character’s witty banter is endearing as they both spit off facts about music and songs relating to California. Throughout the movie, we see Sherwoode being pulled in two different directions with her love for “The Grace Davis,” which comes from a bond her dead mother and her shared, and a passion for producing music, which came from working for Davis. Sherwoode’s talent was recognized by

Sarah Schmid | The Arbiter

Davis, but was soon pushed aside when the record label shot down a “Grace Davis Live Album Tour.” A heated conversation in the women’s bathroom of Davis’s music label shows how difficult the entertainment industry can be for older Black women. Davis makes the statement, “In the history of music, only five women over 40 have ever had a #1 hit. And only one of them was black. Do you understand that? No.” According to an article by Vulture, “In reality, there were two black women over 40 with No. 1’s on the Billboard Hot 100 around the time the script for The High Note was written: Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner.” Although the facts might not have been perfectly accurate, it still draws attention to how music artists, especially women, are treated once they hit their so-called “age retirement.” The message is clear and good, but it feels half-hearted because it was between two women in a bathroom — not a board room full of men trying to tell Davis what she can and can’t do. The underlying message about women in the entertainment industry is consistently underdeveloped during the movie. “The High Note” is good, and will be added to my ever-growing list of comfort movies, with an even better soundtrack (“Track 8” holds a special place in my heart) that dives into love and the challenges that come with life, work and the entertainment industry.

hough highly anticipated and now highly praised, “Honey Girl” by Morgan Rogers, published in 2021, is not worth the read, lacking value, substance and relatability. Grace Porter, a highly accomplished and hard working individual, travels to Las Vegas with a group of friends to celebrate receiving her Ph.D. in astronomy. While in Las Vegas, Grace drunkenly marries a girl she barely knows, but feels highly drawn to. After returning home, Grace is struggling with feeling satisfied with her life accomplishments, especially knowing her father disapproves of her choice in astronomy. With this weighing on her, she decides to spend the summer in New York with the girl she married in Las Vegas. Though Grace is avoiding her problems during the summer, she must face reality and figure out what she’s truly been running from — the fear of being human. From the summary alone, “Honey Girl” sounds like a story of self-discovery and self-love. This novel does have positives, such as lesbian and POC representation, but for the most part, this novel is amateurly written, lacking substance, truth and any real value. For example, readers should not take Grace for an example as someone trying to find themselves, as many 20-somethings are trying to do. She makes rash decisions based on what others think, not what she feels she should do for herself. The first and primary problem I have with this novel is that Grace and her wife, Yuki, are irreversibly in love after spending one drunken night together in Las Vegas. Though they do spend a summer together in New York, that doesn’t seem to be enough time to justify staying married. At the end of the novel, after experiencing some problems in their relationship, the two declare their undying love for one another. It is unrealistic. The second problem I have with

this story is that Grace cannot be an independent woman, completely relying upon other people to make and influence her decisions. Grace depends on her father’s expectations to guide her through her education and ultimately chooses her field based on her father’s negative influence. She did not choose astronomy because she truly loved it, but because she knew her father would not approve of it. At the end of the story, when Grace must make a decision for her career, she chooses the career based on where Yuki lives. She does not choose the career because that is what she wants, but because it is where Yuki resides. These two decisions are major life choices and Grace makes them based on other people. Throughout the novel, these choices end up disappointing her, but she does not seem to realize that her disappointment stems from her making these decisions based on what other people think she should do. These two problems ruined the entire story for me, as well as the amaeteur writing, which lacked any sort of lyrical prose and often included unnecessary added elements, like text messages. Despite this story’s overall comforting and sweet story, its lack of value, substance and truth makes the novel an unrealistic and unpleasant read.

APRIL 22, 2021

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SPORTS & REC APRIL 22, 2021 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

THE INS AND OUTS OF INTRAMURALS FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER

The Rec Center has been working to make more sports available to more students throughout the past months Aaron Cornwell | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Public Health Office’s regulations. This also leaves more staff availability to work with leagues and weekly events as well. “We’ve heard some great feedback as well as excitement for both of these sports [wiffle ball and ultimate frisbee], we’re really excited to see sports and see the turnout this semester,’’ said Garrett Berger, Intramural event coordinator and a senior business administration major.

Soccer and basketball will not be offered because there was no way to ensure proper social distancing between players. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter ith the spring semester earlier in the year. already in full swing and “This semester we plan to have a single the weather warming up, day spikeball tournament, our annual Boise State Intramurals golf scramble, some popup sports and are taking advantage of the nice condileagues alongside two sports leagues tions to offer more sports for students. we’re excited for. We are planning to Intramural sports are allowing stuoffer a wiffle ball league and an ultimate dents different opportunities to particfrisbee league for the first time and I ipate in various sports at a competitive think with the sports we have, we’ve (Blue leagues) or at a recreational level kind of fallen into a groove of being (Orange leagues). Single-day events and somewhat normal,” Zeigler said. leagues are offered to current Boise State Pop-up and single day events have students this semester and are free. been a staple for the Rec Center this Intramural Program Manager and sosemester as it allows a degree of flexiciology major Jason Ziegler talked about bility and more time to plan for larger some of the first leagues that took place events that are in conjunction with the

APRIL 22, 2021

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“We’ve heard some great feedback as well as excitement for both of these sports [wiffle ball and ultimate frisbee], we’re really excited to see sports and see the turnout this semester.” Garret Berger, Intramural event coordinator Jake Standerwick is an Intramural Program manager and a junior games and interactive media major. Standerwick has been working with the university to provide students the opportunity to participate in intramurals this semester. “With intramurals, COVID-19 and everything, we haven’t been charging any kind of fees, everything’s free to play,” Standerwick said. “All of our teams are free and I feel like that has been well received. Hopefully in the coming semester, we are going to be lowering our

prices. I think regularly, they’re about $30 or $40 a team.” Allowing more students to participate safely with approval of the Public Health Office has been the biggest goal for the Rec Center this semester. “It took us a long time to even understand all the protocols and then go out and teach people about the protocols, but being inside the Rec Center is not super difficult because the Rec Center educates students really well,” Standerwick said. “Anyone that comes in, they’re very stringent about their policies. So, it makes our job really easy when we have games within the Rec Center. But when people are outside, they tend to not follow those protocols quite as well.” Sports such as soccer and basketball, which are two of the most popular sports each year, are not able to be offered this semester due to logistics with social distancing and university policies. Kickball and volleyball playoffs are wrapping up after a successful season. Ultimate frisbee and wiffle ball have kicked off the second part of the semester in league play. The current schedule for upcoming events and leagues can be found at the Rec Center’s website, as well as signups for all events and teams.

SPORTS & REC

BRONCO FOOTBALL SUPER SENIORS RETURN FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF ELIGIBILITY

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Boise State football super seniors are allowed one more year of college football Colton Dalia | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

ith all the adversity that last football season brought to the Broncos, they were able to persevere and make it through with a not-so-normal season. Through the adversity came another year of eligibility for eight Boise State seniors that are now able to return due to the NCAA policy on COVID-19. Punter Joel Velazquez is passionate to announce his return to The Blue next year as his answer to coming back was a “no brainer.” Velazquez has had a great run for the Broncos by being an addition to special teams. Velazquez also proposed to his longtime girlfriend Sarah Kilfoy, a member of the Boise State Spirit Squad.

“I’m never going to say no to more Boise State football,” Velazquez said. “I have goals to play at the next level, and I love being here and getting better in this environment.” Nickel back Kekaula Kaniho has always been a player with a huge love for the atmosphere that surrounds the City of Boise. Kaniho is a player with big goals for the upcoming season and is grateful to be back. Kaniho has attributed a lot to the Bronco defense by racking up 165 tackles, five sacks and five interceptions. “For me to have the opportunity to come back and do it again is really special,” Kaniho said. “This is a place I love being and a place I call home.” Offensive lineman Jack Stetz is locked in for the upcoming season. He has high

aspirations to solidify his role as a team leader and being a positive mentor to the younger players. “I did a gut check and wanted to see what my heart wants, and it told me to come back for my super senior year,” Stetz said. “I want to keep developing leadership skills and helping the young offensive linemen and keep writing my legacy.” Linebacker Riley Whimpey has his targets locked on a record-breaking final season with the Broncos. Whimpey has had a tremendous surge of defense through the years adding 216 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble with a recovery. “We have a chip on our shoulder,” Whimpey said. “We’re putting in the work now and doing the things we need to do to not

Linebacker Riley Whimpey will return for one last year with the Broncos and hopes to continue to break records.

only play in the Mountain West championship game again, but win it.” Boise State linebacker Brock Miller had a difficult start to his senior season last year due to partially tearing the plantar fascia in his foot in a scrimmage during the last day of fall camp. Miller fought through the pain for the season opener and eventually completely tore it in the second game of the season. With one more year of eligibility, Miller will get another shot at taking the field for the Broncos. These seniors will be making a run for a fifth consecutive Mountain West championship game appearance. With high hopes for next season, the opener is scheduled against the University of Central Florida on Sept. 4, in Orlando, Fla.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter APRIL 22, 2021

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SPORTS & REC

BOISE STATE’S SPRING FOOTBALL GAME GAVE FANS A GLIMPSE AT THE TEAM

With Andy Avalos leading the football team in 2021, spectators were able to see what he can do with the Broncos Brad Verbout | Sports & Rec Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The game gave both quarterbacks, Hank Bachmier and Jack Sears, a chance to show what they can do on the field. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

oise State’s defense was the star of the show in the team’s 2021 spring game giving them the 45-23 win over the offensive squad at Albertson’s Stadium on April 10. The announced attendance for the game was 5,777. The defense picked up three interceptions, seven sacks and forced 11 three-andouts. Given the game’s modified scoring

APRIL 22, 2021

system the defense was able to pick up a decisive win over the offense. The game gave Bronco fans their first glimpse of the team led by new Head Coach Andy Avalos who came in after Bryan Harsin left for the Auburn team in the fall. The defense taking over the game the way they did could give fans some excitement for things to come. It is also most likely a symptom of Avalos’s defen-

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sive experience from his playing days and his time as a coordinator. “The defense dominated today, as expected,” said nose tackle Scale Lgiehon after the game. “That’s what we’ve been training all spring for. We go into every practice with the mentality to create turnovers, pressure and confuse the quarterbacks, and just cause havoc.” The announced attendance for the game

was 5,777, marking the first time that fans could fill the stands at Albertson’s Stadium since Nov. 12, 2020. “That’s a feeling we haven’t felt in a while,” Lgiehon said. “That was amazing to have fans react to a run or a tackle or sack. It’s just great to have that energy from Bronco Nation with you on the field.” Quarterbacks Hank Bachmier and Jack Sears each got snaps during the game. With no definite starter for the 2021 season, each contender got their chance to impress the coaches. Bachmeier completed 15-of-26 passes for 158 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Sears threw for 11-for-20 for 146 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. “It doesn’t start with how they execute on the field,” Avalos said. “It starts with their leadership off the field — how they’re bringing guys together. We’re extremely proud of that whole [quarter back] group.” Avalos also mentioned the importance of the quarterbacks and center Kekani Holomalia-Gonzalez being on the same page. “That relationship between the center-quarterback is huge,” Avalos said. George Holani who is expected to be the Broncos’ premier running back this season led the Broncos with 56 yards rushing on 11 carries. His 2020 campaign was cut short due to injuries. Maclaine Griffin tied the game high with four receptions and a leading 58 yards. “It’s a blessing, honestly, just to be able to go out there and let it loose,” Holani said. “It was great just being able to be healthy and go out there with the boys and compete and make each other better.” The Broncos’ offense struggled with penalties during the exhibition. The squad had nine false starts. “Little things like penalties, those are things we can control,” Holani said. “Honesty, we can do better with cleaning up little things. I’ve seen this offense before and I’ve seen how we operate.”

OUR BEST GUESS The Arbiter aligns your stars.

TAURUS:

Exciting times await, Taurus! Mercury and the sun have both officially entered your sign, so right now everything literally revolves around you. Keep your head held high the next few weeks and keep your eye out for new opportunities coming your way that you might miss. Have your goals in mind.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 19

Cap, now is the time to express yourself creatively and expand on big ideas! Let yourself indulge in interesting ideas and don’t stray if things seem challenging. Embrace the complications and don’t lose your head. You’ve got this! But be warned that some discoveries may not be what they seem.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FEB 18

Domestic relationships are your priority right now, Aquarius. Keep communication lanes open with your family and loved ones, and solve disputes with a patient mind — you’ll thank yourself later! Find what calms you and continue to practice daily affirmations to put your best self forward.

PAIGE WIRTA

OPINION EDITOR CULTURE@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

MAR 21 - APR 19

Issues with finance are on your mind this week, Aries, but don’t make any rash decisions. Mars enters Cancer late this week, meaning your ruling planet is landing in your family zone. Make goals with loved ones as a priority, finding spaces to save for future travel plans and spontaneous ideas.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

Gemini, uncertainty is surrounding you like a dark cloud. If you feel unsteady, back away from the spotlight and give yourself time to adjust. These next few weeks should be all about self care, so let yourself rely on loved ones and offer them support as well.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 22

The sun and Mercury are in Taurus this week, entering into your friendship zone, Cancer! Continue to manifest your goals, dreams and desires, and keep your eye out for some of them coming true. Connect with friends you have not spoken to in awhile, and rekindle old friendships.

LEO

PISCES

APR 20 - MAY 20

Illustration by Alieha Dryden

ARIES

FEB 19 - MAR 20

The planets are aligning in your communication zone, Pisces, so your mind will be focused on logical solutions to a variety of problems. Trust yourself in the process, but take solace in a trusted companion if you need help. You are not alone in the world, so remember to find time to spend with loved ones or pets!

JUL 23 - AUG 22

Leo, we know patience isn’t your favorite virtue, so light some candles and take a deep breath. These next few weeks are going to seem slow and strenuous because of Mercury in Taurus, but watch for major advancements within your career. Don’t let the boredom of this week blind you!

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VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEPT 22

Mars is entering Cancer soon, landing in your friendship zone, Virgo. It’s time to use your passion from Mars to manifest lasting relationships and lend a helping hand to those you cherish. You’re more intuitive than you think, so rely on instincts and reach out when you feel is right.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

Transformation is upon you, Libra, as Mercury and the sun land in your intimacy zone and Mars enters your career zone. Embrace the motivation that comes along with this change and work on your professional and personal relations. Along with that, reach out to your love interest!

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21

With the sun and Mercury in Taurus entering your partnership zone, romance is in the air around you, Scorp! Make plans with a potential partner or your current love affair and look forward to an exciting day of relationship growth. Consider taking some traveling time as Mars enters your philosophy zone.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

It’s time for you to do some spring cleaning, Sag. This isn’t limited to your space, but your mind, too; clear out negative thoughts and feelings. Create a solid routine centered around cleaning your mind, body and space, and come away feeling fresh and relieved.

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