January 17, 2023

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

VIRGINIA TECH EMPLOYS COMPANY TO MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA

BETHANY HANSEL | NEWS WRITER

The organization’s tools surveil the entire internet for possible safety risks to the university.

According to Caroline Green, the threat assessment team coordinator at Virginia Tech’s police department, Virginia Tech has hired a company to scan the internet and social media for threats. The university approached the company during the 2018–19 school year.

The company, called Falcon, serves primarily as a social media management tool with the added benefit of being able to detect certain keywords that appear in conjunction with a Virginia Tech affiliate.

“The major way that we use it is to help with organizing the communication that’s going to go out,” Green said. “The other component it has is to be able to listen … So we’ll put out words like ‘gun’, ‘assault’, ‘threats’, those sorts of things. And it

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The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is therefore not to determine what they

listens (for) Virginia Tech, or Hokies, and that kind of thing (on the Internet).”

Those online spaces typically include the major social media sites, but Green said they can come from anywhere.

“It listens to the internet as a whole, (but) I would say that typically it’s pulling from Facebook, Twitter, sometimes Instagram … some Reddit, certain public blogs, news articles,” Green said.

However, Green made clear it only makes note of public, open posts.

“It can’t break through any sort of privacy barriers, like if someone’s account is private. It’s just what people are putting out there in the open,” Green said. “That’s what it will mainly flag for us because if there’s a safety concern, like someone’s

(making) a bomb threat, we need to act quickly.”

Furthermore, the police can’t typically gain access to private messages. Tony Haga, deputy chief of police and assistant director of security to the Virginia Tech police department, explains the process of obtaining such information.

“I can tell you how hard it is (to get access to private messages),” Haga said. “Private messages require me to submit a court order to the courts, and (for) them to either grant the court order or not, and then I have to send it off to the provider …. And in most cases, they have to notify the individual who’s the account holder that they’ll be releasing that information.”

activity to the school,” Kim said. “And thus it is the school’s responsibility to properly assess these reports. This keeps both the student’s privacy while preventing threats and protecting the school’s student body. The school should not be constantly monitoring students’ social media for threats at all.”

Green and Haga said they largely rely on civilians reporting probable threats to the university and the community, and this is where the majority of their information comes from.

believe at that time to be the truth and reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.

Jae Sung Kim, a junior majoring in computer science, expressed that responsibility should lay with civilians to report suspicious activity, as opposed to the university monitoring it.

“I do not believe it is a school’s responsibility to constantly monitor students’ social media for threats and that the responsibility is placed on fellow students to report suspicious or threatening

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“Over the years, there’s only been a very small handful that have come through the use of that social media platform that we’re using. Most of our casework comes from our community members who see a post and report to us,” Haga said.

Haga also shared what happens when they do receive notice of a potential threat, as they have a variety of alleviation strategies and means of evaluating credibility.

“The first thing we’re going to do is look

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for context to see what is the meaning behind the post… If there’s a possible threat then we look at all our possible mitigation strategies, and handle it that way,” Haga said. “If it doesn’t appear to be a credible threat, then we look to see if there’s any way that we can apply a criminal process to it, because we will gladly prosecute — in the times that we can — anybody for making a threat against the university or community members.”

Safety and security for Virginia Tech students and personnel, as well as broader community members, is of the utmost importance to Virginia Tech police, according to Green.

“The whole purpose is to assist people, get them connected to resources, help protect our community and keep folks safe, and intervene and get people the help they need to be successful,” Green said.

Kim expressed that for the most part, he trusts the university’s ability to handle threats.

“I feel relatively safe from threats at Virginia Tech, as they unfortunately had experience in responding to various threats,” Kim said. “I feel that they are much more prepared than other universities since they had to learn the hard way. I, however, am uncertain about how the university responds to threats that occur in the city of Blacksburg that are near campus because last year there was a shooting at a hookah bar right off campus and the university had a muddled response to the immediate situation.”

Haga and Green both stressed the importance of reporting potentially suspicious activity online, and encouraged anyone who sees a threat online to report it to the police or the threat assessment team.

“We rely on our community members to report suspicious people, suspicious activity, to kind of just trust our gut,” Haga said. “It’s one of those things where you witness something, you feel it may be nothing, but then we encourage people to contact us and at least give us an opportunity to take a look at the situation to see if maybe there is something that we need to get involved with pretty quickly, before it becomes a real problem.”

Green shared a range of ways that students, faculty and community members can report such activity, and they are encouraged to use whichever makes them feel most comfortable. There are several different contact numbers and email addresses on threatassessment.

vt.edu, including threatassessment@ vt.edu, but people can also go to the Dean of Students office or the office of Student Conduct to report any harassment or possible threats.

NEHA OGALE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

A student looks down at a Twitter screen, June 16, 2020.

EX-SOCCER PLAYER RECEIVES $100,000 FROM VIRGINIA TECH IN LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT

VICTORIA WEBER | NEWS EDITOR

Current and ex-team members, as well as Director of Athletics Whit Babcock commented on the settlement.

According to the Roanoke Times, Kiersten Hening, a previous member of the Virginia Tech soccer team, will be paid $100,000 from the university to settle a lawsuit Hening filed in March 2021.

The lawsuit alleged Hening was removed from the team in response to her unwillingness to kneel in a unity ceremony during a 2020 game. The ceremony was partially intended to acknowledge the death of George Floyd, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement.

According to the Roanoke Times, Virginia Tech’s legal team claimed Hening’s removal from the team was due to her athletic record, not her lack of participation in the ceremony.

Hening’s original demands were that she be put back on the team, as well as compensatory and punitive damages, but graduated before the settlement was reached.

According to the Roanoke Times, Hening’s attorney, Cameron Norris, claimed university and state officials still have to approve the settlement before it is finalized.

Virginia Tech attempted to get the case dismissed in early December but was denied by U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen.

Before the settlement, Virginia Tech said it had evidence of two other students not participating in the event but remaining on the team without repercussions.

According to the Roanoke Times, in court papers, Virginia Tech attorneys wrote, “Coach

Adair’s explanations have been consistent — Hening’s play contributed to his decision for a line-up change.”

Hening, however, disagreed, as the basis of the lawsuit was that her political beliefs were the sole reason for her separation from the team.

According to the Roanoke Times, if the lawsuit proceeded to court, Hening would have claimed she was a starting player during her freshman and sophomore years at the university but was benched for the majority of playing time after the unity ceremony.

Hening also stated Charles “Chugger” Adair’s “campaign of abuse and retaliation” caused her to quit two games after the unity ceremony.

According to the Richmond TimesDispatch, Hening’s attorneys stated Adair did not admit to any misconduct in the settlement.

Additionally, 76 current and former Virginia Tech women’s soccer players signed a statement in support of Adair.

“Today, we join together to affirm that Coach Adair’s leadership has made each of us better players, teammates, and people. We stand by Coach Adair and Virginia Tech, and what we believe is the truth. And we look forward to the bright future of the Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer Program under his guidance,” read the statement.

Virginia Tech’s director of athletics, Whit

Babcock, issued an additional statement in support of Coach Adair, referencing the statement signed by the 76 individuals as a testament to Adair’s character.

“Coach Adair has positively impacted so many student-athletes’ lives evidenced by the statement released earlier today by more than 70 current and former players,” Babcock said. “Virginia Tech supports and believes in Coach Adair. His integrity is highly regarded throughout the soccer landscape and his

coaching abilities have brought unprecedented success to our women’s soccer program. The university looks forward to Coach Adair being a part of our athletics family for many years to come.”

OPINIONS

SPRING IS THE TIME TO START FRESH

KAYLEIGH KALEGHER | OPINIONS CONTRIBUTOR

Students should view this spring semester as fresh start to the school year

When leaving for winter break, it can sometimes be forgotten among the seemingly endless studying and testing that when we arrive back at school for the spring semester, we are going to be met with some pretty crazy new things. Coming back from such an extensive

break can be a pretty daunting experience. We come back to school and are instantly greeted by whole new class schedules with new walking routes and maybe even new friends and social groups. In this sea of new things, why not take the opportunity to start fresh both

inside and outside the classroom?

The first and probably most obvious way that you can start off with a clean slate is the adoption of a new daily routine. This may seem simple, but try to formulate this routine without your classes being the main focus. Make sure

you provide ample time not just for homework, but for the activities you love to do. Making a schedule that has a balance between school and personal life can improve mental health. For example,

ALEX NAGELI / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Kiersten Hening (7) fights past an Alabama defender, Sept. 5, 2019.

students may include outdoor time in their new schedule as spending time outdoors has been proven to decrease levels of anxiety, and in return promotes happiness. Virginia Tech is known for some beautifully scenic hikes, such as the Cascades; a long and gorgeous hike that is perfect for virtually anyone looking for a relaxing and fun hike. If mental health is something that was a struggle in your first semester life, spending time outdoors might be just the thing for you. Even if that isn’t your reason for going outside, adding it to your new schedule would be a great way to do something different and interesting.

continued from page 5 offers, even if it’s something they’d never even thought of doing before. Virginia Tech provides around 800 student-run groups for students of any age to join and be a part of. Maybe you enjoy passing a volleyball with your friends, and decide to join a volleyball club. Perhaps you have an affinity for art and want to join the Art Club, or maybe you want to use your art to send an impactful message and join the Art for Environmental Justice club. Whatever outlet you choose to pursue, there are endless opportunities to add things you love to do to your daily life. Who knows, you may join a group and find yet another group of friends with new stories and connections to make. Simple but impactful additions to this semester’s schedule would be sure to change your life in more ways than one.

Activities don’t always have to be big events either. If you are looking for smaller activities to add to your fresh start, maybe take a walk down to Main Street and explore the little shops and boutiques. Whether you’re looking for some new Hokie gear at the Campus Emporium or for something a little more hip from Fringe Benefit, you can shop all you want or just take the time to look around and enjoy a time away from the academic buildings and dorm rooms.

Aside from new activities, students can take this new semester to try new clubs and resources that the school

Lastly, ensure that this new spring semester you take care of your health, both physically and mentally. Amid the excitement of new classes and routines, your mental and physical health could fall by the wayside. If you are feeling under the weather, make sure to pay a visit to the Schiffert Health Center on campus so you can get professional assistance. As far as mental health services, Virginia Tech provides multiple opportunities for students to seek mental health aid. Cook

ANTHONY CUSAT / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Flowers bloom outside of Newman Library, April 15, 2022.

Counseling Center is the most wellknown on campus, where you can make an appointment to talk to someone and ensure you’re feeling your best.

For example, maybe this past semester you didn’t handle your “work-life balance” as well, and that could have resulted in you not being as happy or as healthy as you should’ve been. Nicholas Goggins, a freshman majoring in university studies, is a member of the rowing team here at Virginia Tech and shares how he struggled managing his time.

“I was able to balance it, but maybe not in the healthiest way because I could have managed my sleep a little bit better, managed how to spend time studying (and managed) how to spend time with my friends,” Goggins said.

Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings, and that’s exactly how we should all enter this spring semester. Ensure that time is being well spent and balanced over numerous areas: although school is important, it should not be our sole activity in a day. In this new semester, it’s important to try new things while maintaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself. It can seem daunting, but the important thing is just to try, and hopefully, good things will come of it all. Even if you decide to stay in, do it with the intention of relaxing and unwinding, instead of staying in a school and study mindset.

This new semester is a chance for you to attempt new hobbies, sports and

activities that interest you and improve your college experience as a whole.

Plotter

2022 saw a shift back to the new “normal” as more and more classes moved to in-person status, and Tech was once again filled to the brim with Hokies. As we reflect upon our journeys in 2022 and look toward 2023, the lifestyles staff wanted to compile some lessons learned and take some time to share their resolutions for the new year.

Olivia Ferrare, lifestyles section editor

2023 will be a year of changes for me. I will start looking for my first job after college, and I will be moving across the country for a summer internship. This past year, my major classes became more tailored to what I want to do post-graduation, and I grew close with a tight-knit group of other industrial and systems engineering students. Throughout college, I’ve grown more and more as an independent and driven person, but I still get nervous at the thought of all these big life decisions I made ages ago coming to fruition. It will also start the “year of lasts” in my college journey: last football season as a student, last time I lug all my stuff to move into my apartment and last fall semester. As the year goes on, I want to remember to stay grateful for how far I’ve gone and not get caught up in the ambiguity of the future. And I should probably start going to McComas a little more.

Emanda Seifu, assistant lifestyles section editor

2022 brought a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. For all the fun I had, I was equally as busy this year. After finishing my freshman year and starting my sophomore year, I’ve done some reflecting and have come to realize that I’ve grown in ways I didn’t even realize. Looking back at this past year, I’ve definitely become more confident and outgoing while trying new things along the way. As we head into 2023, I look forward to a focused new year filled with new opportunities and people. Most importantly, I want to make sure that I’m taking time to stay in tune with myself, personally and professionally.

Emelia Delaporte, lifestyles writer

2022 was my busiest year yet; at times it felt like I hadn’t relaxed in weeks. This pace found me at both my best and my worst, and I’ve discovered so much about myself from it. I made amazing friends in the midst of the madness who’ve been here for every triumph and every low point, and I’m grateful going forward that they’ll be here to see me rest and improve. I’ve learned (and am still learning) to slow down and to take the precious moments in between for every beautiful thing that they have to offer. My 2022 memories are priceless and I’m looking ahead to making many in 2023 — with a little more air in my lungs.

David Vu, lifestyles writer

To summarize the year of 2022 for me in one word, it would be fantastical. It was the year where I went through a bunch of crazy and incredible experiences, mostly stemming from my time studying abroad in London over the summer. It was the first time in my life where I traveled abroad completely by myself (I was the only student at Virginia Tech going to London during the summer session) and I remember I felt incredibly nervous about having to handle things all on my own at first. But, throughout my time there, I grew so much on a personal level in terms of independence and confidence and learned that I am a lot more capable than I thought I was before. I hope that the year of 2023 will continue my growth and development as I prepare for my life after college with one more year left.

Mirula Prasad, lifestyles writer

This may sound cliché, but to be completely honest, 2022 flew by in a blur. As I was reflecting on my year in preparation for writing this, I froze up and realized that I finished my freshman year in 2022. I can hardly recognize the person I was then. As I reflected on this past year, I found myself scrolling through my entire camera roll and reliving my life as a freshman while cringing at the embarrassing

moments. It was a real-life learning experience where I failed many, many times but I also grew into the person I am today, who still has much to learn. I finally have some semblance of what I want to do, even though I still consider changing my major at least three times a month. I have become more confident in my relationships and with myself during my time here at Tech. I’ve made some amazing friendships that I hope last a lifetime, and I’ve made some memories that will either haunt me forever or be something to reminisce

about when I’m long out of college and in the workforce. My new year’s resolution for 2023 is to give myself more grace. I’m trying to navigate life the best I can, and I just want to remember that everything is going to be okay. I’ve started believing that everything is intentional and things will turn out the way they are supposed to.

Mason, lifestyles contributor

There’s a lot that can be said of 2022, and for me, it was a year that’ll forever be remembered as one that helped shape my path. Was it the best year I’ve had? Nope. Was it

continued from page 7 a good year for the world? Probably not, all things considered. But it’s also the year where I crossed the threshold from high school to college and it’s the year where I began to truly start my adult life. The world’s not black and white, and this year is no exception. But it’s not just academics and world politics that have shaped this year. For me, perhaps

Molloy | Lifestyles writer

2022 has come and gone and now it’s time to talk about 2023. For me, the new year represents the possibility of moving forward, not just career-wise, but socially as well. I’ve finally settled down on campus and now it’s time to make my mark here.

2023 BRINGS MORE NEW ANIME THAN EVER

The new year can bring the chaos of unknown beginnings, but it also brings much to look forward to. In 2023, there are numerous anime shows and movies coming out to look at with excitement and anticipation. There will be beautiful fight scenes that dance with color, heartfelt stories of pain and love as well as tales of courage that prance across the TV screen.

Anime is a form of Japanese media. It is a style of animated television that usually comes from manga, the equivalent of Japanese comic books. Anime comes in many different types focused on different target audiences including shonen (which tends to be more action-packed and adventurous focused on younger boys), shoujo (which is usually more relationship-oriented with young protagonists focused on a younger female audience) and seinen (which is usually has a lot of fighting, combat and darker storylines focused on a young adult male audiences).

“Attack on Titan:” the final season of this renowned anime comes out in 2023. The exact release date is still unknown. The anticipation

for this season has been palpable for anime fans. It is a show that starts with humans trying to save the world from titans (giant human-esque beasts that eat people) and has countless twists and discoveries to uncover. According to an article by Dexerto, “we can only hope that (the anime’s release) will be early 2023, but since the anime’s studio, MAPPA Studio, is currently rather busy with Chainsaw Man, we could be waiting a bit longer.”

“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” will also be getting a second season this year in April. This anime is very visual and has plants and scenes filled with color and detail. It is about an orphaned high school girl who is sold to a magus, or a magic user. The magus is a tall inhuman looking guy with a skull for a head. It is considered a dark fantasy, mystery and supernatural show.

“Spy x Family,” a tale about an assassin and a spy who have to take care of a girl with psychic abilities, is getting a second season this year. It doesn’t have a specific release date yet, but it is highly anticipated. This is a fairly new series

the greatest highlight of this year was taking the plunge and beginning my journey into self-publishing. I’ve published three books this year (“Blood and the Stars Volume One”, “Blood and the Stars Volume Two”, and “The Memory Incident”), and what I’ve learned from those three books will influence my future career and books forever. However, that gained a lot of traction. It is a humorous and sweet show that all ages can enjoy. It will be released on Crunchyroll, an app that specializes in anime consumption. According to Crunchyroll, “world peace is at stake and secret agent Twilight must undergo his most difficult mission yet — pretend to be a family man.”

There are also two anime-adjacent series that are coming out in 2023. These are both great series for fantasy adventure lovers who are just getting into anime-like material. Animated shows are often thought of as meant for children, but it can be for all ages depending on the specific series or movie. The two I will mention below are meant for adults and teens, as they have themes of gore and more explicit language.

On Jan. 20, 2023, season two of “The Legend of Vox Machina” will premiere on Prime Video. “The Legend of Vox Machina” is an epic Dungeons and Dragons tale. It has dragons, powerful spells, swearing, and seducing alike. The trailer for both seasons is on

YouTube now.

Another great animated series that is set to have a second season this year is “Arcane.” This show is placed in a steampunk world that is inspired by League of Legends, a popular video game that has many of the same iconic characters in it. This show will be released in late 2023 on Netflix, where you can also find the first season now. The first season featured choreographed fights, upbeat music, striking visual effects and a moving storyline.

A full list of anime coming out in 2023 is presented in an article by AnimeCollective called “All of the 2023 Anime Confirmed So Far.” The article provides a glossary of over 100 anime coming out this year along with additional details. If anime interests you, 2023 should be a great year to watch countless shows and movies.

Aidan

Laurel

Photo courtesy of the Cosmic Circus

WORKING THROUGH THE WINTER: TAKING CLASSES OVER WINTER BREAK

ANGELA NELL-TASCON | LIFESTYLES WRITER

Consider adding a winter class to your schedule next year to get ahead or explore a new passion.

Virginia Tech offers a wide range of classes, from courses that occur during the normal semester to courses that can be taken during more uncommon times such as during winter break. Classes listed in the Virginia Tech Timetable of Classes range from Introduction to Creative Writing (ENGL-2744) to the Sociology of Cardi B (SOC-4454) and were all available to students during the 2023 Winter Session. These classes offer students different opportunities to earn credits that they may have missed during the normal semester or opportunities to get ahead of their coursework in a time and setting that may be more manageable for some. Classes for the 2023 Winter Session began on Dec. 26 and ran through Jan. 14. While this session might have passed, there are many benefits to consider when deciding whether to take a winter class in the future. Having had the opportunity to take some

of these classes for my political science major during the 2022 Winter Sessions, I can vouch for the manageability and capacity for understanding shown by professors throughout the duration of these classes. I had a wonderful time learning about topics I do not usually get the chance to slow down and appreciate throughout the regular semester. With the Topics in Italian Cinema course (ITAL-3474), I got the chance to watch and enjoy a new genre of movies, and learn how to properly review this type of content. It was a very rewarding, educational experience and I am grateful to have been able to take part in the course last Winter Session. The National Security class (PSCI-/ IS-3734), was also helpful toward acquiring all of the necessary political science credits I need to graduate in the spring from Virginia Tech. This was an example of an instance where these winter classes may be used as a means of

staying ahead of one’s particular course load. With the various options regarding what types of winter classes students may choose to enroll in, from Virginia Tech’s virtual options to the university’s study abroad options, there is something for every type of student at Virginia Tech. These courses give people the opportunity to learn a semester’s amount of coursework in a more condensed amount of time, allowing for more freedom throughout the course while also ensuring the material is taught and the criteria are all met. Students should aim to sign up for their desired winter session coursework by the start of classes, which fell on Dec. 26, 2022 this year. Likewise,

the 2024 winter semester will begin Dec. 26, 2023.

There is always “wiggle room” if a student needs to be force-added into a class or needs to drop something in order to take a different course, but Virginia Tech makes the Winter Sessions a manageable and fun learning endeavor for students. If anyone is looking for a great educational, yet fulfilling way to spend their winter break in the coming years they should look into all the Virginia Tech Winter Sessions website has to offer.

SPORTS FORMER MIDFIELDER DANNY FLORES SIGNS WITH SPORTING KC

COLBY TALLEY | SPORTS EDITOR

Former Hokies midfielder Danny Flores signs professional contract with Sporting KC.

News broke on Friday that the MLS team Sporting Kansas City has claimed former Virginia Tech midfielder Danny Flores off waivers, signing him to a contract for the 2023 season with options for the next three seasons.

Flores becomes the second Hokie to sign a contract with an MLS team this offseason, after goalkeeper Ben Martino signed with Nashville SC earlier in the offseason.

“First, I want to say thank you to Virginia Tech for welcoming me in like one of your own,” Flores said during his statement following the signing. “I am grateful for the trust and opportunity that Coach Briz, Coach Pat, Coach Lofton and Coach Kyle Kenney gave me.”

Coming to Blacksburg from Half Moon Bay,

California, Flores started 31 of the 33 games in which he appeared. Top Drawer Soccer named Flores as the third best freshman in the country in its 2021 top 100 freshman rankings after a season where he made the All-ACC freshman team.

Flores emerged as a key player for the Hokies in 2022, leading the team in goals (4) and points (10).

If Flores can carry over his production to his professional club, then Sporting KC might have just found themselves a quality deep-lying midfielder.

Courtesy of Hannah Campsie

AMBER WILLIAMS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Burruss Hall in the snow, Jan. 16, 2022.

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Mini snowmen are made at the Pylons, March 25, 2018.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW RODGERS AND HAMAD ALHENDI FOR THE COLLEGIATE TIMES