THE
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FINALS EDITION December 8, 2021
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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
UI transitions building access to Illinois app By Weiyu Ding Staff Writer
Chancellor Robert J. Jones announced last Thursday that the University is moving its COVID-19 building access status to the Illinois app and is planning to phase out the Safer Illinois app. “This operational shift is intended to keep the mostused feature of the Safer Illinois app while making it easier for students (using one app instead of several) and more efficient for university operations,” Jones said in a Massmail. Students can already check their building access on the Illinois app, and they can find more details
on the Illinois app website, according to the Massmail. Jones encouraged students to download the app from the Apple App Store for the iOS system or from Google Play for Android users before the spring semester. In addition to displaying the building access, the Illinois app has other functions, such as events and campus guides. The Safer Illinois app will continue to function, and the University will notify the campus community before they “move away from it sometime during the spring semester.” “The COVID-19 boarding pass will continue to be an alternate way faculty, staff
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and students can display their building access status,” Jones said, in the
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI
Chancellor Robert J. Jones waits to speak at the Siebel Center for Design grand opening on Oct. 8. Jones delivered the annual State of the University address last Thursday and mentioned that he has high hopes for the future of the University post COVID-19.
UI Chancellor delivers State of the University address By Vivian La Assistant Daytime Editor
At the State of the University address on Thursday, Chancellor Robert J. Jones said he’s very optimistic about the future of the University and efforts to grow after the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual address by Jones featured the University’s accomplishments in the last year, which were mostly related to the school’s efforts in managing the pandemic as well as highlighting future goals. “Optimism is the state of the University of Illinois as I see it today,” Jones said. Mentioning University researchers in regards to COVID-19 mitigation, SHIELD efforts and high campus vaccination rates, Jones said every decision was made with the health of the com-
munity in mind. Jones talked briefly about the Omicron variant, a highly contagious strain of COVID-19 that was first detected in South Africa around late November. As of Thursday, two cases of the variant have been found in the United States. Echoing President Biden’s message on the variant, Jones said it is a cause for concern and not panic. As of Thursday, 94% of the campus population is fully vaccinated, Jones said. This comes as the COVID-19 positivity rate on campus reached 1.3% on Wednesday, the highest since the beginning of the fall semester, according to data from the University testing dashboard. Jones also said the pandemic gave the University a chance for innovation and outreach, as well as to address soci-
etal issues. “Every crisis we face becomes a catalyst for new ideas, new innovations, new approaches that help our local community, our state and our nation to heal and recover more quickly,” Jones said. Jones pointed to significant leadership appointments such as Jacki Rand, associate vice chancellor for Native Affairs as well as record student enrollment numbers. This year welcomed the largest freshman class, bringing total student enrollment to over 56,000 students. Jones said this was a 12,000 student increase since his appointment as chancellor in 2016. There have been significant University efforts to work with ChampaignUrbana community leaders in addressing unequal access to health care, education and other services, Jones said.
Not only was the community, state and country exposed to an “insidious infection” but also unequal access along race and socioeconomic status, Jones said. “As a public university, we have a responsibility to leverage our enormous intellectual resources to help find new and better ways to heal those divides and create pathways for inclusion and respect that guides the solution,” Jones said. Jones said he’s proud of the accomplishments of the campus community and looks forward to continuing efforts to heal from the pandemic. “I could not be more proud of the accomplishments, achievements that each and every one of you have brought in the darkest times and the impact we’ll have on the world,” Jones said. vla2@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
LIFE & CULTURE
The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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Omicron variant raises student concerns By Nandika Chatterjee Staff Writer
After two years of the pandemic, wearing masks while waiting in line for coffee or while speaking to a stranger on the bus has become the new normal for many. However, many said it still feels like the world is learning something new about the coronavirus everyday. This includes the spread of new variants, such as more recently, the Omicron variant. The news of the new variant surfacing also lead to new worries for students at the University who said they are concerned about losing another year of their college experience. Mau Mwachande, senior in LAS, said the thought of losing the final year of her collegiate career is terrifying. She said she had to sacrifice her sophomore and junior year already because of the pandemic. “I have my concerns about the structure of the spring semester because going back to fully online learning will be extremely difficult,” Mwachande said. “I am also worried about what commencement will look like in May because there is no information on how we can prepare for this new variant.” Other possible concerns are the protocol surrounding getting the booster shot. As of now, the University has not required that students get the booster shot for COVID-19. Lindsey LeBeda, senior in Media, shared her thoughts on the reasoning behind University policies about the booster. “I understand not being able to require the booster shots just yet because you are supposed to wait six months after getting your first set of shots to get the booster, and some people got the vaccine more recently than that,” LeBeda said. “I also know that I just haven’t found the right time to get mine yet, even though I fully intend on doing so. I think maybe later into next semester, the school should start encouraging the booster a bit more and maybe requiring more testing for those who are unable to get it.” Mwachande said she thinks the booster shot should be a requirement. “I believe the University should definitely consider making it required for the 2022-2023 school year,” Mwachande said. Victoria Gomez, second year doctoral student in ACES, said she wasn’t surprised by the Omicron variant
A batch of pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses sits on a table at the Carle Health pop-up clinic on Nov. 6.
“What else can I do except continue to exist and try not to get myself or others sick? We’ve been doing this for almost two years, so I’m used to it now.” Victoria Gomez, doctoral candidate in ACES coming to the United States. “Upon hearing about the new variant, I felt disappointed, but I was not surprised” Gomez said. “I briefly indulged the feeling of desperation and thought ‘We’re never going to get rid of this virus,’ and then I went about my day after my dramatic moment. “What else can I do except contin-
ue to exist and try not to get myself or others sick? We’ve been doing this for almost two years, so I’m used to it now.” Gomez said COVID-19 is still an inconvenience. “I feel like COVID-19 is just always in the background and creating inconveniences that have become com-
SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI
monplace, and I have no option but to maneuver around them,” Gomez said. Gomez discussed her concern for the people who don’t have the same resources as her. “I think that’s where the impact is gonna be the largest,” Gomez said. “I really hope I get a real graduation, though. I’m trying not to dwell on it.” Gomez said until there is more information on how the Omicron variant will affect the University, it is important to take each day as it comes and stay safe and healthy. “I already freaked out about COVID-19 in 2020, and I’m not going to do that again; it was lame and actually quite unhealthy,” Gomez said. “Since I don’t want to relieve that anguish I felt that year, I’m just going to take it one day at a time and keep doing what I’m doing to protect myself and others.” nandika2@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Return of in-person finals stresses students Test anxiety motivates some to study earlier By Aidan Finn Staff Writer
With finals week rapidly approaching, students are overwhelmed by the thought of testing in a classroom. Several said they’re used to online exams because of restrictions on inperson attendance. Jake Holecek, sophomore in Business, said he’s anxious about the return of inperson exams. “This year with taking tests in person, it’s kind of an intimidating feeling,” Holecek said. “With me as a sophomore, this will be my first time taking finals in person.” Holecek said he felt the pressure to hit the books early more so this year since he said last year’s online finals provided a more relaxed testing environment. Dibya Rey, junior in LAS, said the week prior to finals was stressful, and she felt compelled to study earlier. “There’s a final push of assignments just before finals start, but in general, I find those final projects somewhat comprehensive, they really help fold in some final studying,” Rey said. Emily Wojcik, freshman in Media, said she took month-long preparations for her intensive language exams. “I’ve been making quizlets months ago for my final Italian exam,” Wojcik said. “I haven’t had to worry about finals for years. A college-level English class is far more demanding than a high school one.” Dave Allgaier, junior in AHS said he had a more confident outlook and that he was all set to do well on his finals week. “I’m not too anxious — obviously there is going to be a little bit, but compared to last year and the year before that, I have a lot more experience,” Allgaier said. “I’m a lot more prepared in terms of the scheduling and the weight of the work.” Shaden Rafati, freshman in AHS, said she had few final exams during her senior year of high school but is now facing several exams in college. “It was all online,” Rafati said. “I didn’t have finals for every class, so I wasn’t really worried about finals last year. Now, I’m a little bit stressed about it.” Maddie Szkwarek and Lucy Nash,
JULIA EVERSMANN & CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI
“This year with taking tests in-person, it’s kind of an intimidating feeling.With me as a sophomore, this will be my first time taking finals in-person.” Jake Holecek, sophomore in Business sophomores in Engineering, said they plan to study more toward the end of the semester and that they had few actual exams during finals week. “I only have two finals,” Szkwarek said. “They are still online.” “I have a lot of projects due before then,” Nash said. “It’s hard to budget
time with them.” With the varying degrees of stress burdening the unique circumstances and schedules of students, some instructors have insisted on taking a more gradual, holistic approach to taking on finals. Karle Flanagan, senior instructor
of STAT 100: Statistics, gave advice to students. “I would definitely recommend to not procrastinate,” Flanagan said. “The sooner you start studying the better. I would actually recommend breaking it up into days, study this thing on this day, so it’s not as overwhelming.” Flanagan said Reading Day is important because it’s the ideal window to set aside time to study. “A lot of the time the reason people get stressed during finals is because they’re procrastinating till the last minute, and you don’t want to create unnecessary stress,” Flanagan said.
aidanf3@dailyillini.com
The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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Boost productivity during finals week with music buzz Finals Study Playlist
By the buzz staff For many, gearing up for finals may require a lot of preparation. A good study session can require a lot of material — from a strong cup of iced coffee to a variety of colored highlighters to, of course, a killer study playlist. Though a study necessity for many, music hasn’t always received the greatest reputation among some teachers and others who might see it as a distraction rather than a motivator for effective studying. Whether or not listening to music during a study session increases or hinders studying isn’t always an objective question. Studies have shown that the choice of music can often affect how focused someone is on the material. For example, a 2014 study showed that learning in silence versus with music increased exam scores by 60%, but the researchers in that study chose heavy metal, which, for many, might be distracting outside of studying. Studies have also found that music can be stress relieving, help with productivity and even boost performance on memory and processing tasks (though it’s important to note that in the latter study, researchers used classical music specifically, so there isn’t a guarantee that the same effects would show when listening to another genre like indie-pop or jazz, two common genres of study music for many college students). But for those who prefer to listen to a genre other than classical music, experts suggest a few tips for the best types of music to listen to while studying. Some of those tips includes listening to music without lyrics, slower instrumental music and songs you don’t really have strong feelings about so they can’t distract you. But since everyone has his or her own taste and preferences, this isn’t always the most realistic type of music to listen to for all students. To help students who might be looking for some study music to increase productivity while studying, buzz carefully crafted a finals study playlist that includes many slower, instrumental songs, as well as a few with lyrics that fit more in the indie-pop genre. Because several different people contributed to this playlist, a few songs are bound to be foreign to listeners, which might decrease the chance that the music will distract them. To listen to buzz’s Fall 2021 Finals Study Playlist, visit buzzmagcu on Spotify. garibay5@readbuzz.com
buzzstaff • 18 songs, 1 hr 30 min
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Scan this QR code to access the rest of the buzz Fall 2021 Finals Study Playlist.
ALBUM
Umi No Ue Kara
Kakashi
Watching a Video
The End
Sesame
Tangerine
Little Bird - Instrumental Version
Ellipse
Beneath the Mask -rain-
PESONA5 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Coastal Dusk
Palm House
28
D-2
134340
Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’
Call It What You Want
reputation
Orange Sky
Four Songs
Like Real People Do
Hozier
Yasuaki Shimizu Shlohmo
Shanti Celeste Imgoen Heap Lyn
Amparo
Agust D, NiiHWA BTS
Taylor Swift
Alexi Murdoch Hozier
She’s Got You High Mumm-ra
These Things Move in Threes
Vagabond
Wolfmother
Kyoto
Punisher
Mrs.
Good Thing
Wait for the Moment
My First Car
Easy On Me
Easy on Me
Wolfmother
Phoebe Bridgers Leon Bridges Vulfpeck Adele
Miroirs: III Une barque sur l’océan Maurice Ravel, André Laplante
Ravel: Miroirs, Jeux D’Eau, Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte JONAH OZER THE DAILY ILLINI
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8 2021
Winter break brings on-campus stays, familial conflicts By Amrita Bhattacharyya News Editor
As finals week is swiftly approaching, students are already thinking about their plans for the month-long break ahead. Tushar Khosla, freshman in Engineering, is planning to stay on campus over break. As an international student, Khosla was initially planning on going home to India this winter but decided to stay on campus to be productive. As far as finals go, Khosla says he is feeling prepared because he has been studying. “There’s a lot of workload,” Khosla said. “But it’s not something to stress over. If you begin on time, it’s something you can do easily.” Nichole Evans, media communications director for the Counseling Center, says that sticking to the basics of self care, such as eating, getting enough sleep and exercising, is important when coping with finals stress. Over break, Khosla is planning on taking a few online courses for his minor. He also plans on taking a few proficiency exams and getting a job on campus.
Khosla says he is feeling a bit homesick, as it has been a couple months since he has last seen his family in person. However, for those who do see family in person this break, the holiday season can also be stressful. For those who anticipate a stressful holiday season, Evans recommends identifying the stressors and coming up with a plan on how to manage them. In the context of having a strained relationship with someone in your family, this can include thinking about how you will approach being around that person. “Set clear boundaries for yourself about what behaviors you’ll accept and what you will not,” Evans said in an email. According to Evans, the Counseling Center usually sees increased appointments during this time of the year. “We have all of our clients who have (been) doing counseling with us for a while who are usually trying to check in before the break, and then we have students who are having crises around the end of the semester and all that can mean,” Evans said. abhatt52@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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Practice self-care, time management during finals CHIARA AWATRAMANI COLUMNIST With finals approaching, stress and anxiety levels are on the rise. Quizlets, flashcards, study groups and practice exams take over our minds, day after day. Eat. Sleep. Study. Repeat. As students, it doesn’t seem as though we have a choice to partake in this lifeless ritual. But we do — by learning how to manage time effectively, focus and relax in a manner that decreases stress, students can break out of the robotic cycle. A student’s life shouldn’t consist only of studying and engaging in the bare necessities of survival. We can perform better academically while enjoying our lives. Studies show stress negatively impacts exam performance. This is because prolonged periods of stress and high levels of cortisol lead to a constant state of arousal and alertness. As the body is not allowed to relax, individuals experience difficulty sleeping. In turn, lack of sleep hinders the consolidation
THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO
Students study for finals on the first floor of Grainger Library on May 6, 2019. Columnist Chiara Awatramani believes students should take a break from studying to decrease stress. of memories in the brain, leading to worse recollections of the studied material and worse results on exams. Time management is a useful tool to help mitigate stress as it allows students to plan out their discrete blocks of studying and free time. In this way, a student concentrates on work for the scheduled time, then completely liberates themselves from the thought of
school during their allotted free time — alleviating stress. Many students fall into the trap of getting distracted during their studies due to deficits in time management skills. Distractions, such as a phone, are more enticing to a student who lacks a truly stress-free break throughout the day. For example, when a student thinks
they can study for six hours on one topic, they might go on their phones intermittently for five minutes at a time throughout these hours. Not only does this prevent studying from being completed efficiently, but it also prevents the student from feeling relaxed. They sit at their desk trying to focus entirely on school radiating in their mind — not a pleasurable experience. This blends into why finding stressrelieving activities leads to better performance on exams and overall health. Activities related to relieving stress differ among individuals but can include exercising, reading, meditating, walking and many more. From finding these activities, academic thoughts drift forward into a student’s mind, stress levels decrease and exam performances increase. So instead of getting caught up in the exhausting cycle of finals-induced stress, spend time on scheduling. Learn how to prevent distractions while studying and find activities that relieve stress for you. Your grades and brain will thank you. Chiara is a sophomore in LAS. cawatr2@dailyillini.com
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OPINIONS
The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Gun violence threatens campus security By The Daily Illini Editorial Board With local shootings exceeding last year’s statistics in July, an alarming mood sweeps across campus as crime increases and communication remains ambiguous. For three consecutive weekends, the University of Illinois Police Department has arrested an individual with a gun. The latest occurred around the Krannert Center where UIPD apprehended a 35-yearold man with a loaded gun and extensive magazine. Furthermore, C-U’s recent rise in gun violence reflects a national problem as the pandemic recedes: Crime dropped dramatically early into COVID-19 lockdowns, yet as we better control the virus, crime returns to “normal” or exceeds past statistics. Without a clear narrative from the University and community, students are dramatically affected. For instance, with the recent Krannert Center arrest, no Illini Alert was issued informing students to stay vigilant. Although UIPD can argue the apprehension ended before an Illini-Alert would’ve been sent, no alert to students leaves students worringly uninformed. Additionally, Michigan’s Oxford High
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JULIA EVERSMANN THE DAILY ILLINI
School shooting has again shined a light on mental health and gun violence as four teenagers died and many others were injured. On the day of the shooting, the accused shooter’s parents were called in to discuss the teen’s disturbing behavior alongside teachers reporting peculiar activity from the accused. No matter a high school shooter or a 35-year-old man outside Krannert, mental health surrounds these situations. Whereas an incident like the Oxford shooting rightly acquires immense coverage and assistance, the latest campus events have brought little help from the University. Without official disclosures from the University, students discuss rumors over social media and risk fearing individuals
who may pose no risk. Yet, without any intervention from the University, ambiguity leads students to trust social media apps like Yik Yak and Snapchat more than rare UIPD alerts. Despite UIPD services like the crime blotter updating students regularly, altercations such as the Krannert man or the gun-related crimes amids Halloween weekend — neither recieving IlliniAlerts — warrant informing students. In addition to increasing cautions to those on campus, more mental health services both for concerning individuals and those affected by gun violence are needed to ease worried minds. Dr. James O’Dea, vice president of Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network, notes the importance of diagnosis in preventing gun violence like school shootings. “We find in these terrible, tragic acts is the kids who engage in this behavior have gone undiagnosed and untreated for years,” Dr. O’Dea said. Not sympathizing with these violent actors, Dr. O’Dea states the rise in school shootings can be attributed to behavioral health care being “under-supported, under-resourced and under-funded for
some time, contributing to the presentday crisis.” The University should be facilitating further communication about local gun violence and offering mental health resources. Instead, students share posts regarding troubled individuals while nothing changes. Besides those needed changes, students, faculty and administration can ease the present predicament by checking in on one another. If you see a friend, peer or anyone in need of support, do more than swipe away — be vigilant and reach out. For instance, if a student sends an alarming email to a professor, necessary steps must be taken to protect that individual and those at risk. Gun violence won’t disappear with increased alerts or better mental health resources. However, it can be mitigated and build a safer, more informed community. The University’s current outreach programs are ambiguous and too rare. For a secure campus, everyone must be responsible for each other, and the University must step up to combat this emerging brutality. opinions@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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Oh so sweet: Illinois upsets reigning national champs By Jackson Janes Sports Editor
Entering the evening as the underdog, Illinois looked anything but that on Saturday, taking down host and reigning national champion No. 7 Kentucky, 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-10, 25-21), to advance to its first Sweet 16 since 2018. Sophomore outside hitter Raina Terry, playing in her first postseason tournament, registered a career-high 27 kills on a .321 clip in the four-set victory, while graduate student outside hitter Megan Cooney tallied 17 on a .302 clip and junior middle blocker Kennedy Collins finished with 10 on a .381 clip. “We knew it was going to take every bit of everything that we had to beat this team because they’re a great team, defending champs and champs of the SEC,” said head coach Chris Tamas. “We knew that it was no easy task in front of us, and we had to rely on what we did all year, which is our serving game and being really good out of system, and I thought both teams played well in that regard but we were able to turn a few more points when it mattered.” After a slow start against West Virginia on Friday, Illinois jumped out to a quick 7-4 lead, with Terry picking up three kills during that stretch. The Wildcats then used a big 4-0 run to take a 9-8 lead, but a 4-1 Illini run saw the visitors regain their advantage. The two squads then traded points before a second 4-1 Illinois run saw it jump out to a four-point lead — its biggest of the set. With a four-point lead late in the set, Illinois looked in control, but a 4-0 Kentucky lead tied the set at 21. Despite the momentum being in the Wildcats’ favor, the Illini registered three straight kills from junior middle blocker Kyla Swanson, Collins and Terry and served for the set. Though Kentucky fought off one set point, the Illini took the first set, 25-22, behind seven kills from Terry. The Wildcats looked much more lively early in the second set, using three kills from SEC Player of the Year Alli Stumler en route to a 6-3 lead. But that didn’t last long, as the Illini used a 6-1 run to snatch a 9-7 lead, their first of the frame. Kentucky didn’t let that run last long, using five straight points to retake a three-point lead, an advantage it never let slip away.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGHTING ILLINI ATHLETICS
Illinois outside hitter Megan Cooney goes up for a spike during the match against Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday. The Illini beat the No. 7 Wildcats in four sets to advance to their first Sweet 16 since 2018. With the Wildcats leading by five late, the Illini were able to cut their deficit to two following kills from Collins and junior outside/right side hitter Jessica Nunge and a block from Swanson and redshirt junior setter Diana Brown. Closing the set on a 4-1 run, Kentucky took the frame, 25-20, to tie the match at 1. What came next was nothing but pure domination from Illinois. With a onepoint advantage and a 6-5 lead early in the third set, the Illini closed the frame on a 19-5 run in the Wildcats’ most lopsided set loss of the season. Two separate 5-0 runs and a 4-0 stretch gave the Illini one of their most impressive, one-sided sets of the season, using a .609 team hitting clip and
just one error to give them a commanding 2-1 lead in Lexington. “We talked a lot about just a sense of urgency, not letting up, keeping our foot on the gas, and I think we did a really good job with that in the third set for sure,” Terry said of the team's mindset in the 25-10 third-set victory. Looking to seal the upset in four sets, the Illini picked up right where they left, opening the fourth frame on a 10-1 run behind six Terry kills, two Cooney kills, a block solo from Collins and a block assist from Terry and Swanson. Seemingly in total control, Illinois held onto its big lead before Kentucky went on a 4-0 run to cut its deficit in half, but it still trailed, 12-8. The Illini were not going to be stopped,
though, using a 5-2 run via kills from Cooney, Terry and Swanson to extend their lead to seven points, 17-10. The Illinois lead never dropped below six points before the Illini eventually were serving for the match. After the Wildcats fought off four match points which saw their deficit shrink to just three points, a Swanson kill put the match away, clinching the Illini’s upset victory. Illinois will play No. 10 Nebraska in the Sweet 16, a team the Illini have yet to win a set against this season. The match will be played in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. @JacksonJanes3 janes6@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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enities are subject to change. Limited time only. See office E Green St
E Chalmers St
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT Private bedrooms and bathrooms available URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Great locations close to campus
LEASING OFFICE
S 1st St
ited time only. See office for details. E Chalmers St
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
S Lincoln St
S Wright St
Prize and amenities are subject to change. Limited time only. See office for details.
Fully furnished apartments E Gregory St and townhomes available
Academically oriented environments Amenities for a fit and healthy lifestyle Individual liability leases
E Gregory St
Roommate matching powered by RoomSync W Kerby Ln
S Lincoln St
S Wright St
W Kerby Ln
UNIVERSITY OF Fully furnished apartments forand details. ILLINOIS AT townhomes available
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Academically oriented environments E Gregory St
Amenities for a fit and healthy lifestyle
Prize and amenities are subject to change. Limited time only. See office for details.
Individual liability leases
Prize and amenities are subject to change. Limited time only. See office for details.
Roommate matching powered by RoomSync W Kerby Ln
Learn more at AmericanCampus.com/Champaign
S Wright St
Prize and amenities are subject to change. Limited time only. See office W John St
S Neil St
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