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Aug. 27, 2020 | Vol. 95, No. 1
@MurrayStateNews
Recruitment gone wrong Sororities suspended after Bid Day celebrations
Gage Johnson Editor-in-Chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Murray State issued a letter to all sororities on campus suspending all sorority activities for violating the Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines during recruitment. Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, said because of these violations all chapters that participated in Bid Day activities were suspended indefinitely. Robertson then explained how the situation will be addressed and how the violations has affected fraternity rush as a result. “Per University disciplinary procedures, each sorority will meet with the office of student conduct to address these issues,” Robertson said. “Because of these actions, fraternity rush has transitioned from a hybrid program to being conducted entirely through virtual means.” Jennifer Caldwell, coordinator of student conduct and special projects of Student Affairs, will be meeting with each sorority individually to determine what, if any, disciplinary action will be taken. R e d f l a g s w e re r a i s e d w h e n members of several sororities posted photos from Bid Day on their
personal and sorority social media accounts showing groups of women not wearing masks and in close proximity of one another. Recruitment was initially held virtually from Aug. 20 to Aug. 22, while preference day was allowed to be held in person on Sunday, Aug. 23, with some restrictions in place. Preference day occurred in person with social distancing guidelines enforced, including allowing no more than 20 people in a sorority suite and spacing chairs six feet apart from one another. Masks were also required for everyone involved. The sororities had to provide a virtual option for those who did not feel comfortable attending in person. Confusion among the sororities and its members seems to have arisen before Bid Day, which was held on Monday, Aug. 24. As a University sponsored event, each sorority’s Bid Day celebration was allowed to have 40 people in person, according to the Greek Life update posted on Aug. 3. Members were required to take shifts in groups so that no more than 20 people were in the suites at a time.
Racer Safe and Healthy
guidelines
1. Regularly wash hands for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer frequently 2. Check your temperature daily 3. If you feel sick, stay home 4. Wear a face mask 5. Utilize Murray State Health Services (call, visit, or tele-visit)
6. Practice social distancing 7. Keep your workstation/ room sanitized 8. Get a flu shot 9. Exhibit healthy behavior 10. Download the Apple COVID-19 app for daily use 11. Eat Well. Exercise. Get Plenty of Rest. 12. Make good choices Visit murraystate.edu/racerrestart for important Racer Safe and Healthy updates, resources and tips. Through the Racer Safe and Healthy initiative, we pledge to do our part for each of us, our Racer family and our community.
,
see SORORITY page 3 Photo courtesy of Murray State University
Students, community plan to ‘March on Murray’ Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu Controversy regarding the Confederate memorial statue at the corner of the Murray-Calloway County Courthouse is on the rise as the decision to keep the statue is once again under dispute. The monument, set in the image of former Confederate General Robert E. Lee, has become the target of great controversy in light of recent national events and the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. Messages have already been written on the sidewalk before the statue in chalk. Barring any rain, messages such as “Robert E. LEAVE!” and “Tear it down!” can be seen in passing. Several community members and students have worked together to organize the “March on Murray” advocating for the removal of the statue happening on Friday, Aug. 28. One advocate of its removal is Murray State Assistant Football Coach Sherman Neal,
Photo courtesy of the Murray State College Democrats Protestors gather in front of the Robert E. Lee statue in downtown Murray to call for its removal on Aug. 15.
who spoke at length with the Ohio Valley Resource about his distaste for the monument and what he believes it stands for. One of the solutions protestors have proposed is to relocate the statue to Bowman Cemetery in Murray. “Just like that statue’s a symbol to discourage us from pursuing certain jobs
University delays visitation policy News Sports Opinion Features
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or professions or justice,” Neal said to Ohio Valley Resource. “What’s not up there are people like Harriet Tubman.” Many in opposition of moving the statue have gathered at the statue to counter protest. Now that the march is fast approaching, politically-inclined students on
New fall intramural sports offered
page 5
Murray State’s campus are voicing their own opinions about the statue. Members of the Murray State College Democrats expressed their quarrel with the statue in an interview The News had with its president, Ryan Ackermann.
It takes an entire campus to beat COVID-19 page 7
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see MARCH page 3
Summer Orientation stays a summer blast page 8
News
Aug. 27, 2020
8/3
2
Midnight College Courts
A bicycle was taken and a citation was issued. The theft was reported to police on Aug. 10.
9:45 A.M. College Courts
A person was found to be in possession of marijuana. A citation was issued.
11:00 P.M. Sorority Suites
An individual was arrested for trespassing at the Sorority Suites.
11:56 P.M. Chesnut Street
Jill Rush/The News University postpones phase two of the visitation policy for students living in residential colleges.
University delays visitation policy Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu Murray State Housing announced on Sunday, Aug. 23, via email that phase two of the new visitation policy is postponed until later in the semester. Under phase one restrictions, residence halls do not allow visitation for students living on campus. Phase two would have allowed visitation into the residence halls from 8 a.m. to midnight. Phase two was set to begin after the first two weeks of the residence halls being open, but students were informed on Aug. 23 that the phase was being postponed. In an email to students, the Office of Student Affairs said while the intention of the phases was to allow visitation in the future, it is too early in the semester to make any policy changes. Jennifer Caldwell, coordinator of student conduct and special projects for Student Affairs, said the postponement is for the health and safety of campus residents. As of now, there is no set date for when phase two will be reinstated. “We are looking at the local testing numbers and conversing with medical professionals to gauge when we might be able to move to phase two of the visitation policy,” Caldwell said. “Students should expect that the visitation policy for this semester is fluid. When we are able to move to phase two, if conditions raise concerns, we will move back to phase one if needed. We have to do our best to keep everyone safe.” Some students said they are concerned with the postponement of phase two because they won’t be able to study as effectively as before. “I think it hurts the studying habits of students, somewhat,” said Montana Roby, junior from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. “I know I usually meet up [with students from other residence halls] and study together in a lounge. It’s been really hard now that that’s no longer an option.”
Two of the student groups impacted the most by the postponement of phase two are freshmen and new-tocampus transfer students. “I feel like your dorm is your hub when you’re in college,” Roby said “When you can’t invite people into your hub, I think it affects how you build relationships.” Some new students are finding the COVID-19 regulations are making it hard to adjust to being on campus. “I feel like it is very hard to make new friends with everyone being distanced in class and wearing masks,” said Kelly Mosby, a transfer student from McLeansboro, Illinois. “It’s hard to know faces and names or communicate at all. I feel like it’s hard to adjust to being away from home and this whole situation is making it worse.” While students are prevented from congregating together in their residence halls, they are finding places off campus to get together. “I have some friends I knew before coming here,” Mosby said. “I spend a lot of time with [a friend who lives off campus]. The other day I needed to do something in my room before class. She couldn’t come with [me] even though I had already been at her apartment so we essentially have the same germs.” The reopening date of residence halls for visitation remains unknown. In the meantime, students are being encouraged by University officials to do their part in protecting the University from COVID-19 to help speed up the process. “Students need to do their part and social distance, wear a mask, and protect each other,” Caldwell said. “Making good choices is what it will take so that we can proceed to the other phases of the visitation policy. Hold each other accountable—if someone isn’t following the Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines or the Racer Restart plan, say something.” The Racer Restart Plan can be found online on TheNews.org.
Murray State Police assisted the Murray Police Department in arresting the subject for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of controlled substance 1st offense. The arrest happened on Chesnut Street.
7:26 A.M. Fraternity House
Caller reported a vehicle had been stolen from a fraternity house. A report was made and the incident remains open.
4:15 P.M. College Courts
The caller reported that their laundry had been taken. A report was made and the incident remains open.
4:06 P.M. Springer Residential Hall
An individual was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They were referred for administrative action.
4:18 P.M. Hart College Caller reported receiving unwanted text messages from an unknown person requesting obscene photographs.
12:42 A.M. While College Caller reported graffiti located on the hallway wall. After an investigation, it was determined property was not damaged.
12:32A.M. Springer Hall Parking Lot Two individuals found to be in possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol by a minor. Citations were issued.
Police Beat is compiled with material from the Murray State Crime and Fire Log. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
Colton Colglazier/The News
News
Aug. 27, 2020
MARCH
Jill Rush/The News Students return to campus amid the pandemic.
Enrollment rises despite pandemic
Addison Watson Assistant News Editor awatson25@murraystate.edu Given the challenges Murray State has faced amid a global pandemic, enrollment rates continue to look positive for the second year in a row. In a press release from Tuesday, Aug. 25, the University shared enrollment data for the fall 2020 semester. According to the press release, there was a large increase in the percent of graduate students, as well as transfer students from the previous semesters as well. According to the release, there are freshmen from 28 different states, but 62 percent of the freshman are from 76 different counties in Kentucky. With focus on the University’s 18-county service region, the freshmen class shows a 11.6 percent increase from the previous year. The freshmen class shows a six percent increase in minority students from last year as well, and 98 percent of the class is entering with earned credit hours that will contribute toward graduation. The average high school GPA of the incoming freshman was also mentioned in the press release. The incoming class had a GPA of 3.8, which is also an increase from the previous year. Almost nine percent of the class were named valedictorian of their high school. Graduate students showed an increase of 7.6 percent from the previous year and transfer students
SORORITY From Page 1 However, sororities were notified the day of Bid Day that it was to be held virtually and once bids were accepted sororities were allowed to have their celebrations in person with their new members. The sororities were not the only campus organizations to come under fire for recent activities. , The Baptist Campus Ministry also hosted an event the first week of school that violated guidelines. Robertson said the Office of Student Affairs addressed the incident and appropriate actions have taken place. Robertson said if students, faculty and staff are not more careful, the fall semester may not go according to plan. “All members of the campus community must do our part in making good decisions and complying with our Racer Restart plan, Safe and Healthy Guidelines, as well as state, federal and CDC guidelines,” Robertson said. “If we do not each do our part, we will not have a successful fall semester. Per our Student Life Handbook and Student Life policies, the University will take disciplinary action up
3 domestic violence,” Marcia Ann Perry said in the post. “That statue has been there for well over 100 years and From Page 1 was not paid for by you. Who do you The College Democrats view the think you are to march into a city and statue as a symbol of racism, erected in demand anything? It has been voted a time when Jim Crow laws oppressed down twice. Go find something else to the Black community in southern protest.” The Murray State College Republistates. cans declined to partake in an official “Since it was erected in the Jim Crow era, and it was directly funded by interview, instead sending The News a the Daughters of the Confederacy, we message from an unnamed member of think that the statue was erected based their organization. “We stand adamantly opposed to on these racist ideologies that have been prevalent throughout America’s any notion of discrimination in our society and hold firmly the belief that existence,” Ackermann said. Ackermann went on to explain the each individual should be regared image of Robert E. Lee isn’t one he with the utmost respect,” the College and the rest of the College Democrats Republicans said. “We trust that our
showed an increase of 20 percent, according to the press release. Retention and progression toward completing a baccalaureate degree also reflected a positive trend. The University’s first-to-second year retention rate is 80.8 percent, an increase of 1.5 percent from the previous year. University leaders and officials praised the positive trends of enrollment. “Our work and focus on student recruiting, retention, scholarships and financial aid initiatives coupled with telling our story to students and families are making a difference,” President Bob Jackson said. “Most importantly, I am grateful for our students who have chosen a high-quality, nationally-ranked institution which is recognized as one of America’s best college values, to pursue their goals and dreams.” Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Don Robertson also had high remarks for the enrollment rates for the fall semester. “The hard work and collaboration of many individuals have led to these positive enrollment numbers,” Robertson said. “More students continue to choose Murray State for a variety of important reasons, such as high-quality academics, a family-like campus life experience, the value of a Murray State education and caring faculty and staff who support students each step of the way.” to and including suspension of any student in violation of health and safety guidelines.” On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Board of Regents Chair Jerry Rhoads asked students, faculty and staff via email to wear a mask, practice social distancing, make good choices and to encourage safe practices and report unsafe practices. Robertson also said guidelines must be followed in order to keep everyone on campus and in the community safe. He said if anyone sees an individual or group not complying with the guidelines they should report it. “To report any issues of non-compliance regarding our Racer Restart Plan, Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines, concerns or violations of non-university events and activities, please email msu.racersafeandhealthy@murraystate.edu,” Robertson said. “All members of our campus community should follow and regularly visit the Racer Restart website at murraystate.edu/racerrestart for our Restart Plan, updates, resources, videos, Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines, along with other important campus information. Let’s each do our part to make this a successful fall semester.” Follow The News on social media for the latest on this story.
Photo courtesy of the Murray State College Democrats The Murray State College Democrats and Sunrise Movement held a 24-hour-protest at the Robert E. Lee statue.
think should be portrayed on the corner of the courthouse square. Ackermann claimed the statue can only be interpreted as a glorification of the side Lee fought for during the Civil War. Some say the monument commemorates the lives given by Kentucky soldiers during the Civil War. Ackermann recognized this counterpoint by saying the protestors don’t necessarily want to do away with the monument altogether. Rather, Ackermann suggested the monument should be moved to the resting place of Confederate soldiers in Bowman Cemetery instead of the place of justice in the county. There have been over 100 comments on the College Democrat’s Facebook post about the march. One of the comments came from a citizen who opposing the relocation of the statue. “How about you guys go march on something that will really make a difference like child disappearances or
elected officials will act in accordance with the greatest good for our society to bolster a time of peace and unity within our community. We hope that their future decisions on the matter will be applied with respect to the interests and feelings of the community’s citizens.” Petitions have been drifting around the county to both remove and keep the monument. After the City Council unanimously voted on a resolution to support the relocation of the statue, the movement was brought to the Calloway County Fiscal Court to decide whether or not to remove it. However, at that time, the Fiscal Court denied the City Council’s resolution, unanimously voting against the motion and electing to keep the monument. The protestors plan to march on Friday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. from the Murray State gates to the location of the statue.
Gage Johnson/The News
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News
Aug. 27, 2020
University adds extra seating for Winslow Levi Brandeburg Contributing Writer lbrandenburg1@murraystate.edu To comply with COVID-19 guidelines, the University erected an overflow area to help enforce and maintain an appropriate capacity in Winslow Dining Hall. “We needed this extra seating,” said April Keel, sophomore from Cadiz, Kentucky. “I understand the restrictions that are in place, but it makes it very difficult to even be able to grab a quick meal between classes when you have to wait to be admitted in because they’ve reached capacity. I don’t know what they’re going to do when events start and people come in even larger numbers than normal.” David Looney, executive director of the Auxiliary Services Administration on campus, explained how the area will be used. “The intent of the space is to allow students to have some additional seating space,” Looney said. “They would still go through Winslow like they normally do and then they would exit Winslow out near the back corner which is normally marked off as an emergency exit. You’ll be able to head straight down the ramp by Fast Track into the modular space.” Many students have noticed problems with Winslow seating and serving with the restrictions that are currently in place. “I’ve started to have to come at really weird times to eat instead of a normal lunchtime,” said Robert Messman, sophomore from Fort Elmendorf, Alaska.”Between that and them being closed for 30 minutes every meal period, it sucks.” Racer Dining is attempting to assuage the concerns of students by expanding seating. “Normally, Winslow ’s seating capacity is about 480 to 500 people at a time,” Looney said. “Right now, due to the restrictions put in place in Kentucky, it’s limited to only about 100 people. We’re still working out the final details with the capacity of the building but we’re hoping to be able to sit 100 to 125 students in the area.” Despite this, some students have expressed concerns about the building’s placement. “For the most part, I’ve not been affected by the Winslow capacity limit,” said Mason Williams, senior from Paducah, Kentucky. “I have, however, had trouble with parking to get to Fast Track a few days ago. I know there’s not anywhere else it
Photos courtesy of PRSSA
Jill Rush/The News The University erected an overflow area to add more seating for Winslow Dining Hall to comply with social distancing guidelines.
could really go, it’s just annoying and messes with the traffic.” This was also a major concern for those working on the addition. “We brought Campus Police out to look at it with us,” Looney said. “It ’s not only causing problems with student traffic, but we also had to look at it from an emergency viewpoint too. How will the fire department and emergency services retain access to it? How can we make it accessible to wheelchairs? In order to fulfill all the
potential emergency problems, we had to sacrifice some parking. We lost about 20 parking spaces and a few disability parking spaces but we think it was a good and necessary trade at the moment.” Many of the problems that affect Winslow also or will also affect other on-campus dining options as well. “Part of what we spent a lot of time doing is looking all over campus for additional seating opportunities,” Looney said. “The problem
is that we also have academics and classes have been getting a lot of the same restraints so every extra space on campus we had to consider carefully whether it should be used for dining or for academics. We have added picnic tables and other things to tr y to help with the problems that we know will be there with the other dining options.” The overflow area is opening soon, as the permit was approved on Friday, Aug. 21.
Photos courtesy of PRSSA
Aug. 27, 2020
Sports
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New fall intramural sports offered Golf, disc golf, tennis, cornhole and kickball included Gage Johnson Editor-in-chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
While the pandemic caused the cancellation of intramural sports like softball and flag football, Murray State is finding new ways to keep intramurals going this fall. In order to keep the intramural experience at peak form for returning and incoming students, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness Travis Rawe and his staff decided upon new intramural sports. Those sports include golf, disc golf, tennis and cornhole. The aforementioned sports will be leagues that have weekly games rather than one-day events. Golf will be a two-person team league in which teams play against each other for nine holes every Tuesday night at the Miller Memorial Golf Course. Rawe said that golf clubs will be provided. “It’s only nine holes because we’re starting in the evening so we probably won’t be able to get 18 in,” Rawe said. “It’s only $15 a person, which is the league rate for that course.” There are six tee times with 12 team slots available, so if a student is interested and spots are filled they will be put on a waiting list. If there’s high demand, Rawe said they will look at the possibility of adding more time slots. Disc golf will be offered as an
Photo courtesy of Murray State University Registration for fall semester intramural sports is open via imleagues.com.
individual league in which students can compete in groups of four at Central Park. Rawe said that discs will be provided if wanted or needed. “That’ll be offered Monday through Thursday,” Rawe said. “Teams will have the opportunity to fill out time preferences for when they want to go play.” Tennis will be offered in singles and doubles matches, with men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues available. Matches will be played on Thursdays and Fridays at the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and teams will have to sign up for specific times to play. Cornhole is also a new intramural sport, and the men’s and
women’s leagues will consist of two-person teams and play on Thursdays. “You can play anywhere from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Rawe said. “You’ll have a 6 p.m. start time or a 7 p.m. start time, and the reason we’re doing that is because you’re going to play two cornhole matches in that hour, so there will be four teams scheduled every hour and then you’ll play a round robin.” A team kickball league was added to the list of fall intramural sports recently, after Rawe had initially planned to not offer any large team sports. Rawe said they felt as though this was something they could offer and enforce social distancing enough to allow it and keep students safe.
It will be a traditional league with Greek, residential and open leagues that will be offered Monday through Thursday. There’s currently no set schedule. All of these leagues will last five weeks with playoffs at the end, aside from golf. Golf will be a nine-week league and in the ninth week they will let people know what the standings look like and what they will have to shoot to win. When it comes to guidelines for intramural sports, Rawe said it depends on the sport and where some of the sports are held given that some are off-campus and those locations will have their own guidelines. “As we always do, we’ll send emails out with any information regarding sport rules, especially those with off-campus and with the parks because those rules are a little different than our rules,” Rawe said. “Before leagues start anyone who’s signed up will get those rules and the very specific ones in regards to COVID, but also just different rules for what intramurals are.” An array of other sports could potentially be offered in the future, including badminton, pickleball, table tennis and e-sports. Registration for intramural sports is open via imleagues.com and if students have any further questions they can reach out via email at msu.intramurals@murraystate.edu. Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) 103 Wells Hall * Murray, KY 42071 270.809.3155 * 270.809.6887 *270.809.3361 TDD www.murraystate.edu/idea
Murray State University Non-Discrimination Statement
Students, parents, employers, and the general public are hereby notified Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal and state laws created to prohibit discrimination. Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability in employment or application for employment, admissions, or the provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal access to participate in all programs and activities. In particular and without limiting the preceding and pursuant to and consistent with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its regulations 34 CFR 100 et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its regulations 34 CFR 104; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC 1681 et seq., and its regulations 34 CFR 106 et seq; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and its regulations 34 CFR 110, Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its educational programs and activities. This non-discrimination in education programs and activities extends to employment and admissions and to recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student services, athletics, and housing. Murray State is required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex and the prohibition against sex discrimination specifically includes a prohibition of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment and sexual violence can be found in the “Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment” which can be accessed via the link referenced in Appendix I. Programs available include: Agricultural Education; Agriculture; Biology; Business Administration; Career and Technical Education; Chemistry; Clinical Psychology; Counseling; Creative Writing; Cybersecurity Management; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Economic Development; Education Administration; Engineering Management; English; English Pedagogy; General Experimental Psychology; History; Human Development and Leadership; Information Systems; Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education; Library Media; Mass Communications; Mathematics; Music; Music Business; Music Education; Music; Nonprofit Leadership Studies; Nursing; Nursing Practice; Nutrition and Dietetics; Occupational Safety and Health; Occupational Therapy; Organizational Communication; P-20 and Community Leadership; Physics; Political Science ; Postsecondary Education Administration; Psychology; Public Administration; Public and Community Health; Public Relations; Reading and Writing; Respiratory Therapy; School Counseling; Social Work; Sociology; Spanish; Special Education; Speech-Language Pathology; Sustainability Science; Teacher Education and Professional Development; Teacher Leader; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Television Production; Theatre; Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Admission criteria include, but are not limited to the following: For undergraduates: for unconditional admission, an accredited high school diploma or GED, ACT minimum of 18/SAT minimum of 960, high school class rank minimum of upper half or 3.0 GPA; and a pre-college curriculum. For transfers: a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. For graduate students: unconditional admission, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution to be admitted. Any other kind of accreditations (nationally) would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis. a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, and a minimum combined GRE score defined by department. International undergraduate students must meet one of the following criteria to suffice English Language proficiency requirements: IELTS overall score of 6.0 (5.5 for full admission with condition), TOEFL overall score of 71 (61 for full admission with condition), SAT score of 960, GTEC overall score of 1190 (1100 for full admission with condition), PTE overall score of 51 (45 for full admission with condition) , Duolingo Engligh Test overall score of 100 or higher (90 for full admission with condition), TOEIC overall score of 790 or higher with 160 or higher speaking ( 700 with 140 or higher speaking for full admission with condition), Kaplan English Certificate Advanced Level (Higher Intermediate Level for full admission with condition), Admission to or Completion of the ESL Program at Murray State University, OR Degree from a secondary school located in a country where English is the native language* OR British / Cambridge International Examinations: GCE, GCSE, IGCSE, AICE, HIGCSE certificate with five O-Level subject passes, or a level of B-2 or higher on the Cambridge English exam; Completion of one semester of fulltime university level classes (minimum of 12 credit hours) with a 2.5 GPA or higher at an accredited US institution, OR students from the following countries are not required to submit English proficiency scores: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, British Islands, Cameroon (University of Buea and University of Bamenda), Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. International graduate programs may have higher admission requirements. For more information concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: 1) the Executive Director of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access/ Murray State University Title IX Coordinator, Murray State University, 103 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071 Telephone: (270) 8093155 Fax: (270) 809-6887; TDD: (270) 809-3361; Email: msu.titleix@murraystate.edu.
Sports
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Aug. 27, 2020
Jones to join women’s basketball staff
Photo courtesy of Murray State Athletics Sarah Jones will become an assistant coach for Murary State women’s basketball.
Simon Eflrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu
On Aug. 8, Women’s Head Basketball Coach Rechelle Turner announced the addition of Sarah Jones to the Murray State coaching staff. Jones’ hiring comes after the departure of Jauwan Scaife, who recently took a job with the Utah State women’s basketball team. Jones arrives at Murray State with a plethora of experience under her belt. Jones’s most recent position was with Tennessee State University, where she started as an assistant coach before an abrupt promotion after Head Coach Jes-
sica Kern took a leave of absence in December 2019. Now, Jones finds herself in an assistant position for the Racers. “I am overjoyed to be a part of the Murray State family and Coach Turner’s women’s basketball program,” Jones said. “I believe in what Coach Turner is doing here with the young women in attempts to bring this program back to prominence.” Jones’s coaching career started in the 2012-13 season when she served as a graduate assistant at Villanova, where she played for the entirety of her collegiate career . Jones experienced three postseason runs as a guard with appear-
ances in the NCAA Tournament in 2009 and the WNIT in 2008 and 2012. She was recognized as Big East All-Academic First Team three times. After her brief time at Villanova, Jones stepped into OVC waters and assisted the Morehead State Eagles, working with their guards and specializing in perimeter offense, as well as coordinating Morehead State’s social media outlets. Between Morehead State and Tennessee State, Jones spent five seasons at Loyola University at Maryland, where she coached as offensive and defensive coordinator. Toward the end of her time
there, Jones was specializing in the skill development of post players. Coach Turner is excited to have Jones and all the experience she will bring join Racer Nation. “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Sarah’s caliber join our staff,” Turner said. “She brings an outstanding resume to Murray State, as she has spent nearly a decade coaching at the Division I level after completing her playing career at Villanova. Sarah will fit in well with the core values of our Racer basketball family and the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings will be instrumental in helping us take our program to the next level.”
Opinion
Aug. 27, 2020
7
It takes an entire campus to beat COVID-19 The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, The News posted an editorial urging University administrators to release the number of positive COVID-19 cases on campus. Since then, President Bob Jackson sent out the number of positive students (14), faculty and staff (4) COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, Aug.19. The News thanks President Jackson and University administrators for listening to the Murray State community and quickly delivering. Although we fully believe this policy should have been in place when campus opened, we acknowledge this pandemic has produced unimaginable challenges that Murray State leaders have had to navigate. We respect the efforts of the administration and will always advocate for the best interests of campus safety and health. It is because of these unprecedented times that the community urges transparency, especially when it involves our health and the lives of compromised individuals. Our concern comes from a place of love and care for the Murray and Murray State community, which is why knowing the number of cases on campus is extremely important. We, too, know and should have a say in what is best for us. Announcing campus cases is a good first step, but more can be done
Cade Utterback by everyone. As Gov. Andy Beshear has proven in his daily media briefings, providing the positivity rate is just as important as the number of cases and should also be shared with the community as it is essential to determining whether the virus has increased, decreased or plateaued. Students, faculty and staff must also ensure they are doing their part by abiding by the University mandates of wearing masks (and wearing them correctly) and social distancing. Murray State has already come
much further than other universities in terms of being on-campus, and remaining here requires everyone to do their part. For students that means not attending (or throwing) large parties or cookouts with dozens of people not wearing masks or social distancing. Beshear has a mandate in place that says we can’t have gatherings of more than 10 people. We also have a responsibility to report those who are non-compliant. Concerns or violations of non-university events and activities can be sent to msu.rac-
ersafeandhealthy@murraystate.edu. The Calloway County Health Department reported 18 new cases Saturday, Aug. 22, and Jerry Penner, chief executive officer at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, put out an urgent plea on social media regarding the rise in cases. Penner said Calloway County will end the week with over 80 new positive cases, a record we shouldn’t be proud of. (Don’t forget we are also on the White House’s list of “red zone” counties.) He urged people to wear their masks, even in small gatherings, citing this as the source of the escalation in cases. It will take everyone on this campus—faculty, staff and students— making the best choices and abiding by the Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines if we want to remain on campus. So long as the Murray State community is responsible for their part in keeping the virus at bay and the University continues to provide swift updates, this can still be a great semester. The News is committed to providing any and all updates regarding COVID-19 to our readers, and that includes the weekly positive cases reported by the University administration. You can also find those online at murraystate.edu/racerrestart/ reporting.
In defense of clerks Robert Valentine Contributing Writer rvalentine@murraystate.edu
I write today in defense of clerks. By “clerks,” I mean to refer to those people who file, answer phones, take money, keep records, give receipts, wade through incomprehensible emails, answer idiotic questions, open up, lock up and make things run. “Clerk” comes from Greek and Latin words referring to an administrator of the church. Thus, the word “cleric” for clergyman. If your family name is Clark, for instance, you probably have a prominent clerk in the family tree. If your family name is Idiot, your ancestor was probably in Congress. Murray State could not run without clerical personnel. The phrases “he is only a clerk,” or “she’s just a secretary,” make my blood boil. It’s
Editorial Board
like saying, “it’s only my femur,” and, like the femur, without clerks and secretaries Murray State would not have a leg to stand on. The clerks are the first people you encounter when you have to deal with an organization. From the Clerk of the Court at City Hall to the student worker who sits behind the counter at the University’s Office of Things You Need But Won’t Be Getting Today, the clerk is the gateway to solutions. Clerking in a noble profession, but in tough times they take the brunt of complaint and confusion. If something is wrong and you call, or Zoom, or write or visit in search of help, you may meet the clerk. Be nice. It’s a pandemic for everyone— not just you. Remember that the power of clerk is highly limited. Clerks did not make the rules and, in some
cases, they did not even know the rule existed until you brought it up. Therefore, they cannot break the rule for you. They cannot bend it, nor can they explain why it’s there. In some cases, no one can. When you show up in rage, they are just as uncomfortable as you— more so, in fact, be-cause you have the advantage of righteous indignation. The clerk only has that narrow counter for protection. Be kind. Clerks take a lot of blame for things like inadequate budgets, faulty technology, inexplicable policies and inadequate information on websites. Nothing is perfect. So, lighten up on the clerks. Even more than you, they wish you weren’t having this prob-lem. Often the clerk can do something to solve it; sometimes they can bring in the person with the necessary authority to relieve your pain. Try to give
them a reason to do that. Beat not thy head against the rock, but go ye unto the clerk and he or she will give you rest. If he or she can. Or wants to. Do not for a moment doubt that the clerks, secretaries and administrative assistants are people who play a key part in making the hope, endeavor and achievement come together in the dream that is Murray State. They don’t get the big money or the recognition they deserve, but they keep coming to work and making this place run. The least you can do is to be polite, as your mother expects. After all, there is a 99.9 percent chance that, whatever the problem may be, the clerk did not cause it. If you’re nice, they might help you make it go away. You’re in Murray; be friendly. It’s the law.
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8
Features
Aug. 27, 2020
Summer Orientation stays a summer blast
Photo courtesy of Jordan Moore Summer O counselors helped incoming students become accustomed to campus life.
Cady Stribling Features Editor cstribling1@murraystate.edu
Although incoming students couldn’t come to campus for Summer Orientation for their first buzzing experience of college life, many were able to get an idea via Zoom. Jordan Moore, senior liberal arts major, said multiple Zoom sessions allowed Summer O counselors to connect with incoming students and make the experience as normal and fun as possible. But, Moore said they faced a few obstacles along the way, including familiarizing students with a campus they were not yet on. Counselors began preparing for Summer O in January. Moore said they were divided into groups to become experts on each campus department. Each group presented their knowledge to the rest of the counselors. “We wanted to make sure every Summer O counselor was diverse in understanding all the opportunities we had on campus so that
if an incoming student came in, we knew exactly where to direct them,” Moore said. Once the pandemic hit in early March, Moore said they refocused their time to continuing their knowledge about campus while planning alternatives to what Summer O might look like for on-campus events if the pandemic continued. “Fortunately, our office had the foresight to get us organized and get us prepared for a virtual summer,” Moore said. “They also gave us ideas of what it would look like if things were to clear up relatively soon. Our office was really on top of things as far as the predictions were concerned.” Moore said the training, in-person and online, was really helpful in preparing the counselors. She said it helped that the counselors were already involved in so many different organizations as well. Moore said the counselors had a Zoom meeting with a professional based out of Washington D.C. who gave them ideas on how to better implement a more welcoming environment through Zoom to the
incoming students. “To be honest, we were all a little nervous about exactly how our students would feel welcome, especially over a screen,” Moore said. “We wanted to really try and emit the best we could what Murray State is really about, and wanted to make sure that our passion for our campus really showed through.” Moore said meeting with the professional was helpful to learn this, as well as learn ideas on how to best handle situations that they might come across. When the day came for counselors to meet with incoming students, they had a large session for everyone in the morning. During this session, counselors discussed everything they would have on campus and showed students through a virtual tour what they would have seen in person. Later they offered another Zoom session for students to return and ask additional questions. The afternoon session was a great opportunity for students to ask anything and everything in small groups, Moore said, such as the dimensions of their beds, the best residential colleges to live in or how to tell their moms to stop calling “We would have much preferred to have you on campus and taking you around the buildings and making you
familiar with how the campus climate is, but we wanted to do the best we could,” Moore said. “Going back to our training, I think we were really prepared to allow students to understand how to get in contact with people even though it was partially virtual.” They also added additional sessions to ensure they reached all incoming students. Although they didn’t have any actual Summer O days on campus, Moore said they had a second part to the orientation called Racer Life which gave students a chance to safely socialize. During this, everyone wore masks and played games outside that allowed for social distancing. For the students who couldn’t or didn’t want to participate in-person, they offered a Zoom session for Racer Life. Over the span of multiple days, 1,355 students participated in the Racer Life session, Moore said. Moore also said it was nice to interact with incoming students and share their love for Murray State. “I felt very protected, but I also felt like it gave us a chance to connect with students,” Moore said. “It was nice to see people smiling and have that moment of realization; that ‘hey, I’m at college, I’m going to be okay and I can be social and safe at the same time.’”
Photo courtesy of Jordan Moore Counselors prepared games for students in-person that involved face masks and social distancing.
Former faculty member opens The Barn at White Oaks Ciara Benham Staff Writer cbenham@murraystate.edu
A former Murray State faculty member made her dreams a reality as she cut the ribbon Murray’s newest wedding venue. Throughout her time at Murray State, Amy Wyatt had a goal of owning her own business. On Saturday, Aug. 22, Wyatt saw her goal come to life as she opened The Barn at White Oaks. The Barn at White Oaks can be used for all types of events—weddings, social events, galas, corporate events, luncheons, showers and much more. The venue has also been designed specifically to meet a wide range of community needs. “Our vision is to offer a space for events in Murray and the surrounding area,” Wyatt said. “The building is a mix of farmhouse, industrial and glam so we believe it appeals to a variety of different styles and tastes.” Wyatt, alumni of Azusa Pacific University in southern California, moved across the country for a position with the Murray State athletics department. After seven years with the department, Wyatt left just weeks ago to fulfill her dream. “It feels incredible,” Wyatt said. “I have dreamed of owning a venue for a long long time and it’s amazing to stand inside the barn and realize ‘we did it.’” Although the dream had long exist-
ed, the building process began when Wyatt purchased the land last fall. The construction on the brand new barn began in February. The pandemic did cause small obstacles for The Barn but it did not curb Wyatt’s enthusiasm. “We noticed in March and April more brides were hesitant to set 2020 dates, but over the past few months bookings have increased,” Wyatt said. “We have many fall brides who are ready to get married and move past the planning stages while making sure we set up a safe and healthy environment.” Wyatt said she has a lot to thank her time at Murray State for, including meeting her husband at an OVC tournament and having colleagues who encouraged her to own her own business. Among these colleagues, Wyatt thanked Athletics Director Allen Ward, Steve Harrell and Janet Futrell for getting her to this point in her career and life. Getting to this point in her life wasn’t simple, but Wyatt worked tirelessly to open The Barn. She spent hours with the Purchase Area Development District figuring out a way to finance the project. “With the local SBA’s help and a strong business plan, local banks believed in our vision and were able to help provide us options to move forward,” Wyatt said. Having succeeded in her own mission, Wyatt offered advice to students who want to be business owners someday.
“Don’t give up,” Wyatt said. “If you believe in your heart and gut that your business idea will succeed, keep working until you find a way to make it happen.” The Barn at White Oaks looks
forward to hosting events for Murray State, like Homecoming and Family Weekend. Those interested in using The Barn at White Oaks can book the space through its website at thebarnatwhiteoaks.com/
Paige Bold/The News Amy Wyatt achieved her dream of owning her own business by opening a wedding venue.