August 27, 2020

COVID-19’s Impact on Athens PG 9

Looking back at summer PG 14

Advice for freshmen PG 30

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

A Virtual Comeback

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Bobcats, it’s OK to be sad (or mad) about a virtual start to the Fall Semester

MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome Week is supposed to be a paramount experience for incoming students at Ohio University. In all honesty, Welcome Week is a landmark time for any college student. Those first few days have the potential to fundamentally shape college student’s next four years. Despite the start to classes, the week allows incoming students to shape life-long relationships, taste true freedom for the first time and experience endless new possibilities. For returning students, reconnecting with past classmates, meeting up with their friends after summer break and even meeting some great professors they’ll work with all semester create one of the most exciting weeks of the year.

Nonetheless, COVID-19 has put a stop to that crucial time in students’ lives. The coronavirus pandemic has been an obvious catastrophe. Countless people have suffered, fallen victim to and died from the pandemic and, for some, there’s no end in sight. With human lives still at risk, the economy suffering and so much more, it seems students are once again some of the latest victims to COVID-19’s fallout.

Most American colleges were forced to go online and partake in virtual courses during the latter half of 2020’s Spring Semester. Now about four months later, colleges are understandably, but unfortunately, still forced to undergo virtual classes. On top of online learning, many colleges — including OU — have restrained from allowing most students to live in residence halls.

Ultimately, these decisions were made with the health of the American population in mind. Social distancing, wearing a mask and using common sense are all factors in putting an end to the pandemic, and obviously proceeding with college as usual lacks all common sense. However, because virtual college is the right thing to do doesn’t mean it’s the easiest or most enjoyable thing to do.

Between how the pandemic has been handled on a national level to how our university’s own administration has responded to COVID-19, frustration is understandable and should be recognized by those with authority and power. While cases continued to rise in Athens, OU’s administration failed to take meaningful, timely action. Those decisions had little effect on them but took a devastating toll on us. As students, we all have a voice, and we deserve and have the right to be heard.

As a senior, the university’s residence hall decisions don’t affect me and my off-campus housing.

Nonetheless, I’m sad, frustrated and even angry for those who were supposed to live in residence halls this school year and can’t experience campus and Athens.

To be frank, if this decision does affect you, you have permission to wallow in self-pity or scream at the world for a bit. Take your pick, fellow Bobcats.

Your first semester living in a dorm is monumental. It’s not only where you possibly find some of your closest friends, but for many, it’s their first step into

adulthood, first time away from their hometown and, more importantly, the first time to discover themselves without their parents holding their hands.

To boil it down, college equals a sense of freedom unlike many other things. And while a big chunk of you can’t experience that yet, please hold tight. Take it from this old senior who’s currently seeing her last shred of college slowly slip into the grasp of COVID-19: your college years are just beginning, and you have lots of time to still get a taste of that sweet, sweet freedom before you’re plunged into full-blown adulthood.

Though it’s not fair that you have to miss out now, be patient because all of these experiences will happen one day.

No matter if you’re sitting in your Athens apartment or sitting in your childhood bedroom miles away from campus, you’re a Bobcat. And if you haven’t learned already, Bobcats take care of Bobcats. This semester isn’t going to be easy, but hold onto those people who you connect with through classes, student organizations or even social media, and we’ll all get through this together. We may have not started the school year on a good note, but let’s sure as hell try to end on one.

Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Schramm MANAGING EDITOR Baylee DeMuth DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Abby Miller, Nolan Simmons ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ian McKenzie LONG-FORM EDITOR Shelby Campbell SPORTS EDITORS Jack Gleckler, J.L. Kirven CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Keri Johnson OPINION EDITOR Noah Wright ASST. OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Bre Offenberger

SLOT EDITORS Eli Feazell, Anna Garnai, Katey Kruback, Molly Powers

ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kelsey Boeing PHOTO EDITOR Nate Swanson DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Taylor Burnette DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Ethan Sands BUSINESS STUDENT MEDIA SALES INTERNSHIP MANAGER Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Emily Cassidy, Ali Gifford, Kyle McCort

2 / AUG. 27, 2020

THE

POST

ISSUE 1, VOLUME 112

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To Our Bobcats: This year will be unlike any other, and our commitment to your success remains the same. Your college experience will challenge you in new ways and determine the course of your life. We are excited to share this journey with you, and offer our support along the way. Try new things and get out of your comfort zone–your experience at OHIO will be what you make it. From all of us in the Division of Student Affairs, Welcome to the Bobcat Family!

Jenny Hall Jones

Senior Associate Vice President Dean of Students

Jason B. Pina

Vice President of Student Affairs

CONNECT YOUR EDUCATION TO CAREER DURING A FALL RECRUITMENT EVENT! From career and internship fairs to panels of industry experts, Ohio University hosts numerous opportunities for students all semester long.

Fairs will take place through Handshake’s virtual career fair platform. Use your OHIO ID to log into your Handshake account to see the full calendar of upcoming events: ohio.joinhandshake.com Students can attend multiple 30-minute employer information sessions and sign up to chat with recruiters one-on-one through text, audio, and video. Be sure to sign up early for sessions with employers you like, so you’re guaranteed a spot!

Fall Career and Internship Fair Sept. 23 | 1-5 PM (EDT)

SUMMER BLOTTER

Woman arrested near Alden Library for intoxication; football equipment stolen from Peden Stadium GRANT RITCHEY FOR THE POST LONG NIGHT IN ALDEN On July 1, a woman was arrested near Alden Library for intoxication and disorderly conduct.

She was transported to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail around 1 a.m., according to an Ohio University Police Department report.

FUMBLE IN PEDEN Football equipment was reported stolen from Peden Stadium on July 27, according to the OUPD report.

RUBY’S ROOF PARTY The Athens Police Department arrived at Ruby Tuesday on East State Street on May 27 due to a man trespassing on the roof.

An arrest was made for the trespasser on outstanding warrants, according to an APD report.

DUDE, WHERE’S MY SIGN? On June 6, APD responded to a theft of a Papa John’s delivery car sign at Papa John’s on East State Street.

According to the police report, the sign is valued at $800.

PARKING METER RETRIBUTION On July 11, APD officers located several parking meter heads that were damaged on North College Street.

The damages added up to $200, according to APD police reports.

SPRAYING JUSTICE On July 19, the wall and sidewalk outside of Arts West, an Athens facility for the arts, was vandalized with red spray paint overnight. Only two words were visible: “no justice.”

@RITCHEY_GRANT GR619615@OHIO.EDU

Work That Matters Fair Oct. 22 | 1-4 PM (EDT)

Grad School Fair

Oct. 21 | 1-4 PM (EDT)

Diversity First Luncheon Oct. 7 | 1-4 PM (EDT)

ohio.joinhandshake.com DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

4 / AUG. 27, 2020

The Athens Police Department, located at 11 N. College St. in Athens, Ohio.

(KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

SUMMER CITY

What Athens City Council accomplished this summer holders an additional $6.33 fee a month for composting ABBY MILLER NEWS EDITOR The political hustle and bustle of Athens doesn’t slow down while students are away from campus. Between ordinances, emergency meetings and resolutions, here is the political news you missed this summer in Athens:

pick-up and a five-gallon compost bucket. Those enrolled in the program have the ability to opt out at any time and no longer be charged.

The service began in July and was added as the city renewed its waste management contract with the Athens-Hocking Recycling Center. The contract also resulted in an increase of $4.50 for refuse and recycling, according to a previous Post report.

Councilmembers debated for several weeks over if the

composting program should be opt-in or opt-out. Optout was decided so Athens residents could minimize their costs during the COVID-19 pandemic if necessary.

PARKLET PILOT PROGRAM APPROVED Council passed an ordinance for a parklet pilot program June 15 to provide more socially distanced outdoor seating Uptown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parklets, sidewalk extensions that give businesses extra outdoor space, can be applied for and used in Uptown Athens through August and September.

Athens City Planner Paul Logue said the city had previously floated the idea of using parklets, but they could be critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parklets would allow for more social distancing outside and could help make up for lost revenue.

Athens Law Director Lisa Eliason said, however, alcohol may not be able to be served on the parklets. Many liquor licenses in Athens only allow businesses to serve liquor inside of their buildings.

Logue also suggested the city offset the loss in parking by providing an additional 34 spaces from a secure lot on College Street, according to a previous Post report.

@ABBLAWRENCE AM166317@OHIO.EDU

CITY MANDATES FACE COVERINGS City Council met for two emergency sessions in July to pass an ordinance mandating the use of masks in public spaces to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The ordinance, passed July 13, requires face coverings to be worn in businesses, places of worship, city-owned buildings, public transportation and outside when social distancing is not possible, according to a previous Post report.

Those who do not comply with the order can receive a $100 fine and be charged with a misdemeanor.

The ordinance does not apply to Ohio University students, administrators or faculty. Those on OU property, however, are subject to the university’s interim face coverings policy.

RACISM DECLARED PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS The Council passed a resolution June 22 declaring racism a public health crisis in Athens.

The resolution came amid weeks of protests over police brutality, including protests in Athens. It outlines several ways to promote racial equality in Athens, such as providing workplace bias training to all elected officials, employees and staff in Athens.

The resolution also requests Mayor Steve Patterson create a working group to promote racial equality, especially in hiring and promoting employees.

Council will also review Athens City Code with a racial bias lens, along with all of its internal practices.

CITY-WIDE COMPOSTING PROGRAM LAUNCHES Council passed an ordinance May 26 adding a composting service to Athens’ solid waste contract.

The program costs all refuse and recycling account

The Athens City Building, located at 8 E. Washington in Athens, Ohio.

(KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Summer Construction Updates Campus construction continues amid summer and COVID-19 pandemic

The most recent Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine building, as seen on West Union Street, continues with its construction despite delays due to COVID-19. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR)

TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Progress was made on several city and university construction projects during the course of the summer, and amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Projects include the Richland Avenue Pedestrian Passageway, the chemistry building on South Green and a new Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine building.

Construction for the Richland Avenue Pedestrian Passageway started toward the beginning of the pandemic before students disbanded from campus.

The project is a coordination between the city of Athens and Ohio University. OU is contributing $767,000 to the project, which links West Green to the sidewalk leading to Baker Center and allows cars to pass under it, Jon Cozad, executive director of design and construction, said.

Construction for the chemistry building on South Green also continued and is expected to be complete in September.

The project is budgeted at $42.6 million. Once the equipment is moved from Clippinger Hall into the new chemistry building, renovations will begin on Clipping6 / AUG. 27, 2020

er Hall at an estimated cost of $33.6 million.

The existing roadway between Race Street and South Green Drive will be demolished, and a new one will be built further from the Chemistry Building with an adjusted elevation. That project will cost approximately $1.87 million.

One of the largest projects that has been worked on over the summer is the new HCOM building, which is scheduled to be complete in November 2020. The building, called Heritage Hall, will hold medical education activities, faculty offices and several HCOM administrative units at 191 W. Union Street. “The facility will enable the Heritage College to achieve parity in state-of-the-art learning environments across its Athens, Dublin and Cleveland academic campuses, including the technology integration necessary for medical education and research collaborations across the campuses, and will bolster recruitment of outstanding, diverse faculty and students,�

Cozad said in an email.

The cost of the project is approximated at $65 million.

Additionally, the current Human Resources Training Center, located on 169 West Union St., will be repur-

posed for use by the Heritage College and has a budget of $1.1 million. Construction will begin in August.

Other projects around the campus that have been worked on during the summer include the chilled water plant, which was built in anticipation of more HVAC needs on campus, and will provide central air conditioning to Washington Hall and James Hall. The project is estimated to cost $31.5 million. The chiller is located near the intramural fields and is anticipated to be completed in November 2020, Cozad said.

Located a couple houses down from Baker Center, the old presidential residence at 29 Park Place is currently being converted into the Academic Engagement Center. It will house the Center for Campus and Community Engagement, the Ohio Honors Program, and academic programs like the Cutler Scholars Program and the Ohio Fellows Program. The renovation is anticipated to be complete by August 2020.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU

WELCOME WEEK OHIO UNIVERSITY

ohio.edu/welcome-week BB T O

DIVISION OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER CENTER

How COVID-19 changes campus Ohio University rolls out new COVID-19 safety guidelines in preparation for the return to campus TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR The return to Ohio University’s campus this year will look different than in years past, as students are being asked to comply with a number of new COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Students who return to the Athens campus this Fall Semester will have to follow several new university policies, including a mandatory mask mandate, temperature checks and symptom monitoring before going to class and physical distancing protocols.

Students living in on-campus housing for the Phase I return will be living in Tanaka, Carr or Sowle residence halls, said Pete Trentacoste, executive director of housing and residence life. Students that return to campus for Phase II will be charged an appropriate amount for room and board relative to the amount of time they will be living in campus housing during the fall, he said.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors are now required to wear a mask while they are on campus. Face coverings must cover the nose, mouth and chin, and must be worn at all times, with exceptions for exercise when there is at least six feet of distance, or in households which consist of roommates and suitemates, according to OU’s new “Be Safe Bobcats” website for COVID-19 information.

The university will provide each student, staff and faculty member with two washable masks.

The City of Athens also has a mandate requiring masks to be worn in all public places, including while inside businesses and on public transportation.

All students, faculty and staff will also be required to measure their temperature before they leave for campus each morning. Self-monitoring for common symptoms of COVID-19, like fever, cough and loss of taste or smell, is also required.

Any individual with a temperature above 100.4 degrees is required to stay at their place of residence. If the individual is discovered to have a fever on campus, they are required to return to their place of residence.

If a student is diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19, OU will partner with the Athens City-County Health Department for contact tracing. Anyone who 8 / AUG. 27, 2020

Mask Up signs posted around Athens, Ohio, remind locals but also students returning to Ohio University’s campus that masks are now mandated to slow the spread of COVID-19. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) has been exposed to the individual must quarantine for 14 days.

Students who test positive for the coronavirus must return to their permanent residence. If that is not possible, the student must quarantine at their off-campus residence or in one of the university’s isolation dorms.

Academic accommodations will be made for those students, and meals will be delivered to their residence hall. To return to campus, sick students, faculty and staff must have a physician’s approval.

Social distancing is now required throughout the campus. There must be at least six feet of distance between all people, with the exception of those from the same household.

There will be floor signage throughout campus marking distancing guidance.

Classrooms have also been reviewed and maximum capacities were set at lower numbers to account for social distancing.

Classes will be dispersed across campus according to classroom size and density, and many classes might not be held within their typical home building.

There will be no more than 30 students

in class at any time, and students will be seated at least six feet apart. Professors will be provided with new, additional technologies to help adapt their classes to spaced out learning.

Students are expected to take the seat farthest from the door, and classroom furniture is not permitted to be moved. Faculty and students will sanitize the classroom space before and after each class, and students nearest to the door will exit first, according to the university website.

Campus dining will be carry-out only.

All on-campus dining venues will be cashless, but will still accept credit and debit cards, Bobcat Cash, and meal plans.

The university plans on offering more outdoor seating across campus, according to the website.

Study spaces and public technology, like library computers and printers, will be greatly reduced in numbers during the return to campus. Additional safety measures, like putting covers over keyboards, are being implemented as well.

Sanitation practices of all public areas will be increased, and signage reminding students, faculty and staff of guidelines will be

frequently visible throughout the campus.

Many campus transportation options, like the CATCAB, have been reconfigured with often shorter hours and limited campus routes.

Campus recreation will be limited to individual and socially distanced activities, like strength and cardio workouts.

Limited virtual fitness classes will be available, but activities with high contact, like basketball, will be banned.

Additionally, the university requests student organizations meet online, except when necessary. Meetings should be limited to no more than 10 people who maintain a social distance of at least six feet.

The university will be giving new housing assignments to students who are able to return to campus during Phase 1.

All other students will receive adjusted housing rates and refunds.

“The university will automatically exempt any student not included in Phase 1 from the Fall Semester portion of their annual housing and dining contract at this time and will reverse those charges,” Jim Sabin, spokesperson for the university, said. “Students who are eligible and choose to return to campus in Phase 2 will receive an updated housing assignment, and revised housing and dining charges will be assessed accordingly. The Fall Semester payment due date will be changed from Aug. 21 to Sept. 21 to allow time for adjustments to course schedules, housing and dining charges or student financial aid.”

Students who return to campus for Phase 2 will also receive new housing assignments, along with revised housing and dining charges.

Employees who are able to work remotely must continue to do so to avoid overcrowding campus.

Any student on any campus who would like to arrange an entirely online semester may do so, with the exception of graduate students in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU

Student Coronavirus Spread COVID-19 cases in Athens County generally involve more people under 30 than in cases in the rest of the state IAN MCKENZIE ASST. NEWS EDITOR

could overwhelm the health department, Gaskell said.

Nurses from the health department do contact tracing after a person tests positive, Gaskell said. He said if a person spends 15 minutes talking with someone in close proximity who tested positive, then they would likely have to quarantine for two weeks.

“At a certain point, there will be enough cases that it will spread to the community,” he said. “We’ll have community-wide spread.”

While almost all people under 30 who have gotten the virus in Athens County have not been hospitalized, older members of the community are at a much higher risk.

The mortality rate for people over 80 is about 16%, Gaskell said.

On Aug. 24, Ohio reported having 115,651 cases. The leading age range are people in their 20s, with 23,311.

There were also 11,035 people aged 0-19 who contracted the virus.

As July came to a close, cases began to decrease, Gaskell said.

COVID-19 is contagious two days before people become symptomatic, Gaskell said.

Masking up and social distancing are some of the few mitigating factors that people can control, Gaskell said.

“It’s worked in South Korea. It’s worked in Japan. It’s worked in Italy, and they’ve decreased the infection rate considerably,” Gaskell said.

A majority of the coronavirus cases in Athens County have involved people under the age of 30.

Athens County had 37 cases on July 1. By Aug. 1, the county had 342 cases. James Gaskell, health commissioner at the Athens City-County Health Department, described this as a “small surge.”

About 74% of cases in the county are from people under the age of 30. Of those 277 people, five have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. The two @IAN__MCKENZIE deaths in the county are both men in their 60s.

IM581017@OHIO.EDU The number was as high as 88% in July, Gaskell said.

Statewide, people under the age of 30 accounted for about 29% of all cases. They only count for 0.3% of deaths and 7% of hospitalizations.

In mid-July, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine increased Athens’ coronavirus safety level to three with a watch for level four, the highest level. That was during the surge of cases in the county. Athens County has since been reduced to level one.

DeWine said there were at least three outbreaks at bars. Most of the cases were linked to bars and restaurants, according to a previous Post report.

On top of restaurants and bars, small group gatherings and parties were also causes of spread, DeWine said.

Gaskell said he thinks Athens will likely “have a surge in diseases” if students return on campus.

Ohio University announced on July 31 that most students will return to campus in late September, rather than Aug. 24.

Students who have to be in-person for their classes, such as students who are required to be in science and medical labs, should be on campus, while OU limits other students who are online, Gaskell said.

Gaskell, who has talked with university officials about bringing students back, said bringing a limited number of students, who are required to wear masks, would help.

The type of masks people wear also makes a difference, Gaskell said. He recommends people wear the N95 mask, a kind of mask often used by health professionals, because that mask prevents the spread of disease by nearly 100%.

Homemade masks are still effective, providing about 60% of protection, he said. Athens City-County Health Department building located at 278 W. Union St. in Athens, Ohio. (NATE SWANSON | PHOWhen students return, contact tracing TO EDITOR)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Restaurants Ready for Students

Restaurants in Athens prepare for students’ return to campus JILLIAN CRAIG SENIOR WRITER Restaurants in Athens, which have been following and enforcing safety guidelines provided by the state of Ohio, are continuing to do so as a part of students’ phased return to campus.

“Honestly, at this point, it’s hard to say exactly what we’re going to do because it changes weekly it seems like,” Josh Thomas, co-owner of Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, said. “I can tell you right now, if everything holds as is, then obviously when the students come

Cars drive down Court Street in Athens, Ohio, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

back, we will continue to have very limited seating indoors.”

Other safety measures at Brenen’s, 38 S. Court St., include masks, screens at all the counters, extended outdoor seating and hourly sanitizing.

“We continue to do hourly sanitizing, and we’ll just continue to do that on a regular basis to make sure that when the students come back, we’re going to be as safe as we can possibly be,” Thomas said. “And that’s pretty much all we can do ... continue to do this thing routinely and stick with it.”

Larry’s Dawg House, located at 410 W. Union St., plans to continue using aggressive cleaning measures.

Every 15 minutes, the staff at Larry’s Dawg House sends someone around to do steam cleaning in the dining room and doorways. The staff uses an anti microbial spray that is all organic and food-friendly, so it’s not harmful in case of ingestion, Dillan King, general manager at Larry’s Dawg House, said.

In addition to those cleaning methods, Larry’s Dawg House is enforcing a quarantine policy for employees. Students who have class in-person will be allowed to work 72 hours later, and employees who took a vacation will have to take at least a week off to quarantine.

“If they go to like a highly, densely populated area, or where there’s a high contraction of cases going on, then … I extended that up to two weeks with some of my employees,” King said.

Goodfella’s Pizza, located at 6 W. Union St., is currently not allowing dine-in service. It will continue to serve customers via carryout and follow state guidelines for restaurants.

Despite all the safety measures in place, a concern for stu-

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES OHIO UNIVERSITY

Virtual Mental Health Services For All Students ohio.edu/student-affairs/counseling

10 / AUG. 27, 2020

dents returning still lingers.

“With us being a student base town … we were almost under a level four (warning level) recently, and I think a lot of that’s attributed to when the students were returning and coming in for move-in weekend and things like that,” King said. “I feel that a lot of students are a little more careless as far as keeping physical distance and things like that.”

Shawn Ritchie, owner of Goodfella’s Pizza, said as long as people follow safety guidelines, he isn’t worried.

“Everyone’s concerned with an uptick in population that we might see an increase in disease rate,” he said. “But … we do try to stick to all the state’s guidelines on social distancing and masks.

So as long as everyone’s respectful (of) those guidelines, I don’t have any real worries.”

Throughout the summer, restaurants have made adjustments to their business that have resulted in revenue losses and inconveniences for everyone.

“It’s not an easy thing for everybody to do,” Thomas said.

“They’ve had to spend a lot of money, they’ve had to spend a lot of time, and hopefully when when everybody comes back, just understand … that it’s gonna be a frustrating process for everybody involved because it’s just not going to be like it was back in March, or back in February.”

@JILLIANCRAIG18 JC986517@OHIO.EDU

Facing Faculty Fears

Faculty share experiences, plans for teaching amid pandemic

LAUREN SERGE FOR THE POST As the Fall Semester approaches, the safety of those attending various universities around the world amid the coronavirus has caused widespread discussion and controversy — including at Ohio University.

While the focus has vastly been on the experiences, concerns and accommodations of the students at OU, faculty also endured a great deal of changes since March and are still adapting to the provisions set in place for the fall — with the administration announcing a phased approach for students to return.

Heather Edwards, an associate professor of English, described her struggle during the early weeks of March.

“For instructional faculty like me, the semester started with fear about the continued existence of our jobs because of the budget crisis at OU,” Edwards said. “Then, on the Tuesday of spring break, all faculty were asked to move all of our instruction to an online format by the Monday after spring break.”

These abrupt changes to curriculum created stress for Edwards and other professors to infuse a stiff dichotomy of learning experiences.

Scott Carson, an associate professor of philosophy, said at the time, he was teaching two courses with a minimal number of students in each. However, the transition to online learning created a barrier for some of his students.

“Both of my classes were designed for active in-person discussion,” Carson said. “Because of the limitations some of these students had on their access to the internet from their homes, it was not possible to have synchronous meetings via Zoom or (Microsoft) Teams, which would have been the ideal way to move forward. During the extended spring break, I consulted with the students and with my colleagues in an effort to find an optimal path, but in the end, we had to abandon the idea of virtual class discussions.”

Emilia Alonso-Sameño, a professor of Spanish and the director of the Institute for the Empirical Study of Language, spent last spring in India on faculty fellowship leave conducting research. While the semester was initially delightful, Alonso-Sameño outlined the strenuous transitions she faced being in quarantine.

“I spent several weeks practically locked up in an apartment building,” Alonso-Sameño said. “I left India on one of

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER the evacuation flights coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in early April. The whole experience was traumatic.”

Despite the undesirable aspects of the faculty and staff transitions, Edwards said she discovered a sense of belonging with her students among the trauma.

“I think that because my students and I felt like we were trying to grapple with this change to online together amid the pandemic, the overall experience made me feel part of a community in a strange way,” Edwards said. “It is not an experience that I will likely forget and not necessarily one that I want to experience again, but it did make it less scary to feel like we were together through it.”

Currently, the administration at OU has put protocols in place to increase safety in classrooms and to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when students return to campus. These protocols include the requirement of face coverings, increased cleaning tasks and greater distances between individuals in classrooms.

Professor Alonso-Sameño stressed that her department will be following these guidelines but that she also has requested her courses be offered online for the fall semester.

“I prefer to be safe than sorry and not bring the virus back home — and to our community at large — with me,” Alonso-Sameño said.

Edwards also requested her courses to be taught online this semester for the safety of her students and herself. She mentioned the difficulty these arrangements place onto faculty, as they now have to reconstruct their teaching styles in order to comply with the 6-foot distancing measures and to reduce contact spreading.

“In reality, it seems like some of the work of protecting ourselves, and our students will be on the shoulders of faculty

and staff,” Edwards said. “Faculty are also having to rethink what a classroom is like and often go against what many of us understand good teaching to look like as part of our preparations for the fall.”

Professor Carson described the alterations he has made to his courses for this upcoming semester.

“For this fall, I have been redesigning my classes in a ‘flipped’ format, which means students will do the bulk of the work for the class on their own,” Carson said. “Classroom time will be used for discussion and assessment only.

Because of this flipped structure, the classes can easily be done entirely online, so any students who are not comfortable attending in-person meetings will be easily accommodated by allowing them to engage in discussion and assessment remotely.”

While there is no definitive answer as to how the university will be affected once all students and faculty are present, Edwards suggests the focus must also be shifted onto the impact the resuming of classes will have on Athens as a whole.

“I think it is impossible not to be scared about the possibility that the faculty will contract the virus from students in the fall,” Edwards said. “Faculty are older and often at higher risk, but, at this point, able to social distance and protect themselves. That becomes less true as we move into the fall and students descend not just on the campus, but on our town. I do think we have to remember the town of Athens will also be affected by anything that happens to the university this fall.”

@LAURENESERGE LS351117@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

Pandemic

fear this year OU students nervous about the upcoming semester TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

In a typical year, students may begin the fall term with worries, like housing or course load, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a very different type of student stress.

Many students at Ohio University have concerns that relate back to the COVID-19 pandemic and the university’s decision to bring students back to campus to hold select classes in person and in a hybrid form.

Jessica Butterly, sports management and marketing major, feels like OU hasn’t focused enough on bringing back out-ofstate students.

“I might not have it when I’m in California, but when I get on the plane or go to the airport, I could easily catch it and bring it to Ohio and affect my sorority sisters or anyone that I’m living with or end up being around,” Butterly said.

Additionally, Butterly said, she doesn’t want to unintentionally give it to anyone. She worries the university hasn’t done a good enough job of planning to ensure out-of-state students do not bring the virus back to campus.

“You could have it without knowing, or you can have the very worst part of it. That alone scares me enough to not feel safe returning to the campus,” Butterfly said.

Charlotte Beebout, a freshman majoring in nursing, said she is worried about the Athens residents more than the student body.

“I (am) more worried about the faculty and the people in the community,” Beebout said in an email. “I know I would be crushed if we could not (go back), but I also know it’s for the greater good.”

Beebout said she will be following all the recommended guidelines on campus, like wearing a mask and not going out and partying.

“I would rather be on campus, learning about things I have an interest in, and doing my part to keep people safe,” Beebout said in an email.

She put in her two weeks in at her job on July 12, believing that she would be going to school in the fall, but now is a bit more concerned about actually getting to go.

“As someone who has wanted out of their hometown for years, it’s a hard pill to swallow when not only your senior year got dunked on, but now college too,” Beebout said in an email. “Unfortunately, if we do stay in town, I will probably just go back to my job and live with my parents and hope that online classes don’t rip me a new one. That walk of shame back to Menards is about to hit different though.”

Tyler Lewis, a sophomore studying corporate finance, management strategic leadership and business analytics, said he is also worried that classes are going to get canceled.

12 / AUG. 27, 2020

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDER GRAHAM “I really do want to go back, because even when I was there last year, I didn’t go out all that often,” Lewis said. “It’s not necessary. I’m not gonna put myself and other people in jeopardy because I want to go out.”

Lewis said he plans on following all the guidelines the university sets out to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and he is also going to reduce his exposure to other people.

He said he also feels like OU will lose money when some students choose not to return to campus because classes are not being offered online.

“I think if they have people that are too scared to come back, and then choose not to come to OU because they’re not doing online, then they’re going to lose money,” Lewis said. “I also feel like they definitely care about their students and their employees and stuff enough to realize that if we get too close … and we have too many cases, especially as the students come back, because that … gives more people the opportunity to get the virus.”

Ansel Lavigne, a senior studying graphic design, finance, and marketing, said he is fearful for a lot of things in the up-

coming year. He said he wonders where students might get infected, like bars, gyms and parties, and how that will spread around OU’s campus.

As an upperclassman, he also has fears about his future career prospects and the people working in his industries.

Additionally, he said he worries a lot of the classes being moved online will not work well without their face-to-face and online components.

“Remote classes are not good for many classes that need students and instructors face to face to accomplish and improve,” Lavigne said in an email. “The Zoom meeting is not enough and unfair for both parties.”

Lavigne said he thinks the anti-mask activities going on right now are ridiculous and is worried that OU may have to force some students to wear them.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU

Returning Remotely

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

Students discuss online class quality LILY ROBY STAFF WRITER On Friday, July 31, an announcement was made via email

by President Duane Nellis detailing Ohio University’s return-to-campus plan regarding the coronavirus crisis. OU is incorporate a multi-phased return plan.

As explained in the email, Phase 1 permits the in-person return of a limited number of graduate and undergraduate students. The majority of the students selected to return for in-person classes will be those who must meet accreditation or require essential on-campus equipment or facilities that are otherwise inaccessible. Undergraduate students were notified of their status as a returning student by Aug. 4, and graduate students were notified by Aug. 7.

However, a number of students expected OU’s administration to have a different response regarding the coronavirus.

Aubrey Roese, a senior studying psychology and social work, believed Fall Semester would be held entirely in-person, even if that wasn’t the safest decision.

“I expected OU to go back fully,” Roese said in an email. “I thought this because I thought they would prioritize getting money from things like dorms, meal plans, etc. over the safety of the students.”

Many other major universities, such as Ohio State University, are also adapting their schedules and plans for the Fall Semester to encourage maximum safety for students. While this transition to online classes does help ensure COVID-19’s rate of

infection won’t increase as dramatically when students return to campus, students are still worried about the quality of their online courses.

Some students, such as Yang Chen, a senior studying finance, marketing and graphic design, already intentionally avoid taking online courses due to their lower quality.

“The instructors of online classes are generally less willing to send emails frequently to help students, based on my experiences, so I never take online classes unless I have no choice,” Chen said in an email, noting that many professors of online courses often will reply to emails just once a day. “And I do not feel like we get high-quality results … Some classes are not designed to be remote. There is knowledge, discussion and experiments (in) which learning from online is kind of the worst experience. If OU moves some of the classes to remote, the tuition for these classes needs to be cut.”

This is a strong fighting point for many students, who agree that online classes tend to be lower quality and so tuition should be lowered for those individual courses. Online classes have traditionally been cheaper than in-person classes at OU, so many students expect the cost of courses to be lowered if they are required to be virtual.

Irene Kent, a junior studying strategic communication, fully believes the prices of both dorms and tuition should be reduced.

“The quality of education is not the same if classes are online, and even if we do have in-person classes, the amount of people in the classroom will be limited,” Kent said in an email. “In my opinion, collaborating with classmates is one of the best ways to

learn, but that most likely will not be an option due to the risks that come along with it. There are going to be a lot of restrictions, and people don’t like restrictions. Not reducing tuition or the price of dorms will cause a lot of frustration and conflict between the University and its students.”

While OU is taking large steps to ensure the safety of its students, such as requiring the constant wearing of masks and decreasing the sizes of classes that are in-person, requiring most classes to be online will be a detriment to many.

“I would say that OU’s response could definitely impact my future career,” Kent said. “These are the years where networking is crucial, whether it’s with your professors or through organizations. If we go completely online, students will suffer and miss out on important opportunities.”

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No end in sight

Pandemic. Protests. It’s happening in Athens.

ERIN GARDNER FOR THE POST ABBY MILLER NEWS EDITOR LOCAL BUSINESSES HELP THOSE IN NEED Ohio University announced March 13 it was moving all campuses to online instruction until the end of Spring Semester due to the coronavirus, according to a previous Post report.

Avalanche Pizza, 329 E. State St., and Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, 38 S. Court St., have both been giving out free lunches to help those in need during the closures.

Josh Thomas, co-owner of Brenen’s, said when schools went virtual, his good friend, Brent Hartman, who runs O'Nail Hartman Insurance Agency, wanted to buy lunches that Brenen’s could give out for free. Other community members and businesses immediately began reaching out to help as well, Thomas said.

Thomas said Brenen’s will take the need for lunches day by day.

“We certainly still have some people in town that need the meals, and that need is never going to go away. And we recognize that,” he said. “We've had a lot of other people recognize that, too, and still want to help. If it's something we can continue to do and make it work, then I'm sure we'll be happy to do that.”

SHIVELY COURT CLOSING FOR FALL SEMESTER 2020 Earlier in Spring Semester, Shively Court was announced to be closing due to the low enrollment prediction for the Fall Semester.

The decision to shut down the dining hall most notable for its “Grab N Go” option was made before the coronavirus

Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, among other local Athens businesses, began rolling out free lunches for those in need soon after a mandated shut-down due to COVID-19. (PHOTO PROVIDED VIA BRENEN’S OFFICIAL TWITTER ACCOUNT) 14 / AUG. 27, 2020

Ohio University’s decision to close Shively Court is predicted to save the institution about $1 million. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) pandemic began, according to a previous Post report.

Katie Brown, a senior studying integrated media, was a student leader for three semesters at Shively Court. Brown found out about the dining hall closing first from the office assistants in a student leader GroupMe, she said in an Instagram direct message.

“Usually that's the case: that if you go from being a student leader at one hall to working at another hall, you will basically start from the beginning/not be a student leader,” Brown said in an Instagram direct message. “Someone from Nelson reached out to me and reassured me that I would be able to work at either of the dining halls as a student leader because of the unique circumstances.”

Brown was going to work at the District on West Green, but now because of OU's phased learning, the managers have said they can't hire student employees during phase one, so she’s unsure.

PANDEMIC SPARKS UNIQUE SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM The loss of students on campus because of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the creation of multiple online efforts to raise awareness about OU’s alleged budget crisis.

The Save OUr Professors movement was created April 30

by Olivia Gemarro, a senior studying English creative writing and sociology-criminology pre-law. Gemarro said she was frustrated with news about professors possibly getting cut and wanted to make the greater community more aware of it, according to a previous Post report.

Alumni have also become prevalent in budget conversations. A group of alumni started the My OHIO Is… website, where people can submit their personal testimonies of what OU means to them. The hope is to unite the community under a shared vision of OU amid talks of budget cuts, according to a previous Post report.

A lot of testimonials have been submitted so far, Henry Kessler, a 2015 OU alumnus who studied art history and

helped create the website, said. Kessler hopes the stories show communities and not just classrooms are being affected.

OU UNDERGOES THREE WAVES OF MASS LAYOFFS Over 400 professors, administrators and other OU employees lost their jobs over the summer due to multiple rounds of contract non-renewals and position eliminations.

OU implemented its first “significant personnel reduction” May 1 while online classes were still in session, with about 140 employees having their positions eliminated. An additional 49 positions were unfilled after employees took the university’s early retirement incentive plan.

Those employees worked in roles including groundskeeping, culinary and maintenance, according to a previous Post report. Employees were notified that their positions were eliminated May 1, but were employed until May 31.

A motorcade rally was organized May 6 to rally for union employees whose jobs were eliminated.

The event was held in Peden Stadium’s parking lot and

A Twitter page created out of support for Ohio University union members emerges in lieu of several layoffs.

tion, which was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue began to garner attention in November when a protest was organized to support professors amid talks of layoffs.

Counter-protesters reflected in the sunglasses of a Defend the Police rally protester on Sunday, July 5, 2020. (KEVIN PAN | FOR THE POST) drew over 200 people. It was organized by the OU chapter of the American Association of University Professors and OU’s American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME Local 1699.

The main goal of the event was for OU to implement a firing freeze. The freeze would halt non-renewals, reinstate COVID-19 layoffs and cap salaries at the equivalent of Gov. Mike DeWine’s salary, according to a previous Post report.

As cars looped around Athens, an OU-AAUP representative delivered a petition to Cutler Hall.

More OU employees received news of being laid off May 15. The second personnel reduction included the loss of 53 instructional faculty members and 149 administrators. An additional 74 tenured faculty members enrolled in either OU’s Voluntary Separation or Retirement Program, according to a previous Post report.

AFSCME Local 1699 and Southeast Ohio Central Labor Council organized an additional rally for union workers at the College Gateway on June 3.

About 100 people attended the rally, which stood in solidarity with union workers who were disproportionately impacted by OU’s layoffs.

The crowd chanted and marched up Court Street and ended at the Athens County Courthouse. There, supporters continued to chant and held up signs.

About 81 employee positions were eliminated June 23 in the third personnel reduction. Employees in 23 of the former positions will be rehired after departments are reorganized, according to a previous Post report.

Layoffs resulted from the university’s poor financial posi-

HUNDREDS RALLY FOR BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT IN PEACEFUL PROTEST Hundreds of people protested, marched and chanted against police brutality across Athens on June 2.

The Athens peaceful rally for POC victims of police brutality started after a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the Athens County Courthouse, according to a previous Post report.

The rally included an eight-minute moment of silence in honor of George Floyd, a Black Minnesota man who was killed by a police officer; a speech about how peaceful protesting isn’t enough to win the fight of racial inequality; and several call-and-response chants.

A peaceful protester during a Black Lives Matter protest in Athens, Ohio, walks across the street in front of police officers and other protesters, holding a sign that reads, “I am not a threat” on June 2, 2020. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

FORMER SIGMA PI PRESIDENT, MEMBER PLEAD GUILTY TO WIANT CHARGES The president of OU’s disbanded Sigma Pi fraternity pleaded guilty June 23 to charges involving the death of former pledge Collin Wiant.

Elijah Wahib, 22, of Westlake, pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of hazing and permitting drug abuse, according to a previous Post report.

Wahib must complete the Prosecutor's Office Athens County Empowerment Program. He was also sentenced to 31 days in jail on hazing misdemeanor charges by Judge Patrick J. Lang.

A fourth member of Sigma Pi also pleaded guilty to Wiant charges May 29. Saxon Angell-Perez, 22, pleaded guilty to

support defunding the police, according to a previous Post report.

“We got to do better at trying to weed out the bad apples, but defunding … police is the absolute opposite thing you can do,” Edwards said in that same Post report.

The majority of those attending the counterprotest were students and of the younger demographic. Those at Defend The Police tended to be older residents in Athens.

@ABBLAWRENCE AM166317@OHIO.EDU @ERINGARDNER_ EG245916@OHIO.EDU

charges of felony cocaine possession and permitting drug abuse and misdemeanor hazing charges, according to a previous Post report.

PROTESTS CLASH ON COURT STREET Tensions ran high July 5 when two rallies collided on Court Street.

A rally titled Defend The Police began at noon and was later met with counterprotesters Uptown. There were more people attending the counterprotest, Defend OUr Community, but State Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, attended the Defend The Police Event.

Edwards said he thinks the majority of people in Southeast Ohio and Appalachia do not

Former Ohio University student Elijah Wahib walks out of court behind his lawyer, Paul Wolf, after his arraignment hearing on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Approximately 200 people rallied in their vehicles outside Peden Stadium in protest of Ohio University laying off 140 union employees on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. (KEVIN PAN | FOR THE POST).

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

Safely Securing Friendships Tips for making friends at OU while staying at home RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR When looking back on the college experience as a whole, odds are the most memorable aspect won’t be the classes taken or the grades on exams — rather, the memories will come from the relationships made and the fun shared.

Due to COVID-19 health safety guidelines and the phased return sparking virtual classes, forming friendships at Ohio University this year in an organic way will prove to be a bit challenging. It’s hard to have a meaningful connection with someone when you’re 6 feet apart, wearing a mask or looking at them through a computer.

16 / AUG. 27, 2020

However, in times like these, making friends and forming connections is crucial to keeping a positive mental state.

Char Kopchick, assistant dean of students, knows developing friendships, especially for freshmen, will be a bit more difficult this year. However, she believes a great place to start is within freshman learning communities.

“Right there is a way to get connections and make friends, especially with individuals who have similar interests,” Kopchick said.

Kopchick believes even though learning communities, like other classes on campus, will look smaller this year, it’s still a great way to get engaged. She said the learning community leaders will still be planning virtual activities for students and acting as an ally for new students

on campus, so a great first step in connection building is through a learning community.

Kopchick said OU is working to match students with the organizations they would like the most, based on a survey through Bobcat Connect. This is a way for students to see just a few of the plethora of organizations OU has to offer. OU is also working hard to safely pull off the Involvement Fair and other smaller programming for students, in a virtual way.

Lindsey Watrobsky, a junior studying early childhood education, knows it can be a little awkward at first to make friends, but the key is to just talk. As a Bobcat Student Orientation, or BSO, leader, Watrobsky had to get to know the other leaders and incoming students online through applications like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, but through utilizing the chat function on the apps and scheduling bonding calls, she was able to make a lot of meaningful connections.

“Being on campus for the first few weeks can be intimidating, but reaching out to classmates… will only benefit you, and the connections you make,” Watrobsky said in an email. “Everyone wants to make friends! Ensure that you are remaining socially distant, and wearing masks as you are getting to know people, and you will be fine!”

Though it may seem difficult with health guidelines to follow, forming friendships should be a piece of cake for the incoming class, whom Patty McSteen, associate dean of students, credits for their creativity and resilience.

McSteen has two children at OU: a son, who is a junior, and a daughter, who is an incoming freshman. She has watched them both get creative with their activities by utilizing the outdoors, and she believes students liv-

ing in off-campus apartments can find fun activities to meet new people and make friends by taking advantage of the beautiful weather and scenery Athens has to offer.

Like Kopchick, McSteen also feels upperclassmen mentors will be a good resource to facilitate connection between younger students.

As an educator and as a mother, McSteen encourages students and her children to go in with an open mind and an open heart.

“Everyone’s kind of in the same situation,” McSteen said. “Everyone’s trying to make new friends, and everyone gets a fresh start. And so to be open-minded and surround yourself with people who you might otherwise not have gotten the chance to know, I think that’s a really important part of being a first-year student: not to sit in your comfort zone, but to push yourself out of it. I think that’s where all the really exciting relationships and learning happens ... when you get outside of your comfort zone.”

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

Managing Mental Illness

Mental illness is declared public health crisis in the middle of a global pandemic ERIN GARDNER FOR THE POST Abby Neff didn’t undergo the traditional freshman experience – and now she has to pick up the pieces.

Neff, a sophomore studying journalism, lives with depression and anxiety. Since the pandemic began and changed the way Ohio University operated, Neff felt a spike in both, due to the massive change of losing her college experience and precious time with her friends.

“Physically, mentally, it was really hard to return home because when you’re a student and you found this new freedom, you start living a different way,” Neff said. “It’s really hard to return to the same way you were living before.”

Neff isn’t the only one who has been affected mentally by COVID-19. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, more than 30% of adults in the U.S. are “now reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder” because of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic slump. In Ohio alone, the average weekly data for June 2020 said “34.7 percent of adults in Ohio reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, compared to 36.5 percent of adults in the U.S.” Olivia Gemarro, a senior studying English creative writ18 / AUG. 27, 2020

ing and sociology, criminology, was diagnosed in her early teens with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and a panic disorder, and shares similar feelings with Neff.

Recently, Gemarro and her girlfriend, Autumn, had a COVID-19 scare where Autumn had the symptoms. She tested ultimately negative, but the two-person and twocat household was concerned because Autumn has asthma and allergies.

“Yes, she tested negative, but we had those few days of uncertainty where I was accepting the fact that she might have it,” said Germarro.

Like Neff, Gemarro has also struggled with the past four months of social isolation.

“I’ve been struggling with anxiety this whole time, just trying to cope with my life being completely dismantled,” Gemarro said. “And I know it’s like everybody’s in the same boat, but I feel like a lot of people who suffer from anxiety benefit from having a solid routine for their dayto-day life, and I definitely had that during the semester.

To have that stripped away with no warning was hard to deal with.”

Gemarro has also been feeling depressed when she doesn’t want to do anything, and she feels there’s no purpose. For example, one day she took a nap at 12 p.m., and

then felt unproductive and shameful for not using “quarantine time” beneficially.

“There’s those internal pressures,” Gemarro said. “Nobody is externally pressuring me. It’s more just my ambitious student persona coming out and saying, ‘You need to be making this time more worthwhile.’”

Paul Castelino, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, or CPS, at Ohio University, said feelings of anxiety, depression and suicide can be common amid a time like this, filled with a pandemic, racial injustice and economic downfall. Students and faculty might experience increased anxiety, persistent depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, sleep difficulties, social isolation, suicidal thoughts and ideation and unhealthy coping techniques, Castelino said.

CPS has had a steady request for ongoing services, and new services are up from previous summers, Castelino said. Students don’t even have to be in Athens. As long as they reside in the state of Ohio, they can seek telehealth services.

Both Gemarro and Neff have been using CPS for their mental health. They also use their own coping mechanisms to continue with their daily life.

“At some point, you kind of just have to live with the illness,” Neff said.

The telehealth services can include a face-to-face video chat (through Microsoft Teams) or a phone therapy session. Instead of going to drop-in through Hudson, students are now directed to call for a phone consultation, with staff available on the phone from 9:45am to 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. They will discuss concerns and provide support and schedule the next appointment: whether it’s individual counseling, group counseling or psychiatric consultation.

“I think it is primarily to make sure there is enough social distancing, enough safety … to the extent actually that students don’t mind and are happy that they don’t have to leave their room and walk across their building,” Castelino said.

Castelino is also aware CPS is in Hudson, which is a campus care medical facility, so having traffic to the third floor and paying attention to students’ comfort levels are things of which to be mindful.

Castelino said students can also call the after-hours CPS lifeline.

In the fall, CPS is offering group therapy, the Coping Clinic and some stress management workshops as well.

They will all be done virtually.

Neff says some people aren’t comfortable reaching out to CPS and the university, and that’s OK. She feels CPS should be elevated in order for students to succeed with whatever circumstances the pandemic throws at them.

In the fall, Neff hopes that professors are understanding of the current pandemic mixed with students’ mental health, believing that to be crucial to a student’s success.

However, she understands everyone is experiencing the same pandemic, but she believes some powerful changes have some out of this.

“I think people are more empathetic,” Neff said. “I think people are more aware of their effects on other people, whether they are physical health or mental health. People have connected in ways lately that I’ve never seen in my entire life ... I would say it’s not forever. We will get through this.”

If you’re feeling suicidal, please talk to somebody. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text “START” to Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or in Ohio, text “4HOPE”. If you don’t like the phone, consider using the Lifeline Crisis Chat at www.crisischat.org. @ERINGARDNER_ EG245916@OHIO.EDU

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Distantly Dating Students continue to adjust relationships to pandemic

KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR As the coronavirus pandemic continues, people continuously adjust everyday aspects of their lives. From getting groceries to going on dates, the question of being safe from COVID-19 looms.

This past spring, some Ohio University students found themselves in unplanned long-distance relationships, The Post previously reported.

Sidney Engelman, a freshman studying early childhood education, was one of them.

Before quarantine, Engelman graduated high school and started to take a gap year — then suddenly, all her plans to travel and work were not only changed, but totally canceled. She had only been dating her girlfriend for a week when the COVID-19 shut-downs started. It was hard not seeing her.

“She was my first girlfriend and it felt like it wasn’t even real?” Engelman said in a Facebook message. “Because she lives 30 minutes away, I can’t drive, and now we weren’t

allowed to leave our homes?”

Much like Engelman, Lily Janson’s relationship experienced an unplanned long-distance endeavour. Janson, a freshman studying early childhood education, went a while without seeing her boyfriend. It was hard, too, she said in a Facebook message.

“Then we started seeing each other again,” Janson said in a Facebook message. “Then his sister got corona, and we had to quarantine from each other again and it just feels like a never-ending cycle. We do not want our parents to get sick.”

Janson and her boyfriend have been dating for a year and a half. Staying home so much has almost made them closer and it’s fun, she added. But they’ve both had to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

“We both have lost parts of our schooling that we are upset about and he has helped me so much from losing my senior year,” Janson said in a Facebook message. “He’s been my rock.

And we have been understanding more about each other and dealing with our problems and helped our communication. I love being with him.”

The dating landscape is evolving during the pandemic — dating apps with it. In January, Bumble added a video chat feature.

Tinder CEO Elie Seidman said in an interview with Forbes.com that daily messaging activity among the app’s American users has risen by 10% to 15%.

Yang Chen, a senior studying finance and marketing, said describing his love life is hard right now. He’s single and usually only met people in class, student organizations, events and parties.

Nevertheless, he’s still trying to meet potential partners — even though right now, it’s just virtually.

“Regardless of safety, probably meeting people online is the primary choice and then meet (in real life),” Chen said in a Facebook message.

But Chen feels differently about meeting new people than before the pandemic. Safety comes first.

“When (I) meet friends, I feel much safer than meeting strangers,” Chen said in a Facebook message.

However, for Hannah Campbell, a freshman studying journalism, meeting new people is somewhat more comfortable during the pandemic.

“You’re able to actually talk to a person more, prior to being able to go out,” Campbell said.

Campbell has been sort of playing the dating field, she explained. This year has been different; lots of outdoor dates or going on drives. She’s mostly meeting up with people she knows already and keeps in touch with on Snapchat.

“I’ve been able to go out on a few dates,” Campbell said. “It’s still hard because of social distancing and not everything being open. It’s really hard to go on a typical restaurant date.”

Engelman and her girlfriend have done lots of online dates, such as watching Netflix and Facetiming. With restrictions lifted, the couple has been able to see each other more, but still haven’t gone on a traditional date. “(Five) months in and I’m just wondering how long until I get to get all dressed up and take her out without worrying I’m gonna spread the virus or contract it,” Engelman said.

She also finds the summer between high school and freshman year of college to be a difficult time. She thinks the pandemic on top of freshman year will make incoming students less likely to seek relationships.

“I couldn’t imagine that a lot of people want to date the first year of college to begin with, let alone during a pandemic.”

@_KERIJOHNSON KJ153517@OHIO.EDU ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDER GRAHAM 20 / AUG. 27, 2020

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

A break from exercising Ping temporarily closed over COVID-19 concerns SOPHIA ENGLEHART FOR THE POST

With new health safety guidelines and restrictions, the question of gyms and other recreational facilities opening has been repeatedly asked by many students, aspiring bodybuilders and athletes.

All campus-affiliated gyms, including Ping Recreational facility, closed until it was deemed safe to reopen during the phased return, according to an email from Ohio University Campus Recreation. “(When we reopen) we are looking at doing an A-B schedule, so having a staff work for one week and then a different amount of staff work the next week and rotate that to minimize the amount of exposure with each other,” Rose Minton, a senior studying exercise physiology as well as a personal trainer, supervisor, membership specialist and group fitness instructor at Ping, said.

As previously stated by OU, students will be coming to campus in the way of a phased return, which will limit face-to-face contact and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Similarly to the previous Spring Semester, Ping will be offering virtual fitness courses and well-being webinars for interested and motivated students.

However, this does give other local gyms an opportunity to offer their services to students and locals alike.

Athens Yoga, located at 77 1/2 E. State St., plans to reopen

in September, having been closed since March.

“We are limiting our class size and we are keeping a large window between classes to limit traffic,” Jennifer Mainelli, co-owner of Athens Yoga, said in an email. “We are asking students to bring their own mats and props, and masks will be optional for people to bring and use.”

Similarly, Athens Community Center, located at 710 E. State St., is also in the process of reopening to the general public and is already open for members.

“The City for Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation Department is following all state and local recommended guidelines and mandated policies,” Terri Moore, director of the Arts, Parks and Recreations department, said in an email. “Equipment is staged appropriately to allow users to maintain 6 ft. social distancing...enforcing face covering mandate to those who are not actively exercising that are in our building, and screening for wellness.”

The center is now offering special hours for immunocompromised and senior members.

@ENGLEHART_SOPHIA SE269217@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

A Fateful Fall A look at Fall 2020

KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

T

he COVID-19 pandemic thrusted the world into a state of uncertainty. The safety of everyday routines — from ordering a pizza to going to class — is under scrutiny.

As people continue to adjust to safety protocols, mandates and ordinances, one thing that is certain is Fall Semester 2020 will be one like no other.

Back to school The Post previously reported Ohio University announced classes would begin online Aug. 24, and the majority of students will not be returning to campus in the fall until after Sept. 27.

For incoming freshman Arielle Lyons, the university’s decision was disappointing.

However, she is sympathetic.

“I’m disappointed since I was really looking forward to finally going to college, especially since I missed out on a lot of things I was

preparing into this spring – when the theoretical emergency became reality.

“Since early March we have worked closely with our government, university, and business partners to apply those plans to the reality of the COVID-19 University rule pandemic,” Pepper said in an Over the summer, university “The OU email. students, faculty and staff experience is OU will have a phased return worked with public health on the Athens campus this and city officials to develop about being fall and a hybrid approach plans for the Fall Semester, with other for regional campuses. The Carly Leatherwood, senior university previously canceled director of OU Communication people — it’s not about being all Fall Semester and winter Services, said. break study abroad programs, COVID has had a significant by yourself.” both international and mpact on Athens County and - Brandon Thompson domestic. continues to, Jack Pepper, The university’s revised administrator at the Athens fall plans were made after consultation with City-County Health Department, said.

Local public health officials have been public health and medical partners who preparing for a public emergency like this supported the need to reduce the number of since the early 2000s. They continued people on our campus, Leatherwood said in looking forward to as a senior,” Lyons said in a message. “But I understand why they made the choice that they did and I’ll just have to be patient for another month.”

an email.

The first phase begins with classes Aug. 24 and phase two Sept. 28.

“In phase one, only a limited number of graduate and undergraduate students in a carefully selected set of academic programs (are) permitted to return to the Athens campus,” Leatherwood said in an email.

According to a previous Post report, students whose programs require in-person experiences for accreditation or those who need access to specific equipment, will be eligible to return to campus.

Students with extenuating circumstances, like international students or students experiencing homelessness, are able to apply for on-campus housing, too. The university will notify students who are eligible.

Those coming back to campus will have to comply with OU’s pandemic policies.

The university approved an interim face covering policy and teaching environments

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have been heavily modified. The university is also trying to ensure shared study spaces, such as Alden Library, are safe and accessible.

OU has also outlined student behavior expectations: for instance, the OHIO Pledge.

The university will require “every member of the university community” to sign the pledge, which affirms that “they will do their part to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.”

The pledge consists of six major points which signers must abide by, including: following OU’s facial coverings policy and all protocols the university adopts, monitoring university communication about COVID-19, agreeing to participate in contact tracing efforts and will not all their biases to “impede the access and opportunity of others in my community.”

OU’s Fall Semester goes fully remote in mid-November. The last day for on-campus activities will be Nov. 20, according to a previous Post report.

Crickets Uptown Plans were briefly in motion to go back to normal. On May 19, Gov. Mike DeWine lifted the mandatory stay-at-home order, which had been in place since March 25.

Prior to lifting the order, DeWine allowed restaurants and bars to serve patrons outdoors starting May 15, and inside service on May 21, according to the Newark Advocate.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said he’s seen an unusually high number of people in Athens this summer.

“We are seeing more people in the Uptown area than (we have) seen in a long time,” Mayor Patterson said. “I would say that of recent there have been a lot more people in the city of Athens.”

When summer officially started June 22, Athens had only 25 confirmed cases of the virus, according to usafacts.org. Roughly a month later, the health department reported over 10 times that. Athens County had 284 confirmed cases of the coronavirus July 21.

In mid-July, following increasingly confirmed cases, The Post reported that many local businesses temporarily closed as precautionary measures. Other local businesses, like Donkey Coffee, closed after announcing confirmed cases within their staff.

Each year, once spring break starts, everything Uptown slows down, Patterson said, and that same slower-paced Athens feel continues into the summer.

Things seemed to be on the uptick after DeWine lifted the stay-at-home order, and establishments reopened, Patterson said.

But that only lasted a week or two. “Well, once that happened, there was a lot going on,” Patterson said. “Not quite a lot of it was responsible. That is telling unto itself.”

The mayor has also noticed people making day trips to Athens from bigger cities.

Patterson thinks that, comparatively, to some, Athens County feels safe.

“Part of the problem was or is that a lot of people felt that Athens County only has 33 cases out of 60,00 people. To them, it appears to be safer in Athens than elsewhere,” Patterson said. “Individuals or families make it a day

trip to come from Cincinnati because they felt that the cases are low, so why don’t (they) make a day of it and turn around and go back?”

But bar-goers and tourists aren’t all to blame. For Pepper, the spread of the virus depends on the actions of individuals.

“Behavior certainly has an impact on the spread of disease, not just COVID-19,” Pepper said in an email.

“Risky behavior is not exclusively tied to the student-age demographic; we all have a responsibility to make choices that limit the spread of disease.”

All COVID cases are treated the same, Pepper said.

“Case investigation and contacttracing does not change depending on age demographic. Typically, cases are tied to current place of residence.

Positive cases currently residing in Athens will be counted in our case count,” Pepper said.

Bummer summer Ohio Brew Week, or OBW, is an Athens summer staple. For the past 14 years, breweries and patrons have taken to Court Street to sample local beers and share good times. This summer was supposed to be year 15 of OBW, but it, too, was canceled due to the coronavirus.

Executive director of OBW Brandon Thompson, aka DJ B-Funk, said the decision to call off Brew Week was a difficult one. It raised many questions and was ultimately made out of safety for the community.

He now has doubts about other upcoming city events he helps organize, like Fall Fest

by OBW and Athens Halloween. He’s almost positive Fall Fest won’t happen — especially if students can’t return.

The thought of students not returning is scary for Thompson, as they are contributors to the local economy. It is well-known that Athens County is one of the leading counties in the state for food insecurity and poverty.

“I’m honestly not sure how I even feel,” Thompson said. “I don’t even know what’s real and what’s possible anymore. This year won’t be a good year.”

Past and present COVID-19 is more dangerous to some people more than others. People with medical conditions such as cancer or obesity are also at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

According to the CDC, the risk for severe illness also increases with age with older adults at highest risk.

This deadly aspect of the virus is a concern for Pete Hyde, a senior studying information telecommunications systems. According to the European University Institute, the average age of a full-tenured American college professor is 55.

“I’m worried more for the older professors than I am (for) people our age,” Hyde said in an email.

Hyde said he’s done all the big things there

are to do as a Bobcat — minus Number Fests.

As an OU alumnus, Thompson, too, recalled the fun of being an OU student: shows at the Union, hanging out at Donkey Coffee.

“I can’t imagine being at OU and not being able to go Uptown,” Thomspon said. “For some, (this year Athens) may just look like a very boring college town.”

Thompson also has concerns over how the pandemic will affect the entire Bobcat lifestyle, from dorm life to student orgs. For him, the college experience is a shared one.

“The OU experience is about being with other people. It’s not about being by yourself,” Thompson said.

Because Hyde’s classes will be taught differently, he isn’t sure if this year’s education will be as satisfying as previous ones.

“I am not sure that it is going to (be) as rewarding of an experience as the years prior,” he said in an email. “I guess I’m going to just have to go with the flow of the courses as everyone is adjusting.”

Hyde also has concerns about how social distancing and class precautions are going to affect the quality of OU’s education.

“I think all the social distancing in classrooms is really going to have a negative impact on the (hands-on) classes,” Hyde said in an email. “I really (don’t) think anyone is going to have a learning experience that comes close to what the university has provided in the past.”

The problem of expectations — or a lack thereof Lyons celebrated her high school graduation but found it somewhat underwhelming.

The ceremony was virtual. Pre-recorded clips of speeches and graduates receiving their diplomas were compiled and livestreamed. “(The summer) has definitely not gone as planned,” Lyons said. “I still had a grad party, but I did it in waves. It was nice to still be able

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

to celebrate my achievements.”

Lyons, who is studying journalism, thinks her freshman year experience will definitely be different than the average freshman’s.

But she’s avoided giving herself too many expectations.

“I’m still expecting to have the things you expect as a college freshmen — independence, new friends, that sort of thing,” Lyons said.

“It’s like my freshman year of college — and the pandemic was in the background — and not defined by my freshman year of college.”

@_KERIJOHNSON KJ153517@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR

A Timeline of Football’s Fall The Post broke down the slow simmer of events that boiled over to Ohio’s season being postponed.

J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR Ohio was never supposed to be in this position.

August is a time for teams to be making final preparations for their college football season. Fall camp was supposed to be in the books. By Sept. 5, the Bobcats were scheduled to start their season by hosting North Carolina Central on Sept. 5.

Instead, Peden Stadium will remain empty this fall. Ohio and the rest of the Mid-American Conference are forced to wait until spring for a chance to play football again.

In order to paint a clear picture of how this happened,

MARCH 12, 2020 (MAC TOURNEY CANCELED) By early March, unrest was spreading across the MAC. National diagnoses of COVID-19 surpassed 1,000

by March 11, the same day the World Health Organization declared a worldwide pandemic.

Ohio University was on spring break as this all unfolded. The football team had only undergone two of its 15 scheduled spring practices and were forced to wait away from Athens to see how their season might take a turn for the worse.

There was only one way to see how this new pandemic affected their season: The MAC Tournament. The men’s basketball team was playing in a mostly empty stadium in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If the tournament went ahead as planned, Ohio had a good outlook to continue spring practice.

By 12:10 p.m. on March 12, that optimism disintegrated into mild fear. The MAC canceled the remainder of the tournament, and teams were sent home. Spring football practice was also suspended amid fears of spreading the virus.

The first setback to Ohio’s season was set in stone.

The cancelation didn’t spell certain doom, however.

Ohio was optimistic that the virus could be moderately contained by August in order to proceed with fall camp.

JULY 7, 2020 (EIGHT OU ATHLETES TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID) A spring of quarantine bore hope for the Bobcats. A summer of spiking cases killed it.

The state of Ohio had seen a decline in the rate of cases of COVID-19 until early June, when businesses began to reopen and economies attempted a return to semi-normalcy. There were 52,865 cases of COVID-19 in the state by July 1, and that number soared to 60,181 by July 8.

Eight of those cases were Bobcats.

Ohio University announced July 7 that eight student athletes tested positive for COVID-19. The unnamed athletes were told to self-isolate, and all conditioning and training programs were put on immediate hold to prevent further spreading.

Whatever fear Ohio felt wasn’t shown. A cool demeanor was kept up, and fall camp was still in the picture.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARY BERGER 24 / AUG. 27, 2020

JULY 8, 2020 (BIG-TEN CANCELS NON-CONFERENCE PLAY AND THE EFFECT ON THE CONFERENCE) Ohio did its best to move forward with its football season even after athletes tested positive for COVID-19.

The MAC and its teams had yet expressed any desire to hold off on fall football. The few colleges in the NCAA that had chosen to opt out were independent and didn’t affect conference play.

That was until the Big Ten conference canceled all non-conference play for the 2020 season.

A decision made by the Big Ten forced the MAC to stomach a hard blow to the wallet. Eleven games between the two conferences were canceled, and that will result in an estimated loss of $10 million for MAC schools.

Schools in the MAC depend on games with Power Five teams in order to finance their athletic departments.

This sudden decision by the Big Ten forced MAC schools to ask an uncomfortable question: How were they going to fund their fall sports?

JULY 16, 2020 (OHIO’S SEASON OPENER CANCELED) The Big Ten’s decision to play a conference-only schedule had no immediate effect on Ohio. The Bobcats hadn’t played a Big Ten opponent since 2017 and weren’t planning to in 2020. When the news was announced, teams like Central Michigan, Kent State and Northern Illinois were forced to scramble and find a way to make up for the millions that were lost.

Ohio, instead, kept a cool head with plans to play a 12game schedule.

That was until The Council of Presidents and Chancellors of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced the league would suspend all-sports competition for the 2020 fall season. But who’s ever heard of the MEAC? Well Ohio AD Julie Cromer had ... because Ohio’s first game of the season was against a MEAC opponent.

“As a result of the MEAC’s decision, our 2020 football season opener against North Carolina Central on September 5 will not be played as previously scheduled,” Cromer tweeted.

With that tweet, the first blow to Ohio’s non-conference schedule was landed. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, the hopes for any football in 2020 would last only a couple more weeks.

AUG. 6, 2020 With its regular seasons supposed to start in a month, the MAC seemed nowhere close to being able to take the field. While conferences like the Big-Ten and the ACC were releasing their schedules, MAC schools had yet to announce when fall camp would start. The MAC would have to break its radio silence at some point.

With hopes of creating a 2020 schedule, the conference presidents met to discuss how the season could be played. The meeting happened, but the discussion took a turn.

The day before, UConn announced it wouldn’t play the season. The Huskies were the first Football Bowl Division, or FBS, team to opt out of playing. Unfortunately for the MAC, another pack of Huskies were looking to follow UConn’s lead.

At the meeting, Northern Illinois president Lisa Freeman announced the Huskies would not play the season due to COVID-19 concerns. The conference hated the

tough decisions, or would it be criticized for throwing in the towel?

The vote was unanimous. The news broke early.

MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher called 2020 “annus horribilis,” or “horrible year” in Latin. Cromer told the students she was proud of their resilience. And coach Frank Solich promised that when the Bobcats take the field again, they would be ready.

END The MAC’s decision to cancel its fall football season sent shockwaves throughout college football. Days later the Big Ten and Pac 12 canceled their seasons. Steinbrecher became the face of canceled football, making appearances on CNN and other major news outlets.

The plan is for the MAC to return in the spring. Right now, those hopes are high. Teams will still be allowed to practice and prepare. Athletes have to hold their breaths for even longer to see if they’ll take the field.

look of one team opting out. A vote to cancel the season was brought to the table, but no decision was made. The presidents could have two more days to figure it out before another vote that Saturday.

AUG. 8, 2020 Two days was a lot to process the decision the MAC

was preparing to make. In the 74-year history of the conference, the MAC had never canceled its football season. If the vote to cancel the season went through, the MAC would be at the epicenter of following decisions made by other conferences in college football.

Would the MAC be praised for its ability to make the

@THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU @JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU

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Bobcat Esports continues to rise despite COVID-19 J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR When co-founders Ivy O’Shaughnessy and Kristofer Meyeres first created Bobcat Esports, two of their goals were to unite Ohio University’s gaming community and turn esports into a varsity sport.

Three years later — after starting in an Alden Library conference room — the student-run organization has evolved into the fastest growing program on Ohio University’s campus, and despite COVID-19, 2020 has still been a year of exponential growth for the organization.

In January, Ohio’s Board of Trustees approved a $650,000 plan to build an esports facility in Scripps Hall. Finally, gamers on campus would have a sanctuary where they could play. Before, players would meet up when they could, but most times would play online from their homes.

Players were also limited by dated equipment and a lack of strong communication. The resources from the new facility — a social gaming area, competition room, practice room and broadcast booth — will give Bobcat Esports an advantage.

“The new facility is going to be game-changing for us,” O’Shaughnessy said. “It’s going to make practice so efficient.”

Bobcat Esports was expected to begin the Fall Semester in the completed facility, but COVID-19 related delays pushed back the completion of the project to around spring of 2021.

That doesn’t mean Bobcat Esports won’t compete.

In fact, they’ll be the only ones playing.

In June, the Mid-American Conference announced a venture into esports with the Esports Collegiate Conference. The conference would play Overwatch and League of Legends in the spring, and titles being considered for the Fall are Rocket League, Fortnite, Super Smash Brothers, Madden and FIFA. The ESC is made up of all 12 MAC schools, including Ohio, but is a separate entity from the MAC. “The creation of Esports Collegiate represents the foresight of our presidents to establish a stand-alone competitive framework for collegiate esports competitors and enthusiasts,” MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher said in a press release.

It’s too bad there was no foresight into the following months.

When the MAC announced the postponement of all fall sports Aug. 8, a huge burden was placed on the ESC and Bobcat Esports. Without football and other sports, how could the university keep students engaged?

Try esports.

Without football, esports will be front and center for competitive entertainment. Thanks to online apps, people can tune into live matches being played.

Players don’t even have to be in the same room, and the show can continue.

“In a way, it’s actually helped us be a little more successful because the school is starting to rely on Bobcats Esports more,” O’Shaughnessy said. “It’s

helped us further our reach.”

Bobcat Esports won’t allow 2020 to be a let down.

Each year, the program has grown, and the organization expects to continue reaching for its initial goals of the year.

In 2017, when O’Shaughnessy and Meyeres first started with a plan to unite the gamers on campus, they knew they would need help from faculty.

Ohio University professor Paul Benedict, who had Meyeres as a student in the business cluster, had designed a university-wide challenge for students to pitch an even,t and the winner would get help to produce the event. Since the semester focus was video games, Meyeres’ pitch was perfect at the time.

What was even better was that Benedict agreed to be the adviser.

With the added help of Benedict and Jeffery Kuhn, instructional designer in the Office of Instructional Innovation and the GRID Lab, Bobcat Esports was able to quickly grow into what it’s become today.

“It was lightning quick,” Meyeres said. “We had constant meetings almost every week, if not multiple

times in a week, to discuss how fast we were growing and what we needed to do to keep that same pace.”

Unfortunately for this semester, meetings about growth will happen online, but that doesn’t mean the show won’t continue.

“Esports is here to stay,” Benedict said in an email.

“Both the industry and its role on Ohio University’s campus. It’s going to grow because everything that’s happened so far has been started by the students.

They made this all happen and will continue to drive it. Great change - whether at a university or in a nation - ALWAYS starts at the grassroots. I know it can be easy to be cynical (and 2020), but students need to know that they can have unbelievable power and make lasting impacts when they put their talents and passion to something.” @JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER 26 / AUG. 27, 2020

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SO LISTEN

What’s the deal with Mail-In Voting?

As the pandemic continues with no end in our near future, the 2020 Presidential Election looks uncertain. The most important aspect of our democracy--voting--may look a lot different this year. Usually voting occurs at your local polling precinct. You wait in line, are greeted by poll workers who help you sign in, and then you vote. You grab your sticker, walk out and carry on with your day, feeling patriotic and proud that your voice will be heard in the choosing of the leaders for our country.

Unfortunately, voting in person may not be feasible this election cycle. The Covid-19 pandemic may prevent polling places from operating the way they usually do. It may be difficult for polling places to properly social distance, especially when so many of those places are small community centers without adequate room to keep everyone six feet apart.

The solution that many Board of Elections is leaning towards is giving voters the option to vote by mail. Mail-In Voting is currently an option in only a few states, such as Oregon and Washington, who have been utilizing this option for decades, but it is not yet an option for all voters across every state.

Most states have the option of absentee voting, which is different from mail-in voting because to vote absentee, you must first request

highest voter turnout in the that a ballot be sent to you. Votentire country.” ers do not have to provide a reaThere have been specific son for which they are choosing instances of mail voter fraud, to vote absentee in most states; but statewide and national anyone is allowed to do it for any studies have shown that there reason. Some states though do is no evidence of widespread require voters to give a reason fraud. That’s not to say these that they are voting through mail instances are not incredibly instead of in person. With mailimportant as they are a direct in voting, a voting ballot is autothreat to our democracy. Any matically sent to every registered voter fraud is incredibly danvoter in the state, which is somegerous and could hurt our thing that originated in Oregon. MIKAYLA ROCHELLE election, but when we disLots of people who are in opcuss this issue we need to talk position to mail-in voting are is a senior studying about the facts, not just throw opposed because they believe journalism at around scary and hyperbolic that mail-in voting will cause Ohio University. statements that don’t speak voter fraud. President Trump to the truth of mail-in voting. himself has said that mail-in The truth is, mail-in voting and absentee ballots will cause the 2020 election to “be the voting both make our elections more accessimost RIGGED Election in our nation’s histoble. Since Election Day is not a holiday, many ry,” he said in a tweet in late June. people work during the time that the physical Looking at the amount of voter fraud in polls are open and they cannot make it to their Oregon since 1998, when it was voted in statepolling location. People that don’t have time wide by Oregon residents, we can see that in their day to physically vote should take adTrump’s claims are not backed up by facts. vantage of absentee voting or mail-in voting, The Oregon Secretary of State reported to The if their state is offering it as an option. During Hill that voting by mail is extremely secure a pandemic, it’s helpful and necessary to give and is the reason why Oregon has “one of the

voters an option to vote safely, with no fear of contracting Covid-19.

Unfortunately, due to the severity of this pandemic, the United States Postal System has faced several slow downs of mail processing. President Trump has said that he does not support funding the USPS because he believes that the mail-in ballots will be fraudulent and cause a fraudulent election, according to NPR. While he does not personally support giving this basic and constitutional commodity, he does say that he would sign a bill even if it includes funding to USPS. With the possibility of mail-in votes not getting in on time due to the USPS not having adequate funding right now, it might be a good choice to get in your vote early due to the mail slow downs. It is also a good idea to pay attention to what is going on currently with the state of the USPS. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those ofThe Post.

What are your thoughts? Tell Mikayla by tweeting her at @mikayla_roch.

UNCLE SAM

Wearing Facial Coverings On July 22, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a statewide order to wear masks in public places. Although far too late (more than half of the country had already mandated masking), this was the right thing to do. Over 150,000 Americans are dead because of COVID-19.

Given the bungling of the Trump Administration and the reality that a vaccine may still be months away, we must fully leverage all the tools we have to limit the spread of the virus and, in doing so, save American lives.

That is precisely why we should mandate wearing facial coverings. Our toolbox of defenses against the pandemic is rather limited in terms of prevention: we have gloves, hand washing, disinfectant chemicals, social distancing and masks.

This is nearly all we have between us and contracting a virus that kills between 3-5% of those who have it. That death rate may initially seem small, but it is cause for worry because we have no herd immunity against COVID-19 for the simple fact the virus is new.

Therefore, it follows that if you are exposed to COVID-19, without taking the preventative measures mentioned above, the question is not if you will contract the virus, but when. That means that, theoretically, if all 28 / AUG. 27, 2020

suggest that mask mandates 328 million Americans disdo not work is to renounce regarded our preventative science. It is to be confronttoolbox, everyone would get ed with facts and ignorantly the virus, and somewhere retort with, “No, I think I’ll between 9.8 and 16.4 million make my own rules.” Now, Americans would die. with the waters of misinforResearch suggests that mation around the merits of mask mandates work. In mask-wearing cleared, we Germany, the non-profit remust consider the other elsearch group IZA found that ement of confusion around mask mandates “reduced mandatory mask-wearing: the cumulative number of paranoia. This element of registered Covid-19 cases SAM SMITH narrow-mindedness is more between 2.3% and 13% over a sinister and more rooted in period of 10 days after they is a senior studying our collective minds. It is esbecame compulsory” and geography at pecially difficult to counter “the daily growth rate of reOhio University. because leaders at the highported infections by around est levels (I’m talking about 40%.” In a study of existing Trump, of course) have inmandates, Health Affairs concluded that “as many as 230,000–450,000 tentionally cultivated such skepticism for cases may have been averted due to these their own political and economic motives.

The reality of the matter is that there is no mandates by May 22.” That’s between 6,900 and 27,000 lives saved by mask mandates point in having governments in the first place through May 22 alone. Still, being that not all if they do not serve the wellbeing of their citof us are wearing masks, that number could izens. Mandating measures that objectively save lives – like wearing facial coverings – is and should have been much larger.

Let’s be clear: to refuse to wear a mask or an excellent way for governments to act for

the health of the public. Indeed, not mandating masks is negligent: it directly puts people’s lives at risk. Where governments aren’t willing to fulfill their role as defenders of public safety, then businesses should pick up the slack by mandating masks in their establishments. Fortunately, this seems to be an emergent trend.

Admittedly, no one necessarily likes wearing masks, myself included – it makes it hard to read faces, and they are uncomfortable, especially in the heat we’ve been subjected to lately. Still, feelings, weather and fearmongering don’t change the facts: masks save lives. Governments are only as good as the measures they take to serve and protect their citizens. Therefore, they have a duty to make masking mandatory.

Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Sam know by tweeting him @sambobsmith_.

Welcome Back Playlist 10 songs for your walk to class guitar line is so warm and homey.

BRE OFFENBERGER COPY CHIEF

“DISAPPEAR” BY BEABADOOBEE “Disappear” is the most blatantly desolate track on this list, but beabadoobee and her ethereal sound are good for any mood. The heavily reverbed guitar and atmospheric synths will take you to outer space as Beabodobee tries to sort her thoughts and figure out why she and her significant other are now over. Everyone can find something to relate to here, whether that deals with a broken relationship with former friends or lovers, and it’s done well all-around.

Whether you’re a music fanatic or merely turn it on for background noise, you know the power it holds. The right song can galvanize, soothe, enliven or, really, make us feel every emotion in the book. No matter where you are for Phase One, you need a good mix of bangers and comfort. Here is a playlist of 10 songs that, if given the chance, have the ability to make each day a good one: “THEME FROM (THIS IS) HEAVEN” BY YOUNG CULTURE The three-piece alternative rock group Young Culture made only one mistake with this track: it’s not long enough. Let these 82 seconds of pure serenity engulf you as an otherworldly acoustic guitar makes its way and frontman Alex Magnan reveals he’s found everything he’s ever wanted in his significant other. It’s perfect music to reflect to, and it has an immensely high replay value.

“KYOTO” BY PHOEBE BRIDGERS Whether it’s with her two bands, boygenius and Better Oblivion Community Center, or her solo music, indie-folk rocker Phoebe Bridgers continues to do everything flawlessly. Her latest album, Punisher, is 11 tracks of sheer perfection, with one of the most intriguing being the misleading “Kyoto.” The horns and electrifying drums make for an invigorating journey, but the lyrics, which are a mix of Bridgers’ experience with impostor syndrome and her rocky relationship with her father, make you think. It has a little something for every mood.

“LOSE SOMEBODY” BY KYGO, ONEREPUBLIC OneRepublic has been both breaking and mending our hearts ever since “Apologize” shot to international acclaim, but the group’s collaboration with Norwegian DJ Kygo on “Lose Somebody” takes it to another level.

Ryan Tedder’s vocals are like hot butter melting on a pancake, perfectly blending with the masterful production, as he provides a gentle reminder that you never really know what you had until you lose it. The track has rightfully made its way to the radio — because it’s going to get stuck in your head for days.

“CARRY THE ZERO” BY BUILT TO SPILL If you’re an enthusiast for drawn-out yet worthwhile guitar solos, this is the song for you. Frontman and guitarist Doug Martsch is confronting his special someone, promising if they don’t get it together, he’s prepared to leave them behind. He’s watched them become everything they used to hate, and he’s done trying to give help they won’t accept.

The guitar playing is executed flawlessly, though it almost seems to last forever.

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER “OK” BY WALLOWS The latest from indie rock trio Wallows, simply called “OK,” is the textbook definition of a feel-good banger. Alongside infectious synths and keys, co-vocalist Dylan Minnette dissects his newfound relationship, worrying every time he can’t get his significant other to divulge what they’re thinking. In the end, he knows it’s all love, and they can wake up tomorrow and start over. Validating insecurities respectfully and making a worthwhile song out of it? How could it get better?

“SHY” BY MELT If you don’t know soul pop band Melt, you should. The seven-piece is most well-known for its feel-good “Sour Candy,” but one of its

latest, “Shy,” is also to die for. Powerhouse lead vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer holds nothing back as she promises the one she loves that she’s all theirs but warns not to waste her time. If you don’t feel the need to dance to this even a little — the trumpet, the saxophone, the organ are all too good for this world — you’re wrong.

“INTRAPERSONAL” BY TURNOVER Besides the fact that Turnover’s entire Peripheral Vision album has an immaculate vibe that can’t be replicated, its concluding track, “Intrapersonal,” stands out in particular. Frontman Austin Getz knows everything, good and bad, happening in his life comes from what’s going on inside him.

Though the lyrics are quite melancholy, that

“COMFORT CROWD” BY CONAN GRAY Conan Gray’s debut LP, Kid Krow, in early 2020 restored the faith that music is in good hands. Its opener, “Comfort Crowd,” is the epitome of that. Gray’s airy vocals blend well with the soothing guitars as he discloses how much he needs his friends to get him through the inevitable rough patches of life. This song is also perfect for a road trip with your favorite people.

“I AM THE GREATEST” BY LOGIC Logic may have just retired from the industry, but his music won’t be forgotten any time soon. On arguably one of the greatest hype songs ever, Logic samples Muhammad Ali’s “I Am The Greatest” speech and “Fine For Now” by Grizzly Bear to help exemplify that he doesn’t care even a little about what others think of him. He knows he’s the best in his mind, and that’s all that matters. The beat on this track alone is enough to change lives.

@BRE_OFFENBERGER BO844517@OHIO.EDU

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9 things every freshman should know MADYSON LEWELLYN THE BEAT EDITOR So, you’re a freshman again. Scratch that, it’s the last time you’ll ever be a freshman again. This time around may be a little different and all the more daunting, but thankfully, there’s a few tips that will make it smooth sailing. The beauty of the first year of college is you get to start on a completely clean slate. Unlike high school, where the majority of your classes are filled with people you’ve known for years, college is where you can rebrand yourself and finally start your new, independent life.

You can find cliche freshman advice everywhere and from anyone, but it’s time to hear the tips beyond “go to class” and “don’t forget shower shoes!” While those are still both very important, here are 9 tips that will keep you thriving during your freshman year: NEVER LEAVE CLOTHES IN THE WASHER OR DRYER AFTER A CYCLE There’s no worse feeling than walking down to the laundry room 30 minutes after the washer ended, only to find your soaking wet clothes scattered all over the floor. Yes, people are that cruel. With only so many washers available to a full dorm of students, people will get impatient and throw clothes everywhere. To avoid this situation, make sure to set an alarm on your phone and be down to the laundry room a minute early. Pro tip: Don’t wait until Sunday to do loads of laundry like everyone else.

DON’T GO OVERBOARD ON THE CAFFEINE The caffeine cycle is a vicious one. There will be restless, sleepless nights that require a heavy dose of coffee the next day, but be careful. Once this becomes a habit, it’s easy to become dependent on caffeine to get through each and every day. A casual Red Bull here and there is needed sometimes but can easily turn into health problems when it becomes an everyday staple. If you need a boost daily, try occasionally swapping coffee for a caffeinated tea (such as black or green tea).

BUILD A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR ROOMMATE One of the most important relationships in college is the one you have with your roommate. While it’s always great to be besties with your roomie, the truth is most people don’t get that lucky. At the bare minimum, start out on the right foot by establishing mutual respect for eachother. It’s important to be cognizant about their study and sleeping habits and make sure they are aware of yours. Regardless of your differences, try to do activities together outside of your room in order to build a closer bond. Who knows, you might have found your best friend for life by the end of the year!

30 / AUG. 27, 2020

APPRECIATE THE CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME They always say count your blessings. That unexpected text notification that “you have a package at the mailroom” is one of them. Nothing beats the feeling of a heart-felt care package all the way from home, personalized with your favorite goodies or that one thing you forgot to pack, especially at a time when you need it most.

You never know the next time you’ll be so lucky to get one, so be sure to call home and graciously thank whoever took the time out of their day to send one to you.

THREE WORDS: GET. A. PLANNER. Balancing multiple classes can be a tough act, especially if you don’t have anywhere to organize all of the things you’re supposed to remember. Make life a little easier by investing in a planner! Dedicate Sunday nights to mapping out that week’s assignments and meetings so you have a clear visual of what the days ahead will look like.

In doing so, you’ll be able to not only be on top of your studies, but also find the gaps where you can make time for hobbies and other activities that will bring you happiness amid all the mayhem.

DON’T LET YOUR FRIENDS OR RELATIONSHIPS CONSUME YOUR LIFE It’s always nice to have a circle of people that you can count on or that special someone who gives you butterflies. At the same time, you can’t allow your life to revolve around that one factor. It can be fairly easy to get wrapped up in all the social events going on around you or that certain person who just won’t text you back.

Don’t forget the real reason you’re attending college: to build yourself and further your career for the future.

Parties and outings will come and go, but that assignment you have due at midnight has an expiration date.

Above all, make sure you are still putting in the work that will build your own credentials and resume far beyond the years in college.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME Simply put, you don’t need it. Parking on campus can be extremely pricey and can be easily avoided. Get to know campus more by taking walks and strolling around to find some of its most beautiful spots. It can also be hard to find time to work out during a busy week, but walking around will make sure you’re still getting your cardio in.

Long story short, you’ll save more money, and you’ll get your exercise daily. It’s a win-win situation.

SAY “YES” MORE OFTEN College is full of opportunities. If you say no to everything that is thrown your way, you will regret it. Think of some of your fondest moments and how most of them

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER would not exist if you had said “no” or blew off plans.

Laziness will set in at times, but make sure to open yourself to new experiences and activities. When people ask you to grab coffee or tag along for dinner at the dining hall, go. You never know who you’ll end up meeting or the connections you’ll make by simply saying “yes” to more things. If you are someone who has trouble meeting new people, saying “yes” more often will allow you to open yourself up to all the memories that will fill your college years.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. LET’S BE REAL. The most important priority when you first begin college? Your own mind. Without proper care, everything else can go downhill. Be grateful for the good moments when they come, but also take a breather when the bad ones come around. When you have a full schedule, it’s easy to become burnt out when you don’t take moments to check in with your own well-being. Morning classes can be tough for everyone, but waking up just 10 minutes earlier to prime yourself for the day will make all the difference. When times get stressful, make sure to always know it’s OK to walk away for a brief moment to clear your mind. Treat yourself to some meditation or a yoga class to give yourself an inner hug. Just breathe; you got this.

@MAADILEWELLYN ML203417@OHIO.EDU

7 ways to kickstart your year 7 ways to start off the school year right RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR It’s that time of year again. Classes are starting up, clubs are sending out schedules for their members and students are trying their best to get organized. Though COVID-19 has resulted in some huge changes for college life, there’s no reason you shouldn’t work extra hard to start the year off in the right way. Here are seven tips to improve your academic, social and personal life: MAKE A SHORT- AND LONG-TERM LIST Right off the bat, before you get any homework assignments or join any clubs, you should make a short-term goal list and a long-term goal list.

You can divide it however you want, but my suggestion would be to make the short-term focus on the semester, and the long-term could focus on either the full year or your full college experience. Setting goals is a great way to hold yourself accountable for what you’re aiming to accomplish during the year. It doesn’t have to be concrete — it can be a running list, but just starting one is extremely important.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Starting a new chapter as a freshman can be scary. Even if you’re an upperclassman who is used to the transition to college by now, it can still help with stability to have a tentative routine in place. Not only do routines act as a good motivator, but they can also help you to stay organized. Keep track of when you have classes, eat, work, exercise and, most importantly, schedule some personal time for yourself.

KEEP A TO-DO LIST AND A CALENDAR Another great method of organization is keeping a to-do list and a calendar. A to-do list is great for keeping track of day-to-day assignments, activities and responsibilities. A calendar is good to see upcoming assignment due dates or exam dates as well as organization events. Not only can it be fun for organization with decorations or buying fun planners, but if you’re like me, it’s also wildly satisfying to cross something off. If you don’t feel the need to buy a planner or a calendar, the Notes app on your cell phone works well for a to-do list, and Google Calendar is a lifesaver.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO PROFESSORS This is definitely the most cliche answer, but everyone should introduce themselves to their professors — if not just for the chance to have an ally in the (virtual) classroom, then for the chance to form a great mentor-relationship with that professor. If you’re uncomfortable introducing yourself to your professors, this is also a great exercise to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I can guarantee professors appreciate the interac-

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ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER tion and meeting new students every year, so take advantage of the opportunity.

MAKE FRIENDS Putting yourself out there with your professors will go far, but forming lasting friendships will go farther. You should try to make friends in the organizations you’re in and the classes you’re in for the chance to not only have someone to hang out with and study with during those occasions, but also to be people you can count on while navigating college life, especially online. Making friends on campus is a great motivator to stay at your school and not transfer, so be yourself and find your people. I can almost 100% promise you, there is someone for everyone at OU. GET AS INVOLVED AS YOU CAN I know, between introducing yourself to your professors and making new friends, you’re really putting yourself out there. But it’s important, especially when it comes to getting involved. Taking classes can only take you so far, but joining organizations can really be what fills your time at school with fun. You should try to not only join organizations that are beneficial to your major, but also organizations that give you the chance to have fun. The best part is, if there’s an organization that you want to join but it doesn’t exist at OU, you can create it with some friends.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF People like to preach self-care like it’s going out of style, but it really is important. Making sure you’re hygienically, physically and mentally taken care of is what will make or break your college career. Meditate to reflect on your experiences, wash your face to avoid breakouts and take some walks to get some exercise.

College is extremely overwhelming, but if you follow these steps to success and make sure you’re really taking care of yourself, you’ll get through it and be a better person thanks to it.

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU

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