The Sandspur Volume 125 Issue 5

Issue 5 • Volume 125 Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 www.thesandspur.org

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Students still unhappy with meal plan

By Heather Borochaner and Sydney Brown

C

hborochaner@rollins.edu

ampus dining has gone through a whirlwind of changes in the last two years, but according to a Sandspur survey, students are still unhappy.

In a campus-wide survey of 128 students, 60 percent of students had a negative view of the new swipe system. The survey was taken by primarily upperclassmen who were able to compare the new system to the the previous one. Only six percent of respondents were freshmen.

Approximately 54 percent of students responded that the

swipe system is what they disliked most about the new plan.

They much preferred when there was only one form of currency for food. Students noted the food quality as being the next thing they disliked.

Rather than paying a flat rate entrance fee, admittance to the Marketplace is now achieved by swiping in, a new feature as of this fall. The move from an entrance fee to swiping, which was implemented at the start of this semester, is the most notable change to the meal plan this year.

There are four different options to pick from for swipes per week: five, 10, 15, or unlimited swipes. There are three main

Faculty trained as Title IX resources

dining blocks during the day, with continuous hours during those blocks to bridge the time gap between each main meal.

If a student swipes to enter for breakfast, they can leave and return an unlimited amount of times within that same block. In The Sandspur’s survey, 57 percent of students said the service hours is what they like the most about the plan.

However, once the meal block changes, they must use another swipe for entry.

‣ See DINING Page 7 A majority of surveyed students liked the Campus Center’s new service hours. (Maria Cedano / Staff Photographer)

Plans made for softball locker room

More options for student outreach

By Cristina Toppin

S

ctoppin@rollins.edu

tudents with Title IX concerns can now approach more familiar faces, as the Office of Title IX has appointed six new deputy coordinators from various departments on campus.

In the absence of a Title IX director, students were directed to reach out to the Meghan Harte Weyant, assistant vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, with their concerns.

However, Weyant and Trish Moser, director of special projects for student affairs, recognized that students may feel more comfortable receiving support from staff members who they regularly interact with in different contexts.

“Oriana [Jimenez] served as a tremendous and valuable resource at Rollins. Having six new coordinators now expands the reach of the Title IX Office as well as increases accessibility,” said student Carla Daza (‘20) .

“I feel comfortable ap-

proaching any of the new Title IX coordinators, especially because I have formed relationships with some of them and interact with them around campus,” Daza added.

The new deputies include Abby Hollern and Destinee Lott, director and associate director of the Center for Inclusion and Campus Involvement, respectively; Whitney Horton, director of Accessibility Services; and Rebecca DeCesare, senior operations coordinator of Campus Safety.

Kourtnie Berry, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for women’s basketball, and Matt Hawks, assistant vice president (AVP) for Human Resources and Risk Management, round out the cohort.

Pennie Parker, director of Athletics, continues to serve as the Office’s deputy coordinator for gender equity in athletics.

‣ See TITLE IX Page 3

Without a locker room, the team keeps their belongings in the dugout. (Carolina Skillman / Staff Photographer)

By Kendall Clarke

P

kclarke1@rollins.edu

lans are officially in the works to give the softball team a locker room space. The team has been one of the only varsity programs at Rollins to not have a locker room since the program was founded in 1987.

A building outside the left field fence of the softball stadium has been leased by the college from the City of Winter Park,

and the inside will be renovated to create this new locker room space.

Over the summer, Pennie Parker, director of athletics, worked with the City of Winter Park on how to provide the softball team with a locker room space. Parker has reached an agreement with the City, resulting in the college leasing a building in Lake Island Park, which runs into the outfield fence of the team’s field. This building is located just outside of left field.

Michelle Frew, head coach of the softball team, said that the team is “over the moon” about the promise of available locker room space. “Our players will have a place to store their valuables during practices and games. It will also serve as a meeting place for the team.

Even more, we now have a place to take shelter during inclement weather.”

‣ See SOFTBALL Page 8

2 • September 27, 2018

Five observations from meeting the sailing team

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With a new head coach and vibrant team captains, the sailing team looks to expand their success. (Rollins Sports / Courtesy)

By Hali Reedy

1

hreedy@rollins.edu

Coach Dave Herbster (‘80) is a fresh face with a passion for sailing and may be the Tar’s ticket to winning competitive regattas.

Rollins alumnus Dave Herbster has taken over the sailing team after the retirement of coach Harry Smith. Elsewhere, Herbster has coached lacrosse, soccer, softball, and baseball before becoming head coach for the Tars.

He also previously worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. As a student at Rollins, Herbster earned degrees in Business Administration and Environmental Studies.

From growing up on the Chesapeake Bay, Herbster is more than familiar with water and boat safety. When asked why he chose to start sailing, he mentioned his favorite quote from Kenneth Grahame’s, Wind in the Willows: “there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half

so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

2. Captains of the team, Nick Baker (‘20) and Teagan Walsh (‘20) are more than ready for success for Rollins Sailing.

After three years of watching the team slowly expand and transform, Baker and Walsh seem to have a grasp of what the team is about, as they have both been sailing for over 10 years. Herbster describes his co-captains as “ambassadors for the team and folks to come into something here for.”

When Baker was discussing his and Walsh’s time at Rollins, he said, “Since freshmen, we have been changing the team of how we see fit.” Walsh said that her sailing start was as simple as “picking up the slack for when there wasn’t a coach anymore.”

3. The team hopes to compete in the conference and improve statistics.

The Tars are part of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association, in which they compete in different

regattas for the South Atlantic region. The women’s team placed ninth last week while sailing in their first competition in St. Petersburg, Fla. “I see an upward trend,” Baker said, when asked about changes from last year. “Not everyone has experience, but that’s kind of what we wanted.”

One of the biggest goals for the team is to “increase the newcomer’s confidence and integrate them with the competitors,” said Herbster. “The only way you get 15 kids to come out and say ‘I want to be part of this,’ is if your existing group has good chemistry and [is] setting a good role.”

4. The sailor’s dynamic with Coach Herbster appears to be well adjusted and right on track.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have great mentors in my life, so I like to think I’m paying it forward,” Herbster said, with a smile on his face. “I chose this job for the chance to come back to my alma mater and for the challenge of coaching.”

The Tars are looking for-

ward to what Herbster brings to the team with his passion for the sport.

5. Rollins Sailing is approaching its peak level.

As 15 new members have joined the 2018 sailing team, the Tars seem to be at capacity, which for many is surprising.

Only two years ago, Baker remembered having to sit out competitions and regattas because of too few sailors. With the additions to the team, Baker noticed that Rollins’ support has been significantly better this year, even though “a lot of students don’t know about sailing on campus,” he said. “That could change… I would love to see a sailing shirt in the bookstore.”

This Saturday, the team will be competing in the South Points Regatta at Jacksonville. Be sure to wish your fellow Tars good luck and show your support. For more information on the Rollins sailing team, visit rollinsports. com.

3

Voting simulator

familiarizes students

By Caroline Klouse

cklouse@rollins.edu

W

ith midterm elections approaching, students will have the opportunity to test out their vote through the first ever Living Learning Community (LLC) Voting Simulator.

Coming to campus Oct. 2, the simulator will provide information about voter registration and the voting process, and offer information on the candidates that will be on the ballot in November.

This event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on the first floor of Ward Hall.

Students will use iPads to learn about the candidates for governor, senate, and the district 7 U.S. House of Representatives.

The event will focus on these positions because these candidates “generate the most publicity and have the most recognition and power among all of the races,” said Frances Asbury (‘19), a coordinator of the Democracy Project, which is co-hosting the event.

“The main purpose is to demystify the experience, and students can expect to leave with more confidence in the process, and a better idea of the candidates and issues at hand,” Asbury said.

The simulation is a team effort from the Democracy Project, the Office of Residential Life of Explorations, and the LLC to inform first-year students at Rollins, who are likely new to the voting process, about which candidates are running in the November midterm elections and how to participate in the democratic process.

Asbury and Skylar Knight (‘19), fellow coordinator of the Democracy Project, credited Luisa De Guzman, assistant director of Residential Life and Explorations and the LLC coordinator at Rollins; and Dr. MacKenzie Moon Ryan, faculty director of the LLC program, for being instrumental in organizing the event.

De Guzman enthusiastically attested to the significance of this event, as it is the first time in a while that all three organizations will be collaborating with one another.

There will also be resources provided to help teach students about the voting process, such

as sample ballots. Knight said, “Students will learn about accepted forms of identification, general layout of the ballots, and the candidates and amendments on the ballot.”

The voter registration deadline for the Florida November election is Oct. 9, and De Guzman said that there will also be members from the Democracy Project at the event to help students register to vote.

Asbury explained that this event is different from the other monthly voter registration drives hosted by the Democracy Project because the primary goal of a registration drive “is to register as many students as possible,” whereas the goal for the LLC Voting Simulation is to “educate first-years, who may be more unfamiliar with Florida politics, and who probably have not voted in a national election before, in the voting process as well as the candidates and amendments up for election.”

Knight added that the voter registration drives allow for students to be “equipped with the means to vote,” but at the simulation students can continue to learn and be provided with the opportunity to “have a simulated experience of the actual voting process.”

If students want to register to vote at the LLC Voting Simulation, Asbury said that all they will need is a “valid Florida ID card or the last four digits of their social security card.”

Asbury added that the LLC Voting Simulation event, like other Democracy Project events, is done in an attempt to “exceed the 40 percent mark,” which is the typical national turnout rate for midterm elections, and to “get half of eligible students to the polls on or before Election Day.” According to De Guzman, the LLC Voting Simulation will be a time filled with “snacks and celebration of the fact that we have this amazing privilege to vote for who is in office.”

Asbury mirrored De Guzman’s enthusiasm and said that everyone involved in the organization of the event “highly encourage[s] anyone who may have questions about voting, or any remote interest in the event to come join.”

‣ TITLE IX

Continued from page 1 The deputy selection process began during former-coordinator Oriana Jiménez’s tenure at Rollins. Jiménez, Harte Weyant, and the Office of Student Affairs named candidates this summer.

The “handful of people” that declined the position cited their existing workload as a concern, according to Weyant.

Moser identified “building capacity on our campus” as an important objective in increasing the Office’s staff. The selection team wanted to ensure that the office would remain accessible to students in case the coordinator could not be reached.

Candidates were also chosen based on their capacity for student advocacy and engagement.

The new deputies “are connected to groups of students who may really benefit from having a deputy,” Weyant said.

Niles Shajee (‘20) said, “For me personally, I would feel more comfortable approaching Destinee [Lott] or Abby [Hollern] simply because I have a close relationship with them and talking to them about Title IX issues

would feel less awkward. But I feel like if someone were to be close to the other coordinators they would be able to feel comfortable talking to them as well.”

New deputies joined Jimenez, Weyant, Moser, and Amanda Serpa, Office of Title IX Program specialist, in July for a half-day of training. They reviewed trauma-based response tactics, Rollins’ updated Title IX policy, and how to be transparent with the student body.

“We really sat as a deputy coordinator group and thought through what does it mean to take reports, how do we take reports thoughtfully...we’re not making any decisions, we’re just being able to take those reports and be able to disseminate that information up to interim director [Weyant],” Lott said.

According to Lott, deputies also overviewed “being able to be really compassionate, and thinking through what is all of the information that we need if a student is reporting, and how do we make sure we get all of that information in the front end to make it as easy as a process as possible in sometimes a really difficult situation.”

New deputies are set to complete monthly training sessions until a new coordinator is named this fall semester. Weyant, who currently serves as the interim coordinator, indicated that training initiatives may still be held after then. Nonetheless, Weyant firmly believed that the deputies are prepared to serve their new positions: “They don’t see this as just an add-on.”

Ultimately, Weyant wanted students to feel more encouraged to voice any Title IX needs, hoping that this deputy cohort will “open up a new set of options for both reporting and responding parties about who they can connect with.” Furthermore, Weyant is open to any student suggestions for other new deputies.

While the Office of Title IX continues to search for a new director, its on-campus presence continues to spread. Section III of Rollins’ Title IX policy—which may be accessed through the college’s website—contains each deputy coordinator’s contact information.

Students with urgent Title IX needs may still contact titleix@ rollins.edu or (407) 691-1773.

4 OPINION

Too soon to cast judgment on Kavanaugh

protecting his nomination. But which party is backing the right horse?

Ford claims that the incident occurred in Maryland, where she was groped against her will by a drunken teenage Kavanaugh. After researching the state’s sexual assault laws, I found that Maryland considers such sexual misconduct as a fourth degree sexual offense. This specific crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by state law, defined by inappropriate and nonconsensual sexual contact.

In other words, Kavanaugh is accused of a state, not federal, crime. So why is Ford demanding that the FBI investigate the scandal when it has absolutely zero jurisdiction to do so?

The Herbst Firm, a criminal justice attorney in Maryland, recognizes that such sexual misconduct is serious, but it is completely different from a rape accusation: “This [fourth degree

sexual] offense does not include common friendly affection, and it does not include any type of penetration, as that would fall under a more serious crime.”

The reason I stress that Kavanaugh is being examined for a misdemeanor and not a federal offense is because commentators are comparing the 1990s’ Clarence Thomas incident with the potential Justice’s. However, they are completely different beasts: Thomas was accused of raping a federal employee while Kavanaugh is accused of a fourth degree sexual offense. While the line between the two may seem blurred, Thomas’ allegation was much more serious, as he could have committed a felony.

Additionally, the statute of limitations, or the amount of time a plaintiff has to make a lawsuit, for a fourth degree sexual offense is one year. It’s been 35.

If we are giving Ford the benefit of the doubt, she should have reported the unfortunate incident to state officials within months in order to claim justice. After a year, though, she cannot legally prosecute Kavanaugh.

What Ford is accusing Kavanaugh of would ruin his reputation if he is found guilty.

Before the allegation, Americans regarded him as a relatable family man. Now, however, his persona is being scrutinized and questioned, and rightfully so; committing such an act would show that Kavanaugh is impulsive, reckless, and an objectifier of women. While I believe he should be held morally accountable if found guilty, he cannot

legally be deemed a criminal. It is impossible according to federal law.

If we are not trying to determine Kavanaugh’s criminality, then, we are determining whether he deserves to have a seat in the Supreme Court.

The first time Ford talked about the incident was in a couple’s therapy session in 2012. The therapist’s notes from the session hold discrepancies from Ford’s current story. She also does not know exactly where the incident occurred nor who exactly could have been witnesses. She cannot provide key details, since memory evades her.

The fact is that, over 35 years, memories shift and truths fade.

A 35-year-old memory can never be considered reliable. Without sufficient evidence, and without a proper hearing, how can we possibly condemn a man for an over-three-decade-old misdemeanor?

Ford’s motives could be darkened by the fact that, through her offense team, she is directly affiliated with anti-Kavanaugh ties. For instance, her attorney is Debra Katz, vice chair of Project on Government Oversight, an organization funded by George Soros (a progressive billionaire). Katz’s strong ties to Soros have made her a substantial Democratic donor; she has also marched in several Anti-Trump demonstrations and has an advisor that has worked for Democratic candidates such as Biden, Clinton, and Obama.

The most shocking piece of information, though, is that

Katz’s money trail can be easily followed to anti-Kavanaugh campaigns. The group Demand Justice, who vowed to spend $5 million to stop Kavanaugh’s confirmation, gets its money from the Sixteen Thirty fund, which in turn received $2.2 million from a Soros-funded organization chaired by Ford’s own lawyer, Katz herself. In other words, Ford’s attorney Debra Katz is deeply and financially embedded in leftist politics, so it would make sense that she would want to work to stop Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Ford may have three different motives: she could want to prevent Kavanaugh from being a Supreme Court Justice; she could want to stand up for herself and other women; or she could have a mix of both intentions. As of right now, Ford has decided to testify in front of the Senate on Thursday along with heavy conditions, and we cannot make any definitive opinions until she decides to testify. Our country’s judiciary heavily depends on any information that only she can provide this week.

We are living in a muddled world where people are guilty until proven innocent, where people make up their minds before reading the facts. All I am asking is that you, readers of this article, do not simply believe everything you hear without proper evidence. In either case, America will have to wait for the air to be cleared on Thursday, when Ford emerges from the shadows and finally testifies before her country.

message affected me quite a bit.

I know I am not the only student who has experienced gun violence so close to home. So, when this message was sent I, like so many others, fell into a scramble for more information.

First-years, like myself, have yet to get used to the R-Alert system. So, when a text message is sent out with a warning like the one from Monday afternoon, the initial reaction is one of disbelief.

It didn’t feel real at first. I have been here for a month and already a lockdown?

Then, the reality of the situation began to process as a series of thoughts and questions ran through my mind: “Is this serious?” or “Is this a drill?” turns quickly into “Even if it’s not seri-

ous, I should act like it is.”

Once the potential severity of the situation takes, the fear sets in.

Texts from friends flow in faster than security alerts, and rumors start to spread. Theories abound from there: from unconfirmed and unsupported locations of the gunman, to his motive, to a dozen different accounts of the incident itself.

Lasting about two hours, the lockdown dragged on as students and faculty could do nothing but wait. Students like Mariah Haskell (‘22) mentioned the increasing frustration of sitting around with no new information while others were not taking the lockdown as seriously.

According to Ken Miller, as-

sistant vice president of public safety, said, “Rollins was notified of the incident on Monday afternoon by Winter Park Police.”

Miller said that protecting the students, faculty, and everyone else on campus is his first priority, so when the Winter Park Emergency Dispatch Center told campus security to lock down the campus, they did so before asking any more questions.

While the official story was eventually released, I still had a very specific concern regarding campus security: why the lockdown was lifted before the suspect had been caught.

As to why, Miller said that Winter Park Police remained at the crime scene as well as the surrounding areas, searching for

the perpetrator. “Our decision at that time was entirely consistent with the direction that was provided,” said Miller. He also wanted to inform students that next week he will send out a series of frequently asked questions regarding how the R-Alert system works to “continually learn and try to improve our processes.”

Living in fear and paranoia is the opposite of a solution when it comes to acts of violence like this. Proper safety precautions are in place to protect this campus from such an event. This incident came and went without bringing danger to the campus itself, but did bring it too close for comfort. Be safe.

Misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh result in protests. (Google Images/ Courtesy)

By Hannah Butcher

C

hbutcher@rollins.edu

rises occurring under the Trump Administration have never failed to mystify America. This week, the Senate is especially baffled by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s scandal, especially since Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her during a high school house party, refused to testify under oath until just recently.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans are helping to unravel the mystery of Kavanaugh’s impending guilt or innocence.

Polarization has strengthened significantly in response to the allegations: anti-Trumpers have sided with Ford, averse to the idea of a conservative serving for life in the Supreme Court, and Pro-Trumpers have stubbornly stood by Kavanaugh’s side,

Students need more information during lockdowns

By Annie Murray-Campbell.

amurraycampbell@rollins.edu

“

A shelter in place notification is in effect. Go into the nearest room and lock the door. Await further information.”

Last week, this R-Alert message was sent campus-wide in response to a shooting and robbery a mile away from campus.

No student ever wants to receive a security alert from their school about an active threat.

With shootings happening in apparently any place at any time, the minimal information turns to fear very quickly.

After living through the tragedy in my hometown of Parkland, receiving this text

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College.

5 OPINION Letter to the Editor: Discrimination has no place on campus

Graphic by Anastasia Rooke

By Sianna Boschetti and Kalli Joslin

I

sboschetti@rollins.edu kjoslin@rollins.edu

n a March 21, 2013 Sandspur article by Scott Novak (‘16), former Rollins College President Lewis Duncan said, “[InterVarsity] cannot be an official Rollins organization if they do not abide by the institution’s nondiscrimination policy. That doesn’t apply just to them. It applies to every other organization and official Rollins’ activity on campus.”

Sabrina Kent (’15), former president of Rollins Spectrum and now chief of staff of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., was an LGBTQ student on campus at the time that InterVarsity was derecognized.

“When this was happening, those, to me, are what I look back on as some very dark times at Rollins,” Kent said in a phone interview. “I’m just sad to see that six years later, we’re still having this conversation.”

Last week, in a Sandspur article by Ellie Rushing (‘19), current President Grant Cornwell said that while the non-discrimination policy “has merit,” “Maybe it isn’t perfectly worded, but the sentiments and principles are

core to our mission and very important to me.”

As seen in last week’s issue of The Sandspur, the debate over Cru’s recognition at Rollins has had its share of controversy. However, by disregarding the dire future implications and mental health effects of approved discrimination, the Rollins community runs the risk of taking massive steps back in its attempts to ensure student well-being.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Christian organizations, and Christian students deserve to have a space on campus where they feel welcomed and supported. However, as Rushing noted, three Christian student organizations at Rollins already exist and abide by the school’s non-discrimination policy: Leaders United in Christ (LUX), Rollins Catholic Campus Ministry (RCCM), and Every Nation Campus Ministries.

Others have come and gone in the time since the InterVarsity debacle; one, named Canterbury Club, had Episcopalian roots, and alumna Micah Bradley (‘17) participated in their services during her time at Rollins.

Now attending Vanderbilt University Law School, Bradley is not supportive of the potential change to the nondiscrimination policy. “If students seek a reli-

gious environment that excludes other students, they should be encouraged to look for these resources off campus,” she said via email. “There are many churches and potential meeting places that a group such as this could meet (as InterVarsity has supposedly done). The campus should remain an open, inclusive place.”

Despite these other Christian organizations, Cru hopefuls continue to insist on a space where they can specifically prevent LGBTQ students of faith from becoming leaders.

It is also important to note that if the non-discrimination policy were altered to accommodate Cru, Rollins would actually be funding discrimination on its campus. Each student organization receives $100 per semester for attending training sessions hosted by the Center for Inclusion and Campus Involvement.

“I think, ultimately, you can’t pride yourself on being a place of inclusivity and acceptance for all and not live those values for every single one of your students,” Kent said. “There are ways to be able to allow people to practice their religion without discriminating against other people and causing harm.”

As Kent noted, we cannot ignore the harm caused to LGBTQ students placed at the crossroads of spirituality and sexuality.

In 2013, Grace Loescher (‘14), the student asked to leave InterVarsity, wrote about her experience in a Sandspur article.

Loescher wrote, “I was utterly blindsided when I was called in to meet with the InterVarsity organization leaders and fired from my position because of my involvement in a same-sex relationship. When I was told I had no choice but to step down from my leadership position in InterVarsity, I knew it didn’t come from a place of hate, but it was also the most unloved, dejected, and alone I’ve ever felt.”

Claiming that sexuality and spirituality are mutually exclusive has been a common theme in this debate. For example, in last week’s opinion piece by Hannah Butcher (‘21), in which she compared an LGBTQ student wanting to be a faith leader in Cru to a Democrat wanting to lead a Republican club.

Disregarding the fact that political affiliation is not a protected identity under the Rollins non-discrimination policy, it is entirely possible to be an LGBTQ Christian whereas it is not possible to be both a Republican and a Democrat. Students like Loescher should not be made to choose between two equally important parts of their identities.

We are right to question President Cornwell’s reluctance

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College.

to stand up for students who have historically been discriminated against both on and off campus. In today’s sociopolitical climate, his centrist, noncommittal stance on this issue could be the key to a Pandora’s box of Rollins-approved discrimination against LGBTQ students that should have been closed long ago.

We have asked concerned students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to write President Cornwell with their concerns, urging him to decide against allowing Cru on campus.

We have started an email campaign and the hashtag #TarsDontDiscriminate across social media to demonstrate that the Rollins community will not stand for discrimination. If you want to learn more about #TarsDontDiscriminate, you can use the QR code below.

6

Winter Park celebrates Asian culture Appreciating China Club’s Moon Festival, Enzian Theater’s South Asian Film Festival

The Rollins China Club meets to discuss plans for their upcoming event, the Moon Festival. this is just one way students can embrace South Asian culture in Winter Park.

(Curtis Shaffer / Staff Photographer)

By Noelle Wamsley nwamsley@rollins.edu

A

number of events related to various Asian cultures are coming to the Winter Park area.

These events will give students a chance to immerse themselves in age-old traditions through crafts, food, and entertainment. The festivities begin with the China Club’s Moon Festival followed by the South Asian Film Festival from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Enzian Theater.

This year’s Moon Festival was held on Bush Lawn, Sept. 26 from 6-8 p.m. It included traditional Chinese food and drinks, including King Bao and the festival’s famous mooncakes, which are characteristic of the Mid-Autumn Festival and range in various flavors depending on the region.

One of the most famous legends associated with the holiday is that of Chang’e Flying to the Moon. The story goes that there were 10 suns in the sky, bearing down so much heat that the earth was burning.

An archer named Hou Yi shot nine of them out of the sky in order to save the people of Earth. For his good deeds, the Western Queen Mother gifted him an elixir for immortality.

One night, the elixir was almost stolen until Yi’s wife, Chang’e, forced herself to drink it, knowing she would be separated from him forever. She flew to the moon, where she would live out eternity.

Hou Yi prayed to the moon in her honor, never to see her again. In this sense, the moon represented lost time with a lover, hence its symbolic importance in the festival.

“The moon cakes are round, symbolizing the reunion of a family… people present mooncakes to relatives and friends to demonstrate that they wish them a long and happy life,” said China Club President Chu Chu (‘19).

The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is deeply rooted in representing the change of seasons, a time of giving thanks and appreciation to loved ones. Neighborhoods can be seen filled with lan-

terns, while some regions host dragon and lion dances.

“Every year, on the day of Mid-Autumn Festival, it is said that the moon is the brightest and roundest, representing family reunions… for families and friends to gather around and to give thanks to the harvest of the year,” said Chu. Students could also participate in do-it-yourself lantern projects and traditional Chinese puzzle solving.

This is one of the many events the China Club has in store for the Rollins community.

Throughout the year, the club will provide many opportunities for students to learn about East Asian culture, including research programs and alumni guest speakers who work in China.

“Our club aims to immerse the Rollins community with Chinese culture…we intend to further develop our events to be more educational and practical,” Chu said.

In honor of celebrating unity, the China Club “aims to celebrate this special holiday together with the Rollins’ students and

staffs, so as to increase diversity and inclusion on campus as well as to spread the Chinese culture and customs to our community,” Chu said.

Outside of Rollins, but just down the street, the Enzian Theater, a non-profit local theater located at 1300 Orange Ave., will host the South Asian Film Festival as part of its Cultural Festival Circuit.

The festival will open with films addressing hot-button topics, like climate change and HIV, that are rooted within the Indian subcontinent.

Movie-goers can also try items from the special South Asian menu that will be offered throughout the festival’s run. Individual tickets are $11 each or an entire series pass can be purchased for $50.

The festival is partnered with the Asian Cultural Association (ACA) located in Orlando, whose mission statement is displayed as seeking to “increase awareness of these traditions among Asian and non-Asian audiences in an effort to advance and preserve their continued ex-

istence in the modern world.”

This will be the festival’s 24th year; it first began when ACA approached Enzian about “starting a film series or mini-festival highlighting independent South Asian cinema that was different from the usual Bollywood fare that was getting screened in communities with larger Indian populations across the U.S.,” said Matthew Curtis, Enzian program coordinator.

Enzian is an independent theater that is a host to many special screening events that take place throughout the year including the Jewish Film Festival, the Florida Film festival, the Reel Representation Diversity in Film festival, and other themes offered each month.

The theater supports the use of film as a platform for the diverse voices in the Orlando area, believing “cinema to be a window to the world, providing local audiences the opportunity to experience other cultures and unique voices that they likely don’t encounter in their day-today lives,” Curtis said.

7

Student Government welcomes new officers Newly elected members are eager to make an impact By: Heather Borochaner

R

hborochaner@rollins.edu

ollins’ Student Government Association (SGA) election results are in.

Votes have been cast and counted for new Executive Board members, Holt senators, senate representatives for each student year, and senators who will represent campus offices and organizations.

The SGA Executive Board, which consists of chairs who represent different departments of the school, such as Financing, Events and Student Life, will now be occupied by Bria Pallas (‘19), Brock Simmons-Barfield (‘20), Carla Daza (‘19), Greg Taicher (‘19), Isabella Braga (‘19), Jaime Becker (‘20), Jawaad Khanani (‘20), Matthew Weiner (‘20HH), Maxim Zarudnyy (‘20), and Nam Nguyen (‘20).

The Holt Senators are Gabriela Zacarias (‘20HH), Manny Rodriguez (‘21HH), Madi Kress (‘20HH), and Max Castrillon (‘19HH). “I hope to bring representation and a voice to the needs of our Holt students,” said Kress.

Elected Senior senators are Jocelyn Fritzsche (‘19), Camilla Delfino (‘19), Nikki Phelan (‘19), and Lauren Pearce (‘19).

“I intend on listening to the voices of my peers and relaying this information to the rest of SGA,” said Fritzsche. “I hope to make a difference and promote inclusion and leadership.”

Fritzsche has been a part of student government since she was in high school and was a junior senator last year.

Those who will be representing the junior class as senators are Cory McNichol (‘21), Sydney Brown (‘20), Ahmed Rashid (‘20), and Aaron Villanueva (‘20).

The Sophomore senators include Harrison Loew (‘21), Hali Reedy (‘21), Kailey Boltruczyk (‘21), and Cameron Peterson (‘21).

Freshman senators are Durston Gagliano (‘22), Jack Gabriel (‘22), Kyla Snow (‘22), and Avi Chalasani (‘22).

Chalasani said, “My main in-

tention [as senator] is to voice out the opinions for the freshmen class. I’d like to make an easy communication channel for the students and the freshmen senators, so they can get through to us at any time and we can respond to them.”

Chalasani said, “I’ve been part of student government since freshman year in high school representing different positions.

I decided to run because I have always had a strong passion for student government. I simply wanted to make a difference of any sort.”

The Senate representative for the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement is Bridget Gorman (‘21).

Representing Student Wellness is Sam Alvarez (‘20).

For Accessibility Services, Lauren Bishop (‘19).

For Fraternity & Sorority Life, Pilar Macias (‘22).

For Residential Life & Explorations, Savannah Watermeier (‘20).

Kalli Joslin (‘19) will represent LGBTQ+ Advocacy. “As LGBTQ+ Advocacy senator this year, I’d really like to see improvements made to the number of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus and education that RA’s, peer mentors, house managers, and incoming students receive in relation to gender and sexuality,” said Joslin.

“This is my first time on student government, but I was really excited to see the work that Ryan Marini and Lou Bester put into this position over the last few years, and I’m really glad to finally have the time to dedicate to it this year,” she said.

Joslin has spent the last two years as Spectrum’s co-president, hosting social and community-based events. “I wanted to turn my focus in my senior year more towards advocacy and change that will benefit the LGBTQ+ students and allies at Rollins,” she said.

In Student Media, Jessica Gonzalez (‘21) is the elected representative.

Caroline Klouse (‘21) was chosen to represent International

Affairs.

Joey Huttman (‘22) will represent Student Athletes.

Career & Life Planning has gained Caroline Powell (‘21) as a representative. “As the Career and Life Planning Organizational senator, I hope to continue to bring my passion and skills form high school into this new college environment,” Powell said.

“I am looking forward to working with the CCLP office to help bring news and updates to the Rollins students on how to succeed academically and in their future careers!” she said Powell was treasurer in her senior class in high school as well as a model legislator for two years. For her work, she was honored by her State House and given an award for high leadership qualities as a high school senior.

“I decided to run for office because I missed working with students and helping others as I did in my high school student government association,” she said. “I am truly looking forward to starting my passion up again, and can’t wait to bring about some positive change in the upcoming year!”

Senate meetings are held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Bieberbach-Reed room in the Cornell Campus Center, and all students are welcome to attend and listen to upcoming plans or to voice their own ideas.

“A team is what makes a leader and I can proudly say that the team comprised of all our new senators consists of the most intrinsically motivated students who wish to bring positive changes onto this campus,” said Nagina Chaudhry (‘19), student body president.

“I hope Greg [Taicher] and I are able to serve as proper role models through our actions by stressing collaboration over competition. In the end, this should be a positive learning experience for everyone, and I am very excited to roll out the fox plan with this team,” he said.

Students can swipe in multiple times each time block. (Maria Cedano / Staff Photographer)

‣ DINING

Continued from page 1 Purchases made at other on-campus dining options are now deducted from students’ dining dollars or TarBUC$ funds.

According to the responses received from the survey, the five and 10 swipes meal plans are among the most popular. One of the biggest critiques among students in regard to the five and 10 block plans is that they do not have enough swipes each week.

“Unfortunately,” said Maurice Maduro, a graduate student working at Dining Services, “meal blocks do not roll over.

They reset every Monday morning.”

With switching to the swipe system, the amount of funds allocated toward cafe purchases has seemingly decreased. In theory, this new method is meant to encourage students with a meal plan to eat at the Marketplace more often than at on-campus cafes. In practice, students are noticing a lack of variety in their daily meals.

“I dislike how [Dining Services] made meal blocks and dining dollars separate. If you have to pay $10 to get into the Marketplace when your dining blocks run out for the week, why not just have dining dollars instead of having two separate forms of currency? It is much more confusing,” said Landon Higginbotham (‘22).

In the anonymous survey, some students left customized answers relating to their con-

cerns with the meal plan. One observation was that most students do not return to the Campus Center multiple times during the same block, making them feel like they are paying more money for the same meal plan they had last year.

Some students, though, do have favorable opinions of the new dining plan. Emma Morgan (‘21) said, “I’m in favor of the new system, despite recognizing some of its flaws, because it provides much flexibility for students throughout the day. I feel as though it helps me budget more effectively, both timewise and financially.”

Guests and off-campus students without meal plans can use an on-campus student’s guest pass.

Students with the five block plan are alloted five guest passes per semester, and students with the 10, 15, and unlimited block plans are allotted 10 guest passes per semester.

At this time, students are unable to change their block plan; the deadline to switch meal plans was Sept. 6.

“To check how many swipes you have left for the week, students can email rcard@rollins. edu for information. Dining Services is currently working on a mobile solution and a way for students to determine it [amount of swipes left] on location in the Marketplace,” said Maduro.

This is the second year in a row Rollins has made major dining plan changes, and still there is no major satisfaction.

8

Conference teams bring end to soccer’s win streak After two losses, men’s soccer looks on to rest of season

Stefan Avram (front) hugged Damian Clarke as last week’s game entered its final minutes. (Curtis Shaffer / Staff Photographer)

By Henri Balla

T

hballa@rollins.edu

he Barker Family Stadium sinks to an uncomfortable and atypical silence in the wait of Stefan Avram’s (‘19) penalty kick.

Avram produces a fine shot, only to be denied by a heroic save of the second Rollins penalty in the second half. The score stays 0-1 with Barry in the lead, until the final whistle signifies the men’s soccer team’s second conference loss in the last five days.

“Penalties are one of those

‣ SOFTBALL

Continued from page 1 Frew said that because the softball field is located at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which is property of the City of Winter Park, they have faced many

things: if it goes in, you’re a hero; but if the goalie guesses the right way, then it’s really tough to redeem that. If you miss two penalties, it’s going to be really tough to win a game,” said center-back Frank Barry (‘19).

Despite a rough start to Saturday’s game, Rollins gradually found their rhythm during the first half and flirted with the goal on more than one occasion.

The Tars dominated the Bucs in terms of shots and corners, forcing eight saves, yet the lack of efficiency in the final third came back to haunt them.

Dominic Adomakoh (‘21),

significantly involved in the attack, admitted, “[It was] two good teams playing, I think we had our opportunities, but in the end, it was the one-goal difference really. They held on to it, we had our chances, but sometimes it just goes that way.”

It was a heavily-battled contest, with 31 fouls overall and occasional controversy. The loss was the second one in as many conference games for Rollins, after Wednesday’s 0-2 defeat to the Florida Southern Mocs.

However, many who were present in both games complimented the team’s improvement

from one game to the other.

The Tars will aim to return to their winning ways in this week’s matches. On Wednesday, Rollins hosts Lynn University in Winter Park, and then they set off to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday to play against Nova Southeastern University.

The idea that Conference opponents may be too much for the Tars was easily dismissed

by Adomakoh. “We just know that we’ll play good teams every week,” he said, emphasizing that the decisive factor is not the level of the opposition, but the performance of the Tars.

“I don’t think it is much of a difference from the likes of Wingate or Regis that we have played against,” he said. “I think it is more about us and being prepared for the opposition.”

obstacles in trying to conduct renovations to the field and surrounding buildings.

The locker room plans come after countless cries for help from the team. Last fall, The Sandpsur reported that players’ belongings were being stolen from the field.

Then, in February, a gun was fired behind the field as the team was practicing. Players have also submitted articles and met with administrators regarding their concerns.

The College and the Athletic Department did not get back to

The Sandspur regarding further details on when these renovations will be completed or their cost.

When asked for details about the renovation of a locker room space for the softball team, Nate Weyant, assistant athletic

director for strategic communications, said “the College and Athletic Department are actively pursuing ways to improve the student-athlete experience at the softball stadium and all our athletic facilities.”

Upcoming games: Away: 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.

29 at Nova Southeastern Home: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 against Tampa Away: 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Palm Beach Atlantic