February 18, 2025 Volume 99 | Issue 10
Cover Photo By: Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
CHECKING IN ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT WSU
By ALFONSO RUBIO Asst. Editor
Schooling can be a very overwhelming and stressful experience, and living and adapting to a new country is a challenge in itself. Combining these stressors is the reality for 832 Weber State University students.
Adjusting to cultural norms, language barriers and finding resources are just a few challenges international students face.
“My stress has eased up a lot compared to when I first came here, but I still feel stressed a lot,” international student Shota Muraishi said.
The fall semester saw a huge increase in international students, introducing 372 new students seeking higher education in the United States, most of
whom arrived from Nepal.
Becoming an international student is already difficult, involving enrollment, transcript evaluation and testing the students’ English proficiency requirements.
Students interested in WSU must first apply to the Masters of Science in Athletic Training program through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System; the priority application deadline for next fall semester is Dec. 15, the year before. ATCAS will charge $96 for the first program applied for and $55 for each additional program, although applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver.
The next step for international students is a transcript evaluation. Students are required to have their credits evaluated by a Foreign Credential Eval-
“If we would have more funding for those events that would be awesome. Not only for them but for everyone. I would love to see the international students be more interactive with the whole US population, especially on campus.”
-Marketa Havolva
uation Service, the most popular one being World Education Services.
International students must also prove that their English is up to standards by achieving a high enough English language proficiency score. Valid forms of testing include the Test of English as a Foreign Language, the International English Language Testing System or Duolingo. Students who cannot achieve a high enough score are encouraged to invest in an English tutor before retesting.
Becoming an international student is stressful, but Weber State offers options to help keep students on track. The university’s International and Scholar Center offers virtual tours of the campus in various languages as well as opportunities to meet with advisors physically and virtually.
Weber State University recently posted on its website under its International Student and Scholar Center tab notes for current students, stating, “For ANY life challenge where you want to talk to someone or if you need help with suicidal thoughts, find general and focused support crisis lines.” WSU aims to do its best to provide help and resources, including a link to various crisis lines that are readily available to all students.
The university is also aware of the tax deadline, posting on its website, “Taxes are due April 15th, so be sure to meet with a non-resident tax expert to help you file for 2024.” Taxes are a major contributor to the stress of international students, many of which have no idea how to file taxes in the United States.
Weber State University Student Association Engagement and Belonging Senator Marketa Havolva recently helped set up and implement a tax workshop, encouraging students to
make their way to the Westminster Tax Clinic, where international and domestic students can get one-on-one advisory and assistance filling out their taxes.
Although WSUSA made known to many international students that Westminister Tax Clinic is an option for them, they are hoping to provide a fast form of transportation for international students wishing to utilize their services.
“Westminster is far, and many international students don’t have a car. They do have UTA passes, but that would take a whole day dedicated to just an hour session,” Havolva said.
Viewing public transportation as an ineffective form of travel, Havolva hopes for assistance from the university by providing Uber vouchers.
“The school should be responsible and held accountable for certain things to some extent,” Havolva said.
International students don’t have the opportunity to work off-campus. Havolva is aware of this and hopes that providing transportation to Westminster shows international students they aren’t forgotten.
“They (Weber State) cannot oversee everything; they are the busiest people on campus, so somebody had to bring that to their attention, and I took that initiative,”
Havolva said.
International students and WSUSA are hoping to implement more events encouraging engagement from international students.
“One thing that I think might be a good idea is to have more blending activities between international students and American students. It will help improve the relationships of students on campus,” international student Khoi Dinh said.
Recently, Havolva and the International Student Program Coordinator Shannon Sandau set up a trip to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium for 45 students, many of whom were international students. Many international students reached out to Havolva, expressing how much the aquarium trip helped reduce their stress levels.
“If we would have more funding for those events that would be awesome. Not only for them but for everyone. I would love to see the international students be more interactive with the whole US population,
especially on campus,” Havolva said.
International students often end up only interacting with each other and WSUSA is hoping to hold more events with the help of the university to encourage blending between international and students from the United States.
WSUSA is seeking more assistance in advertising resources and events for students from faculty and staff.
“The university has all sorts of resources, and it’s just about whether we know they exist or not,” Dinh said. “I walked around campus a few times, go inside buildings, meet
with professors and advisors and collect the resources by myself.”
Dinh had to put himself out there in order to find the resources he needed. WSUSA is hoping to get help advertising resources so that it’s not the student’s responsibility to seek out resources as much as it is readily available information.
Havolva, WSUSA and international programs continue to strive to help bring together international and domestic students with readily
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LEFT: Marga Bajgain, Weber State University International Student from Nepal with his group of friends from Nepal in traditional clothes.
RIGHT: Office of International Programs Study Abroad at Shepherd Union.
CONOCIENDO EL BIENESTAR DE LOS ESTUDIANTES INTERNACIONALES DE WSU
Por NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
Por ALFONSO RUBIO Assist. Editor
La universidad puede ser una experiencia estresante y vivir y adaptarse a un nuevo país es un reto por sí mismo. Combinando estas cosas estresantes es la realidad para los 832 otros alumnos de la Universidad de Weber State.
Adaptarse a las normas culturales, obstáculos del idioma y encontrar recursos son algunos de los retos que estudiantes internacionales enfrentan.
“Mi estrés ha mejorado comparado a la primera vez que llegué aquí, pero todavía me siento muy estresada”, dijo Shota Muraishi, un estudiante internacional.
El semestre de otoño aumentó en estudiantes internacionales, introduciendo 373 estudiantes nuevos buscando educación superior en los Estados Unidos, con la mayoría de los estudiantes siendo de Nepal.
Ser un estudiante internacional es algo difícil, incluyendo matrícula, evaluación de calificaciones y probando los estudiantes en los requerimientos de la habilidad de Inglés.
Los estudiantes interesados en WSU primero necesitan aplicar por el Programa de Maestría en Ciencias en Entrenamiento Atlético (Masters of Science in Athletic Training Program) por el Sistema Centralizado de Aplicaciones de Entrenamiento Atlético (Athletic Training Centralized Application System, ATCAS); la fecha de entrega de prioridad será para el próximo semestre de otoño es el 15 de diciembre, al año antes. ATCAS cobra $96 para el primer programa y $55 por cada programa agregado, pero los aplicantes pueden calificar por una reducción de pago. El próximo paso para los estudiantes internacionales es una evaluación de calificaciones. Los estudiantes son requeridos para tener sus créditos evaluados por un Servicio de Evaluación de Credenciales Extranjeras (Foreign Credential Evaluation Service), el más popular siendo Servicios Mundiales de Educación (World Education Services).
Los estudiantes internacionales también tienen que probar que su Inglés cumple los requisitos con sacar una buena calificación en el examen. Algunas formas de aprobar el examen incluye el Examen de Inglés como Idioma Extranjero (Test of English as a Foreign Language), el Sistema Internacional de Evaluación de Inglés (International English Language Testing System) o Duolingo. Los estudiantes que no sacan una buena nota se les recomienda invertir en un tutor en Inglés antes de tomar el examen otra vez.
Ser estudiante internacional es difícil, pero Weber State ofrece opciones para ayudar a los estudiantes mantener con la universidad. El Centro Internacional y de Becas (International and Scholar Center) tiene guías virtuales de la escuela en varios idiomas y también oportunidades para conocer a consejeros
en persona y en línea.
WSU recientemente publicó en su página web bajo su sección de International Student and Scholar Center para los estudiantes actuales diciendo, “Para CUALQUIER dificultad donde quieres hablar con alguien o si necesitas ayuda con pensamientos de suicidio, encontrar linieas de crisis de apoyo”. WSU quiere proporcionar el mejor apoyo para ayudar y recursos, incluyendo una página web de líneas de crisis de apoyo disponible a todos los estudiantes.
La universidad también sabe de la fecha de entrega de los impuestos, publicando en su página web, “Los impuestos se entregan el 15 de abril, entonces verifiquen con un experto de impuestos de no residentes para ayudarte para 2024”. Los
“Si hubiera más fondos para estos eventos sería tan bueno. No solamente para ellos, sino también para todos. Me encantaría ver a los estudiantes internacionales ser más interactivos con toda la población de los Estados Unidos, especialmente en la universidad”
-Havolva
impuestos son una parte grande del estrés de los estudiantes internacionales, y bastantes no tienen ni idea como hacer los impuestos en los Estados Unidos.
La Senadora de Participación y Pertenencia de la Asociación de Estudiantes de la Universidad de Weber State (Weber State University Student Association Engagement and Belonging Senator), Marketa Havolva, ayudó recientemente a organizar e implementar un curso de impuestos, animando a los estudiantes a dirigirse al Westminster Tax Clinic (Clinica de Impuestos de Westminster), donde los estudiantes nacionales e internacionales pueden recibir ayuda y consejo individual para completar sus impuestos.
Aunque WSUSA aviso a bastantes estudiantes internacionales que el Westminster Tax Clinic es una opción para ellos, quieren darles una forma de transportación rápida para que puedan usar sus servicios.
“Westminster está lejos, y bastantes estudiantes internacionales no tienen un vehículo. Tienen pases de UTA, pero tomaría
un día entero para una sesión de una hora”, dijo Havolva. Viendo el transporte público como una forma inefectiva de transporte, Havolva quiere que la universidad le ayude con vales de Uber.
“La universidad debería ser responsable y responder de ciertas cosas hasta cierto punto”, dijo Havolva.
Los estudiantes internacionales no tienen la oportunidad de trabajar fuera de la universidad. Havolva sabe esto y espera que ofrecer transporte a Westminster demuestre a los estudiantes internacionales que no son olvidados.
“Ellos (Weber State) no tienen control de todo; son personas más ocupadas de todo campus, entonces alguien tiene que llamar eso a su atención, y yo tomé esa iniciativa”, dijo Havolva. Estudiantes internacionales y WSUSA esperan implementar más eventos animando compromiso de los estudiantes internacionales.
“Una cosa que creo sería buena idea es tener más actividades combinadas entre los estudiantes internacionales y estudiantes Americanos. Mejorará las relaciones de los estudiantes en campus”, dijo Khoi Dinh, un estudiante internacional. Recientemente, Havolva y Shannon Sandau Coordinadora del Programa de Estudiantes Internacionales (International Student Program Coordinator) organizaron un pasaje a Loveland Living Planet Aquarium para 45 estudiantes, bastantes que son estudiantes internacionales. Bastantes estudiantes internacionales se comunicaron con Havolva, diciendo que el pasaje al acuario bajo su estrés.
“Si hubiera más fondos para estos eventos sería tan bueno. No solamente para ellos, sino también para todos. Me encantaría ver a los estudiantes internacionales ser más interactivos con toda la población de los Estados Unidos, especialmente en la universidad”, dijo Havolva.
Estudiantes internacionales frecuentemente interactúan entre ellos mismos y WSUSA espera tener más eventos con la ayuda de la universidad para animarlos a mezclarse con estudiantes de los Estados Unidos.
WSUSA busca asistencia con recursos de propaganda y eventos para estudiantes de facultad y empleados.
“La universidad tiene varios tipos de recursos, y es si sabemos que existen o no”, dijo Dinh. “Camine por campus algunas veces, voy dentro de los edificios, me reuno con mis profesores y consejeros y colecciono los recursos yo mismo”.
Dinh tuvo que ir y buscar los recursos que él necesitaba. WSUSA quiere usar recursos de propaganda para que no sea la responsabilidad de los estudiantes de ir y buscar los recursos tanto y que sea fácilmente disponible a todos.
Havolva, WSUSA y programas internacionales quieren continuar reuniendo a reunir los estudiantes internacionales y domésticos con recursos disponibles y eventos inclusivos.
“Es mi placer poder ser su senador y representante para todo el cuerpo estudiantil y realmente ayudarles y escucharles y ser su cara y voz”, dijo Havolva.
Demostración de Banderas y trinquetes de otras culturas en el centro de estudiantes internacionales y centro académico.
Photo display wall with pictures from all around the world, found in the Office of International Programs Study Abroad.
Demostración del programa internacional de la universidad de Weber State.
NIL EFFECTS ON THE FUTURE ATHELETICS AT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY
By COLLYN COWLES Editor
In the wake of the NCAA’s decision to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, small-market schools are adjusting to a constantly changing and competitive NIL landscape. While Power Five programs have flourished under the new rules, mid-major schools like Weber State University face unique challenges in securing financial opportunities for their athletes and competing in the NIL-driven transfer market.
Weber State has relied on an intense program culture, player development and community support for decades to remain competitive in the Big Sky Conference. However, with NIL opportunities becoming a significant factor in recruiting and player retention, the university has to balance these traditional strengths with new financial realities.
Weber State President Brad Mortensen acknowledges that while NIL is here to stay, the school must find ways to make it work within the framework of a smaller university.
“NIL is something we must embrace to ensure our student-athletes have opportunities,” Mortensen said. “Our goal is to find sustainable ways to support them while maintaining the integrity of our athletic programs.”
Unlike more prominent universities where athletes can attract national endorsements, Weber State relies on local businesses and alumni-driven initiatives to provide NIL opportunities.
As NIL continues to reshape college athletics, Weber State faces an uphill battle against wealthier programs. Unlike Power Five schools with massive funding, mid-majors like Weber State must find ways to compete without the same financial backing or clear guidelines.
Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton recognizes the uncertainty surrounding NIL’s long-term impact.
“There’s a lot that’s still unknown,” Crompton said. “Not just for us, but for many athletic departments, especially at the mid-major level. We’re all waiting for clear guidelines to emerge once the House settlement is finalized.”
The House of Representatives v. NCAA settlement is expected to shake up college sports. It’s designed to settle antitrust claims
by compensating former athletes and setting up a system for schools to share revenue with current players. While the details are still being finalized, the settlement could bring more structure to NIL and direct payments. However, it might make it even harder for mid-major programs to compete with big-name Power Five schools.
One of the biggest challenges is the growing financial gap. With no limits on spending, Power Five schools can lock in top talent with massive NIL deals, while mid-majors are left
nities, they’ve also gained talent through the transfer portal from more extensive programs. Crompton believes that adapting to this new reality is crucial for long-term success.
“The landscape is different, but different doesn’t mean bad,” Crompton said. “We have to adapt. Someone will figure out how to succeed in this environment, so why not us?”
2025 Signing Day and Transfer Portal Movement
Weber State’s 2025 signing class reflects the increasing influence of the NIL era and
trying to keep up.
“What we want is an equal playing field when it comes to competitiveness,” Crompton said. “Right now, no real guardrails are in place, and that’s a challenge.”
Despite these obstacles, Weber State has found ways to compete. While the Wildcats have lost key players to NIL-driven opportu-
transfer portal. The Wildcats added 16 new players, including eight transfers and eight high school recruits. Notable additions include quarterbacks Cash McCollum from the University of North Texas and Jackson Gilkey from the University of Texas at San Antonio and linebackers Sione Hala from Boston College and Sione Moa from Brigham Young Uni-
versity.
However, Weber State also saw key departures, as ten players entered the transfer portal, including quarterback Richie Muñoz for the University of the Incarnate Word, edge rusher Brayden Wilson for the University of Wyoming, cornerback Jalon Rock for Liberty University, tight end Peter Knudson for the University of Alabama and running back Damon Bankston left for the University of New Mexico. Offensive lineman Lavaka Taukeiaho’s transfer to Oklahoma State University shows how standout performances at smaller schools can often lead to Power Five opportunities.
NIL Education and Support
One of Weber State’s biggest challenges has been helping athletes navigate NIL. The university has teamed up with financial literacy programs and branding experts to teach players about contracts, taxes and marketing.
Mortensen acknowledged that while Weber State doesn’t have the NIL resources of bigger programs, it is still focused on helping athletes make the most of their opportunities.
“We’re focused on what we can control—providing education, resources and a pathway for our players to succeed in the NIL space,” Mortensen said. “We’re seeing progress.”
As NIL continues to reshape college athletics, Weber State is working to develop a sustainable model that benefits both its athletes and athletic programs. Whether through increasing community engagement, strengthening alum support, or continuing to educate players on branding, the Wildcats are determined to remain competitive.
“At the end of the day, NIL is about empowerment,” Mortensen said. “It’s about giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed not just while they’re here but long after they leave.”
With NIL evolving rapidly, Weber State and other small-market programs must stay agile. While they may not have the financial backing of powerhouse schools, they are proving that strong culture, strategic partnerships and athlete-focused development can help them compete in this new era of college sports.
New Weber State University player Ty Hunter is a part of the 2025 signing class affected by the influence of NIL.
LEFT: New Weber State University player Kingston Tisdell is a part of the 2025 signing class affected by the influence of NIL. RIGHT: New Weber State University player Branden Meza is a part of the 2025 signing class affected by the influence of NIL.
WSU HOCKEY: SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
By WILL NAUGHTON Reporter
With their last college buzzer inching ever closer, Weber State University’s hockey program will be waving goodbye to two seniors at the end of the 2024-2025 season: forward Jordan Jaramillo and defenseman Kody Goodwin.
Over the course of the last five seasons, Jaramillo and Goodwin have cemented themselves as leaders in the locker room and cornerstones on the rink for WSU Hockey, displaying excellence on the ice as well as in the classroom.
Jordan Jaramillo
At 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 161 pounds and hailing from Salt Lake City, forward Jordan Jaramillo played 94 games for the Wildcats between 2019 and 2025. It is a bittersweet feeling for him to be in his final stretch with WSU hockey because he is ready to move forward in life but won’t forget the friends he made at Weber State.
Jaramillo believes he will carry those memories, along with the discipline instilled in him by his coaches, for the rest of his life.
“It was a super impactful moment for me going to Nationals for the first time in school history and being able to be one of four guys who scored a goal competing against the best teams in the nation,” Jaramillo said. That goal came in the 2023-24 season against Michigan State University.
Through his Wildcat career and hockey in general, Jaramillo has been heavily influenced by a number of role models, namely his coaches and favorite player, Claude Giroux, who plays in the National Hockey League for the Ottawa Senators.
“From Coach Cosman, I’ve learned quite a lot about knowing where to be when I don’t have the puck and being a role player, fitting into a spot on the team and being the guy they need me to be. Coach Will taught me that even when things aren’t easy, you have to hold the policy that you will do whatever it takes to win, and he did that by example. AJ, our mental coach, really helped me with being a more confident athlete,” Jaramillo said.
Outside of hockey, Jaramillo is a lover of music. He sings, produces and plays both drums and the guitar.
“Thank you. To each and every single one of you people who have been out there showing love, we are forever grateful to each one of you,” Jaramillo said to Wildcat fans.
Kody Goodwin
Born in 1998 in Logan, Utah, and standing at 6 feet tall, Goodwin grew up believing it was given he would play for Wildcat rivals Utah State University, but that’s not what happened. During his freshman year in 2019, he scored Weber’s opening goal of the season against the Aggies in what he recalled as his most impactful moment and something he would never forget.
The decorated defenseman played 108 times for Weber
and learned important lessons from his time in Ogden. Head coach Yosh Ryujin helped Goodwin learn to “not take anything for granted, because everything will pass in the blink of an eye.”
Assistant coach Will Fobair, franchise leader for goals and assists, was a role model for Goodwin’s work ethic. “I have always admired that Will works nonstop whether it’s coaching kids, us at Weber, or going to Salt Lake for his own Hockey,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management and is optimistic about what the future holds after his graduation.
“What I’ll miss most of all about Weber State is the community around the hockey team. We would not be where we are if it wasn’t for the support the fans constantly give the team. There are not many teams we play against that get the fans out there like we do, and it means the world to us,” Goodwin said.
The pair are set to be honored by the program when the Wildcats host senior night at the Weber County Ice Sheet during their game against Utah State on Feb. 14.
This will not be their final game, however, as WSU will travel to the Eccles Ice Sheet in North Logan, Utah, for a rematch with the Aggies on Feb. 15.
Defensemen Kody Goodwin (#7) and goalie Robbie Brennan (#79) are preparing for Metro State University to hit the hockey puck in their direction.
Forward positions Jordan Jaramillo and Cole VanOrman stealing away the puck from Boise State player, Justin Jones.
JAMIE MARTIN: WILDCAT FOOTBALL LEGEND RETURNS AS COACH
By WILL NAUGHTON Reporter
Weber State University’s football program is bolstering its coaching staff for the 2025 season by acquiring Wildcat legend and former NFL player Jamie Martin. Head Coach Mickey Mental has promoted Keilan Benjamin to cornerback coach, vacating the offensive analyst position for Martin.
Martin played as a quarterback for the Wildcats from 1989-1992, and his performances saw Weber State retire his number 10 jersey in 2014. For the last two years, Martin has worked as head coach for the post-prep academy football team Ogden Jets, which was founded by former WSU head coach Dave Arslanian.
“I’m honored to be back at Weber State, a place I’ve always loved and rooted for,” Martin said during his official announcement. “I’m excited to support Coach Mental and contribute to the success of the players and the program.”
Mental is excited to have a Wildcat Football legend’s expertise alongside him and is optimistic about the impact he will have on the team.
“He is obviously a very decorated player here at Weber State and had a long career in the NFL, and anytime you can bring someone with that experience, it will go a long way in helping our players. He has great football knowledge and will bring great ideas to our staff. We are really excited to have him join us,” Mental said during the news release.
In a career highlighted by the 1991 Walter Payton Award, awarded to the then-Division I-AA football player of the year, he finished with 12,207 passing yards. At the time, only four quarterbacks had recorded more in any level of NCAA football. Additionally, his 87 career touchdown passes were a Big Sky record that stood for 18 years.
Martin, a native of Orange, California, played for the former St. Louis Rams, the
Washington Redskins, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New York Jets, the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers throughout a 16-year professional career before retiring in 2008.
In the NFL, Martin made 53 appearances and scored 20 touchdowns, passing for 3,814 yards. In 2005, at 35 years old, Martin started 5 times in place of the injured Kurt Warner, the most starts of any of his seasons. During this spell, the Rams went 4–1 and Martin completed over 70% of his passes.
The Wildcats’ 2025 season will begin on Aug. 30 at James Madison University. Four of five of their first games will be played on the road, save for their home opener against Butler University on Sep. 20.
Before then, however, the Wildcat coaches will turn their attention to signing day, the first day of the regular signing period, on Feb. 5. Additionally, spring training is on the horizon for WSU and begins in mid-March.
Weber State University’s new Offensive Analyst hire, Jamie Martin.
By JARED MITCHELL Reporter
SWIPE OR NO SWIPING: WSU STUDENTS AND DATING
With another Valentine’s Day come and gone, one thing at the forefront of many people’s minds is dating. Dating is an unmovable mountain that must be climbed by anyone looking for a long-term partner. The first step along this journey is finding someone to ask on a date.
Turning towards dating apps is one way to find a date. With so many different options, it can be hard to find the right one for you. Sage Sly, a creative writing major at Weber State University, grappled with this struggle at the start of his college career.
“When I got into college, I went through this whole phase of ‘Oh, I need a date, I need a date.’” Sly said, “I went through a bunch of dating apps, Tinder, Bumble, Boo, just whatever I could find.”
After trying out some dating apps, Sly found that they didn’t quite fit his dating style.
“I feel like a relationship should develop
kind of slowly in a sense,” Sly said. “I’m not the type of person that goes up, ‘Hey, you want a date?’ I want to know the person more.”
Sly isn’t the only one who’s decided to move away from dating apps and focus more on in person interactions. Awnalyssia Bitter, a political science and radiology major, has never used a dating app.
“I just never have had the drive to use one,” Bitter said. “I’d rather meet someone at an event or something than show up unknowingly to a place and meet someone.”
Bitter found that finding interesting people and getting to know them better is what works best for her when trying to find a date.
After finding a dating style that works, the challenge isn’t over. The next step is asking someone out on a date. Aaron Jeffrey, the director of Weber State’s counseling and psychological services center and a licensed marriage and family therapist, knows that anxiety is part of everyone’s experience when asking someone out on a date.
“If you feel some anxiety, congratulations,
you’re normal,” Jeffrey said. “One of the things we can’t get around is that we have to do it.”
Anxiety is part of the dating experience. Even when someone is able to overcome the stress that surrounds asking someone out, it does not guarantee success. Even though rejection can hurt, it is important to remember that it does not define who someone is.
“Develop some positive expectation of ‘I’m gonna ask this person out, and if they say no, that’s okay,’” Jeffery said. “If I ask this person out and they say no, that doesn’t change how I feel about myself.”
Another important aspect to consider when asking someone out on a date is that people tend to overthink things. Jeffery said that research shows people tend to like us more than one might think. Jeffery also recommends that people be physically active beforehand to burn off some of that stress.
“We can get really comfortable about en-
gaging with somebody online for a very long time,” Jeffery said. “And then we get in their physical presence and go like, oh, I don’t feel that ease.”
Developing that comfort with someone can take time. Awkwardness and anxiety is all a part of that journey. Once you land a relationship it is important to prioritize it if you want to maintain a strong connection. Jeffery has been married for 26 years and finds that commitment and flexibility are what have worked best for his relationship.
“It’s the flexibility to adjust with one another in terms of how they believe or what they think or how their body changes,” Jeffery said. “And the more you can adjust over the course of time, you can have a really rich relationship.”
TOP RIGHT: A person holds a smartphone displaying dating apps.
BOTTOM LEFT: Weber State students Carlos Avina (left) and Emily Rodriguez (right) grab several assortments before heading to class.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TUITION INCREASE
Weber State University is proposing a tuition increase of 2.5 - 3.25% meaning an additional $140 - $196 per semester for a full-time resident undergraduate student for the upcoming school year. It is proposed this tuition increase be used for the following:
· Required Legislative Match: $1,350,000 - $2,000,000
· Mandated Costs: $0 - $820,000
· IT Security + Support: $0 - $880,000
A public hearing on the proposed increase will be held on:
MONDAY, FEB. 24
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Weber State University Shepherd Union Room 404 or via Zoom: https://weber.zoom.us/j/92176106492
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STRANDS OF STRENGTH: BRAIDING HAIR AND EDUCATING STUDENTS
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
In celebration of Black History Month, Weber State University’s Student Success Center hosted free braids and haircuts on Feb. 11 during the Strands of Strength event.
“Hair brings everyone together, not only one specific race,” Maryan Shale, the student engagement program manager, said.
The event took place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Shepherd Union Ballroom C. It featured Blades Up, a Black-owned barbershop based in Ogden, and skilled braiders who were on hand to offer cornrow styles.
Cornrows represent resilience and strength as they are deeply rooted in Black history. Historically, in the Underground Railroad days, enslaved people used cornrows as a secret form of communication. These hairstyles carry a deep meaning as they emphasize the resistance that allowed enslaved people to resist oppression by directing escape routes or shar-
ing other important information.
“This event is not just about getting a haircut; you also get educated about hair, how it was a way of escaping for the enslaved people,” Weber State University student Eva Mike said.
Mike also said that braids are a long process and that hairstyles played a powerful role in both cultural identity and resistance throughout history.
Event organizers emphasized the fact that everyone, regardless of culture, was welcome to attend.
“We always want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable coming to our events and can experience the sense of belonging that we all are trying to develop as a campus community,” Brandon Flores, executive director of the Weber State Student Success Center, said.
Flores said the event was not only about students getting haircuts but also an opportunity to socialize with each other and explore various barbers and hairstyles.
Weber State University student, Daniel Aluk, shows off his cornrows that were done during the Strands of Strength event.
DESLIZAR O NO DESLIZAR:
ESTUDIANTES DE
Por NATHANAEL STOUT Traductor
Por JARED MITCHELL Reportero
Con otro Día de San Valentín a punto de pasar, una cosa en el foco de la mente de muchos es tener citas. Las citas son una montaña inamovible que tiene que ser escalada por cualquiera que busca una pareja a largo plazo. El primer paso en el viaje es encontrar a alguien con el que se pueda salir.
Usar las aplicaciones de citas es una manera para encontrar a alguien. Con tantas opciones de aplicaciones, puede ser difícil encontrar la adecuada. Sage Sly, un estudiante que estudia la narrativa en la universidad de Weber State, luchaba con ese problema al principio de su carrera universitaria.
“Cuando empecé la universidad, tuve una fase en que pensaba “ay, necesito una cita, la necesito””, dijo Sly. “Probaba varias aplicaciones de citas: Tinder, Bumble, Boo, cualquier cosa que podía encontrar”.
Después de probar algunas aplicaciones de citas, Sly aprendió que estaban de acuerdo con su estilo de hacer las citas.
“Siento que las relaciones deben desarrollarse más despacio en cierto modo”, dijo Sly. “No soy el tipo de persona que se presenta a
WSU
Y LAS CITAS
alguien y dice “hola, quieres salir conmigo?” Quiero conocer mejor a la persona”.
Sly no es la única persona que ha decidido separarse de las aplicaciones de citas y enfocarse más en las interacciones personales.
Awnalyssia Bitter, una estudiante de ciencia política y radiología, nunca ha usado una aplicación de citas.
“Nunca tuve la motivación de usar una”, dijo Bitter. “Prefiero conocer a alguien en un evento o algo en vez de aparecer en un lugar desconocido y conocer a alguien”.
Después de encontrar un estilo de citas que funcione, el desafío no termina. El próximo paso es pedir a alguien que salga. Aaron Jeffrey, el director del centro de servicios psicológicos y terapia de Weber State y un terapeuta de familia y matrimonio, sabe que la ansiedad es una parte de la experiencia para todos cuando piden a alguien a salir.
“Que desarrolles una expectativa positiva de pensar “voy a invitar a salir a esta persona, y si niega, está bien”. dijo Jeffery. “Si invito a salir a esta persona y niega, no cambia cómo me siento sobre mí misma”.
Otro aspecto importante de considerar cuando uno pide a alguien a salir es que la gente tiende a pensar demasiado en las cosas. Jeffery dijo que la investigación muestra que las personas tienden a apreciarnos más de lo que uno piensa. Jeffery también recomienda que la gente esté activa físicamente antes para quemar un poco del estrés.
“Podemos llegar a ser cómodos cuando hablamos con alguien en línea durante mucho tiempo”, dijo Jeffery. “Y entonces nos conocemos cara a cara y pensamos que ya no sentimos esta comodidad”.
“Si sientes un poco de ansiedad, felicitaciones, eres normal”, dijo Jeffrey. “Una de las cosas que no podemos superar es que tenemos que hacerlo”.
La ansiedad es una parte de la experiencia de citas”. Aún cuando alguien puede superar el estrés que rodea el pedir a alguien a salir, no garantiza el éxito. Aunque el rechazo puede doler, es importante recordar que no define lo que una persona es.
Desarrollar esa comodidad con alguien puede durar mucho. La vergüenza y ansiedad son partes de ese viaje. Cuando uno logra tener una relación, es importante priorizarla si uno quiere mantener una conexión fuerte. Jeffery se casó hace 26 años y cree que el compromiso y la flexibilidad son lo más importante para su relación.
“Es la flexibilidad de ajustarse el uno con el otro en términos de qué creen o piensan o cómo cambia su cuerpo”, dijo Jeffery. “Y cuánto más puede ajustar con el tiempo, más puede tener una relación muy exitosa”.
Laxman Sigdel (izquierda) y Anushreua Thaa (Derecha) se ayudan el uno al otro con sus trabajos.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LAUNCHES AT SHEPHERD UNION
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
The Black History Month launch on Feb. 3 in the Shepherd Union Atrium was a vibrant start to celebrating a month of important American history and Black culture.
Maryan Shale, a student engagement program manager at Weber State University’s Student Success Center, was responsible for organizing and coordinating the event.
“When I see events like this come together, it really makes me happy,” Shale said. “Seeing the students having their cultural and background being represented is always worth it.”
Both celebrating students and those walking by watched an energetic Congolese drumming performance by the group Tambour San Frontier.
Everyone present was invited to join in the chanting and dancing. As students held the flags of their countries or ancestors, it served as a powerful reminder of how Black History Month unites people in celebration of shared culture
and traditions.
Between performances, event organizers expressed that everyone is welcome to attend the events happening on campus throughout the month.
Shale mentioned that some of the events to look forward to include a mental health panel on Feb. 18 and keynote speaker Sybrina Fulton on Feb. 26. Shale also highlighted the importance of recognizing that Black people are not only limited to African Americans. In her opinion, these events offer a unique opportunity for those who are not Black or do not identify with the community to learn more and recognize the beauty within the community.
“Black History Month means that I am able to celebrate my history. I actually celebrate all the time, but this month makes it even better,” Demitrius Sanders, Weber State University postgraduate student, said.
He continued by explaining that his family hails from the South, with ancestors tracing back to some African countries like Nigeria. Embracing cultural elements and understanding his history was always a priority. Sanders also
explained that Black History Month is extremely important as not everyone fully knows Black history, and this month gives a lot of opportunities for anyone to simply find out more.
“Black History Month means a lot to me because black people have struggled a lot. Especially today, when we can come together and connect,” Lucky Sukuma, a Weber State student from Rwanda, said. “I can’t wait for the following days.”
As the celebration ended, everyone present was encouraged to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Black students by coming to the upcoming events. The best way to stay updated and know what is happening is to follow the Weber State University Student Success Center website or social media (@wsustudentsuccess).
Rosie Banchero leads members of the Student Success Center in a dance.
Milandousita leads the music group Tambor San Frontier, otherwise known as TSF for short.
Milandousita drums and whistles for the crowd.
HOLLYWOOD IN UTAH:
DIVING INTO UTAH’S FILM HISTORY
By COOPER HATSIS Editor
Big-budget productions and independent features have used Utah’s various monumental landscapes as a backdrop for filming for over a century now. “Hollywood in Utah” is a PBS documentary released in 2024 to celebrate the state’s 100 years of film production, which began with “The Covered Wagon” in 1924.
On Feb. 11, the documentary was screened at the Peery’s Egyptian Theater from 6-8 p.m. The screening was followed by a discussion between author and Utah film historian James D’Arc and the documentary’s producer, Nancy Green.
With a runtime of 57 minutes, “Hollywood in Utah” chronicles the films, hardships, legacy and future of filmmaking in Utah. The documentary uses a series of in-depth interviews with actors, stunt performers and industry professionals alongside archival footage spanning back to the 1920s.
D’Arc, the author of “When Hollywood Came to Town,” began researching Utah’s film history 33 years ago. D’Arc was the motion picture archive curator at Brigham Young University’s Harold B. Lee Library for over 40 years.
In his research, D’Arc has noted roughly 1,250 feature films, TV movies and series, all having parts filmed somewhere in Utah. He had previously hoped his book would be adapted but did not expect it to happen.
D’Arc initially pitched the first edition of “When Hollywood Came to Town” as a documentary to BYU TV and KUED TV in 2010 but was turned down because the project was too expensive. Years later, D’Arc got a call from PBS that there was a new interest in adapting the book.
“I was thrilled,” D’Arc said. “I figured this book now has an extended life.”
D’Arc was even more thrilled when PBS let him be the consultant on the project.
“This book is so big, and there are so many directions we could go in…we had discussion sessions to work out a narrative,” D’Arc said.
D’Arc finds the documentary filmmaking process to be both fascinating and difficult. D’Arc said there are three converging forces that need to be considered when making a documentary.
“The balance between the story you would like to tell, the amount of footage you have to
illustrate it, and the time frame you have to put it in. Those are the forces that end up creating a movie…you have to formulate them into an opportunity and experience,” D’Arc said.
D’Arc looks forward to future screenings because it is exciting to meet people interested in the subject matter and have stories to tell.
Joshua Ijaika, a digital media student at Weber State, attended the screening and found the experience to be a great opportunity to learn more about the film industry in Utah. Learning more about the filmmaking opportunities in Utah has made Ijaika consider staying in Utah to find a career.
“I love seeing the evolution of Utah’s scenery in different films,” Ijaika said.
James Hall, an Ogden community member and film connoisseur, enjoyed seeing the different locations where his favorite Western films were made, as well as seeing where the future of Utah’s film industry is headed.
Author of “When Hollywood Came to Utah”, James V. D’Arc, signs copies for those in attendance.
People sit to watch the “Hollywood in Utah” documentary at Peery Egyptian Theater.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wellness Within: Tools for Healing and Growth
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. The Power of Slowing Down - Yoga Session
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Job Fair
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Black History Month Keynote: Derrick Brooms
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Game Recognize Game
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Workshop with Derrick Brooms
7 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. Sacramento State
7:30 p.m. WSU women’s basketball vs. Sacramento State
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Geothermal Energy: Widespread, wildly underutilized potential
1 p.m. Softball vs. Utah State
1 p.m. Softball vs. Utah State
7:30 p.m. WSU
Symphonic Band: Winter Concert
7:30 p.m. WSU
Theatre: Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Winter Trails Series: All Day Snowshoe
10: a.m.
Women’s tennis vs. Montana State
2 p.m. WSU women’s basketball vs. Portland State
2 p.m. WSU men’s basketball vs. Portland State
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. International Prom Men’s track at Mountain States Games
Intramural Dodgeball Registration Opens
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The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@ weber.edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.
