Issue1_The SpringHillian_Fall2021

SpringHillian The

Door Safety Prioritized on SHC Campus

Elizabeth Thompson Reporter

As of now, all exterior doors on Spring Hill’s campus have working locks, according to Kevin Abel, Vice President of Student Affairs.

Concerns about safety were brought to attention last spring semester, specifically door locks being broken. Commercial security systems company Security 101, was used for the door repairs last semester and is still working on campus this semester to fix exterior locks.

The school is working to respond to future work orders for exterior doors

being unlocked. This year, Abel will be viewing every work order that is placed. When he sees a work order for an exterior door being unlocked, he will help speed the process to have the lock fixed as quickly as possible by Security 101.

Additionally, a new locksmith is being brought

to campus in the next couple of weeks for interior doors. According to Abel, the school is “looking at consolidating the residential locks onto one consistent system which will then make the lock repair process on interior doors a lot easier.” The exterior and interior doors

on campus are currently on separate lock systems.

An issue that was brought up to the Student Government Association last spring was how peer influence can affect the safety of the residential halls. Students often prop the door open and alter the mechanisms of the door, so that it is unlocked.

Press Secretary of SGA, Blake Flood, said, “When students break the doors, it makes it more difficult for maintenance and Public Safety to keep up with fixing the locks on residential buildings.” The door could be working perfectly, Flood said, but when it is propped open or broken, it makes it less safe for the entire hall.

The best way to combat this issue of unlocked doors is to encourage the residents to report broken locks to Public Safety and submit work orders as soon as possible. This allows for Public Safety and Security 101 to fix the issue as soon as they can.

Abel also recommends students refrain from propping the doors open and letting others into the resident halls, especially where there is no monitoring of who enters. Making sure the doors are working properly ensures safety of the students in their dorms.

Spring Hill Names Title IX Coordinator

Carson Reeves Reporter

Beginning this semester, women’s soccer head coach Emily Marcouillier has been named Spring Hill College’s new Title IX Coordinator. This position will allow Marcouiller to assist and protect students and student athletes alike, on the grounds of sex-based discrimination.

The Title IX Coordinator position is new to our

faculty and staff list this Fall, and is under the authority of the NCAA. As said by Coach Marcouiller, “ Title IX gives students a safe space to come base their frustrations or feelings of discrimination based on gender, or anything of that nature.” This recourse is meant to give students and staff the ability to change the narrative of how we treat one another and to move our campus toward more inclusive involvement throughout athletics and

education.

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Title IX is the landmark gender equity law that prohibits sex based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and athletics. The law states that no person should be excluded, or denied access to benefits offered by these programs. So this means that if you as a student feel this way

Volume 124, Issue 1

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

New Title IX Coordinator Emily Marcouillier Picture by Carson Reeves

Sergio Ruedas using swipe key to enter resident hall.

Picture by Regina Gomez-Guillen

Spring Hill Names Title IX Coordinator

Continued from Page 1

or feels as though you are being discriminated against, you can contact Emily Marcouillier for assistance in tackling this issue.

Events and educational presentations are scheduled to take place this Fall and throughout the rest of the academic year. Learning opportunities such as the Neurobiology of Trauma, presentations on fight or flight modes, and noticing red flags are all topics being discussed and headed by Marcouiller in the Title IX position. Coming up this October, Domestic Violence Awareness month is taking place and will

be the biggest concern for Emily and her new position. Various events will be held to make students aware of dating violence and assault, as well as a candle light visual in honor of assault victims. According to student athlete Hannah Linss, “ Our coach has got some pretty great things lined up this year, I really think everyone should take advantage of the learning opportunities she is providing.”

Using this position as a way to bring awareness to sex discrimination and issues outside of the classroom and athletic realm is something Marcouiller is striving to do. While speaking to her she said, “ I am very excited

to have been chosen for this opportunity, I love being involved and helping students in any way possible. There is no judgement here whatsoever, stop by whenever you need something or just want to talk.”

Emily Marcouiller is excited and ready to get things started with this new job title. In addition to her head coaching job, she plans to use her knowledge and experience of assisting her students on the team as a way to help others. If you have any questions or want more information about Title IX and the resources it has to offer, you can contact emarcouiller@shc.edu.

Both men and women at Spring Hill College can’t face discrimination based on their gender.

Italy Center Returns for Fall 2021 Semester

Madeline Ortego Reporter

Spring Hill students recently began their semester abroad in Bologna, Italy despite travel complications and COVID-19 regulations.

On Sunday, Sept. 5, 34 students arrived in Italy as their semester abroad began. 8 Spring Hill students are joined by students from Creighton University, Regis University, The College of New Jersey, and Rhodes College.

This is the first time students have been able to study at the Italy Center since March of 2020 when students were sent home early because of rising concerns about COVID-19.

Students and faculty are thrilled to be able to have and offer this opportunity again. Clintisha Sellers, the Italy Center Recruiter, said, “We are truly excited to have students back in Bologna!”

SHC students worried their semester might begin later than expected when only a few days before their scheduled departure, they were alerted that their passports and student visas had been lost by the United States Postal Service.  Students immediately began trying to get emergency 72-hour passports. The appointments available to get these passports were extremely limited.

Junior Samantha Merritt said when she first called the only available appointment was in Hawaii; a trip that was not possible

for her as a Texas resident. Luckily for Merritt, she was able to get an appointment in El Paso after there was a cancellation and was able to board her flight to Italy.

Junior Jazmin Munoz drove eleven hours from Alabama to Washington, D.C. to be issued her emergency passport. Munoz said, “It was the most stressful situation I have ever been in, but I am so thankful I was able to receive an appointment and the passport.”

According to the CDC, there are high levels of COVID-19 in Italy right now and they recommend limiting nonessential travel to Italy. Students were recommended to be fully vaccinated before studying abroad and had to be COVID tested 48 hours before

their flights.  Europe has adopted the Green Pass system, which requires proof of vaccination, in order to travel through the country and to enter businesses. They are currently accepting CDC as an equivalent, which means students must show their vaccination cards to enter restaurants, museums, and other businesses. Masks are also still required indoors in Italy.

Despite these travel complications and COVID protocols, SHC students are settling into their time abroad in Italy. Munoz, who has always dreamed

of traveling abroad, said, “Everyone has been so kind. I’m forever grateful for how loving this country (Italy) has been to me these past few days.”

If you are interested in studying abroad in Italy, you can attend the interest meeting on Tuesday, Sept 28, at 12:15 upstairs in the Student Center.

SHC MEDIA TEAM:

The SpringHillian Editor: Summer Poole

Art Director: Regina Gomez-Guillen

Advertising Manager: Caroline Landaiche

BTV Producer: Samantha Gonzalez

BTV Director: Sacha Ducreux

SHC Student Media

Reporters: Elizabeth Thompson, India Hall, Jacob Little, Madeleine Braham, Carson Reeves, Madeline Ortego

Advisors: Stuart Babington and Gary Wolverton

Student Athletes can be Paid for Likeness

India Hall

Columnist

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has approved a temporary policy allowing college athletes in all three divisions to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness.

Collegiate athletes make millions for the NCAA, but they receive nothing more than scholarships in return. College sports raise billions of dollars from ticket sales, television contracts and merchandise, and the athletes are being exploited and prohibited from the opportunity to monetize their talents.

The Department of Education reported that college athletic programs

collected $14 billion in total revenue in 2019. According to the NCAA, over 150,000 Division I and Division II student-athletes receive $2.9 billion in scholarships each year.

I believe that it is time for this to change. College athletes should be allowed to make money off their name, image and likeness. The policy, in effect since

July 1, has given almost 460,000 NCAA college athletes the chance to earn money from endorsements and sponsors. According to the NCAA President Mark Emmert said all college athletes “are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities.” Athletes are now able to engage in sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances as well.

I believe athletes should be paid for their likeness for several reasons. For one, the athletes make their schools millions, sometimes billions of dollars. Everyone around them makes money, but the students responsible for bringing in the revenue receive nothing. Two, athletes constantly risk potential

injury, and an injured athlete could potentially lose their scholarship, threaten their opportunity to play professionally, or even face lifelong disability. Three, the exposure athletes bring to their schools can amplify applications and donations.

So, athletes really are a big contribution to their college’s, and I believe that these institutions should

realize that, and that the NCAA should not only make the policy temporary but should make it permanent. Athletes should be able to make money off their name, image, and likeness in my opinion. “The temporary policy will remain in place until federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted,” the NCAA announced.

Should Biden Mandate COVID Vaccines?

Summer Poole

Editor

President Joe Biden announced on Thursday, Sept. 9, that a new vaccine mandate would be put into place for all employers that have more than 100 employees.

This mandate came out during a speech that President Biden had given in which he aggressively emphasized the importance of the vaccine. Biden said, “We’ve been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us.” Many republican leaders disagreed with Biden’s mandate saying he was going too far in trying to control private companies. According to USA Today, as of Aug. 21, 51.1 percent of the total US population has been vaccinated.

While many people criticized Biden, others strongly praised him and his efforts to get the nation vaccinated. According to The Economist, 52 percent of adults approve of Biden’s mandate. The American Medical Association, the National Association of Manufacturers and the

Business Roundtable all were in agreement with Biden’s new mandate.

The new mandate that Biden announced will affect roughly 100 million Americans. Biden has been promoting the vaccine

since the beginning of the year, and now he is taking a much firmer action as he blames people who have not received the shot for the steep rise in cases.

In my opinion, President Biden should definitely do

something, but I’m not sure that forcing employees to get vaccinated is the way to go. I believe that the vaccine is important, especially for the older generation. I think that everyone that is a resident of the United States should have the freedom to choose whether they get the vaccine or not. Although it is a possibility that the vaccine can save lives, people should be allowed to control what goes in their bodies.

I also feel as though the government should keep giving out incentives to the people who have received the vaccine. By doing this, I feel like the people will keep voluntarily getting the vaccine to reap the rewards and benefits. I also think that more presentations should be given to everyone about the COVID vaccine and what they need to know about it.

EDITORIAL POLICY:

The SpringHillian is published five times each semester from September to December. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students. They are the views of the individual columnists.

SUBMISSIONS:

The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the student-editor and section editors. Submissions should be less than 300 words, and editors reserve the right to edit the submissions for length and content. Original writings should be mailed or delivered to: Student-editor, The SpringHillian, Communication Arts, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608. Submissions may also be sent as emailed attachments to: shcmedia@email. shc.edu.

Mens soccer team in a huddle.

Around The Hill

Zariel Jordan Kyaking at Beginnings Retreat.

Picture by Madeline Ortego

Hallie Matherne, Becca Howard, Natalie Justice, Eloise Day, Tessa Nicosia, Molly Snakenberg enjoying their time at Badger Beginnings.

Picture by Madeline Ortego

Lizzie Barrios, Easton Hollis, Eloise Day working as Beginnings Retreat Staff. Picture by Madeline Ortego

Jake Foster and Brendan Mack joining their fraternity, Lamda Chi, to co-host “Grilling N’ Chilling” with Phi Mu during Greek Week.

Picture by Madeline Ortego

Students enjoying Gringos food truck at the Meet the Greeks event.

Picture by Regina Gomez-Guillen

Students attending Meet the Greeks on Rydex Commons. Picture by Regina Gomez-Guillen

Around The Hill

Powerwashers cleaning the sides of buildings as an initiative to beautify Spring Hill’s Campus.

Jackson Matthews Participating in Diversity and Inclusion Week Picture by Madeline Ortego

Phi Mu celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Week

Picture by Madeline Ortego

Phi Mu and Lambda Chi Grillin and Chillin Event. Picture by Madeline Ortego

Lifestyle

Art League is Back at Spring Hill College

Elizabeth Thompson Reporter

The Art League at Spring Hill College is active on campus this fall after halting operations during the 20202021 school year.

The Art League provides resources for students that share an interest in art. All students are welcome, no matter a student’s skill level. The goal of the organization is to provide programming to encourage art amongst students.

Art provides many benefits to college students. According to CollegiateParent.com, students who study the arts understand that “Hard work pays off…this understanding can be carried over into other academic endeavors.”

At Spring Hill College, art plays an important role in the lives of many students on campus. Senior Graphic Design major Addison Bauer said, “I enjoy seeing art

around campus because it inspires me to be creative when I see other students being creative.”

The Art League has plans to put on events throughout the Fall semester. An event that the organization has

planned is “spooky” art for the upcoming Halloween celebration. This event along with others are still being prepared for the semester. The organization plans to meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7 pm in room 211 of the

art building.

One member of the Art League, Katie Rowe, likes to be involved in the organization because she likes to meet new underclassmen that are also interested in art. Rowe is a

senior majoring in studio art and has been a participant in the Art League for two years. She likes that the club allows her to have a relaxing setting outside of classes.

The Art League allows for students to have an environment outside of school to use their artistic skills. Students involved in the organization can use the club to advance their artistic abilities and gain resources outside of their major.

The Art League organization is returning to campus for the Fall semester. Although the organization came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activities are projected to resume for the upcoming semester and are currently being planned.

With the Art League being even more active this semester, more activities will be available for students on campus that are interested in pursuing their skills in the field of art.

Badger Cheer Team Celebrates Victory!

Madeleine Braham Reporter

This year, they celebrated a momentous occasion. They went to the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) college camp in Orlando, Florida this summer and placed first in their division. They even won a silver bid to the national competition in the spring, but this is not where the accomplishments stop. If anything, it is just the beginning.

In early August, the cheer team attended a college camp for the NCA. They performed a new routine for the NCA judges for the chance at the national NCA competition. This performance prompted their win, and it is also what has pushed them forward into the rest of the season.

Senior Reese Lebbing shared her thoughts about their victory, and she only had this to say, “I couldn’t believe it because I was so happy and so excited, but I could believe it based on all of the hard work that we put in at camp, so winning this award really solidified and made all of our efforts worth it.”

This very sentiment seems to also be shared by the rest of her peers. Ever since

then, the team has been hard at work perfecting their skills. Even cheer coach Alyssa Paesano took notice. “It definitely was a boost of positivity…” She responded, “It lets everybody know that we really are a good team, and we have so much potential.”

The Spring Hill College cheer team has high hopes for a successful fall season. on campus.

Fine Arts Professor and Art League Advisor, Wanda Sullivan

SHC Badgers Place High in Falcon Classic

Fae Fox Reporter

With everything that has happened this past year, Spring Hill’s cross country team was not able to have a normal season last fall of 2020. However, this fall, both women’s and men’s teams are back at it.

This past Friday, SHC’s women’s and men’s cross country teams had their second meet. They traveled to Montevallo, Alabama, to compete in the Falcon Classic, hosted by the University of Montevallo.

This meet drew nine teams and more than 150 runners. The course was set

behind UM’s track facility; it was mostly flat with one big hill in the middle of the course.

The women’s runners looped the course twice (5,000 meters), while the men’s race looped it three times. The SHC women placed fourth out of nine teams with a total of 117 points and an average time of 22 minutes, 20 seconds.

Senior Mary Shelton was the top scorer for our women’s team, placing third out of 77 runners with a time of 20 minutes and 21 seconds. “It was a great race,” Shelton said. “It was challenging, but I felt strong. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and hope to continue seeing gains in my racing.”

For the men, the Badgers ran a total of 8,000 meters and placed third out of nine teams with a total of 129 points and an average time of 30 minutes, four seconds. Will Tate, junior, was the top scorer for the Badgers, placing 16th out of 79 runners with a time of 28 minutes and 11 seconds. Tate said, “The race did not go as I planned but there are ups and downs in cross country. It is time to refocus and get ready for the next race in Georgia.”

Spring Hill’s runners now prepare for their upcoming meet in Fairburn, Georgia, where they will race in the Alexander ASICS Invitational on Oct. 2.

SHC Athletics Return With Strict Protocols

Andrew Jones Reporter

Spring Hill College has begun the fall athletic season with COVID-19 protocols in place. Nonetheless, the possibility of additional NCAA measures exists going forward, according to SHC Athletic Director Joe Niland.

Niland said on Sept. 14 that the current plan for student-athletes includes testing all athletes, vaccinated and unvaccinated, before they go to their sporting event and after they get back to campus. The current policy also requires unvaccinated student-athletes to get tested three times a week.

Spring Hill has been “following the CDC and NCAA [guidelines],” Niland said. He added, “I expect the NCAA and the CDC to say, ‘you need to test everybody.’” This would cause an increase in the original expected number of testings for vaccinated student-athletes.

Women’s golf player Olivia Leinhart stated, “I think it could become necessary in

the future for vaccinated athletes, but I don’t think it is necessary at this moment. We were also told at the beginning of the year that we wouldn’t have to be tested weekly, but I could understand if that changes.”

The COVID-19 has produced multiple variants since the beginning of the outbreak. The Delta variant has been a popular topic due to its infectious nature. According to data from the CDC, “the Delta variant was more infectious and was leading to increased transmissibility when compared with other variants, even in some vaccinated individuals.”

Spring Hill soccer player Hayden Franklin stated, “with all the variants coming out I can understand the possibility of this in the future. While the vaccine has done well, there is still a chance breakthrough cases could happen. I trust the vaccine, but ultimately I would rather be safe than sorry.” The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous variants. The CDC states, “the greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people who

are much more likely to get infected, and therefore transmit the virus.” It is still possible that fully vaccinated individuals get the virus, known as breakthrough cases. However, breakthrough cases occur less often.

Data from the CDC shows that fully vaccinated people with symptomatic infections of the Delta variant are still capable of transmitting the virus. Although recent studies are showing that those who are fully vaccinated will most likely spread the virus for less time than individuals that are unvaccinated. The CDC states that vaccines approved in the United States are highly effective preventing severe symptoms and death, including the symptoms caused by the Delta variant. It should be noted the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, and that breakthrough infections may still happen. The CDC maintains, “For all people, the vaccine provides the best protection against serious illness and death.”

The state of Alabama has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation. According to the

Alabama Department of Public Health, “Just 34 percent of Alabamians are fully vaccinated.” The state saw an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant gained traction throughout the nation. Senior track and field athlete Emma Lind said, “after hearing how others have struggled with the symptoms of COVID and how vicious the recovery was, it served as an incentive for the vaccine to me.”

The athletic trainers have been hosting vaccination clinics on campus to try and

boost the vaccination rates on campus. Many believe that this will become the new normal. “I can see this becoming something similar to the flu shot with a yearly booster shot. I would love everything to go back to normal, but I can see this sticking around for a while,” Lind said.

Mary Shelton after her third place.

Picture by Fae Fox

Cross country is back this fall. Picture by Andrew Jones