The Oracle 9-3-2021

THE

Volume 104 | Issue 9

O

March 9, 2021

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Tech’s primary news source since 1924

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Community remembers tornado one year later

Many communities are still rebuilding a year later after the devestation of the EF4 tornado on March 3, 2020. The Tech and Cookeville communites came together to remember those affected by the storm on the one year anniversary. Photo provided by David Gorchoff.

MALAYSIA TALBERT

Reporter On the night of March 3, 2020, a devastating EF4 tornado took the lives of 19 people in Putnam County. The community has never been the same.

“Recovery has been difficult. Many of us were affected in different ways. For me, anytime a weather radio goes off, it kind of freaks me out. My brother almost didn’t make it. He had to dive down the stairs into the basement as the house was getting flipped,” Taylor McWilliams said, sophomore finance major.

The tornado was rated an EF4, which resulted in 19 out of 24 deaths in the tornadoes the night of March 3. When the tornado hit, it was in the dead of the night. As a result, many did not know the risk of severe weather or received the warning until the tornado was already overhead, eliminating time for families to get to their safe place.

“My mom came into my room with my younger sister and got me up, and then she went to wake up my brother. As she left my room, I looked out the window and saw our cars sliding across the driveway from the wind. After seeing that, I realized this was the real deal,” McWilliams said.

In the hours that followed, the community came together. Volunteers showed up in thousands resulting in many being turned away due to the fact that it was simply too many for organizers to transport to the affected areas. Those volunteers who were part of the cleanup process came from The Upper Cumberland area as well as surrounding states. The extensive process is still ongoing today as many families have not yet completed the rebuilding process.

In regards to McWiliams’s personal loss, he stated, “We lost pretty much everything.

Our house and cars were all destroyed as well as our barn and garage, but my dog

Commencement date changed IRENE SULLIVAN

Copy Editor

Tech’s Spring 2021 graduates received an email informing them that the Spring 2021 commencement ceremonies had been changed due to COVID-19.

The original date was Saturday, May 8, 2021 in Hooper Eblen Center.

“Planning is underway for the Spring 2021 commencement ceremonies.

We are excited to announce the change to two outdoor ceremonies in Tucker Stadium. Please note the date is now Friday, May 7. Ceremony times will be at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” according to the email from Mary McCaskey, Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs.

“Outdoor ceremonies help us meet several important expectations from graduates. Our May ceremonies must still follow COVID-19 safety protocol. Our number of spring graduates is so large, we would have to limit the number of guests if we stayed indoors,” according to the Tech website.

“We would also have to hold ceremonies over a twoday period because of the capacity in Hooper Eblen Center under COVID-19 protocol (floor capacity is fewer than 250 with social distancing),” Karen Lykins, Chief Communication Officer, said. “Moving to an outdoor ceremony at Tucker Stadium allows us to host two ceremonies and welcome more family and friends of our graduates. A Friday schedule allows us to set Saturday as a rain date.”

The Spring 2021 Commencement will be considerably larger than the past two commencement ceremonies. Currently, there are

about 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students who have applied for graduation.

The Fall 2020 commencement had just under 700 graduates attend over three ceremonies. The Spring 2020 commencement was postponed because large gatherings were prohibited under the governor’s executive order. Tech worked with state officials to develop protocol for rescheduling the ceremony on August 8. About 660 graduates total attended three ceremonies according to Lykins.

“Our indoor option was to hold five, possibly six,

see commencement on pg. 3

who lives outside somehow survived. That was pretty epic. We are getting close to getting done rebuilding the house.”

Last year, the Tennessee Tech and Upper Cumberland communities loaded up and headed to the tornado site to help families who lost their homes, like the McWilliams family. One year later, Tennessee Tech continues to play a vital role offering an alternative spring break option to volunteer. March 3, 2021, was designated as Tech Strong: Day of Service.

“We had 25 – 30 students sign up for alternative spring break service projects today. We still have 90 spots available for folks to sign up for,” Michelle Huddleston, Assistant Director of the Service Learning Center and Campus Compass, said.

If you would like to volunteer, you can see community on pg 3

What’s Inside

Virtual meetings cause some awkward moments for teachers and students Pg. 2

Former Tech kicker sees son take the field.

Pg. 5

Pandemic regulations affect education majors in the classroom.

Pg. 4 Seniors graduating in May, picked up their cap and gowns at Senior Salute in the RUC on March 2-3. Photo by Sam Vesely.

Page 2

March Upcoming Events Mar. 14

Mar. 15-19

Football vs Murray State

Spring Break

Mar. 19

Mar. 29

Baseball vs EIU

Live on the Plaza Concert Series Tom Tipton

1:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Student on the street

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Jonah Stout Reporter

“Are you more likely to attend a virtual Tech event or an event on campus?”

Ethan Horst Civil Engineering Major Freshman “I think I would rather attend an on-campus event because it is more interactive and more of a genuine experience. I can watch Netflix or attend an online event...when you are in-person it is more of an actual event.”

Margaret Schonborn Pre-Veterinary Major Sophomore “I would rather do an on-campus event because it is a hands-on experience, and you get to meet people and converse with them instead of staring at a screen. I will probably attend some events if they are on-campus but not if they are virtual.”

Omar Abdelsalam Computer Science Major Freshman “I definitely prefer an in-person experience, but the virtual events are a good alternative for right now. I feel like with virtual events you do not get much of the whole experience.

It’s much better in person because you can’t meet anyone at a virtual event.”

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News

March 9, 2021

Virtual meetings create laughter and chaos IRENE SULLIVAN

Copy Editor The world as we know it has changed drastically in the past year.

The use of virtual meetings to hold classes and meetings are now everyday occurrences. Zoom, Google Meet, Teams and other various platforms, allow the world to move on even during a global pandemic.

The change from in-person to virtual classes allowed people to stream from home and have more freedom.

It also created some awkward, embarrassing and hilarious moments that those online had a front row seat for.

Once you see something, it can’t be unseen.

“My cat jumped up in my lap while I was in a Zoom class. It wasn’t a problem until she turned around and the whole class had to stare at her butt, “ Kara Bowman, a junior Special Education major, said.

Another student was going to take her class virtually one day instead of going to campus for in-person classes. After making sure the student was online and could hear the lecture, the professor shared her screen for a presentation and asked if that student could see the screen as the students in the class did. The student who was online replied that no, she couldn’t see the screen, because she was driving! That might take multitasking to a whole new level.

The change to virtual classes is not all fun and games and can be hard on a student. Some have to get creative to fit those classes in.

“One heart-warming story this semester is about a student who has a class right before mine, and she does not have enough time (ten minutes between classes) to find a quiet place on campus for our Teams meeting.

What she has opted to do is to park her car close to the building in which she has her first class in the morning before mine, run to her car and sit in there using her cellphone to access Teams -- for the entirety of the class, three times a week!” Yun Ding, Associate Professor of Communication, said.

Ding said stories like this show that, “some of our students are really dedicated learners, and they deserve our understanding and help.”

It has been hard on the professors also. They sometimes record lectures and unload them for the students to view later. This simple task can also be much more complicated than you think.

One professor said that COVID-19 made him realize there are advantages to a live classroom lecture over a recorded Zoom lecture. He came to the office to record a lecture for Zoom over spring break. He came on a Saturday afternoon because he knew no one would be around, and he could record without interruption.

“In the middle of my lecture, my

The Oracle

Students sometimes use two screens, one to watch the lecture and one to take notes on.

Photo by Morgan Lee.

cell phone rang. I promptly turned off the phone and continued lecturing.

Then, my office phone rang, and I picked up the phone and put the receiver back down on its cradle. A few moments later, someone was knocking on my door. Thinking it must be an emergency, I went to the door. The person there said she had seen my car in the parking lot and wanted to say hello,” Russ Witcher, Communication professor, said.

Others tell of things that happen in their virtual meetings that left them shaking their heads.

“I’ve been in two meetings where people fell asleep. That happens in regular meetings now and then of course, but nobody could nudge the person awake when you’re meeting via Zoom!” Paula Hinton, Associate History Professor, said. “My favorite, though, is the time when this one person’s cat was using the litter box right behind him--he didn’t notice, but the rest of us did!”

Casual Friday became casual every day of the week. Across the nation, students logged on to virtual classrooms in their pajamas, no make-up, hair all askew. Baseball caps, hoodies and hair scrunchies became everyday attire. Professors who required students to turn their cameras on sometimes got more than they bargained for. They saw their students in a variety of places: the kitchen, sitting at the table, lounging on the couch, sitting up in bed, in a car and even in the bathroom.

At another university, a student missed a meeting with a professor, so the professor FaceTimed the student. The student made the mistake of answering the call while getting out of the shower. The student tried to be professional and did a wonderful job of only showing his head and shoulders on the call. Unfortunately, he forgot about the mirror in the bathroom where his reflection could be seen. The meeting was quickly rescheduled.

Everyone needs a laugh sometimes, and some antics in the virtual world certainly provide those. A good rule to follow is to be aware of your surroundings, and make sure you are aware of what others are seeing.

Voice Your Opinion

Find an error? Contact the managing editor:

The Oracle encourages readers to write letters and commentaries on topics of interest. A few guidelines: Letters should not exceed 300 words. Commentaries should not exceed 500 words and include a picture of the writer.

Originality is required, no plagiarism. For verification, letters and commentaries must include your name, email, hometown and classification or title.

Letters may not run every edition due to space. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity.

Submissions must be sent to oracle@tntech.edu and received by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before publication.

Morgan Lee mglee44@tntech.edu

Spring Publication Dates Feb. 2 Feb. 16 March 9 March 30 April 13 April 27

Oracle Staff

Managing Editor ................................. Morgan Lee Social Media Editor ............................. Sam Vesely Online Editor ................................ Brooklyn Driver Copy Editor....................................... Irene Sullivan Assistant Copy Editor....................... Lauren Finley Sports Editor.......................................... Seth Jones Photography Editor ........................ Laura Navarro Reporter........................................... ....Jonah Stout Reporter..................................... Malayasia Talbert Reporter .................................... Ana Pena-Velasco Faculty Adviser .................................. Teddy Burch

News content and photographs for The Oracle are provided by the JOUR 2220, JOUR 3370, JOUR 4820 and JOUR 4930 classes.

The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University.

News

Page 3

March 9, 2021

NASA Lands Perseverance Rover on Mars BROOKLYN DRIVER Online Editor

History was made on February 18, 2021, when the project team for “Mars 2020 Mission” successfully confirmed the touchdown of a new rover named “Perseverance” on the surface of Mars.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known as NASA, created the mission “Mars 2020” to explore an area of Mars known as the Jezero Crater. This site was specifically chosen by a team of scientists for the geological diversity offered in the crater.

Jeannette Luna is a planetary geologist at Tech. She received a grant from NASA’s Mars Data Analysis Program which is used to study deltas and fans that appear on the surface of Mars with a student group.

Luna’s group uses orbital data to make geological maps. The students also study sedimentary processes and use this information to interpret the amount of water that flowed across the surface of Mars in the past.

“The most exciting part of this landing is that we’re exploring a site to bring samples back to Earth. This mission is the first in a three-part series of missions over the next decade that will use engineering and robotics to collect the samples, launch them off the Red Planet, and return them to Earth for scientific study,” Luna said about the recent landing of the Mars rover.

The Perseverance rover has a specific mission to explore the possibility of ancient life that could have once lived on Mars. The specific area of Mars where the rover landed was carefully chosen by a team of scientists at NASA. “The igneous rocks around the landing site can tell us about the age of Martian crust and how volcanic eruptions happened in the past. Sedimentary rocks in the delta show us how water, or brine, once flowed across the surface. Having both types of rock in Jezero

Jeannette Luna, Planetary Geologist at Tech, shows off a model of the Perseverance rover.

Photo by Laura Navarro.

Crater is wonderful because it tells us that two ingredients for life were present: heat and water. It’s the ideal location to look for evidence of past life on Mars,” Luna said.

The Perseverance Rover is the 5th rover to explore the surface of Mars and features new technology.

“The Ingenuity helicopter, loaded beneath the rover, will be brought out for a test flight later this spring. And, the sample cache system will drill samples about the size of a pen, collect them into the rover, and later drop them off at a pick-up point for a future mission.” Luna explained.

The Perseverance Rover has also successfully become the first rover to send audio recording back to Earth.

By visiting www.NASA.gov you can take an in-depth panoramic tour from the view of the Perseverance Rover as well as listen to the audio received by scientists so far.

Commencement change continued from pg. 1 Lykins explained.

While the change to a Friday is logical, it does present issues for some graduates in regard to having family and friends in attendance on what is typically a workday.

“I personally see where Tech is coming from with changing the date to Friday and it being outside. However, I think it puts parents and guardians in a tough position where they have to take off work to be there on that Friday,” Kaleigh Bray, senior Education major said.

“Moving the commencement date from Saturday to Friday is making it more difficult for my family, because they’ll all have to take off work now, whereas

they wouldn’t have on a Saturday. I feel that other people graduating will run into this same issue,” Kaitlin Vantrease, senior Communication major, said.

Other students’ families may be forced to make tough decisions regarding missing two or more days of work if they are out of state and had planned to drive in.

“I was disappointed to find out the date was changed to a weekday. Father was going to come up from Florida on that Friday, but now he may not be able to make my graduation on time since he is driving up and cannot leave on Thursday,” Daniel Lopez, senior Interdis-

ciplinary Studies major, said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if many of the other out of state students have the same problem.”

The decision to change the date from Saturday to Friday was based on the recommendations of the Committee on Commencements, Convocations, and Academic Ceremonies, a university standing committee with faculty, staff and students appointed by the President.

They explored several options on the number and location of commencement ceremonies in light of challenges related to COVID-19 protocol. The committee recommended the outdoor ceremonies on Friday to the President who shared it with

his Cabinet. After discussion, the President decided to go forward with the recommendation, according to Lykins.

“Since all graduates, faculty and staff were notified, there have been five students who have asked me directly why we changed the date. There have been many positive responses to having an outdoor ceremony,” Lykins said.

This commencement date change will have an impact on students, their families, the local economy and the university as a whole. The effects of COVID-19 will continue to influence parts of our lives as we move forward.

visit https://www.tntech.edu/ volunteer/springbreak/ to sign up.

One additional tribute to the lives lost was the Ringing of the Bells that took place at 1:48 p.m. as bells at Derryberry Hall and across the county rang 19 times in memory of each resident from our community who lost his or her life.

While there is nothing that can take away the pain left by this tragedy, the impact that each person has made in response to our neighbors in need

is one that will not be forgotten.

The local community and others from miles around displayed selfless love and a kindness that creates a ripple effect.

Nineteen lives may have been taken from our community, but their memories will go on as families, friends, and even strangers have felt their impact in all of their lives. As time goes on, the community will continue to rise up and join together in remembrance of the night that changed so many lives in an instant.

These photos show some of the devestation caused by the March 3, 2020 tornado that came

Community remembers tornado continued from pg. 1

through Putnam County . Photos by Laura Navarro.

People gathered on centennial plaza on March 3, 2021 to sign up to volunteer in remmberance of the clean up efforts after the 2020 tornado. Photo provided by David Gorchoff.

News

Page 4

March 9, 2021

Education Majors Experience COVID-19 in the Classroom

Kendall Davis, senior Education major spoke highly of children navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo provided by Kendall Davis.

MALAYSIA TALBERT

Reporter

The United States education system tends to face many challenges, but no one could have predicted the pandemic that suddenly closed the doors of schools across the nation.

“The students are having to wear masks, and there is social distancing having to be maintained in the school building.

The students also don’t have lockers now, so they are having to carry backpacks everyday,” said Kaleigh Bray, senior Education major.

The stress on students in school during the pandemic branches outside of the school building as well. Outside of school, a portion of students living in poverty have gone without care, and the mental health of students has declined.

The shutdown and COVID-19 guidelines of schools has made

school more difficult for both students and teachers. For instance, the lack of extracurricular activities and isolation has created a downfall on the mental health of many students.

Furthermore, the education system did not foresee a shutdown that would lead to uncertainty and a fall of the performance of children. As a result, teachers have had to be creative and discover new methods to teach students despite the lack of face-to-face interaction at times as well as the technological limitations encountered by families without devices and/ or Internet service. In regards to each of these difficulties, the desire to overcome these challenges has been a primary goal for stakeholders in education.

“I also have to be much more intentional about my relationships with each of my students... asking them questions about their life, them, their day. I know

that in the future I will continue to do this because they are so special, and it’s so fun getting to know their hearts more,” Kendall Davis, senior Education major, said. She has made it her goal to ensure that students’ mental health is a top priority.

“Kids are so adaptable; it’s amazing,” Davis said when asked how her students are handling the changes that have resulted from new guidelines.

She discussed the many ways she has been impressed by them.

“They’re like little sponges that are so interested in learning more about what’s going on in our world! Overall, they have handled the changes very well and have a firm understanding of why life looks a little different right now,” Davis said.

Bray has also been able to develop the important skill of being able to adapt to the situations at hand.

“I believe this will help me because I’ve been able to be involved in those adaptations

and learn how to reach each student, whether those students are in person or at home. I think reaching every student at his or her level is the best thing a teacher can learn to do,” Bray said.

While providing a quality education during a pandemic is uncharted territory for educators of today, the adjustments that have been made have allowed the safest possible learning situation for students.

In regards to Tech students completing their Residency or Student Teaching, their experience may be different compared to those from previous years, but some of the most valuable lessons come from the most difficult times.

The ability to rise up in the face of adversity is what will allow our future teachers and children to become the leaders of tomorrow through their resiliency and determination.

Kaleigh Bray, senior Education major speaks on the obstacles middle school students are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo provided by Kaleigh Bray.

Student Aims To Save Sherlock

Sherlock Park is a park on campus parallel to Willow Ave. in between Southwest Hall and Prescott Hall. Tech plans to build on the park in the near future. Photo by Bethany Goodman.

BETHANY GOODMAN

Reporter

Senior biology student Caleb Moses created the petition “Save Sherlock!” with Change.org on February 11, 2021 in an effort to display the tension that has been created after the announcement from came Tech to plan to build over Sherlock Park starting Summer 2021.

Moses believes that most students oppose this plan, and want Sherlock Park to remain as is. Sherlock Park is located in the heart of campus, just behind Stonecipher.

Many organizations on campus use the park to host meetings and events. Tech’s Golden Eagle Marching Band has used Sherlock to host rehearsals for many fall semesters, skipping the Fall 2020 semester

due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Live Action Role Play Club frequently uses Sherlock to host its meetings. Students can often be seen kicking around a ball when the weather allows it. For this reason, many student-led organizations are also opposed to Tech repurposing the area. Students and members of the Cookeville community state that Sherlock park holds sentimental value to them.

Sherlock Park is the largest open, green space on campus. The space is popular among hammockers for its use of trees, as there are not any large spaces to do so on campus.

The Change.org petition now has almost 2,000 signatures, but Moses is doing more than just sharing his petition for the cause.

Moses is financially backing the cause using his personal funds to purchase and share

“Save Sherlock” stickers that you may have already spotted around campus. Although, Moses does not condone any vandalism, and asks that everyone who receives a sticker be respectful and courteous of where they choose to place it.

Moses has not yet officially met with any Tech representatives about the issue but hopes the petition will begin a conversation.

He wants the petition to allow students, alumni and community voices to be heard.

He mentioned that he spoke with some members of the Student Government Organization, and they say Tech is aware of student backlash. Moses has organized an event for his cause at Sherlock Park on March 11, at 11 a.m.

Page 5

Sports

March 9, 2021

Tech hall of fame kicker’s son plays for his alma mater JONAH STOUT

Reporter

In 1977, Wayne Anderson attended Tech and played for the football team wearing number 17. Forty-four years later, his son, Jacob Anderson, attends the same university and plays for the same football team wearing the number 17. Wayne coaches Jacob as a volunteer kicking coach for the team and has been coaching him since he was in high school.

Jacob, who is a freshman business management major and punter/holder for the Golden Eagles football team, does not take playing for his dad’s alma mater lightly and recognizes the unique position he is in.

“It’s pretty special to get the chance to play where he played and to wear the same number. It is a once in a lifetime thing that I am enjoying every day,” Jacob Anderson said.

Jacob said that the player/coach relationship between he and his dad has positively impacted their relationship both on and off the field. He also mentioned that he gets to spend more time with his dad through playing football. “[Playing for Tech] has strengthened my

relationship with my dad, since I would not see him much otherwise. He can also understand me more than other coaches,” Jacob Anderson said.

Wayne, who was the kicker for Tech from 1977-1980, played professionally in the National Football League before coming back to Tech to get a degree in education in 1983.

He won many awards, including Most Valuable Player his senior year. He also holds a list of records, and is in the Tech Hall of Fame. Wayne includes the opportunity to coach his son and the other Tech football players in his long list of accomplishments.

“I coach because I love my son and I love the players and I love this university… I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for coach Alexander and the other coaches and the support of those guys...It’s really special,” Wayne Anderson said.

Wayne said that he thinks it is very important for student athletes to know what they are doing is valuable and will be beneficial in life. He also stressed that, while coaching his son is a blessing, his main goal is to uplift all student athletes and guide them throughout college.

“I want [student athletes] to know that they are where they are for a reason and

Wayne Anderson celebrates after winning a game in the 1979 season.

that being a student athlete is a very special opportunity… I want to help them grow in spirit and in mind and show them a good path to follow,” Wayne Anderson said.

Esports at Tech continues to grow

Tech esports team demonstrates on the plaza. Photo provided by the e-sports team.

SETH JONES

Sports Editor

Becoming a professional in video gaming is possible for Tech students. From hosting major tournaments to meeting other collegiate players, Tech esports has become a place where people can make their professional career a reality.

Jamison “Menti” Boyd, president of Tech

esports, started his journey in this field in 2017. He joined because of his drive to compete on a grand stage against other rival opponents.

“I have always wanted to compete in gaming tournaments. Honestly, no real training [is required], as there is no conventional training for e-sports besides having the competitive spirit,” Boyd said.

Collegiate esports teams help develop skills that allow teams to compete on a big stage in the mindset of teamwork, intense moments and decision-making plays.

When asked what skills are needed when joining something like this, Boyd replied, “Communication, hand-eye coordination, [being] open to constructive criticism and time management.”

If there is a person who is just joining Tech that is wondering about this club, Joshua Rampy, e-sports social media manager and Valorant player, had some advice.

“Our community is always open for new people, and if you want to be involved follow one of our accounts or better yet just join the discord! We have a competitive side and the more relaxed side of the club, so even if you just want to find some people on campus to play games, the discord is perfect for that,”

Seth Speaks Volumes

Rampy said.

Even when COVID-19 hit the world, it was still possible for the teams to play because most of the gaming happens online. Their meetings are also held online.

Rampy explained about tournaments being run this semester after COVID-19 hit.

“Our teams will continue to compete in tournaments that are held online, but sadly there will be no in-person tournaments.

Actually, our esports club is partnering with Red Bull to host the local qualifiers for their nationwide collegiate Valorant tournament, and all current students are eligible for it,” Rampy said.

There currently are not any internships for the field, but they are hoping they can acquire a varsity program, which is a program that allows a team more resources, connections and would help represent the college as an established esports team.

Both Boyd and Rampy explained how excited they were for this season of e-sports, and hope they can perform nationally as time progresses.

Any person at Tech can join this team.

There are no requirements needed. For additional information, their social media can be found at www.linktr.ee/TNTechEsports.

OPINION

Fall football is better than spring SETH JONES

Sports Editor

Spring football has become a reality in 2021 for Tech. It has been a major change in the college football scene. I think it is a good thing to have it in the spring for this semester, but I do not think it should be a spring sport forever.

College football has always been a fall sport. It is a time where the leaves just begin to change, and the weather is not too hot or too cold on most days. The weather during the spring usually consists of bad storms and possible tornadoes, which would not be ideal for anyone.

Fall is a time where the summer finally settles down, which means a lot of people will begin having school again. College football can be a relief from that stress. It will allow them to settle down from their scary semester by enjoying some football with their friends, family or pets in-person or online.

Another obstacle is having college football on a Sunday, which is how the spring schedule is mapped out. It could be hard for

players who must go back to school on the following Monday to be awake and alert for their classes after a long day of playing.

Players would not have a day to recover like they do for fall sports. They would have to spend the day trying to win their game, then go home and have less than a day to recover. That could be especially difficult if they are traveling for their game.

Spring football can also take away from other sports like baseball, soccer and basketball, just to name a few. If someone enjoys different sports, it would be hard for them to watch them all or prepare for them all if they are a part of the teams. That would be an overload of work.

Fall is the perfect time for having college football since it can have its spot perfectly there as it always has been.

All these situations are reasons that spring football would not be beneficial in the long run. It is understandable to have it this season, but I think it should be reprogrammed back into the fall.

I respect the players, coaches and NCAA’s adaptive nature on making the schedule during this spring semester. It is not easy

Seth Jones gives his opinion on all things sports in every issue of The Oracle.

trying to get back into the swing of things after being off for so long, but I think they should get back into it during the next fall semester, if it is safe.

paid su mmer

IN TE R N SHIP Are you looking for a paid summer internship that will help you develop your research and creative inquiry skills?

If so, Tech’s Creative Inquiry Summer Experience (CISE) grant program is for you.

CISE grants are part of Tech’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) named “EDGE: Enhanced Discovery through Guided Exploration.”

Grants are for a maximum of $4,000, with up to $3,500 as a paid stipend.

To apply, visit https://www.tntech.edu/provost/cise.php Deadline: March 26, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.

Creative Inquiry Summer Experience (CISE) Grants Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Tennessee Tech does not condone and will not tolerate discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and any other basis protected by federal and state civil rights law. Tennessee Tech complies with Title IX and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities, admissions or employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact equity@tntech.edu; for Title IX, titleix@tntech.edu. The Tennessee Tech policy on nondiscrimination can be found at www.tntech.edu/ideaa. #CENGR087-PRNT-21