Week 1:
Theme Houses Houses Open Doors to Students
https://concordiensis.com/4964/news/theme-houses-houses-open-doors-to-students/
This article advertised the many themed houses that Union College offers. These on and off-campus houses offer a place for people with similar interests to gather over events and activities. The article then goes on to quote students who have joined these houses. Such as a current member, Max Van Dijk ’24 of the Serenity House stated he felt the environment fit who he was and some of his friends already lived there. Having a place where you feel like you belong in college is so important. For example, the Iris House acts as a safe space for LGBTQ+ members to express themselves creatively through event planning. A current member, Emma expressed she feels they haven’t run out of things to do yet! The article highlights many positive aspects as to why students should look into themed housing and some of the basic living arrangements in each household. At the end, the passage shares information on how to apply to the houses and an email for further questions.
Union College Corrects Names of Transgender Students on Dean’s List
https://concordiensis.com/4949/news/union-college-corrects-names-of-transgender-students-on-deans-list/
This piece was very honest and forward by calling out the school’s public Dean’s List of 2022 – 2023 where they dead-named several transgender students. Quotes from the students expressed this wasn’t great and had apparently been happening for years. Katie Boermeester ‘24, president of Union Pride immediately reached out to the college’s LGBTQ+ Committee for guidance, they immediately took action. The article goes on to share that the school does offer a form titled “ Union’s Chosen Name, Preferred Name, and/or Gender Identity Change Request Form”. This is where newly enrolled students can make these name requests whether it’s a legal change or a preferred name. However, it is unclear whether the dean’s list uses legal, preferred, or chosen names. After making the school aware of their mistake, they swiftly corrected the list and reached out to those affected. The quoted students couldn’t have asked for a quicker response from everyone involved in the situation. The piece closes with the Change Request Form linked and a school email to connect for further questions or appointments.
Week 2: Links not available*
Lights, Camera, Activism!
Union College is back with another trimester, meaning new journal articles are produced for the school paper. This piece covers the college’s most recent theater production, “Patriot Acts: A Suffrage Pageant For Our Times.” It reflects on the history of suffrage and discusses human inequality. The play also addresses intersectionality, when social identities overlap and often result in discrimination. Students who watched the performance like, Evie Tilison ‘27, were left in awe. The production was impressive with technical lighting and powerful speeches on very current topics but what stood out was the minimalistic approach to the set. It allowed the audience to connect with the actors and actresses on a personal level. The dedication the cast put into the show didn’t go unnoticed, every prop was meaningful and cue on time. However, none of this could have been accomplished without the director, Cheryl Black. She projected these challenging subjects with respect and acknowledged all sorts of diverse backgrounds. This performance was enlightening and impressive to many who watched.
Nikki Haley Calls Out Donald Trump on Proposed Tariffs
While Unions’ newspaper highlights current events at the school they also report on current political happenings. Nikki Haley, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, opposed her former alliance with Donald Trump by challenging his proposed tariffs. On CNBC, Haley said, “This is a man who now wants to go and put 10% tariffs across the board, raising taxes on every single American”. She understands that if Trump raises household expenses, middle-class families won’t be able to afford it. Haley previously agreed with Trump on the value of tariffs. She saw the need for fair trade and agreements while advocating for America’s interests. At the end of the article, it’s revealed that Union students got the opportunity to assist in Haley’s campaign this past December. Shriya Biswas ’26, a Political Science and Neuroscience major expressed that seeing a woman compete against so many male candidates was inspiring.
Week 3:
They Shoot, They Score!…And I Sit & Snack
In early February 2024, Union held its Mayor’s Cup hockey game playing against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). This game has been an annual tradition for 11 years and resulted in a ‘huge win’ for the Union men’s team. The article reports an end score of five to three which makes this the third year Union has won. The team jumped ahead early on in the first period and later gained three goals within 20 minutes all scored by different players. Due to the publicity of this game, a reported 6,000 viewers came which left the arena a bit crowed. Luckily, guests were able to stay happy with the concession snacks like chicken tenders and stellar-fired dough bites. The atmosphere produced by the hockey game is exhilarating and enjoyable for many. It’s such a big part of student life and always results in a good time!
Union Men’s Soccer Ends 32-Year Ithaca Drought!
Staying consistent with the sports, during the fall season, the Union men’s soccer team competed against Ithaca’s team for a blackout-themed game. For the first half of the game, each team fought their best and eventually, one of Union’s seniors scored the first goal with an assessment from a sophomore player. Then during the second half, an Ithaca player made their team’s first goal. Eventually, with 30 minutes left in the game, Union was able to pull away and in the end won the match two to one. This win is important because it’s the team’s first win over Ithaca’s team in 32 years! The men’s team is projected to have a successful season.
Week 4:
Midterm Madness
How Union Students Are Feeling About This Term’s Midterms
This article is a feature focused on the stressors of midterms from social media posts by the newspaper. This piece explains that week 5 at Union starts testing and that many students start studying way ahead of time. The Concordiensis posted surveys on Instagram for students to express their worries and share their preparations. The first survey question asked is what tests students dread the most; of course, the sciences are always a worry but some of the social sciences can be a struggle to take as well. Then some studying tips were shared, like finding a quiet study room or utilizing study groups and the whiteboard walls in academic buildings. When studying for so long it’s important to have a snack to keep the energy up. Some survey respondents shared their go-to snacks like dill pickle chips, while others chew gum as a way to stay focused and alert. Everyone has a different way of studying and focusing when it comes to Midterms. The author of this piece wishes everyone at Union a good test season and a reminder to participate in social media discussion poles.
Research Opportunities in Physics Department
This piece discusses the school’s Physics and Astronomy Department and its vast research program. In the Summer of ‘24, new projects centering around Biophysics, Quantum Mechanics, and others will hopefully pique students’ interests in the sub-fields. The research for these programs will be proposed to a committee and must be approved. Typically lasting six to eight weeks, researchers will meet with their supervisors, use lab equipment, and complete their research. Often the work done by students results in the publication of their findings in a journal. The school has research available for upperclassmen and lowerclassmen which looks good on a resume and can help them further their careers at another school. These opportunities are still in the works but will be available after the summer break!
Week 5:
Acrobats Tumble in Memorial Chapel
https://concordiensis.com/5430/news/acrobats-tumble-in-memorial-chapel/
This article highlights the campus cultural celebration for Black History Month. The school hosts Zuzu African Acrobats and celebrates their culture to kick start the month. The Acrobats are a traveling group that tours throughout the U.S but stay true to their culture. The group bases its performance on 2,000-year-old Bantu culture of East Africa. Each member is trained by elder coaches and well-versed in the ancient tradition. The African Student Association (ASA) commented on the performance saying “It represents some of the different cultures that we have in Africa”. ASA does activities like dances and artwork that’s derived from Africa so seeing the performers represent ASA member’s African culture is familiar. The article also quotes the Acrobats commenting on how their time over the years has brought them together and also benefited them individually. Overall, the performance was one of many others throughout the month.
Freshman vs First Year: Why the Difference Matters
https://concordiensis.com/3546/opinions/freshman-vs-first-year-why-the-difference-matters/
This opinion article covers the topic of whether it matters if we refer to first-years as freshmen. Communication is the foundation of society, and it determines a lot about us. In recent years, many colleges have shifted this verbiage like Yale in 2017 for a more gender-neutral label. The school received complaints in the past from parents and students wanting the language to change for inclusivity. Other schools such as the University of South Carolina changed from freshman to first-year because of the root meaning. Freshman means novice and refers to many students coming straight from high school. However, this is not the case for all people starting their college experience. The article quotes a student from Union stating the change shows all students are valued through the language we use. The article closes by stating that while the change is positive it’s ultimately meaningless. People may still choose to use freshman in small conversations but the effort is there. It’s important that the people who are affected by gendered words matter.
Week 6:
Drag Show Takes over Nott Memorial
https://concordiensis.com/4620/arts/drag-show-takes-over-nott-memorial/
A brief article from May 30, 2023 that highlights the Student and Faculty Drag Show in the Nott Memorial building. The event was put together by the Union Pride organization and is reported to have gained support from the community. The President of Pride, Katie Boermeester ‘24 opened the show with a few statements, explaining that the show was suggested by the Pride community and hosting it at the Nott will showcase the event. It’s a special place on campus and has art features that represent ‘queer stars’ from an enthusiast’s perspective. The real showstopper of the night was the final performance of Bohemian Rhapsody. The show was successful and is believed to be the start of a new creative art era at Union. The school and its community is looking forward to the yearly Pride Fest on May 13.
Dealing with Midterms: A Go-To Guide
https://concordiensis.com/5359/807-union/dealing-with-midterms-a-go-to-guide/
As the spring midterm season here at UNE rolls around, what better way to handle it than to read up on some school suggestions? This article acts as a guide to to handle the stressors of midterm season. First off, plan ahead by using a calendar or planner to structure your day. The article points out that making a schedule will give you an idea of how to plan your day and it’s satisfying to cross things off. Next, find what works for you when it comes to studying. Put down the phone and try explaining the subject out loud or completing practice problems. Finally, prioritize sleep and lay off the caffeine. The body feels better when it’s fueled properly, not artificially. These suggestions will hopefully make midterm week a little more bearable .
Week 7:
A Play for the Ages
https://concordiensis.com/5443/top-stories/a-play-for-the-ages/
In early February, the Union College Theater Production debuted “Patriot Acts”. The play is about women’s suffrage in 1774 following through the modern day. it features documents stories and tributes to describe women’s lives throughout the timeline. The production included figures such as Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglass. The production was praised for its singing, storytelling, and overall entertainment While still being historically accurate. A special feature of this production allowed the audience to engage with the actors and ‘feel like they had a voice in the women’s movement’. The play did a rememberable job of focusing on the issues of the woman suffrage movement and pointed out that some work still needs to be done. Since the play is spread out throughout history, it does a great job of explaining the movement from the beginning and acknowledging women’s current state today. It was a moving piece for many women in the audience and approached the topic in a unique way.
Update on the Mandeville Gallery and the Wikoff Student Gallery
https://concordiensis.com/3986/arts/update-on-the-mandeville-gallery-and-the-wikoff-student-gallery/
The gallery reopened after closing due to repairs being done on the Nott Memorial. The building originally closed due to repairs on the ceiling and roof causing water damage and a collapse in the ceiling. More than 100 feet of scaffolding was fixed and since the repair, several groups have used the memorial building to showcase their displays. The LGBTQ+ @Union: Stronger Together presented their artwork from students, alumni, and professors. This year marks the group’s 9th exhibition starting in 2008 and has represented the communities perspectives and art. The college’s permanent collection of art features some of the group’s pieces along with other photographs, film, media, and paperwork. Recently, the collection has focused on contemporary works from African American, Indigenous Alaskan, and Native American artists to create inclusivity and diversity to reflect their campus community. The art collection has been useful for faculty when discussing topics such as race, class, gender, and more. Typically, the memorial building showcases 2 to 3 collections a year but the college is in the process of hiring a new Director & Curator of Art Collections and Exhibitions.
Week 8:
Union College Mascot to change, for the better?
https://concordiensis.com/4563/opinions/union-college-mascot-to-change-for-the-better/
In early February of 2023, the Union College Communications and Marketing announced they would be changing the school mascot. At the time the school’s mascot was the Dutchmen, a name given to the school by reporters covering sports in the early 20th century. The name stuck with the student body as they refer to themselves as Dutchmen or Dutchwomen. The school sent out an email with an explanation of their decision. Students and faculty alike don’t feel a connection to the mascot and it’s not a strong marketing point for the college. The school calls this change and others a general rebranding update. It’s “to strengthen how we communicate Union’s distinctiveness and the power of a Union education to prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public.” The school received positive feedback from it’s members and revealed its new name to be The Union Squirrels, referring to the abundance of them on campus. Other names suggested were from Union’s professor of Physics and Astronomy, Francis Wilkin, who proposed Evie the Electron for the college town’s General Electric company. However, some negative feedback was complaints of the college rejecting its history of Dutch settlement despite them driving out the Natives in the area. Other people are frustrated that the change is more inclusive to nonbinary identities. The article wraps up by describing the unnerving costume of the Dutchmen and how going forward the school need to create a more appealing costume for the mascot, jerseys, and merchandise.
Mailroom announces groundbreaking drone delivery system
https://concordiensis.com/1356/807-onion/mailroom-announces-groundbreaking-drone-delivery-system/
Back in May 2019, students struggled to get their packages through the typical email system until the school revealed its drone delivery system. The article is structured as a Q&A with back-and-forth answers. Jack Wittlestick and Maddie Moosher, members of the mail room speak about the new mail system. Jack admits it’s the perfect time to launch this new system which they have been working on for some time. The tuition department worked on finding funds from student payments. Maddie admits this has been a challenging project but it’s for the convenience of the students. The drones can deliver anywhere on campus and use facial recognition to identify the correct student to package. There’s a GPS in the drones that can wait to deliver the package to an area where the student is safe. They use gyroscopic sensors to determine the distance of the target. Despite the question of safety and security of the packages, this developing plan seems plausible. However, in the current day, it doesn’t seem like the school has drones delivering their mail today. The school has made no statement of ever going through with this plan.
Week 9:
Blog proj week 9 –
Letter to Editor: Challenging the New Ice Rink Plan at Mohawk
In early November, the Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady City forward forward with their plans of building an ice rink. The article brings into question how the rink will affect Union students and the community of the city. The rink will be open for lease through Union College as a replacement for the Messa rink. The idea is that the new structure would bring in more viewers for the college hockey games, and create more parking space for the campus. However, this plan created a few issues such as interfering with parking at the local casino close by. It also causes a separation between campus life and the student body, the location isn’t convent for students to travel off campus while crossing multiple lanes of traffic. The ratio of crowds of people to traffic is a safety concern and an issue of timing. The convenience of the Messa rink is that students could disperse onto campus instead of dealing with pedestrian accessibility. Despite the project adding another 222 parking spots, they might not always be accessible to Union students due to fees and availability. The author clearly expresses his distaste for this plan and hopes for other options and further consideration for the student.
Dining: The 411 on meal plans, declining balance
For this article, the author sat down with Tim Forte, the Director of Hospitality, and Matt Milless, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs to discuss declining meal dollars and the schools meal plans. Union has six meal plan options like meal swipes and declining dollars. Meal swipes can be used at facilities like West and Upper Dining Hall, the Market, Garlic Nott, and others. Meal plans range from infinite meal swipes and zero declining dollars or 30 meal swipes and a $750 declining balance. Declining dollars are similar to UNE’s flex dollars. While students can add money to declining funds, they can’t add meal swipes. Swipes don’t equal U.S. dollars because it’s part of the school’s comprehensive fee. However, community members can use U.S. dollars for purchases at the same locations where students use declining balances. As for first-year students, they can choose unlimited meal swipes with $0 in declining balance, or 15 meal swipes per week with $250 in declining balance. In Febuary 2023, Union changed their services to allow any first-year to use any meal plan option due to a pipe burst and it’s effects on the dining situations. Throughout the dining areas, theres options for sandwiches, entrees, sushi, desserts, drinks, and more. The article closes with an email provided to give feedback and get in contact with the Hospitality Services.
Week 10: Final Week
Theme Houses to be Converted in the 2025-2026 Academic Year
February 22, 2024
This article discusses a new change to Union College’s theme housing selection for the 2025 to 2026 academic semester. The school’s Office of Residential Education is changing the 13 theme houses into residence halls, 5 affinity houses, and upperclassmen selection for 8 of the houses. The paper interviewed the Director of Residential Education but doesn’t clarify what information came from there afterward. A few things will be different during this transition such as the houses as a whole directly communicating with the Director and adding Community advisors. The college’s goal is to change the purpose of the houses due to inconsistency and declining occupancy. The 5 affinity houses are focused on different cultural groups and can also connect with offices outside of campus for faculty, staff, and budgets. As for the other 8 houses, the goal is to provide upperclassmen with more independent living. There are a few other ideas to adapt other residential halls but nothing is decided yet. Application for the last year of traditional housing will close in the first week of March.
Paralympic Athlete Gives Talk In Memorial Chapel
February 15, 2024
On February 7, two students interviewed Victoria Arlen, a Paralyompic god medalist, for aa event hosted by Speakers’ Forum, Athletics, and Counseling Center. The article is split into Arlen’s background were she developed two neurological conditions that left her unable to speak, eat and move. After four years, she started taking medication and was able to relearn the skills she lost. After regaining her ability to move, she was introduced to swimming through her hockey coach. She was able to overcome her challenges and with hard work won a gold medal and three silver medals at the 2012 London Paralympic games. After her win, she went on to host ESPN, participate in Dancing with the Stars and much more. Her discussion at Union was focused around mental health, becuase she achieved so much but still had an internal struggle. Arlen encouraged student to do something they enjoy everyday, use your friends and family as a support system. She discussed what it means to be a good teammate and promoted her memoir.
