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Campus Health

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Kaylene Wright

Students are beginning to feel it in the air. The sniffles during class, the embarrassing and constant coughs, and that saying among friends, “don’t get to close to me, I’m sick.”
Cold season has indeed begun. The months September through April generally have the more illness than other months. This is because people stay indoors due to the lowering temperatures outside. Cold weather itself does not cause illness, but people congregating indoors causes easy spread of germs from person to person.
Hood’s campus is no exception to this. In fact, college campuses are among the germiest places. Students live in just about as close quarters as you can get. Students share bathrooms and dining halls, and their own room with their roommate or roommates.
“The most common illness that we see in Hood’s Health Center are eye, ear, nose, and throat complaints,” Teresa Cevallos, director of health services at the Hood College Health Center, said. “The reason that they are grouped together is that it is not unusual for a student to have a sore throat along with an earache or nasal congestion.”
Cevallos says that the common cold, officially referred to as an upper respiratory infection, is also a huge complaint. “There is nearly a tie for second place,” she said, “which is gynecological visits and upper respiratory infections.”
Will Shackley, a senior at Hood, is one of the many students who have already been sick this semester. “I had a runny nose, fever, and a sore throat,” he said. “It felt like slight death.”
Meaghan Jones, another student, has also experienced sickness this school year. “It was bad. I had a fever, a runny nose, and felt extremely weak,” she said.
Due to the importance of classes, most students try their hardest to get to class. Sometimes, however, illnesses prevent even normal daily function from occurring. “It was a real struggle just sitting up in bed,” Jones said. “I couldn’t make it to class even if I wanted to.”
Other times, students may be able to make class, but risk infecting other students. “Yes, I was contagious,” Shackley said. “I infected all of my friends who hadn’t been sick already. I don’t know who I got it from.”
Posing a rarer but much more serious threat is the flu. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that flu seasons are unpredictable. Though flu seasons happen every year, they vary in severity and length.
The easiest way to protect against the flu is to get the yearly vaccine. Hood’s Health Center has plenty of flu shots available for students. “We have given 26 flu vaccines to students so far,” Cevallos said. “The majority of our flu shots are given to faculty and staff, but we still have flu vaccine available and would like more students to get them if they don’t get the flu vaccine from their home health care provider or from a local facility.”
Getting a vaccine is extremely quick and doesn’t involve much pain at all. Cevallos says that students may walk in whenever it’s convenient for the student to get the vaccine, and that no appointment is required. “Please tell your friends to come in and get a flu shot!
Regardless of the sickness, symptoms, or reason for feeling not 100%, basic safety measures can be taken to prevent spreading illness. The single most important way is to frequently wash hands. This is especially important on campus, because as already discussed, many everyday items are shared.
Other basic safety measures students can take include not sharing food or drink with others, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining proper sleep and eating habits

Sports and Study Hall

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James A Brown

Colleges want their students to be well rounded. In addition to academics, schools like their students to be engaged in extracurricular activities such as community service, playing an instrument, and playing sports. Students who choose to participate in collegiate athletics face different challenges than narps (non-athletic regular people). Athletics forces students to use their time wisely. Between practice and travel it is not uncommon for student athletes to fall behind. Freshman athletes often struggle the most because they have not been through a collegiate athletic season. They aren’t aware of the time commitment that comes with being a student athlete.
There are number just ways for freshman athletes to ensure they do not fall behind. All freshman are required to attend at least 4 hours of study hall a week. Freshman athletes who don’t achieve a cumulative 2.3 GPA must continue going to study hall until they have met the requirements. Students believe that study hall helps give them a way to stay organized.
Madison Krauss said “study hall has helped and I plan out when all my papers and tests are due on my calendar. I plan my work around my sport schedule”. Properly planning when you will do assignments is an essential aspect of being a student athlete.
Playing in the Middle Atlantic Conference, Hood and Stevenson are the only 2 teams in the conference in Maryland. Hood athletic teams regularly travel 2 hours to compete against teams in Pennsylvania such as Albright, Alvernia, and Lycoming to name a few. Game days are days that students typically plan their work around. After a game, athletes are exhausted and have little energy and motivation to get work done.

Students are responsible for asking for assistance in any courses they aren’t doing well in. Coaches want their players to do well and remain eligible to compete. Coaches are constantly inquiring about how their players are doing. Jayden Barrick, a member of the field hockey team explained that “you have to set up personal meetings with your coach to check on your grades. They set up a tutor for you if your grades are in danger.” However, it may be difficult for an athlete to make time for a tutor because of their tight schedule. If a tutor is necessary, coaches may let the athlete miss a little bit of practice time to allow them to get the help they that students typically plan their work around. After a game, athletes are exhausted and have little energy and motivation to get work done.

Students are responsible for asking for assistance in any courses they aren’t doing well in. Coaches want their players to do well and remain eligible to compete. Coaches are constantly inquiring about how their players are doing. Jayden Barrick, a member of the field hockey team explained that “you have to set up personal meetings with your coach to check on your grades. They set up a tutor for you if your grades are in danger.” However, it may be difficult for an athlete to make time for a tutor because of their tight schedule. If a tutor is necessary, coaches may let the athlete miss a little bit of practice time to allow them to get the help they need.

Ipads in the Classroom

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By Becca DeLauter
At the start of every new academic year, Hood College gives its incoming freshman class and transfer students brand new iPads to supplement their learning experience. In 2014, Hood was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its plan to use iPad technology as a teaching tool.

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Hood began this process in 2011. Four years later, students a faculty still vary on whether Hood’s mission to further education through the iPads is successful.
Many students agree that the root of this problem lies in the faculty. They say some of their professors don’t allow the iPads, while others encourage use of them, as well as make them a part of lesson plans.
“About half of my teachers allow them, and half of them forbid them, “Ariana LeBlanc, a junior, said. “I never know what to expect.”
LeBlanc also said that she mainly uses her iPad for social media and entertainment purposes. She said that the iPad does help her escape from the stresses of school. When she needs to take a break from school work, she watches Netflix and plays different games.
Two freshmen, Tyler Heffner and Ryan Atkinson agree that they don’t use their iPads for much.
“I’m really excited to have the iPad, but I kind of see it as a waste of money,” Atkinson said. And Heffner agreed that the iPads are “pointless” when using them for school.
But some upperclassmen said that they began using their iPads more as they began taking higher-level classes. One senior, Kristine Johnson said that she thinks it’s because of experience—professors think students aren’t going to get as distracted later in their college careers.
“Most of my classes now only have juniors and seniors,” Johnson said. “Professors trust us more.”
Senior Tiffany Kiang agrees, but she thinks that it also depends on which major you choose. Kiang is an English major and pursuing a secondary education certification as well.

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She said: “Since there’s such an emphasis placed on education in technology these days, my education professors are starting to use the iPads now, and my English classes are the same. But if I was a bio major, I don’t think I’d use it as often because biology is more hands-on.”
Kiang did say she sees more professors using them each year—and not just for textbooks, but for valid teaching tools as well.
One professor at Hood works hard to promote the use of iPads in the classroom, and makes having an iPad a requirement in her classes. Heather Mitchell-Buck, a professor of English at Hood, integrates iPads into her curriculum.
Mitchell-Buck believes that the role of a teacher is less about giving information, but about giving the tools to learn how to get it. She likes the “size and portability” of the iPads, and said that iPads break a barrier that laptops can create in the classroom.
ipad2Recently, Mitchell-Buck became an Apple distinguished educator, which recognizes teachers and professors around the world for use of Apple technology in the classroom.
On her website, admits on the home page that she is “unabashedly addicted” to her iPad. She also describes her vision for using the iPad, and why she uses it in the classroom.
“The more hands-on you can be when learning, the more those lessons stick with you,” she said.
Mitchell-Buck works as a sort of advocate for using Apple technology in the classroom. She said that she doesn’t think forcing faculty to use them will work at all. Instead she relies on having informal conversations with her coworkers works just as well.
Mitchell-Buck is on the advisor committee for Hood’s Center for Teaching and Learning, which holds workshops for professors on how to better implement iPad technology into the classroom.
She said she realizes the use of iPads holds much controversy in the education world, but she believes that people should look at what’s practical.
“People expect you to know how to use technology when getting a job,” she said. “It’s a good edge for people.”
Mitchell-Buck described using iPads as the “low diving board” for students—a “low stakes” way of getting people to try something new.

Inauguration of President Chapdelaine

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By: Carly Berkowitz
Students, staff, and esteemed guests alike stood in honor and applauded as Dr. Andrea Chapdelaine took the stage to officially become the 11th president of Hood College.
The ceremony started at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Hodson Outdoor Theater on campus. The autumn wind was cold against hands and faces, but hearts were still warm as the long-awaited ceremony began.

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Chapdelaine officially began her work as president back in July, but now, with great celebration, pomp, and circumstance, it becomes official.
“I’m very passionate about small liberal arts colleges,” Chapdelaine said in an interview prior to the event. She expressed her interest in the challenges and opportunities Hood presents, as well as the Hood community. “I want us to continue to be a strong institution so I will be working on continuing to gather resources, with primary interest in improving the academic experience of the students.”
The inauguration boasted many esteemed visitors and guest speakers, including Dr. Lex O. McMillan III, president of Albright College; Dr. Jennie C. Hunter-Cevera, the secretary for the Maryland Higher Education Commission; Bud Otis, president of the Frederick County Council; Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV, Commander for the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Detrick; MaryAnn Baenninger, President of Drew University and board member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Tina Bjarekull, president of the Maryland Independent College and University Association; along with Hood alumnae and faculty alike.

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The week leading up to the ceremony, Hood hosted many events to build excitement for the coming inauguration. Students could watch inauguration improvisation, take part in a scavenger hunt, or help their community through civic engagement awareness week, among others gatherings, assemblies, and lectures.
Chapdelaine herself came up with the idea for civic engagement awareness week, explaining that it serves as a celebration of Hood and all it brings to the surrounding community. “I had certain goals for the inauguration, one is that the students have fun and feel engaged and part of it – that was my primary goal,” Chapdelaine explained. “The second was that it showcase not just me but all of the things that we should be proud of in terms of what Hood is – how much Hood does for the community – the civic engagement week really came out of that.” Chapdelaine also expressed her hope that civic engagement awareness week become an annual event.
Immediately following the inauguration, students, staff, faculty and guests were welcome to enjoy light refreshments in front of the Coblentz dining hall and each others’ company. The air was one of celebration, as all looked forward to the future of Hood.
“I think the inauguration was a great celebration and I look forward to her [President Chapdelaine’s] time as president with a great deal of hope and promise,” said Dr. Katherine Orloff, assistant professor of journalism at Hood. “I think she is a kind heart with a genuine interest in improving our college, and my general feeling is that the faculty is pretty united in doing whatever we can to support her.”
Other Hood faculty shared a very similar opinion. “Overall I thought the inauguration was quite delightful, a lot of fun,” said Dr. Donna Bertazonni, professor of journalism and director of the Communication Arts program at Hood. “It’s been very enjoyable – I thought that the ceremony was quite nice – I really liked what President Chapdelaine said, but I also really liked what the president of Albright said. I thought that was very, very nice, bringing her and all of her accomplishments to light for the rest of us.”
“I think it’ll be a good future, I’m looking forward to it,” added Dr. Heather Mitchell-Buck, assistant professor of English.
A video of the inauguration was posted to the Hood College website shortly after the event. There is also a webpage posted for anyone wanting to bid good luck and best wishes to President Chapdelaine for the future.

Hood’s Witch Trial Reenactment Highlights Continuing Issues

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By Cameron Rogers

As part of the Halloween season, Hood College’s ENGL 259 course held a reenactment of a Medieval European witch trial on Oct. 27.

The course, which is entitled “Medieval Magic and Mysticism,” studies literature involving witchcraft and the growing fear of it between the years 400-1300 C.E. The class prepared for the reenactment throughout the month of October.

The reenactment lasted from 1 to 2 p.m. in room 131 of Hodson Science and Technology Center.
“Finding the time and space to do it was kind of a challenge,” Dr. Heather Mitchell-Buck, the instructor of ENGL 259, said.

According to Mitchell-Buck, she did not act as a gatekeeper for the reenactment’s content. “I helped facilitate some discussions in the creation of the project. But, I was there not to make suggestions, but mostly just to keep the conversation going and keep it productive.”

The reenactment will serve two purposes according to the class – to demonstrate to Hood students everything they learned over the first half of the semester, and to highlight the continued existence of one-sided “witch trials” today.

When asked if the historical witch trials were still relevant today, Mitchell-Buck said, “Absolutely. Think about any time you see people accused of something without sufficient evidence in support of that, or you see a community looking to blame someone who is different from themselves for something that they don’t entirely understand.”

Logan Samuels, a student in ENGL 259 who runs the conclusion group, agreed with Mitchell-Buck’s sentiments. “I think it can play into today,” she said. “I would like to say we don’t slip up as much as we do, but there are definitely some biases when it comes to trials with celebrities and politicians.”
Samuels compared the sentencing of witch trials to court cases today, where the wealthy and powerful would often go free with little to no punishment. In keeping with the references to modernity, she said that modern humor would be written into the script.

In contrast, Ashley Trovato, another student in ENGL 259, did not hold the same views on modern relevance. “The scare isn’t even relevant at all,” she said. She pointed towards the modern focus on science and acceptance of customs that would have been mistaken for witchcraft as signs of societal progress.

Trovato, who designed the propaganda and handout flyers for the reenactment, said she hoped people would still take the event seriously.

It was not the first time Mitchell-Buck’s class held a witch trial reenactment. In 2013, her ENGL 259 class reenacted both a pre-reformation and post-reformation trial.

The class was overall excited for the production on Tuesday.

“I hope it’s a good Halloween event,” Samuels said. “I think it’s just going to really be unique, and I’m excited to see what happens.”

Likewise, Mitchell-Buck expressed her enthusiasm for the efforts of her students. “It is going to be awesome,” she said. “I think there’s all kind of social relevance to this today.”

Ultimately, she said that she hoped the audience would understand where the fear and prejudice of the time period came from. “I hope that they get a little nuanced sense of what went into this than what we get from Monty Python,” she said.

Breast Cancer Awareness at Hood College

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Amy Madert October 26, 2015

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“About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime,” according to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics. In 2015, The American Cancer Society estimates that 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which acts as an annual campaign to help fundraise, increase awareness, and support the people who have been affected by this disease.

For years, Hood College Athletics has held games to honor, raise money for, and bring awareness to, Breast Cancer. Year after year these games have shown to bring large crowds and a good amount of fundraising.

This year, field hockey and volleyball held pink games.

“Our Breast Cancer games are always the games we look forward to,” Alysa Billeter, senior captain on the Women’s Feld Hockey team, said. “These games bring the most fans and not only do the players love being a part of these games, but I truly believe these are the games the parents look forward to most.”

Volleyball “dug pink” by wearing pink shirts, pink headbands, and pink shoelaces to show support.

“All of the girls love having these games and more fans seem to come out and support the team and the cause,” Lauren Cline, Assistant Coach for the Women’s Volleyball team, said. “However, I think the meaning has been lost for many years now. Teams are more excited to wear pink than support the cause or promote awareness.”

From fundraising, selling t-shirts, having bake sales, and collecting donations at the games, theirs no denying that the Hood community isn’t hesitant when it comes to supporting a good cause.

Cline said money was raised at the door through generous donations from families, students, and staff.

“The team raised money through a pink bake sale that we held at our game,” Billeter said. “We also raised money through Play4TheCure, which we marketed through our social media pages, word of mouth, and in any other way we could.”

In the past, Hood College’s Women’s Soccer has hosted pink games in honor of Breast Cancer, but the past two years the team has chosen to host a teal game during the month of September to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer.

“One of our teammates has an aunt who was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and our Head Coach, KristaLee Mellott, had a coach who passed away from the disease,” Sarah Marcello, a senior on the team, said. “Hosting a teal game had a more personal meaning to us the past few years and we were all glad to show our support.”

The players were all responsible for selling shirts to raise money and donations were collected at the game; part of these profits went to the local ovarian and cervical cancer coalition.

“Even though we didn’t have a specific pink game a lot of the team shows their support during our games in October by wearing pink headbands,” Marcello said.

Whatever the school is decked out in pink or teal, the Hood community is brought together by these different causes.

Field hockey hosts picnics (or tailgates) after home games and welcomes anyone. Billeter noted that the breast cancer games have always resulted in the bigger tailgates and “everyone has fun eating, hanging out, and spending time with friends, teammates, and family,” she said.

“It was the biggest crowd we’ve had this year,” Marcello proudly said. “Everyone was wearing their teal shirts in the crowd and cheering us on during the close game.”

Other organizations, schools, and sports teams, hold awareness games. “It isn’t hard to get the word out there, so why not help as much as possible,” Billeter said. “We’re just one team at one school, but if enough teams and schools get involved who says we can’t make an impact.”

This year, field hockey team got to participate in another institutions pink game where a player’s mother was honored. Hood got to wear their pink jerseys and show their respect and support.

Billeter and Marcello both are glad that Hood College supports the athletic teams in their efforts and hopes the awareness continues for years to come.

Thank you for reading.