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Articles by Julia Croston
UNF Creative Writing hosting Wainright Award Celebration and Talon Review Open Mic
Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 19, 2022 The University of North Florida (UNF) Creative Writing Program is holding their annual Wainright Scholarship Award Celebration and Talon Review Open Mic Tuesday night. Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Creative Writing Mark Ari provided Spinnaker with this statement on the dual event: “The Wainright Award Celebration and Reading celebrates the creative work of UNF students and our vibrant creative writing program.
SG seeks student awareness and opinion of the Counseling Center
Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 19, 2022 Months after the option to relocate funds toward the Counseling Center was denied, Student Government (SG) looks to understand how students feel. The April Osprey Voice survey asks students about their mental health, the center’s current state and student fees. SG Senate Pro-Tempore AJ Likosar explained the survey is important to gain statistically significant and unbiased results.
Student Government welcomes new administration
Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 15, 2022 On the third floor of the Student Union, the University of North Florida (UNF) Student Government’s (SG) Senate chambers were filled with countless congratulations, goodbyes and a few tears. Concluding the final senate meeting of the spring semester, Nathaniel Rodefer and Joshua Murry were sworn in as student body president and student body vice president. Nathaniel Rodefer and Joshua Murry being sworn in by Chief Justice Travis Ford on April 15, 2022.
UNF Interfaith Center hosting conference Thursday
Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 5, 2022 The University of North Florida Interfaith Center will host a conference, at the Robinson Theater on April 7, to discuss “Religious Literacy for a Diverse Democracy.” “We are excited for this new initiative where we can learn about religion together in public, considering sound scholarship and how our diverse religious and non-religious identities contribute to the conversation,” Associate Director of the Interfaith Center Matt Hartely shared in an...
The “Turning Red” debate: Spinnaker reviews
Julia Croston , Carter Mudgett, and Nathan Turoff April 4, 2022 Pixar’s newest film “Turning Red” has ignited a debate amongst audiences as they wonder whether this quirky animated film is just weird enough to be worth watching or not. Released to Disney+ on March 11, the film follows a 13-year-old Chinese Canadian girl named Mei as she traverses the bridge between childhood and adulthood: growing up.
Students share opinions on dining hours; UNF dining responds
Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 4, 2022 University of North Florida students have expressed their opinions on the hours of operation for on-campus dining locations, hoping for more accommodating adjustments, and, in response, Dining Services explained that these current hours are a product of continual recovery from the pandemic and understaffing. Responding to an Instagram poll, students shared their opinions on dining hours.
UNF blocks Russian and Ukraine network traffic, IT explains
Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 21, 2022 The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, University of North Florida Information Technology Services (ITS) began a temporary block on network traffic to and from Russia and Ukraine on Feb. 25. The network block may last longer than previously anticipated in order to prevent malware from corrupting the UNF network. When using the UNF WiFi, students, faculty, and staff will not be able to access Russian and Ukrainian websites.
Alcohol returns to UNF
Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 7, 2022 With Interim President Pam Chally’s signature, the University of North Florida has updated its alcohol guidelines to bring back tailgating and alcohol on campus starting Monday. Tailgating was initially suspended in Feb. 2018, after a student was sent to the hospital for drinking too much. Spinnaker spoke with Student Body President Selma Besirevic about the finalized alcohol guidelines. On Aug.
UNF reports 6 positive cases
Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 7, 2022 The University of North Florida reported 6 total positive COVID-19 cases from Feb. 25 to March 3. Out of the six, four on-campus students, one off-campus student, and one employee tested positive. Keep up with the reported COVID-19 cases here. ___ For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].
UNF reports 12 positive cases
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 28, 2022 In total, the University of North Florida reported 12 positive COVID-19 cases from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24. Seven students and five employees tested positive. Of the students, five live on-campus while the other two live off-campus. The previous week, from Feb. 11 to Feb. 17, UNF reported 16 positive cases. Keep up with the reported COVID-19 cases here.
UNF and Jax Melanin Market collide, a dual photo gallery
Darvin Nelson, Justin Nedrow, Julia Croston, and Carter Mudgett February 25, 2022 University of North Florida Market Day: Invited to the UNF Student Union Plaza, students enjoyed food trucks, black locally owned businesses and live music to celebrate the last full week of Black History Month. Titled “Jax Melanin Market Meets Market Days,” the event was created in partnership with the Intercultural Center and Africana Studies.
UNF IT explain the purpose of ClearPass OnGuard
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 25, 2022 An ongoing battle between the University of North Florida WiFi and students, university Information Technology Services claims that connectivity problems may be due to personal device software because of a failure to meet ClearPass OnGuard requirements.
SG Attorney General resigns
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 24, 2022 Student Government Attorney General Ali Sartawi resigned from his position effective Feb. 18, citing a potential conflict of interest with the upcoming Spring 2022 election as the reason for leaving. Sartawi was sworn in as the Attorney General, a vacant position for approximately three months, in Nov. 2021.
UNF reports 16 positive cases
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 22, 2022 At the University of North Florida, 16 positive COVID-19 cases were reported for the week of Feb. 11 till Feb. 17. The positive cases include 15 students and one employee. Out of the 15 students, 4 live on-campus and 11 off-campus. The previous week, from Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, had a total of 39 reported positive cases. Keep up with reported COVID-19 cases here.
UNF Students for a Democratic Society protest 15 week abortion ban
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 17, 2022 Protesting on the Green, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) used speeches and chants to show their opposition to Florida House Bill 5 (HB 5), a 15-week abortion ban, at the University of North Florida Wednesday. HB 5, along with Florida Senate Bill 146 (SB 146), could ban abortion after 15 weeks from the start of the pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest.
“My queen” and “false prophet” among UNF student descriptions of controversial ‘Sister Cindy’
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 16, 2022 Eds: This article quotes foul and vulgar language that may be offensive to some readers. The Green saw more action than usual on Valentine’s Day as Cynthia Smock, better known as Sister Cindy, preached to a crowd of University of North Florida students who had contrasting thoughts on her message. Spinnaker asked students for their opinions on Smock’s controversial on-campus presence in an Instagram poll.
Positive cases total 39 at UNF
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 15, 2022 A total of 39 positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the University of North Florida during the second week of February. The first week of February had 75 reported positive cases while the final week of January had 146. From Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, the second week’s reported cases included 23 students and 16 employees. Out of the 23 students, 10 live on-campus and 13 live off-campus. The total COVID-19 cases for the month of February, split up by week.
UNF opens 25 year old time capsule Original
Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 4, 2022 The UNF time capsule, created in 1997, was opened for the university’s 50th anniversary. Photo via the UNF archives. Celebrating the university’s 50th anniversary, University of North Florida library archivists opened a time capsule created in 1997, revealing documents and memorabilia important to university history. The capsule was compiled and donated by the library during the celebration of UNF’s 25th anniversary.
Black History Month 2022 UNF calendar of events Original
Julia Croston, News Editor February 1, 2022 (Updated 10:00 am Tuesday, Feb. 1, to include updated Kickoff event.) Celebrating Black History Month, various organizations on UNF’s campus are hosting free events throughout the month of February. The first event, taking place on Tuesday, the Student Alliance for Inclusion and Diversity (SAID) will host Black History trivia through their Instagram story posts, starting at noon. SAID will give prizes to trivia winners. Postponed until Thursday, Feb.
Interim President Chally rejects student fees proposal, current student fees remain same
Julia Croston , News Editor January 21, 2022 Concluding the Fall 2021 semester, the Student Fee Assessment Committee (SFAC) finalized their proposal for a fee reallocation, a proposal that has since been rejected by Interim President Pamella Chally. President Chally instead recommended the committee keep fees the same until the state increases student fees. However, the Counseling Center still desperately needs an increase in funding to both run smoothly and meet necessary standards.
Advisor Shore retires after 11 years at UNF Original
Julia Croston, News Editor January 20, 2022 Student Government (SG) Advisor Victoria Shore will retire by the end of January after working at UNF for 11 years, with nine of those years at SG. In an interview with Spinnaker, Shore reflected on her time and favorite parts of her tenure as SG Advisor. In Dec. 2010, Shore started at UNF as an office manager for administration in the Student Union where she worked with students and helped with the budget for two years.
Osprey Racing prepares for national competition
Since the competition last year, the University of North Florida Osprey Racing Club has been preparing for the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Collegiate Design Series held at the Michigan International Speedway, starting on May 18. “Every year, we design and build a single-seat racecar to compete with schools around the world in a competition,” Team Captain Nathan Stratton explained.
SG committee members swing for the fences with fee proposal, Administration committee members expect rejection
Carter Mudgett and Julia Croston December 10, 2021 Fiery speeches and stressed-out faces flooded the Student Affairs Conference Room Wednesday afternoon as the Student Fee Assessment Committee finalized their proposal, a tense debate that ran for the better part of two hours. The Problem The UNF Counseling Center proposed a $0.43 increase to their fee to help bring the center into compliance with the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) standards.
Committee to finalize student fees proposal Wednesday
Julia Croston and Carter Mudgett December 7, 2021 During a duo of meetings, the Student Fee Assessment Committee listened to the budget proposals of six university departments that help make up the categories behind student fees. The committee is composed of eight members, four appointed by the Student Government President and four appointed by the University President, plus a chairperson.
Parking tickets turn digital at UNF
Julia Croston, Government Reporter December 6, 2021 UNF Parking Services has permanently swapped their parking tickets from the physical to the digital realm. In the past, parking tickets were given as a physical copy along with a non-descriptive email notification. This change to e-tickets will help Parking Services save a small amount of money and a lot of time.
SG Senate terminates the SKYS program
Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 23, 2021 During the final Senate meeting of the semester, Student Government (SG) met to determine the future of the Students Keeping You Safe (SKYS) program. With a close vote, SG passed the bill after potential liability and financial issues were brought to the attention of Senators. The bill was created and fully backed by the executive branch. Student Body President Selma Besirevic read her executive order calling for the termination of the program.
Students remain concerned about mold in Osprey Hall
Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter November 16, 2021 Recently, UNF Housing Director Robert Boyle responded to student claims of mold growth in the dorms, however, students are still concerned about the current living situation. Boyle believes students may be misidentifying mold, and recommends students to reach out to maintenance for any issues. Spinnaker spoke with a student who lives in Hall to discuss mold and other quality issues.
Jacksonville author Deesha Philyaw shares her inspirations
Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 15, 2021 For the first time since the 1980s, Deesha Philyaw visited UNF to read sections of her book to her hometown. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies was published in 2020 as Philyaw’s first work of fiction. The collection of short stories is currently being adapted into a show for HBO co-written by Philyaw and executively produced by Tessa Thompson.
Student Government swears in 17 new senators
Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 8, 2021 Student Government (SG) has sworn in new Senators and an Attorney General, while simultaneously announcing the resignations of the Supervisor of Elections and Chief of Staff. In an emotional speech, Madison Saul announced her resignation as the Supervisor of Elections. Thanking everyone for the opportunity to serve in SG for the past three years, Saul encouraged the new Senators to take risks.
UNF Housing Director responds to claims of mold in dorms
Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 5, 2021 Living in Florida demands a constant battle with the elements, including mold. The most recent Student Government survey asked students to report on-campus issues. As a result, several students reported health concerns, due to mold issues in housing. Spinnaker met with Senior Housing Director Robert Boyle to discuss the reported mold issues. Director Boyle believes students may be misidentifying mold.
SG shares Sep. Osprey Voice results
Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 2, 2021 In their Sep. Osprey Voice survey, Student Government (SG) asked for student input on the usage of the new Competition Pool Complex in collaboration with the UNF Department of Recreation and Wellness to field student feedback. Overall, 564 students responded to the survey. When compared to past surveys, student participation saw an increase. The Feb. Osprey Voice received only 215 student responses.
SG passes bill to swear in senators early
Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 25, 2021 With an atmosphere of urgency contrasted with occasional laughter, Student Government (SG) met in the Senate chambers to pass the ‘Validation Bill‘ in preparation to swear in 19 Senatorial candidates. Officially titled the “Validation of Acclamation of Fall 2021 Senatorial Candidates,“ the bill pertains to this Fall election specifically in order to confirm and document the Senatorial candidates.
SG faces lack of Senators
Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 16, 2021 Student Government (SG) once again is struggling to fill open Senate seats for the Spring semester. Simply, not enough students are interested in being appointed. With the recent uncontested election, SG hopes to maximize student involvement in the Senate moving forward. Spinnaker met with Senate President Joshua Murry and Senate President Pro Tempore A.J. Likosar to discuss the Senate appointment process.
No longer contested, SG’s election plans fall through
Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter October 15, 2021 Student Government’s (SG) election timeline has been indefinitely postponed after the Senator Debate was canceled. After the news broke last week, Spinnaker reached out to Deputy Elections Commissioner Alex Iannantuono to discover what this means for the future of the Fall election and SG. Iannantuono was joined by SG Branch Advisor Victoria Shore and SG Communications Director Bailey Bernard.
Student Government passes a trio of bills ahead of ‘Rally in Tally’
Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter October 11, 2021 On Friday, Oct. 8, Student Government (SG) met in the Senate chambers to finalize new legislation before it will be presented to state legislators at Rally in Tally. The bills advocate for sexual violence prevention training, telehealth, and Bright Futures. All three bills were presented by Student Body President Selma Besirevic and passed by the SG Senate with unanimous consent.
Rally in Tally: Student Body President Besirevic shares SG’s goals for the event
Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 6, 2021 On Oct. 14, Student Government (SG) will have the opportunity to lobby at Rally in Tally, a conference at the state capitol, along with representatives from other public universities in Florida. In a conversation with Spinnaker, Student Body President Selma Besirevic, along with SG Communications Director Bailey Bernard, revealed the plans for the event.
50 years of UPD
Julia Croston, News Editor February 1, 2022 Set to cross the 50-year threshold of existence this year, check out the history of the University of North Florida Police Department (UPD) and revisit some of the most interesting cases and stories over the years. History The UNF University Police Department (UPD) was established alongside the university when it opened in 1972. At the time, the department just had 15 members, and the university had 2,027 students enrolled.
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