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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 6 days, 13 hours ago
Wanted: Forever Homes for Lab Rats Looking for intelligent, playful companions? The Department of Psychology at Millersville University has eight wonderful female rats ready to find their forever homes. These friendly and good-tempered Long-Evans rats (around 7 months old) participated in a behavioral study this past spring semester and are now seeking loving families. “Since rats are highly social creatures, we prefer to adopt them out in pairs,” says Dr. Kelly Banna, associate professor of psychology at Millersville. “This means double the fun and cuddles for you. However, applications from single adopters with existing pet rats will also be considered.” Before welcoming your new furry friends, it’s important to understand their needs. Banna says Marie Firestone, instructional support specialist at Millersville has created a helpful webpage packed full of information on rat care basics. This includes details on cage size, exercise equipment, bedding, hygiene and mental stimulation. “With patience and consistency, rats can be litter-trained and learn to respond to their names,” says Banna. “Make sure to set aside about an hour each day for supervised playtime outside their cage. These curious and intelligent creatures need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.” If you’re interested in providing a loving home for these delightful rats, visit the department’s webpage to learn everything you need to know about caring for them. Applications are being accepted now. Each applicant will be contacted after their application is reviewed. Available for adoption: Starting Monday, November 4th. Adoption application: rat adoption applica […] “Wanted: Forever Homes for Lab Rats”
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Sevan Sinton wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 6 days, 23 hours ago
Trump at McDonald’s, rallies in Lancaster amidst Pennsylvania tour Sevan Sinton Associate News Editor On Sunday, Oct. 20, former President Donald J. Trump visited Lancaster Convention Center, nearly two weeks from election day. Prior to the Sunday rally, Trump sparked a viral moment on social media, showcasing his skills as a fry cook and drive-thru employee at a Bucks County McDonald’s. The photo op was intended to combat claims made by Vice President Kamala Harris, who has stated she worked at a McDonald’s in 1983 while attending Howard University; a nod to her upbringing and middle-class supportership. However, Trump has denied Harris’s claims of working at the establishment, even saying “I’ve now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala,” while handing orders to MAGA-faithful at the drive-thru window Lines began forming for the 2:00 p.m. event early Sunday morning, which amassed to cover multiple blocks of central Lancaster by midday. Combing the line were cart-drawn vendors selling various Trump and “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) merchandise. “I’d rather be dead than Democrat!” one shouted. Honking motorists sporting Trump flags and MAGA hats spurred the crowd of onlookers to chant “Fight! Fight! Fight!,” a new slogan that caught on with supporters of Trump following an attempt on the former president’s life in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. With multiple close calls regarding the safety of the former president, the security at the Lancaster Convention Center was tight. Surveillance trucks were spotted outside the venue with police officers stationed at street corners. No bags, bottles, or plastic containers were allowed into the event. Every attendee was required to empty their pockets and proceed through a metal detector to be granted entrance. The wait to get into the event was around two hours, with Trump appearing at 5:00 p.m. following a short introduction by former news anchor turned Republican talking head Sage Steele. The event, which was packed into the crowded Freedom Hall of the Lancaster Convention Center, had characteristics of both a rally and town hall, with Lancaster residents and officials allotted microphone time to ask the former president questions. Trump is slated to visit Las Vegas and New York in his l […] “Trump at McDonald’s, rallies in Lancaster amidst Pennsylvania tour”
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Sevan Sinton wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 6 days, 23 hours ago
Christian Nationalist law firm’s policies postponed following uproarMichael Keehan Staff Writer The Independence Law Center (ILC), a conservative law firm that has been advising over a dozen school boards in Pennsylvania over the past few months, has seen two major delays in their attempts to push anti-LGBTQ policies. The first was in the South Western School District in Hanover, where windows were added to gender-inclusive bathrooms without notice. The windows were boarded up on Oct. 3, and an apology was issued shortly after. The other was on Oct. 21 at the Penn Manor School District near Millersville, where various anti-LGBTQ policies were postponed to be revised come January. Penn Manor appointed the ILC last August, while South Western used their assistance for book bans before the windows scandal that made national news. The ILC refused to comment when asked and linked a statement denying any involvement. The ILC, formed in 2006 by the Pennsylvania Family Institute (PFI) to protect discrimination of gender and sexual identity under “religious freedom,” has been advising the South Western and Penn Manor districts for the last few months. According to WGAL 8 On Your Side, The PFI has been funded by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which helped overturn Roe v. Wade, and has been having secret meetings with school boards. The PFI is also labeled as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Policy Law Center. Hanover mother Jennifer Holohan first discovered the windows when her son showed her pictures of them at Emory H. Markle Middle School, where the South Western school board meets. Holohan’s son was assigned to a “male gender-identity” bathroom where, according to Holohan, windows were being constructed before approval. She said parents weren’t notified outside of the school board before thousands were spent to change the bathroom. When she spoke to the school board, school board president Matthew Gelazela attacked her in the meetings and on social media. He accused her of being a pawn for a “woke agenda,” shamed her weight, and described her as a “libtard,” described as unprofessional by Hanover Area Diversity Alliance (HADA) Executive Director Amanda Bonnett. Despite this, Holohan says she plans to continue fighting for the privacy of kids in the school district. At Penn Manor High School, Millersville students attended and spoke to oppose various anti-LGBTQ measures, which according to Dr. Jill Craven in a Lancaster Online opinion, is discrimination and violation of separation of church and state. Leading this was Elliot Simcoe, president of Millersville’s Transgender Action Group, who shared that they were concerned for potential students who’ll be affected by these policies, including some they know. They were one of many who gave speeches to the board, including an African-American mother worried about her transgender daughter, who saw the policies as “heartbreaking.” Activist Morgan Thomas criticized the board’s involvement with the ILC, saying that once the ILC gets “What they want, which is national media attention and a case to put before the Supreme Court, they’re going to […] “Christian Nationalist law firm’s policies postponed following uproar”
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Sevan Sinton wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 6 days, 23 hours ago
Correction to Sept. 26 Council of Trustees articleSevan Sinton Associate News Editor Our Sept. 26 article on housing costs was found to contain an error. We mistakenly reported that the Council of Trustees had announced a 2% increase in on-campus housing. The announcement came from Geoffrey Beers CEO of Student Services and will only affect off-campus residences (Brookwood, Wellness, College View). The increase will also only apply to new tenants or current tenants who do not take advantage of renewing their leases before Dec. 18 for the 2025-2026 leasing year. “SLI [Student Lodging Inc.] has no input regarding on-campus housing rates,” Beers says. “Tenants that renew before the deadline will freeze their rental rates at last year’s rate (no increase).” According to Millersville University’s website, the rate for on-campus housing during the 2025-2026 year is estimated at $4,040, […] “Correction to Sept. 26 Council of Trustees article”
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Sevan Sinton wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 6 days, 23 hours ago
SpaceX successfully lands rocket boosterAbigail Manbeck News Editor Recently, a SpaceX rocket was launched into space, but there was a different landing for the booster of the rocket this time. This rocket is considered to be “the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built,” according to Space.com. This rocket is called the Starship. On Oct. 13, the Starship, which is a 400-foot-tall rocket took off for the fifth time. It took off at 8:25 a.m., in South Texas. The booster, which is called Super Heavy, is the first stage and was in the plans to be returned to Earth and grabbed by the “chopstick” arms that are attached to the launch tower. It was to be a “bold and unprecedented maneuver,” as stated in Space.com. After liftoff, the booster took about seven minutes to come back, and it completed what was called a bull’s-eye landing. The booster hovered by the Mechazilla launch tower and then the “chopstick” arms grabbed it. SpaceX manager of Quality Systems Engineering, Kate Tice said to Space.com, “This is a day for the engineering history books. This is absolutely insane! On the first-ever attempt, we have successfully caught the Super Heavy booster back at the launch tower.” A spokesperson from SpaceX, Dan Huot also commented to Space.com, “Even in this day and age, what we just saw — that looked like magic.” Starship is being used to eventually help to settle Mars and the moon, and in time the ship is to be fully reusable, as it was designed to be. It seems that the Super Heavy booster’s successful landing is a step in the right direction for SpaceX and the succe […] “SpaceX successfully lands rocket booster”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week ago
Accident closes N. George St. for over an hour The flipped vehicle sits in the road as first responders attend to the accident. PAYJE DAVIS / SNAPPER Payje Davis Staff Writer Shortly before 4 p.m., a Honda Civic rolled over in the crosswalk between N. George St and McCollough St., causing the closure of the main intersection through campus for over an hour. There were many witnesses and passersby who saw the flipped vehicle. Eyewitness Leila Medina, who was nearly hit by the car just trying to walk across the street, shared what she saw. “An old man had stopped for me and my classmate. We were a little bit before the yellow line and some lady tried to get around him, and when trying to go around him, her car flipped,” Medina explained. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson that was also involved in the crash was overheard angrily explaining over the phone that the female driver turned out of McCollough St. and attempted to pass him going at least 40 mph, hitting his car and resulting in the sedan flipping into the crosswalk, just narrowly avoiding pedestrians. “It was rolling towards me and my classmate, and that was concerning,” Medina explained when recalling the incident. Despite the mountains of debris from the car that filled the intersection, some even managing to make it onto the sidewalk, everyone involved in the crash walked away from the incident unscathed, including the driver of the flipped vehicle. Passerby Morgan Pickle stated after the incident, “This intersection should also implement the flashing crosswalk like down between Shenks Ln. and E. Frederick St. to try and avoid this from happening again.” The car was flipped over and towed out of the intersection and scattered debris was cleaned out of the area shortly before 5:15 p.m., allowing the […] “Accident closes N. George St. for over an hour”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week ago
Parents’ Council Gives Family Members a Voice Parents and families looking to get some firsthand insight into student life at Millersville have the option to join the Parents’ Council. The Parents’ Council is a program that helps parents and guardians to be informed of campus events, student life and other important information. The Parents’ Council was formed in 2023 with the help of Dr. Mary Beth Williams, vice president for Student Affairs, after parents expressed that they wanted to be more involved in the institution their child attends. The program is specifically catered towards the students’ primary caregivers, but other family members are welcome to join. The council currently has 15 members, including some faculty and staff members who are parents of students. Part of the council’s duty is to regulate the MU Parents Page on Facebook, ensuring that accurate information is shared online, staffing a tent for parents during move-in with information available to parents as well as tissues for the emotions they experience after moving their family member in. “The purpose of the council is really to both empower the parents, educate the parents and make them feel that they are a part of our community as well,” says Williams. Williams expresses that her role in the council requires keeping a pulse on the parents’ concerns, support the planning of orientation for new parents and other general events for parents. She meets with the council once a month over Zoom, then relays any concerns over to Dr. Daniel Wubah, MU’s president. “This is a world that parents have helped create, and they want to continue to be a positive force for it and in it,” says Williams. “This is just a continuation for those parents who have always been engaged.” Parents looking to join the Parents’ Council can apply at this link. For more resources about other parent information, visit the Resources for Students and Familie […] “Parents’ Council Gives Family Members a Voice “
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Bill Horst wrote a new post on the site AEST News Blog 1 week, 1 day ago
2024 TEEAP Scholarship and AEST Department Alumni Awards Several awards and scholarships were presented during the luncheon at the 2024 TEEAP from Problem to Innovation Conference on October 25, 2 […]
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 4 days ago
Teacher Educator of the Year Millersville University professor of Educational Foundations, Dr. Oliver Dreon has been named the Pennsylvania Teacher Educator of the Year. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, he received the award from the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators. The PAC-TE Teacher Educator of the Year Award is conferred upon an individual who has directly participated in and contributed to the preparation of candidates for teacher certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The criteria is based on professional preparation and professional work experience, leadership, scholarship, service and membership in other professional organizations. Dreon, who didn’t know he was in the running for the award, was nominated by Dr. Leslie Gates, professor of art and design. “Ollie is a voracious learner who has extensive knowledge in educator ethics, educational technology, science education and artificial intelligence,” says Gates. “His dedication as an educator drives him to create dynamic learning opportunities for others around these topics. Ollie’s work has improved the quality of teacher education at MU and well beyond.” Dreon says he is grateful that his work as a teacher educator has had an impact and that his colleagues see value in his contributions. “This award reflects my current work as a teacher educator and the contributions I’ve made at the state and national levels.” In 2001, Dreon was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award. At the time, each state recognized a teacher for the award, and Dreon was the awardee for Pennsylvania when he was teaching high school physics at Cumberland Valley School District. On how the award will impact his students, Dreon says, “I think the award is more of a reflection of the work I’ve sought to do and will continue to do. I am motivated to do meaningful work that prepares our teacher candidates for the classrooms and schools they’ll encounter.” Interested in becoming a teacher? Click here. […] “Teacher Educator of the Year”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 4 days ago
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 4 days ago
'Ville in the Philippines Millersville University representatives recently met with executives from the Philippines Department of Education and Thames International to discuss a partnership. The following was posted on the Republic of Philippines Department of Education website: Education Secretary Sonny Angara engaged in meaningful discussions on Oct. 16 with the delegation of Millersville University of Pennsylvania led by President Dr. Daniel A. Wubah and Thames International President Joel Santos. The meeting aimed to establish strategic partnership to advance education in the Philippines. Among the key topics discussed were strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction Management System, building capacities of guidance counsellors, and teacher upskilling initiatives. The courtesy meeting was also attended by Dr. Marc Harris, Dean of School of Technology, and Dr. Sepi Yalda, Disaster Risk Expert of the University, DepEd Usec. Willy Cabral, Asec. Georgina Yang, and Asec. Malcolm […] “‘Ville in the Philippines”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 4 days ago
Prof Helps Discover Ghost Shark Dr. Dominique Didier, a biology professor at Millersville University, has played a key role in the discovery of a new ghost shark species, Harriotta avia. The discovery was announced in a recent paper published in the journal Environmental Biology of FIshes. Didier, who is considered the world’s leading expert on chimaeras which are more commonly known as ghost sharks, has been studying these captivating creatures for decades. She was involved in the discovery of Harriotta avia while working on a book about ghost sharks with three other experts. “While working on the book, we realized that we had previously unrecognized diversity among the members of the genus Harriotta,” says Didier. “I have examined huge numbers of ghost sharks and have an extremely large database on all ghost shark species. Brit Finucci, the lead author on the paper, had access to newly collected specimens of Harriotta from New Zealand, which allowed us to compare and contrast these specimens with other known species.” Didier’s expertise in chimaeroid taxonomy has been instrumental in the discovery of numerous new species. In fact, she has named or co-named over 30% of all known species in the Order Chimaeriformes. “Discovering a new species is a rare and exciting event,” says Didier. “It’s a testament to the diversity of life in our oceans, and it highlights the importance of ongoing research and exploration.” Didier’s research on ghost sharks has not only contributed to our understanding of these mysterious creatures, but it has also inspired students at Millersville University. She has taught ichthyology (branch of zoology that deals with fishes) courses and has mentored undergraduate students who have assisted with her research. “I encourage students to pursue their passions and to explore the many wonders of the natural world,” says Didier. “There are still so many undiscovered species out there, and I hope that my work will inspire others to continue the search.” Fun fact: On September 26, Stephen Colbert from “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” featured the discovery of Harriotta avia (the ghost shark). You can read more about the discovery in the Smithsonian Magazine. To learn more about the biology program at Millersville University, visit MU […] “Prof Helps Discover Ghost Shark”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week, 5 days ago
Amari Cooper traded to the Buffalo Bills Ben Staker Sports […] “”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week, 5 days ago
Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets Davante Adams prepares to line up for a play. PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Ben Staker Sports Editor Less than 24 hours after their Monday Night Football loss to the divisional rival Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets finalized a trade to acquire Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams. This trade sees Adams reuniting with his longtime friend and quarterback from Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers. Despite a 2-4 start, the Jets decided to finalize this deal after a coaching change in hopes of turning their season around. The team came into the season with hopes of not just winning the AFC East and the conference, but a Super Bowl too. This move won’t fill all the team’s holes, but adding a player of Adams’ caliber to an offense that already features other star players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall certainly won’t hurt them. All the Jets had to give up in this trade was a conditional third-round pick. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, this pick can turn into a second-round pick on one of two conditions. Those being, if Adams becomes a first or second-team All-Pro or if he’s on the active roster for a potential AFC championship game. Throughout the trade process, rumors were that the Raiders were hoping to receive more in return than they eventually settled on, so for the Jets to acquire such a talented player for what seems to be next to nothing is interesting. Adams has two years left on his current contract, which made many people across the league wonder how much the Raiders would get in return. Ultimately, they settled for what could turn into a second-round pick. Given the amount of money Adams is owed over the next two years, combined with his age, this trade is a win-win for both teams involved. The Jets get a star player for the next two seasons and the Raiders add more draft picks to fuel their rebuild. It will be interesting to see if Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers can pick up where they left off in Green Bay. While both players are much older now than they were the last time they played together, they still have a ton of talent left. Given their history together, […] “Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week, 5 days ago
Dylan Stewart caused an uproar with his new celebratory moves Syan Swanger Staff […] “”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week, 5 days ago
Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers Achilles injury Deshaun Watson prepares for training camp with the Browns in 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Katelyn Auty Head Copy Editor Social Media Editor Associate Sports Editor Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was in tears as he was carted off the field during Cleveland’s game against the Bengals on Sunday. Watson’s leg appeared to hyperextend on a non-contact play towards the end of the second quarter. He took the snap, hesitated, began to run the planned play, and crumbled to the ground. Watson was quickly surrounded by his teammates before being carted off the field. He used a towel to cover his face as he was driven to the locker room. After much speculation surrounding the nature of his injury, the Cleveland Browns took to X to share a simple update, saying, “Injury Update | Deshaun Watson is out with an Achilles injury.” Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over for Watson, with backup Jameis Winston previously being made inactive as an emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s game. Watson has struggled so far this season, entering Sunday ranked last among all quarterbacks in quarterback rating. He also has the second-worst passer rating among all players who have appeared in at least six games. Watson signed a controversial five-year $230 million contract extension with the Browns in 2022. Availability has been an issue during his time with the Browns. He appeared in only six games last season, as well as six the season before due to his 11-week suspension after being sued by 22 women for allegations including sexual assault and misconduct. Watson made just seven starts this year, including Sunday’s game. It was announced on Monday that Watson’s injury is season-ending. This is his second season […] “Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers Achilles injury”
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kmauty wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 1 week, 5 days ago
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 5 days ago
New Station Manager at WIXQ Millersville University’s student-run radio station, WIXQ, has a new leader at the controls this semester. Elaina Bartusik, a junior majoring in horticultural science, was appointed as the new Station Manager, ready to bring fresh energy and vision to the airwaves of 91.7 FM “The Ville.” As station manager, Bartusik is responsible for bridging the gap between the administration and the student DJs and ensuring smooth operations at the station. She supports DJs through their college radio journey and assists other WIXQ council members in various tasks. This includes connecting local businesses with the station’s production committee for commercial creation, scheduling DJs for live events and organizing club activities. “Lately, I have been listening to college radio nearly 24/7, it’s always a unique, goofy experience on 91.7 FM The Ville,” says Bartusik. WIXQ is undergoing significant upgrades, including a major equipment overhaul and a partnership with the neighboring station, WITF, to share programming. Over the next year, Bartusik will play a pivotal role in helping retrain DJs on soundboard techniques for simulcasting, all while striving to grow the club’s involvement with students, local businesses and community clubs. Bartusik’s journey with WIXQ began after a challenging first year on campus. Encouraged to join the radio station, she found solace in music and routine through hosting a weekly show called “Brain Fog.” This experience provided much-needed stability during the toughest parts of the semester. “Music listening has always been my favorite hobby, and the weekly commitment to a 3-hour show gives some form of routine during the hardest parts of the semester,” Bartusik reflects. Balancing schoolwork and radio life is no easy feat. Bartusik maintains 5-10 weekly office hours at the station while also keeping up with academic studies. The role of Station Manager has taught her valuable lessons in delegating tasks and prioritizing both academic and passion projects. When not at the station or studying, Bartusik enjoys attending local music events in and around Lancaster County, particularly those organized by the Closing Time Collective. She is also a regular at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where she has worked for the past three years. When asked about managing the radio station, Bartusik says, “My favorite thing about working with WIXQ is hearing all the student DJs’ unique playlists! Three years of doing college radio has both humbled me and expanded my listening parameters.” […] “New Station Manager at WIXQ”
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Mark Linker wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 2 weeks ago
Millersville wi-fi is a frustrating and tedious chore Michael Keehan Staff Writer Are you a human living in the year 2024? If so, there is a high likelihood, especially in the U.S., that you frequently use the internet. As much as older folks complain about how kids are always on “those darn phones,” it’s undeniable personal technology is a necessity these days. Despite that, it still seems like many public areas are slow to adopt dependable Wi-Fi, and Millersville is no exception. Millersville sort of has campus-wide Wi-Fi, but it’s very complicated. There are not one, not three, but six separate Wi-Fi networks. The first is Marauder Guest, which is, as it says, for guests on campus. Then there is Marauder BYOD and Marauder, which are for student-bought and on-campus devices respectively. Finally, the most complicated of all is the three different My Res-Net networks. These are intended to be used at the dorms. First is a “Start Here” network, which is necessary to log into the other networks, the My Res-Net 2G and 5G networks. With that, I have to ask, does anybody use the 2G network? I get that security is important, and you need certain networks to cater to convenience while others can be stable for long-term devices. But I highly doubt it requires that much time both to explain the Wi-Fi here and connect all your devices to it. And it’s not just the initial connection that is the problem. For dorm residents, walking around campus while staying connected is way more of a mess than it has any right to be. For example, if you’re like me and like listening to music while you walk or run, then you’ll know that once you leave your dorm, you lose connection with the Res-Net network and don’t automatically connect with Marauder Guest or BYOD. And even once you’re connected, you’re likely to disconnect and either switch to data, which may do the same thing, or fiddle around with the Wi-Fi to get it back. Now, to be fair, I am a new student. It’s almost certain that new students have some issues adjusting to campus, and perhaps my troubles with the Wi-Fi are just a growing pain of adjusting. I’m also sure that the Wi-Fi ten or so years ago was an absolute mess, and what we know is likely much better. Still not dependable, but it’s a relatively new technology for an institution older than electricity. It likely took a while for Millersville and other institutions to adjust, which will almost certainly be the same Wi-Fi. So I hope in the coming years, Millersville will make Wi-Fi convenient, secure, and usable for all students wherever […] “Millersville wi-fi is a frustrating and tedious chore”
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Mark Linker wrote a new post on the site The Snapper 2 weeks ago
Dry-walls lead to dry minds Jake Long Associate Opinion Editor As students, we spend the majority of our time learning in and out of the classroom the necessary skills that will impact our future success in the industries of our desire. Learning begins from the moment we are born and is instantly full of wonder and possibility. We learn how to function on the most basic level from our parents and relatives, but then something happens around the age of five. We enter the classroom for the first time, and our institutionalized learning begins. Most, if not all of us, have persevered through the education system, surely with a few bumps in the road, thanks in large part to our teachers. They showed up every day with smiles and can-do attitudes that inspired, and continue to inspire, us to reach for new heights. And they did so much more than just teach. They were companions and mentors and, most importantly, interior decorators. Remember the days when the classrooms themselves were dressed to the nines and full of personality? The teachers were the ones who made those classrooms exciting. They would dedicate their dwindling summer days to laying out the mood of their rooms, with special emphasis on making learning fun. And without the pizazz, learning has become a stagnant, rigorous process devoid of the simple wonders found in our old classrooms. When days began with posters that have cats on them and sayings like “keep on trucking” or skeletons hanging from the walls wearing two-piece suits, learning came with a side of fun. It was a fun that was encouraging and comforting, as if the walls were saying “We may be rigid cinderblock, but we have a soft side too.” Especially when the going got rough, and those decorations would be there to offer a brief reprieve from the pressure cooker that is learning and then the encouragement needed to refocus. Those were the days when rooms had personality, when they were interactive and engaging and a part of the learning process. When they brought learning to life. Decorations were more than just for show. They offered the opportunity to create spontaneous analogies and make connections from material to décor that otherwise would have been overlooked. They set the cogs of your mind in motion and got you thinking about how the world worked, especially when it came to the esoteric combinations some posters displayed. Why could this cat, this one normal-looking orange cat, play accordion and wear a beret? Posters such as these, provided a window into a world where anything was possible, and when looked closely enough, a mirror that showed anything was possible in this world too. Now, let’s leave the nostalgia behind and discuss the practicality of the matter. When you think of a room in any context, at home, in restaurants, the airport, you realize that the walls of the rooms are filled to the brim with paintings, tapestries, and other wall ornaments. These decorations give us something to occupy our minds as we sit or wander to our respective tables, benches, or chairs. They are there to showcase artwork and the conscious effort an artist took to create. Then, how come, that some of the most important rooms in our lives, the college classrooms, are akin to walls of a prison, barren? It could be as simple as the fact that multiple professors use the rooms to teach their classrooms. The professors don’t feel an emotional attachment to their room either, so feel no need to add their personality. This is completely reasonable, but would it be so hard for someone over the summer to go from room to room and hand a poster here and there, or even better, student-made artwork? The point is, just because learning becomes an investment does not mean it has to lose the creative provocation, which is often communicated through classroom decoration. Without that central element of the classroom, college classrooms can be bland and lacking external motivators that give the extra kick needed to get excited about lea […] “Dry-walls lead to dry minds”
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