Author: Rian Zetzer
Westminster reflects on a polarized nation after presidential election
The year 2020 has brought a series of challenges that have tested residents of the United States in many ways. People are experiencing a multitude of hurdles including climate change, heightened racial injustice and the pandemic. The increased stress created by all of these events has left citizens tired, stressed and more on-edge than ever before. Nationwide stress seemed to reach a tipping...
Students express mixed feelings about removal of Fall break
One of the biggest schedule changes for Westminster College this semester has been the removal of its weeklong Fall break in mid-October. However, the break was removed this year to prevent mid-semester travel — instead being compensated with the Fall semester ending a week early. In a schoolwide email sent out in May, Karnell McConnell-Black, former vice president of student affairs &...
With fewer customers at Griff’s Roost, one barista left to run the show
In past semesters, Griff’s Roost — the coffee shop on campus — was typically bustling with students rushing between classes or grabbing a coffee while studying in the Bassis Center. However, things are a little different this semester to accommodate safety regulations amid the pandemic. Tables have been removed to accommodate social distancing and masks are required inside the building...
Westminster College reports lower first-year enrollment due to COVID-19
Westminster College’s first-year student enrollment declined significantly for the 2020-21 academic year, after several classes moved online to adhere to community health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erica Johnson, vice president of enrollment, said that first-year student enrollment experienced the biggest drop in recent years for the Fall semester. “Where we saw a decreas...
‘It’s OK to not be OK’: Students struggle with increased mental health challenges during pandemic
When Westminster College moved to remote learning to follow guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19 in March, students experienced a sudden and drastic change in their routines. This transition to a new and unfamiliar college setting has continued into the Fall semester. While some classes are incorporating a system of blended learning — a mix o...
Class of 2020 celebrates graduation with drive-through parade, socially distant ceremony
The class of 2020 gathered Saturday to celebrate their graduation with a drive-through celebration — four months after the original date. Professors and faculty members lined the Foster parking lot with signs, cheering as cars proceeded through the line. Graduates decked out in face masks and individually-designed graduation caps hopped out of cars to receive their diploma and take a p...
Student skiers hesitant to purchase passes with uncertain season ahead
As winter quickly approaches, students are hesitant to invest in a season ski pass to any of the Utah resorts near campus. Westminster College students who purchased a pass last season were unable to experience its maximum benefits because the resorts shut down operations mid-March to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “I didn’t like how it ended right around the spring season, that’s whe...
Annual ASW Clubs Fair hosted virtually for the first time amid COVID-19
Amid COVID-19, several beginning-of-semester events have been altered to take place virtually. One of these events was the ASW Clubs Fair, which took place online Thursday. “This is our first time hosting virtually,” said ASW Clubs President Dwain Worrell. Hosting virtual events is a new concept for many and the shift comes with an interesting set of challenges. “With the online connec...
Center for Centers’ ‘Meet a Friend’ event encourages student engagement
Westminster College students gathered outside the Bassis Student Center for the Meet a Friend Soireé Tuesday. With many courses moving to virtual instruction, organizers said they want to provide some in-person activities — while maintaining public health safety measures. “My goal for our program is to be able to meet socially-distanced as much as we can,” said Yovie Saiz, student coor...