March 2, 2026 | The Reflector

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS •

Indiana Senate Bill 76

Where would UIndy students go if US Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed up?

By Logan McInnes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As of Feb. 25, the Indiana Senate passed the amended version of Senate Bill 76, titled “Immigration Matters,” with a 37-11 vote, sending the bill to Governor Mike Braun’s desk.

University of Indianapolis

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Lacey Davidson said there is already a state law in place that prohibits the restriction of federal immigration law enforcement. Therefore, SB 76 is revising a specific part of the code. The two main changes, according to Davidson, are: (1) enforcement has broadened to all levels, including federal, state and local law enforcement; and (2) there is now a $10,000 civil penalty for universities that knowingly or intentionally refuse to comply. Additionally, the bill includes cooperation agreements between the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and state and local police, which Davidson said strengthens their cooperation.

This bill does not do enough to protect citizens against immigration enforcement, according to Davidson. Because it is such a proactive enforcement mechanism, there will be many citizens who are subject to immigration enforcement practices that should not be.

Davidson said she believes the code changes could apply to either a public or private university, specifically referring to the civil penalties, since UIndy’s police department is “governed by the same rules as all other police departments in the state of Indiana.” The bill also states that it applies to “a governmental body or postsecondary educational institution,” which Davidson said UIndy falls under the latter. She said even if the code does not particularly affect UIndy’s governance structure, an enforcement mechanism could be placed on a private institution if the government decides not to fund the university for grants or student loans.

“...Another thing it adds is if you are wrongfully involved in an immigration enforcement process, like you're a citizen or have appropriate documentation, you can't sue,” Davidson said. “You can't say ‘I was wrongfully detained.’ I'm not talking about what I think we owe each other as human beings, but if we're just going from the civil liberties aspect, it will impose on liberties to not be searched and seized, which is a huge problem.”

This bill could restrict

people’s movement ability, whether or not they have citizenship status, a working visa, a student visa or those who do not have status to live or work in the United States, according to Davidson. She said this also affects people’s ability to seek “basic help” or “contribute to our societies.”

People are here in the US because they have refugee status, asylum status and have fled violence, either war, genderbased violence, or religious or political persecution, according to Davidson. She said those people may not have a way to get status any other way, except via asylum.

“Even if you believe that immigration enforcement is justifiable, I think at certain times, you still have to be concerned about how it's done and that people's human rights are not violated in that process,” Davidson said.

UIndy Associate Professor of Political Science Greg Shufeldt said public opinion polls are showing that most people feel ICE and the current immigration policies are going too far, resulting in a “climate of fear.” Due to most Americans not knowing the ins and outs of what is happening at the Indiana General Assembly and in Congress, people do not always necessarily know what their rights are or what legislation does, according to Shufeldt. He added that the system of

federalism, the division of power between the federal government and states, has created some confusion because immigration has historically been controlled by the federal government.

Although Davidson feels the code changes apply to both public and private institutions when referring to the civil penalties, as aforementioned, Shufeldt said he believes this legislation is more focused on public universities.

“For students at IU Indianapolis or Bloomington…, this [code change] perhaps diminishes some of the rights, freedoms or protections students might have thought that they had,” Shufeldt said. “At a private school [like UIndy], we are a little bit insulated from some of the things in Senate Bill 76, but it is certainly, I think, a word to use appropriately in quotes would be ‘chilling,’ and this sort of legislation certainly creates a climate of uncertainty for how people think it might be implemented.”

UIndy Police sent out an email on Feb. 9, titled “Information and Resources Regarding Immigration.” The beginning of the email states, “This is not being shared in response to, or in anticipation of, any immigration enforcement action on campus. Our goal is to ensure our community has access to accurate information and understands available resources and procedures.”

The email states “to contact UIndy Chief of Police Brandon Pate and to notify Cyndi Carrasco in the General Counsel’s Office in the event that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrives on campus to serve a warrant.”

Governor Mike Braun's Desk to sign. or not resident assistants (RAs) in dormitory halls are (1) being trained on how to handle this type of scenario and (2) if RAs can determine whether or not ICE or DHS needs permission to enter a building.

Carrasco is “...the head lawyer for UIndy and is also a sitting [Republican] Indiana State Senator who voted in favor of this legislation,” Shufeldt said. Similarly, Davidson said she does not think a student would have good reasons to contact either Pate or Carrasco in a situation where ICE or DHS were to show up. ICE and the Indiana State Police have an agreement already “on the books” from this past summer to work collaboratively, and “you have somebody [Carrasco] who is in support of a bill [SB 76] that is putting in place the sort of architecture, support and sort of like the legal code for how this is going to be done,” according to Davidson. Pate said he can only speak to Carrasco’s position as the General Council at UIndy, who makes sure all legal aspects and processes are followed correctly.

The email leaves questions about the doors that are unlocked for ADA accessibility, and it does not clarify whether ICE would then need permission to enter those doors. Additionally, the email does not include whether

The Reflector requested phone interviews with Carrasco and Pate. Carrasco declined a phone interview and asked for questions via email instead.

“Any door that is unlocked, whether propped open or left open for ADA, would be accessible by any law enforcement officer of any agency, as well as the public,” Pate said.

When asked whether RAs are being trained on how to respond, Pate replied, “They're being told to use the email that we sent out that says to contact the police department or General Counsel if they come in contact with any law enforcement agent presenting any type of warrant, be it administrative or legal.”

The Reflector asked Pate whether UIndy students would feel comfortable and safe or not notifying Carrasco, if they were aware of her political affiliation and voting history, and he responded with, “I don’t have an answer for that.”

The Reflector spoke to an RA on campus to ask if they are being trained in case ICE or DHS were to show up on campus. The RA said it is university policy not to disclose any information as an RA, not just regarding ICE.

OPINION

The new “Ozempidemic”

GLP-1 drugs are the recent addition to eating disorder culture

By Ella Harner MANAGING EDITOR

Editor’s Note: This article handles topics such as eating disorders, which might be harmful to some readers.

Generation Z has taken skinny culture to the extreme, fighting back on the “Body Positivity” ideals that once united them.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs (GLP-1s), like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, have become increasingly more popular over the last year. Ozempic is seemingly the most popular, with an episode dedicated to it on South Park, which criticized the overuse of GLP-1 drugs.

Let’s be clear, there is nothing wrong with losing weight, especially if it would benefit your mental or physical health.

The problem with the popularity of GLP-1s is they contribute to the idea that being skinny is the only option.

Recently, social media has been a storm of diet tips and weightloss hacks, promoting getting thinner and thinner, according to NPR. This slender version of social media isn’t new, and it is available on any platform.

“#EDTwt,” for example, is X’s, formally known as “Twitter,” own version of this skinny promotion, with memes and threats featuring people sharing “thinspo.” It is not that social media is creating eating disorders, but it is definitely promoting them.

According to NPR, body positivity used to be booming.

People actually wanted body positivity to be real and heard, and for a while, you could see it in action. Brands started offering more inclusive sizes

while shows, ads and runways all featured different body types. The question of when this positivity began to decline once more is up in the air, but the truth is that GLP-1s are part of the problem.

It has long been known that America’s definition of “beauty” was false. For a long time, the only models featured in magazines were under a size 4, and that has stuck with our culture.

“Fatphobia” became a mainstream idea long before I can remember, and it’s come back with more strength than before. This rise has dimmed the inclusivity that once took over the media, and can impact the empathy for not only others, but for yourself. Watching your favorite celebrities and influencers rapidly losing weight can make you question your own appearance and body.

It is almost like people do not care about others anymore. They

don’t understand the impacts of mocking someone else’s body. The rise of skinny culture is going to leave a lasting impression on the youth today, adding another generation of teens struggling with eating disorders.

Olympics get political

Olympians should be able to speak on whatever they want, but it matters when and how they do it.

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think it’s a little hard,” Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier, said in a news conference, according to NBC. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

After Hess criticized the administration, Trump called him a “loser” on social media, expressing that athletes like Hess make the event hard to watch, according to USA Today.

An online dating dilemma

By Genevieve Condon ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In today’s society, you can find just about anything online: new clothes, fun things to do, even love. Online dating is becoming more and more popular, and it’s for good reason.

Third spaces are becoming very limited, according to the National Library of Medicine. Therefore, for people in pursuit of a romantic relationship, it is increasingly more difficult to meet people organically.

Online dating helps combat this by giving people the opportunity to make those connections they crave. It also helps alleviate the concerns for people with busy schedules, as they can more easily determine how dating fits into their free time.

Online dating has also positively affected the LGBTQ+ community, according to Better Help. For LGBTQ+ individuals, dating can be challenging and unsafe. Some

members of the community may be stuck in non-progressive areas where their identity is not accepted. Dating their preferred partner in a public space may put them at risk of physical or mental harm. Online dating can make this situation easier by allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to meet those who are similar to them.

Dating apps such as Taimi, Grindr and HER are designed to make the dating realm for the LGBTQ+ community easier, something that could never happen without online dating.

Dating apps also take into account your preferences regarding age, interests, location and the type of relationship you’re looking for. When these factors are disclosed, finding the right match for you is less daunting.You’ll know right away if the person lives too far for your liking or does not share any interests with you. It increases efficiency and the probability that you might be the right person for one another.

Although online dating seems like a last resort for many people, these apps promote human interaction, and that is a positive concept. It allows those who struggle to meet people in person to have opportunities for love and connection. Therefore, despite the dangers and criticisms, online dating should remain a common practice.

By Ella Harner MANAGING EDITOR

Catfishing, danger and low self-esteem! Oh my!

From confidence dwindling to literal murder, the harms of online dating are a spectrum. Dating apps don’t have background checks, which was obvious to Monica White when she found out the man she met on Tagged was actually accused of killing six women, according to People.

About 30% of adults in America use dating apps or websites, which is around 80 million people, according to Forbes. Of course, White’s story is on the more extreme side; everyone who uses dating apps could experience some sort of problem. Catfishing, or when someone uses fake photos to pose as a different online identity, is another problem for both people’s wallets and

self-esteem. According to CNN, a total of 19,050 Americans reported a loss of over $700 million to “romance scammers,” or catfishers, in 2022. Online dating does not let you meet anyone other than exactly what you’re looking for, which sounds like the perfect setup. The truth is, even without catfishing, the apps keep you from finding real connections with real people. In-person dating allows you to meet a variety of people who have different life stories and personalities. No one is going to be perfect, but online, it’s easier to assume they might be. Not only can you not see others’ personalities, but you also can’t even show your own on dating apps. What does answering a few prompts teach people about you? There is no way to show the real you, to share how your manners are or prove that you actually like the beach. Dating apps almost make you want to lie to look better. They open the door for you to make yourself out to be a taped-up, before version of yourself, and not in a good way. If you don’t allow yourself to get out there, you’re never going to find someone who likes you for you. The online dating world isn’t just dangerous, it’s a joke. Graphics by Ella Harner

Olympian Amber Glenn also faced backlash after she shared her opinions against the Trump administration and expressed her support for LGBTQ+ rights. Megyn Kelly, a known Republican podcaster, mocked Glenn’s Olympic performance in an Instagram post. Additionally, Glenn shared she has received dozens of disturbing messages for standing up for what she believes in.

Some citizens within the United States, like Vice President JD Vance, see it as deeply disrespectful to speak against your own Nation while you’re representing the entire country and its people, according to ABC 7 News. On the other hand, a lot of people could potentially see it as the true representation of the people in the majority standing up for what is right.

Athletes should not feel expected to share their political opinions based on the fact that they have a platform as Olympic athletes. The athletes are there to compete. However, I deeply applaud those who have the strength and ability to speak up for themselves. Although I appreciate those who speak out, the general public should not be pressuring these athletes and speaking about how they feel due to the backlash the athletes could face. Our nation is tense, especially between political parties. If athletes speak their opinion, they should understand that with both popularity and an expectation to represent the people of the U.S.A, their words have weight. Olympic Athletes’ actions are important because it is not just American citizens who look at them, but the entire world. Athletes who decide to speak or not should be prepared for the benefits and the consequences that come with it.

Within the political climate Americans live in, citizens see it all, from Olympians receiving disturbing messages to public mocking by their own government. It’s best to say that athletes should not be forced to share their opinion to protect them, their families and our citizens who stand with them. Olympians should not be obligated to share something personal about themselves. The audience does not watch for their political opinions, but for wonderful athletics on an international level.

Corrections

The Reflector acknowledges its mistakes. When a mistake occurs, we will print corrections here on the Opinion page. If you catch a mistake, please contact us at reflector@uindy.edu.

In our Feb. 9 Issue:

On Page 7, the graphic for story two was incorrectly credited. The graphic was by Natalie Childers.

What do you think?

Send your letters to the editor or other correspondence to reflector@uindy.edu

The opinions in this section do not necessarily reflect those of The Reflector staff.

Improving as citizens

The UIndy community came together for lessons on civility and civic leadership

By Dallas Marshall STAFF WRITER

The eleventh annual Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium, focusing on the topic of Civility and Civic Leadership in the Circle City, took place on Feb. 18. The event was hosted in partnership with Indiana Humanities.

Ted Frantz, chair of the University of Indianapolis History department, professor and a member of the board at Indiana Humanities, said the topic of civility was chosen for a combination of reasons, including the lack of civility in society.

“Our politics have become super saturated...bearing more partisan discord than we could have thought possible,” Frantz said.

Frantz’s goal for the symposium was to bring students, alumni and members of the community together and present them with tools to help them become better citizens. He and many of the other speakers emphasized the importance of listening to alternative viewpoints.

“I think the ability for people to listen to diverse ideas is vital to a strong society,” Frantz said. This ideal is central to the overarching concept of civility that was shared at the event.

Author of “The Soul of Civility,”

Alexandra O. Hudson, was one of the keynote speakers. She argued that civility is separate from politeness, based upon our motivation and disposition, rather than the outward appearance of our actions.

“Civility requires rediscovering

a general regard for our fellow persons and citizens,” Hudson wrote in “The Soul of Civility.” “It demands that we revive the basic respect we’re all owed, and that we owe to one another, in light of our shared moral status as members of the human community.”

Hudson acknowledges that adhering to this standard of civility is not easy, especially when it comes to those with whom we profoundly disagree. Despite this, she maintains that we must acknowledge that all people are “infused with irreducible dignity and worth,” and resist the desire to dehumanize them, falling victim to our base emotions.

“Being angry and frustrated constantly gives our power away to others,” Hudson said. “I encourage people to reclaim their power and agency, to rise above the situation and act according to principle.”

Hudson believes we all have the “responsibility to be part of the solution” by spreading civility in our day-to-day lives through small acts of kindness. While such actions may seem insignificant, she asserts that they are the “small but powerful threads that weave together and strengthen the tapestry of our democracy.”

Through fostering welcoming environments, educators are in the prime position to further civility by teaching their students its importance within society, according to Hudson. She wrote that educators can “help bring our best selves to bear in our relationships with one another and our communities.”

Laura Merrifield Wilson, UIndy

goal for the event was to bring the

Professor of Political Science and keynote moderator, said she believes that ensuring her students feel free to express themselves is among the greatest of her responsibilities as a professor. Wilson explained that it is difficult to cultivate this in a classroom, where people feel safe enough to share and express how they feel without feeling “hampered or beaten down” when others disagree. It is vital for students to be exposed to a variety of viewpoints,

according to Wilson, even if it means they are stepping outside of their comfort zone. For this reason, she integrated attending the symposium into her classes this year.

“I think everyone’s voice is important and deserves to be heard,”Wilson said. “You need to be confronted with other opinions and should feel a little uncomfortable. You have the American right to have your feelings hurt.”

Wilson acknowledges that the

current political climate makes this difficult, with discourse becoming “very uncivil” and disagreements resembling true competition, “where we feel like it’s us versus them.” However, she maintains that “everything is capable of change” and says that her students give her hope for the future. For those who attended the symposium, Wilson urged them to implement the strategies they learned, making an effort to bring positive change.

Food prices continue to increase

By Natalie Childers ARTS & GRAPHICS DIRECTOR

The U.S. has seen an almost 20% increase in grocery prices since Jan. 2022, according to CBS. The USDA states that this trend will only continue to increase.

CBS News reports a 19.1% increase in grocery prices over the past three years, with the primary increases seen

in essential food items, such as poultry and eggs, meats (specifically ground meats), bread products, and dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese. A pattern can be seen in these increases, with many of the prices rising on more popular, cheaper, preprepared or processed items.

Precut, boneless chicken breast continues to trend upwards, more so than a whole chicken, and yogurt is increasing more

than a gallon of milk.

The primary reason behind this increase in the price of goods is inflation, with prices also persistently increasing for apparel, like clothes and shoes, gasoline, household items like appliances and furniture, and other necessary items for Americans, according to CBS.

Grocery prices are not the only increase we are seeing. Food-away-from-home prices, such as the cost of takeout

or a prepared meal from a restaurant, are also rising and are expected to continue doing so. According to the National Restaurant Association, food prices, as well as the cost of labor within the food industry, have increased 35% independently, with menu item prices increasing alongside them at a 31% increase between 2020 and 2025.

For financially disadvantaged populations and those living near or below the poverty line, this can mean limited access to important goods and services, as well as a decreased ability to meet nutritional needs or access valuable nutrients, according to Feeding America Action.

According to the Urban Institute, 58% of full-time university students work either a full or part-time job, many of which get paid at or slightly above minimum wage.

On the high end, students might make up to $13,000 per year. Nasdaq reports that the average American spends on average $370 per month on groceries, suggesting that almost a third of a university student’s income could be spent on groceries. Many university students, however, earn less than $13,000 per year, meaning upwards of half or even two-thirds of their income could be dedicated to food prices alone. This does not consider the price of takeout meals, tuition, room and board, personal expenses or travel.

Assistant Director of the Terry Center Cesone Snowden

said she is doing her best to bridge the gaps for UIndy students struggling with these price increases, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. The UIndy Terry Center for Campus Connections opened and maintains the Greyhound Care Corner (GCC), an openaccess food and goods pantry for students and families in the UIndy community. The GCC is an entirely funded pantry located in Schwitzer Student Center, room 208, but is looking to relocate to the Terry Center’s new location in Schwitzer 206.

“I think, firstly, giving people an opportunity to give is always a great thing,” Snowden said. “...In terms of the student body that we’ve been able to serve, access has always been a priority.”

The GCC relies on those who are willing to give, from students and parents who have enough to share, to professors supplying the cause, and even other organizations wanting to provide for a greater community.

The pantry serves those who use it as a way to bridge the gap between student meal plans and grocery accessibility, as well as providing access to non-food essentials, like feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, dryer sheets and other daily goods.

“Students are in a very interesting predicament…and are being asked to make a lot of hard choices,” Snowden said. “They are choosing to either eat or take the bus home.”

Glimpsing into the past

A UIndy

English professor’s new poetry collection “Hindsight 20/40” is out now

By Logan McInnes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Have you experienced times of emotional complexity where clarity lacked, but now, they seem a bit clearer, like the optometrist has shifted to a more distinct, crisper lens on the phoropter?

University of Indianapolis English professor and department chair Liz Whiteacre wrote and reflected on times like these throughout her life in her new poetry collection titled “Hindsight 20/40,” which is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Finishing Line Press.

Whiteacre said she first discovered her love of poetry as a sophomore at Indiana University by signing up for a “Creative Writing Workshop,” which just so happened to fit in her schedule. The class was a group of predominantly science majors, and it was a “wonderful course with diverse perspectives and languages used,” according to Whiteacre.

“That’s when I started to get interested in writing poetry, and I ended up taking a number of creative writing courses, focusing on poetry, during my time [at IU],” Whiteacre said. “This book [“Hindsight 20/40”] stems from my senior honors thesis, where I worked on a collection with the guidance of several professors, and I found it unpacking all these years later in a box when the [UIndy] English department moved over to Good Hall.”

When Whiteacre found the collection she wrote between 19 and 21 years old, she said it was then that she started to realize how fortunate it is to work with emerging young, collegiate writers who are discovering themselves and finding their

voices. She also said she started contemplating how her poetry writing has developed over the past 20 years, what she was living through at the time and what she remembered about certain moments.

The collection started with personal reflection and exploration about times that captured a younger version of herself through photographs, songs, smells and certain items that took her back, according to Whiteacre. She said that through realizing the growth in herself, she became hopeful that this might be an interesting read for others who are pondering things that capture snippets of their memories from the past.

Whiteacre said this is the first book of poetry where she has combined photographs and words on the page to help guide readers. In her research process, she spoke to her eye doctor and thought about hindsight and how we perceive things in general to implement into her writing.

“I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and capturing moments, even before I started writing poetry…,” Whiteacre said. “As we have moved to digital photography and the ease of taking pictures on our phones, it’s a practice that I’ve continued with, pausing to take a photograph of something that sparks curiosity, something beautiful or something curious. Slowing down to look at something ordinary encourages me to pay attention, be present and to write poetry that zooms in on minute moments.”

Kylie Frandsen, a 2019 UIndy creative writing and professional writing graduate, said she first met Whiteacre through her “Intro to Creative Writing” class and later worked with her in “Poetry Writing,” “Advanced

Poetry Writing” and on the Etchings Literary Magazine. Frandsen said she was honored when Whiteacre reached out to her to see if she was willing to review a copy of her collection before seeking publication. The concept was inspiring to her to think about how we speak to and think about our younger selves.

Whiteacre is a “very present person,” according to Frandsen, and is an advocate for journaling, sharing your work and believes in the “power of writing.” Frandsen also added that Whiteacre is an “attentive listener and observer,” which is apparent through her writing. Frandsen said she hopes readers will take away a sense of compassion for their younger selves through Whiteacre’s new collection.

“Having taken a few classes at a time in my life where I was definitely writing to heal, I think she taught me a lot about the power of writing to release and name things,” Frandsen said. “We still send each other pen pal emails every once in a while to catch up…She’s very attentive to what’s in front of her, whether that’s somebody who needs something, who’s offering her advice, feedback, or editorial opinion, a student learning to publish or who is writing super sad ‘I need healing’ poems, or a grad [like me] seven plus years later, meeting for lunch and saying, ‘I think I’m going to change my whole career path now.’ She hears you precisely and underneath your words, which comes out in her writing.”

English professor and chairperson of the department at Indiana State University, with a specialization in creative writing, Amy Ash, said she first met Whiteacre through Etchings Press when her book,

“The Open Mouth of the Vase,” won the Etchings Prize in 2016. Ash added that their paths have crossed several times since in the literary community at Association of Writers and Writing Programs events.

Ash had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of “Hindsight 20/40” and wrote a review for the publisher, Finishing Line Press. Ash said she was struck by the overall concept of the book, saying it felt “layered, inviting, vulnerable and brave all at the same time.”

“This is a book that really feels conversational and generous to those two voices that are part of the conversation, and I think that is a striking craft approach and risky move,” Ash said. “It’s not something that you see in a lot of collections, and one that is so important to the experience of this book… From a craft perspective, I always appreciate the precision and attention to detail in the imagery of Liz’s work.”

“Hindsight 20/40” is a book

that conveys poetry is for people of all ages, and it shows that anything we want to say as writers has value, should be listened to and unrevised vulnerability adds something important to our work, according to Ash. She said Whiteacre’s “spirit of generosity,” openness and interest in finding connections are seen in her work and personality.

“Publishing a book is something important for the poet, but it is also significant for the whole community to celebrate,” Ash said. “For students, I think it’s important to know their professor as not just a teacher, but as a poet, which helps them see the possibilities for their own writing… I think for colleagues in the institution as a whole, it’s an important reminder of the reach and importance of creative and scholarly work, that poets and scholars are creators of art and makers of knowledge, and a book of poetry is a wonderful reminder of that.”

The Edge and Beyond Podcast

By Willa Allen SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

class, COMM 317, to produce a career-focused podcast titled “The Edge and Beyond.”

Director of Healthcare Careers

Stephanie Kendall-Dietz said the idea for a Pro Edge podcast had been discussed for at least two years,

as podcasts have continued to grow in popularity.

“We like sitting around talking about career-related topics, so when [General Manager of UINDYTV and WICR and Assistant Professor of Communication] Rick [Dunkle] had the class, that was just the perfect opportunity to really get it off the ground,” Kendall-Dietz said.

The podcast aims to provide timely career advice to college students and young professionals, not just those at UIndy. Topics will include professionalism, tattoos and piercings in the workplace, interviewing, navigating a first or second job search and getting resumes through AI screening tools, according to Kendall-Dietz.

“The job market’s changing quickly,” Kendall-Dietz said. “One of our goals is to make sure anybody interested [in a job] gets current, up-to-date information about what’s happening in the world.”

Dunkle said while he was

making the syllabus for COMM 317, the collaboration began when Pro Edge staff reached out about producing a podcast.

“When I met with the Pro Edge Staff and heard what they were doing and that they were focusing it towards students and families, it felt like we were already going to be the target demographic, so it just made sense,” Dunkle said.

Producing a professional podcast aligns with the class’s learning objectives and gives students experience in content creation, marketing and distribution, according to Dunkle.

“More than 50% of the country listens to podcasts monthly, and that’s only growing,” Dunkle said. “There’s so much growth potential here. All companies are looking at it as a way to give a different image of their company.”

Senior communication major Caden Colford, who is enrolled in COMM 317, said the collaboration has allowed students to be creative

in a classroom setting. Colford said communication between the class and the Pro Edge Center has been strong during brainstorming and production sessions.

“I feel like the people in Pro Edge have been really good at taking criticism, and we’ve been pretty good at giving it,” Colford said. “We’re starting from the ground up. We have our concept, and we’re trying to build the format.”

The Pro Edge team and podcasting class recently recorded their first episode. Kendall-Dietz said students have played an important role in shaping the project.

Kendall-Dietz said the podcast will answer questions submitted by students and listeners to theedgeandbeyondpod@gmail. com. The first episode of “The Edge and Beyond” is expected to be released in April on major streaming platforms, according to Kendall-Dietz.

Conference champions

Greyhounds make history by winning men’s and women’s swim and dive titles

By Pete Roeger STAFF WRITER

The University of Indianapolis’ men’s and women’s swim and dive teams each captured the 2026 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) championship title. The meet was held Feb. 10-14 in Evansville at the Deaconess Aquatic Center.

According to a UIndy Athletics press release, the sweep marks the first time UIndy has won both conference titles in the same year since the GLVC began sponsoring swim and dive in the 2013-14 season. UIndy earned two of the four major postseason awards on the women’s side and swept all four major awards on the men’s side.

On the women’s side, Diver of the Year Megan Sunderman and Freshman of the Year Valentina Masella earned top honors. For the men, Swimmer of the Year Jeremias Pock, Diver of the Year Donovan McMahon, Freshman of the Year Jan Schmidt and Coach of the Year Brent Noble were recognized for their performances.

Freshman Dana Dominguez, who competes in both backstroke and freestyle for the women’s team, described an emotional celebration following the victory.

“The women winning was really a surprise for everyone; it was amazing,” Dominguez said. “Everyone was supporting each other. After we got our trophies, everyone jumped into the water and we did the team cheer. It was an amazing atmosphere.On the way

back, we were all ecstatic.”

Several Greyhounds delivered record-setting performances.

According to the Swimming World Magazine, Pock set an NCAA Division II record in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 51.58 seconds. He also broke a GLVC record in the 200-meter individual medley with a time of 1:43.63 and won gold in the 400-meter individual medley (IM).

Other standout swimmers included Celina Schmidt, who won individual gold in the women’s 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events, and Kirabo Namutebi, who claimed gold in the women’s 50- and 100-meter freestyle.

UIndy also dominated the diving events. Sunderman captured first place in both the one-meter and three-meter competitions on the women’s side, while McMahon won both events for the men.

Relay teams also contributed to the championship totals. UIndy swept the 200-meter medley relays, with the women’s team of Schmidt, Namutebi, Masella and Caprice Schleuter taking gold, and the men’s team of Pock, Camille Tranquisse, Elias Noe and Johann-Matthew Matomoro doing the same.

The men’s team, consisting of Pock, Noe, Jokubas Jankauskas and Zachary Anthony, won the 400-meter freestyle relay and set

a new GLVC record. The women’s team of Schmidt, Schleuter, Namutebi and Caroline Reinke also won the 400-meter freestyle relay. In the 200-meter freestyle relay, Namutebi, Reinke, Addisyn Newman and Jasmin Hoffmann secured another first-place finish for the Greyhounds.

Freshman Malaika Claudic, a distance freestyle swimmer, described the preparation leading up to the championships. The team trains approximately 10 times per week, often practicing twice a day, in addition to three weekly weightlifting sessions. As an international student, Claudic said the training style at UIndy is

different from what she experienced in her home country. She said that the team’s supportive environment has made the transition easy for her. Following the GLVC championships, the team shifted its focus to postseason competition. According to UIndy’s schedule, the Last Chance Meet was held Feb. 20-21 at the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center on campus.

The NCAA website reports that the NCAA Division II national championships are scheduled for March 10–14 in Evansville. With a conference sweep secured and several records already broken, the Greyhounds now turn their attention to the national stage.

March Madness is around the corner

By Brayton Bowen SPORTS EDITOR

The best time of the year has arrived. The weather begins to warm, and fans across the country suddenly find themselves supporting a 12 seed they have never heard of before.

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, is coming back soon. For college basketball fans, there is nothing quite like it. For three weeks, 68 teams pursue a single goal to survive and advance. The format is simple: win and move on, or lose and go home.

Every March, a so-called “Cinderella” captures the nation’s attention. Fans still remember the magical run by Loyola Chicago to the Final Four in 2018, when the Ramblers became America’s team. A decade earlier, George Mason stunned the country by defeating multiple top seeds on its way to the Final Four. These stories live on because they display what makes the tournament special. In March,

reputation means nothing, as anyone can win.

While upsets are what catch the viewer’s eye, the spotlight often begins with the nation’s top-ranked teams. Purdue entered the 2025–26 season as the Associated Press preseason No. 1. Still, an early December loss at home against No. 10 Iowa State showed that there is elite talent all across the country.

from an average program into a legitimate national contender. What began with expected wins over Division II and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) opponents has turned into something far more

Arizona later claimed the top spot and held it for nearly two months before Kansas handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season in late February. For teams at the top of the rankings, the target on their back is the biggest, which is what makes college sports fun to watch.

the state of Indiana, long known for its basketball history, is struggling on the hardwood this season. Purdue’s early No. 1 ranking created significant expectations, but a three-game losing streak in late January, including losses to Illinois, UCLA and instate rival Indiana, exposed the Boilermakers. Although Purdue dropped as low as 13 in the polls, they have since climbed back into the top 10, currently sitting at 8. Purdue remains a dangerous team, but their flaws have been exposed at times.

The reason why people love March Madness is not due to traditional powers winning. People love the underdog.

Miami of Ohio has emerged as one of the most interesting stories in college basketball. Sitting at 28–0 and ranked 21 in the latest AP poll, the RedHawks have transformed

significant. With three regularseason games remaining, Miami (OH) has an opportunity to finish as the only undefeated team in Division I and enter the tournament as this year’s potential Cinderella.

Shifting to a local lens,

Indiana, under first-year head coach Darian DeVries, finds itself on the tournament bubble at 17–11 overall and 8–9 in Big Ten play. The Hoosiers’ resume includes a ranked win over Purdue, but with the tournament approaching, every remaining game carries postseason implications.

At Butler, the climb back to national relevance continues.

The Bulldogs have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018, and a 15-13 record with

three games remaining leaves little room for error. The clearest path to March Madness requires the Bulldogs to win the Big East Tournament.

Notre Dame’s season has been just as challenging. At 12-15 overall with just three conference victories, the Fighting Irish face slim odds to earn any postseason competition. Like Butler, Notre Dame has appeared in the NCAA Tournament once since 2018, and another absence in the bracket from both appears very likely.

With conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament coming up, sports fans around the world turn their attention to the bracket, where rankings, records and reputations disappear once the ball is tipped.

Whether it is a top seed chasing a championship, a bubble team fighting for survival or a mid-major chasing a “Cinderella” run, the message is the same: survive and advance.

For a month, nothing else in sports quite compares, which is why March Madness remains one of the most anticipated events in all of athletics.

Up late at UIndy

UIndy TV and theater students host and stream a late night show

By Samantha Funk STAFF WRITER

“UIndy Night Live” ran Feb. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, and with acts ranging from singing to stand-up, this night was a diverse show of talents.

The event had two organizers, General Manager of UIndy TV and WICR Rick Dunkle and Assistant Director Professor Grant Williams. Dunkle discussed some of the acts— both live and filmed, that were going to be taking place.

“The [Ace-It Book Bundle]

was all the talk this year, something new that maybe didn’t have the best launch,” Dunkle said. “People talked about that, so we made a satirical commentary on it and a rather funny one. It’s not personal. We were truly looking for things that were in the zeitgeist of what people talked about this year, and that was one of them.”

Both Dunkle and Williams spoke about other highlights of the show including a particularly dark travel agent, Glinda the Good and Grady III as well as the many talented performers that make up the majority of what the audience saw on stage.

Dunkle stressed the importance of many groups behind the scenes collaborating.

The Experiential Television class and the Experiential Theater class collaborated as the production combined elements of both theater and TV. Williams referred to the production as “bringing what each of us do separately on campus into one event.”

Both Dunkle and Williams were adamant that “UIndy Night Live” will return in the coming years, hopefully growing more like the real “Saturday Night Live” with time. Williams said that because they now have

experience filming and streaming content, next year’s production will be easier.

“I hope we get to the point where, like on Saturday Night Live, we can bring out different set pieces, drop an anchor desk in and have that live audience while we are filming it so we are getting the laughs as we are doing the newscast,” Dunkle said. “We didn’t have an audience and that’s the missing component. But as far as UIndy Night Live and future collaborations between theater and media, we hope the more the merrier, because it’s just such a natural fit and it gives people a different experience.”

Ta-ta to traditional TV

By Gabe Carrillo STAFF WRITER

Remember questioning how you would survive a whole week of waiting to watch another episode of your favorite show? Although the weekly episode release model is not entirely gone, streaming has heavily changed television entertainment.

TV shows used to be featured primarily through live TV and cable, however, streaming services have become the main form of television and entertainment, with a usage increase of 71%, according to Nielsen. This change has affected TV watching as a whole, as streaming services lean toward the subscription and ad revenue business model rather than needing to hold onto a time slot on live TV, according to Nielsen.

As streaming services become the more common and popular form of TV entertainment, we are also seeing live events like

the Super Bowl and Olympics become a part of the streaming service model.This extends beyond original and catalog content, too, with sporting events like Super Bowl LIX on FOX and Tubi, and the 2026 Olympics being on NBC and Peacock. This inclusion has made streaming services even more popular in comparison to other forms of entertainment like live TV and cable.

Platforms like Youtube have also been a major part in this change to streaming services throughout the years. According to Nielsen, YouTube (excluding YouTube TV) has had a steady, significant growth of 120% since 2021, and YouTube had 12.5% of all television views in May across other streaming platforms as well as live and cable TV. This was its fourth consecutive monthly increase and highest share of TV views for any streaming platform, according to Nielsen. This growth and pivot toward “free” entertainment has also given streaming services a new form of

revenue aside from subscriptions: advertisements. Similar to live TV and cable, ads are a major form of streaming services’ revenue and income, according to The Current. Platforms like Netflix even have subscription tiers for viewers to be able to remove ads or keep the cheaper tier with unskippable ads included.

The other aspect of TV entertainment that streaming has

affected is in the length of their shows’ seasons and the way they release them.TV series used to have longer seasons, typically ranging from 20 to 24 episodes to fit the schedules of network television, according to Parrot Analytics. Recently, this trend has changed to seasons with fewer episodes. In addition, streaming platforms tend to release episodes all at once instead of weekly.This shift reflects changes in audience expectations, viewership patterns and network strategies.

This development has even changed the way networks release TV shows’seasons regarding season length. Based on Parrot Analytics, the average number of episodes per season for networks went from 15.4 in 2018 to 10.2 in 2023. In the same year, the average for streaming moved to 9.6 episodes per season. This change is a telltale sign of the transformation in viewers’ preferences, with viewers seeming to prefer a more compact and tightly-knit story and series.

According to Parrot Analytics, streaming is adapting to storylines and screenplay that will hold people’s attention until the show’s conclusion by using cliffhangers and other writing techniques to keep viewers looking to the next episode.

Overall, streaming has changed the way people consume TV entertainment. It has affected show design, advertisement models, and network strategies.

High on ‘Wuthering Heights’

By Ella Harner MANAGING EDITOR

“Wuthering Heights,” the book to film adaptation of Emily Bronteë’s 1847 classic novel, is a story of death, sexuality, betrayal and above all, love.

The movie follows Catherine Earnshaw, whose father adopts a boy who Catherine decides to name Heathcliff. As the two grow older inside of their home at Wuthering Heights, their relationship strengthens and breaks in more ways than one.

My favorite part of this film had to be the set design, from the Earnshaw’s family home with dark, gloomy features to the stunning and extremely over-the-top Linton mansion. The Linton’s house

being so vibrant and maximalist highlighted the shift from her original home next door, showing how even when Catherine was surrounded by everything she had dreamed of, it would never be enough. While some might find the set design over the top, I found myself wanting to pause the movie inside the theatre just to take it all in.

“Wuthering Heights” also did a great job at making its viewers uncomfortable with pouring rain and wind, blood dripping from the bottom of Catherine’s dress and scars littering Heathcliff’s back. These small details make viewers hold their breath, and the violent introduction alone highlights both death and sexuality, showing us the plot of the film before we even meet the main characters.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

play the two leading roles, which sparked controversy for fans of Bronteë’s original novel, according to Forbes. Heathcliff was depicted as a person of color in the original text, calling into question the morals of casting Elordi as the leading man. Heathcliff’s racial identity does play a role in his experience as an outsider, from his adoption to the end of the story.

While this film did spark controversy, especially for book readers, it still had the ability to captivate those who knew nothing about Catherine and Heathcliff when entering the theatre.

Through uncomfortable obscurity, “Wuthering Heights” allowed its viewers to live through Cathy, experiencing her ups and downs alongside her while feeling her emotions through the music and sets.

A highlight at HI-FI

By Genevieve Condon ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Gutter Sinatra and “Stephen Kellogg & The Homecoming” brought an extraordinary sound, high energy and a lighthearted atmosphere to HI-FI Indy this past Tuesday.

Gutter Sinatra, the opening act, consisted of lead singer Don Miggs, guitarist Constance Day, drummer Jordi Radnoti, and bassist Nick Diiorio. From original songs such as, “I kind of want to call you” to bits of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2,” the band was dynamic and enthusiastic, keeping the audience engaged throughout their set.

“When you’re the opening band, it’s humbling because people are not there to see you,” Miggs said.

“You know some are, but your job is to surprise them, and so I take that challenge seriously and willingly. I want to surprise people who want

to be surprised.” Miggs did just that by creating a lively set. He went back and forth from keyboard to acoustic guitar, jumped around stage, and interacted with fans by throwing guitar picks and recording on an audience member’s phone who had handed it to him. This added to the personal feel of the show as well as the honesty and raw emotion of the band’s music.

For example, the song “Mechanical Romance” stood out to me with its hauntingly sincere lyrics and powerful vocals. The set was well balanced with songs of a despondent nature and more upbeat tunes like “Pull me under.”The songs had range, proving that Sinatra does too.

“There is nothing better than sitting here one minute and the next minute, there are words, melodies and music that just somehow found their way into me,” Miggs said. “You look around like, wow, how did that happen? That was great!”

Sinatra’s performance reflected the band’s talent and passion for

music. From Day shredding guitar on her knees to Radnoti banging the drums as if there was no tomorrow, they were having fun and ensuring that everyone in the venue was as well. Miggs was a true professional with his comfortability on stage while delivering a truly compelling performance,reflective of his mindset.

“Being great at something is like being a gardener.You spend hours and hours in the garden, and most of the time you’re pulling weeds, but if you stay in the garden long enough, you start to pick more flowers because you start to get the weeds out of the way. And that’s what performing is like,” Miggs said. “I’m a big believer in bringing it all on.”

“Stephen Kellogg & The Homecoming” carried themselves similarly to Gutter Sinatra, with positive attitudes and a genuine love for music shining through their performance. The band leaned into more of a country sound, incorporating a tambourine that elevated their songs more than I could

have imagined. They also utilized layered vocals with Kellogg’s smoky voice being complimented by soft, smooth harmonies.

Kellogg did not only crush it music wise,but he kept his audience engaged with funny jokes and anecdotes. He joked about some of the struggles of fatherhood before playing one of his more popular songs “Songs for Daughters.”The heartwarming lyrics sounded beautiful live as Kellogg delivered them with pure emotion and the best of intentions. He also informed the audience of

a project he is running throughout the tour where he encourages everyone to write on postcards to someone who they feel needs to hear it. This project is inspired by a person in one of the songs he performed, “The Waitress.” This song came alive during his performance with the nostalgic lyrics, captivating the audience.

Both bands displayed extreme talent and great energy that made for an enjoyable experience.Nothing was taken too seriously,and yet every word and instrument helped transport me to a place that I did not want to leave.