Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020
Volume 155 No. 38 SERVING SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1934
WWW.SJSUNEWS.COM/SPARTAN_DAILY
SJSU reviews grading options School community expresses need for Credit/No Credit option for Fall 2020 By Stephanie Lam STAFF WRITER
Some San Jose State students said that the university should extend the deadline for Credit/No Credit because the coronavirus pandemic has made it harder to focus on their classes and adjust to online learning. Political science junior Sydni Tucci-Jones said that even though SJSU made the switch to online learning in spring, not all students have adapted to Zoom classes. “I feel like a lot of kids are going through a lot, [for example] having to move back home because of shelter-inplace,” she said over the phone. “Having to (reacclimate) to a new life while having to balance online classes is really difficult for a lot of students to do.” Tucci-Jones said that because of these adjustments, the university shouldn’t hold students to the same academic standard it does for in-person classes. “SJSU doesn’t know how [each] student will acclimate to online learning,” she said. “Holding students to the same standards that you would if everything was in person is just not realistic.” Like Tucci-Jones, Leland Pama, the Associated Students director of co-curricular affairs, said students’ commitments outside of school might interfere with their ability to do well in their online classes this semester. “Students have to go to work, they have other bills to pay. So definitely having [Credit/No Credit] options would
be beneficial for them during this time,” Pama said over the phone. During a Nov. 12 Academic Senate meeting, SJSU President Mary Papazian and Ravisha Mathur, a child and adolescent development professor and Academic Senate chair, said the senate is not considering extending the Credit/No Credit option because students and faculty members had more time to prepare for an entire semester online. “That doesn’t mean that the conversation can’t or shouldn’t continue on our campus about Credit/No Credit, but this time, we haven’t made movement for it,” Mathur said during the meeting.
I feel like a lot of kids are going through a lot, (for example) having to move back home because of shelter-in-place. Having to (reacclimate) to a new life while having to balance online classes is really difficult for a lot of students to do. Sydni Tucci-Jones political science junior
Janet Kitajima, a child and adolescent development lecturer, said she was disappointed that the senate didn’t talk more about extending the option. She felt the Credit/No Credit extension could relieve students of any stress caused by online learning. “I was very disappointed when the senate just really said, ‘No,’ ” Kitajima said over the phone. “I have some students who are struggling with all
sorts of awful problems due to these circumstances and I would love for them to have these [opportunities to receive Credit/No Credit].” Kitajima said that the senate should extend the deadline. “If students are facing much worse circumstances [than online classes], like family members losing jobs and deaths in the family, I think [the senate] should keep an open mind,” she said. In April, Papazian approved a policy that reopened and extended the Spring 2020 Credit/No Credit petition deadline from February to June. This meant that instead of receiving a letter grade, students could opt-out for Credit/No Credit after their transcripts were released online. The policy was developed by the Academic Senate Executive Committee after students and faculty members voiced their concerns about the negative effect that moving to online classes would have on students’ grades. Any letter grade above a C- is considered credit, while any grade below that is considered no credit. No credit also includes failed and incomplete classes, according to the SJSU grading guidelines. The guidelines also state that if students receive credit for a course, their GPA will not be impacted and the class will still fulfill graduation requirements. Several California State University campuses have extended their Credit/No Credit deadlines for the Fall semester. At the beginning of the school year, Cal State Fresno allowed its students to petition for a Credit/No Credit option until Dec. 9, according to an Aug. 20 article by The Collegian, the university’s paper. Students at Cal State Stanislaus have until Nov. 30 to apply for Credit/No Credit after university President Ellen Junn approved extending the grading policy on Oct. 22. San Diego State’s Academic Senate also voted to extend the deadline
IN BRIEF San Jose State’s Academic Senate said as of Nov. 12 the Credit/No Credit option isn’t needed for Fall 2020. San Francisco State, Cal State Stanislaus, Cal State Fresno and San Diego State have confirmed that they will offer students the option of Credit/No Credit for Fall 2020. In Spring, the university extended the Credit/No Credit option up until 10 days before the last day of instruction, according to an April 4 Spartan Daily article.
for students to register for the Credit/No Credit option until Dec. 13, according to a Nov. 10 article by The Daily Aztec, SDSU’s student-run newspaper. According to San Francisco State’s grading policy website, the deadline for the option was changed from Oct. 19 to Dec. 18. Child and adolescent development lecturer Kitajima said she wasn’t aware other CSU campuses extended the deadline for the Credit/No Credit option but hopes that other SJSU Academic Senate members will hear of it and be more willing to pursue the extension. “[SJSU] should always think what’s the best and right thing for our college and our students,” she said.
Follow Stephanie on Twitter @StephCLam
Journalism school honors Fauci with Hearst award By Olivia Gerber STAFF WRITER
San Jose State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications honored infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci with the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Award during an online ceremony over Zoom Tuesday afternoon. Fauci was presented with the award to recognize his outstanding communication to the American public regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony had 2,683 viewers and was streamed live on YouTube where it will stay posted for future viewing, according to Media Relations Specialist Robin McElhatton. Each year the Hearst Award is given to individuals to recognize them for their outstanding professional media service in journalism, public relations, advertising and mass communications, according to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications website. According to the website, Fauci has been the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, and this year he’s been especially vital in keeping the American public informed during the pandemic. Journalism professor Bob Rucker hosted the award ceremony. He has been a faculty member of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications for more than 30 years. “When the nation is threatened by a mysterious disease, this widely respected and admired medical doctor became our ever-present rock that we can count on to tell us the truth,” Rucker said during the event. The ceremony began with a video featuring a plethora of SJSU students, faculty members and community leaders thanking and commending Fauci on his work during these unprecedented times. California State Assemblymember Ash Kalra congratulated Fauci on his award.
OLIVIA GERBER | SPARTAN DAILY
Dr. Anthony Fauci (top left), SJSU President Mary Papazian (top right) and journalism professor Bob Rucker (bottom) share a moment during the award ceremony Tuesday.
It is without a doubt about his leadership and dedication to the health and well being of people everywhere. He has saved countless lives, not just here in California, but across the entire country. Ash Kalra California state assemblymember
“It is without a doubt about his leadership and dedication to the health and well-being of people everywhere,” Kalra said. “He has saved countless lives, not just here in California, but across the entire country.” Following the introduction videos, Fauci was officially presented with the award. He reflected on this year as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and explained how he was able to share information regarding COVID-19 with the American people
in a way that would clearly convey the severity of the disease. “In the realm of science and public health, most truths are revealed by science-based evidence and data,” he said. “People need to hear the truth as it is rather than as they might want it to be.” During the Q&A portion of the ceremony, students asked Fauci about the safety and effectiveness of developing a COVID-19 vaccine. He said the vaccine was developed quickly because of the scientific technology advances and that a vaccine would be extensively tested
by independent scientists with no political loyalties. “When the [Food and Drug Administration] approves those vaccines, then I would without hesitation take the vaccine and suggest strongly to my family to also take the vaccine,” he said. SJSU President Mary Papazian congratulated Fauci on receiving the award and commended his integrity and communication with the American public over the past months. “The fact that [Fauci] has done so in the face of great stress, uncertainty and pressure demonstrates a level of integrity and honesty that many of our public and political figures would be wise to emulate,” Papazian said. Before the ceremony ended, Rucker announced the School of Journalism and Mass Communication was in the process of establishing a new scholarship in Fauci’s name. Journalism professor Halima Kazem and public relations professor Shaun Fletcher said the scholarship would be for future students in the department who are interested in health sciences and mass communications. During a post-award ceremony meeting with students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, public relations senior Diana Cook commented on Fauci’s honesty and integrity. “If you don’t have the history and proof to show that you have stood by the truth in the past, even if that means saying, ‘I’m sorry I was wrong, things have changed’ as [Fauci] did, as they found out more about the pandemic, then you don’t have that believability for future endeavors as well,” Cook said.
Follow Olivia on Twitter @LivGerber
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2020
Allow sororities to fundraise Dear Editor,
The anxieties about the future of Greek life sweep through my sorority sisters and me as this Fall semester quickly comes to an end. Many of our sisters plan to graduate soon. Multicultural organizations, known for their more intimate number of members, have the jarring task of keeping their chapters alive as in-person member recruitment can already be difficult for most. My chapter personally decided not to seek out new members this semester as uncertainties continually arose left and right. Though we try to carry on with our regularly scheduled programming, being apart from one another does not make the pressure to keep our organization alive any easier. In speaking with our United Sorority Fraternity advisor, she assures us that whenever she learns new information she shares it with us. I understand that everyone is going through unpredictable times and the future is built upon whether or not we will be able to return to campus and ultimately our ability to adjust to the changes. If it were not for the diligence of my sisters and me then our sorority could easily become unrecognized from campus in about three years when our youngest sister graduates.
However, we are not going to allow that to happen because the future of our chapter is something dear to us. In some of our best attempts to fundraise money for future activities, we were asked to cease what we were doing as we learned we were being held to guidelines as strict as before. I understand that these guidelines are in place for the well-being of everyone, but I feel as if as long as health protocols and regulations are followed then the need to interfere is not necessary. I know how much thought my sisters and me put into the things we do and we hold one another accountable when accomplishing tasks. If our chapter is to survive I think the reins need to be slightly loosened. Sincerely, Michaela Serna Communications junior
Empathize with students Prepare students for jobs Dear Editor, This current pandemic has not been kind to anyone, and students are no exception to that. Some students, and even certain curriculums, cannot be adapted to online learning. Regardless of the situation, students are discouraged and cannot complete assignments if they do not have an adequate environment that supports learning. Online and remote learning has made pursuing higher education even more difficult than it was to begin with. Making technology and virtual programs the main vessel to
spread vital information to students trying to complete a degree introduces a number of frustrating factors that are out of one’s control. If a student does not have a laptop, stable wifi, or even just a quiet environment to retain class material and successfully complete work, they are automatically at a disadvantage and are less likely to want to continue post-secondary education. SJSU has been doing a sufficient job in providing technological services for students in need. Laptop rentals have been around for quite some time but have become really essential
now more than ever. However, I think more can be done regarding the faculty of SJSU. While I understand every professor underwent training this past summer to be better prepared to teach online, I think everyone would benefit if they brushed up on how to better empathize with their students when things go astray.
Sincerely, Raye Jessee Santos Public health senior
CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Dear Editor, Right now, our economy is at the worst it’s been in years. We are losing so many jobs left and right. Every time we look at the news we see more people lined up for unemployment. Over 6.9% of the United States does not have a job. We SJSU students are facing a hard battle of looking for a job in the middle of a pandemic. This is an important issue because a lot of students have massive anxiety and stress while looking for a job. A lot of students have been laid off from their part-time jobs. This added more stress
to their lives. Also, many have failed to look for an internship or have lost an internship due to the pandemic. This then results in students not having the experience that employers require in order to get a job. I believe that SJSU is not doing enough to provide help to students. I see that there is some help and workshops but there is not enough. Also, there are students from overseas that need help as well. I do not see SJSU providing help to students that are here from another country, they also face the issue of finding a job in the U.S. or in their home countries.
SUDOKU PUZZLE Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
What SJSU must do is have support and job fairs to help students be ready for a job. There must be workshops that provide students with the skills they need for an online interview. Also, professors should provide help in any way that they can, such as pointing students in the right direction, for example letting them know where the students can go for help and what services are out there that could help them.
Sincerely, Mandish Sandhu Communications senior
JOKIN’ AROUND Why did the opera singer go sailing?
They wanted to hit the high Cs.
SOLUTIONS
ACROSS 1. Lure 6. Cook 10. Clods 14. Sorcery-based religion 15. Lasso 16. Smudge 17. Moat 18. Not closed 19. Wisdom 20. Uncommitted 22. Ancient Peruvian 23. Balm ingredient 24. High regard 26. After-bath powder 30. Actress Lupino 31. Regret 32. Hodgepodge 33. Remain 35. Unrefined 39. Implement 41. Inability to understand language 43. Unsmooth 44. River of Spain 46. T T T T 47. Carpet 49. Years (French)
50. Countercurrent 51. Detective 54. Head covering 56. An enclosure 57. Stretchability 63. Ends a prayer 64. Legal wrong 65. A fencing sword 66. Platter 67. Hard work 68. Primp 69. Satisfy 70. Alright 71. Genders DOWN 1. Curdled soybean milk 2. Black, in poetry 3. Plateau 4. Long ago 5. 8th Greek letter 6. Like an alligator 7. A heavy beer drinker 8. Type of sword 9. Mudguard 10. Destroy completely 11. Single 12. Compel
13. Water vapor 21. Pretext 25. Very 26. See the sights 27. Countertenor 28. Place 29. The quality of agreeing 34. Seriously 36. Previously owned 37. Perished 38. Not difficult 40. Close 42. Propose 45. A German state 48. A poor city district 51. Oodles 52. Female demon 53. Excrete 55. Speech defects 58. Search 59. Worry 60. Wild goat 61. Tall woody plant 62. Cravings
11/17/2020
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2020
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Alumni create minimalist jewelry brand By Stephanie Lam STAFF WRITER
In creating the online jewelry brand, Meridiem the Label, two San Jose State alumni provide customers with minimalist gold and silver necklaces and bracelets while also giving back to their community. Tiffany Nguyen and Matthew Delos Santos, who both graduated from SJSU in 2019, are friends and co-owners of the business. They met through mutual friends as undergraduates and bonded over their interest in wearing and buying jewelry. Nguyen said she always wanted to own a jewelry business and when shelter-in-place mandates were enacted in spring, she and Delos Santos began researching the steps and paperwork required to establish an online retailer. “I had a lot of extra free time just staying at home,” Nguyen said over the phone. “Just the thought of [having a business] really ignited a fire in me and I knew this was something that I had to bring to life.” Nguyen said she and Delos Santos searched online for manufacturers that provided ethical working conditions. “[Delos Santos and I] wanted to make sure [our manufacturers] paid workers proper wages while being able to provide the quality of jewelry that we wanted,” she said. Since Meridiem the Label launched in September, its Instagram page has accumulated 341 followers as of Nov. 17. Meridiem is Latin for “glow,” and Nguyen said the pair chose to name their brand after this word to encapsulate the business’ goal of spreading more positivity in the community by donating its proceeds to people in need. The business currently donates 10% of its earnings to Operation Underground Railroad, a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Nguyen said the beneficiary will change
Follow Meridiem the Label on Instagram @meridiemthelabel
PHOTO COURTESY OF MERIDIEM THE LABEL
Business administration senior Brian Andres models the Ash ring and Nova necklace from the brand Meridiem the Label.
business administration senior and Meridiem the Label model, said over the phone that he appreciates how the jewelry easily matches with any of his outfits. “The fact that [Nguyen and Delos Santos] chose a minimalistic [style] is honestly perfect to me,” he said. “I use it for everyday use. If I want to go hang Tiffany Nguyen out with some friends, I’ll throw a couple Meridiem the Label co-owner pieces on.” Andres said he also admires how every three months and anyone can email snug and choker types of jewelry and I feel Delos Santos and Nguyen prioritize the business to recommend charities. like [Meridiem the Label] fits that type of serving their community and customers. “We want to make a jewelry brand where style,” Delos Santos said over the phone. “So many [jewelry] brands focus on we can give back to the community and Jesus Cerda, an SJSU alumnus and making profit,” Andres said. “I love how not just focus on the business and profit,” customer, said over the phone he doesn’t [Nguyen and Delos Santos] donate their Nguyen said. usually like to wear flashy accessories and earnings . . . because it really shows who Delos Santos said in addition to likes the brand’s simple designs. they are as people and what kind of creating a business that gives back to the “I’ve never been someone to wear business they want to build.” community, he and Nguyen also wanted to too much jewelry, but I feel like these sell simple jewelry that could be worn for complement my style so well,” Cerda said. Follow Stephanie on Twitter every occasion. “lt gives [my outfits] a very clean look.” @StephCLam “I just see a lot of younger people wearing Like Cerda, Brian Andres, an SJSU
I had a lot of extra free time just staying at home. Just the thought of [having a business] really ignited a fire in me and I knew this was something that I had to bring to life.
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