https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/8875d2963be82c5b2eb7d9b7db412698.pdf 2f1e98ca4e5334b3dbb5ba067b186c1f PDF Text Text October 1, 2023 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Casper College hosts seminar on AI Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Keynote speaker A.J. Juliani spoke at Casper College on September 20. His keynote addresses focused on teaching and learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Juliani is the author of "Adaptable," a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best seller. He also won awards for his blogging, speeches and other best selling books. He works for the Univerisity of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Exchange students elevate the playing field Karsen Kling Chinook Contributor Each year Casper College diligently seeks out the finest athletic talent to build top-tier rosters. About one third of the students that fill these teams are exchange students from foreign countries. Mala Stagg works as CC’s international and athletic student coordinator, a role she’s held for over 9 years. Stagg has a front row seat in seeing what an impact the exchange students make to CC’s athletic teams, as well as the struggles they encounter. "There are a lot of technicalities that come with exchange students being able to have the same opportunities as domestic students," said Stagg when asked about her role as international and athletic student coordinator. It is Stagg’s job to help and make sure that the foreign athletes have the required documentation and paperwork to come to CC. The most common required paperwork is an I20 document, which is needed in order for students to get their F-1 visa. Students must go through their country’s embassy to get their visa, which is what allows them access into a different country for college. The only caveat to this is that Canadian students don’t have to get a visa from their embassy; they just need an I-20 document. Stagg shared the biggest advantage of having exchange athletes. “Our program is very unique, as we get personally involved with our students. The diversity they bring into the state of Wyoming opens up a whole new way to see things,” Stagg said. But with all advantages come disadvantages: exchange students must pay three times the average cost of tuition instate students pay, have healthinsurance as a requirement of their visa, and need proof of funds for school-fees/living expenses before entering the United States. The exchange student program greatly impacts CC sports, as they make up 35% of the college’s sports teams. The percentage drastically increased since adding the men's and women's soccer programs at CC in 2020. “With 40% of our men’s team being Canadians, it makes me proud to say that we are big contributors to the team,” said Canadian Chase — See Exchange Page 3 Photo Courtesy of BreAnne Benson Pictured to the right is freshman rodeo team member Chase Siemens. He is a Canadian native riding bareback for Casper College's team. He spoke with the Chinook about his experience as an exchange student studying in the U.S. Swipe, chat, date, repeat Navigating college dating in the digital era Lucy Jane Crimm Chinook Writer In the age of swipes and likes, college dating has undergone a significant transformation. Online dating provided a faster means to connect with potential romantic partners, but it also introduced safety concerns and cultivated a new culture surrounding dating. Instead of venturing out to meet new people and investing time to determine compatibility, students can now gain insights into someone's personality and lifestyle through a brief profile summary and chosen interests. “One of the benefits [of online dating] is I can meet more people faster, I no longer have to go to the bar or go to parties. I can just hop on my phone,” graphic design major Travis Scribner said. “But I would also say that one of the drawbacks is that I can meet people faster because it can take that personal quality away… and it opens up the opportunity for completely weird and random people to ruin other people’s lives” Dating as a college student presents its own unique set of challenges– many students recently graduated from high school and are still navigating the transition into adulthood. With many students moving away from home, family and friends, they have to build a new social circle and gain a deeper understanding of their own identity. Online dating can help alleviate some of the anxiety, awkwardness and stress that often comes with meeting and dating people through college events or in classes. “My college dating experience could be better,” business major Ryley Henrie said. “A lot of people don’t know what they want, they’re not quite ready to know what they want, and then they change what they want so it’s just hard to know… On dating apps you see a lot more people. You might meet someone you would have never met otherwise.” But online dating also brought cause for concern. Having access to more people also means potentially having access to more dangerous people. Interacting through text, without the ability to gauge body language, makes it easier for individuals to deceive others and pretend to be someone they are not. “Everytime I use [Tinder] it’s comparable to a drug deal,” Scribner said. “You don’t know who you’re meeting up with. You don’t know what kind of person they are, and you don’t know what their background is.” Scribner became more cautious after avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. He matched with someone on Tinder with plans to meet up. However, he grew cautious when she insisted on picking him up instead of him driving to meet her. “There was one person I almost met with– she lived in Midwest and something about it just really seemed weird. Something about their… digital language, that’s the best way I can describe it. Something just seemed wrong,” Scribner said. Online dating also fosters an environment where catfishing becomes more prevalent, which occurs when someone creates and uses a fake identity on social media. Henrie experienced a form of catfishing after investing nine months into a long-distance relationship with someone from Atlanta, Ga, whom they met on the dating app Taimi. The two of them would FaceTime every night and even watch movies together by syncing up their Netflix, but even then, they didn’t get the full picture. “Eventually I got him to come down [to Casper],” Henrie said. “[He] did not look the same in person. I know you FaceTime to see if it’s the real person, and it was really him, but he looked different. Let me tell you, you don’t get the side profile or the height aspect on — See Dating Page 3 �Page 2 October 1, 2023 CHINOOK A note from Pete: Chinook Stance I spent part of one summer while in college helping my uncle and his crew bale hay. Hot, miserable work, especially if you spent the previous nine months in a dormitory. I was often tentative and uncomfortable amid the bales, waiting for him to tell what to do. Finally, one night driving back from the field, he looked at me a little exasperated, “You will never learn to drive if you ride in the back seat.” AI & journalism? Not so fast. “ Lucy Jane Crimm LucyJane’s Literature You know when you walk into a soda shop and your first instinct is to argue with your server about politics and media? Yeah, me neither. The other day I was minding my own business at work when a customer came in and decided he wanted to start arguing with me about how artificial intelligence should replace journalists in the media. Maybe the right thing to do would be to just bite my tongue, but no self-respecting media major is going to do that. The situation itself was annoying, and I could go on about how you shouldn’t bother people who are serving you food and drinks so they can put food on their table, but I’ll save that rant for another day. Instead, I want to talk about the viability of replacing human journalists with A.I. A.I. journalists sound like a brilliant idea at face value -- they’re robots, so they don’t have any bias. The main argument this customer gave me is that having A.I. journalists will eliminate the bias in news stories. The A.I. will tell the stories purely as they happen and they won’t add any of the fluff that humans do. My rebuttal to that is, who is programming the A.I. through billions of data points? Humans. Who is coding the AI? Humans. Human bias can still come through in A.I. because it’s a human creation. Yes, A.I. can learn and develop with more information, but all the information it’s receiving is from humans. He also brought up that A.I. doesn’t have emotion and this would make the writing stronger. I wholeheartedly disagree. I think having human emotions strengthens journalistic writing, as long as the reporter knows how to separate their emotions from their bias. Humans are emotional creatures, and we respond when emotions are evoked. Having empathy plays a big role in how journalists report on sensitive and personal topics. Emotions also allow journalists to hold true to their morals and ethical reporting. When used in the right way, emotions make a powerful story that makes an impact on the readers. An important point that I would like to bring up is this: A.I. is a powerful tool we can use to improve and speed up our journalistic writing, but encouraging this idea that A.I. should fully replace human journalists means that hundreds of passionate people will lose their jobs. I want to become a journalist because I am passionate about granting people their right to know. I am passionate about using journalism to hold the government accountable. And most of all, I am passionate about telling people’s stories to make an impact. A.I. may be able to write a story, but it will never feel that kind of passion. So, if the customer who came in that day is reading this -- you tell me if an A.I. could’ve written this column. His main point was I shouldn’t need him to find me work. But he was also telling me to take charge and be more assertive with my life. When I was teaching classes here at Casper College, I often saw that same issue with some of my students. They were waiting for me to guide them when often the answer was in their own hands. If this is you, make a point in your next class to lead a discussion or offer an opinion. If you are part of a group project, take on the leadership role. If you don’t understand something in class, chat with your instructor during office hours. Find a study group and set up regular meetings. Outside of class, join a club on campus or attend a college event. Start up a conversation with someone you just met. Find some time for yourself. I only offer this, because after that summer, I realized I didn’t enjoy throwing hay bales onto the back of a truck. That fall semester, I took my uncle’s advice and started stretching my abilities, trying new things, setting some goals and becoming comfortable with the unknown. I even signed up to compete on an intramural water polo team even though my swimming abilities were rocklike. Most important, I learned quickly that the front seat is always the better view. Outside of class, join a club on campus or attend a college event. Start up a conversation with someone you just met. Find some time for yourself" — Dr. Pete Van Houten, Dean of the School of Social and Behavorial Sciences The state of our future... It seems to me that Gen Z is increasingly less and less focused on politics or what is going on around the world. Many believe that politics or anything political only incorporates controversial issues like abortion, gun control, and Covid-19. These people avoid anything in the media because they believe it’s unimportant. They see a policy as an inconvenience or a conspiracy without reading about that specific issue or what is actually happening. Most young adults think that the world of news and global issues only encapsulates the worst of the worst. For example, take a look at the ongoing tensions between the Democratic and Republican parties. This feud has been around for decades, causing individuals to choose and pick what they see or hear based on party affiliation. The us versus them mentality takes away any room for discourse or appropriate conversation. It seems we are more focused on aligning with a party than on the actual policies being put into place that affect us all on an individual level. Such practice leaves room for harmful and negative bills or policies to fly under the radar with no hesitation or resistance. If individuals, specifically younger audiences, ignore or do not follow what is going on around them, then they have no power to change anything. They cannot influence what laws or bills are passed, who to put in office, or how situations are solved in their own communities. All in all, thinking that politics is only a world of fighting and fake news is detrimental to our society. The viral issues spreading across social media hold a small percentage of what actually goes on in political settings. The state of our future rests on the backs of the younger generations. If this population chooses to ignore what is going on around them or what policies are being passed or talked about, then nothing beneficial will happen. Many individuals of Gen Z feel as though their voice doesn’t matter so they cannot make an impact. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is the reason for those complaints. Educating ourselves on these issues is also incredibly important for each individual person. Active participation leads to more empowerment. Learning how to Nina Bivens Nina's Negotiations interpret and interact with political figures or simple policies teaches important life skills. It also leads to a world filled with knowledge, ranging from human rights to citizenship. Young people’s voices matter. However, the only way to truly make change in the world is to allow yourself to be immersed in what is going on outside your door. caspercollegechinook.com Taking online or hybrid courses? Students: We make sure you are able to access online learning resources needed to learn in your classes. We will also help you learn to utilize the digital tools available to you for all your classwork. Examples of items we can help with: 1. MyCCMoodle — including how to submit assignments, participate in forums, etc. 2. ZOOM – help you learn to access and use Zoom for your remote course meetings and collaborations 3. Google Suite — Google Docs, Drive, GMail, etc. 4. Accessing Office 365 .- such as MS Word and PowerPoint 5. Online tutoring — How and where to get extra help as you need it, using NetTutor. Plus a lot more! Contact us. Don’t wait! Get your Questions answered now. Teresa Pat Mike Tyler For help or more information stop by Liesinger Hall, room 132 or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu. Dave Camille �October 1, 2023 Page 3 CHINOOK Exchange................................................ Siemens, a freshman on the Casper College Rodeo Team. When asked what made him decide to leave the maple leaf country for school, Siemens’ only answer was “to rodeo, make the college finals, and to get better at riding bucking horses.” With his hometown of Dating......... Chetwynd B.C. being over a 21-hour drive away, it was quite the decision to come to Casper for school. Siemens said the highlight of his time at CC so far was winning the first college rodeo in Chadron, Neb., and he is looking forward to another win September 22nd -24th in Riverton, Wyo. continued from page 1 These students are not just here to showcase their outstanding talent, over half of the exchange students that come to CC leave with a degree. Most students will graduate with a general studies degree as certain courses have too many years of school than their visa will allow them to complete. continued from page 1 FaceTime.” Not only did he not look the way he appeared to look online, but he also had a bad personality to boot. Colleges can play a more active role in ensuring students can explore dating options safely. While there are plenty of school events that offer students the chance to get out and meet new people, some college students believe they could benefit from dating events on campus or safe spaces provided for in-person meetings. “[The college] could totally make a meet up space where if you want to meet up in person, the college is there. They could provide a space, if anything goes wrong they know what happens. I think that would be cool,” Henrie said. Students could also benefit from college events that put a spin on classic dating events. “I think it would be kind of funny if the college put on a speed dating activity– where you sit in chairs, rotate and talk to one person after the next,” Scribner said. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook The Tinder login screen– Tinder is a dating app popularized by its “swiping” feature where the user swipes left on a profile to reject it and right on a profile to “like” them. If both people swipe right on each other, then they match and they can start chatting. New building brings WRITING CENTER new life to art programs Lane Johnson Chinook Writer Casper College opened a new visual art building in the fall of 2022 that allows students in the arts program to thrive in a new environment. The program offers five unique majors and each is tailored to student’s personal interests. The majors include: graphic design, photography, fine art, art education and museum/ gallery studies. Even if not majoring in art, the classes are open to any student on campus. Art Department Academic Chair Justin Hayward explained that six faculty members work full time to teach the program. He talked about how each major is geared towards moving students into their desired job field. CC acts as a gateway to a larger institution, and the art program wants to prepare students for the next step according to Hayward Hayward said he believes that “four year institutions will help guide [students]” to understand what job they wish to pursue after college. He also talked about how each individual is different, and it is not out of the ordinary to find success after only two years at CC. Hayward showed excitement for the new art building. “The best thing about the new building is the space,” Hayward said. Students are given more freedom to explore interests because of the new space and Hayward talked about how student enjoyment has increased. Hayward said that enrollment into the program increased since the new building opened. Sophomore art student Grant Hoffard agreed that the new building makes a difference. The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Gain writing strategies And so much more! Lane Johnson/Chinook The Dick and Marialyce Tobin Visual Arts Center opened to students last spring. “Oh, one hundred percent,” he said when asked if the new building makes the art program more appealing to students. Hoffard said he feels comfortable with the access to equipment and technology available, largely due to the new building. Hoffard plans to work in digital design and wants to make sports graphics for a division one school. He stated that CC helped to “broaden his art knowledge” and, he believes he can pursue his dreams easier. Hoffard gave credit to instructor Cythia Harrison for helping him throughout his college career. Hoffard said, “She has a long history with working in graphic design.” According to Hoffard, Harrison helped him know what type of career he wants to pursue. The art program at CC saw major improvements with the addition of the new art building. The building gives access to the new technology, and the space brings joy and excitement to the students who utilize it. Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit the Writing Center Moodle site for additional resources and appointment scheduling! Contact: 307-268-2610 wco@caspercollege.edu �Page 4 CHINOOK The show must go on October 1, 2023 New production of 'The Drowsy Chaperone' Carlos Fandal III Chinook Writer In a mix of laughter, music, and nostalgia, the curtains will rise on a joyous production at Casper College, as the campus theater troupe brings to life the timeless charm of 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' The play is a celebration of Broadway's Golden Age, and has taken center to captivate audiences with its humor, wit and toetapping tunes. As the cast and crew transport us back to the glamor of 1920’s theater, it’s important to stop and think about the endless hard work that goes into such a production. For some, it’s an entire lifetime of work that goes into each and every Casper College production. Theater’s many moving pieces provide an interesting challenge, but a challenge that many are proud to overcome time and time again. Richard Burk, CC’s theater degree coordinator and director of many CC plays including the Drowsy Chaperone, welcomes the stress of preparation with open arms. “We have a very positive group of people. As a result, the show is developing more quickly than it would develop if we had people who couldn't see the positive side of things. As a result, they're taking more ownership with what they're doing, rather than sitting back. When everybody feels like they're working on a team, then it's positive. It's not stressful in a negative way, I had a teacher who said that stress is both positive and negative,” said Burk. Burk continued to elaborate on the emotions behind the curtain. The satisfaction of completing a production comes with a sadness of it all ending. “We've been working on this since August 25. Every weeknight, and we've had one Saturday. People, and the city have invested so much time, energy, and effort into it. They're (students) taking it in stride,” said Burk. “Following the closing of the show, there's a sort of void that needs to be filled. Of course, because they're college students, there's a lot to fill that. It's still something that was routine is now missing. Something that was so satisfying, once we get this show in front of an audience, it's incredibly satisfying, because the audience will love it.” Theater operates like a well-oiled machine. Everything holds a specific place, and everything is moving. The production contains endless moving pieces that the audience may not even notice. One extremely important aspect of theater is led by Darrell Wagner, the head of the costume department. Wagner has worked in the costume department for years, but he’s been interested in the glamor for even longer. The work of a costume lead is perfectly reflected by their workshop. They can be chaotic and stressful, but in Wagner’s case, the results are always pretty. Wagner alluded to his love of the work. “I started when I was a kid watching TV back in the day. The Carol Burnett Show, and Sonny and Cher show. Those variety shows had all of these costumes and all of this stuff. And I learned that Bob Mackie, the designer, was designing both shows. One person does all of that work every week, and that's sort of where I started. Find somebody you admire, follow what they do, and learn how they do it.” Wagner said. Wagner then expressed some of the difficulties that come with the job. “I'm responsible for everything the performers do or do not wear? If they’re wearing a certain ring, or a certain watch, or earrings. Everything that the audience sees -- I make those choices. Is it appropriate for the char- Carlos Fandal III/Chinook Theater productions operate like a well-oiled machine, and one aspect of the production is the costumes and wardrobe. CC's workshop is pictured above. acter? Is it appropriate for the show? Is it appropriate for the time period?” Wagner said, he then went further. “A lot of moving pieces, and I gotta keep track of all of them. I have to decide; what are we making?” Wagner said. The Casper College production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" showcases dedication and passion. The laughter and nostalgia are direct results of the immense effort behind the scenes. The production staff is happy to Casper College's Nursing Program keeps striving Bernadette Pieper/Chinook Pictured here is one of the stimulation rooms that the student nurses use to learn how to evaluate patients as part of their coursework at Casper College. Bernadette Piper Chinook Writer The Casper College Nursing Program keeps succeeding today just as it’s done for the past 54 years in graduating close to 2,000 students. The nursing program graduates 64 students each year. CC added the nursing program in 1969. Students who graduate from Casper College with their associates in nursing will go to the work field or they will go to the University of Wyoming to seek a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “We (faculty) encourage our nursing students to consider going to the university to seek a bachelor’s degree,” said Marge Christiansen, director of nursing and alumni of the CC nursing program. “Casper College works well with the University and with the rest of the colleges in Wyoming. All of the ten colleges get together once a year to look at the curriculum and see what needs to be done to help better the nursing students. ” Each year, CC’s nursing program accepts up to 64 students each year. Though the faculty selects the top 32 students each semester after the students take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) tests and are ranked by a series of requirements to get into the nursing program. Students are ranked with every test score and letter grade for each class to get into the nursing program. The process happens every fall and spring semester. “I think that it was not very hard for me to get into the nursing program. With already having an associate’s degree in health science, those grades helped with the points needed to be ranked into the program,” said Katie Baumstarck, first semester nursing student and CC Alumni. “Getting good grades helps you to have a better chance of getting into the nursing program.” The program’s students come from all over the country, and some come from out of the U.S. There are students from California, Alaska, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Africa and the Philippines among others. “I came to Casper for the Nursing Program because I have heard great things about it. I also graduated last year with my associates degree in a different health science field,” Baumstarck said. The students have similar answers to why they come to CC for nursing rather than other colleges as to the faculty. Students and the faculty see a lot of good things about the nursing program here at CC. “Students come to Casper College because they see we have a great program,” Christiansen said. “I think that students come here because our clinicals are a wide range to work with. We have four hospitals, one nursing home, public health, cancer center, and hospice care.” The options for clinicals help the students find where they want to work once they get their LPN or RN certification. The clinicals happen in the second and third semesters out of the four semesters the degree takes to earn. The second year the students work more with clinical rotations and are closer to graduation. Once clinicals are done the students take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX is a test that licenses the students as nurses. Then they are ready for the pinning ceremony, graduation, and finding a job. The nursing students can take part in the Student Nursing Association (SNA), which is the nursing club that is also recognized on campus. SNA gives out Thanksgiving baskets, helps with Food for Thought, and collects food for the food pantry on campus. The CC nursing program keeps succeeding each year by continuing to graduate successful students. embrace the stress as an avenue for growth and teamwork. “It taught me to care about people, because I got involved in theater when I was too young to care about people. Whether it's a comedy, tragedy, drama… Everything that engages the audience has to do with facing life's challenges” Burk said. The Drowsy Chaperone premieres on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Additional evening show dates include: October 14, 19, and 20. CC will host matinee shows on October 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. The department is also premiering “It’s a Wonderful Life” in November. “Pencils Down!” and Percy Jackson’s “The Lightning Thief” are currently slated to premiere in February and April. Take in the shows in CC’s Gertrude Krampert theater. The effort put forward by all involved may not always be directly seen, but when everything comes together, the show goes on. �October 1, 2023 Pharmacy Technology Page 5 CHINOOK More than counting pills Up, Up and Away! Geoffrey Cooper/Chinook Sheri Fulfer, director of the pharmacy technology program, is pictured here at CC's simulated pharmacy. Geoffrey Cooper Chinook Writer Casper College continues to develop its pharmacy technician program with more realistic training and equipment to keep pace with the ever-evolving medical industry. “A lot of things have changed in the pharmacy world,” said Adriana Gutierrez, a former Casper College student and current licensed pharmacy technician. Despite these changes, Gutierrez believes that the strong foundation of drug knowledge she built in CC’s program really set her up for success. She said the program prepared her for all the pharmacy tech positions that she held up to now. Gutierrez even received Wyoming’s 2022 Pharmacy Tech of the Year in August. Currently, pharmacy techs are employed in all kinds of positions from your local pharmacy and insurance companies, to research institutions and even to work from home positions. Gutierrez herself started a new position at Banner Health in February as a charge audit technician. She is responsible for ensuring that patients are charged appropriately and for the correct drugs after a procedure. Most of these jobs don’t fit the typical perception of what a pharmacy tech does, however. Sheri Fulfer, the director of the pharmacy technology program, said she loves to challenge such perceptions. When she asks people what a pharmacy tech does, she is typically met with a short response. “Count pills.” she said,” But there is so much more to it than that.” This is where the new equipment and training comes in. The program implemented a new IV lab for students to practice preparing IV bags in a simulated hospital setting. They also established a notionally sterile room for the students to practice sterile preparations. Students scrub and don personal protective equipment or PPE in the same way one would in a surgical center, to ensure students develop good habits associated with sterile procedures. The additional facilities allow each student to learn how to prepare medications that are a bit more intricate than your average pill or yes, even lollipops. Fulfer said, “We’ll put medicine into anything to get it into a person’s body.” The whole set up runs like a real pharmacy during student labs. Once the lights come on, they’re in business. People come in and shop for over-the-counter medications, others call in to ask questions or complain, and the students run everything as though it were real life. The medical field can get hectic, and Fulfer says this sort of training helps to reduce the initial culture shock. Each student also maintains access to their own personal equipment, and with a class size of only thirteen, the program allows for a great deal of familiarity and one-on-one instruction. Fulfer doesn’t want to stop there though. She is committed to expanding the program and getting more students on board. She said she can’t prepare enough technicians to meet the needs of the community. There is a statewide shortage of techs, so much so, that pharmacies reach out to the program for potential applicants. Wyoming requires pharmacy techs to be certified, and CC is the only accredited program in the state. If interested in certification, reach out to Sheri Fulfer and set up an interview. Join our staff this spring! Practice interviewing & writing Take photos & design Learn sales & advertising Explore social media & web development The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications. Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Students begin filling up the balloon with helium. The high altitude balloon is part of the National Science Foundation grant and it is a NASA funded project. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Above from left: Ashlyn Stoneking, Lily Trujillo and Dakota Shenn test the signal from the balloon to the dish. The dish was used to stream video from the balloon back to the computers. Left, the balloon flies off into the distance after the first practice launch on August 26. The balloon is followed by four payloads with Raspberry computers inside. �Page 6 October 1, 2023 CHINOOK Speakers explore living in the age of AI Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Top left: Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered for the 2023 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Seminar at Casper College on September 20. The seminar's theme was 'AI: A fork in the Road. Navigating Turns in Tech,' featuring talks from CC faculty members and keynote presenations by bestselling author, A.J. Juliani. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook Top right, from left: Casper College students Jayden Wright and Levi Shupick enjoyed a morning presentation in Wheeler Concert Hall. Lucy Jane Crimm/Chinook To the left, students particiated in a Living Room Conversations activity led by Education Instructor Jenny Johnson. Living Room Conversations filled the afternoon portion of the seminar. The topic of the conversation matched the theme of the day, as students respectfully explored the impacts of AI in society. Casper College ASL Club plans for Adventure Nina Bivens Chinook Writer Submitted Photo The ASL club is pictured above. Front from left: Rachel Bates, Marie Hines, Savanah Fowles. Back from left: Grace Echols, Maxwell vonGunten, Rosie Brown, Brayden Ingham, Zoe Law, Elizabeth Meats, Blade Wiese, Emily Smith, Marcelle Watts, Natalie Benson The Casper College American Sign Language Club kicked off with its first meeting of the year on September 15. The meeting focused on brainstorming what the Club wants to accomplish for the school year. Through the conversation, one topic kept resurfacing – Community. The signing population of Casper has struggled to come together because they lack resources to plan, meet, or schedule events. However, Gail Schenfisch, ASL Instructor and ASL Club leader explained that student effort in the past six years aided in reversing the trend. “Th rough students' enc ou r a gem ent a nd suggestions, I designed four semesters of classes. We are the only community college in the state that offers a degree in Asl.” Schenfisch said. The ASL program focuses on opportunities for students to be active with ASL and not be afraid of being excluded. However, the major goal of the program is to bring people together regardless of whether they know how to sign in ASL or not. One of the major hurdles of growing the ASL program hinges on people hesitant to join. Yet, Schenfisch mentioned that ASL is for everyone. She said, “That's what we are designed for, to be open to Casper College students to know more about ASL and deafness and anything in the community related to sign language.” CC student and ASL member Eva Stone also spoke about how important ASL is. Stone mentioned that “It is not only a language but a gateway to communication with a community that has such a rich culture. The best way to learn sign is to immerse yourself in it, and ASL club helps you do just that. It is an easy chill environment with students of various skill levels helping each other practice.” This year, the ASL club will focus on incorporating its club into the community. Every year, the program plans a community service project and hosts a potluck to bring people together each semester. Schenfisch also mentioned that the organization is planning a trip for ASL students to attend Deaf Safari Days at the Denver Zoo October 1, as well as several students going to a Silent Immersion Weekend in Estes Park on November 17-19. Additionally, The ASL Club hosts the Deaf Expressive Arts Festival, giving students or other individuals another chance immerse themselves in ASL. The festival plans on incorporating deaf artists and speakers into the lives of people who would not otherwise be involved with the signing or deaf community. Indigenous Student Alliance brings awareness to Casper Kassadee Lym Chinook Writer The Indigenous Student Alliance strives to share cultural influence and community at Casper College as a newly formed campus club. When Lysander Blackbird, a student at Casper College and the founder of the Indigenous Student Alliance, first encountered the Thunderbird mascot and Eagle Dancer statue, he questioned Native American influence on campus. Blackbird said, “A lot of people don’t realize how much Native American culture is within the college.” Native American needs drove Blackbird to form the club. He admitted the whole process felt overwhelming. He said, "No one is there to guide you. So it was just me with the advisor most of the time.” Daniel Gallegos, six-year political science instructor, stepped in as that advisor. Not only did Blackbird and Gallegos agree on the importance of a Native-centered club, but they also agreed on the group's mission. Blackbird explained that his intention to establish a safe environment for Native American students quickly also provided an opportunity for others to immerse themselves in his culture. Within the first year, Blackbird and his small team set out to accomplish a major goal -- to host a Native Powwow. Despite hesitancy about the time frame, Blackbird pushed his team forward. Blackbird recalled comments from his skeptics, “Some of the faculty was like in a month? You can’t get it done in a month.” Blackbird said he responded with “Watch.” His determination won, as Blackbird’s group successfully hosted an event that united a community. Gallegos recalled that the Powwow matched the club’s vision; it created a sense of community. He also mentioned, “I’m most proud they took the step and have not given up.” Gallegos emphasized a remarkable case where the club's impact on the community brought benefits to a jewelry artist. Gallegos explained that while the jewelry maker felt hesitant to attend the Powwow, she did so with Blackbird's encouragement. At the Powwow, she made enough money to pay for her son’s chemotherapy treatment. Galloegos said, “That to me is community.” Still, the group does not plan to slow down anytime soon. Gallegos and Blackbird both have big plans ahead. In the future Blackbird mentioned he would love to see the club with its own space or building. Soon, he hopes to organize an art exhibition that showcases Native artifacts and Indigenous work. With the success of the group’s Powwow, they only plan to expand moving forward. Gallegos further explained that he aims to build trust between Native families and Casper College. The club leaders understand that it can be intimidating to join a new group. However, they encourage potential members to reach out to the club that promotes Indigenous heritage and community. Blackbird pointed out, “We would be more than happy to make room for others.” Submitted Photo Indigenous Student Alliance members are pictured from left to right: Hilda Ordonez, Herman Vasquez, and Lysander Blackbird, as they promote their event, Orange Shirt Day. Gallegos offered fellowship as a benefit for members. He said, “Here, it's accepted for who you are.” Gallagoes encourages those who want to learn more about the Indigenous Student Alliance to reach out to either Blackbird or himself. �October 1, 2023 Page 7 CHINOOK Student Senate plans to improve campus activity, safety, and student life with multiple projects Rebecca Schilt Chinook Contributor The Casper College Student Senate revealed its in-progress plans to improve student life on campus this academic year. Talks of new parking areas, grab-and-go snack shacks, and much more are circulating the groups meetings. CC’s Student Senate kept busy this first month of school, brainstorming ideas to make student life better and more enjoyable for those on campus. Kristina Pham, Student Senate faculty advisor and psychology instructor, spoke of student senate’s plans and recent progress towards looking into more parking areas and security cameras outside the residence hall and around campus. “We just got back pricing for the cameras, and it is going to be pretty expensive,” Pham said. "We need to meet with I.T. and facilities to see how possible it is.” Students and campus security brought up how parking situations on campus are subpar, and many believe that adding cameras would make our campus a much safer environment. Student Senate chewed on this subject for a time and is excited to see their plans in motion, however long it may take. “I think cameras and parking could get approved this year,” said Pham. “The issue lies with getting them installed this year as well.” While Pham is excited to see movement on this matter, she is hesitant to say how long it will truly take to see change. Taylee Siemens, CC sophomore and student senate president is focusing on more smallscale improvements. While discussing plans for changes around campus, she listed three main items. “One of the things the Student Senate is trying to do is increase voter registration,” said Siemens, “We have also discussed scooters on campus, as well as grab-and-go snack shacks.” Siemens spoke of the organization’s wanting to get students involved in politics more civilly and positively. Student senate is working on setting up voter registration tables this upcoming voting season and next semester. On top of voter registration tables, Siemens discussed ideas of snack shacks in the library, residence hall, and theatre building to allow students who don’t have time to stop at the dining hall or food pantry a chance for a quick bite. Siemens said, “We want to make sure the students are being well fed, and this is another way to do that and keep them happy.” Plans for the snack shack are not yet in motion, but Siemens hoped to bring up the topic at their most recent meeting. While the first two items may take longer to see progress, Siemens alluded to rumors of allowing electric scooters on campus, touching upon sports teams requesting scooters on campus as a better and faster way to get to class. “The issue here is there isn’t a policy against scooters. We have them for roller skating, blades, skateboards, and bikes, but not scooters,” said Siemens. “Right now, we are drafting one that we hope to bring to Dr. Divine and have approved.” According to Siemens, student senate and faculty are aware of how widespread the campus is, and arriving to class on time is an issue for students. The Student Senate is working tirelessly to make this possible for students and are looking forward to seeing results. While progress will take time, student senate is working on quite a lineup of changes and improvements at CC. About Us Discover the educational opportunities at UW Casper, the exclusive branch campus of the University of Wyoming. At UW Casper, we are dedicated to serving site-bound students, whether you're following a traditional path or pursuing education on your terms. Our diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered through both asynchronous and traditional delivery methods, catering to your unique learning style. Plus, we're proud to offer a variety of scholarships to make higher education a valuable and accessible experience for every student. Join us in shaping your future at UW Casper, where excellence in education meets your needs. Bachelor Degrees Master’s Degrees Master of Social Workadvanced standing and standard programs available Master of Counseling- school counseling and mental counseling available Organizational Leadership Biology Communication Psychology Medical Laboratory Sciences Elementary Education Social Work Zoology Sociology Secondary Science Education Criminal Justice General Studies Career & Technical Education Make an appointment with an advisor today! 307-268-2713 Union/University Building #435 uwyo.edu/uwcasper/ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chinook Student Newspaper Online Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2019-2026 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA 08.iii.2023.01_Chinook_Digital Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online Chinook Newspaper 2023-10 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2023-10 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from October 2023. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text; image Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Casper College Chinook Student Staff Language A language of the resource ENG Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CCA_08.i.2023.01_2023-10 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF