https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/525d97a0c2e6d2c0e988bd52441a453a.pdf b4456c881e53c3cf3a2b1f91c7c81519 PDF Text Text November 1, 2024 Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945 Collaborating for improved dining Maria Geis Chinook writer more unique meal for things such as Cinco De Mayo or a seafood boil. Many who eat in the dining hall have mixed feelings about the main meals served. Casper College student Nick Mirabal describes the meals as being hit or miss, which is a criticism echoed by many diners. The issue they say is quality. According to some CC students, the meat, usually chicken and pork, is overcooked or undercooked, and meals don’t always look appealing. Students suggest an improvement of quality. “I think it really comes down to quality checks.” Mirabal said, “Just spending more time making sure that the food is more consistent.” Overall, students hope to see improvements to the looks and quality of the food provided in the Dining Hall. Parsons' goal is to have all customers satisfied with the meals, but is also aware that he is not going to please everyone, explaining that there are multiple options for a reason. Also, when talking about nutrition standards, Parsons says that there isn’t a certain nutrition standard to meet because it is a voluntary program. He Jordan Travis, an employee with Sodexo, serves a Casper College student a plate of chicken, rice, and green beans for dinner in the Tobin Dining Hall on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. According to their signage, this dinner plate is part of Sodexo's "Mindful Meals" campaign. The Tobin Dining Hall is the main dining option at Casper College, provided through Sodexo Food Services. Students are offered options from the grill, pasta bar, and the chef’s table along with a salad and dessert bar. However students looking to eat or consume healthier options are occasionally left unsatisfied with their meal. Knowing the planning behind meals could help students better understand that not every meal will be the perfect option, and feedback for the dining hall can help Sodexo know what to improve on. Sodexo General Manager Daniel Parsons puts a lot of work into creating a plan for the dining hall meals. Basics of Sodexo’s budgeting starts at the macro level, looking at yearly, then monthly costs, and is then narrowed down to micro details of weekly and daily costs. Cost per plate has to be considered too. “We do have a plate cost that we try to stay in." Parsons said, "And here in Tobin, where it's all you care to eat, it can be tricky." There are some special days where the daily budget stretches a bit to provide a Hailey Carr Chinook writer Students at Casper College are questioning the Residence Hall’s protocols enforced for safety reasons. Casper College, like many other schools, prioritizes student safety by taking various precautions. The Residence Hall, in particular, implements specific protocols to ensure that students are secure, especially late at night. After 11 p.m., only the main entrances and the northwest door to the dorms remain open for students, while all other doors are locked and inaccessible. Although there are seven entrances in total, residents can only access them during daylight hours, while security personnel and RAs have 24/7 access. Several students raised complaints about this protocol, often questioning the necessity of such a rule. When interviewed about their thoughts on the matter, many expressed frustration, citing the policy's impact on their daily routines and social activities. Trae Tetrault, a student who regularly deals with the protocol, voiced his discontent, saying, "It's very inconvenient when coming in late on weekends." Many students share the feeling that the regulation adds an inconvenience to campus life. Residence Hall Coordinator Elizabeth CC Student Josh Klaassen scans into the Residence Hall from the wing entrance in the courtyard area on Friday, Oct. 25. Maria Geis/Chinook — See Dining Page 3 Residence Hall: security vs convenience Dobson, from Billings, Montana, provided insight for this safety protocol. She emphasized that a major factor is compliance with the Clery Act, which plays a significant role in shaping campus security measures. The Clery Act, officially known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, is a federal law requiring colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid to disclose campus crime statistics and safety policies. It was named after Jeanne Clery, a college student who was tragically murdered in her dorm room in 1986 due to her building's doors being propped open, allowing anyone in. The Act's purpose is to promote transparency about campus safety. In addition to the Clery Act, Dobson explained that funneling people through the main entrances at night helps security conduct rounds more effectively and monitor those coming in late. She mentioned that locking the side doors during late hours is essential to prevent unwanted guests from entering, especially if a door does not shut properly. Dobson acknowledged students' frustration with the policy, understanding that many find it inconvenient. However, she stands by the decision, citing safety as the priority. She expressed concern that keeping the wing doors open late could allow heavily intoxicated students to avoid being seen by security, which poses a safety risk. "I have to weigh student convenience, policy enforcement, and safety," Dobson stated. "And safety and policy weigh a lot more heavily for me." Resident Assistant Taylor Crook acknowledged, "I understand the frustration," but emphasized that the protocol is necessary. With multiple entry points around the Residence Hall, she believes it is safer for security to monitor just one entrance at night. Currently, there are no plans to change the protocol. However, Dobson encourages students to reach out with any questions or concerns. The staff at Casper College are committed to ensuring student safety, even if it occasionally leads to inconveniences. The debate surrounding the Residence Hall’s protocols at Casper College highlights the ongoing tension between student convenience and safety. While many students express frustration over the restrictions and their impact on daily life, campus officials emphasize that these measures are essential for maintaining a secure environment. Ultimately, the commitment to student welfare remains a top priority, even when it necessitates inconvenient regulations. Beyond the net: T-Birds Volleyball Saioa San Francisco Chinook Writer Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Set up by an assist from Pelin Alci (left,) Emily Ware jumps high for a hit attempt during the T-Birds' 3-2 victory over Laramie County Community College on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Hailey Carr/Chinook After finishing in 10th place at nationals last fall, the T-Birds Volleyball team fell short of reaching regionals during the 2024 fall season, however, players benefited from the team’s growth and defining moments this fall. Emiy Ware, a sophomore Casper College volleyball player from Grantsville , Utah, explains that this season has been one of gratitude and self-discovery. “I am feeling grateful.” she shared. “Grateful that I got to play a sport I absolutely love with some of my favorite people in the world. Although the season hasn’t been the best on the winning side of things, I’ve learned so much about myself and how I handle adversity. I’ve grown as an athlete and a person." Kyrsten Blake, a Casper College volleyball player from Vernal, Utah , echoed Ware's Feelings, noting that moments during the season’s highs and lows ultimately brought the team closer. “Playing with these girls one last time and knowing the bonds we’ve made will always be there, that’s what I’m grateful for.” Blake said. “We’ve gone through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, but we did it all together, and I’m so grateful for them." Ware reflected on the most memorable events and noted that some of the best times came from bus rides and hotel stays with her teammates. "Long hours on the bus make for unforgettable moments," she remarked, smiling as she detailed how the players' shared court experiences formed a special relationship. Blake concurred, recalling the camaraderie they shared during practice exercises, latenight hotel discussions, and long road trips. These experiences reminded Blake of the value of connection and trust on and off the court. Trust and chemistry took time to develop, especially coming off the high of last season’s success and 10thplace finish at nationals. Ware admitted that the team’s start was rocky, but she was proud — See Volleyball Page 3 �Page 2 November 1, 2024 CHINOOK caspercollegechinook.com From the President's Desk Dear Students: I hope this finds you all doing well after midterms, and now it’s time to turn your attention to the rest of the semester and completing the Fall 2024 semester. I know how difficult this time can be from both the perspective of a student and as a faculty member. College can sometimes feel like a never-ending climb. You’ve attended lectures, read copious amounts of books and articles, completed assignments, and studied. Yet, it often feels like progress is slow. It’s easy to get frustrated when challenges pile up—whether it's balancing work and school, managing personal responsibilities, or facing setbacks in classes. However, the key to success is this: keep going. We’ve all been there—feeling overwhelmed or doubting whether the effort is worth it. Sometimes the biggest obstacle we have is ourselves and our negative self-talk about ability, intelligence, or whatever aspect of ourselves that we feel isn’t ‘good enough.’ It’s normal to hit roadblocks, but remember, frustration is part of the process, not the end. Every course, every test, and every paper is a step closer to your goal, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Just because things are difficult now doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress. In fact, those tough moments are building the resilience you’ll need to succeed beyond college. When the road gets rough, try focusing on the bigger picture and your ‘why’ you decided to go to college. What brought you here Brandon Kosine, Interim President in the first place? What are you working toward? Maybe it’s the dream of earning your degree or pursuing a specific career. Maybe you are the first in your family to attend college and you want to be a role model for your family. If you haven’t written those ideas down yet, take a few moments to do so and keep them in a safe place. Revisit them at least weekly to help keep you focused. The finish line may feel distant today, but every step forward, no matter how small, gets you closer to it. Think about the person you want to become. How will it feel to look back and realize that you made it through the hard times? Imagine that moment of walking across the stage, diploma in hand, knowing you didn’t give up. Visualizing the end can help you refocus and push through the toughest days. In the end, the journey is about more than just academic achieve- ment. It’s about developing the determination to overcome obstacles and build confidence in your ability to succeed. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel is like no other—it’s the reward of knowing that you persevered and kept going, even when it wasn’t easy. You will notice a difference in yourself, as will those around you. Your future employer will notice as well. So, when things feel hard, take a moment and remind yourself why you started this college journey. You are capable, you are strong, and your goals are within reach. Keep going—because every step forward matters, and in the end, you’ll be proud of how far you’ve come. All the best in the coming weeks, Brandon The first snowfall of the school year Submitted photo After a longer wait than usual, the first snow of the fall finally arrived on the evening of Monday, Oct. 28. It is typical for snow to introduce itself in late September or early October, but usually by way of a light dusting. This fall, the snow abruptly introduced itself with a scream as Casper received about six inches of snow. This amount of snow can be harmful to the area's trees because of the leaves that are still intact causing a heavier burden to carry - leading to broken branches. Whether you’re a homebody or a social butterfly, our classes offer something for everyone! Spice up your evenings with our “Salsa Date Night,” or embark on epic adventures with “Discover Dungeons and Dragons.” Choose your adventure and make unforgettable memories! Questions? Contact Community Education, comm_ed@caspercollege.edu, 307-268-3401. Casper College provides equal opportunity in education and employment — caspercollege.edu/nondiscrimination. �November 1, 2024 Page 3 CHINOOK Dining..................................................... explains, “That’s where our signage program comes in. Where students are growing and learning to take care of themselves, we provide the tools for them to make good choices.” Each meal option other than the salad bar has Aside from the salad bar, each meal option has a display with nutritional facts like gluten, milk, peanuts, ect, or shows if it is a vegetarian, vegan, or mindful option. Signage plays an important role in helping people eating at the dining hall know the options being offered. It also guides those with allergies on what to avoid and is acceptable for their personal needs. Both physical and digital signs are posted in the dining hall and online. Sodexo uses the Everyday app and the Casper College website provides the dining hall menu along with nutrition facts and calculators. Meals are planned out in a five week cycle, so mune the menu options ahead of time to help make a better judgment of the main meal is a good option for students. Parsons hopes to get a voluntary message program going so that customers can be notified about special days or spontaneous changes to the menu, which some students think is a good idea. Sodexo has preference and satisfaction surveys twice a year to gain information that will help determine what they are going to do in the future. Those who eat at the dining hall should participate in the surveys to help give Sodexo better insight on what to improve. It also helps planners know what is working well and what to continued from page 1 continue doing. “You know, there's a lot of thought that goes into things that I hope everybody sees, but I can't always get the message to everyone.” Parsons said. There is a lot to keep in mind when it comes to making meals for a college campus. Together, providing opinions and insight as a consumer, and planners analyzing and using the feedback will help make eating at Tobin Dining a better experience overall. Volleyball............................................... of how they came together. “We had a little bit of a slow start, but we grew together as teammates and as sisters,” she said. Blake echoed the struggles of adjusting to a new season with fresh dynamics, noting, “We went from a high winning record last year to struggling to trust each other on the court. But we’ve grown so much and learned how important it is to support one another.” Throughout the season, several games stood out as turning points for the team. For Ware, a memorable match against Northwest College marked a significant “team win.” “There was just a feeling about it that I can’t explain; it was such a great turning point for us,” she shared, emphasizing how the unity they achieved in that game energized the team. For Blake, one defining moment came during the team’s “Flight for a Cure” match against Laramie County Community College (LCCC). She described how the game started with LCCC taking the first two sets, but then something shifted. “We played better than I think we ever have and finally played like a team. Seeing us come together and hold our heads high after that game was amazing.” The Thunderbirds went on to win the match in five sets. Despite the ups and downs, both players look back with no regrets. Ware acknowledged, “I hate losing, but I’ve learned so much about myself as a player and a person that I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe everything happens for a reason." Blake agreed, emphasizing that while winning would have been great, the losses taught them lessons they would have missed otherwise. She sees the season as one of growth, both in skill and character. Looking to the future, Ware and Blake hope that next year’s team will prioritize unity, hard work, and selflessness. Ware encouraged future players to stay focused on shared goals. “It takes everyone having the same goal and work ethic to reach your team’s peak,” she said, stressing that dedication and trust are essential for success. Blake agreed, urging the importance of putting the team above individual ambitions. “A volleyball team will get nowhere if people are more focused on themselves than continued from page 1 the team,” she noted, “emphasizing the impact of teamwork and unity on performance.” As they conclude this season, Ware and Blake leave a legacy of perseverance and the hard-fought lesson that sports are about much more than just winning. While the 2024 season was difficult, it is apparent that they have built the groundwork for future Casper College teams to build upon a foundation of mutual respect, hard work, and unbreakable connections of team spirit. caspercollegechinook.com CC Jazz Band welcomes all musicians to a vibrant community Aliesia Berryman Chinook Writer The Casper College (CC) Jazz Band is not your typical college ensemble. Directed by Dr. Josh Mietz, who holds an extensive background in music performance and education, the band offers an inclusive space for musicians with a wide range of abilities from seasoned professionals and novices. Mietz’s credentials include a Bachelor’s in Music from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master’s in Music from the University of Montana, and a Doctor’s of Musical Arts from the University of Nebraska, bringing a wealth of experience to CC. Before joining CC, he taught at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, along with teaching at a public school in a small town in Colorado. These experiences shaped his approach to leading ensembles and fostering a sense of community among musicians. "I had a lot of the qualifications they were seeking for this position— clarinet instruction with secondary duties like organizing the jazz fest," Mietz said, "It was an easy fit. I had quite a bit of experience doing the bulk of what was needed." The CC Jazz Band stands out for its open-door policy. While many college jazz ensembles are restricted to music majors or professionals, CC's ensemble welcomes everyone. "We've had a retired dentist, a professional woodworker, high school students, college students, and even retirees play with us," said Mietz. "It's open for everybody. As long as you're interested in playing jazz, we want to give you a venue." This practice of inclusivity extends beyond the jazz ensemble to other musical groups at CC, such as the concert band and the collegiate choir. The goal is to create an environment where community members can engage with music, regardless of their background. "It's part of our role here at the college to foster that interaction with the community," Mietz said, "A lot of schools don’t operate like this. We’re committed to making it a welcoming place for everyone who wants to play." Dr. Mietz’s passion for music is not only evident in his teaching but also in his personal life. Whether he's planning rehearsals or coming up with new ideas during his morning runs, music influences his daily routine. "It's something that's just part of my person," he said. "I’m always working to improve myself and the group, and I spend time ahead of each rehearsal planning what we need to work on." Teacher and student Toby Clouser, plays saxophone for the Jazz ensemble and works as the band instructor at Dean Morgan Junior High. Clouser is one of many community members who wanted to improve their performance and jazz skills. “My goal was to work harder as a jazz musician and to be able to provide better instruction to my jazz students.” He said. Alesia Berryman/Chinook Dr. Meitz conducting the jazz ensemble through their weekly Monday night rehearsal. Clouser says he has the privilege of playing alongside many of his former students. “It’s really fun to be able to make music with them in a different way.” He said. Clouser says he is meeting his goals thanks to the ensemble, “My comfort level has gotten monumentally better. I’m better at tackling difficult styles and rhythm. Being in the ensemble has allowed me to stretch more as a player and figure out what works and what doesn’t.” One year, Mietz had given Clouser a particularly difficult solo and encouraged him to learn it. Then, he had informed Clouser that they would be performing the piece at the Kinser Jazz Festival. “We are friends, but he is always a teacher. He always pushes me musically and in terms of performance.” Clouser said. “It wasn’t perfect, but from where I had started I had made remarkable and significant growth and I’m really proud of that.” When asked what advice he would give to anyone thinking about joining Clouser said, “Absolutely and unequivocally do it. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll like it, it's a good opportunity to give it a try.” Mietz organizes the Kinser Jazz Festival every year in February. This year, the featured musician will be Steven Feifke, and CC’s jazz ensemble’s next performance will be a selection of pieces Feifke has composed. 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 �Page 4 November 1, 2024 CHINOOK Women's Soccer falls short in title chase Timothy Hubert Chinook Writer The Casper College women's soccer team finished its season after a playoff loss to Laramie County Community College at Murane Field on Saturday, Oct. 26. The lady T-Birds concluded their regular season flying high on a seven game win streak and won eight of their last nine. They finished the regular season with a record of 10-2-3 and a conference-best record of 8-0-1 entering their playoff opener at home against Laramie County Community College. The stakes were high for this team going into the playoffs, specifically for sophomores Macy Sickler, the school’s all-time scoring leader, and Emmy Finlinson, Sophomore Goalie and team leader. Both felt as if the team had unfinished business after losing to Otero Community College in last year’s regional tournament. Finlinson felt that, being a sophomore, last year prepared her and the other sophomores for this season. “We wanted it last year, and we were cut short in our season,” she said. Another reason this team was striving for success in the playoffs was so the sophomores have better chances to be seen by scouts at a national level. Winning the Region IX Tournament guarantees a national tournament berth. In preparations for their playoff matchup against LCCC, Emmy discussed how scoring first and early would have a big impact on the outcome of the game. Casper jumped out of the gate and did exactly that with a goal in the third minute of the game by Freshman Taylor Miller, assisted by Sophomore Michelle Cave. However, this fast start would be all for naught as LCCC would respond with a game tying goal just eight minutes later. The game would then be followed by 75 minutes of defensive battles, as both teams were held scoreless over that time. The crushing blow came in the 86th minute when LCCC took the lead 2-1. This would end up being the final score, ending the lady T-Birds season early yet again. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Sophomore Goalkeeper Emmy Finlinson guides her teammates for a pass during the Thunderbirds' 0-0 tie against Utah State Eastern at Murane Field on Aug. 23. Although this is not the ending to the season players, coaches, and fans were expecting and hoping for, many positive accomplishments were achieved and relationships were made. Sickler knows the teammates she has played with will be “friends for life”. These bonds will not only be recognized on the soccer field but in all facets of life. One statistical achievement the lady T-Birds accomplished was helping Head Coach, Ammon Bennett, get his 400th career win. Coach Bennett has been very successful in his time with Casper, leading them to a combined record of 43-17-12. The team helped him reach this historic milestone in a game this fall. Macy Sickler, the team’s leading scorer this season, also became the Casper College Women's Soccer all-time leading scorer this season. Her offensive ability and shot creating skills led to a lot of personal and team success. She leads this program with 15 goals scored over the last two seasons. The season also had its share of record setting. In its first weekend of regional play, Casper hosted the struggling Trinidad State College. Casper came out firing, scoring twice in the first 7 minutes, one by Casper’s Macy Sicker. That would only be the beginning of the scoring. They went on a scoring rampage leading to a final score of 14-0. This game was described by players and coaches as expected, yet a large confidence boost for many of the players as well as momentum leading into the remainder of regional play. Casper will say goodbye to their sophomores this year, and remember all the memories and accomplishments they made along the way, while they look forward to next season. They hope to build on their success this season, and take it to the next level in doing so. They will have a large returning class with 15 potential returning sophomores. Overall, this marks the end of an era in the history of Casper College women's soccer, and the beginning of a new one. Photo courtesy of Zach Nagy/Casper College Public Relations Sophomore Macy Sickler receives a pass and prepares to move the ball during an early-season T-Birds match. Sickler became the program's all-time leading scoerer this fall. A little bit of a Black Box idea Lairen Brush Chinook Writer Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” immediately starts with an ominous song of the upcoming events, before thrusting the audience into the mind of the young grandson of the original Dr. Frankenstein from Mary Shelley’s novel. The musical was held at Casper College Oct. 11 and 12th, and had follow up performances on Oct. 17-20, but the presentation did not start there. Entering into the Black Box of Krampert Theatre Complex, the first noticeable characteristic in the room are the lights. Colors splash on the ground and the musicians on the catwalk above tune into the correct tones. On all sides is seating with foldable chairs and a quiet chatter from the few there as audience for rehearsal on October 9th. Notes on a piano signal the opening to the musical as the brighter lights dim and soften as the opening scene set up starts. “We had around 30 or so people come to audition,” Joel Shura, the theater instructor at Casper College said, “And because we moved to the Black Box, a smaller space, it created a small intimate cast of ten ensembles and six named characters.” “As far as the rehearsal process went it was fairly boring, because of how easy it was,” Roman Gaddis, the actor that played Dr. Frederick Frakenstein said, “Not boring in a bad way.” The production did not start there, however. “Originally, the show was possibly slated to “ be in our main stage theater and one of the first things that I suggested to the team was what would happen if we were to take a musical and try and put it into the black box space,” Shura said. The goal was to create a personal and intimate experience. “To create a more exciting sort of feel for the audience,” Shura said. The actors had an experience to get over too. “It was definitely a new feeling. This is the first time I've done theater in the round, let alone it being a musical. It was a really cool experience too. It's a lot more personal with the audience,” Gaddis said. Lairen Brush/Chinook There were struggles with the play itself Dr. Frankenstein, played by Roman Gaddis (right) stares in dismay toward a distressed violintoo. ist during the rehearsal of "Young Frankenstein" which was sold out on multiple nights during “I was not confident in my ability to memo- its show dates of Oct. 11-12 and 17-20 at the Krampert Theatre. rize all of it that fast and be able to have all the dances down,” Gaddis said. “Especially the tap dancing.” There were challenges with the music too. “Usually an orchestra will be more together in terms of grouping. And so they were in more of an L shaped formation, I know they had to change the way in which they operate,” Shura said. Both of these challenges were overcome to enhance the performance of the musical. And create a more immersive atmosphere. “This was a great opportunity for us to play, have fun, and create something that we're proud of in product, but also had a positive process as well,” Shura said We had around 30 or so people come to audition, and because we moved to the Black Box, a smaller space, it created a small intimate cast of ten ensembles and six named characters. — Joel Shura, Theatre Instructor Lairen Brush/Chinook Dr. Frankenstein, played by Roman Gaddis, appears to wake up his creature, which was played by Denton Decoteau during the rehearsal of "Young Frankenstein." �November 1, 2024 Who want s that smoke? Chris Mossman-Larson Chinook Writer Amid a surge in vaping on college campuses, students are grappling with the health risks and social influences tied to a habit that has become as common as it is concerning. When faced with the question of why vaping is something worth starting, an anonymous source said, “It all started because of my friends. I was introduced while at work but as the stress of work and school hit me, I kept wanting it more and more.” Casper College’s instructor of addiction studies Kristi Hann understands why vaping can be a vice for many students. “I think it’s (nicotine usage) particularly big in college students because of the amount of studying and work they have to do.” She continued saying that nicotine is a psychoactive substance, meaning that it changes the way your brain works and can cause changes in mood, awareness, thoughts and behavior. When used in a stressful situation, nicotine can become very addicting very quickly. “Continued usage of any nicotine product Page 5 CHINOOK can lead to a lifetime usage.” Hann stated. When talking about advice to give to students who want to slow or stop their nicotine usage, Hann gave some helpful advice. She first said, “Don't ever start.” As quitting is a lot harder when you have already been using it for a period of time. For the students who have already started, “ The need for vaping stems from hand to mouth movement,” Hann explains, “My advice is to try and replace your device with gum or hard candy when you feel the need for it.” As vaping continues to grip college campuses, students face the difficult task of balancing social pressures, stress relief, and health risks. With insight from both students and experts, it’s clear that understanding the reasons behind nicotine use and seeking healthy alternatives are essential steps toward combating this growing trend. While breaking the habit can be challenging, Hann’s advice offers a starting point for students committed to taking control of their health. Submitted photo Over the past decade, newer forms of nicotine options arrived in a variety of options. Options can look like nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, vapes, among other options. Providing "Life" for students in college Kylie Wheaton Chinook Writer Student Life offers a variety of activities and events that provide students with the opportunity to connect with others and build community on campus. Every Thursday, students have the opportunity to branch out with a variety of different activities. From pool tournaments and BINGO nights, to pumpkin painting and swing dancing, Student Life is adding to what one could consider your typical “college experience.” For those looking for something more active, Student Life offers intramural volleyball, basketball and new this year: Pickleball. More than offering entertainment, however, Student Life aims to create a space that fosters community on campus. Brock McElwee is a nontraditional student at Casper College who has “never missed an event.”McElwee says that he has met a lot of people through Student Life and encourages other students to also join in the fun. “Get involved in clubs and try to meet new people in order to have that full-on college experience because if you don’t, and you remain shy,” McElwee said, “then you’re going to be basically expelling yourself from having a good time." McElwee wants to encourage all students to branch out and attend Student Life events and meet new people. Student Life does more than just impact the students who attend the events, but also those who put on the events. Activities and Intramurals Assistant Victoria Boulom says that she enjoys working for Student Life and participating in the events they put on. “It’s always fun doing activities and being involved in them.” Boulom said, “Even though it’s work, I still find it as kind of stress relieving”. While Boulom enjoys working for Student Life, she is also involved in a variety of other clubs and activities. Those who actively participate in Student Life events have wondered why there aren’t more activities. What many don’t realize is a group of six students put on these events: Victoria Boulom, Lucy Jane Crimm, Bryce Goodwin, Shania Scheel, Lyric Wall and Kylie Wheaton. The Student Life team is responsible for setting up, hosting and cleaning up the events. In the height of the semester that can be three nights of volleyball and one nest event per week. All six of these students are full-time and have other responsibilities other than putting on events. Two of the team members have at least one job off campus, three have an additional on campus job and five are involved with clubs on campus with three of those five holding at least one officer position in their clubs. In addition to having a busy staff, Student Life is also restricted financially. Since Casper College is only a junior college, they do not receive the same amount of funding that a university would. Events and intramurals for the spring 2025 semester are set to be scheduled by midNovember. Students can find a list of these events by visiting the "Student Activities" page on the Casper College website. The Casper College Student Life Instagram account is another spot to learn about upcoming events. Kylie Wheaton/Chinook From left to right: Ruby Martin, Emma Winn and Natalie Curren paint fall-themed canvases during Student Life's "Pumpkin Painting" event on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in the T-Bird Nest. caspercollegechinook.com �Page 6 November 1, 2024 CHINOOK Casper College sunsetting Wheeler Terrace apartments Ashley Hunter Chinook Writer Significant changes to housing are coming for Casper College students. On October 1, all students living on campus received an email stating the Wheeler Terrace apartments are going offline for the 2025-2026 school year. Dean of Students Corey Peacock stated in the email that the Wheeler Terrace apartments would be taken offline for the 2025-2026 school year so the college can evaluate the future of apartment-style options that meet the needs of the students. Facilities Director Mitch Masters explained the decision was made to “give the students enough time to find other housing.” He explained that issues with Wheeler Terrace were significant enough that a planning and architect company was brought in to inspect the premises. The company’s report said that the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) of the apartments all had major issues. Major changes would be needed to bring the apartments back to their former glory. The issue is whether Casper College will make that decision. They are looking to hire a company that specializes in student housing to do a comprehensive housing study to find recommendations for apartment style housing on campus. Through this study, the college will have a better idea of whether they should or shouldn’t renovate the building and redo the MEP system. Peacock stated that, “We need more apartment style housing on campus for the students.” Many students already know how quickly Wheeler Terrace fills during the housing renewal and registration process, so that is how the college knows that there is a high demand for apartment style housing. When the study is conducted, both Casper College and the city itself will be looked at. They will look at the rental market, and try to answer some questions with good data to bring back to the college. They will make sure these apartments are meeting the needs of all students, and looking to make changes to the apartments. This can be difficult when students are living in them. Peacock explained that all of the rooms in the Residence Hall are designed to be double occupancy, and CC is considering the idea of adding a few triple rooms. “In my experience at previous schools I think it's helpful for students to have multiple different price points for living on campus.” Peacock said. A triple occupancy room would be a less expensive way for students to live on campus and still experience campus life. Peacock stated the plan would be to use a few of the eight ADA rooms that are on the 2nd and 3rd floor. These larger rooms would help accommodate the third person. This will allow students to have a less expensive room, but also be able to live with two of their friends. “We are currently in the planning stage to figure out what they can do.” Masters said while also acknowledging money is a big driver in this process. CC will bring in professionals to figure out what makes sense for the students and the college itself and how they will move forward. However, until CC has the data, it is hard to say what the plan is for the Wheeler Terrace Apartments. Students living in the apartments say that they have noticed that there are issues with the plumbing in the bathrooms and they have noticed that the rooms themselves need some updating. “The apartments need a little bit of updating” Student Klacie Groene said, “often maintenance hours don't align with students schedules, so it can be challenging to have repairs done to their apartments.” Regarding the apartments, it's all- around a good complex. according to Groene, “It is a good place to live on campus when you want some independence, but still lets you be on campus and close to your classes.” she said. Ashley Hunter/Chinook Wheeler Terrace has 18 apartments, which provides up to 36 students an option for on-campus housing. WRITING CENTER The Writing Center at Casper College is here to help our students and members of the community. Brainstorm possible paper topics Craft an essay Get feedback on a draft Gain writing strategies And so much more! 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 “ “We are currently in the planning stage to figure out what they can do.” — Mitch Masters, Facilities Director on the future of the Wheeler Terrace apartments Taking Online or Hybrid Courses? The Digital Learning Center supports your journey by helping you master essential digital tools. We ensure you have access to the resources you need for online and hybrid classes. HOW WE CAN HELP: • MyCCMoodle: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more. Plus • Zoom Assistance: Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations. lot m a ore! • Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools. • Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials. • Online Tutoring Guidance: Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it. • Study and Work Spaces: Try out our newly furnished student room to study, relax, or use the computers and printer. • Tech and Snacks: Enjoy snacks like popcorn or ask about our VR and green screen! r You s our i cess ity! c u S r Prio Tyler Teresa Dave Katie 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. Mike �November 1, 2024 CHINOOK caspercollegechinook.com Page 7 � 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 2024-11 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. 2024-11 Description An account of the resource This is a copy of the online Chinook Newspaper from November 2024. 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_2024-11 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF