VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 19

Students Students complain of are passing motivation issues due, in on Ragin’ part, to online classes Cajuns store Eliana Bartlett reopen quizzes for our class because a lot on faculty-enhanced learning, certain of students did not take it. Because I did students believe that tuition should be NEWS WRITER due to cost mine, I got out of a lot of assignments. decreased. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’m also online, so I think that is more “The tuition should be lower. I’ve Lena Foster students have found a lack of motivation lenient as well,” Thames said. noticed with so many professors — and, NEWS WRITER in themselves and in their professors, Thames’s GPA has risen from 2.5 to 2.8 it doesn’t apply to all — but with the which has led to unpredictable grades since the pandemic. majority, because their classes are remote, The Ragin’ Cajuns Store at the and frustration with an unwavering Thibodeaux attributes a lack of they stopped caring too,” Thibodeaux University of at Lafayette and tuition. motivation in her learning to her said. “It’s like we are paying teachers to other retailers provide college students In a survey conducted by OneClass, professors. slack off.” with products and resources that they “I’ve seen my math professor twice. She According to OneClass, success in 85% of the respondents said that the need, but sometimes pricing plays a big just assigns us something to read, watch, mathematical subjects decreased about pandemic had a negative effect on their role in a student’s decision on what best and a homework assignment. So, I am five to 10 percentage points between grades. Surveyed students attributed their suits them financially. decreasing grades to mental health and teaching myself. I didn’t know I went to fall 2019 and fall 2020. The same study DeVry University,” Thibodeaux said. concluded that in grades three through Even though some students believe online learning. that the goods in the Ragin’ Cajuns Store Many students have said online Thames believes that upholding her eight, reading performances remained are moderately priced, they tend to turn schooling has proven to be an intense grades has become progressively more stable. to cheaper options. adjustment. difficult since the pandemic initially “I feel like math professors are so much “Being online and not being able to be started. According to a study conducted more strict. They are so demanding, and “Goods such as clothing are cheaper at in a classroom setting is really depressing, by Ithaka S+R, spring 2020 GPAs were for what?” Thibodeaux said. other places. The school supply section is and I think that definitely takes a toll on higher than projected. This could be a In regards to whether or not she felt way too expensive. Most of the supplies every student, and that makes students result of an increase in the utilization that she was absorbing different course in that section can be found at the dollar less motivated,” said Grace Thibodeaux, a of pass/fail options in universities. The materials, she responded, “Definitely not store for less than a dollar,” UL Lafayette freshman secondary education major at pass/fail option is typically accessed by with math. The only reason that I even junior Mo Miller-Becnel said. the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. students that feel that their success in know what’s going on is because I already According to Tim McFarland, the Skylar Thames, a senior online student a certain class may be reflected by this learned it in high school.” Ragin’ Cajuns Director of Online Store at UL Lafayette, said some professors opportunity rather than a numerical “I am breezing by until I get a degree,” Operations, even with similar products, seem more lenient in certain aspects after grading system. Thames said. “I don’t remember any each store has its own set of vendors that the pandemic. Because of the increase in student statistics. I don’t remember economics. I differentiates from the other. “Last semester, I had a lot of professors autonomy and diminished reliance don’t remember any math.” “It’s not exactly apples and apples. They use a vendor that we don’t have in our store,” McFarland said. Popular companies like Nike and Adidas provide apparel to the Ragin’ Cajuns Store; however, those particular brands might not be available at other stores. “It’s the variety of merchandise as well. Nike, Under Armour and Adidas, aren’t going to be in Walmart and Albertsons, but our prices are pretty comparable. It depends on the brand too,” Sarah Armentor, the Ragin’ Cajuns Store’s Assistant Manager said. Some students look more towards the price of items rather than the brand names. They believe they can get the same product for a more reasonable price. “The amount of money they ask for a shirt or fleece jacket is expensive for a student. I would rather shop at other stores such as Walmart or even online on Amazon and buy gear there,” Zahria Lloyd, a sophomore at UL Lafayette said. However, unlike the Ragin’ Cajuns Store, some places resale the items they Graphic by Cole Broussard receive at the company’s original price or sometimes more. “We establish our prices. We have a cost of doing business and it’s on top of that. Most of your retailers are doing Keystone which is double the cost-plus,” McFarland said.“We think we have good 7 new COVID-19 cases last quality products at fair prices.” According to Armentor, certain parts of the Ragin’ Cajuns Store’s Nike line would be sold in Academy at the same week, bringing UL total to 784 price as the Nike company. However, David Reed the Ragin’ Cajuns Store would mark- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF down the price in consideration for their students and their other expenses. There were seven new COVID-19 Despite the similarities, each business’s cases among students, faculty and staff at distinct products come with their the University of Louisiana at Lafayette specific price ranges, which causes fewer last week, according to the university’s crossovers. COVID-19 dashboard on Monday, Feb. 8 According to McFarland, they usually at 6:07 p.m. go through stores like Walmart and According to the dashboard as of Academy to make sure that they don’t Monday, the university has confirmed have the same vendors and products. that 195 students and 131 faculty The staff of the Ragin’ Cajuns Store and staff members contracted the coronavirus, and 458 students have told does not see many future changes in the university they’ve tested positive. operation. This means there have been a total of 784 “I don’t think our formula would cases among students, faculty and staff at change. Our cost might change which UL Lafayette. Graphic by Cole Broussard would change the price, but that just means economics is raising the price of Confirmed positive tests include tests that they tested positive, according to the were taken by off-campus health care everything,” Armentor said. taken by Student Health Services and providers. Students in this category COVID-19 dashboard on Monday. However, some students seek change. UL Lafayette Athletics, as well as tests sent their results to the dean of students This is an ongoing story. Stay with the “I believe students should have at least submitted to the university’s human themselves, according to the dashboard. Vermilion for more updates. resources department by faculty, staff Last week, one faculty or staff member a 10% discount while visitors pay full and student workers. Self-reported tests Follow The Vermilion on Twitter price,” Lloyd said. tested positive, and six students reported @TheVermilion for more updates

News Sports Sports Allons PLACES TO PARK CAJUNS LEVEL UP BASES LOADED RACE TO THE RIGHT

Editor-in-Chief David Reed shares five UL Lafayette will be a playable team in an Summer Ellyson and Ciara Bryan were Today’s Republican Party could have places to park for free when parking on upcoming EA Sports game, benefitting recognized for awards as the Cajuns extreme consequences on our political campus isn’t an option. the football team greatly. prepare for the upcoming season. system, writes Columnist Christian Janes. PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE VERMILION Police Reports 5 places students can Compiled by Morri Sampey Feb. 5 park for free near campus l At 7:19 p.m., a lime green, white and black Rs3000 bike was stolen. David Reed Take a right off of East St. Mary EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Boulevard onto Girard Park Circle, then Feb. 4 take the first left. You’ll find several l At 8 p.m., an officer responded to the main office of the University of Louisiana If you’re a commuter student at the public parking spaces along the walking at Lafayette Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstances trail. University of Louisiana at Lafayette, your complaint involving a white Kia Soul. only option for a parking spot on the It takes five minutes to walk from main campus is Girard Tower, which, Girard Park Lane to J. L Fletcher according to UL Lafayette’s Parking following roads, according to Google Feb. 3 l Portal, costs $325 in the fall and spring Maps, but you can shave some time off if At 5:22 p.m., a complainant from California reported online fraud involving the you cut through the park. semesters. purchase of a dog on Jan. 28-30. A UL Lafayette email was used on the Zelle But commuter students do have other It’s a five-minute walk from here to options. Angelle Hall, as well. app. There are many parking spaces publicly available within walking distance from If you don’t like parallel parking and campus. Keep in mind that most of these don’t mind taking the bus, this is the spots are public, so there’s no guarantee ideal option for you. you’ll be able to find a spot at most of Students can park at Cajun Field, these locations. And be sure to obey “no which is located at 2351 W Congress Administrators explain parking” signs. St., for free. Just be sure to register your Without further ado, here are five free vehicle online through Ulink first. parking spots on or near campus. Buses make runs between Cajun Field where SGA and UPC fees Stevenson Street and various locations on or around Between Lamar Street and Gordon campus routinely between 7 a.m. and Street on Stevenson Street, one can find 10:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. some public parking spots that are only On Fridays, the buses run from 7 a.m. to are going this semester a three minute walk away from campus, 3 p.m. Amelia Jennings This semester, UPC won’t be able to according to Google Maps. You can call (337) 482-5305 between NEWS EDITOR host Lagniappe Day, and SGA didn’t pay In addition, these spots are only a 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through for students to travel to conferences. six minute walk away from the Quad, Thursday and on Fridays from 7 a.m. to Because of COVID-19, the University However, it appears that both according to Google Maps, and just four 8:15 p.m. to request a shuttle to campus Program Council (UPC) and the Student organizations have found uses for at least minutes away from Girard Hall, making as well. Government Association (SGA) have not some of the money that they get from the spot ideal for psychology majors. Stewart Street been able to put on programs that they students. However, parking here is extremely This spot is pretty much a last resort, normally do, and students want to know According to Perez, money is still being limited, so give yourself extra time to find but there is a lot of parking available where their fees are going. spent on programs, such as Welcome another spot in case all the parking here here. If you’re not having any luck finding Students spend $7.50 on SGA, $.75 Week, and money that isn’t spent will go is unavailable. a place to park and don’t want to take on SGA scholarships and an unspecified into reserves for the future. Lamar Street the bus or a shuttle, you should look on amount for UPC, according to the SGA Perez said that SGA may use that If Stevenson Street is full, Lamar Street Stewart Street. fee transparency website. money to fund larger programs in the is a good backup. One can potentially You can expect an eight-minute “I don’t actually know exactly what coming semesters when the coronavirus find spots on this road that are only walk just to get to campus, according they’re doing with it,” Bria Cooper, a is gone, and they may also increase funds a minute-long walk from campus, to Google Maps, and that doesn’t even child and family studies major said. for the SGA scholarship. according to Google Maps, but it’s likely account for the time it takes to get from “Considering I don’t know much about “I can’t really speak for what they’ll do, you will need to park much further down Hebrard Boulevard to class. it, it seems like there’s a lot of my money but those are some of the options,” she the road. However, there are roughly 0.2 miles going into it.” said. “We don’t lose the money. It goes In addition, KOK Wings & Things and worth of parking spaces here between In addition to this, a few students could into our reserve.” the Acadian Superette are along Lamar Lamar Street and Taft Street. And given not name anything that SGA does. UPC has also found uses for its left- Street if you want to grab a bite to eat the distance between this spot and “No, I don’t know what they do,” Lajmi over money, including the expenses of before or after class. campus, you’ll likely find somewhere to Islam, a junior biology major said. homecoming court and other events. Girard Park Lane park here. Other students, such as Jalen Duplessis, “The money that was allotted for If you have classes in J. L Fletcher Hall Follow The Vermilion on Twitter a senior, also did not know the Fee Lagniappe Day last year has just rolled or Angelle Hall, this is the spot for you. @TheVermilion for more updates Transparency part of the SGA website over to this year,” the Director of Student existed, and when shown the table for the Engagement and Leadership Heidie breakdown of SGA expenditures, did not Lindsey said. “And it’s a good thing understand what they were looking at, because it may cost us more to produce and thought that it could be more clear. that event this year because of how we One notable thing on the chart is the need to make it COVID friendly.” row labeled classified salaries, which Extra costs to make events work with Margarita Perez, the advisor for SGA, COVID-19 include offering events both said referred to the salaries of actual virtually and in person. employees of the University of Louisiana “We’ve been having a lot of at Lafayette. conversations right now on how we can She also clarified that SGA student- preserve that tradition (Lagniappe Day) workers are paid by being given money this spring, while also keeping it you towards their tuition, and the fee that know COVID friendly,” Lindsey said. students pay is not included in paying them.

Lamar Street at the intersection of University Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. International programs see increase in students despite the coronavirus Katherine Hughes These restrictions have had deeper effects CONTRIBUTING WRITER on our campus than what had appeared at first. Elham Hosseinzadehsabeti, an Many organizations and functions at international Earth and Energy Sciences the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ph.D. student, offered her own thoughts are experiencing differences due to the and feelings from the past two semesters. unfamiliarity of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many other students experienced The international programs at UL Lafayette during this pandemic, Hosseinzadehsabeti Photos by David Reed / The Vermilion are prime examples of these changes, due to described feeling immense loneliness Stewart Street on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11:45 a.m. the inconsistencies of regulations. and sometimes depression. For most Despite difficulties and unfamiliarities, students, their family lives in the U.S., but the pandemic has increased the total Hosseinzadehsabeti was not as fortunate. number of international students from Fall “The fact that I was unable to visit my 2020 to Spring 2021. family and enjoy their emotional support “While spring enrollment is usually for so long was painful and distracting. I, lower than the fall, we can attribute this also, worried about them constantly,” she change to more United States embassies said. “Sometimes to the point of taking me reopening and possibly more online away from my work.” Hosseinzadehsabeti students,” Assistant Director of the Office of does feel that this semester is better than International Affairs Megan Miller said. the last. “I have taken the pandemic as an There was a much smaller increase in opportunity to complete my work in my freshman international students. For the home with more concentration.” Despite fall, there were a total of 66 new students, unbelievable circumstances, she makes the and for the spring of 2021, a total of 75. best of her situation. Miller said that there is not a huge According to the Summer Study Abroad difference, but the fall numbers are Moodle page, the program will be canceled extremely low. this year. “The stated statistics goes to show how Follow The Vermilion on Twitter COVID-19 has affected international @TheVermilion for more updates students, not only in Lafayette, but all over the world,” she said.

THE VERMILION EDITORIAL STAFF SUBMISSIONS

A weekly student publication of the University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Reed SPORTS EDITOR Madelyn Myer All letters to the editor and guest editorials must of Louisiana at Lafayette. The paper is MANAGING EDITOR Morri Sampey ALLONS EDITOR Christian Janes include the author’s full name and phone number and be no longer than 400 words in length. Submissions distributed on Wednesdays except on holidays NEWS EDITOR Amelia Jennings PHOTO COORDINATOR Kenton Jackson are edited for libel and vulgarity only. Editorial and and semester breaks.The Vermilion is supported DESIGN MANAGER Cole Broussard BUSINESS MANAGER Madelyn Myer columns reflect the author’s opinion and not those of in part by student-assessed fees. Views The Vermilion staff. expressed in The Vermilion do not necessarily All advertisements must be submitted by the Friday reflect those of UL Lafayette administrators, EMAIL [email protected] BUSINESS 482-6110 FAX 482-6959 MAIL P.O. Box before publication at [email protected]. faculty, staff or other students. 43721 Lafayette, LA 70504-4813 101 BOUCHER DRIVE LAFAYETTE, LA © 2021 Communications Committee of UL Lafayette. LOCATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE VERMILION | FEBRUARY 10, 2021 3 Sports Senior Guard Cedric Russell awarded Player of the Week

Photo via RaginCajuns.com

Zachary Nagy lethal this season as he is averaging nearly himself to do since he was in the fourth roster is what continues to play a pivotal SPORTS WRITER 40% from beyond the arc. grade. role in each game as the Cajuns can When asked what he has done “I think I have always wanted the seemingly go nine deep every night with After a stellar weekend in San Marcos differently this season, Russell said, “I’m rock in my hands during those crucial production from the bench being a major against Texas State, Ragin’ Cajuns leaving it all on the floor this season. I moments,” Russell said, when asked asset. guard Cedric Russell earned Sun Belt don’t want to look back on my senior about his clutch buckets down the stretch “It feels good to have a deep roster,” Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the season with any regret. I feel like my at Texas State. “It’s something that I’ve Russell said. “The roster change from last Week. mental toughness and aggressiveness is worked on my whole life. I’ve put in the year to this year is crazy. Devin (Butts) Russell, the leading scorer for the what has grown a lot since last season.” w or k .” off the bench is huge. He’s a three-level Cajuns, averaged 22 points per game The two-game series in San Marcos is Russell continues to climb up the scorer and gives us great minutes. Theo and four boards in the weekend sweep at just a small portion of what Russell has Ragin’ Cajun leaderboards as he eclipsed (Akwuba) is one of a kind,” chuckled Texas State, propelling the Ragin’ Cajuns achieved this season for the Cajuns as he the 1,000 point mark this season as well Russell. “He contests every shot and is to first place in the Sun Belt Conference. has seemingly improved in almost every as moved into 29th place on the school’s huge in the paint. Jacobi’s leadership is “It’s an honor to be named Conference statistical category. His points per game all-time scoring list. Russell also sits at big too for us.” Player of the Week, but the job isn’t over jumped from 14.4 points per game last third in school history with 238 career With less than a month to go until the yet. We have much more we want to season to 18 points per game this season. three-pointers made. conference tournament, all eyes will be accomplish this season as a team,” Russell Not to mention he has upped his three- Being first in the conference, the on Cedric Russell to close the season as said . point percentage nearly 6% from last Cajuns continue to dominate their the Cajuns look to make a tournament The senior from Alexandria hit season to now. opponent’s night in and night out as run, something they have not achieved nine three-pointers over the weekend, Being the leader on this Cajun roster, they are currently riding a five-game win since 2014. including a season-high six in Saturday’s Russell demands the ball in crunch time streak heading up to Jonesboro against Follow The Vermilion on Twitter 74-73 win. Russell’s three ball has been moments, something he has challenged Arkansas State. The depth of this year’s @TheVermilion for more updates Ragin’ Cajuns featured in new NCAA football video game as playable team Evan Hale COLUMNIST

OPINION — Electronic Arts (EA) is bringing back their college football video game franchise and it will benefit schools like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette massively. If you watch college football, you know that it is no secret that it is a popularity contest when it comes to recruiting players. The release of this game will help some smaller schools gain notoriety and favor. Now, UL Lafayette isn’t considered a small school, especially after being ranked as the 15th best college football team in the United States by the AP poll, but when it comes to recruiting high caliber players, we do not get the pick of the litter. Alabama, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Ohio State, those names that are big buzz names in the media get to pick from the best players each recruitment day. UL Lafayette being in the NCAA Photo illustration by David Reed / The Vermilion game that will be released soon will football news known in Louisiana is LSU Having the video game to get our name four or five teams playing for the national show young and upcoming players that for obvious reasons. out there will get us recruiting some big title will also bring more money to the UL Lafayette has a football program But now it is time for the Cajuns to get names which will increase attendance at NCAA. When that happens, maybe they ranked 15th. Seeing that, they may put some love and notoriety. Too many times games. Which in turn increases revenue could reconsider paying these athletes. UL Lafayette as a place they want to play I have been watching college football, and for the school to make better facilities This return of the college football video when they are being recruited. there is a kid that is absolutely killing it. and staff for the athletes. game franchise has a ton of upside to it On top of UL Lafayette being ranked I think to myself where is he from? Most A lot of schools will have this benefit for everyone involved. Fans get the game 15th and getting attention from that, they of the time he’s from Louisiana, but we do too. There is college football all around they have been asking for back, schools have also had several players get drafted not have first dibs. the nation, but no one knows every essentially get free marketing and the to the NFL. I expect to see a few Cajuns The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner college football team by heart. Getting NCAA can profit from it. drafted this coming draft and in the Devonta Smith is from Louisiana, but their names out there with the video It is a win-win situation, so buckle up, future. picked Alabama because, I mean, it is game could break up a lot of these because college football is about to get Having the NCAA video game can Alabama. All jokes aside though, the dynastic teams like Alabama and Ohio fun again. help reach young football players across university has a good football program. State who always have good teams. Follow The Vermilion on Twitter the country because most people do not You do not get ranked 15th in the nation Treading toward a more open college @TheVermilion for more updates know about the Cajuns. Most college accidentally. football season as opposed to the same 4 FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE VERMILION Softball prepares for upcoming season; two senior players recognized for award Olivia Beauvais November, she will make her debut as The Ragin’ Cajuns will host a mid- Louisiana Tech will follow. SPORTS WRITER a Ragin’ Cajun later this month. Like week game against McNeese University Another three-game weekend against Ellyson, she is utilizing an extra year on Feb. 24. South Alabama at home is scheduled Prior to the start of their season, two of eligibility granted by the NCAA in The LSU crossover will be a long for March 26 through March 28. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball senior response to the COVID-19 pandemic. weekend series hosted in both Lafayette The Ragin’ Cajuns will start their members, Summer Ellyson and Ciara With the announcement of the and Baton Rouge. The Ragin’ Cajuns time on the road by traveling to Bryan, were recognized by the National USA Today and ESPN Softball polls, will play Louisiana State University Georgia for two conference games Award Selection Committee. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball were and Buffalo (DH) at Lamson Park, against Georgia State. Louisiana will After previously being honored by placed at No. 9 by the panel of voters Oklahoma State and Louisiana State then travel to Texas to compete against the USA Softball Player of the Year for the preseason rankings. In 2020, University at LSU, and will return to Sam Houston State then Houston. Watch List, Ellyson has made a return Louisiana was ranked 18-6 and 2-1 in Lamson Park for another game against A midweek game against appearance. This hometown player the Sun Belt conference. Oklahoma State. Southeastern Louisiana is the only from Lafayette is one of 50 players The Ragin’ Cajuns softball team will The momentum from another three thing separating two three-game across the nation earning a spot on the open their season on Feb. 12, with a more regular season games against weekends against Troy and Texas State, initial list for this spring’s award. two-day alternating schedule against McNeese and Memphis will lead to the both of which are conference games. Bryan, a senior outfielder for the Missouri State and Baylor located at start of Sun Belt conference games. The following week, two sets of Ragin’ Cajuns, was chosen to represent Lamson Park in Lafayette. Two back-to-back conference games games against Alabama and Coastal Louisiana on D1 Softball’s Preseason The following weekend starts the will be held against Georgia Southern. Carolina precede a three-game series All-America Team and was a first team UAB Green and Gold Classic in Following that will be a regular season against ULM. selection. Birmingham. Louisiana will compete game against Texas (DH). Follow The Vermilion on Twitter After playing in the SEC league in a three-game weekend against A three game series will be held In @TheVermilion for more updates and transferring from Georgia in Southeastern on Friday and Sunday Arlington, Texas against UT Arlington. with Jacksonville State on Saturday. A Wednesday night home game against

Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion UL Lafayette junior Raina O’Neal is greeted by her teammates at home plate after hitting a home run as the Ragin’ Cajuns play against the California Golden Bears at Lamson Park on Feb. 11, 2019. Cajuns lose games against Arkansas State Wolves, five-win streak broken

Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion UL Lafayette freshman Michael Thomas drives the ball down the court as the Ragin’ UL Lafayette junior Brayan Au dribbles the ball towards the basket as the Ragin’ Cajuns Cajuns take on the McNeese State Cowboys at the on Dec. 19, 2020. take on the McNeese State Cowboys at the Cajundome on Dec. 19, 2020. Arkansas State in the Cajundome Saturday, Jan. 23.

Caleb Williams Russell fired up the second half For Arkansas State, Eaton also had game, Russell came up with a three- SPORTS WRITER with two three point shots within the a career high of 32 points and nine pointer assisted by Akwuba giving first two minutes of the half, but the assists, Caleb Fields had 20 points, and Louisiana the lead 9-7. The Cajuns, The Cajuns’ five-game win streak Cajuns followed up with more missed Norchad Omier had nine rebounds. doing what worked, repeated steps broke after their two-game loss to the opportunities that cost them narrowing The Cajuns failed to fix the problems as Butts made another steal assisting Arkansas State Red Wolves. Although their lead. They had a series of fouls, they faced in their last game as they Russell for another three pointer. Here Louisiana beat Arkansas State twice missed free throws and a turnover lost for a second time against Arkansas we saw Russell, Butts, Gueye, and back-to-back already this season, before the first two minutes. Without State. Louisiana and Arkansas State Harper lose momentum after a series of Arkansas came back with two wins of surprise, the Red Wolves would take are 2-2 for the season. During the misses and a turnover for a three-point their own. The Cajuns’s season record the lead 45-47 with a three-point shot game against each other in the regular shot by Felts of Arkansas State giving sits at 13-5 and 7-4 in the Sun Belt by Markise Davis. season, the Cajuns, who looked to them the lead 14-16. Conference. While the lead went back and forth cut down turnovers and play tighter The Red Wolves would hold the lead During the first game, Cedric Russell, for a few minutes, Marquis Eaton defense, struggled to stop the Red for the rest of the half as they became SBC’s player of the week, got Louisiana of Arkansas State showed out as he Wolves from scoring three pointers and hot from the three-point line as well as on the scoreboard first with a three- followed with a series of made three keeping up with the Red Wolves speed. moving the ball around. The first half pointer assisted by Mylik Wilson. pointers, free throws and assists. Eaton Arkansas State put numbers on ends with Arkansas state in the lead After a series of scoring for the Cajuns, solidifies Louisiana’s win streak loss the scoreboard first with a two point 46-29. Wilson came in with an incredible steal with a dunk assisted by Norchad Omier jumper from Norchad Omier. Cajuns Despite the Cajuns being unable to followed by his own dunk increasing finalizing the score 95-87 then got on the board as well with take the lead back in the second half, the Cajuns’ lead 22-11. For Louisiana, Dou Gueye had a a free throw attempt from Theo Russell came up with 18 points in the Next we saw a series of missed career high game of 23 points and 14 Akwumba. Arkansas State pushed the second half as well as Wilson with eight opportunities from the Cajuns that cost rebounds with three personal fouls , ball early as Omier came up with a points and two assists. them their wide lead. Near the end of Russell had 19 with four personal fouls, dunk assisted by Marquis Eaton putting Follow The Vermilion on Twitter the first half. Three turnovers, missed and Devin Butts had six points with the score 1-4. @TheVermilion for more updates shots and fouls let the Red Wolves close three assists and one steal. The Cajuns After a steal from Butts, who the score gap to 38-36. had 15 turnovers in total. switched to a starting position this THE VERMILION | FEBRUARY 10, 2021 5 Allons OPINION UL Housing website is a confusing mess, questionable policies in place Amelia Jennings NEWS EDITOR

OPINION — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s housing website is unorganized, outdated and some of the policies are ridiculous. Firstly, finding specific information about scholarships, and for which housing types scholarships apply to, on the main website is an issue. Based on the information available on the Housing and Meal Rates page, it might be assumed that scholarships apply for all types of housing, but this is not the case. Scholarships only apply to those that live in the dorms, reportedly. Although I have heard from other students that the scholarships apply to students who live in Legacy Apartments as well; however, this is unverified. Married student housing is a whole other can of worms. I was so excited initially because I thought I could live with my partner after we were married in those apartments on my scholarship, but Graphic by Cole Broussard that turned out not to be the case. Finding information on married After this mess, the website is normal 2019, when I was a freshman. Great. So There is also the possibility of getting student housing is difficult, and you until it comes to selecting a meal plan, useful. bedbugs in your room. Luckily, the cannot apply until after you are married where students must decide whether they Finally, some of the policies for university gives some great advice for or after you have given birth, which may would prefer to eat in the fall or spring housing are concerning. For example, not dealing with them. cause issues for some students. semesters. Obviously I am jesting, but being notified of a new roommate and “Pull bed away from wall or other Now, the registration website for that is what the website implies given that then being charged if your room is not furniture. Tuck sheets and blankets to housing is also bizarre. One of the first you can only select a meal plan for one clean enough for them. avoid contact with the floors or walls,” things I noticed is that, when selecting semester or the other. “If one roommate should depart, the the website reads, “Vacuum mattresses the country that you are from, you can This is what it reads on my application remaining student(s) may be assigned a frequently or permanently encase select, among others, the United States status page, grammatical errors included: new roommate with little or no notice,” mattresses in a mattress bag.” of America, the United States America, “For Fall 2021 you have selected Cajun according to the website. “If the room/ Lastly, did you know that students can the United States, the United Sates, the Select Fall 2021 For Spring 2022 you have apartment unit is not cleaned in an be evicted for self-harming or attempting United Stes, the Un, the UL, the U.S.A, selected Cajun Select Fall 2021.” acceptable manner prior to a new suicide? Because that will help, again, the U.S. or, my personal favorite, the Outside of registration, there is a roommate’s arrival, we reserve the right according to the housing website. Uinted States. tab called the Housing Storefront. This to have the apartment cleaned, and Housing is insane, and the way they Of course, students can also select sounds interesting, but it has been “under the cost will be billed to the current represent themselves does not help that other countries like the U.S.S.R, UG, construction” since at least the fall of resident(s) of the unit.” image. LOCAL-COUNTRY, Yugoslavia and PP.

OPINION The Republican Party of today, a shell of former self, in dire need of change Christian Janes ALLONS EDITOR

OPINION — Not so long ago I wrote of an identity crisis that the Democratic Party is going through. I made it clear in that article that I believe Democrats have to reckon with themselves on how the party should continue. My feeling is that the party had to return to its progressive roots of the 1940s. Today, I would like to do something similar, but for the Republican Party. I do not think it would be a stretch to say (but certainly controversial) that the Republican Party is deeply ill, ideologically speaking. The Republican Party makes the Democrats, who could not organize a one-car parade to save their lives, look like political savants. Republicans en bloc, historically, were much more progressive than Democrats; the party was formed to literally break chains of human bondage, after all. Representative Thaddeus Stevens, a Radical Republican from Pennsylvania, fought for most of his congressional career on ending slavery and committing Graphic by Cole Broussard the United States to the adoption of laws that would grant African Americans the “Trumpism,” a hollow, vague reference the undermining of our elections — inward and outward assault against them. full blessings of American citizenship. to whatever Trump decides to believe on faith in which, I cannot stress enough, But they are not permanent. Indeed, Theodore Roosevelt was the brash any given issue. is absolutely critical to our democratic they only remain because a majority of trust-busting, nature-conserving bully Trump’s grip on the party is so success. Republican politicians and Americans continue to believe in the of a president we all know and love. iron tight that despite him inciting citizens cheered on and on and on at democratic system that they live under. Dwight Eisenhower warned against insurrection against his own country, Trump’s repeated, baseless and dangerous The Republican Party as it stands today the military-industrial complex. Even only ten Republicans voted to approve attacks on the free and fairness of the is deeply ill and is infecting America’s Richard Nixon, whose presidency ended the second impeachment against him. 2020 election. Trump did not usher in democracy with a patriotically disguised in such shame unrivaled until Donald And those that did vote to approve this new Republican Party — it had been trojan horse of authoritarian policy. Trump, signed into law an act creating impeachment articles suffered intense in the making for quite some time — and America’s democracy will never work the Environmental Protection Agency. backlash within their own party. it will not snap back to normal now that when one of its main parties openly Although there was always a conservative House Republican Conference Chair he is gone. We cannot survive if that supports insurrection, the deprivation counter-faction within the party to Liz Cheney, daughter of former Vice continues. of minorities the right to vote, enabling oppose this progressive faction, that was President Dick Cheney, was one of We do not live in an authoritarian election-related falsehoods and never the dominant until about the 1960s those who voted to hold a reckless and regime now, but the seeds have been draconian stances on immigration, when Sen. Barry Goldwater lurched the dangerous president accountable, yet planted in large swaths of the American abortion, contraception, labor and party rightward. was formally censured by the Wyoming citizenry that such a system is not only economic stimulus. America’s democracy I would even go so far as to say that Republican Party. okay but desperately needed. We do will only ever work when its policies the Republican Party doesn’t even have Worse than this new cult of personality not live in such a system because of our benefit not those in power, but We the a conservative faction anymore either. aspect of the Republican Party is the institutions — the judiciary, our election People to whom political sovereignty Indeed, the party’s adherence to specific rise in general acceptance in fascist officials (both state and local), the media, ultimately rests. The Republican Party ideology is so weak that I doubt it even and authoritarian principles that are administrative bodies and investigative used to believe in that, but that party is has one, or if it does, it should be called antithetical to our democracy, specifically bodies — that have held firm against the no more. 6 FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | THE VERMILION Burn-out: What it means, strategies to recognize, prevent and conquer it Morri Sampey MANAGING EDITOR

OPINION — We’ve just entered February, which means there are plenty of things to do and celebrate right around the corner. Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and Easter might be the biggest events some are looking towards, but many are focusing on their looming midterms. Approaching the middle of the spring semester, many students are beginning to feel the effects of a difficult school year. In our current political and health climate especially, I believe burn-out will be more rampant than usual this semester. Some people simply think of burn- out as a symptom of depression, but according to WHO, “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that Photo Illustration by David Reed and Amelia Jennings / The Vermilion has not been successfully managed.” It’s included in the 11th Revision of In 2017, the National College Health Getting the proper amount of exercise If you feel like taking breaks is the International Classification of Association (NCHA) reported that over also contributes to your overall mood, unproductive, let me reassure you that it Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational 30% of college students were afflicted along with your eating habits. Making isn’t. Breaks allow your brain to relax and phenomenon, not a medical condition. with burn-out. Students aren’t the only sure you eat properly and exercise for at focus better when you return to it. It gives Although the ICD-11 specifies that ones who experience burn-out. Police, least 30 minutes a day will improve your you time to process what you’ve already burn-out should only be used “in an nurses and teachers are also often overall health and wellbeing. accomplished and what your next steps occupational context,” it has become reported to feel its effects. When discussing preventatives to are. a common phrase to describe what so The good news is that since so many burn-out, a common thing people bring Small rewards can also be beneficial. many experience. people suffer from burn-out, there are up is self-care. WHO defines self-care as For instance, awarding yourself an The ICD-11 offers three characteristics plenty of online resources and tips on “the ability of individuals, families and incentive after accomplishing a large task of burn-out: feelings of energy depletion how to prevent, manage and cope with it. communities to promote health, prevent will keep you feeling motivated while or exhaustion, increased mental distance There are many things to take into disease, maintain health, and to cope working on it, thus reducing the chances from one’s job or feelings of negativism or consideration when preventing burn-out, with illness and disability with or without of feeling burnt out. cynicism related to one’s job and reduced and the most important is your body. the support of a healthcare provider.” It’s important to keep in mind that professional efficacy. College students are often depicted in the Most people are simply referring to experiencing burn-out doesn’t make Burn-out is especially relevant to media as staying up all night, either to the practice of “treating yourself,” or anyone less of a good worker. Burn-out college students. College can open many party or study, and it’s for good reason; being kinder to yourself. Take some time happens to the best of us; usually, it doors for students, and some tend to however, those who don’t get enough to relax and do the things you actually affects the most dedicated of us, since we take on more opportunities than they sleep are more susceptible to burn-out. enjoy doing. Take a nice, long bath or tend to take on more duties than others can handle at once. This, combined with Seven to nine hours is the recommended lounge on the couch with a good book. would. If you’re suffering from burn-out, classes, can cause students to overwork amount from the National Sleep Whatever you’re into, if you take a break focus on how to improve it rather than on themselves, thus leading to burn-out. Foundation. from work to do it, you’ll feel better about what it says about you. what you’re working on.

Tips for students seeking apartments Amelia Jennings NEWS EDITOR

OPINION — Apartment hunting can be one of the most daunting things for a college student. Will I be able to pay my bills? What will my roommates be like? And first and foremost, how do I find a good apartment to begin with? Now, I am not an expert, but I have been looking into this for several months at this point, and this is what I have found: First, have some sort of budget: Microsoft Excel comes with being a University of Louisiana at Lafayette student, and there are several templates that you can download that are specific to budgeting. The one I use is called Simple Budget Spreadsheet. You list your income and all of your expenses, including things like car insurance and groceries, and it tells you what you have leftover. This is how I have figured out the rent that I can afford with all of my added expenses. My suggestion is that you overestimate expenses and underestimate income to avoid going into the negative when you move in. Now that you have your budget figured Photo by Lena Foster / The Vermilion out, where should you start to look? Most The entrance to the Edge at Lafayette Apartments on North Bertrand Drive. websites have their pros and cons, and of scams, particularly on Facebook and real estate listing by changing the email reads. “Other rip-off artists make up there is also the option of driving around Craiglist. These include “Hijacked Ads” address or other contact information, and listings for places that aren’t for rent or Lafayette to see what is available. and “Phantom Rentals”. placing the modified ad on another site,” don’t exist, and try to lure you in with the Apartments.com and Zillow are two of “Some scammers hijack a real rental or the Federal Trade Commission Website promise of low rent, or great amenities.” the most mainstream options. They both allow you to sort by price and amount of beds, but Apartments.com is better if you are looking for student housing; Zillow is better if you are looking to rent a house or find something that might be less mainstream. Listen live or on-demand at krvs.org Something else to keep in mind is that if you are planning on getting married, student housing is not an option for you. Rapides However, if you do tie the knot during the semester, the university will let you 88.7FM Avoyelles out of your housing contract. Point “Unfortunately, we do not have a radio acadie Evangeline Coupee fall only application,” the UL Lafayette Beauregard Housing Department wrote in an email. Allen St. Landry “However, if you complete the Academic A listener-supported, NPR-affiliated Year fall 2020/spring 2021 contract and request a release for the spring semester public radio station Iberville (at the end of the fall semester) it will be Jefferson Acadia approved since you will be married.” Davis St. Martin Other options include Facebook Over 65 hours of locally produced programs Calcesieu Lafayette Marketplace and Craigslist. These are every week (26 hours hosted in Louisiana good options if you are looking to room Cajun & Creole French) with people who are already living in Cameron Iberia an existing household or trying to find Vermillion a cheaper place to stay. Personally, I Programs include: Cajun, , , , , feel that Facebook shows more relevant Swamp Rock, Louisiana Singer/Songwriter music, listings that are more legitimate, but this & local news, culture & events is simply my own experience. With any of these options, it is important to read the contract Located on the campus of the University of thoroughly, walk-through the room or Louisiana at Lafayette apartment before you buy it, and be wary