Following abrupt changes to student housing implemented in Summer 2023, New College of Florida’s administration has not solidified a solution to the issue of adequately accommodating its student body on campus. As summer nears, students find themselves once again in a state of uncertainty regarding…
When people are asked about their college experiences, there are often a few commonalities across the board. At least at larger schools, there are frat parties, sorority mixers or Greek life in general. Football games, basketball games or baseball games all complete with cheerleaders. Dorm…
As a senior at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD), completing a senior thesis art project is the pinnacle of one's academic journey—a culmination of years of artistic exploration, skill development and creative vision. With passion and dedication, students immerse themselves in their chosen…
In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updated regulations on drinking water quality standards across the United States. This significant development comes in response to growing concerns over the presence of harmful contaminants in drinking water…
The Student Success Center (SSC) opened its hiring for the Fall 2024 semester. According to the New College website, the SSC is located in the “Jane Bancroft Cook Library Room 103, the Student Success Center offers one-on-one appointments with trained peer coaches, group study sessions,…
With clubs ranging from Treeleaders to Anarchy Deathsticks, New College has a student group for any interest. For those with a knack for waging war against black and white pawns, the Chess Club has a spot ready. The Catalyst sat down with Chess Club mentor,…
Over the past few years, Florida universities have witnessed a sizable influx of international students who are pursuing higher education in the Sunshine State. Among the many prestigious and locally loved educational destinations, New College of Florida is home to a diverse group of students…
Having been an integral part of the New College community since 1993, Professor of Anthropology Maria D. Vesperi has lived through and cultivated many of the phases New College has undergone over the decades. As not only an anthropologist, but a journalist with 12 years…
As pro-Palestinian student protests erupt across the country and the world in the form of encampments, what began at the University of South Florida (USF) as a hunger strike has now become a center of violence against protesting students. Beginning on April 29, USF students…
The Florida Legislature meets every year for a session to propose laws in an attempt to increase the wellbeing of citizens, resolve issues and ensure future success for the state. Session takes place “...on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each…
Bruce Benidt (’72) Hope is irrational, illogical, fragile and beautiful; and likely the only way anything good happens. I have learned these things anew at my college, New College, half a century after graduating. As another class graduates now in Sarasota, two images shine strong…
Since Robertson Park first opened its metaphorical doors in February 2024, it has received mixed reviews from students, faculty and community members. After a slow start, the administration heard the feedback and refined its approach to facilitating this new campus space. To gauge whether feelings…
It’s no secret that housing has been on the minds of students a lot this semester. With much of the class of 2027 being housed in hotels, the even larger class of 2028 has students wondering if finding their own housing accommodations off-campus will be…
Audience seats were filled in Sainer Auditorium on May 3 and 4, as students spun across the stage for two nights of dance. The Spring 2024 Dance Collective showcase took viewers on a journey through poetic interpretive pieces, colorful Kpop numbers and more. The Catalyst…
Written by Chloe Rusek and Riley Bucklin The Sarasota Kennel Club opened in 1929 and has stood as one of the oldest dog tracks in the United States. It has been managed by the Collins family since the 1940s. The track hosted greyhound racing six…
In an unexpected decision by New College President Richard Corcoran, the grass and other vegetation in the Mildred Sainer Fine Arts Complex courtyard was ripped out with no prior announcement and replaced with artificial turf. The quiet transformation of the space from its natural state…
Editor’s note: Chloe Rusek works as an associate shoe designer for Dynasty Footwear. Her interest in the design complexity of this business prompted her to request interviews and share what she has learned with Catalyst readers. All photos by Chloe Rusek Stepping into the forefront…
Blues fans of Sarasota received sad news in March 2024 when the cancellation of the Bradenton Blues Fest was announced. Once the place-to-be for music lovers, the festival has been held every December in the Bradenton area since 2012. The annual blues celebration featured an…
In celebration of Black History Month and Black poets, students at New College of Florida joined together on Sunday, March 24 in the ACE lounge to read, discuss and reflect on the power of poetry. The poetry workshop, facilitated by students and Professor of French…
All photos taken by Chloe Rusek On April 14, New College hosted an electrifying event as the prestigious Sarasota Film Festival screened one of its latest documentary offerings, showcasing the life and achievements of Sarasota skateboarding prodigy Jake Ilardi. The documentary, titled Into the Spotlight:…
Tenure, as the Office of the Provost at Florida State University defines it, is awarded to professors when “the community of scholars has judged the candidate to have excelled in teaching, research and service [and] that it has confidence in the individual's judgment.” The governing…
“Start spreading the news,” the Tony nominations came out today. The 77th annual Tony Awards will be broadcast live on June 16. Non-theatergoers have a month to get their affairs in order before patrons of the arts become insufferable. This Tony season has a record…
In a Novo-eat-Novo world, the scramble to use up one’s flex dollars before the semester ends is getting sticky. Flex dollars come with student meal plans where students can purchase snacks, drinks, sandwiches and more at the Boars Head on campus. New College provides an…
Every kiss begins with Klimt. The long lost work of the Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt, resurfaced at an auction on April 22 at the IM Kinsky Auction House in Vienna, Austria. “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser” sold for 35 million euros ($37 million) to Patti Wong,…
Section 553.865 of HB 1521 went into effect on July 1, 2023. On the afternoon of March 29, the New College community was notified via email by Chief Audit Executive and Chief Compliance Officer Alexander Tzoumas that New College will be implementing the bill, which…
New College Student Alliance (NCSA) President and thesis student Grace Keenan sat with poise at her final Board of Trustee (BOT) meeting on April 11. After a meeting filled with heavy topics that had gained controversy within the community, such as the disapproval of Professor…
Submitted by: Concetta Holmes, LCSW, Assistant Director, Counseling & Wellness Center The New College Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) recognizes how busy the last few weeks of the year can be. The end of classes, preparing for finals and transitioning to summer can create a…
Call Kiki to deliver your costume for the 2024 Graduation Center of the Universe Parties] (COUP). This year’s theme is Studio Ghibli, a Japanese Animation studio company founded in Tokyo and known for its breathtakingly artistic animation movies. Grad COUP will be hosted by thesis…
Residents of Naples, Florida, were left stunned when a piece of space debris crashed into a home, sparking a wave of curiosity and concern about the dangers lurking above. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on March 8, serves as a stark reminder of…
In a much-anticipated debut, the “Fallout" television series has arrived, bringing the beloved video game franchise to the small screen in a post-apocalyptic spectacle that has fans buzzing with excitement. Developed by Amazon Studios and based on the iconic video game series created by Interplay…
New College students, faculty and alumni made small talk in the Harry Sudakoff Conference Center as they waited for the feedback meeting to start. In less than 30 minutes members of the New College community would get a chance to discuss among each other a…
Good music, food and art. What more could one want? Newstock, the annual outside extravaganza hosted by the Student Activities and Campus Engagement (SAuCE) office, was another vibrant celebration of music, student art vendors and food trucks. Second-year Alejandra Martinez, the Traditions Event Coordinator for…
Three times not such a charm for former President Donald Trump in his approaching trial for 34 felony counts of falsifying bank records to cover a sex scandal. Trump’s lawyers have made their third unsuccessful attempt at delaying the trial. Maybe they had an upcoming…
David Wilkins, president of the Manasota Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), has led the recent initiative to sponsor a Sarasota Freedom School. In an email interview, Wilkins told the Catalyst about the history of Freedom Schools, how Sarasota’s school…
New College of Florida’s Asian Pacific Islander Student Association (APISA) and Ringling College of Art and Design’s (RCAD) Asian Student Association (ASA) are two recently founded affinity groups at schools just a stone’s throw from each other. As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month…
The April 17 message from an on-site observer was simple but clear: “Looks like more turf is going in. And a lot of it.” On Thursday, April 18, Catalyst reporters documented that the grass of the Mildred Sainer Fine Arts Complex courtyard was indeed slated to be…
Historically, the Art program hosts an opening reception for their yearly, and occasionally semesterly, Art Thesis Exhibitions. This Spring, thesis students Annie Dong, Lianna McDonald and Cindy Xin Zhang showcase their work centering their Chinese identities. "Finding Vitality" consists of varying mediums, such as bookmaking,…
According to a report by the Bradenton Herald, a power failure at Piney Point’s pretreatment facility in Manatee County caused 6,000 gallons of untreated waste to spill into the surrounding area on the morning of Mar. 21. The facility is one of many phosphate mining…
New housing development may be coming to Tallevast on US 301, a historically Black, unincorporated community in Manatee County, according to The Bradenton Herald. The company listed on the Manatee County Parcel is SRQ 300 LLC, with the limited liability company listed as Peak Development…
There are around 5.4 million adults diagnosed with autism in the United States, making it all the more important that April is Autism Acceptance month. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing and behavior. While individuals with autism may…
When there’s a will, there’s a play. This spring Shakespeare’s classic All's Well That Ends Well will be brought to life at New College’s Black Box Theater (BBT) under the creative direction of Professor of English and Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies (TDPS) Nova Myhill.…
According to a press release by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency has cleared the depression treatment app Rejoyn for marketing by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Click Therapeutics, Inc. The companies’ own press release describes the app as “the first prescription…
For days, first-year Ellary Combs found herself walking through the bustle of New College’s cafeteria with a petition sheet in hand. After having seen current students’ Wall ideas in the fall for the first time, Combs and first-years Abigail Nelson and Emma Braun knew that…
Muslims celebrated Ramadan this year between March 10 and April 9. According to the Islamic Networks Group, “In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and…
Less than two years after his coronation, Buckingham Palace announced on Feb. 6 that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, sending shockwaves through the United Kingdom and raising questions about the future of the British monarchy. The Palace released a statement confirming that…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 3 on March 25, prohibiting children under 14 from joining social media and requiring a platform to obtain parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. The bill does not name any specific social media platforms, but states that its…
The New College community anticipates the Art program's thesis exhibition each academic year, this semester being no different. With the "Finding Vitality" thesis exhibition coming to the Isermann Gallery on the Caples campus from April 18 to May 10, the Catalyst offers a retroactive look…
Submitted by Robin Jacobs ('03) These days, I find myself more and more connected to the New College community and its values. In the past year, I have shown up virtually and submitted comments to New College board meetings. I have made phone calls to…
In a crowded room at Bradenton City Hall, thesis student Annie Dong stood with trembling hands before the City Council. She was presenting her collaborative mural, and why it should be publicly displayed. Her passion sparked from her own earlier mural at Caples that the…
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse stretched across North America, throughout Mexico, the United States and Canada. The U.S. path of totality spanned 15 states from Texas to Maine, while the rest of the country had a chance to catch a partial eclipse,…
It has been a little more than a year since the New College of Florida Board of Trustees (BOT) gained seven appointees in a move that many have described as a “political takeover.” of New College. The BOT has enacted shifts in the college’s direction,…
Many Americans have Quaker Oats in their pantries. With products like granola bars, cereal and oatmeal, the brand is a staple for families across the country. However, last December the brand published a press release announcing a list of recalled items due to a possible…
Spring brings the blossoming of flowers and new feelings. Whether you’re still working up the courage to say “Hi” to your hallway crush or waiting for your knight in shining armor, these relatable songs will take you through all the stages of love. Screenshot of…
Young, determined and willing to make a change, Colby Heidke realized that if Sarasota’s transportation was to be more accessible to its residents, the community was going to have to do it themselves. Heidke and New College thesis student Chai Leffler founded the Sarasota (SRQ)…
A baccalaureate examination, referred to at New College as a "bacc," is an oral defense of the senior thesis or project required for graduation requirements in a student’s Area of Concentration (AOC). Thesis topics are typically chosen in the fall, and students spend the year…
The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) serves New College by providing therapy and medical services to students. The center also holds events throughout the semester that help students establish wellness principles in their own routines. A mission such as this requires a team behind it,…
Located in Hamilton Classroom 5 (HCL5), the Accessible Learning Center (ALC) works closely with students living with disabilities, helping them to fully experience an education at New College. To kick off Module II and finish the school year strong, the ALC put on three events…
Sarasota County’s 24-hour social service helpline, 211, was scheduled to shut down April 1 after the Sarasota County Commission cut funding for a multitude of social service programs. The 211 line provides callers with referrals to community resources for non-emergency crises, such as food pantries,…
Since the installation of President Richard Corcoran, the familiar visage of New College has refigured itself in a series of marketing campaigns. To many, this change may be unexpected, but for New College’s administration these marketing decisions have been part of a broader shift in…
New College is gearing up for changes to its 2024 orientation program this upcoming summer. The changes include making the event previously known by Novos as “Welcome Wednesday” an optional preview day, where students can meet each other and learn what to expect in the…
House Bill 1365 prohibits Florida cities and counties from allowing anyone to sleep or camp outside without a permit, a law that disproportionately targets the homeless. The bill defines “public camping or sleeping” as “lodging or residing overnight in a temporary outdoor habitation used as…
The Florida Senate passed SB 632 titled the “Self-Defense Act” last month, allowing people to kill black bears in Florida under specified circumstances. The bill states that if a person believes that there is an “imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself…
Singapore negotiated a deal with Taylor Swift’s concert management to secure six sold-out shows in the city-state between March 2 and March 9, an arrangement that prevented Swift from performing her Eras Tour in any surrounding Southeast countries. Swift’s tour has been record-breaking with global…
Despite being one of the biggest animals on Earth and occupying every ocean, the behavior of humpback whales has remained a mystery for scientists in many regards. Exactly where they mate in the Great Barrier Reef, how much they interact with each other and why…
Florida is no stranger to the increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that has appeared in the past few years. Many such bills have been neutralized or stopped by the efforts of groups such as Equality Florida and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD). But on May…
“Jamaican is… Jamaican isn’t” is a multimedia exhibition curated by student Aurelie Campbell as a part of their thesis, “Jamaican is… Jamaican isn’t: Exploring LGBTQIA+ Oral History Narratives of the Jamaican Diaspora through Oral Performance, Dance and Music.” Attendees can view portraits taken of the…
In a groundbreaking shift for reproductive rights, major pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS have announced the availability of abortion pills for purchase without a prescription in select states, marking a significant milestone in access to reproductive healthcare. This move is poised to reshape the landscape…
By Veronica Jolley and Isaac Tellechea At its regular monthly meeting on March 13, the New College faculty passed a resolution highlighting "the necessity of having a Provost with qualifications, expertise, and leadership skills to both support the faculty and the academic program, and to…
In a plot twist worthy of a classic Roald Dahl tale, the 'Willy Wonka Event' that took place Feb. 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland left attendees feeling more sour than sweet. Promising a golden ticket to chocolatey wonderland for the price of $44, the event fell…
As global tensions escalate and catastrophic threats loom large, the annual unveiling of the Doomsday Clock has once again grabbed the attention of the public eye. On Jan. 23 the clock was reset at 90 seconds to midnight for the second year in a row,…
An image from the updated Campus Master Plan presented by the BOT at the Jan. 22 meeting. Photos courtesy of New College.An image from the updated Campus Master Plan presented by the BOT at the Jan. 22 meeting. Photos courtesy of New College.An image from…
New College students are known for studying hard, and partying harder. This spring semester is no different. As classes are well underway, Wall themes have been submitted, voted on and posted. “Walls are a beloved New College tradition of student-led, themed parties that happen every…
On the night of March 2, alien heartbreakers ran rampant in Palm Court at New College’s Valentine’s Day Star-Crossed Lovers Center of the Universe Party (COUP). Glow in the dark stars and metallic dresses lit up the night as performances by live bands transported students…
The Presidential Scholars in Residence program invites academics to teach at New College as visiting faculty. Separate from the hiring process for other faculty, these individuals are appointed solely at President Richard Corcoran’s discretion. It is not unusual for university presidents to appoint visiting scholars.…
By Mahalla Hynes Dear student who’s never been to the WRC, Some of the most productive Writing Resource Center (WRC) appointments are when students come in with literally no idea what to do for a particular assignment. They just know it needs to be done.…
No one expects that their next bike ride will be their last, but members of the Sarasota community should be aware that if they are riding locally, it could be. A recent analysis by Change Research has found that some of the most dangerous counties…
Tighter administrative hold on student government, removal of the campus master planning regulation, drastically low exam scores of spring admits and the removal of required application essays for new students brought public upset to New College’s Feb. 22 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, where concerned…
Since its conception in 2014 with a two-year absence during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Prom has been an annual tradition for Novos. Usually held in College Hall, this themed event is a chance for students to dress up and dance the night…
On Jan. 31, Riverview High School and Lakeview Elementary School in Sarasota received anonymous shooting threats. At approximately 11:05 a.m., Riverview High was sent into lockdown, and students were instructed to take shelter within classrooms and locker rooms for more than 30 minutes. Parents were…
The New College Board of Trustees (BOT has approved a nine-acre land donation from Manatee County, following the Manatee County Commission’s vote in October 2023 to give the land parcel to New College of Florida. The parcel was originally promised in 2020 to the University…
At 7:57 a.m. on the morning of Feb. 26, New College students received the following email from New College Emergency Alert: “Shooting at University and 41. Officers on scene. Stay clear.” An update appeared at 8:05 a.m., when students were provided the same message with…
Bring your “good luck on motherhood” cards to Charlotte, the pregnant Round stingray in a Hendersonville North Carolina aquarium, who lives in a tank without a male ray. Predicted to be about 12 to 16 years old, scientists think that Charlotte impregnated herself through a…
Parents and loved ones of 22 injured and one dead spent their Valentine's Day at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri after shooting erupted between two men at Union Station during a public celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs’ win at the Superbowl. The…
With the downfall of the forum and Student List, thesis students are having trouble getting the word out to potential participants in their research projects. The Catalyst reached out to provide an additional platform for these students to announce their projects and to highlight the…
The Gov. Ron Desantis-led efforts to pursue what he deems the “war on woke” prevail into 2024 with Florida legislators on the front lines. Since 2021, states across the nation have faced bills targeting critical race theory, diversity initiatives and educational autonomy. In an attempt…
New College of Florida’s policies on student communication have undergone many restrictive changes in the past year. This includes the deletion of the opt-in student forum and revoked access to the official Students List. No more stickers on doors, flyers restricted to bulletin boards, no…
Readers of the Catalyst for the past four years may recognize the name Christian Kinsley. He has been an important, reliable source for many articles, providing much-needed background on significant topics the Catalyst has covered. As Vice President of Finance and Administration since Mar. 15, 2020,…
A group of students began handing out self-made booklets at Walls last semester. Each copy featured a complex, graphically-designed cover, artwork, poetry and various short, transgressive stories. The issues listed no cited authors, only pen names, but one word in large print stood proudly on…
On Feb. 10, the Caples Mansion had a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new renovations. In his welcome speech, President Richard Corcoran recalled, “When I got here in March, I remember talking to our Facilities Director and saying, ‘You know, where are we on Caples?’”…
The New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Senate meeting began with a slow trickle, taking almost 30 minutes to reach quorum. With recent changes to the Student List, Forum and other modes of communication, Senate meetings now serve as one of the only ways to publicly…
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic changed much about how students at New College live their everyday lives following quarantine. A lasting and notable difference is the absence of the once cherished “Free Store.” The “Free Store” was a perfect opportunity for students to reuse,…
Forget the popcorn and allow for the breathtaking yet jarring screenplay in The Zone of Interest to satiate the palette. Loosely based off of a novel under the same name by author Martin Amis, director Jonathan Glazer is to thank for the cinematic adaptation which…
Feb. 26 will mark year two of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a war that has been worth small territorial gains for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia Matters, a project launched in 2016 by Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, reported…
The Social Equity through Education (SEE) Alliance Sarasota is calling all young and passionate social activists to join in the fight for equal and accessible voting. Over several years, the state of Florida has been determined to make the voting process difficult for its marginalized…
President Richard Corcoran promised to bring several campus improvements to New College in the new year, including making all elevators operational and renovating the exterior of the Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center. The installation of Robertson Park was counted as one such campus improvement. In…
On Jan. 24, the Florida House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 1 with sweeping bipartisan support, on a vote of 106 to13. The bill would ban teens aged 16 years of age and under from owning social media accounts that can upload content, track…
According to a Jan. 29 tweet from Neuralink CEO Elon Musk, the neurotech company has begun human trials of its brain-computer interface (BCI) implants. BCIs collect and decode signals from the brain and transmit these signals to another device. One primary objective of this technology…
Love is in the air, and so is the desire to celebrate without blowing your college budget. For broke college students Cupid's arrow might seem more like an account draining dart, but fear not! The Catalyst rounded up a couple of cheap crafts and quirky…
The Selby Public Library will host the Sarasota Music Archive’s 10th Annual Musical Flea Market on Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be held in the Selby Library Auditorium, with rows of tables filled with eclectic musical goodies. This will include…
Annual celebrations of Black History Month (BHM) at New College bring a variety of events as a way for students, staff and faculty to honor the heritage and ongoing influence of Black history and culture in the United States. This February the New College…
On Jan. 25, a video uploaded to Youtube by McCurdy’s Comedy, a historic theater in downtown Sarasota, documented New College Dean of Students David Rancourt’s stand-up comedy debut. Not all New College students are laughing, however. The following article contains quotes from Rancourt’s comedy segment…
Almost, Maine premiered in New College’s Black Box Theater (BBT) Feb. 1 and ran until Feb. 4, 2024, bringing in the new school year with lots of glorified love, pain and even sweet release. Written by John Cariani, Almost, Maine was performed by a handful…
Sociology is no longer an option for Florida post-secondary students seeking to fulfill their general education course requirements. As of Jan. 24, introductory sociology courses cannot be counted for the social science requirement due to the discipline losing favor with the Florida Board of Governors…
The New College campus is no stranger to student-hosted parties, namely Walls, Center of the Universe Parties (COUP) and everything in between. Conventionally, the Spring semester includes both a Valentine’s Day COUP and a Graduation COUP. This year things seem to be going differently. Based on…
On Nov. 15, three architectural plans were presented for renovating the Pei dorms and re-integrating them into the New College Campus. The winner of the “Reimagining Pei” competition, Sweet Sparkman, was announced on Nov 17. Working in coordination with Architecture Sarasota, New College of Florida’s…
In previous years, New College of Florida students had the option to reside on campus over winter break, despite the school being “closed” for the holidays from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1. But in a swift decision from the New College Department of Housing and…
Submitted by Sadie Vitkus The United Nations, of which the United States is one of five permanent members, established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve by 2030. The United States, long an influential and wealthy world power, is struggling in the face of a…
The Catalyst is New College’s student-run newspaper, a project of the Newspaper Writing and Production/College Newspaper Editing course and tutorial sequence taught by Professor of Anthropology Maria Vesperi since 1994. Historically, staff and students have excitedly embraced the Catalyst, but this fall has proven to…
Social media has proven to be an effective platform for fundraising over the years. In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, this capability has taken center stage on platforms such as TikTok. Within a concise two-minute timeframe, users have harnessed the power of…
December is set to host a diverse array of film genres, spanning comedy, sci-fi, drama, horror and everything in between. While the holiday season typically brings a surge in festive content, this December promises an unexpected cinematic journey. Here the Catalyst summarizes online descriptions of…
This holiday season, the Campus Police Department (CPD) participated in the Marsh Annual Holiday Toy Drive to collect toys for children at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH). The drive ended on Dec. 15, and anyone can donate by bringing new toys to the lobby of the…
Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) is a bedrock of Sarasota County’s health care system, with the only “trauma center, obstetrical services, neonatal intensive care unit, inpatient pediatrics unit and psychiatric services for patients,” according to their official website. Healing environments in health care are very necessary,…
Diwali, otherwise known as Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and occasionally Buddhists. The holiday marks the end of the summer harvest season and lands on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, falling between…
Tesla is embroiled with several European labor unions in an ongoing strike and protest, originating from a walkout by Swedish mechanics belonging to the IF Metall metalworkers’ union. While this situation is still unfolding and various unions in European countries decide if they will work…
On Dec. 6, Professor of French Language and Director of Gender Studies Amy Reid hosted a book giveaway in anticipation of the planned demolition of Palmer C, Palmer E and B Dorm later this month. Though B Dorm was taken offline in the summer and…
On Nov. 11 students, staff and faculty from New College, University of Florida (UF) and community members from across the state joined Dr. Marvin Dunn, professor emeritus from the Department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) for an overnight Teach the Truth Tour. The…
Professor of Art History Malena Carrasco didn’t know that she would become obsessed with the New College seal. She hadn’t expected to find an internal argument within a future world-famous architectural firm. She’d only been curious about something most Novos, including herself, had overlooked. Where…
Starting in 2024, Sarasota County will no longer pay annual dues of $1,300 to the American Library Association (ALA) and $2,673 to the Florida Library Association (FLA). The Sarasota County Commission voted 4-1 on Nov. 14 to stop funding the county’s public library memberships in…
The Pens and Paper Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Club hosted an entirely student-run Medieval Renaissance Fair on Nov. 18. The event featured a jousting arena, fairy garden, medieval role play and an artist alley with more than a dozen art vendors. The weather was…
The long-awaited reopening of the New College Four Winds Cafe became reality on Nov. 15 when the location was occupied by the local German bakery chain, Mama G’s. The student-operated, always evolving Four Winds was an essential part of the campus since the late 1990s.…
Located in LBR 103, the Student Success Center (SSC) provides one-on-one peer coaching for students. Student coaches specialize in attention management, reading comprehension and more. Whether students are struggling with the transition from high school to college, want to solidify their study routines or would…
It is that time of year when the air smells crisp and the shirt sleeves are long, when time is spent with those one loves most. However, those warm and fuzzy feelings do not extend to feathered friends. Thanksgiving alone prompts the slaughter of an…
On Nov. 6, the New College Board of Trustees (BOT) held a virtual meeting with the sole agenda item of discussing revisions to the Carryforward Spending Plan. According to the State University System of Florida (SUS), Carryforward funds are reserve funds that each university must…
As the holiday season approaches, adorned with festive decorations and the promise of joy, individuals often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of stress, diminished mindfulness and various mental health challenges. The pressures of gift-giving, social gatherings and year-end obligations can take a toll on…
With the recent election of economist Javier Milei to the presidency of Argentina with lawyer Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner as vice president, there are many concerns about the future of the country. Milei’s campaign was a mix of socially conservative culture fights and far right…
Dance Collective is one of New College’s oldest and longest running clubs, with each semester’s show packed with friends, family and community members ready to enjoy the student-run event. The Fall 2023 Dance Collective showcase will take place Dec. 8 and 9, with doors opening…
As of Dec. 1, New York Representative George Santos became the sixth person ever expelled from Congress, following an accusation from the House Ethics Committee reporting that he defrauded donors to enrich his campaign. This report followed federal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft…
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median age for repeat home buyers—individuals who have purchased a house before—was 58, dropping from last year’s record of 59. Meanwhile, the average first-home buyer is 35 years old. The association’s deputy chief economist Jessica Lautz spoke…
Due to an algae decrease, the water quality in Sarasota Bay is the best it's been in eight years. There is also talk of Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay, Little Sarasota Bay and Blackburn Bay being delisted for nutrient pollution. Despite this, warming temperatures, storm water…
New College has increased its police presence on campus. An email from the 2023 Halloween Center of the Universe Party (COUP) hosts Lainey Rose and Calypso Camacho stated, “The main news is that COUP is no longer allowed to have a chill-out room (or a…
Sarasota Project Aligning Artists Communities Exhibits Studio (SPAACES) is an organization created by Marianne Chapel in 2018. “At SPAACES, we nurture professional artists by offering affordable art studios, quality exhibitions and much, much, more,” Chapel, visual artist and curator, told the Catalyst. Visit SPAACES studio…
Important drugs for treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy including carboplatin, cisplatin and methotrexate are headed toward a critical scarcity at cancer treatment centers, according to a recent survey by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). This problem is not a new one. The Biden administration put…
Held annually during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the third eRising Convention took place on Nov. 15 at the CareerSource Suncoast Event Center in Sarasota. As a partner, New College of Florida’s Center for Career and Engagement Opportunities (CEO) sponsored a field trip for students to eRising,…
Following the Nov. 7 elections, Democrats across the United States had reason for celebration. The results of this election, while not definitive indicators for the 2024 presidential race, offer valuable insights into the evolving political landscape. Reproductive rights have proven to be a winning issue…
Since the initial takeover began in January after Governor Ron DeSantis appointed six people to the Board of Trustees (BOT) and later seven, New College has seen its share of members leave the board. Former Faculty Trustee Matthew Lepinksy and former Board Chair Mary Ruiz…
This Catalyst reporter and other students at New College of Florida faced an unexpected disruption as the Lee & Bob Peterson Residence Hall, also known as W, experienced a hot water outage from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 attributed to an aging, cracked water heater. …
On Nov. 1, the first day of Adoption Awareness Month, thesis student Celeste Kadzis announced the dates of her thesis exhibition, “Birthmarks: Exploring Cultural Connections in Chinese American Adult Adoptees.” The event took place from Nov. 13 to 17 in the College Hall Music Room…
The New College student Senate meeting on Nov. 8 yielded a few new updates for students, including an announcement about the proposed Cultural Picnic, an update on the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Statement and possible changes to the New College student Forum. The first agenda item…
With minimal advance notice, the New College Board of Trustees (BOT) held a “special” virtual meeting with one agenda item: to discuss the revised E&G Carryforward Spending Plan. The Carryforward plan was previously presented to the BOT at the Oct. 3 meeting, where Faculty Trustee…
Students on campus last year may have noticed a structure eerily similar to an otherworldly, sci-fi contraption that one sees in movies tucked into a corner of the Hamilton “Ham” Center. While the tower was not in use last academic year, thesis student and project…
Earlier this year in April, a team of scientists onboard the deep-sea research submarine named “Alvin” operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered a kilometers-long coral reef well below the surface of the water, where most corals across the globe are suffering from the…
While most national and international holidays are readily available on the internet, the Catalyst compiled a list of upcoming holidays and awareness months relevant to the New College community to look forward to at the time of this article’s publication. Some important holidays that have…
History knows Anne Bonny as a girl from Ireland who decided to take on the pirate life. The Legend of Anne Bonny is an original play centered around the titular pirate and her journey from housewife to swashbuckler. The Catalyst spoke with thesis student Emy…
On May 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 266 into law on the New College campus in a ceremonial manner, celebrating his administration’s targeting of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programming in education throughout the state of Florida. As reported by local news outlet 96.5…
As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it is essential for the New College community to contemplate the crucial facets of this lethal disease and the profound impact it has on survivors, fighters and healthcare professionals. Lung cancer stands as the predominant cause of cancer-related…
On Jan. 7 in Memphis Tennessee, Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was beaten for three minutes by five police officers who pulled Nichols over for reckless driving. Nichols died in the hospital three days later. The police officers were fired and charged with federal…
Performers and crew rushed around in the Black Box Theater (BBT), scrambling to get into position or to cue lights to shine on a dark stage. Jazz music played in the background, providing a melody to the intimate space. As the lights came up, dancers…
Over the course of this semester, students have noticed more incidents of cars without disabled designations parked in marked disabled spaces. Normally this comes with a major fine, since there are disabled people who need these spaces. The Catalyst spoke to the New College Campus…
President Richard Corcoran’s employment contract was the primary topic of discussion at the Oct. 20 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. The contract was negotiated and presented by Vice Chair Ron Christaldi, and after an hour-long discussion the BOT moved to approve the document. The motion…
At the Summer Smash event held in Bridgeview, Illinois this past June, well-known American rapper Lil Uzi Vert unveiled a striking new look that came with a hefty price tag of more than $100,000. They chose to re-tattoo their entire upper torso, featuring a Japanese…
New College celebrated its second student-led Pride Festival on Nov. 4, marking a successful student commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all. The festival took place in the Nook and featured performances by local musical artists SUPERBITCH and The Tilt, free food…
In recent times, a growing number of college students seeking a caffeine boost have turned to charged lemonades, which pack roughly 390 mg of caffeine, just 10 mg shy of the FDA's daily recommended maximum of 400 mg. Last year a tragic incident involving Sarah…
On Nov. 1-2, the United Kingdom hosted an international summit focused on concerns arising from rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI Safety Summit assembled a diverse group of participants, including political leaders, regulators and representatives from various…
As the January Independent Study Project (ISP) interterm approaches, the New College Hamilton “Ham” Cafe hours become a little tricky. During this academic exploration period, it is vital to maintain nourishment and sustain oneself. According to the 2019/2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, a staggering…
Students at New College have unique opportunities to study abroad due to myriad support systems available. This issue, the Catalyst looks into how to make international schooling possible, and hears from study abroad students. Adjunct Professor of French and Director of Global Education Florence Zamsky…
One thing that makes New College special is the approach to January terms. During this month, students complete Independent Study Projects (ISPs), where rather than meeting in a classroom two or three times a week, they pursue a project that follows their own interests. The…
More than 11,000 people have been killed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Among those 11,000 were 39 journalists and media workers since the war began on Oct. 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The CPJ is an independent, non-profit organization…
Recently, 10 students from the New College Computer Science Program attended the Shellhacks hackathon at Florida International University (FIU). The event was brought to their attention by thesis student Ahmet “Sami” Cemek, who had emailed the Computer Science Program about the event. Hackathons, also known…
582. That is how many mass shootings, defined by the Gun Violence Archive as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed, have happened in the United States in 2023 at the time of this article’s writing. Since the Oct. 25…
By Veronica Jolley and Isaac Tellechea On Oct. 7, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched Operation al-Aqsa Flood, a coordinated assault consisting of land and air attacks into multiple border areas of Israel outside the Gaza strip. Hamas militants surrounded as many as 22…
This term, New College students were offered a new course, The Odyssey. Run by Professors of Classics Carl Shaw and David Rohrbacher, the class facilitates students’ deep dive into classical literature. Each week, more than 50 students prepare by reading two chapters from Homer's Odyssey,…
New College of Florida’s Anthropology Commons, with support from the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) and the Novo Collegian Alliance (NCA), hosted a celebration for Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday Oct. 9. Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of recognition and commemoration of the Indigenous…
Get ready to heal your inner child and dive back into the spine-tingling world of animatronic horror, as the highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) movie makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. After almost a decade, fans of the FNAF franchise can…
Typically, most elections for the Speaker of the House of Representatives are completed in one or two votes, but with the current GOP one can see the results of infighting that have come home to roost. After a long, tense three weeks of an immobilized…
New College students have long since enjoyed decorating the campus with chalk. Recently, chalk art has been used as an avenue for anonymous self expression surrounding political matters. The expression falls within a gray area, and students could face consequences if the messages are defamatory…
The New College 2022 Equity Report goes into detail on the school’s demographics and how it compares to other liberal arts or Florida institutions. It also outlines specific, practical action steps the school would complete “to increase Black and Hispanic enrollment as a percentage of…
Oct. 7 marked the day of the Student Activities & Campus Engagement (SAUCE) office’s first Belonging Expo, opening doors for students to engage with various affinity clubs and one another. Thesis student and Student Event Team (SET) Belonging Coordinator Celeste Kadzis has spent the past…
Though Hamilton “Ham” Center has designated operating hours, there is a place on campus where food is available to students at all times. The Food Pantry, located between X and Y dorms, has been active since 2018. Here students have access to a variety of…
A 300-year-old landmark tree by Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England was chopped down by suspected vandals on Sept. 28. The iconic tree gained its popularity and became known as “Robin Hood’s Tree” after it was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 action-adventure film Robin Hood: Prince…
New College welcomed a record-breaking enrollment in Fall 2023, boasting the highest number of students in recent memory—an astounding 30% increase from Fall 2022. Despite this enrollment boom, some students expressed concerns about the limited activities and food options available during Fall break. A Catalyst…
Calling on only the most daring and boldest of ghost hunters: these time-weathered tales and ghost stories of New College are not for the faint of heart, but rather, one’s soul. Charles Ringling passed in 1926, but was he ready to go? With such a…
In the Equipment Room, second-year students Calypso Camacho and Lainey Rose have been hard at work planning this semester's Halloween Center of the Universe Party (COUP). Piled full of equipment, old decorations and festive purple lighting, the room emanates the excitement and anticipation of something fun…
On Monday Sept. 2, former New College Vice President (VP) of Communications & Marketing, Ryan Terry, received a call from then Interim President Richard Corcoran stating that he was being terminated from his position after just eight weeks. Terry was in a hotel when he…
Literature exposes individuals to lives completely unbeknownst to them. One can learn healing and compassion through Toni Morrison’s heartbreaking novel Beloved, or friendship and love through Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Books teach humans how to be human; they provide the space to revel in…
On Sept. 28, New College filed a cease and desist letter against the organization formerly known as ALT NEW COLLEGE. The organization’s name has since been changed to AltLiberalArts. The demand was filed on the basis of trademark infringement, claiming “the unauthorized use of the…
The New College of Florida Board of Trustees (BOT) convened on Oct. 3 in a highly anticipated gathering. On the agenda, among budget approvals and possible campus expansion, was the approval of a New College presidential candidate, a decision that will critically shape the future…
Outside Hamilton “Ham” Center, rhythmic drumming drew a crowd to Z Green at 12 p.m. on Oct. 3, just a few short hours before the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting where the new president of New College would be chosen. Speakers, students and supporters alike…
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a controversial, student-based organizing group has made its way to New College. The conservative organization was founded by Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and radio talk show host, alongside the late conservative activist William Montgomery. The president of the New College…
During the Sept. 22 session of Canada’s Parliament, Speaker of the House Andrew Rota mistakenly introduced Yaroslav Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division in World War II. This resulted in a standing ovation from legislators for the 98-year-old. While…
After nearly three decades, there is new information in the investigation of the 1996 murder of American rapper Tupac Shakur. The suspect charged in Shakur’s murder, Duane “Keffe D” Davis, was arrested on Sept. 29, and appeared in Clark County District Court for the first…
The fate of Four Winds Cafe has been a topic of discussion for years following its closure in 2019. Returning students will confront the feeling of déjà vu as Four Winds reopens for the second time since the pandemic, last Spring’s vendor being Sorrento Sweets.…
The arts foster a community where individuals can express themselves creatively, a necessity now more than ever in a politically turbulent Florida. It is crucial to support local theaters and art because they cultivate new perspectives and empathy toward lives completely different from one’s own.…
While the Board of Trustees (BOT) was busy choosing a president for New College, there is another candidate search taking place. After Helene Gold’s abrupt termination late last spring, there has been an opening for a Research and Instruction Librarian. A committee was convened to…
The New College Campus Police Department (CPD) published its Annual Security Report (ASR) on Sept. 26. Mandated by federal law, the report details crime over the past three years and can help students evaluate their safety on campus. “The report … includes information regarding crime…
It’s that time of year where emails with the subject “Call for Letters” begin to fill up students’ inboxes. Most students ignore them, mark as read and/or delete them. However, these requests are important and here’s why. Tenure is awarded to professors in order to…
Over the years, New College faculty and staff have shown a commitment to aiding students to the best of their ability. This term, however, some students are reporting concerns about pressing financial issues and miscommunication between students and Financial Aid. With mounting questions and cost…
On Sept. 28 the Chinese Program, in collaboration with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Alliance, held a celebration to observe the Mid-Autumn Festival. Students gathered together at the Dort and Goldstein residence grill to celebrate and enjoy traditional Chinese desserts: mooncakes, kabobs and…
By Gabriella Batista & Isaac Tellechea Over the years, more and more states have opted to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day to commemorate those whose histories and cultures predate the colonization of the Americas. In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President…
Generous individuals looking to donate blood, look no further. In case students missed the blood drive held Oct. 2 on campus, the Catalyst presents a list of local blood drives in the greater Sarasota-Manatee area. But first, a bit of background: There is always a…
This semester, the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) has added a new position. The addition of the Athletic Representative was proposed to the student body on Sept. 7 during the first Senate meeting of the year by NCSA Co-President and thesis student Grace Keenan. “As…
College students everywhere are being faced with choices. In the blink of an eye, “which class should I register for?” turns to “what career should I begin after graduation?” Counseling Specialist Pamela Grant understands this and is determined to better equip students at confronting these…
New College students aren’t shy about taking on big challenges, with many tackling internships, theses and jobs on and off campus. The honors curriculum seeks those who strive to take on challenges, resulting in the future-oriented student body seen on campus today. Entrepreneurship goes hand…
Eastern European cuisine, Jewish family recipes and New York-style influences have combined to create one of Hi Hospitality Group’s latest restaurants, Palm Avenue Deli. Olive green booths bring color to the neutral-toned walls. Miniscule pigeon statues line the banquettes, adding an urban touch to the…
Autumn has crept up and October is filled with fall activities around town. For Sarasota natives or those that just moved to the area, there are many ways to celebrate the season. Going strong for 35 years is the Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival. Every…
On Sept. 1, SeaPort Manatee suffered a major oil leak, polluting 25,000 gallons of ocean water. Since the spill, over 20,000 gallons of water and crude oil have been recovered, but questions still remain. After a month’s worth of work and $1.17-million, the U.S. Coast…
The homeless, intellectually disabled, children and families were the targets of recent reversed budget cuts that had been proposed by the Sarasota County Commission. In a move that would have had serious blowback, especially for the most disenfranchised in Sarasota County including after-school childcare, homelessness…
At the end of the 2022-2023 Spring semester, former Senate President and Student Ambassador Libby Harrity was ousted, not only from their respective positions on campus, but also from New College itself. Harrity was charged with battery following an incident at a spring protest when…
In 1944, a 14-year-old African American boy was wrongfully executed for a crime he didn’t commit. Seventy years later, his case was vacated by the state of South Carolina. Today, his story is told through the award-winning short film 83 Days, written by Ray Brown…
The U.S. automotive industry is facing a dilemma. Working conditions, wage disputes and other factors have prompted one of America’s largest unions to initiate targeted strikes as their former work contract expired on Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m. Auto workers are striking in many locations…
Once a year, plastic packages that will most likely end up sitting in landfills fly off the shelves to enhance a scary ensemble. According to Earth.Org, 20 percent of water waste is a byproduct of the fast fashion industry and Halloween only exacerbates this statistic.…
Hispanic Heritage Month in Florida is a celebration of culture and belonging in a country that prides itself on multiculturalism. While Latino and Hispanic cultures vary in many aspects, myriad people from diverse backgrounds come together to honor their heritage from Sept. 15 to Oct.…
This fall, seasoned New College students might see the school’s fifth president in three years. After nine years as President, Donal O’Shea retired from the position at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. In July 2021, Patricia Okker assumed the role as O’Shea’s successor.…
More than one-third of faculty have reportedly left New College of Florida, but ALT NEW COLLEGE is set to launch courses and lectures on topics including gender studies, social justice, racial justice and systemic racism. The series has been organized by New College alumni, faculty—including…
Play ball or play bot? Prepare to witness a spectacle of futuristic proportions as the Los Angeles Chargers National Football League (NFL) game received a sci-fi infusion like never before. Following a recent trend in movie promotion, artificial intelligence (AI) robots were planted throughout the…
The closing of the Palmer Buildings has caused a game of musical chairs among departments within the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. The Writing Resource Center (WRC) has resided in Room 103 for about 10 years. But with the closing of the Palmer Buildings, many departments…
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the nation, a pivotal shift in the way society treats addiction problems is in motion. Narcan, the life-saving opioid reversal medication, is now being sold over the counter. This new development raises questions about accessibility and…
In a groundbreaking study published by the University of Winchester in England, scientists have discovered a whisker-twitching revelation: cats thriving on vegan diets! As plant-based lifestyles have been growing in popularity again, the debate over vegan pet diets has come back into the spotlight. In…
With September slowly coming to an end and October rolling around the corner, pumpkins are popping up and autumn flavors and scents are reappearing in stores. Though Florida might not have the “full” effects of autumn, the weather begins to become less unbearable and puts…
The Hillel Club met on Sept. 16 in the Old Mail Room (OMR) to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, with a potluck. This was the first activity the club has hosted this semester, and it featured traditional food including apples and honey, Challah bread…
Elon Musk is keeping his string of negative news headlines alive, this time hindering the interests of American foreign policy. Musk was quite vocal about his cooperation with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy regime in February 2022 when he provided Starlink terminals to the Ukrainian military for…
The controversial proposed police and firefighter training facility in Atlanta colloquially known as Cop City is back in the public consciousness. Two years of protests have already resulted in the death of at least one protestor under suspicious circumstances. The state of Georgia indicted 61…
For decades, New College has been well-known for allowing students a significant amount of independence in their education. Whether it has come in the form of student-led course projects such as the Catalyst or creating special Areas of Concentration (AOCs), New College’s attitude toward academics…
The New College Student Alliance (NCSA) functions as a three-branch student government. All New College students are automatically part of the Senate, where campus-wide voting and announcements take place. The first Senate meeting of the 2023-24 school year was held on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The…
Students wondering about the deep sea, what lingers below the surface or how the environment supports life forms will have a chance to find answers in this semester’s Deep Sea Environment tutorial. A different version of this tutorial was offered in the 2022-2023 Spring semester,…
As each semester begins, among the many stressors for college students is ensuring they have all the necessary textbooks for their classes. This fall, the Catalyst visited the campus bookstore shared by New College and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) to find some…
Every year, returning students are the cornerstone of preserving and passing on campus traditions. Whether that be through yearly school-ordained events or carefully planned campus-wide games, students have the opportunity to create their own traditions and experiences during their time at New College. Being a…
Many first-year students were assigned to and prepared to pay to live in Pei dorms at an approximate yearly cost of $7,000. But following the closure of Pei resulting from black mold infestation, some students slated for those rooms told the Catalyst they are now…
The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools. ― Thucydides As our readers know, the student body of New College has changed quite a bit in all aspects. Returning NCF veterans now…
Students Activities and Campus Engagement (SAUCE) kicked off the new school year on Sept. 1 with its annual Novopalooza, which is similar to a club rush. The typically prim and proper Sudakoff Conference Center overflowed with tables festooned with stickers, flags and posters representing the…
In a climate of uncertainty, students and faculty at New College of Florida (NCF) have been grappling with the future of the Gender Studies Program after a motion by Trustee Christopher Rufo began the process of terminating the program as a whole. The proposal was…
The first week of classes is always chaotic. For first year students, it’s full of initiations, and often the subject of much discussion for years to come. For students in Y Dorm, the general havoc had an additional, prolonged element. On Aug. 20, the first…
Chants of “Mighty Banyans” were heard loud and clear on Sept. 3 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center in Newtown, where students and faculty gathered to watch the New College Mighty Banyans Soccer Team take on the Florida College Falcons. It was their first…
In early August, hundreds of students were informed that they would be spending the next semester of college in a hotel. First, it started with renting out a Home2 Suites located on U.S. Highway 41. Now, New College students are located at three different hotels…
Many are aware of the record breaking enrollment numbers New College has experienced this year due to the introduction of several athletic sports. However, the impact on factors integral to the college are just beginning to come clear. An important one is class size. Where…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army (DA) will no longer be permitted to regulate certain bodies of water following a recent change in the legal definition of a state-protected wetland. On May 25, the Supreme Court ruled in Sackett v. Environmental…
The breakneck pace of climate change is causing the demise of coral reefs at an alarming rate. As a result of the heat stress along Florida’s coast, the coral is losing its vibrant colors, which will eventually lead to the death of the reefs. The…
First McDonald’s for lunch, then paying for laundry and eyeing that poster sure would look good above the bed. Suddenly, hundreds of dollars from high school graduation checks are gone, but what now? New College’s bustling campus is also a thriving ground for valuable employment…
Prior to the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, New College saw an increase in the number of full-time faculty members that parted ways with the school. As of Aug. 18, out of 90 faculty members, 38 have resigned, retired or taken leave. Some have…
For many New College students, and Floridians alike, hurricane preparedness comes naturally, having to face many large storms in the past few years. While some students made plans to evacuate in light of hurricane Idalia, a majority remained on campus, stocking up necessities and preparing…
The following is an email that Professor of French Language and Literature and Chair of the Faculty Amy Reid shared to the New College community on May 22, announcing the faculty's approved motion to censure the Board of Trustees (BOT), including the rationale behind it.…
On the evening of May 18, over 400 members of the New College community—encompassing students, staff, faculty, alumni and parents—gathered at the Sarasota Art Museum to celebrate the graduation of the cohort of 2019. It was a ceremony held on their own terms, aptly titled…
On Apr. 25, the Four Winds Cafe hosted the grand opening of Sorrento Sweets, privately-owned coffee and pastry shop. In years past, the Four Winds has traditionally been occupied by student bakers and baristas, giving Novos the opportunity to earn money and gain skills while…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company are no strangers to conflict, but the Florida powerhouses’ feud has escalated as of late. Disney has sued DeSantis, alleging the presidential aspirant has unfairly targeted the corporation for political reasons that will greatly damage both…
Many questions loomed for the New College community after Matthew Lepinski resigned at the conclusion of the Apr. 26 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, a meeting where trustees voted 6-4 to deny tenure to five faculty members. Lepinski, an associate professor of Computer Science, was…
Ari Aster is an American film director, screenwriter and producer who is best known for writing and directing the A24 horror films Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019). Recently, his third blockbuster film Beau is Afraid was released. It follows our protagonist, an anxiety ridden Beau,…
As the year comes to a close, students begin to prepare outfits and pregaming plans for one of the biggest celebrations on the residential side of campus: the Graduation Center of the Universe Party (COUP). This year’s Graduation COUP, as per tradition, was planned by…
It’s easy to forget the breadth of quantitative courses available to students at New College amidst the surplus of qualitative analysis. In spite of the campus’ focus on the interpretive and the artistic, baccalaureate degree requirements for Novos who fell in with New College during…
In spite of a lack of physical advertisements and last-minute arrangements, the Bubbles Bands Banyan event’s word-of-mouth chorus gave student bands on campus a chance to be heard on Apr. 27 amid the white noise of finals—featuring the likes of Platonic Lovers and Chicken Machine.…
On Apr. 28, the Office of Communications and Marketing sent an email out to the students list informing students that the blue wall that had divided the Hamilton “Ham” Center in half for two years would be gone by brunch the next morning. Introduced alongside…
May 12 marks a trip to West Egg for New College—a trip into the decadence, desperate love and the glistening grandeur of the Roaring 1920s as imagined in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and coordinated solely by thesis student Tatiana Pillsbury and second-year Hannah…
With the end of the semester nearing, Novos will be left with the responsibility of moving out of their dorm by noon on May 21. Many students noted the recent change in dorm checkout procedures, announced by Housing and Res Life Team on Mar 28,…
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As the spring semester comes to a close, a substantial portion of the current New College administration is made up of new hires, who have only been part of the community for a handful of months. With this many new faces around Cook Hall comes…
“The show starts in five minutes,” a mysterious voice called out from behind the black curtains of the Sainer Auditorium on May 5. Moments later, the New College Spring 2023 Dance Collective Showcase commenced with cultural dances, K-pop choreography, jazz solos and beautiful interpretative dances…
Students across campus were surprised on Apr. 27 to see that signs for various single-stall bathrooms across campus no longer read “gender-neutral” as they had for years. Messages began to appear on the school’s email forum, reporting that bathroom signage in the Jane Bancroft Cook…
New College is set to host its own Pride event on May 12 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which promises to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration of queer joy. The event is being organized by a group of 10 students who have been…
First-year Bilge Bengisu Akyol started the Spanish Table this semester using her own resources—giving students, whether fluent in Spanish or not, the opportunity to gather each Wednesday and connect with each other over Turkish tea. Akyol was inspired by her Spanish class that she began…
I watch friends and faculty dissipate, creating a ghost town out of the college that once seemed like the promised land to my depressed teenage self. Many in my cohort, having arrived Fall 2021, have either already abandoned ship, or plan to do so when…
Sports may not be the reason many students choose to attend New College, yet there are still many ways to get active around campus. The Catalyst has compiled a list of student-run clubs that welcome members of all levels of experience, as well as a…
Interim Director of Applied Data Science, author and alum Aaron Hillegass (‘91) arrived at New College in January, ready to begin his teaching career at the campus. One day later, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that six and later seven new members would be joining the…
“Come out with your hands up,” boomed a voice from a mobile intercom on Jul. 26, 2022. This according to longtime Uhuru Movement leader and Black rights advocate Omali Yeshitela, who at the time was sitting across the dinner table with his wife, Ona Zené…
Six months ago, when the expected “red wave” failed to fully manifest, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looked seriously competitive for the presidency. Winning a landslide victory in Florida while Republicans nationwide underperformed despite their perceived association with former President Donald Trump, plus the volatility of…
Associate Professor of Computer Science Matthew Lepinski first came to New College in 2015, as Computer Science was in the process of transitioning into a full-fledged Area of Concentration (AOC). After working to build this AOC alongside the Applied Data Science Graduate Program and bringing…
It is no secret that journalism is a competitive field for both individuals and companies. Within the past year, several news companies have faced financial challenges that have left them resorting to job cuts and laying off employees. Buzzfeed News was not immune from the…
New College’s annual Newstock festival occurred on Apr. 29 and consisted of four feature bands, 35 student vendors, three food trucks and entertainment from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Events included outdoor sketching, crafts presented by the New College Student Alliance (NSCA) Archives, tarot card…
The Presidential Search Committee met in the Sudakoff Conference Center on Apr. 27 for their first public meeting and announced their intentions to select a new president without a third party firm by the Fall 2023 semester. Since the dismissal of former President Dr. Patricia…
“Shame on you,” shouted those attending the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting on Apr. 26, as each faculty member seeking tenure “failed” their run, in the words of Chair Debra Jenks (‘80). Following a grievance filed by the New College Chapter of United Faculty of…
First they came for former President Patricia Okker, then they came for the Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence (OOIE). And on Apr. 26, the New College Board of Trustees (BOT) continued its trend of disruption by denying five faculty tenure applications, despite all five…
It was 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 26. Mornings are often quiet at New College, but outside the Hamilton “Ham” Center, a faint sound of music could be heard coming from Z Green. Slowly, a crowd began to gather. In just a few hours, the…
As of Apr. 20, the Nook has upgraded hammocks! The small green area to the side of the Hamilton “Ham” Center which hosts the banyan tree, picnic tables and immaculate vibes has had its signature hole-ridden hammocks replaced with new vibrant ones. Thesis student Nick…
On Apr. 11, Equality Florida (EQFL) decided to officially issue a travel advisory for the state, offering information and guidance as to why LGBTQ+ people should not travel or relocate to Florida—and if they have to, what they should expect. EQFL is “the largest civil…
On Apr. 17, the Advocacy and Accessible Learning Center (AALC) announced via email the opening of their “Sensory Study Room” in Hamilton Classroom (HCL) 3. The Sensory Study Room is available for any student already connected to the AALC office, and can be booked via…
On Jan. 31, former President Dr. Patricia Okker ended her time at New College after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed seven new trustees to the Board of Trustees (BOT), who then terminated her employment contract during their first public meeting. With Okker no longer at…
Gender Studies has long solidified itself as a pertinent field of study in universities, having emerged in the 1970s from Women’s Studies. Gender Studies was established at New College in 1995 and “draws on curricula across the campus (and beyond) to introduce students to the…
The Catalyst invited members of the New College faculty to provide written statements, opinions and commentary following the Apr. 26 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting and the denial of five of their colleagues' tenure applications. Here, they speak on the work they perform at New…
As Meta prepares to pay $725 million in the privacy lawsuit involving Cambridge Analytica, users who had accounts with Facebook from May 2007 to December 2022 can apply to get their piece of the pie. The lawsuit comes as a result of Facebook allowing former…
On Apr. 12, the New College faculty gathered for its monthly meeting, where professors discussed usual end-of-the-year agenda items and also tackled concerns surrounding their relationship with the new administration. The agenda included motions for endorsement of two statements: one from the New College faculty…
On Apr. 22, the Council of Green Affairs (CGA) hosted the second annual Earth Day festival at the Caples waterfront. The event was organized by a number of students, including New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Chair of Green Affairs and third-year Meilah Wimbush, Co-Chair and…
Mayor of New York City Eric Adams is ramping up plans to go after New York's growing urban rat population. As part of this campaign, he recently installed Kathleen Corradi as Director of Rodent Mitigation—colloquially referred to as the first “Rat Czar.” Allegedly, Corradi was…
Prepare to be enchanted by a delightful cast-within-a-cast of whimsically comedic characters as they try to piece together the ending of Charles Dickens’ final unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The musical is the final feature in the [performance @ new college] 2022-23 season…
Which bodies go unseen? What would it take to see them? In New Colleges' annual thesis art exhibition, spanning from Apr. 20 to May 12, seven art students contributed multimedia works that address these questions and focus on themes of identity and representation. Artists included…
An unexpected flooding disaster rapidly swept through the unprepared streets of Fort Lauderdale last week when a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event hit Broward County on Apr. 19. The violent rainfall caused the county to declare a flash flood emergency—the highest level of flood warning. Depictions of…
The Tennessee House of Representatives’ Democratic representatives were caught in the line of fire for bringing anti-gun protest to the House floor following the Nashville Covenant school shooting. Stripped of their status by the Republican supermajority, Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) and Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis)—colloquially…
On Apr. 13, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis decided to take inspiration from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who implemented one of the strictest bans on abortion nationwide, by signing his own six-week abortion into law. DeSantis signed the bill a few hours after the Legislature passed…
New College has been having something of an identity crisis lately. With Richard Corcoran’s recent promises to admitted students to restructure campus culture to include traditional intercollegiate sports teams and Greek life, it seems that the new administration has changes in mind for New College…
“Black history is American history,” Dr. Marvin Dunn, professor emeritus from the Department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) stated firmly during his lesson to the larger Sarasota community on Apr. 20 in the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library. “Teaching Black History…
A long-contested effort to change the Florida state bird from the Mockingbird to the Scrub-Jay has once again ignited within the Florida legislature, with a battle forming in the upcoming 2023 legislative session. Florida Sen. Tina Posky (D-Boca Raton) filed Senate Bill 78 in mid-December,…
By Veronica Jolley & Caspian Rizzo The Biden Administration announced on Apr. 6 they were investigating a potential leak of highly classified U.S. Defense Department documents detailing information on the ongoing war in Ukraine on social media channels. The documents include timelines of the war…
On Apr. 19, there was music and food in the Nook and students were invited to participate in a cooking class for all skill levels to help celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The event is the first of five events celebrating…
The Academic, Student and External Affairs Standing Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees (BOT), met on Apr. 17 to discuss upcoming items for the Apr. 26 BOT meeting, vote on a few small amendments and discuss reports from the college. Notice of this…
Search committees play a key role in selecting the right candidate to lead a college or university. Florida State Regulation 1.002 specifies the broad composition of these committees, and at New College, they are traditionally a mix of trustees, faculty members, staff, students, alumni and…
Just hours before the tenure application deadline, Interim President Richard Corcoran spoke to seven New College professors on Mar. 15, asking them to withdraw their applications. According to Faculty Union President Steven Shipman, Corcoran’s explanation for this was that he didn’t have enough time to…
To the average New College student, CLUCK—which stands for Collaborative Learning and Urban Chicken Keeping—sounds like the exact right kind of ridiculous to become a longstanding New College tradition. Thesis students and Garden Coordinators Nick Beck and Gus Frank have led the charge to get…
By Aria Lockman & Gabriella Batista On Apr. 11, the results of the 2023 New College Student Alliance (NCSA) spring election were announced. Students anticipated another eventful presidential debate but with the lack of opponents, third-year and current president Grace Keenan and second-year Colin Jefferis…
On Mar. 29 Florida passed Senate Bill (SB) 256, targeting public unions and hitting teachers’ unions especially hard. Except for police, firefighters, correction and probation officers, unions under this bill must maintain membership of 60 percent of eligible employees to remain certified and maintain their…
On Apr. 6, the New College of Florida’s Sex Ed Club held its first meeting in the Gender and Diversity Center (GDC). The gathering was a little under ten students, sitting languidly while founder and second-year Shawna Itakura, an aspirant sexual educator themself, discussed their…
New College’s Admitted Student Day is an annual event that provides an opportunity to meet current students and faculty and see what the campus has to offer. With enrollment as one of New College’s most crucial challenges in recent years, the stakes for the upcoming…
“I knew Jim Crow,” writes Dr. Marvin Dunn in his book A History of Florida Through Black Eyes (2016). “I grew up in Florida under his dark, suffocating wings. I knew him intimately, as did every Black person I knew growing up in Deland and…
Anyone in the Sarasota area who has recently made a visit to an emergency department or spoken to healthcare professionals knows that emergency departments have been under strain. Yet, this year hit the region particularly hard. Investigative reporting by the Catalyst has revealed that the…
Imagine a sticky, hot feeling all over your body, like an uncomfortable turtleneck sweater climbing up your neck. Irritability washes over you, panic, lack of focus and anxiety forcing your outing to take a turn for the worst. This intense sensory overload is an experience…
Florida is no stranger to lax legislation on the purchase and possession of firearms, and starting July 1, legal gun owners will no longer require a permit to be able to carry concealed weapons by way of the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration’s passing of House…
Between Mar. 13 and Mar. 24, two greenhouses and their accompanying shed behind the north and west wings of the Heiser Natural Sciences Complex disappeared, confusing the student body. Explanation for the demolition comes after a years-long battle between faculty and contractors who withdrew from…
