New anti-homeless law to take effect Oct. 1
Empty park bench in Sarasota. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

New anti-homeless law to take effect Oct. 1

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…

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“Jamaican is… Jamaican Isn’t” brings oral histories to the stage
“Jamaican is… Jamaican isn’t” poster designed by Precious Darling (’23). Photo courtesy of Aurelie Campbell.

“Jamaican is… Jamaican Isn’t” brings oral histories to the stage

“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…

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Abortion pills will begin to be available at Walgreens and CVS, what to know
A screenshot of the listing for mifepristone on the CVS website.

Abortion pills will begin to be available at Walgreens and CVS, what to know

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…

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A cross-section of the faculty shared governance process
Faculty discussion at the meeting on Feb.28. Photo by Gaby Batista.

A cross-section of the faculty shared governance process

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…

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Visitors expecting Wonka experience greeted by empty warehouse ends with police being called
A screenshot from TikTok of one of the artificially generated advertisements from the event.

Visitors expecting Wonka experience greeted by empty warehouse ends with police being called

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…

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Uplands residents speak out on flood zones, environmental concerns and more
An image from the updated Campus Master Plan presented by the BOT at the Jan. 22 meeting. Photos courtesy of New College.

Uplands residents speak out on flood zones, environmental concerns and more

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…

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Walls of Spring 2024
The Spring 2024 Wall calendar. Art by Alexander “Fish” Sauer. Photo by Naomi Nerlien.

Walls of Spring 2024

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…

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Presidential Scholars in Residence: Two faces from New College’s new program
Cook Hall, New College of Florida. Courtesy of Lawrence G. Miller on Flickr.

Presidential Scholars in Residence: Two faces from New College’s new program

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.…

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First SWATeam column by the WRC
The interior of the WRC. Photo by Aria Lockman.

First SWATeam column by the WRC

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.…

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Feb. 22 BOT meeting: campus master plan, land expansion, a new master’s program and more
Members of the public hold signs with slogans including “Bunga Bunga’ boy is unfit and unqualified to lead,” “New College is a hostile educational environment” and “You give me the ick.” Photo by Riley Bucklin.

Feb. 22 BOT meeting: campus master plan, land expansion, a new master’s program and more

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…

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Sarasota County schools experience shooting threats over two days
A view of the Riverview High School courtyard. Photo courtesy of Kaden Rusek.

Sarasota County schools experience shooting threats over two days

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…

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New College gets land donation over USF Sarasota-Manatee
Aeriel view of the Crosley Estate property. Image obtained through Manatee County GIS.

New College gets land donation over USF Sarasota-Manatee

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…

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Self-impregnating stingray makes history
Stingray from Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Caralise Maloy.

Self-impregnating stingray makes history

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…

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Kansas City Superbowl celebration shooting
Statistics indicating that childhood death rates due to guns are higher than from any other cause. Graph courtesy of USAFacts.

Kansas City Superbowl celebration shooting

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…

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Need karma? Participate in a thesis study
Poster of Sidny Hall’s call for thesis participation. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

Need karma? Participate in a thesis study

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…

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Freedom to Learn in Florida: An online advocacy workshop
Freedom to Learn in Florida advocacy workshop. Courtesy of PEN America.

Freedom to Learn in Florida: An online advocacy workshop

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…

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NCF students struggle to keep in touch
Big bulletin board in Hamilton “Ham” Center filled with notices and announcements. Photo by Cole Kinsley.

NCF students struggle to keep in touch

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…

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Chris Kinsley: achievements and hopes for the future
Christian Kinsley at the Feb. 22 Board of Trustees meeting. Photo courtesy of Christian Kinsley.

Chris Kinsley: achievements and hopes for the future

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,…

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New College zine revival: a spotlight on Burnouts Magazine
Burnouts Magazine issues two, three and four. Photo collage by Riley Bucklin.

New College zine revival: a spotlight on Burnouts Magazine

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…

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Caples historic mansion tour
Caples mansion exterior. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

Caples historic mansion tour

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?’”…

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February Senate meeting brings campus updates
Students waiting for the Senate meeting to reach quorum. Photo by Andy Trinh

February Senate meeting brings campus updates

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…

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The New College Garage Sale
Garage Sale flyer. (Created by Beaux Delaune.)

The New College Garage Sale

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,…

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From frontlines to diplomatic quagmire: two years of war in Ukraine
A protest sign featuring pictures of Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Putin and Adolph Hitler. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

From frontlines to diplomatic quagmire: two years of war in Ukraine

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…

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Slow start to Robertson Park
Robertson Park on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at 2:51 p.m. Photograph by Naomi Nerlien.

Slow start to Robertson Park

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…

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Florida House seeks to block social media access for teens citing privacy and safety concerns
App icons swirling around a toilet bowl with a phone in it. Photo by Cole Kinsley, edited by Andy Trinh.

Florida House seeks to block social media access for teens citing privacy and safety concerns

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…

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Neuralink study begins human testing phase
A plastic skeleton with chords running all around it. One cord’s charger end is in its jaws, with a light on the tip that emanates a bright blue glow. Photo by Cole Kinsley.

Neuralink study begins human testing phase

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…

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Selby Library hosts 10th annual Musical Flea Market
An orange electric guitar, a stack of books and a pair of puffy headphones with the wire folded into a heart-shape on top of a white cloth background. Photo by Cole Kinsley.

Selby Library hosts 10th annual Musical Flea Market

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…

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Black History Month 2024 at New College
Film poster of The Black Power Mixtape (2011). Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Black History Month 2024 at New College

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…

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Richard Corcoran and David Rancourt present controversial comedy bits in off-campus ISP

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…

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Almost, Maine: where East meets glory
Christian Daloui and Alexandra Levy performing in Almost, Maine. Photo courtesy of Jane Major.

Almost, Maine: where East meets glory

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…

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FL Board of Governors removes sociology from core curriculum options
A College Hall classroom. Photo taken by Christine Wehner.

FL Board of Governors removes sociology from core curriculum options

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…

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Cupid’s wings clipped: COUP moved to March 2
Display of the COUP fundraising art. Left image by Alexandra Denner. Right image by Riley Bucklin. Photo courtesy of Beaux Delaune.

Cupid’s wings clipped: COUP moved to March 2

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…

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Recap of the “Reimagining PEI” architecture competition
A visualization of what Palm Court could look like in the Sweet Sparkman plan. (Courtesy of Sweet Sparkman.)

Recap of the “Reimagining PEI” architecture competition

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…

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Exploring U.S. health care
Money on top of an unpaid hospital bill. Photo courtesy of Texas State University Pressbooks.

Exploring U.S. health care

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…

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A peek into the experience of a student journalist at New College
Cook Hall with an "authorized personel only" sign. (Graphic made by Chloe Rusek.)

A peek into the experience of a student journalist at New College

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…

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December’s cinematic delights
Photo collage of the films featured in this December-release roundup. Collage by Emma Iverson.

December’s cinematic delights

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…

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Campus Police Department hosts holiday toy donation
From left to right: Campus Police Department Officers Adam Ziegler, Mike Clary and Captain Kelley Masten hold a Holiday Toy Drive donation bin in Dec. 2022. The toys are donated to hospitalized children at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Photo Courtesy of Kelley Masten.

Campus Police Department hosts holiday toy donation

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…

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Sarasota Memorial Hospital: A potential location for students to work
The exterior of Sarasota Memorial Hospital U.S. Highway 41. (Photo by Saloanee Labh.)

Sarasota Memorial Hospital: A potential location for students to work

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,…

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Students at NCF in light of Diwali festivities
Lit diya lamps. Photo courtesy of PxHere.

Students at NCF in light of Diwali festivities

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…

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Tesla butts heads with workers in Sweden
The Tesla storefront at the UTC mall in Sarasota. (Taken by Justin DeLa.)

Tesla butts heads with workers in Sweden

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…

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Teach the Truth Tour takes students through Florida’s Black history
New College and UF students and faculty at the site on the Suwannee River where a 15-year-old Black child was lynched in 1944. Marvin Dunn, center. Photo courtesy of Marvin Dunn.

Teach the Truth Tour takes students through Florida’s Black history

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…

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History of the Four Winds seal
Picture 1: Ceramic tiles featuring the Four Winds in the walkway by College Hall. (Photo by Maya Rish) Picture 2: Ceramic tiles featuring the Four Winds design by the bathrooms on the first floor of the ACE building. (Photo by Maya Rish)

History of the Four Winds seal

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…

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Sarasota County Commission severs ties with national library group and state affiliate
Selby Public Library in Downtwon Sarasota. (Taken by Veronica Jolley.)

Sarasota County Commission severs ties with national library group and state affiliate

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…

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Pens and Paper Tabletop Club hosts successful Renaissance Fair at New College
Secretary of the Pens and Paper Club and art vendor Lance Gallgher browses another student artist’s work. Photo from Chloe Rusek.

Pens and Paper Tabletop Club hosts successful Renaissance Fair at New College

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…

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Behind the scenes at  the SSC with Sydney Sloan
SSC coaches during a study hall. From left to right: McKenna Mooney, Nayelis Cardenas, Betzy Lopez, Tea Jones and Rosa Martinez. Photo courtesy of Syndey Sloan.

Behind the scenes at the SSC with Sydney Sloan

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…

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Happy Holidays: vegan recipes
Vegetables in soup. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

Happy Holidays: vegan recipes

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…

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Revisions to Carryforward Spending Plan raise questions about transparency
Screenshot of the Nov. 6 BOT meeting supporting documents regarding Carryforward Spending Plan revisions.

Revisions to Carryforward Spending Plan raise questions about transparency

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…

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Ten ways to nurture mental well-being amidst the holiday hustle
Mental health destressors graphic by Emma Iverson.

Ten ways to nurture mental well-being amidst the holiday hustle

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…

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Argentines speak out about Javier Milei, the new President
Javier Milei speaking in Buenos Aires. (Courtesy of Facundo Florit.)

Argentines speak out about Javier Milei, the new President

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…

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An inside look at the Dance Collective Fall 2023 showcase
Dancers Lianna Paton and Colin Jefferis rehearsing their dance titled “All Things Go.” Photo by Gaby Batista.

An inside look at the Dance Collective Fall 2023 showcase

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…

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National Association of Realtors reports on home buying trends
House for sale. (Courtesy of flickr.)

National Association of Realtors reports on home buying trends

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…

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SPAACES makes waves in the Sarasota art world
Artemis and David, Oil on Canvas, 28” x 56” (Portrait by Danielle Dygert.)

SPAACES makes waves in the Sarasota art world

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…

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Chemotherapy drugs shortage
Chemotherapy drugs now in shortage for sale over-the-counter. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)

Chemotherapy drugs shortage

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…

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CEO field trip to eRising entrepreneurship convention
CEO staff members and NCF students during breakfast at eRising Convention. From left to right: Domenica Valencia, Bilge Akyol, Madeline Tympanick, Sam Carmer and Naomi Nerlien. (Photo courtesy of Madeline Tympanick.)

CEO field trip to eRising entrepreneurship convention

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,…

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2023 Election Night: Democrats score wins and abortion emerges as key issue
Philadelphia's first female mayor Cherelle Parker organizing a recognition ceremony for street renaming. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)

2023 Election Night: Democrats score wins and abortion emerges as key issue

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…

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Thesis exhibition “Birthmarks” showcases transracial adoptee experiences
Exhibition entrance display with the Chinese character for double happiness. Photo courtesy of Celeste Kadzis.

Thesis exhibition “Birthmarks” showcases transracial adoptee experiences

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…

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November 8 Senate meeting recap
Students waiting for the Senate meeting to begin. Photo by Chloe Rusek.

November 8 Senate meeting recap

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…

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Board of Trustees discuss revised Carryforward Spending Plan
The special Board of Trustees meeting before the meeting was called to order. (Screenshot by Aria Lockman.)

Board of Trustees discuss revised Carryforward Spending Plan

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…

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Guide to the hydroponic tower in Ham
Hydroponic tower in the Hamilton “Ham” Center. Photo by Gaby Batista.

Guide to the hydroponic tower in Ham

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…

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Scientists discover ancient coral reefs in the Galapagos
A thriving coral reef. Photo courtesy of the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Scientists discover ancient coral reefs in the Galapagos

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…

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Six national holidays to celebrate in November
November graphic (days are not accurate to 2023). Photo courtesy of WallpaperUse.

Six national holidays to celebrate in November

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…

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Behind the pirate life: an interview with student playwright Emy McGuire
Emy McGuire in costume as Anne Bonny. (Courtesy of Emy McGuire.)

Behind the pirate life: an interview with student playwright Emy McGuire

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…

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NCF Freedom’s lawsuit challenging SB 266 faces first setback
NCF Freedom's logo. (Courtesy of NCF Freedom.)

NCF Freedom’s lawsuit challenging SB 266 faces first setback

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…

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Lung Cancer Awareness Month and how to get involved
Lung Cancer Awareness Graphic by Emma Iverson.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month and how to get involved

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…

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The murder and trial of Tyre Nichols: a timeline
Memphis Tennessee Police Station. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The murder and trial of Tyre Nichols: a timeline

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…

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A preview of the new Dance on Campus performance
Students rehearse an act of the upcoming Dance on Campus performance on Nov. 8 in the Black Box Theater. Photo by Maya Rish.

A preview of the new Dance on Campus performance

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…

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Parking in disabled spaces without a disabled permit
Student outside of Dort using the disabled parking space to unload belongings.

Parking in disabled spaces without a disabled permit

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…

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Richard Corcoran is now among the highest paid presidents in the state of Florida
A screenshot of the Oct. 20 Board of Trustees meeting that took place on Zoom. (Courtesy of New College of Florida's YouTube.)

Richard Corcoran is now among the highest paid presidents in the state of Florida

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…

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Lil Uzi Vert’s new $100K tattoo
Lil Uzi Vert. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Lil Uzi Vert’s new $100K tattoo

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…

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New College celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Festival
Student waving Pride streamer. (Taken by Veronica Jolley.)

New College celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Festival

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…

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Panera faces lawsuit over charged lemonade
A Panera Bread restaurant sign. Photo courtesty of Flickr.

Panera faces lawsuit over charged lemonade

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…

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Global AI summit meeting
Artificial intelligence (AI) graphic. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Global AI summit meeting

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…

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Easy dorm recipes that don’t break the bank
A hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with bananas, walnuts, and chia seeds. Photo by rawpixel.com / Jakub Kapusnak.

Easy dorm recipes that don’t break the bank

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…

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How to study abroad and what NCF students have to say about it
Thesis student Janie Day looks out over Barcelona from the Bunkers del Carmel during her time spent abroad in January 2023. The bunkers are a remnant from the Spanish Civil War and a popular vantage point for viewing the city. “We watched the sunset from there… definitely one of my favorite spots in Barcelona,” Day said. (Courtesy of Janie Day)

How to study abroad and what NCF students have to say about it

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…

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Group offerings from the  ISP Workshop
Poster sent to students and placed around campus advertising the ISP Workshop.

Group offerings from the ISP Workshop

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…

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Organizations designed to protect journalists report on conditions in Gaza and the impact on journalism
A picture of the control booth at WSLR 96.5 FM.. The local community radio station airs Democracy Now! by Amy Goodman, who provides a war report on the Israel-Palestine conflict every weekday morning. Photo by Aria Lockman.

Organizations designed to protect journalists report on conditions in Gaza and the impact on journalism

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…

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Shellhacks: when poor planning meets 1,500 attendees
The New College Shellhacks squad. (Courtesy of Saloanee Labh.)

Shellhacks: when poor planning meets 1,500 attendees

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…

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Coverage on the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting
Welcome to Lewiston, Maine sign. (Courtesy of Maineanencyclopedia.com)

Coverage on the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting

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…

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Reader-friendly coverage on the escalating violence in Israel and Palestine
Protestors in Washington D.C. voice support for Israel and Palestine. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Reader-friendly coverage on the escalating violence in Israel and Palestine

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…

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New Odyssey course previews this semester
A book shelf in the library displays Odyssey-themed material, correlating with the new class being premiered this semester. (Taken by Maya Rish.)

New Odyssey course previews this semester

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,…

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Anthropology Commons hosts successful Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Concepción Poou Coy Tharin working on a piece in front of the Hamilton "Ham" Center. Photo by Gabriella Batista.

Anthropology Commons hosts successful Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

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…

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Are you ready for Freddy? Five Nights at Freddy’s breaks the box office
A promotional poster for Five Nights at Freddy’s posted on X by Blumhouse Entertainment.

Are you ready for Freddy? Five Nights at Freddy’s breaks the box office

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…

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Following a tumultuous election process, the House of Representatives has its new Speaker
The exterior of the House of Representatives side of the Capitol Building. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Following a tumultuous election process, the House of Representatives has its new Speaker

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…

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Chalk Art Photo Spread

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…

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Resources for first-generation and minority students at New College
Transitions and Family Programs office in HCL 3. (Taken by Naomi Nerlien.)

Resources for first-generation and minority students at New College

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…

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First Belonging Expo promotes inclusion on campus
Celeste Kadzis posing with the Belonging Expo schedule. Photo by Gaby Batista.

First Belonging Expo promotes inclusion on campus

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…

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Famous Robin Hood Tree cut down by vandals
The Robin Hood Tree, settled in a dip of Hadrian’s Wall. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

Famous Robin Hood Tree cut down by vandals

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…

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Campus life dwindles during Fall Break at New College
The empty picnic area outside Boars Head and Hamilton Center during Fall Break. (Taken by Emma Iverson.)

Campus life dwindles during Fall Break at New College

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…

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The Catalyst previews upcoming Halloween COUP
Second-year students and COUP hosts Calypso Camacho and Lainey Rose hold up designs for merchandise on Oct. 12 in the Equipment room. (Taken by Maya Rish.)

The Catalyst previews upcoming Halloween COUP

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…

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Former VP of Communications speaks to the Catalyst
A selfie of Ryan Terry. (Courtesy of Ryan Terry.)

Former VP of Communications speaks to the Catalyst

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…

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Banned Books Week: New College fights back
Banned books featured at the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. (Taken by Alexandra Levy.)

Banned Books Week: New College fights back

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…

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Following legal action, ALT NEW COLLEGE becomes AltLiberalArts
AltLiberalArts' redesigned website home page. (Courtesy of AltLiberalArts.)

Following legal action, ALT NEW COLLEGE becomes AltLiberalArts

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…

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Board of Trustees recommend Richard Corcoran for New College President despite student opposition
Chalk art written on the overpass after the Oct. 3 Board of Trustees meeting. (Taken by Veronica Jolley.)

Board of Trustees recommend Richard Corcoran for New College President despite student opposition

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…

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Oct. 3 Board of Trustees meeting preceded by protest supporting academic freedom
Xandr Denner stands at the podium with recent alumni Sophia Brown, students, and community members with Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida. (Taken by Chloe Rusek.)

Oct. 3 Board of Trustees meeting preceded by protest supporting academic freedom

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…

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Conservative student group establishes a New College chapter
The TPUSA logo as displayed at an event for the organization. (Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.)

Conservative student group establishes a New College chapter

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…

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SaraFresh Kitchen to open in Four Winds Cafe
SaraFresh owner Lynn Morris posing with the newly installed draft kombucha machine. Photo by Gaby Batista.

SaraFresh Kitchen to open in Four Winds Cafe

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.…

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Live arts on a budget
The Asolo Repertory theater Exterior. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

Live arts on a budget

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.…

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Introducing Illiana Zambrano, candidate for Research and Instruction Librarian
The main entrance of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. Photo by Naomi Nerlien.

Introducing Illiana Zambrano, candidate for Research and Instruction Librarian

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…

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Campus Police Department the go-to for security questions
Exterior shot of the campus police department station. (Photo by Anna Lynn Winfrey.)

Campus Police Department the go-to for security questions

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…

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Getting those call for letter emails? Here’s what they mean
Screenshot of a Call for Letters email for the professors currently under consideration for tenure.

Getting those call for letter emails? Here’s what they mean

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…

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Financial aid questions go unanswered
The START Center, located in library room 101. (Photo by Isaac Tellechea.)

Financial aid questions go unanswered

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…

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New College celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival
Students enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Emma Iverson.)

New College celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival

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…

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Indigenous People’s Day celebration planned for Oct. 9
Portion of the Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration flier. Photo courtesy of Gaby Batista.

Indigenous People’s Day celebration planned for Oct. 9

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…

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New College gets a new student representative
Third-year student Jacob Platko, the new Athletic Representative at New College of Florida. Photo courtesy of Jacob Platko.

New College gets a new student representative

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…

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Pamela Grant leads new DBT skills group
The exterior of the Counseling and Wellness Center. (Photo by Connor Park.)

Pamela Grant leads new DBT skills group

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…

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Start ups and side hustles: NCF student entrepreneurs
Vendors lined up during 2023 New College Pride. Photo by Gaby Batista.

Start ups and side hustles: NCF student entrepreneurs

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…

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New Jewish deli in Sarasota
Traditional Jewish deli sandwiches.

New Jewish deli in Sarasota

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…

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Celebrating fall in Sarasota
A traditional fall pumpkin patch.

Celebrating fall in Sarasota

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…

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One month and $1.17 million later, still no culprit found in Port Manatee oil spill fiasco
Port Manatee during a lovely day. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

One month and $1.17 million later, still no culprit found in Port Manatee oil spill fiasco

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…

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Vigilance needed to protect Sarasota-Manatee nonprofits and public services
Historic Sarasota courthouse located in District 1.

Vigilance needed to protect Sarasota-Manatee nonprofits and public services

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…

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Introducing new Senate President Alexander “Fish” Sauer
Alexander "Fish" Sauer in the EQTA office. (Courtesy of Fish Sauer.)

Introducing new Senate President Alexander “Fish” Sauer

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…

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Ray Brown and Andrew Howell on the journey of creating 83 Days
Promotional material for 83 Days. (Courtesy of Ray Brown and Andrew Howell.)

Ray Brown and Andrew Howell on the journey of creating 83 Days

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…

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United Auto Workers on strike
Ford dealership in Sarasota. (Photo by Justin DeLa.)

United Auto Workers on strike

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…

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Tricks and treats for a sustainable Halloween
Thrift store clothing racks. Photo by Alexandra Levy.

Tricks and treats for a sustainable Halloween

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.…

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First ever Amigos del Pueblo celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Flier for Amigos del Pueblo with event details and information. Photo by Gaby Batista

First ever Amigos del Pueblo celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

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.…

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An interview with Tyler Fisher, finalist for President of New College
Tyler Fisher teaching at UCF. (Courtesy of Tyler Fisher.)

An interview with Tyler Fisher, finalist for President of New College

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.…

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First ALT NEW COLLEGE webinar featuring Judith Butler and Masha Gessen
A promotion for the ALT NEW COLLEGE webinar. (Photo by ALT NEW COLLEGE.)

First ALT NEW COLLEGE webinar featuring Judith Butler and Masha Gessen

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…

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Chargers football game takes a futuristic turn: AI robots invade the stands
A screen capture from “The Creator” showcasing the look of the robots portrayed within the film. Photo by Chloe Rusek.

Chargers football game takes a futuristic turn: AI robots invade the stands

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…

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A game of musical chairs is happening in the library
The WRC’s new space in Room 132. (Photo courtesy of Allie Maass.)

A game of musical chairs is happening in the library

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…

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Over-the-counter Narcan: a game-changer in the fight against opioid overdoses
A screenshot of an ad for NARCAN nasal spray from the official website.

Over-the-counter Narcan: a game-changer in the fight against opioid overdoses

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…

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Pawsitive news: new study reveals cats thriving on vegetarian diets!
Nugget the bird and Tiwa the cat having a staring contest. Photo by Chloe Rusek.

Pawsitive news: new study reveals cats thriving on vegetarian diets!

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…

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Movies You Should Watch: Autumn Edition
Photo collage of the films featured in this edition of Movies You Should Watch. (Collage by Emma Iverson.)

Movies You Should Watch: Autumn Edition

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…

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Hillel Club starts off strong with first celebration of the year
Second-year student Atticus Sauer blows a shofar, a ceremonial horn, at the second day of the HillelClub celebrationof Rosh Hashanah. Photo by Maya Rish

Hillel Club starts off strong with first celebration of the year

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…

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Musk disables Starlink ahead of Ukrainian offensive action
Elon Musk at a TEDTalk in 2017.

Musk disables Starlink ahead of Ukrainian offensive action

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…

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Cop City protestors served RICO charges
A highway leading to downtown Atlanta.

Cop City protestors served RICO charges

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…

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Student experiences with Orientation ’23-’24 indicate more change in campus life
OLs posed in front of Hamilton "Ham" Center at Orientation '23-'24. (Photo Courtesy of Lydia Ubry.)

Student experiences with Orientation ’23-’24 indicate more change in campus life

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…

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NCSA Senate Meeting recap
Close-up of Colin Jefferis’s polo displaying the Student Government logo. (Photo courtesy of Alejandra Cintrón Rivera.)

NCSA Senate Meeting recap

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…

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Focus on the environment in new version of the Deep Sea tutorial
A photo of the sunset taken from College Hall. Photo by Aria Lockman.

Focus on the environment in new version of the Deep Sea tutorial

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,…

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New semester, no books
Bookshelf at the New College of Florida and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus bookstore. Photo by Emma Iverson

New semester, no books

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…

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Four NCF traditions to anticipate and learn from
Students hang out at the College Hall Bayfront, enjoying the sunset and taking in the breathtaking view. Photo by Gaby Batista

Four NCF traditions to anticipate and learn from

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…

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Unity Day: irreconciled differences no more
Colin Jefferis standing in front of the Unity event banner at Four Winds after the After Hours tours. Photo courtesy of Colin Jefferis

Unity Day: irreconciled differences no more

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…

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Fall ‘23 Novopalooza: new clubs for the new year!
New College students rock climbing as part of the New College Climbing Club (From left to right: First-years Rafiki Perez, Caralise Maloy , Milo Ware). Photo by Alexandra Levy

Fall ‘23 Novopalooza: new clubs for the new year!

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…

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Uncertainty looms over NCF’s Gender Studies Program
Public comments at the Aug. 10 Board of Trustees meeting. (Photo by Chloe Rusek.)

Uncertainty looms over NCF’s Gender Studies Program

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…

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A New College perspective… from a hotel
A picture taken within the Home2 Suites hotel depicting a Welcome Home sign addressed to New College students. Photo by Arianna Lockman

A New College perspective… from a hotel

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…

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Small school, large classes
Foundations of Biology 1's larger-than-average class size. (Photo by Naomi Nerlien.)

Small school, large classes

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…

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Anti-wetland protections: another law for state rights
Image of healthy wetland. Photo by Matt Fisher/ The Nature Conservancy Iowa

Anti-wetland protections: another law for state rights

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…

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Need cash fast? On campus jobs are the way to go!
Thesising Teachers Assistant (TA) Gaby Batista during Anthropology Lab hours. Photo by Chloe Rusek.

Need cash fast? On campus jobs are the way to go!

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…

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An interview with new Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology Frederick Pirone
A headshot of VAP of Anthropology Frederick Pirone. (Photo Courtesy of Frederick Pirone.)

An interview with new Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology Frederick Pirone

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…

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A look into food service during Hurricane Idalia
Dining hall in the Hamilton “Ham” Center, empty, after a long day of serving students. Photo by Gaby Batista

A look into food service during Hurricane Idalia

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…

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Faculty approve motion to censure Board of Trustees
An image of College Hall. (Taken by Isaac Tellechea.)

Faculty approve motion to censure Board of Trustees

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.…

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New College’s academic year ends with community-focused celebration of students
KC Casey ('23) opening [NEW] Commencement. Photo courtesy of Daniel Perales.

New College’s academic year ends with community-focused celebration of students

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…

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Independent coffee shop Sorrento Sweets opens in Four Winds Cafe, debuting coffee cups with Bible verses
A Sorrento Sweets cup displaying the Bible verse in front of the Four Winds Cafe. (Taken by Isaac Tellechea.)

Independent coffee shop Sorrento Sweets opens in Four Winds Cafe, debuting coffee cups with Bible verses

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…

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Disney battles DeSantis in newest salvo
The scales of justice weighing both Florida's and Disney's interests. (Art created by Caspian Rizzo.)

Disney battles DeSantis in newest salvo

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…

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Interview with Professor Nicolas Delon, Vice Chair of Faculty
Headshot of Professor Nicolas Delon, courtesy of his website.

Interview with Professor Nicolas Delon, Vice Chair of Faculty

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…

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Beau is Afraid, but what of? A review of Ari Aster’s latest film
A collage of screen caps from the trailer for Beau is Afraid. Photo by Chloe Rusek

Beau is Afraid, but what of? A review of Ari Aster’s latest film

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,…

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Grad COUP ‘23: What you can expect from New College Through the Looking Glass
COUP hosts and thesis students Melody Scott (left) and Corinna Carroll (right) at a booth selling original art, underwear and pins to fundraise. Photo credit: Gaby Batista.

Grad COUP ‘23: What you can expect from New College Through the Looking Glass

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…

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“Infinity and Beyond” course makes math palatable to liberal arts students
A black background peppered with white mathematical symbols and the text “See You, Space Novo…” in the bottom right corner. (Credit: Mark McDermott)

“Infinity and Beyond” course makes math palatable to liberal arts students

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…

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Bubbles Bands Banyan event sets the stage for bonding
A performance by Chicken Machine for the Bubbles Bands Banyan event. Credit: Nick Beck.

Bubbles Bands Banyan event sets the stage for bonding

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.…

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The Hamilton wall has fallen: How did we get here?
A final photo of the Hamilton Center’s blue wall (left) and the preserved mural (right). (Credit: Mark McDermott)

The Hamilton wall has fallen: How did we get here?

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…

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The 2023 Gatsby Ball: New College’s slice of Long Island love in the Jazz Age
Image from the official advertisement for the The Gatsby Ball, created by hosts Tatiana Pillsbury and Hannah Barker.

The 2023 Gatsby Ball: New College’s slice of Long Island love in the Jazz Age

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…

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Student-run [NEW] Commencement ceremony aims to let students graduate of their own terms
A poster advertising [NEW] Commencement: On Our Terms. Screenshot by Sophia Brown

Student-run [NEW] Commencement ceremony aims to let students graduate of their own terms

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…

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One of New College’s oldest athletic clubs: Dance Collective Spring ’23 Showcase
Flyer for the Spring 2023 dance collective performance.

One of New College’s oldest athletic clubs: Dance Collective Spring ’23 Showcase

“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…

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“All Gender” and “Gender Neutral” signage removed on academic side of campus
A DIY sign on the library bathroom reading “All Gender,” after the official signage was removed. Photo courtesy of Sophia Brown.

“All Gender” and “Gender Neutral” signage removed on academic side of campus

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…

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First-year starts up Spanish Table
A graphic used by Akyol to announce the Spanish Table.

First-year starts up Spanish Table

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…

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OP-ED: What it’s like starting to thesis after the “hostile takeover”
Lex Gorman is starting her thesis next year, she will be continuing to work in the Bulk Bar (started by Jessica Merkel) and will be studying the affects of practicing pro-climate behavior. May 4th, 2023. Picture taken by Basil Pursley.

OP-ED: What it’s like starting to thesis after the “hostile takeover”

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…

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Why Professor Aaron Hillegass rescinded a $600,000 donation and publicly resigned
Headshot of Professor Aaron Hillegass. Courtesy of Aaron Hillegass.

Why Professor Aaron Hillegass rescinded a $600,000 donation and publicly resigned

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…

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Black leaders from St. Petersburg indicted by FBI for allegedly “sowing dissent”
Screenshot of a Tampa Bay Times headline on Apr. 10 which reads “After FBI raid, Uhuru leader denies Russian role in St. Pete elections.”

Black leaders from St. Petersburg indicted by FBI for allegedly “sowing dissent”

“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…

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OP-ED: Trouble for DeSantis campaign
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Santa Rosa County. Photo courtesy of the official Florida Governor Media Center.

OP-ED: Trouble for DeSantis campaign

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…

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“Like jumping off a cliff”: Matthew Lepinski on Apr. 26 and beyond
A headshot of Matthew Lepinski, taken from the New College website.

“Like jumping off a cliff”: Matthew Lepinski on Apr. 26 and beyond

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…

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Buzzfeed News has come to an end
A screenshot of Buzzfeed News’s website. The articles and stories are still available to read and interact with. Screenshot provided by Arianna Lockman.

Buzzfeed News has come to an end

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…

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Newly formed Presidential Search Committee announces plans to select new president by Fall 2023
The Presidential Search Committee gathered in Sudakoff. Some members of the committee chose to attend virtually via Zoom. (Taken by Nat Kornblum.)

Newly formed Presidential Search Committee announces plans to select new president by Fall 2023

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…

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New College faculty denied tenure
An image of the podium from a press conference held by the New College Union after the Board of Trustees meeting on Apr. 26. Photo taken by Veronica Jolley.

New College faculty denied tenure

“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…

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Board of Trustees shuts down faculty seeking tenure, community members: A deep dive into their most divisive meeting yet
Former Trustee and then-Chair of the Faculty Matthew Lepinski leaving the meeting after announcing his lack of confidence in the board, following their vote to deny tenure for five faculty members. Screenshot from the official New College YouTube channel

Board of Trustees shuts down faculty seeking tenure, community members: A deep dive into their most divisive meeting yet

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…

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New College supporters gather to protest their rights prior to final board meeting of the semester
Supporters gathered on the Hamilton Center stairs holding signs in protest. (Taken by Chloe Rusek.)

New College supporters gather to protest their rights prior to final board meeting of the semester

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…

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The Nook gets new hole-free hammocks
New Rainbow Hammock in The Nook. Photo by Basil Pursley

The Nook gets new hole-free hammocks

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…

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Stay out of the Sunshine: Equality Florida advices those in the LGBTQ+ Community to stay away from Florida
Pride being celebrated in St. Pete 2021, Via City of St. Pete

Stay out of the Sunshine: Equality Florida advices those in the LGBTQ+ Community to stay away from Florida

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…

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The AALC Introduces the Sensory Study Room
The Sensory Study Room Located at HCL . Photo from Jennifer Meier

The AALC Introduces the Sensory Study Room

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…

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“I am an educator, not an activist”: former President Patricia Okker speaks about her involvement with PEN America
Patricia Okker at her Presidential Inauguration. Courtesy of New College News.

“I am an educator, not an activist”: former President Patricia Okker speaks about her involvement with PEN America

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…

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Faculty members provide commentary following tenure denial
The podium that community members stood before in order to deliver public comment during the Apr. 26 Board of Trustees meeting. Photo by Sophia Brown

Faculty members provide commentary following tenure denial

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…

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Interim President Richard Corcoran meets with faculty for Q&A session
A headshot of Interim President Richard Corcoran. Photo courtesy of Flickr

Interim President Richard Corcoran meets with faculty for Q&A session

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…

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Second annual Earth Day Festival brings students together for an eco-friendly celebration
This year's CGA Earth Day Festival featured compost bin painting, allowing students to flex their artistic muscles. Photo by Isaac Tellechea

Second annual Earth Day Festival brings students together for an eco-friendly celebration

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…

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Rat Czar appointed in New York City
Puddle dwelling rat. via Flickr

Rat Czar appointed in New York City

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…

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New College presents hilarious Choose-Your-Own-Adventure musical, The Mystery of Edwin of Drood
The cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood in costume. Photo courtesy of Tim O’Donnell.

New College presents hilarious Choose-Your-Own-Adventure musical, The Mystery of Edwin of Drood

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…

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Unseen Bodies Thesis Art Exhibit explores the unrepresented
Poster created to advertise the "Unseen Bodies" thesis project exhibit.

Unseen Bodies Thesis Art Exhibit explores the unrepresented

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…

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1-in-1000-year flooding slams Fort Lauderdale
On Apr. 19, Fort Lauderdale received 25 inches of rain in a single 24-hour period. Graphic by Nic Steinig

1-in-1000-year flooding slams Fort Lauderdale

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…

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Tennessee’s House of Representatives expels two of three Democratic representatives
A photo of the Tennessee three with the Justins on the side and Johnson in the center. Via Flickr

Tennessee’s House of Representatives expels two of three Democratic representatives

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…

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New College, new mascot? Administration proposes sudden mascot change
The Null Set has been the official New College mascot since 1997, per the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Constitution--first included as a placeholder, but later embraced by the community. Photo taken by Sophia Brown

New College, new mascot? Administration proposes sudden mascot change

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…

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“Teaching Black History in Florida”: Personal stories and truths from history professor Marvin Dunn
Dunn passionately addressing the crowd at the North Sarasota Library. Photo credit: Erik Wallenberg.

“Teaching Black History in Florida”: Personal stories and truths from history professor Marvin Dunn

“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…

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Top secret documents on the Ukraine war leaked on Discord
The Pentagon headquarters in Washington, DC. Public use image.

Top secret documents on the Ukraine war leaked on Discord

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…

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BOT Academic Affairs subcommittee discusses admissions policies and a “representative and diverse student body”
Trustee Charles Kesler is a member of the Subcommittee of Academic Affairs. Photo by Basil Pursley

BOT Academic Affairs subcommittee discusses admissions policies and a “representative and diverse student body”

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…

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New College Presidential Search Committee members have been announced, here’s what you need to know
A screenshot taken from the New College presidential search committee home page displaying the date of the first meeting.

New College Presidential Search Committee members have been announced, here’s what you need to know

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…

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Corcoran asks seven faculty to withdraw tenure applications: What faculty protections are in place?
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Interim President Richard Corcoran speak during a news conference in Fort Lauderdale. Taken by Joe Raedle (Getty Images).

Corcoran asks seven faculty to withdraw tenure applications: What faculty protections are in place?

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…

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Great Eggs-pectations: CLUCK aims to get chickens on campus
In a recent student initiative which has received support from Trustee Jason "Eddie" Speir, chickens could be coming to campus. Photo courtesy of Flickr

Great Eggs-pectations: CLUCK aims to get chickens on campus

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…

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Meet New College’s 2023-24 NCSA Co-presidents and Vice President
“Family photo,” as the trio affectionately call the picture. Grace Keenan (left), Kyla Baldonado (middle) and Colin Jefferis (right). Photo credit: Fehmi Neffati.

Meet New College’s 2023-24 NCSA Co-presidents and Vice President

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…

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Florida’s public unions at scrutiny of SB 256
Teachers protesting SB 256 (Courtesy of Yahoo News.)

Florida’s public unions at scrutiny of SB 256

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…

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Admitted Student Day ushers in a new era for New College
Interim President Richard Corcoran addresses the crowd. Photo courtesy of New College of Florida Facebook page.

Admitted Student Day ushers in a new era for New College

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…

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Teaching the truth: history professor Marvin Dunn to visit New College to teach Black history
A flier advertising Marvin Dunn's guest lecture. (Courtesy of Erik Wallenberg.)

Teaching the truth: history professor Marvin Dunn to visit New College to teach Black history

“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…

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Local emergency room wait times have spiked in 2023
The Sarasota Memorial Hospital visitor parking garage with a graphic overlay. The photograph was taken on Apr. 13. from the roof of the parking garage on the 6th floor where the only available parking spots remained, of which there were few left. Graphic and Photo by Nic Steinig.

Local emergency room wait times have spiked in 2023

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…

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Sensory satisfaction through nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A photo of Selby Gardens' new sensory map. (Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.)

Sensory satisfaction through nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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…

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The great Floridian powder keg: permitless concealed carry passed in Florida
A handgun with a white outline superimposed over a sharp, red background. Photo by Mark McDermott

The great Floridian powder keg: permitless concealed carry passed in Florida

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…

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Clearing confusion around the demolition of the Heiser greenhouses
Photo of the demolition site. Photo taken by Basil Pursley.

Clearing confusion around the demolition of the Heiser greenhouses

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…

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California Gov. Newsom meets with Newtown Alive and New College students
Gov. Newsom shaking hands with Brenda Watty, members of the Motown group, the Marvelettes. Watty led the group in song at the top of the meeting, something that Newtown Alive does throughout their trolley tours. Photo by Gaby Batista

California Gov. Newsom meets with Newtown Alive and New College students

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom visited Sarasota on Apr. 5 as part of Newsom’srecently-launched Campaign for Democracy tour. According to the Washington Post, this tour aims to fight “rising authoritarianism” in various red states by “[meeting] with like-minded activists,…

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Vatican repudiates Doctrine of Discovery 600 years after its inception
Vatican City, Italy, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Vatican repudiates Doctrine of Discovery 600 years after its inception

600 years after creating the Doctrine of Discovery, the Catholic church is repudiating it. On Mar. 30, the Vatican, Roman Catholicism’s governmental body, announced it was “repudiat[ing] those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent human rights of indigenous peoples including…the Doctrine of Discovery.”   The…

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Donald Trump first U.S. president to be indicted with 34 felony counts
Photo of Donald Trump sitting in the White House. Taken by Ana Moneymaker (getty images).

Donald Trump first U.S. president to be indicted with 34 felony counts

On Mar. 30, former President Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, an official accusation that has previously never been lobbed at a current or former president in the United States. On Apr. 5, Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying…

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Narcan now available over the counter
Narcan is expected to hit the shelves sometime in the late summer. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Narcan now available over the counter

Communities now have easier access to a critical tool for keeping each other safe from opioid overdose. On Mar. 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter use. Advisory committee members unanimously recommended approval for marketing Narcan without a prescription.…

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Reflecting on Ramadan at New College
Signs for Ramadan inside the Hamilton "Ham" Center. Picture courtesy of Qadira Locke.

Reflecting on Ramadan at New College

Every year for one month, Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan through fasting from sunrise to sunset in order to express gratitude and share their devotion. But at New College of Florida, the road to celebration has included issues with the school's dining hall. For…

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Novos splash into National College Club Swimming League
First year Katie Sands (left) and first year Isabelle Dawson (right) at the College Club Swimming event in Colombus, Ohio. Photo provided by Katie Sands.

Novos splash into National College Club Swimming League

After months of rigorous preparation, first-year and Co-Captain of the New College Swim Club Katharine “Katie” Sands took a flight to Columbus, Ohio to participate in the National College Club Swimming League from Mar. 31 to  Apr. 2. Along with Sands, fellow Swim Club Co-Captain…

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Clearing up what kind of chalk is good chalk
Chalk protesting the actions of the board of trustees. (Courtesy of Niko Zamora.)

Clearing up what kind of chalk is good chalk

On Mar. 21, the Catalyst first reported on the removal of chalk art on campus, speaking with student workers tasked with clean-up efforts as well as Campus Police Department (CPD) officers. Despite this, community members have still felt confused by the academic and legal policies…

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The culture (war) around the word “woke”: how a call to action became a right-wing talking point
A Protest at Union Station. Jan 20, 2017. Taken by Miki Jourden. Via Flickr

The culture (war) around the word “woke”: how a call to action became a right-wing talking point

The word “woke” has become the centerpiece for culture wars across America. For conservative politicians and leaders, woke has become an ideology, which to them represents discrimination targeting white, cisgender, heterosexual people. Florida has been deemed “where woke goes to die” by Gov. Ron DeSantis,…

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Baker beware: CDC investigating flour-related Salmonella outbreak
No specific brand of flour has been linked to the Salmonella outbreak, and the investigation is still underway as of Mar. 30. Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

Baker beware: CDC investigating flour-related Salmonella outbreak

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has launched an investigation into contaminated flour across the United States. Between December and February, 12 people across 11 states were diagnosed with Salmonella bacteria after consuming raw batter containing flour. While the CDC has not limited the contaminated…

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Freedom in the Sunshine: Florida faculty respond to higher ed takeover with teach-in
Photo of UFF President Andrew Gothard giving the opening speech via Zoom. Photo by Chloe Rusek.

Freedom in the Sunshine: Florida faculty respond to higher ed takeover with teach-in

By Nat Kornblum & Chloe Rusek Florida’s educators have found themselves the target of an ongoing culture war. House Bill 999 has recently joined the itinerary of Florida bills centered on parental rights and educational freedom, which severely restricts women’s and gender studies courses and…

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Mosaic Movements: telling underrepresented stories through art and film [Video]

https://vimeo.com/815322888Mosaic Movements is a local non-profit organization kickstarted by Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez, the former Dean of Diversity at New College who was terminated by President Richard Corcoran on Mar. 3.  Rosario-Hernandez has reoriented zir passion for cultural programs and community dialogue by founding Mosaic Movements. The…

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Red tide advisory back in select Sarasota beaches
A photo of the shoreline at Lido Beach taken in January, when the red tide advisory for the area was still recent. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern

Red tide advisory back in select Sarasota beaches

The red tide advisory—originally put in place on Dec. 28, 2022—was finally lifted from all 16 Sarasota County beaches On Mar. 24, deeming the southwest coast safe for visitors…only to be put back in place for select beaches one week later on Mar. 30. The…

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Sargassum spot slams Caribbean beaches: what does this mean for Florida?
A thick patch of sargassum ashore a Miami beach. (Credit: “Jack Doe,” provided by the Sargassum Information Hub)

Sargassum spot slams Caribbean beaches: what does this mean for Florida?

Crawling across the Caribbean coastline and dumping the stench of decay wherever it washes ashore is a phenomenon that authors from Science Journal have dubbed the “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.” What’s more, one of its largest-recorded masses of sargassum seaweed is barreling towards Florida beaches…

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Sarasota declared the worst city in Florida for those with allergies
An oak tree--a species known for releasing pollen during the spring months--photographed near the Social Sciences building on campus. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern

Sarasota declared the worst city in Florida for those with allergies

The U.S. has settled into the midst of allergy season, and not only is Sarasota the worst city for allergies in the state, but the sixth worst in the country. Even those who have never experienced allergies are getting symptoms of the April pollen affecting…

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Congressional opposition to TikTok finds testing ground on Florida university campuses
A stock image of TikTok on an iPhone. (Taken from Pexels.)

Congressional opposition to TikTok finds testing ground on Florida university campuses

On Apr. 4, the New College of Florida joined other state universities in banning TikTok, WeChat and other “dangerous” apps from devices and networks owned by the campus. Students are no longer capable of accessing TikTok on their own private devices through campus WiFi. The…

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Students from Brown University launch satellite made from $20 microprocessor and AA batteries
The satellite, named SBUDNIC, was built and launched in only one year. Photo courtesy of sbudnic.space

Students from Brown University launch satellite made from $20 microprocessor and AA batteries

This March, students from Brown University have recently pushed the limits for robot hobbyists and professional aerospace engineers alike, by creating and launching a satellite built from a $20 microprocessor, 48 Energizer AA batteries and a drag sail made from Kapton polyimide film.  The National…

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CDC warns of Candida auris, deadly fungus spreading in Florida
A microscopic image of Candida auris. Photo taken by Dr. Farzana Hossain (Flickr).

CDC warns of Candida auris, deadly fungus spreading in Florida

The COVID-19 virus has dominated the national media for years, but in its wake, another deadly disease has gained traction in the United States that has not received nearly as much coverage. Candida auris—a fungal infection that, according to the Center for Disease Control and…

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New radio show “Queer Spaces” highlights queer joy in Florida
Taro, a genderqueer St. Petersburg resident. Photo courtesy of Daylina Miller.

New radio show “Queer Spaces” highlights queer joy in Florida

In a world where LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination and prejudice, WUSF multimedia reporter Daylina Miller's new radio program Queer Spaces offers a refreshing perspective on the celebration of queerness in the Tampa Bay region and the importance of safe queer spaces. Miller, a queer…

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Downright delirious diabetic debacle: Fake tweet leads to $35 insulin cap
A reminder to always read the fine print. Photo credit: Eli Lilly’s official website

Downright delirious diabetic debacle: Fake tweet leads to $35 insulin cap

On Mar. 1, Eli Lilly, also known as Lilly, a pharmaceutical company that prides itself on “integrity, excellence and respect for people,” announced that they will be capping their insulin products at $35 for a one month’s supply of the life-saving medication. The change seeks…

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Old books, maps and more offered at the Antiquarian Book Fair
This picture was taken in the middle of the Coliseum, depicting the building’s beautiful lighting and perfect symmetry. Photo courtesy of Aria Lockman

Old books, maps and more offered at the Antiquarian Book Fair

From the sunny west coast of Florida to the cloudy and rainy weather of London, booksellers traveled far and wide to make an appearance at the 40th anniversary of Florida’s Antiquarian Book Fair in St. Petersburg's historic building, the Coliseum. The Florida Antiquarian Book Fair…

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OP-ED: A completely serious and unironic review of banned children’s books
A teacher reading a proper, patriotic book to a classroom of proper, patriotic children. Photo taken from Pexels

OP-ED: A completely serious and unironic review of banned children’s books

As a culture war wages onward across America, a wave of book bans has reached classrooms and libraries across the country. The bans have resulted in uproars as those silly leftists rage against the prohibition of their false idols. I, for one, think banning children’s…

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Chalking on campus: where do you draw the line?
Chalk illustration on campus protesting the erasing of the colorful protest. (Courtesy of Niko Zamora.)

Chalking on campus: where do you draw the line?

By Isaac Tellechea & Mark McDermott Navigating the conflicting interests of the campus is comparable enough to a minefield as-is, but students may have trudged over cultural tripwires without even taking notice—though authorities certainly have. Following the Feb. 23 walkout, the chalk impressions of resistance…

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New College Foundation abstains from voting on Corcoran’s salary, claims to have unallocated funds available
Nine of the Foundation Board of Directors members meeting in-person with Interim President Richard Corcoran in the Keating Center. Screenshot taken by Sophia Brown

New College Foundation abstains from voting on Corcoran’s salary, claims to have unallocated funds available

The New College Foundation—the direct-support organization that raises public and private funds for New College—has come under increased scrutiny this past month, starting on Feb. 13 when Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Debra Jenks announced that the Foundation would be covering Interim President Richard Corcoran’s…

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New College Challenge welcomes Yale architects to present visions of campus remodeling
Kevin Yang—visiting from the Yale School of Architecture—presenting Novos a board game titled “New Circus in Town,” built to model his vision of a future New College campus. (Taken by Mark McDermott.)

New College Challenge welcomes Yale architects to present visions of campus remodeling

Last year, former President Patricia Okker kicked off the New College Challenge: a campus initiative described as “a path to address the issues of social, economic and environmental resilience—issues that have a direct impact on New College, our community and our future” on the New…

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VIP Weekend canceled: how, why and what will replace it
Students from last year's VIP Weekend, looking over the New College bayfront. Photo provided by C’erra Tubbs, William Lopez, and Destiny Peterson.

VIP Weekend canceled: how, why and what will replace it

New College’s Valuing Inclusivity Program (VIP) Weekend was an event intended to bring prospective students of color on campus for a weekend stay in current students' dorms, giving them the opportunity to attend on-campus events and get a glimpse at student life. However, on Mar.…

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Florida Legislature introduces six-week abortion ban
The Planned Parenthood sign located in downtown Sarasota. Taken by Veronica Jolley.

Florida Legislature introduces six-week abortion ban

Florida is the next state in line to restrict access to abortion further than it already has. Florida lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 300 on Mar. 7 which, as of Mar. 16, has been voted to advance by a Florida House committee and is now HB…

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Hampshire College matches tuition cost for New College transfers, writes letter to student body
A photo of Hampshire College's campus, courtesy of the college's website.

Hampshire College matches tuition cost for New College transfers, writes letter to student body

Hampshire College is welcoming New College students with the opportunity to pursue a liberal arts education in Massachusetts. Hampshire is offering a financial aid package set to match prospective students transferring from New College with the same tuition as the rate said student paid in…

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DeSantis book tour takes him national
DeSantis and Trump sharing a table in Belleair, Florida in 2020. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

DeSantis book tour takes him national

On Mar. 1, the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC) held its annual congregation of conservative thinkers, speakers and officials. The esteemed list of speakers included former President Donald J. Trump, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, one-time Trump staffer Steve Bannon and other such figures. Media coverage…

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What the license to sell hard drugs in Canada really means
Edited image depicting the ease of access to buying hard drugs in Canada. (Edited by Chloe Rusek.)

What the license to sell hard drugs in Canada really means

Capitalism has dipped itself into many questionable markets, including the most recent debate on assisted suicide and it’s ethics which came to light due to Canada’s allowal of “Medical assistance in dying.” On Mar. 3, in another bold move, Canada has legalized the sale of…

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Can your dog survive the nuclear apocalypse?: Chernobyl’s thriving dog populations
Dogs are thriving in Chernobyl following a massive nuclear disaster, leaving scientists surprised and intrigued. Photo edited by Chloe Rusek.

Can your dog survive the nuclear apocalypse?: Chernobyl’s thriving dog populations

On Apr. 26, 1986 Chernobyl’s number four reactor, located near Pripyat in the north of Ukraine SSR, failed due to flaws in testing which caused a reactor meltdown and displaced around 350,000 people within the 2,800-square-kilo exclusion zone. In the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl…

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A snapshot of Florida’s annual Strawberry Festival
There are many exhibits and competitions held at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This exhibit was presented by Parkesdale Farms, a local strawberry farm known for its strawberries and quality strawberry shortcake. Photo taken by Aria Lockman

A snapshot of Florida’s annual Strawberry Festival

It’s that wonderful time of year again: spring is back, red tide is suffocating the west coast of Florida and the Florida Strawberry Festival is in town. Located in Plant City, this festival is conducted to showcase agriculture, commerce, livestock, horticulture and other creative crafts…

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Serving at the Novo Volleyball Tournament
Live capture of an intense rally at the tournament. (Taken by Chloe Rusek.)

Serving at the Novo Volleyball Tournament

On Mar. 12, New College students and faculty hit the freshly redone courts to play in a competitive Volleyball Tournament. The heated games lasted from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as students enjoyed hot dogs, burgers and cold drinks on the sidelines. Crowds lined up…

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To drill or not to drill: President Biden approves Willow project
Photo of an oil drill site in Alaska. Courtesy of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

To drill or not to drill: President Biden approves Willow project

Environmental and climate activists have been rallying online since early February against Alaska’s largest crude oil producer, ConocoPhillips, and its proposed Willow oil project—first announced in 2017. However, efforts proved futile as President Joe Biden’s administration approved the controversial plan on Mar. 13. The Willow…

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Another new DeSantis board: Disney’s tax district gets new Board of Supervisors
DeSantis signs law that gives Florida legislature control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) and appoints five new Board of Supervisor members. Screenshot from Video from the New York Post. Feb. 27 2023.

Another new DeSantis board: Disney’s tax district gets new Board of Supervisors

In Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ongoing “war on woke,” Walt Disney World has been a consistent thorn in the governor's side. On Mar. 28, 2022, Disney made a public statement explaining that “Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have…

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New alumni board will operate outside the New College Foundation
An image of College Hall. (Taken by Isaac Tellechea.)

New alumni board will operate outside the New College Foundation

A group of alumni have begun the process of starting a new board independent of the New College Alumni Association (NCAA), with the primary goal of separating from the New College Foundation. Although the average student’s tenure on New College’s campus only lasts four years,…

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Anthropology Commons seeks to connect the NCF community through alumni panel
Anthropology Lab bulletin board. Picture courtesy of Gaby Batista.

Anthropology Commons seeks to connect the NCF community through alumni panel

Assistant Professor of Anthropology and International & Area Studies Yidong Gong is making moves during the spring semester to engage more New College students in the study of all things anthropology. The Anthropology Commons takes place at least once a month in the Anthropology Lab,…

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Local used bookstore tackles a new project: a Banned Books Bus
The future Banned Books Bus that Shelf purchased. Photo courtesy of Nikki Snyder.

Local used bookstore tackles a new project: a Banned Books Bus

Shelf Indulgence is a local used bookstore located in the Sarasota area, known for its cozy study space, wonderful cafe, amazing staff and wide selection of used books. However, Shelf Indulgence (affectionately nicknamed Shelf) has found yet another way to set themselves apart from other…

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Trustee Christopher Rufo and New College are being sued for access to Rufo’s personal phone records
Chief Human Resources Officer Erica Worthy (left), Trustee Christopher Rufo (center) and Trustee Lance Karp (right) at the Board of Trustees meeting held on Jan 31. Photo by Nic Steinig.

Trustee Christopher Rufo and New College are being sued for access to Rufo’s personal phone records

New College of Florida Board of Trustees (BOT) member Christopher Rufo and New College of Florida are currently being sued in a joint lawsuit filed on Feb. 21 by the Florida Center for Government Accountability (FLCGA), a nonprofit transparency organization. FLCGA’s suit includes a request…

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One year later: where Russia and Ukraine stand
A soldier waves a Ukrainian flag while standing atop an armored personnel carrier in Hostomel, Ukraine. (Photo taken by Alexey Furman)

One year later: where Russia and Ukraine stand

“One year later, Kyiv stands,” President Joe Biden declared while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mariinsky Palace. Feb. 24 marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an invasion that was an escalation of President Vladimir Putin’s years-long quest to rebuild the…

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New Music New College brings prose to life in “It’s Alive! A Monstrous Circus On Frankenstein”
ACE Plaza is adorned with lights, chairs and camera set ups. Walkway windows were opened with special permission to allow for performers to enact their parts and pose dramatically for the audience to experience a dynamic, moving performance. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

New Music New College brings prose to life in “It’s Alive! A Monstrous Circus On Frankenstein”

The arts are widely embraced on-campus—music being no exception. New Music New College (NMNC) brings revolutionary musical performances every semester, allowing New College students, staff and faculty to enjoy truly unique experiences for free. On Mar. 4, members of the on-campus and wider Sarasota communities…

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20th annual Embracing Our Differences art exhibit celebrates diversity in Sarasota
A photo of some of the Embracing Our Differences artworks on display, including “Whose Doll?” by Courtney Beth Tippett and “Be You” by Ms. Motta's First Grade Class from Emma E. Booker Elementary School. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern

20th annual Embracing Our Differences art exhibit celebrates diversity in Sarasota

The Embracing Our Differences education initiative publicly presents its 20th annual traveling exhibition at Sarasota’s Bayfront park from now until Mar. 12, and showcases 50 hand-chosen works centered around celebrating diversity. The art is featured along the walkways of the Sarasota marina for the public…

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Clueing In On Regal’s Monday Mystery Movie
The interior of Regal Hollywood - Sarasota. (Image found on tripadvisor.com)

Clueing In On Regal’s Monday Mystery Movie

There’s no such thing as swinging in cinema. Plotting a movie night is plodding, and there’s often very little wiggle room for a spur-of-the-moment love affair with a movie. Even in the streaming age, the convenience of having a library of content from the comfort…

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Settling the score with ACT and SAT: Testing and college enrollment in 2023
A student taking a multiple-choice test. Credit: Andy Barbour

Settling the score with ACT and SAT: Testing and college enrollment in 2023

At any point in a prospective student’s application process up until the COVID-19 outbreak, they have been required to contend with the placement test. For folks in Florida, the two historic heavyweights have been the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) exams.…

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The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill expanded, and other anti-LGBTQ+ proposals from the Florida Legislators
A hand holding a transgender pride flag. Photo courtesy of Flickr

The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill expanded, and other anti-LGBTQ+ proposals from the Florida Legislators

The rights of LGBTQ+ people are being consistently challenged by Republicans across the country. It seems that the issues of gender-affirming care, “saying gay” and whether the public is mature enough to witness drag have become some of the biggest issues facing politicians in their…

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Board of Trustees abolish Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence, welcomes new Interim President Corcoran to campus
The New College Board of Trustees (BOT), both virtual and in-person during the Feb. 28 meeting. Screenshot taken from the New College of Florida YouTube channel.

Board of Trustees abolish Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence, welcomes new Interim President Corcoran to campus

Feb. 28 was a highly anticipated date for New College, as it marked Interim President Richard Corcoran’s second official day on the job and his first ever public address to the New College community during that day’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. Also highly anticipated…

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“Our students are not political pawns”: hundreds gather on campus to oppose elimination of DEI, Richard Corcoran
Students, community members, parents and alumni gathered outside of the Hamilton "Ham" Center on Feb. 28 in protest. Photo by Nat Kornblum

“Our students are not political pawns”: hundreds gather on campus to oppose elimination of DEI, Richard Corcoran

“Fight fight fight, education is a human right!” This mantra was chanted by hundreds of students, alums, parents and community members gathered on the steps of Hamilton “Ham” Center before the Feb. 28 New College Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. The meeting would be the…

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New College students join state-wide coalition in “Stand for Freedom” walkout
New College students gathered outside of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library during a student walkout protesting actions taken by the Board of Trustees. The “Four Winds” sculpture is displayed on the right, adorned with dark streamers placed by students. Photo by Nic Steinig.

New College students join state-wide coalition in “Stand for Freedom” walkout

On Feb. 23, around 100 of the 698 students enrolled at New College of Florida walked out of their classrooms in protest of recent actions taken by the new Board of Trustees (BOT) and the proposed changes targeting Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives made…

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Red or Blue? New research reveals that color of light impacts plant growth
A picture depicting a tomato plant. Photo courtesy of Shuttershock.

Red or Blue? New research reveals that color of light impacts plant growth

Researchers have recently discovered a way to make agrivoltaics—the use of solar panels to grow and cultivate crops—more efficient. They have found that the different levels of wavelengths have an impact on the crops and how quickly they grow. Studies have shown that agrivoltaics can…

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Manhattan Institute turns its attention to New College: things to know about this conservative think tank
A screenshot of the Manhattan Institute logo superimposed over the city skyline at sunset. (Photo taken from manhattan-institute.org)

Manhattan Institute turns its attention to New College: things to know about this conservative think tank

Following their appointments, something the New College community quickly recognized about the seven new Board of Trustee (BOT) members was that not all of them had prior experience working in educational institutions, and many were coming from out of state. Even without the work credentials…

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Ohio train derailment: health concerns and waste removal begin
Image of multiple train cars derailed and on fire. Photo taken by Gene Puskar.

Ohio train derailment: health concerns and waste removal begin

Following the environmental disaster that occurred on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, when a Norfolk Southern train crashed and caught fire, the roughly 4,700 residents of East Palestine and the surrounding area are still being affected by the derailment. The train had a total…

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Humpback whales are giving up their songs
A picture of a whale after breaching the surface of the ocean. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Humpback whales are giving up their songs

A new study of Australian humpback whales provides researchers with a disheartening discovery: their melancholy songs are on the decline. The graceful mammals have instead resorted to other methods of attracting mates: violence. Their songs are an ever-evolving language allowing the animals to communicate with…

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Oldest stone tools have been discovered in Kenya, but they weren’t used by humans
An illustration of the species Paranthropus robustus. Photo courtesy of Micheal Long and Science Photo Library.

Oldest stone tools have been discovered in Kenya, but they weren’t used by humans

It was a stormy day in Kenya in 2017: paleoanthropologist Emma Finestone was recording the location of fossils when she made a shocking discovery. The team was removing the skeleton of an ancient hippo when they found a molar intermingled with early Oldowan tools. However,…

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New College chomps down on carnivorous plant research
An image of Venus Flytraps. (Taken by Isaiah Johnson.)

New College chomps down on carnivorous plant research

Carnivorous plant enthusiasts may have found a home in the CarniVORiNCF club. Started this semester by second-year transfer student Isaiah Johnson, the CarniVORiNCF program serves students who are interested in botany, plant biology and mycology.  Johnson began pursuing his interest in carnivorous plants in high…

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Wonderful Vices: Behind the scenes of the Love and Dionysus COUP
The Nook section of the COUP event where a variety of pop, throwbacks, and latin hits were played by student DJs. Photo Credit Brynn Halpern

Wonderful Vices: Behind the scenes of the Love and Dionysus COUP

Love is in the air this season, just in time for New College’s Valentine's Day Center of the Universe Party (COUP), which was thrown on Feb. 25. For Novos needing to let off steam following the spring semester kickoff, the Love and Dionysus COUP was…

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Chief Coley provides insight on the state of the CPD
Police cruisers on campus can make the CPD seem intimidating or impersonal to students, but they could soon be making the transition to bikes and golf carts.

Chief Coley provides insight on the state of the CPD

By Arianna Lockman and Chloe Rusek It’s safe to say that New College has been experiencing many changes within the past two months: Students and faculty are concerned for the future of their school, but there’s one voice New College has yet to hear from:…

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Green New Meal Deal: Metz battles increased student food waste
"Weigh the Waste" board located in Hamilton Center. (Taken by Mark McDermott.)

Green New Meal Deal: Metz battles increased student food waste

Though Palm Court has precedent to the esteemed “Center of the Universe” title, the second closest candidate for such a prestigious position is the Hamilton “Ham” Center—a staple in student life and on-campus dining. In spite of its importance, upwards of 120 lbs. of Metz…

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For students, by students: Bulk Bar thesis project seeks to make campus more sustainable
Main set up in the bulk bar equipped with different selections of hand and dish soaps. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

For students, by students: Bulk Bar thesis project seeks to make campus more sustainable

Sustainability is constantly at the forefront of conversations surrounding climate change and the sheer amount of waste created by human consumption. Generation Z has stepped up in creating initiatives such as the Food Forest and the composting tutorial to achieve a more sustainable society that…

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NCF Board of Trustees approves revised contract for Richard Corcoran
Vice Chair Ron Christaldi tuning in to the Feb. 21 Special BOT Meeting from his car. Photo taken by Basil Pursley

NCF Board of Trustees approves revised contract for Richard Corcoran

Incoming Interim New College President Richard Corcoran’s employment contract was approved on Feb. 21 by the Board of Trustees (BOT), including his lofty base salary of $699,000. Approval of Corcoran’s contract was the only action item at this virtual Special BOT meeting, and judging by…

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Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation
A photo of the Keating Center, where the New College Foundation office is location. Photo courtesy of ncf.edu

Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation

The following is a letter written to the New College Foundation on Feb. 21, 2023. It has been signed by 156 New College alumni, with cohorts ranging from the 1960s to New College's most recent graduating class. Dear Members of the New College Foundation:   The…

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Former New College President Patricia Okker gives first interview
Former New College president Patricia Okker, courtesy of LinkedIn.

Former New College President Patricia Okker gives first interview

We don’t know what could happen was the general sentiment shared by many members of the New College community in the weeks leading up to the first Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting scheduled just after a slate of new conservative appointments by Gov. Ron DeSantis.…

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Student letters addressed to Dr. Patricia Okker
Letters from New College students to their former president. Photo courtesy of Nickolas Steinig

Student letters addressed to Dr. Patricia Okker

Current students were invited to submit open, unsigned letters to Dr. Patricia Okker, for initial “delivery” via publication in the Catalyst. The full text of each submission appears below. Dear former president Okker,I am sorry to hear about your termination. I sincerely hope that you…

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Alumni Reunion Weekend: A decades-long history of courage, resistance and hilarious antics
A crowd of alumni with cohorts dating back to the 60s, gathered in Palm Court. Photo taken by Nickolas Steinig

Alumni Reunion Weekend: A decades-long history of courage, resistance and hilarious antics

For weeks prior to the event, the New College Alumni Facebook group was abuzz with folks making plans for accommodations and social gatherings for the upcoming Alumni Weekend. Dozens of alums returned to campus on Feb. 17 and 18 for the opportunity to connect and…

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Ringling exhibit “Glimpse of the Artist” co-curated by New College student, celebrates Newtown art
Art created by students of Emma E. Booker, featured at the "Glimpse of the Artist" exhibit. Photo courtesy of Lauren David.

Ringling exhibit “Glimpse of the Artist” co-curated by New College student, celebrates Newtown art

Within Sarasota, there is a hidden gem which has been pushed to the sidelines throughout the town’s history: the celebrated African American community, Newtown. However, in recent years, the community has begun shifting into the spotlight as one of Sarasota’s most vibrant, artistic and historic…

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Turkey-Syria earthquakes: How New College can help?
A man sitting in the rubble caused by the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria. Photo courtesy of AFP.

Turkey-Syria earthquakes: How New College can help?

On Feb. 6, southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria were hit with a 7.8 earthquake leaving more than 45,000 people dead and millions of people displaced as rescue teams struggle to save them. In the immediate hours following the initial earthquake, the…

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DeSantis takes aim at College Board for “indoctrination” and lacking “educational value”
DeSantis has suggested earlier this month that Florida could do away with College Board entirely--but it's not yet clear how, when or what it might be replaced with. Image created by Caspian Rizzo

DeSantis takes aim at College Board for “indoctrination” and lacking “educational value”

Over the past few weeks, a dizzying flurry of announcements have come from Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office concerning Florida’s high school curriculum. Most recently, the governor has taken aim at the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies curriculum, lambasting it as woke indoctrination.…

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Florida student athletes required to identify gender assigned at birth
An empty locker room. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Florida student athletes required to identify gender assigned at birth

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has been fighting controversy in recent weeks after discussing the possibility of requiring student athletes to answer questions about their menstrual history on the state-wide pre-participation physical evaluation form. The form has included questions about menstrual history since…

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Artificial Intelligence or just text prediction? How ChatGPT and other Open AI programs function
An AI-generated New College student. Photo courtesy of Basil Pursley and DALL-E

Artificial Intelligence or just text prediction? How ChatGPT and other Open AI programs function

OpenAI, the renowned artificial intelligence research laboratory, has made groundbreaking progress in the field of natural language processing with its state-of-the-art language model, ChatGPT. As one of the largest language models in the world, ChatGPT has been able to generate coherent and realistic text in…

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Housing crisis at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt becomes a source of anger and outrage
Cal Poly Humboldt's campus entrance. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Housing crisis at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt becomes a source of anger and outrage

On Feb. 4, California Polytechnic University, Humboldt announced that incoming first-year students would have priority for all on-campus housing. While the exact number of incoming students in the fall is still unknown, the university did receive 19,000 applications in January, almost doubling the amount of…

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New College’s basketball team outlasts Ringling in 43-42 victory
The New College team in a timeout huddle. (Photo taken by Janie Day.)

New College’s basketball team outlasts Ringling in 43-42 victory

In Fall 2022, the recently-established New College basketball team provided a place for students to learn the basics of the sport and jump on the courts for a pick-up game or two. While the team’s primary purpose is to be a source of Novocollegian sportsmanship…

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Itinerary for Sarasota night owls
The vegetable miso ramen from Sushi-Ramen. Photo courtesy of Kat Dow ('02), who recommends that readers order their ramen with a soft-yolk shoyu egg, which must be specially requested for a classic ramen bowl.

Itinerary for Sarasota night owls

With Sarasota's mixed population of retirees and college students, younger audiences may feel like they have less access to nightlife activities than other university towns do. For night owls looking for entertainment past 7 p.m., there are plenty of hidden gems in the Sarasota-Bradenton area…

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KEEPING ON (breathing): Alum’s sculpture aims to give NCF space to grieve
Schulman's sculpture displayed at the New College bayfront during sunset. Photo courtesy of Logan Gabrielle Schulman

KEEPING ON (breathing): Alum’s sculpture aims to give NCF space to grieve

Students walking around New College from Feb. 7 through 9 may have noticed a strange object circulating throughout campus. Having just directed The Fog at New College in 2022, Logan Gabrielle Schulman (‘17)—artist, educator, organizer and theater maker—returned to campus from New York to showcase…

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Board of Trustees approves Corcoran’s Interim President contract: NCF faces uncertain future
The Board of Trustees (BOT) and a handful of other New College administrators present for the Special BOT Meeting on Feb. 13 via Zoom. Photo taken by Sophia Brown

Board of Trustees approves Corcoran’s Interim President contract: NCF faces uncertain future

After a deeply disruptive Jan. 31 meeting, the New College Board of Trustees (BOT) was not expected to meet again until the end of February. However, on Feb. 6, it was posted on the New College website that a Special BOT Meeting would be held…

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New College’s faculty meets for first time this year, focus on retaining values
Faculty applauding Provost Sherman following her opening statement. Photo taken by Nic Steinig

New College’s faculty meets for first time this year, focus on retaining values

On Feb. 8, the New College of Florida’s faculty held their first public meeting since the announcement of new appointments to the Board of Trustees (BOT). It was also the first in-person faculty meeting since the coronavirus pandemic began. Professors and staff from across the…

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Tiffany Stained Glass comes to Selby Gardens
Reference photos used by Tiffany Studio Artisans. Taken by Qadira Locke.

Tiffany Stained Glass comes to Selby Gardens

Selby Botanical Gardens has brought Louis C. Tiffany’s “Pursuit of Beauty in Nature” to the Downtown Sarasota Campus in an exhibition featuring a variety of pieces from Tiffany Studios, including pieces that use Favrile glass. On display until June 25, every piece features designs that…

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“You are not alone”: words from Representative Anna Eskamani to the New College community
A protest sign outside of the Sudakoff Center on Jan. 31. (Taken by Sophia Brown.)

“You are not alone”: words from Representative Anna Eskamani to the New College community

Since the Jan. 6 announcement of six new conservative-aligned Board of Trustee (BOT) members appointed at New College of Florida, Representative Anna Eskamani (District 47- Democrat) has spoken out frequently and firmly in opposition to the decision. Taking to social media platforms like Twitter and…

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Who is Richard Corcoran? A look at our incoming Interim President
A photo of Richard Corcoran, flanked by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Who is Richard Corcoran? A look at our incoming Interim President

On Jan. 31, the New College of Florida’s Board of Trustees (BOT) fired former President Patricia Okker and proposed replacing her with an interim, Republican politician and education administrator Richard Corcoran, effective Feb. 27. Corcoran’s base salary will sit at $699,000, approved when his proposed…

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Demystifying the Makerspace: Library resources and how to use them
Exterior look of the makerspace within the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

Demystifying the Makerspace: Library resources and how to use them

A cloud of mystery looms over a certain corner of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library that houses one of the most versatile spaces on campus: the Makerspace. Libraries across the globe stand to lose patrons in the days of technological advances and innovative inventions that…

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Public Statement of the Faculty of New College of Florida
Professor of Mathematics Patrick McDonald reading the statement at the Feb. 8 faculty meeting. (Taken by Nickolas Steinig.)

Public Statement of the Faculty of New College of Florida

The following statement was passed by official motion and majority vote of the faculty of New College of Florida on Feb. 10, 2023. Signed by Chair of the Faculty Matthew Lepinski and Vice-Chair of the Faculty Nicolas Delon. We stand united in this moment, as…

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A glance into Admissions following BOT shake-up
College Hall serves as the headquarters for the admissions office.

A glance into Admissions following BOT shake-up

In the face of recent political adversities at New College of Florida, faculty and students have been concerned that the rates of admissions will take a drastic turn. Former President Patricia Okker and admissions staff admitted twice the number of students in the 2021-2022 academic…

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Sur la Bay 2023 features Afro Caribbean drumming ISP and local band TREEDOMM
Set up of various drums lining the steps to College Hall. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

Sur la Bay 2023 features Afro Caribbean drumming ISP and local band TREEDOMM

Sur la Bay is one of many Black History Month activities happening at New College until Mar. 1—showcasing work done by students of the Patá Independent Study Project (ISP) as well as performances from the local band TREEDOMM. With help from New Music New College…

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Studying abroad just got easier: sneak peak into abroad programs and accessibility
Spread of various study abroad materials from IES. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

Studying abroad just got easier: sneak peak into abroad programs and accessibility

The New College Off-Campus Study/Study Abroad office has long been interested in connecting students with the right programs and necessary support to successfully complete a semester, summer or even a full year of a program or internship anywhere in the world. The Study Abroad Fair…

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Trustee Mark Bauerlein wants to involve students in academic debate
Headshot photo of trustee Mark Bauerlein. Courtesy of Mark Bauerlein

Trustee Mark Bauerlein wants to involve students in academic debate

Former New College President Patricia Okker was removed from her position on Jan. 31, by a new Board of Trustees (BOT) featuring seven additional members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. For new trustee Dr. Mark Bauerlein, this decision was important for reconciling the goals of…

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OP-ED: Dishonest assault on an educational gem
A photo of College Hall from Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy of the New College Digital Collections.

OP-ED: Dishonest assault on an educational gem

Submitted by Bruce Benidt (‘72) The Governor and the new trustees are wrong about New College. And it tears my heart and soul to see what they’re doing to such a bright light of learning. New College does not indoctrinate. It is not a captive…

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Reviewing “A Game” and “The Girl Who Was Asked to Turn Blue” in NCF’s current campus climate
The shared cast of the two one-acts performing the opening scene of "A Game." Photo courtesy of Nova Myhill.

Reviewing “A Game” and “The Girl Who Was Asked to Turn Blue” in NCF’s current campus climate

For the second show of the [performance @ new college] 2022-2023 season, Assistant Professor of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies (TDPS) Diego Villada directed a double-feature: A Game by Dennis E. Noble and The Girl Who Was Asked to Turn Blue by Ev Miller. Both…

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What is the Sunshine Law and why does it matter?
A view of the sun shining at New College's Bayfront Campus. (Taken by Isaac Tellechea.)

What is the Sunshine Law and why does it matter?

On Jan. 31, New College’s Board of Trustees (BOT) held its first meeting since Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) appointed seven new members to its governing body. In that meeting, monumental change was rapidly brought upon the school, namely the…

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Inside the “hostile takeover”: an autopsy of the Jan. 31 Board of Trustees meeting
The Jan. 31 Board of Trustees meeting inside Sudakoff Conference Center. Photo taken from the New College of Florida YouTube channel.

Inside the “hostile takeover”: an autopsy of the Jan. 31 Board of Trustees meeting

When it was first announced on Jan. 6 that Gov. Ron DeSantis had appointed six new members to New College’s Board of Trustees (BOT), various media outlets began calling this move a “hostile takeover”—with a seventh new member joining them on Jan. 26.  There was…

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“Our school, our home, our choice”: NCF community rallies together in response to BOT meeting
Student organizer Sam Sharf speaking at the rally on Jan. 31 in front of the Hamilton Center preceding the Board of Trustees meeting. Photo credit: Gaby Batista

“Our school, our home, our choice”: NCF community rallies together in response to BOT meeting

Jan. 31 proved to be a prominent date for most—if not all—of the New College community. The prospects of what the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting could entail lingered on many minds, primarily a group of New College students, alumni and community organizations such as…

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A brief overview of DeSantis’ education reform
Table of banned books. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

A brief overview of DeSantis’ education reform

It’s no secret that Florida has become ground zero for conservative educational policy. Gov. Ron DeSantis has made countless headlines throughout the past year due to policies like the "Don’t Say Gay" Bill, the Stop WOKE Act, book banning in K-12 schools and, most recently,…

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A unique New College experience: Birding for academic credit
A flock of American White Pelicans flying over the bay. (Photo taken by Arianna Lockman.)

A unique New College experience: Birding for academic credit

An exclusive New College experience takes place throughout the entire month of January, a period when Independent Study Projects (ISPs) take place. During this time, students embark on a month-long research project, which can be done in groups or can be done independently between a…

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When in Rome: ISP lets students sample ancient Roman cuisine
The cover of Mark Grant's Roman Cookery: Ancient Recipes for Modern Kitchens, the inspiration for the ISP.

When in Rome: ISP lets students sample ancient Roman cuisine

Professor of Classics David Rohrbacher’s Food and Dining in Ancient Rome Independent Study Project (ISP) was a huge hit among students, drawing in well over a dozen first-years for their first group ISP. Take a look back on the different meals and students’ experience with…

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New College German Department presents, “Border Stations and Ghost Stations in Divided Berlin”
Rachel Roeder at the Berlin Wall exhibit opening. (Photo taken by Chloe Rusek.)

New College German Department presents, “Border Stations and Ghost Stations in Divided Berlin”

Imagine going to bed and waking up to a world divided by a wall that seemingly sprung up overnight. Aug. 13, 1961: the communist German Democratic Republic (GDR) began the construction of a wall separating East and West Berlin. With the Berlin Wall playing such…

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Winter break housing prices and ISP meal plans bring about controversy
Campus often feels empty and desolate during winter break and ISP--but getting to stay on campus during these times is a requirement for some students' ISPs, and an incredibly valuable resource for housing insecure students. However, this doesn't mean that staying on campus during these times is always easy for students with limited budgets or specific dietary requirements. Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

Winter break housing prices and ISP meal plans bring about controversy

Throughout the years, New College has been met with criticism from the student body regarding issues of food insecurity and the quality of life on campus. Whether it be due to food quality, accessibility issues or even just finding suitable times to eat during a…

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2022-2023 group ISPs: What does New College have to offer?
For one of many group ISPs available this year, “Birding New College,” students will have the opportunity to encounter and identify all kinds of local birds. Photo courtesy of the New College Feral Pigeons club.

2022-2023 group ISPs: What does New College have to offer?

It’s that delightful time of year: students are studying for finals and preparing for the holidays while snowbirds begin their invasion of the Sarasota area. Despite the holiday cheer and the terrific traffic, there is another annual event students have to look forward to: Independent…

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First-year, first semester: new students offer insight to on-campus life for Fall 2022
A table of first-year students eating lunch in the Hamilton "Ham" Center, shortly after fall classes first began. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.

First-year, first semester: new students offer insight to on-campus life for Fall 2022

First-year students have started their college experiences this academic year with a constant stream of tropical storms and at the tail-end of a pandemic. With the misaligned syllabi and stressful schedules, it seemed like the end of this semester wasn't in sight for first-timers here…

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Distressed railroad workers protest in solidarity
The Railroad Workers United logo. (Courtesy of their website.)

Distressed railroad workers protest in solidarity

The spirit of solidarity is in the air for railroad workers all over the country in their ongoing struggle for better working conditions and paid sick leave. With resources provided to the Catalyst courtesy of Visiting Assistant Professor of English Debarati Biswas, the history, ethics…

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Holiday hotspots in Sarasota
UTC celebrating the holiday season. (Taken by Aria Lockmann.)

Holiday hotspots in Sarasota

Earlier this semester, the Catalyst covered a trifecta of locally-owned businesses where one could get a good cup of coffee. Assuming the campus has been caffeinated—coupled with so many students being cooped up during the dreaded finals week—the best course of action would be to…

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Biden reorders primaries as he eyes his second term
The city hall of San Francisco, California on primary election night, 2016. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Biden reorders primaries as he eyes his second term

In early December, President Joe Biden suggested a shift in the order in which states engage in the Democratic primaries. This seemingly minor change indicates a significant realignment in the Democratic party and a defensive play from the aging President. The proposed reorganization would shift…

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Campus Police Department revives student dorm patrol position
A picture of the Campus Police Department building, known to many students as the “Cop Shop.” Photo by Nat Kornblum.

Campus Police Department revives student dorm patrol position

To college students, campus should be a place to call home. One of the most important elements of feeling at home is feeling safe, a right which was threatened at New College during the last two school years as campus dealt with a series of…

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Survivors of Uvalde shooting seek $27 billion in lawsuit against local police
Following the Uvalde shooting, multiple sources were quick to address the seeming inaction and lack of coordination from the various officers at the scene. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Survivors of Uvalde shooting seek $27 billion in lawsuit against local police

Months after the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, survivors are seeking justice for their lost loved ones. A lawsuit against the 376 police officers, among other parties, who were present at the shooting hopes to bring $27 billion to the grieving plaintiffs. Students,…

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iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions
Factory workers at the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing plant in Zhengzhou city in China have accused the company of delaying bonus payments and not providing quarantining employees on factory grounds with adequate food. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions

Nov. 23, on the tail-end of Black Friday and with the holiday season fast approaching, Foxconn—the world’s largest contract electronics maker—was hit with a riot led by hundreds of protesting factory workers. Chants from employees of,  “Give us our pay!” grinded the usual bustle characteristic…

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Los Angeles County on the verge of reinstating indoor mask mandates
Indoor mask mandates haven't seen widespread use in the U.S. since 2020, but LA County could soon be reverted back to precautions not used since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Los Angeles County on the verge of reinstating indoor mask mandates

Throughout the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, and especially over the past year, Florida has been defined by its increasingly lax COVID-19 policies and procedures. However, as respiratory illness continues to ravage the country this flu season, Los Angeles County on the opposite end of…

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Explaining the “Call for Letters” emails: how students can shape academic opportunities on campus
An exterior shot of Cook Hall, where the Provost's office is located. Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

Explaining the “Call for Letters” emails: how students can shape academic opportunities on campus

The end of each semester is marked by emails from the Provost’s Office to students, asking them to fill out Instructional Evaluations—to share their thoughts on the content of their courses and the helpfulness and accessibility of their professors. Students are highly encouraged to fill…

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Written in ink: New College students show off their tattoos
A tattoo depicting a Pacific Island girl. She also has tattoos, and she is holding four plumerias. Photo courtesy of Aimee Mendoza.

Written in ink: New College students show off their tattoos

The history of tattoos is estimated to date back to 5,000 BCE. Humans have always been fascinated with body art—especially when said art has the potential to become a permanent part of them. What could be a better way to honor something special to you…

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Coincidence? New Sarasota school board immediately moves to fire superintendent
A crowd of Sarasotans just outside the School Board chambers, hoping for a chance at entry during the first stages of Asplen's termination. Photo taken by Basil Pursley.

Coincidence? New Sarasota school board immediately moves to fire superintendent

A 4-1 decision by the newly instated Sarasota School Board resulted in the first stages of superintendent Brennan Asplen’s termination. Parents, teachers, students and concerned taxpayers swarmed the Sarasota School Board Building for the board’s special meeting on Nov. 29—many not even able to get…

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Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?
The logo for NEOM or The Line, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reform. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?

The future progression of civilization seems to be on a quite linear path, or at least quite literally a linear city in Northwest Saudi Arabia with claims that it will run on one hundred percent renewable energy. NEOM, as the city is called, was unveiled…

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EQTA Office and Band Room undergo significant renovations
Ariella Russin poses with the newly organized jean couch, drumset, guitars, and keyboard. (Taken by Christine Wehner.)

EQTA Office and Band Room undergo significant renovations

Any student who has ever attended a Wall, participated in a student-run event with live music or who has attended a Senate Meeting with a functioning microphone has two different groups of people to thank: the Equipment Teaching Assistants (EQTAs) and the Band Room TAs.…

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Pediatricians are lobbying Biden to declare state of emergency over a triple wave of respiratory illness
Photo of hospital beds, courtesy of Pexels.com

Pediatricians are lobbying Biden to declare state of emergency over a triple wave of respiratory illness

Pediatricians across the country are petitioning the Biden administration to declare a state of emergency over the uptick in respiratory illness for patients admitted to U.S. hospitals. This request from hospitals and doctors lobbying the Biden administration is coming off the back of a triple…

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The truth behind the 99 cent tag
Graphic depicting "charm pricing" in effect at a local Publix. (Made by Chloe Rusek.)

The truth behind the 99 cent tag

Why is it when going into a grocery store, or even shopping through your favorite e-tailer, everything is priced $19.99, $49.99 or $99.99 rather than just rounding up to the next whole number? This isn’t just a coincidence, or subliminal government messaging, but actually has…

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How recent hurricanes have exacerbated red tide
Birds on the beach escaping the algal bloom's effects. (Courtesy of Po Henry.)

How recent hurricanes have exacerbated red tide

Hurricanes are one of the most lethal natural disasters that there are—and Florida is the hurricane capital of the United States. Two major storms hit Florida this hurricane season, and while both have been disasters, there is a quieter, subtler ecological nightmare that follows behind…

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New Executive Assistant to the President, Maura Galvao, shares a look into the position
College Hall (left) and Cook Hall (right), found at New College's bay front.

New Executive Assistant to the President, Maura Galvao, shares a look into the position

Every President, CEO or director has an assistant to keep them organized and on top of their daily, weekly and monthly duties. On Nov. 17, it was announced to the student body that Maura Galvao had accepted the position of Executive Assistant to the President…

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Four Winds reopens following a two-year closure
The Four Winds' newly remodeled interior entrance. (Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.)

Four Winds reopens following a two-year closure

After the closure of the Four Winds Cafe in 2020 and several attempts at repurposing and relaunching the space over the past two years, it finally formally reopened this semester on Nov. 11, not as a full-fledged cafe, but as an additional recreation and study…

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Getting into the New College yoga craze
A flier for Dr. Nick Gensmer's Yoga for Wellness. (Courtesy of the CWC.)

Getting into the New College yoga craze

New College students have been tapping into their spirituality and centering themselves thanks to the plethora of yoga classes available on campus: “Yoga for Wellness: A Vinyasa Flow Class” led by Counseling & Wellness Center (CWC) Postdoctoral Fellow and Psychologist Nick Gensmer, “A Yoga Class…

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A culture of combat: taking the gloves off of Fight Club
First-year Chris Rodriguez (left) and Fight Club Instructor and thesis student Barbara "Babs" Monteiro (right) practicing a combo of kickboxing strikes. (Credit: Mark McDermott)

A culture of combat: taking the gloves off of Fight Club

If one needs proof that every inch of the Novo is blessed with venom, they need to look no further than Fight Club. Beginning life as a Muay Thai kickboxing and Shotokan karate club in Fall 2021, Fight Club has given way to a constructive…

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Medical malpractice, America’s silent killer
Chart of medical malpractice claims and their causes from 2017 through 2021. Photo taken from JustPoint.

Medical malpractice, America’s silent killer

The day has come. It was a hard decision, but the only choice you have is to amputate. All was well when you arrived at the hospital and surgery went smoothly—the only problem is you were sure it was your right leg, not your left. …

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Trans Day of Remembrance creates space for reflection and community conversation on campus
A graphic from the email advertisement for this year's observance of the annual Trans Day of Remembrance.

Trans Day of Remembrance creates space for reflection and community conversation on campus

In a collaboration between Queery, Resident Advisors (RAs) for V Residence Hall or “Pride Hall,” the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Diversity and Inclusion department and the Counseling & Wellness Center (CWC), a Trans Day of Remembrance event was held on Nov. 20 to allow…

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Songs You Should Hear: International Bangers Edition
A collage of album covers from this edition of Songs You Should Hear: International Bangers Edition.

Songs You Should Hear: International Bangers Edition

Music is a universally enjoyed pastime, passion and profession. Whether or not the lyrics are easily understood, music transcends language and communicates via emotions through melodies and notes. For this edition of Songs You Should Hear, take a journey through Europe, East Asia and Central…

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A snapshot of the newly-formed Photography Club
A student photographer from the New College days of old. Photo courtesy of the NCSA Archives.

A snapshot of the newly-formed Photography Club

With the large influx of students attending New College for the 2022-2023 academic year comes the pressure to add more flair to student life and the community. This year in particular has been abundant in the amount of new-found or re-emerging clubs that have entered…

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NCF observes Indigenous Awareness Month with trip to Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Cypress Billie near one of the many exhibits of Seminole culture that the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum has to offer. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.

NCF observes Indigenous Awareness Month with trip to Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

With Thanksgiving break approaching, it is essential to take a moment to recognize November as a month of indigenous celebration and commemoration. Whether that be in the form of research, activism or community events, each to the improvement of Native American recognition in the United…

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New polls indicate Trump wielding considerable lead over DeSantis for Republican nominee
Gov. Ron DeSantis and then-President Donald Trump meeting in 2018. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

New polls indicate Trump wielding considerable lead over DeSantis for Republican nominee

For Former President Donald Trump, history looks like it’s going to repeat itself. On Nov. 15, he announced his third consecutive run for the Presidency, hoping to overturn his Democratic usurper, President Joseph Biden. Much the same as his 2016 run, though, in front of…

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Tips and tricks for having an ESA on campus
Tassie, residential ESA, being adorable and stretching. Photo courtesy of London Weier.

Tips and tricks for having an ESA on campus

Emotional support animals (ESA) can be found all over New College’s campus, whether it’s a dog playing fetch on Z Green or a cat being carried around in a backpack—or perhaps you’ve even spotted students being pulled around on a skateboard by a dog? ESAs…

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Decades of air pollution and environmental racism have devastated the health of Newtown
Dust clouds kicked up by cars on Myrtle St., east of Booker High School. Photo courtesy of the Newtown Health Disparities & Environment study.

Decades of air pollution and environmental racism have devastated the health of Newtown

Residents of Newtown are all too familiar with the numerous recycling plants situated at the edges of their neighborhood. Some of these plants have been there for decades, and more have been added over the years as building construction has boomed in Sarasota. But while…

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Woman, Life, Freedom: Protestors fight to dismantle authoritarian state in Iran
[A sign held by a protestor which reads, "The Internet in Iran is down. They are killing protestors. Be their voice. Silence is violence." Image courtesy of Pexels.com

Woman, Life, Freedom: Protestors fight to dismantle authoritarian state in Iran

Iranian citizens are revolting against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in what many are calling a feminist revolution. On Sept. 16, Mahsa “Zhina” Amini, a 22 year old Kurdish woman, died from her injuries after being beaten by morality police in Tehran…

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Nicole in Daytona: What we missed, and how climate change makes hurricanes more dangerous
A Wilbur-by-the-Sea beachside home was left on the edge of a sandy cliff after rough surf and storm surge caused by Tropical Storm Nicole washed away about 20 feet of sand. Picture credits to ClickOrlando.

Nicole in Daytona: What we missed, and how climate change makes hurricanes more dangerous

The New College student body remembers Nicole as a cloudy day in which they wondered why school was canceled. However Daytona, FL got the brunt of this rare November tropical storm-turned-hurricane. Landing on the east coast as a Category 1, it rampaged through the Volusia…

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Burying the past: Anthropology Lab TA accepting donations for COVID-19 time capsule
Time capsule from 2010 just outside the Anthropology and Public Archaeology Labs with a hand for size comparison. Photo Credit: Uzi Baram.

Burying the past: Anthropology Lab TA accepting donations for COVID-19 time capsule

Time capsules as we know them are one of many ways to preserve history and provide a lens into the lives of those who put it together. A snippet of time can be kept in a box—stowed away until it almost becomes the distant past—before…

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Visions of the Black Experience Film Festival: a window into black culture and intellectualism
Photo from 2nd Annual Visions of the Black Experience | Boxser Diversity Initiative.

Visions of the Black Experience Film Festival: a window into black culture and intellectualism

The Visions of the Black Experience Film Festival was a chance for New College students to discuss pressing issues revolving around African medical care, decolonizing education and African American historical figures. The festival was held on Nov. 10 through 12 at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion…

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College Hall centennial approaches: the rich history of NCF’s most iconic building
Two arched windows facing the long road leading to College Hall frame the open-gated entrance to the first floor of the building. Photo taken by Christine Wehner.

College Hall centennial approaches: the rich history of NCF’s most iconic building

College Hall has always been the flagship sight to see for students attending New College . In 1962—two years after New College was founded—Sarasota trustees were given the opportunity to purchase this aged building that is now an essential part of the campus. The now…

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Novo collegiate turned game developer: a sneak peak at Ferris Whitney’s video game “Mechsel”
Mechsel's title screen. Photo courtesy of Ferris Whitney.

Novo collegiate turned game developer: a sneak peak at Ferris Whitney’s video game “Mechsel”

Mechsel is a game you’ve never heard of, currently in the works by third-year Computer Science student Ferris Whitney.  Whitney, a computer hardware and retro console enthusiast, is working to make their mark on the indie gaming scene with their first video game. They started…

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A glimpse at Florida’s east coast before and after Hurricane Nicole
The restaurant Dos Amigos, located in Satellite Beach, is seen with a roof that had caved in due to Hurricane Nicole.

A glimpse at Florida’s east coast before and after Hurricane Nicole

Tropical Storm Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early Thursday morning before reverted back to tropical storm status, wreaking havoc across Florida’s east coast. These photos represent Melbourne, Florida’s experience with Hurricane Nicole. All photos are courtesy of Aria Lockman. Photos taken Nov.…

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National Novel Writing Month at NCF
The Writing Resource Center's NaNoWriMo corkboard. (Courtesy of Isabelle Campesi.)

National Novel Writing Month at NCF

Ever had a literary passion project or idea so good, it should be a novel? If so, then National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) offers the opportunity to make this dream a reality. This challenging yet stimulating event being observed by the Writing Resource Center (WRC)…

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New College Retention Fund aims to help students stay enrolled
The entrance to Cook Hall, where many administrative offices are located. Photo by Nat Kornblum.

New College Retention Fund aims to help students stay enrolled

The unique academic contract system at New College has allowed many students to explore a wide variety of interests without the competitive stress of a grade point average (GPA). For others, it can be a financial aid nightmare. The Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory designation of New…

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Retail waste: the real horror of Halloween
An interior shot of a Spirit Halloween pop-up shop. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Retail waste: the real horror of Halloween

Every year, for a block of about six months, just about every shopping center and mall and grocery store is flooded with seasonal treats, from Halloween to Easter. This isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, but for retail employees, it’s started to serve…

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Right-wing extremist invades home of Speaker of the House
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul Pelosi photographed in 2011. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Right-wing extremist invades home of Speaker of the House

On Oct. 28, David DePape, suspected of being a far-right fringe theorist, broke into the home of Nancy and Paul Pelosi and, looking for Speaker Pelosi, found her husband and beat him with a hammer. The story is a strange one—and indicative of a broader,…

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Tensions increasing in Russia-Ukraine war signify possible U.S. involvement, nuclear war on the table
Graphic by Nickolas Steinig.

Tensions increasing in Russia-Ukraine war signify possible U.S. involvement, nuclear war on the table

The U.S-backed proxy war in Ukraine is reaching its fevered boiling point. As Russia continues to strike devastating blows to Ukrainian infrastructure, the military posture of the U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has become increasingly escalatory in nature, threatening to drag the…

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New warrant for arrest of Jon Cannon, suspect of last year’s on-campus break in
Cannon was initially arrested on Oct. 28, 2021 as the prime suspect of New College's most recent on-campus intrusion--but the jarring truth is that he's still at large without a formal conviction. Photo provided by former CPD Captain Kathleen Vacca.

New warrant for arrest of Jon Cannon, suspect of last year’s on-campus break in

There is nothing more important than having a safe, secure place to call home. For many New College students, home consists of the various dormitories spread across campus, but just as suddenly as they became home to students in August 2021, they would turn into…

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88 Tactical plans to expand to Tampa and Fort Lauderdale
Map of all future 88 Tactical locations. (Courtesy of official website.)

88 Tactical plans to expand to Tampa and Fort Lauderdale

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the controversial gun club facility 88 Tactical has drawn attention from all over the country for the not-so-subtle use of neo-Nazi dog whistles. This is not an isolated bastion of white supremacy; the company has recently announced plans for expansion in…

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Previewing Stupid F*cking Bird: Chekhov’s “The Seagull” Twice Removed
Second-year Mars Frambles rocking out during rehearsal. Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

Previewing Stupid F*cking Bird: Chekhov’s “The Seagull” Twice Removed

Provided one pardons the French of an old Russian play in new clothes, there’s something to be said of thesis student and director KC Casey’s rendition of Aaron Posner’s Stupid Fucking Bird—a triumph two-and-a-half years in the making—that’s managed to capture the Novo imagination. Perhaps…

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Art, adversity and the creative thesis: Spotlight on Fall graduates
Above 74 Degrees: Temperature Dysregulation, OIl on Canvas. (Courtesy of Fae Borodiansky.)

Art, adversity and the creative thesis: Spotlight on Fall graduates

The New College thesis, although daunting, is a rite of passage into graduation. Students take their projects to creative depths in order to spread their message—some even add a highlight on trauma, disability or mental illness in order to connect personally to their thesis. Although…

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“Their blood is on your hands”: Florida Board of Medicine votes to ban gender-affirming care for minors
Image of trans activists in the hotel lobby where the meeting was held, staging a “die-in” in protest of the ruling. (Courtesy of Erin Reed.)

“Their blood is on your hands”: Florida Board of Medicine votes to ban gender-affirming care for minors

“Their blood is on your hands,” the crowd chanted as the Florida Board of Medicine announced it will only hear one last public comment regarding their ruling to ban gender-affirming care to minors.  It’s been a long time coming. In June, the Board revoked medicaid…

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‘Playing with fire’: Boston biolab creates mixed-strain COVID virus that killed 80% of humanized mice
Graphic made by Nickolas Steinig using Pexels.com.

‘Playing with fire’: Boston biolab creates mixed-strain COVID virus that killed 80% of humanized mice

This is the second article in a two-part series about the involvement of biolabs internationally in the creation and spread of the COVID-19 virus. Read part one here. Boston University researchers have been facing widespread backlash after DailyMail published an article on Oct. 17 revealing…

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Strong evidence emerges that COVID-19 was man-made and escaped from Wuhan biolab
Graphic created by Nickolas Steinig using Pexels.com.

Strong evidence emerges that COVID-19 was man-made and escaped from Wuhan biolab

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, government agencies and public health officials have tirelessly and forcefully asserted the origins of the COVID-19 virus to be naturalistic—an unfortunate, unpreventable consequence of biological evolution and epidemiological processes. Yet, a recent report titled An Analysis…

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Who owns the Internet? Elon Musk and the Twitter dilemma
Twitter's iconic app image. (Courtesy of flickr.)

Who owns the Internet? Elon Musk and the Twitter dilemma

This October, the world’s most “meme-savvy” supervillain bought online social media platform Twitter at the low, low price of $44 billion. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla Motors and SpaceX Elon Musk fired Twitter’s former CEO Parag Agrawal shortly after acquiring the company and immediately…

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Competitive basketball team to start at New College
Capture of the scrimmage at the first meeting of the club. (Taken by Chloe Rusek.)

Competitive basketball team to start at New College

New College basketball fans, get ready, because campus is getting its first ever competitive basketball team. Founded by third-year and Catalyst staff writer Isaac Tellechea, the basketball club is “as much of a team as we can be at New College.” Tellechea has aspirations for…

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Vincent Van Gogh vs. tomato soup: Climate activists protest by vandalizing works of art
Plummer and Holland kneeling with their hands glued to the wall beneath the Sunflowers painting they had vandalized just moments before. Photo courtesy of Anadolu Agency.

Vincent Van Gogh vs. tomato soup: Climate activists protest by vandalizing works of art

On Oct. 14, two members of the climate activist group Just Stop Oil entered the National Gallery in London and proceeded to empty two cans of Heinz Tomato soup onto the glass frame of Vincent Van Gogh’s 1888 Sunflowers painting. The pair followed their actions…

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He’s chess not that into you: Scandal and scorn in the world of professional chess
A recent scandal has rocked the world of professional chess, which thus far has culminated in a lawsuit. Photo courtesy of Pexels.com.

He’s chess not that into you: Scandal and scorn in the world of professional chess

Things are getting hot and heavy in the world of professional chess.   Chess world champion and grandmaster Magnus Carlsen was dethroned this September after nine years of being number one. Carlsen resigned, or surrendered, after the second move in an online match with successor 19-year-old…

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Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Alliance (AAPISA) returns after two years with fresh faces and initiatives
From left to right: first-years Ashley Petsanghan, Kyla Baldonado and Lianna Paton tabling in College Hall during Preview Day on Oct. 29. Photo taken by Gaby Batista.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Alliance (AAPISA) returns after two years with fresh faces and initiatives

For the first time in over two years, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Alliance (AAPISA) had a meeting on Oct. 28 spearheaded by first-year and President Kyla Baldonado. The research and outreach put into resurfacing the club could not have been done without…

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The New College Challenge Launch Week: who designs our future?
A crowd of community members gathered to watch President's Advisory Council member William "Bill" Dudley ('74) speak during the Launch Week brunch. Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

The New College Challenge Launch Week: who designs our future?

By Nat Kornblum & Sophia Brown The New College Challenge was first announced in Apr. 2022 as a single presentation about spaces and places on campus in the Sudakoff Conference Center. Now, six months later, the New College Challenge Launch Week reintroduced these questions to…

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New College Fashion Archive vol. 3: Fall fashion responds to Florida climate
First-year Adeline Harrell posing in a Florida fall-ready outfit. Photo submitted by Harrell.

New College Fashion Archive vol. 3: Fall fashion responds to Florida climate

Florida’s weather is known for its lack of dramatic seasonal changes in temperature and weather patterns. Being the closest continental state to the equator, Florida winter temperatures do not decrease nearly as much as anywhere north of the state. In November, so-called cold fronts in…

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NCF welcomes back Novo-turned-author Sofia Ali-Khan
Sofia Ali-Khan, second generation Pakistani immigrant and founding board member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).

NCF welcomes back Novo-turned-author Sofia Ali-Khan

Alumni have hundreds of gleaming New College students looking upon their successes enlightened. Real-life examples of how Novos are able to grow from their academic experiences at New College allow wisdom to transmit to currently enrolled students. Luckily, due to our tight-knit community, there are…

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A sit-down with Choose Democracy Now
A banner taken from the homepage of the Choose Democracy Now website.

A sit-down with Choose Democracy Now

New College students have always been disproportionately politically mobilized and involved. Luckily, this might not stay the case as a local Sarasota organization starts to take grassroots mobilization to the unexpected—the baby boomers. The Catalyst sat down with founder of Choose Democracy Now Dale Anderson,…

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Office of Outreach, Equity and Inclusion reach out to community to kickstart new DEI initiatives
The OOIE members from left to right: Syria Purdom, Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez, Cecilia Linton and Crishuana Williams. (Courtesy of: Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez.)

Office of Outreach, Equity and Inclusion reach out to community to kickstart new DEI initiatives

As new leadership makes their way into the Office of Outreach, Equity and Inclusion (OOIE), new initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work are incoming. Their work entails a multitude of responsibilities and their tour is the first step in creating a new beginning…

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Cheap, easy and delicious food recipes for college students
A typical New College Z dorm kitchen. (Courtesy of Isaac Tellechea.)

Cheap, easy and delicious food recipes for college students

For college students, food can be a part of the everyday routine that is often overlooked, due to leading busy lives occupied by school, work and extracurricular activities. At New College, this issue can also be exacerbated by the perceived lack of quality food available…

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Death, decay and the American shopping mall: How the retail apocalypse led to shopping centers’ extinction
Photo of the Sarasota Square Mall food court. Taken by Chloe Rusek.

Death, decay and the American shopping mall: How the retail apocalypse led to shopping centers’ extinction

Flashy stores, salted pretzels, coin-operated kid’s rides that looked like they were ready to come to life right off the metal grate where they sat. For many, this is what childhood memories of mall visits entailed, but what happened? Across North America, malls are quickly…

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FDA issues orders on Adderall shortage
An image of a tablet of prescription drug Adderall in the palm of a hand. (Courtesy of flickr.)

FDA issues orders on Adderall shortage

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has declared as of Oct. 12 that there is a shortage of the widely used Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication Adderall.   Teva Pharmaceutical, the largest supplier of generic and branded Adderall, has attributed the shortage to three things: an…

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An overview of Charlie Crist’s policies: will he have what it takes to defeat DeSantis?
This isn't Crist's first bid for Florida Governor, but only time and the Florida voter will tell if this latest attempt will be a successful one. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

An overview of Charlie Crist’s policies: will he have what it takes to defeat DeSantis?

Current Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) seems to be a headlining topic in a variety of news outlets, podcasts and twitter threads—he seems to reside rent-free in everyone's head; but what about his opponent?  Democratic nominee for Florida Gov. Charlie Crist won the Florida Democratic…

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An uncharted future for NCF eSports
A desktop gaming setup with a monitor, RGB keyboard, and gaming chair Photo credit: Evgeniy Parilov at Dreamstime.com

An uncharted future for NCF eSports

As with all things New College, the campus’ past involvement in the college sports ecosystem has been unorthodox. New College’s stake in the competitive sports space is the burgeoning battlefield of competitive gaming (also known as eSports), but NCF eSports’ greatest opponent in the present…

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New Interim General Counsel weighs in on campus issues
Headshot of Interim General Counsel David Smolker, taken from his page on Linkedin.

New Interim General Counsel weighs in on campus issues

New College President Patricia Okker announced on Sept. 14 that the college's General Counsel and Pre-Law Advisor David Fugett would be resigning his position of four years after accepting an offer to become the General Counsel at Florida Polytechnic University. The General Counsel serves an…

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Vampire COUP 2022 a bloodcurdling success
The Gothic Ball surrounding the Banyan tree. Photo courtesy of Aria Lockman.

Vampire COUP 2022 a bloodcurdling success

Crowded venues, awesome decorations and lack of water? What more would you expect from New College’s first Center of the Universe Party (COUP) of the academic year? This semester’s Vampire COUP and the campus-wide Halloween party for the 2022-2023 COUP season was hosted by thesis…

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Criminal charge to medically large: How does Biden’s weed pardon really affect America?
Containers of cannabis sit, some being balanced on the Scales of Justice symbolizing the interaction between the two. Photo provided by Adobe Stock Images.

Criminal charge to medically large: How does Biden’s weed pardon really affect America?

In recent years, marijuana politics are making large leaps in becoming more modernized, shifting society towards a more relaxed and accepting view of the subject. On Oct. 6, President Joe Biden issued an executive order which pardons all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.…

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2022-2023 flu season projected to be the worst one in years
A close-up shot of a health worker injecting a patient with a vaccine. (Credit: SHVETS Production)

2022-2023 flu season projected to be the worst one in years

In the past two years, flu rates had decreased due to mitigation strategies put in place for the coronavirus pandemic. But people should expect some changes for the 2022-2023 flu season, which won’t follow the same trend according to experts.  Australia’s most recent flu season…

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Student-led Garage Sale leads to COUP fundraising, community togetherness
Students not only used the Garage Sale to promote their wares, but as a chance to socialize and decompress following Hurricane Ian and the stressful reopening of campus. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.

Student-led Garage Sale leads to COUP fundraising, community togetherness

The Garage Sale held on Oct. 8 in the Nook not only allowed students to support each other by purchasing discounted clothes, art, food and other goods from each other, but it ignited a sense of togetherness for New College students and allowed them to…

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Curtains close on Venice Theater, destroyed from Hurricane Ian
Exposed infrastructure of the Venice theater after the destruction of Hurricane Ian.

Curtains close on Venice Theater, destroyed from Hurricane Ian

In the violent wake of Hurricane Ian, the nearby Venice Theater was taken from the community. Twelve inches of rain, a collapsed fly loft and damaged electrical grids left the theater a molded framework skeleton and the crushed set of The Revolutionists—the production originally set…

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Pillars of sand: investigating the perpetually out-of-order emergency telephone poles
One of the emergency telephone poles (ETCs) ironically dismembered, with its conical head strung limply and swinging by remaining wires. Located on the west side of campus on a circular path near the College Hall and the bay. Photo courtesy of Bliss Jennings, caption courtesy of Nickolas Steinig.

Pillars of sand: investigating the perpetually out-of-order emergency telephone poles

Of the myriad abstract pillars that uphold an academic community, safety is an essential component. Unfortunately, the actual, corporeal pillars that uphold this value on campus—the cyan-smeared emergency telephone poles (ETCs)—have been out of commission for as long as any currently-enrolled students can recall, and…

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How is New College faring without “WOKE indoctrination”? A look at the effects of House Bill 7
A photo of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium adorned with the sign, "Protect Children / Support Parents," a manta that has guided much of his recent political career. But how well does it translate to the actual legislation DeSantis has put in place? Photo courtesy of Flickr.

How is New College faring without “WOKE indoctrination”? A look at the effects of House Bill 7

In July, after passing the Florida House and Senate and being signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the heavily discussed “Stop WOKE” act or House Bill 7 (HB 7) was at last a written law.  New College professors were off contract at the time,…

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NCSA Co-chairs of Diversity and Inclusion release party theme guidelines
The inside of the Gender and Diversity Center (GDC), which provides New College students with resources on gender, race, religion and sexuality. Photo taken by Nat Kornblum.

NCSA Co-chairs of Diversity and Inclusion release party theme guidelines

Some of New College’s most beloved traditions are the weekly Walls—themed weekly parties that students vote on at the beginning of the semester—and the triannual Center of the Universe Parties (COUPs), which turn the entire residential side of campus into a themed party venue. Parties…

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From top to bottom, TYGKO’s music career has been all love
A shot of TYGKO, taken during a photoshoot for his latest, album, "Long Ass Breakup" (2021). Photo courtesy of TYGKO.

From top to bottom, TYGKO’s music career has been all love

Music has always been a way for people to connect with one another. Few things in this world have the ability to break down barriers and allow freedom of expression the way that music does. Concerts alone are enough proof of this concept. Going to…

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Annual RA Loveline brings innovative sex education to New College
Table covered in goodie bags of condoms and candies, assorted buttons and informational postcards. Photo taken by Gaby Batista.

Annual RA Loveline brings innovative sex education to New College

On Oct. 14 the annual RA Loveline event brought fun activities, raffle prizes and a panel of sexual health experts together to answer New College students’ questions and concerns on topics ranging from communication in relationships to bodily fluids. Lots of work was put into…

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New club Forward Faith inspires interfaith conversation and collaboration
Forward Faith's club logo, taken from the email announcement of their first club meeting.

New club Forward Faith inspires interfaith conversation and collaboration

On Sept. 11, Forward Faith—the new interfaith club at New College—met in HCL 8 for the first time. This meeting included introductions, welcomed individuals who seek to share their faith stories and some creative icebreakers to get the good vibes going. The two current officers…

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This year’s annual Native American Film Festival brings indigenous awareness through art and conversation
This year's annual Native American Film Festival ran from Sept. 9 to 15. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.

This year’s annual Native American Film Festival brings indigenous awareness through art and conversation

Even during a stormy afternoon, the Native American Film Festival 2022 maintained an impressive audience. Audience members sat eagerly in the seats of Mildred Sainer Pavilion on September 9th to watch renowned artists such as Shaandiin Tome and Wilson Bowers showcase their talents. The highlight…

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Journalism’s unlikely hero: Andrew Callaghan and Channel 5
The thumbnail for Channel's 5 most popular YouTube video, "Miami Beach Spring Break." published on Apr. 11, 2021, and consisting of interviews with beachgoers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Journalism’s unlikely hero: Andrew Callaghan and Channel 5

In 2022, receiving news has become such a streamlined process. In the past, people had to rely on newspapers, scheduled TV and radio broadcasts in order to stay up to date on what was going on in the world. Now, in a time where nearly…

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Spread your wings and fly with the Feral Pigeons, NCF’s birdwatching club
This is a mockingbird that was spotted on the walk the Feral Pigeons held on Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Doug Hovland.

Spread your wings and fly with the Feral Pigeons, NCF’s birdwatching club

The Feral Pigeons —New College’s aptly-named birdwatching club— are ready to spread their wings and fly into the upcoming year bringing promises of more events and a welcoming community.  Formed in Spring 2022, the club consists of students interested in bird watching, also referred to…

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Professors Emily Carr and Avni Vyas bring poetry, tarot and creative writing out of the classroom and into the wild
Copies of Little God are available for students to check out at no cost in the Writing Resource Center (WRC). Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

Professors Emily Carr and Avni Vyas bring poetry, tarot and creative writing out of the classroom and into the wild

New College’s Creative Writing program is almost three years old at this point; spearheaded in Spring 2020 by Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Emily Carr, New College students have only recently been introduced to the world of experimental creative writing and poetry in practice.…

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Rekindling gunfire: Uvalde Memorial Park shooting four months after Robb Elementary
A photo of Uvalde Memorial Park - the locale of the shooting. (Credit: Cynthia McCrary)

Rekindling gunfire: Uvalde Memorial Park shooting four months after Robb Elementary

Still recoiling from the tragic destruction of innocent life at the Robb Elementary School shooting just four months before, Uvalde is beset by another shooting—running a calloused finger along wounds still struggling to heal. On Sept. 8 in the Uvalde Memorial Park—established fully in 1927…

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SYSH: DIY tunes from SRQ
This edition of SYSH features music from artists local to the Southwest Florida area. A link to an extended playlist featuring more music like this can be found at the bottom of this article. Photo courtesy of Basil Pursley.

SYSH: DIY tunes from SRQ

Sarasota is a very unassuming location—between beach-going tourists and snow birds just looking for nice weather, it may seem unlikely that there’s much culture to appeal to the average New College student.  But the eclectic, DIY sounds from local Sarasota artists prove otherwise—with interesting and…

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Student debt forgiveness: steps for social mobility
The Biden administration announced their three-part plan to cancel $10,000 of student debt for low- to middle-income borrowers on Aug. 24. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Student debt forgiveness: steps for social mobility

Making waves across the nation for the most benign concession to the working class, President Joe Biden has started an initiative towards student loan forgiveness.   As opposed to the U.S. government's actions in the 2008 housing crisis, where ProPublica’s bailout tracker establishes that $245 billion…

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Beloved Metz employee Laura Testa passed away at 71
Table at Laura’s memorial, decorated with pictures, flowers and messages from students. Photo taken by Gaby Batista.

Beloved Metz employee Laura Testa passed away at 71

Laura Testa, a beloved member of the Metz staff, passed away late August at 71 years of age. A memorial service held for her on Sept. 14 in the Hamilton “Ham” Center proved that her legacy will be remembered as a tough-loving, passionate woman who…

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The Queen is dead. What next?
A chart illustrating the complicated line of succession to the monarchy. The line of succession is depicted by the red arrows, whereas clarifying family relations are depicted by black arrows. Graphic created by Nat Kornblum.

The Queen is dead. What next?

On Sept. 8, Buckingham Palace announced to a mournful crowd that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away after 70 years of ruling. Her death occurred just two days after the election of new Prime Minister Liz Truss. With several major changes occurring in rapid…

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Newtown Alive trolley tours give visitors a glimpse into the histories of Newtown and Overtown
The “Siesta Trolley” one of Newtown Alive’s trolleys.

Newtown Alive trolley tours give visitors a glimpse into the histories of Newtown and Overtown

In 2016, a plan was proposed to Sarasota County by the North County Community Organization to document Newtown’s history, eventually forming Newtown Alive, an organization dedicated to recording and preserving the history of one of the oldest communities in Sarasota. Their work has overseen recordings…

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Mars rover finds organic matter
A photo of the Perseverance rover examining a sample. Photo taken from CNET.

Mars rover finds organic matter

NASA’s Perseverance Rover has found organic matter in rocks on Mars after just a year and a half on the planet. NASA held a press briefing on Thursday, Sept. 15 to discuss. Perseverance, nicknamed Percy, found the matter within an ancient river delta in the…

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CWC combats understaffing with alternative wellness options, community resources
The CWC has had issues with understaffing since last year, but this fall, they have plans to expand and support students with their limited staff as best they can. Photo taken by Brynn Halpern.

CWC combats understaffing with alternative wellness options, community resources

30 to 40% of students visit the Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) at least once during an academic year, according to CWC Director Dr. Anne Fisher. The ability to treat those with psychological injury on campus is a resource that is both heavily used and…

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Self-care and survivors’ guilt: coping after Hurricane Ian
Even so recently after Hurricane Ian, students are still finding time and space on campus to continue to bond and relax as best they can in these stressful circumstances. Photo taken by Sophia Brown

Self-care and survivors’ guilt: coping after Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian has affected the lives of many Florida residents over the course of the last few weeks. Whether that be physical damage or emotional, it is vital to seek support. Even for individuals who weren't personally affected by this disaster, it takes a toll.…

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Radiant Communities film screening premieres on Oct. 6, showcasing student films and visions of Sarasota community
A still from the film Folded Island---a human hand delicately holding a sea urchin, human and nonhuman life co-mingling, the merging of two communities. Photo courtesy of Wes Kline.

Radiant Communities film screening premieres on Oct. 6, showcasing student films and visions of Sarasota community

Community is forever at the forefront of everyone’s mind at New College—what does community mean, how do we form community, what can we do to keep this community strong? And for good reason; the coronavirus pandemic and New College’s continued battle to increase enrollment and…

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Hurricane Ian wreaks havoc on college grounds: a photo gallery
This pine tree has fallen upon one of the college's most recognizable pieces of public art: a sculpture of three winding, abstract figures that are said to represent angels. No direct damage is apparent to the statues at this time.

Hurricane Ian wreaks havoc on college grounds: a photo gallery

Ian was one of the most devastating hurricanes to make landfall on the west coast of Florida in decades. Sarasota County estimates the debris left in its wake to be more than double what Irma left in 2017; New College was no exception to this…

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NCSA budget decreases amid larger campus budget issues
College Hall (left) and Cook Hall (right), found at New College's bay front.

NCSA budget decreases amid larger campus budget issues

The New College Student Alliance (NCSA) is one of the most important student resources on campus for many reasons, but it is also the biggest student employer on campus with paid positions including cabinet members, Resident Advisors (RAs) and Teacher’s Assistants (TAs). The NCSA pays…

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Despite disastrous flooding, Myakka community stays afloat: a photo gallery
Second-year Sam Worthington helps to maneuver the canoe through flood water in a family’s front yard. Cars in the driveway are trapped in deep water.

Despite disastrous flooding, Myakka community stays afloat: a photo gallery

While much of the Sarasota-Bradenton area has already made great strides in their hurricane recovery, not all parts of Florida have been so lucky. The Myakka River region is a prime example of the destructive power that a hurricane can wield—flooded roads, limited mobility, destroyed…

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Punta Gorda bird rescue faces devastation after the theft of 28 birds
A picture of a beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw named Nibbles at the Parrot Outreach Society. Photo courtesy of Aria Lockman.

Punta Gorda bird rescue faces devastation after the theft of 28 birds

Sometime between 2 and 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, an unidentified subject broke into the Parrot Outreach Society’s facility in Punta Gorda and stole 28 birds, ranging from the smallest Quaker Parrot to the largest Umbrella Cockatoo. Word spread fast among the Punta Gorda…

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Staying Safe in Sarasota
Debris caused by Hurricane Ian's path of destruction. (Courtesy of Justin DeLa.)

Staying Safe in Sarasota

For the people who rode out Hurricane Ian in New College’s beautiful home city of Sarasota, Tuesday, Sept. 27 was the unsettling calm before the storm Floridians know too well—it was the day for preparations. For me, that started with trips to get gasoline for…

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OP-ED: On sinking and swimming, a day in the life of an NCF student employee
The outside of the RA Resource Room, a space where RA regularly gather to perform their duties and where students can find them if they ever need assistance. Photo taken by Sophia Brown.

OP-ED: On sinking and swimming, a day in the life of an NCF student employee

Anybody who spends a week on the residential side of campus will quickly figure out that this school runs on student labor like America runs on Dunkin’. Between Teacher’s Assistants (TAs), Resident Advisors (RAs), Student Writing Assistants (SWAs), the New College Student Alliance (NCSA), admissions…

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Borderline Category 5 hurricane strikes Sarasota area after 70 Years of clear waters
Sarasota residents bought out all the water at the Walmart on Lockwood Ridge Road on Sept. 22. (Photo taken by Christine Wehner.)

Borderline Category 5 hurricane strikes Sarasota area after 70 Years of clear waters

Hurricane Ian was the first major natural disaster to hit the central west coast of Florida in 70 years. Residents of the respective counties were struck with panic, as this incident was something not usually on the radar for the area. In contrast, citizens of…

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New Music New College prepares to kick off its 2022-2023 season
This year's NMNC season features world-premiere concerts, musicians of color, opportunities for student performers and so much more. Photo taken from the NMNC 2022-2023 brochure.

New Music New College prepares to kick off its 2022-2023 season

New College students, do you want the opportunity to experience experimental music for free? Music is present in all aspects of life, so it is something worthy of exploring—and New Music New College (NMNC), produced and currently directed by Ron Silver, is a perfect venue…

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Hurricane Ian vs. Hello Again Books: how one small business survived the storm
A look into Hello Again Books’ charming interior. (Courtesy of MerryBeth Burgess.)

Hurricane Ian vs. Hello Again Books: how one small business survived the storm

Native Floridians are known for their nonchalant attitude regarding hurricanes. Oftentimes, they understand that hurricanes are unpredictable and simply assume that the storm will pass by. However, this year, that was not the case: Hurricane Ian ravaged the west coast of Florida before bringing more…

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Central Florida reeling after Hurricane Ian
A car submerged in mud in Maitland, Florida, after Hurricane Ian. (Photo credit to Matt Kornblum.)

Central Florida reeling after Hurricane Ian

While much of Southwest Florida recovers from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, central Florida is grappling with severe flooding.The hurricane, which touched down in central Florida on the morning of Sept. 29, brought with it high winds and about 20 inches of rain. One…

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Hurricanes Fiona and Ian test government and federal responses to disasters
Flooded roads in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona. (Courtesy of Rocio Ramirez-Castro.)

Hurricanes Fiona and Ian test government and federal responses to disasters

Throughout the years, the Gulf of Mexico has seen many hurricanes and tropical storms make their way through the waters. Two historic hurricanes made landfall this past month, leaving trails of devastation in their midst: Hurricane Fiona in the Caribbean and Atlantic Canada in mid-September…

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Hurricane Fiona leaves path of destruction through the Caribbean and Canada
Gas station in Puerto Rico days before Hurricane Fiona hit, already emptied of gas and diesel. (Courtesy of Rocío Ramirez-Castro)

Hurricane Fiona leaves path of destruction through the Caribbean and Canada

On Sept. 18 a tropical depression turned into Hurricane Fiona which made landfall in the Southwest region of Puerto Rico with maximum winds of 85 miles per hour (mph) that same day. As a Category 1 hurricane, the slow-moving storm left citizens in Puerto Rico,…

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Evacuating Sarasota: Hurricane Ian brings turbulent times
Sarasota’s staple zoological attraction Jungle Gardens’ sign toppled during Hurricane Ian’s brush with the city. (Courtesy of Isaac Tellechea.)

Evacuating Sarasota: Hurricane Ian brings turbulent times

As someone who has lived in Sarasota his whole life, evacuation is not the first thing I think of when I hear a hurricane is on its way to Florida. For years, hurricane warnings and severe storm alerts have been issued for the area, which…

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Students report feeling unsafe on campus and burned out in class following Hurricane Ian
Plant debris in the Nook on Oct. 2---branches blocking the sidewalk and dangling half-suspended. (Photo taken by Sophia Brown)

Students report feeling unsafe on campus and burned out in class following Hurricane Ian

After New College’s Communications department announced to the campus community on Sept. 30 that full business operations would resume on Oct. 3 and that classes would resume Oct. 4 in the wake of Hurricane Ian, many who had evacuated beyond the Sarasota-Bradenton area were left…

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Dietary restrictions and mobility aids: students find accessibility in Ham lacking
The quality of food in the Hamilton "Ham" Center is a common complaint among students dating back years and years. But for many, it can be literally, physically and medically impossible to digest.

Dietary restrictions and mobility aids: students find accessibility in Ham lacking

Putting yourself in the shoes of someone with a disability can be challenging for an able-bodied person. However, ensuring normality and comfortable conditions for individuals with disabilities is crucial to creating a safe learning environment on campus. For every one that frequents the Hamilton Center…

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Sarasota school board overrun with far-right rhetoric, here’s how NCF students can make a change
Photo of the Sarasota Polling location closest to New College, located at Light of The World International Church directly across from Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Less than 5 minutes away from campus. Photo courtesy of Basil Pursley.

Sarasota school board overrun with far-right rhetoric, here’s how NCF students can make a change

Nov. 8 is the national midterm election–a date that New College students have the unique opportunity to make democratic change in a county which has been making national headlines.  The GOP Sarasota school board candidates won by a relative landslide during the Aug. 23rd primary…

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The past is closer than you think: a review of God’s Country at Venice Theater
Megan Hendrick (foreground), Brennan Reisinger, and Jeremy Guerrero-Heideman. Heideman portrays Robert Mathews, founder of The Order. Hendrick, who plays multiple roles in the play, is shown here as Mathews' girlfriend, Zillah. Reisinger plays their son. Photo courtesy of the Venice Theater press release.

The past is closer than you think: a review of God’s Country at Venice Theater

It may feel like the past, yet, there is still so much hate in the present. Venice Theater presents God’s Country (1988) written by Steven Dietz which follows the story of the white supremacist group from the 1980s, The Order, that commit crimes to fund…

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Let’s Go Brandon: How Democrats have revived their midterm chances
With Midterms approaching and much of the Great Plains region up for grabs, a new Blue Wave could be sweeping the country soon. Photo courtesy of Caspian Rizzo.

Let’s Go Brandon: How Democrats have revived their midterm chances

In July 2022, President Joe Biden looked like a fish out of water. Approval had shot down to the mid-30s, the last major piece of Democratic legislation was shot down by Sen. Manchin (D) months prior and a notorious CNN poll showed that 75% of…

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SAUCE Associate Director Jada McNeill leaving NCF after four years
Jada McNiell at the National Conference on Citizenship in 2019. Photo courtesy of Jada McNiell.

SAUCE Associate Director Jada McNeill leaving NCF after four years

End of September marks Associate Director of Student Activities and Campus Engagement (SAuCE), Jada McNeill’s last days at New College. During her time at New College, McNeill organized and headed many events focused on diversity and inclusion. At a predominantly white institution (PWI), McNeill’s work…

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Coffee Hotspots (though some like it cold): Walkable, locally-owned coffee near campus
A row of patrons enjoy the view of Tamiami trail from their seats at the Shelf Indulgence hightops. All photos courtesy of Mark McDermott.

Coffee Hotspots (though some like it cold): Walkable, locally-owned coffee near campus

College is costly, but a running start in the morning doesn't have to be. Sarasota is dotted with a variety of local businesses ranging from curio shops to cafes. Many of these businesses are just within reach of the New College campus, given one doesn't…

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A tale of two clubs: from idea to first meeting
The cultural picnic partially hosted by POCU on March 14, 2022. (Courtesy of Gabriella Batista.)

A tale of two clubs: from idea to first meeting

According to the Clubs and Organizations page on the New College of Florida website, “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can create [a club]!” This fact, that one student can create any club they want, is one of the selling points of…

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Sarasota rent continues to climb, leaving alums stranded
This 300 square foot studio apartment in Sarasota goes for $725 a month. Photo credit to interviewee Nick.

Sarasota rent continues to climb, leaving alums stranded

Sarasota is making a name for itself as one of the most unaffordable places to live in the state as rent across the country continues to climb. As New College students who remain local seek housing after graduation, they struggle to acquire affordable and attainable…

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The Sunflower Program makes a reappearance in airports
Graphic in Charlotte Douglas International Airport informing passersby of the Sunflower Program. (Courtesy of Jill Wehner.)

The Sunflower Program makes a reappearance in airports

Created in 2016 by Gatwick Airport, the sunflower — usually accompanied with a green background — indicates that a person has a hidden disability and is a discreet sign that a person may need extra assistance. The founder of this symbol and cause is the…

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Jane Bancroft Cook Library implements a new system for students
A screenshot of the home library page showing the available resources including the Search Catalog tool, NCF databases and USF databases. (Photo courtesy of Aria Lockman.)

Jane Bancroft Cook Library implements a new system for students

There are many changes happening behind the scenes in the Jane Bancroft Cook Library which are impacting students’ access to certain resources, as well as giving them new ones. In the past, New College of Florida (NCF) has had a joint access agreement with the…

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Crowded dorms, decrepit conditions, shrinking staff: The New College housing dilemma
The dirty, deteriorating wall of McMahon's Pei 1 room. Photo taken on Sept. 13, courtesy of Joey McMahon.

Crowded dorms, decrepit conditions, shrinking staff: The New College housing dilemma

By Nickolas Steinig & Sophia Brown New College has welcomed its largest incoming class since 2016 this fall, which is fantastic news for an administration which has long since struggled to increase enrollment for a variety of reasons. However, what this “good news” means for…

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DeSantis’s diversity survey met with backlash
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at the 2021 Student Actions Summit. (Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.)

DeSantis’s diversity survey met with backlash

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s “diversity” survey was first introduced in Sept. 2021 in an attempt to receive more information regarding “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity,” earning it the nickname of  the “diversity survey” within Florida institutions—and the results reveal a lack of participation from students,…

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OP-ED: The transition to New College, frat boy to Marxist
Maybe the real New College was the friends we made along the way. Taken at the Kava Social Club on karaoke night, photo courtesy of Ava Dold.

OP-ED: The transition to New College, frat boy to Marxist

“Oh, they do things differently here.” That is the immediate response to most questions when asked about experiences at New College. “Different” is what prefaces New College: a public honors college with less than 1,000 students simply isn’t the norm for college experiences.  That stark…

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Students pass vote of no confidence against VP of Student Affairs Marjorie Thomas in response to Summer 2022 Refresh plan and alleged inappropriate behavior
Students with various handmade posters gathered outside of Thomas' office on the morning of May 12 in order to protest both their lack of involvement or consent in the proposed Summer 2022 Refresh plan, and the allegations made against Thomas.

Students pass vote of no confidence against VP of Student Affairs Marjorie Thomas in response to Summer 2022 Refresh plan and alleged inappropriate behavior

An Emergency Senate Meeting was called on May 11—the final day of classes for the semester—by New College Student Alliance (NCSA) President and second-year Grace Keenan, where details of a Summer 2022 Refresh Plan orchestrated by Vice President of Student Affairs S. Marjorie Thomas were…

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Reinventing the role of NCSA President: 10 Questions with Sofia Lombardi
A photo of now-NCSA President second-year Grace Keenan (left) and former NCSA President third-year Sofia Lombardi (right). At the time this photo was taken (Sept. 2021) Lombardi was President and Keenan was Chief of Staff.

Reinventing the role of NCSA President: 10 Questions with Sofia Lombardi

Between the myriad of unpredictable, confusing and oftentimes frightening developments on New College’s campus over the past two years—the rise of the coronavirus pandemic, several on-campus intrusions, various legislation in Tallahassee that would have threatened the integrity of New College and its students and the…

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A look at Sarasota’s best bike trails
Biking can give students in the Sarasota area over the summer the chance to explore the city. Photo courtesy Cole Zelznak. A live stream of the Sept. 30 Critical Mass, in which dozens of student bikers participated, can be found on the NCF Catalyst Facebook.

A look at Sarasota’s best bike trails

Summer is just around the corner—and for students remaining on campus or who live in the area, this can mean having the time to explore what Sarasota and Bradenton have to offer without classes to keep in mind. One of the best ways to explore…

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The PRIDE! Be Fabulous Arts Festival is bringing queer music and art to Sarasota
The PRIDE! Be Fabulous festival offers students a break from the stresses of finals with the opportunity to engage with local queer artists and musicians. Photo courtesy of Shannon Fortner.

The PRIDE! Be Fabulous Arts Festival is bringing queer music and art to Sarasota

The PRIDE! Be Fabulous festival is an annual arts event meant to amplify the voices of queer artists, especially locally to the Sarasota area. The event will take place on May 12 through 14 throughout the Boulevard of The Arts. Previously known as the Harvey…

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Kaylie Stokes to phase out of position at New College after 10 years
Kaylie Stokes pictured speaking to students in the Student Success Center (SSC). Photo courtesy of Communications and Marketing.

Kaylie Stokes to phase out of position at New College after 10 years

The end of this semester marks Kaylie Stokes’ last day as a full-time employee as the Associate Director of Student Success. As a New College alum of Social Sciences and a beloved New College staff member, Stokes maintained many positions during her time as a…

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Vendor unaffiliated with New College sprays overpass jasmine with Roundup
The overpass jasmine following the unauthorized use of Roundup. Photographed on May 4.

Vendor unaffiliated with New College sprays overpass jasmine with Roundup

On Apr. 11 at approximately 9 a.m., a work crew sprayed the Confederate Jasmine vine on the overpass connecting the residential and academic sides of campus, with an at-the-time unidentified chemical in an incident lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. Students quickly took notice and…

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Why New College students only received half of their requested money in the latest round of CARES Act funding
During previous waves of CARES Act funding, students have been able to request up to $2,000 dollars. This most recent wave, however, not only resulted in students get less than what was requested, but was also the final wave of CARES Act funding at New College.

Why New College students only received half of their requested money in the latest round of CARES Act funding

The most recent wave of CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief funding distributed at New College on Apr. 7—an act passed by Congress in 2020 and which allotted $2.2 trillion to provide direct aid to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic—was met with a lot…

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Dance Collective Spring 2022 Showcase: the rise of a new administration team
Student dancers from the Dance Collective Spring Showcase posing in their final formation.

Dance Collective Spring 2022 Showcase: the rise of a new administration team

As chills went down the dancers’ backs as they waited backstage, the lights in the Mildred Sainer Auditorium faded to black as the music was queued in the control room and ready to play. The Dance Collective Administrators moved around with the dancers, keeping them…

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The return of Gatsby
Gatsby party 2019. (Image courtesy of Megan Ballard.)

The return of Gatsby

The 2021-2022 academic year at New College has been characterized by the return of a variety of New College traditions and fixtures of student life, including Walls, Center of the Universe Parties (COUPs), Grad Cruise, Ringling Underground and, eventually, hopefully, the Four Winds Cafe. While…

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How to move out efficiently
Stock image of friends having fun in a Dort dorm. (Image courtesy of New College website.)

How to move out efficiently

For most Novos on campus, the next couple of days will be spent frantically packing up and trying to make it look like a dorm hasn’t been lived in for the past nine months. For some, this can be stressful—packing up everything brought from home…

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OP-ED: Department of Homeland Security announces the creation of “Disinformation Governance Board”: no, that’s not a good thing
Executive Director of the Disinformation Governance Board Nina Jankowicz. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia.)

OP-ED: Department of Homeland Security announces the creation of “Disinformation Governance Board”: no, that’s not a good thing

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), one of the most noxious abusers of civil liberties among the many arms of the U.S. Security State, has recently announced the formation of a “Disinformation Governance Board” meant to target and combat “internal activities related to disinformation…

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The Cats and Dogs of Campus
Bean, who lives with thesis student Hannah Nations, gets up close and personal during this photoshoot.

The Cats and Dogs of Campus

As the semester comes to a close, come check out the Catalyst’s end-of-the-year feature on the many cats and dogs that live with their caretakers on campus. These are service or emotional support animals (ESAs) allowed to reside with their owners due to the medical…

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Grocery Shuttle initiative aims to thwart hunger on campus
Students Evan Teal and Sarah Darancou get food from the salad bar in Hamilton Center, circa 2017. (Photos by Michala Head)

Grocery Shuttle initiative aims to thwart hunger on campus

Access to food is a serious topic, especially at New College. Without a car, getting groceries is practically impossible without a friend to drive you or the money to spend on delivery services. The on-campus mandatory meal plan has garnered considerable criticism, and the limited…

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A practical risk assessment of non-fentanyl synthetic opioids
ISO is reported to be both more dangerous than fentanyl, and more difficult to test for. Photo courtesy of Ridgeview Hospital.

A practical risk assessment of non-fentanyl synthetic opioids

Overdoses from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids define the third wave of the opioid epidemic, and the coronavirus pandemic has only made it worse. Fentanyl is primarily responsible, but non-fentanyl synthetic opioids (NSOs) pose unique challenges. Recently, a new NSO, isotonitazene (ISO), was found in…

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[New] Tech_Volume 2: Nintendo Switch Sports and Overwatch 2 Beta
This second edition of [New] Tech brings you reviews of two of the latest games on the market: Nintendo Switch Sports and Overwatch 2 Beta. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

[New] Tech_Volume 2: Nintendo Switch Sports and Overwatch 2 Beta

In this second edition of [New] Tech we cover some [New] developments in gaming, with the update and re-release of Wii Sports on the Nintendo Switch and the beginning of the Overwatch 2 Beta.  Nintendo Switch Sports The release of Wii Sports has been long…

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Kadampa Meditation Center: nearby hidden gem offers meditation, art and tea
Gen Kelsang Dorje conducting a guided meditation in the temples main meditation hall during a Sunday class.

Kadampa Meditation Center: nearby hidden gem offers meditation, art and tea

A peaceful and lively chatter fills up the vibrant and spacious rooms of the Kadampa Meditation Center. Interested Sarasota locals and Buddhist monks radiating kindness sit intimately, discussing their daily lives, hopes and struggles over the freshly brewed tea provided by the in-house cafe. As…

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“Tangled” in New Prom: An aesthetic retrospective
Candles and roses rested as centerpieces of the tables adorned with purple flowers and crumbled up “Wanted” posters featuring Tangled’s prominent character Flynn Rider.

“Tangled” in New Prom: An aesthetic retrospective

After two years of the coronavirus pandemic blocking students from hosting and attending large public events, New Prom finally returned to campus in all its glory, this time sporting themes based off the Disney film Tangled. Leading up to Apr. 23, many bought dresses and…

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DeSantis challenges Disney: what does that mean for Floridians?
Ron DeSantis depicted in front of Disney's EPCOT. (Image courtesy of author Caspian Rizzo.)

DeSantis challenges Disney: what does that mean for Floridians?

On Apr. 22, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, rising Republican star (and Catalyst regular) fired the first opening salvo in what might become an extended legal battle between his administration and the Walt Disney Corporation by dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), essentially a county…

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New College faces a wave of phishing scams: here’s how to spot, report and defend against them
Emails are an integral part of every New College student, faculty and staff member's academic and professional lives---but phishing scams can present hidden dangers in this most mundane of tasks.

New College faces a wave of phishing scams: here’s how to spot, report and defend against them

Phishing—that is, a cybercrime where a target is contacted by email, phone or text message by someone pretending to be a legitimate institute or person in order to trick the target into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card details—is hardly a new…

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Email miscommunication costs several students their CARES Act funds
Up until this month, New College students have been able to receive up to $2,000 upon request as part of the CARES Act.

Email miscommunication costs several students their CARES Act funds

On Mar. 30, the Student Transcripts and Accounts Records Team (START) Center, the new multi-hyphenate agency billed as the “student-facing hub for Finance & Accounting, Financial Aid and the Registrar’s office,” released a weekly newsletter email. Near the bottom of the article was a small…

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Grad Cruise to set sail for the first time since 2019
A graduating class circa 1980 participating in Grad Cruise. Photo courtesy of the NCSA Archives.

Grad Cruise to set sail for the first time since 2019

A Graduation Cruise interest form has recently been making its way around the New College emails, surveying how many students would want to attend a newer and slightly different version of the Novo tradition.  The Sunset Graduation Cruise (or Booze Cruise for those that are…

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South Africa declares state of disaster following fatal flooding
KwaZulu-Natal has been subject to fatal floods for a little over two weeks at the time of this article's publication. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

South Africa declares state of disaster following fatal flooding

Since Apr. 11, rampant rains and heavy flooding have been tearing up the east coast of South Africa, devastating the province of KwaZulu-Natal. As of the time of this article’s publication, the confirmed death toll has risen to 448 people, with about 48 people missing…

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Textbooks rejected by the Florida Department of Education for including Critical Race Theory and Social Emotional Learning
71% of textbooks for grades K-5 were designated to not be up to Florida's standards. Photo courtesy of Arthur Krijgsman on Pexels.

Textbooks rejected by the Florida Department of Education for including Critical Race Theory and Social Emotional Learning

The Florida Department of Education (DOE), under Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced on Apr. 15 that they have rejected 41% of the submitted text books for K-12 math curriculum citing Critical Race Theory (CRT), inclusion of Common Core and addition of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in…

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A new wave of McCarthyism and censorship quietly sweeps the country
An altered image of an anti-Russian movie poster. Photo courtesy of history.com.

A new wave of McCarthyism and censorship quietly sweeps the country

In the United States, we ever so proudly laud our achievements with civil liberties. Guarantees to the freedom of press, speech and equality of treatment are our blood-bone. The very fabric of democratized society is stone carved and enameled upon unalienable rights. Yet, as the…

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Etsy sellers organize week-long strike to protest 30% increase in transaction fee
Etsy is an e-commerce company with an emphasis on handmade or vintage goods and supporting independent artists. However, Etsysince the transaction fee has gone up 30%. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Etsy sellers organize week-long strike to protest 30% increase in transaction fee

On Apr. 11, approximately 20,000 Etsy sellers decided to go on a week-long strike due to recent changes in transaction rates. Since 2005, the platform’s original transaction fee was 5%; however, the rate has gone up by 30% to create a transaction fee of 6.5%.…

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How America became submerged in an invisible opioid epidemic
A graphic from Project Opioid Tampa Bay, showing lethal dosages of heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil.

How America became submerged in an invisible opioid epidemic

Since 1999, more than 500,000 people have died from opioid overdoses in the U.S.—the victims of America’s opioid epidemic. In the 2010s, state and local governments filed thousands of lawsuits against companies that make and distribute the drugs seeking to hold them accountable. A handful…

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Climate change education takes puppet form in The Fog
“Welcome to Icy Land” sign on the set of The Fog. Photo courtesy of Nancy Nassif.

Climate change education takes puppet form in The Fog

New College experiences a slew of productions from the likes of Performance at New College (PANC) and, starting up again this semester, the Windmill Theater Company throughout each academic school year. After two and a half years of collaboration, co-writers, co-directors, co-producers and New College…

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New College Of Florida Quizbowl Team makes it to nationals
This year's national college tournament took place at the University of Minnesota from Apr. 9 to 10. Photo courtesy of Adrienne Hill.

New College Of Florida Quizbowl Team makes it to nationals

On Apr. 10, the New College of Florida Quizbowl team continued its impressive legacy by competing on the national level, having already made it past regionals.  “Go ahead, go to the trophy cases at the back of Ham Center, and look for all the trophies…

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Recapping the VIP Weekend and Admitted Students Day
This year's Admitted Students Day let future Novos mingle at the bayfront and get acquainted with some of the clubs and services on campus.

Recapping the VIP Weekend and Admitted Students Day

On Apr. 7, the New College of Florida hosted 25 admitted students of color for the Valuing Inclusivity Program (VIP) Weekend. These hopeful future Novo Collegiates were able to shadow different students and get a firsthand account of student life in the classes available—one of…

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Earth Day Mulberry Festival aims to connect students with each other and the earth
The Earth Day Mulberry Festival will be on Apr. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Caples campus.

Earth Day Mulberry Festival aims to connect students with each other and the earth

On Apr. 22, the Council of Green Affairs (CGA) is hosting the Earth Day Mulberry Festival at the Caples campus. The festival will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.—the time in between decorated with mulberries, hammocks, live music, gardening, painting, yoga, mysticism,…

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Families of transgender teens sue the state of Alabama over new laws
This recent legislation in Alabama mirrors Florida's own recently-voted upon "Don't Say Gay" bill, which was also met with community protest.

Families of transgender teens sue the state of Alabama over new laws

Two families with transgender children along with two physicians sued the state of Alabama on Apr. 12 in opposition to the state's laws which will make it a felony for doctors to issue any sort of treatment for transitioning medically—including hormones, puberty blockers and gender-affirming…

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Psychedelic Research panel brings legendary alums to campus to talk harm reduction and New College lore
From left to right: Valerie Mojeiko, Nirvan Mullick ('97), Rick Doblin ('87), Mitchell Gomez ('07), Eva Dillon and Allen Hopper ('88).

Psychedelic Research panel brings legendary alums to campus to talk harm reduction and New College lore

As COVID-19 restrictions have begun to lift across the state and the early stages of the New College Challenge underway, there has been a resurgence of interest from students on campus in reconnecting with New College’s bizarre history and traditions, as both a “return to…

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New Directions Short Play Festival gives student directors the spotlight
The four New Directions short plays will be shown in the Black Box Theater on Apr. 29 and 30 at 7:00. Photo courtesy of Cooper Smalley. Posters designed by Kyle Miller, K.C. Casey, Cooper Smalley and Pluto Boll.

New Directions Short Play Festival gives student directors the spotlight

New College’s Theater, Dance and Performance Studies (TDPS) program usually offers four shows each academic year: one fall and one spring theatrical production, one dance performance piece and an Independent Study Project (ISP) show. This semester, however, is noticeably different. Instead of a full-fledged faculty-sponsored…

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Florida legislature to vote on DeSantis’ redistricting map
DeSantis' proposed redistricted congressional map. (Image courtesy of WUSF Public Media.)

Florida legislature to vote on DeSantis’ redistricting map

On Mar. 29, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed recently proposed congressional map CS/SB 102—which would have redistricted the state’s congressional districts in accordance with the 2020 United States Decennial Census—and that had already been approved by the state’s legislature. In a veto transmittal letter, DeSantis…

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How the Spring 2022 NCSA Presidential Elections revealed a troubling trend of overlooking students of color
Headshots of NCSA President-elect and second-year Grace Keenan, and NCSA Vice President-elect Xabier Rezola. Photos courtesy of themselves.

How the Spring 2022 NCSA Presidential Elections revealed a troubling trend of overlooking students of color

On Apr. 10, New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Election Supervisor and third-year Jack Sobel announced who would be New College's next Student President and Vice President, along with who would be filling the additional cabinet positions—including the new positions of Senate President and Senate President…

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Manatee county schools have over 100 vacant positions
Sarasota-Manatee unemployment has dipped below 3%. Photo courtesy of Pixels.

Manatee county schools have over 100 vacant positions

Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, New College has seen dozens of administrative positions left vacant as employees seek opportunities elsewhere. But this trend isn’t exclusive to college grounds; Manatee County schools have a massive deficit in labor, with over 100 positions in dire…

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White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki planning to hop the fence and join MSNBC
Jen Psaki conducting an interview. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki planning to hop the fence and join MSNBC

In the grand theater and spectacle of what we loosely refer to as the U.S. government, sensational television personalities have been known to undergo swift conversions from relatively innocuous goobers trained in the art of bravado, bluster and fluff, to fully-armored statesmen dawning eagle-clad regalia…

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Early stages of New College Challenge pose a bold initiative for campus renovations
From left to right: President Patricia Okker, Vice President of Student Affairs S. Marjorie Thomas, Professor David Brian and Strategic Advisor Marty Hylton, pictured on stage at the Sudakoff Conference Center.

Early stages of New College Challenge pose a bold initiative for campus renovations

On Mar. 18 during a Catalyst interview, President Patricia Okker alluded to something called the “New College Challenge,” described it at the time as a wide-scale renovation of New College’s spaces and places, and promised to release more information at a later date. That date…

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Effects of microplastics on human health: an exigent question with few answers
CNN estimates that, globally, we ingest 5 grams of plastic every week, the equivalent of a credit card. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Effects of microplastics on human health: an exigent question with few answers

There is a lot of plastic in the world. Since 1950, more than 7,800 million tonnes of plastic have been produced, generating 6,300 million tonnes of waste, of which approximately 9% was recycled, according to Life. Plastic waste has its own host of issues, but…

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Sarasota Film Festival screens refreshing film “Down with the King”
Advertisement for the 2022 Sarasota Film Festival. (Image courtesy of Sarasota Film Festival official web site.)

Sarasota Film Festival screens refreshing film “Down with the King”

The Sarasota Film Festival is a fairly young event, only coming to fruition in its current form as recently as Jan. 1999. The only wide-scale film festival in the city beforehand was the Sarasota French Film Festival, which only ran for seven years until its…

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The United States and Venezuela’s ever-evolving relationship
The American and Venezuelan flags together. (Image courtesy of flickr.)

The United States and Venezuela’s ever-evolving relationship

Since Jan 23. 2019, the United States and Venezuela have not had any official diplomatic ties to one another. The two countries have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, especially in the last two decades, making recent commercial negotiations between the two regarding crude…

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NMNC New Fest brings experimental music and student compositions to campus
A headshot of Stephen Miles, provided by himself.

NMNC New Fest brings experimental music and student compositions to campus

The premiere of this year’s New Music New College (NMNC) New Fest started on Apr. 4 and is set to run through Apr. 24. Student composers and professional performers have come together to participate in both artist’s conversations and full performances of their self-composed pieces.…

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Jackson vs. the New Right: how a routine shift in the Supreme Court has become an ideological battleground
Judge Jackson is on track to becoming the first ever African American Supreme Court judge.

Jackson vs. the New Right: how a routine shift in the Supreme Court has become an ideological battleground

The Florida-raised Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has dominated the news cycle as of late, with several Republican politicians spending their time during her hearings trying to show off by accusing her of not knowing what a woman is, being a proponent of critical race theory…

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Recapping DeSantis’ recent legislation and presidential aspirations
Ron DeSantis has spearheaded several bills recently focused on strengthening parental rights and undermining the rights of public schools. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Recapping DeSantis’ recent legislation and presidential aspirations

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has, in the past few years, gone from an otherwise irrelevant local politician to the golden boy of the far-right. Seemingly a shoe-in for the Republican presidential candidate, DeSantis has been lifted up to the national stage recently, and his most…

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Resurrecting New College history with Emeritus Professor Arthur “Mac” Miller
A headshot of Arthur "Mac" Miller, courtesy of himself.

Resurrecting New College history with Emeritus Professor Arthur “Mac” Miller

Something that is rarely discussed about the New College undergraduate experience—although perhaps it is universally understood—is that time is never quite on our side. Many students have lofty ideas of clubs and organizations they could kickstart, issues they wish to advocate for and change on…

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@srq.affirmations on Instagram makes waves across Sarasota
One of many memes on the @srq.affirmations page. Photo courtesy of @srq.affirmations.

@srq.affirmations on Instagram makes waves across Sarasota

Over the course of the last couple of years, the city of Sarasota has been growing at a rapid pace, due to increasing in population size and numerous ongoing construction projects, as well as the addition of a brand-new tourist trolley known as the Bay…

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[New] Tech: Task management tools, internet safety and the new Steam Deck
Internet safety has become increasingly more relevant over the past few years, as more and more school and work opportunities have moved online.

[New] Tech: Task management tools, internet safety and the new Steam Deck

New College has a [New] location to get their technology news. [New] Tech will be a recurring Catalyst column featuring stories that New College should know in the realm of technology. To kick off our first edition, we are covering the best task management tools…

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The tragic story behind Miya’s Law, and what it means for tenant safety
A headshot of Miya Marcano (2002 - 2021). Photo courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The tragic story behind Miya’s Law, and what it means for tenant safety

Content warning: discussion of breaking and entering, violence against a college student, murder Miya Marcano, a 19-year old sophomore at Valencia College in Orlando, FL, was last seen alive on Sept. 24, 2021 at the Arden Villas Apartments in Orlando—where she lived and worked—and was…

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“SWAlumni” panel hosts alumni guest speakers with careers in education
Five former SWAs attended the panel as guest speakers, all of whom graduated as recently as 2020 and as late as 2014.

“SWAlumni” panel hosts alumni guest speakers with careers in education

Alumni reunited on Apr. 3 to talk about coming from a Student Writing Assistant (SWA) position at the Writing Resource Center (WRC) into a career within the education department. The event—titled “SWAlumni in Education”—was made possible by Director of Writing Jennifer Wells and Assistant Director…

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Sunshine Protection Act raises debate between U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
If passed, the Sunshine Protection Act would abolish the Uniform Time Act, established in 1966.

Sunshine Protection Act raises debate between U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

The Sunshine Protection Act has emerged with the aim to eliminate the one hour time change—Daylight Savings Time—once and for all. The objectives of the bill are to make the time change either permanently sprung forward or fallen back, and to repeal Section 3 of…

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Relief for Ukraine, bombs for Yemen: the U.S.’s stunning hypocrisy on foreign wars
A photograph taken from the scene of an airstrike in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. Photo courtesy of Ibrahem Qasim on Flickr.

Relief for Ukraine, bombs for Yemen: the U.S.’s stunning hypocrisy on foreign wars

In response to Russia's alarming military invasion of Ukraine, a war that is currently poised to escalate conflicts between world powers and spur on another humanitarian crisis, virtually all U.S. state officials and media figures have opted for a staunch condemnation of the invasion. The…

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Exercise your green thumb with the Caples Food Forest and Garden Club
Located near old Caples and the carriage house on the bay side of campus, the Caples garden and food forest are one of New College's hidden gems.

Exercise your green thumb with the Caples Food Forest and Garden Club

The New College Food Forest is an iconic part of campus life, providing a fun way for students to garden together and create community engagement through sharing food. Located at Caples campus, the Food Forest also has the added benefit of being a free, healthy…

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New record-breaking roller coaster Iron Gwazi debuts at Busch Gardens
Thrill seekers may want to consider visiting Busch Gardens this week for a chance to ride the Iron Gwazi this spring break. Photo courtesy of Imgur.

New record-breaking roller coaster Iron Gwazi debuts at Busch Gardens

On Mar. 11, the Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa opened up their newest coaster, Iron Gwazi, to the public. Boasting itself as North America’s Tallest Coaster and The World's Fastest and Steepest Coaster, Busch Gardens further cements itself as a legend and revolutionary in…

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Caples Mansion’s mold remediation was successful—here’s what’s next
Caples Mansion renovations as seen on Mar. 2, 2022.

Caples Mansion’s mold remediation was successful—here’s what’s next

The Caples Mansion, built in 1921 by Alfred Caples, was vacated and closed in Jun. 2018 after mold—Penicillium Aspergillus to be specific—was found. But, beginning in 2021, renovations have been underway. The mansion is a part of the Caples–Ringling Estates Historic District, forcing renovations of…

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An inside look of WSLR’s student-run “New Radio” program
Student art promoting New Radio, New College.

An inside look of WSLR’s student-run “New Radio” program

The “New Radio” program—a subset of WSLR+Fogartyville, Sarasota’s local radio station—is hosted by New College Radio Programming representative, member of the WSLR Board and Planning Committee and third-year Aniston “Ash” Hoffman. The goal of WSLR is to have at least one program run by a…

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Celebrating Women’s History Month with the HERstory Panel
From left to right: Nikole Parker, Jada McNeill, President Patricia Okker, Valerie Buchand and Emily Fairchild.

Celebrating Women’s History Month with the HERstory Panel

The “HERstory” panel, once a webinar, was hosted in-person for the first time on Mar. 17 in the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. Moderated by Associate Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies Emily Fairchild, the event focused on how the panelists are creating their own HERstory.…

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Raises, renovations and the New College Challenge: 30 minutes with President Okker
President Patricia Okker posing outside of Cook Hall.

Raises, renovations and the New College Challenge: 30 minutes with President Okker

The last time that the Catalyst spoke exclusively with President Patricia Okker, it was in May 2021—shortly following the Apr. 20, 2021 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting where she was selected as New College’s next president, but before her tenure had begun on July 1,…

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$170,960 overhaul of the NCF website leaves students with accessibility complaints
The homepage of the newly-designed New College website.

$170,960 overhaul of the NCF website leaves students with accessibility complaints

The main NCF website has drastically changed as of recently, the end result of a 15-month-long project by Communications and Marketing, IT and Fastspot—a third party web design vendor—to update and streamline the website in order to further appeal to new and prospective students. Current…

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“Beyond van Gogh” hits Sarasota
Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," one of many projected paintings at the Beyond van Gogh exhibit.

“Beyond van Gogh” hits Sarasota

Beyond van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has swept the world—or a very small corner of it—by storm. With dozens of locations in the U.S., a handful in Canada and additional locations in Peru, Brazil, Chile and Puerto Rico, the exhibit is becoming increasingly popular with…

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The Gilbert Mural Initiative tells the story of Sarasota’s first black community
A mural of Lewis and Irene Colson, founding residents of Overtown who built the Bethlehem Baptist Church. The mural is painted on what used to be that very church.

The Gilbert Mural Initiative tells the story of Sarasota’s first black community

An eye-catching array of stylized murals have begun steadily coating the historic walls and buildings of the Rosemary District near downtown Sarasota. The artworks themselves seek to memorialize and honor the history of black settlers within the area, a history that was paved over and…

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Why Ethics and Humanities courses are important for all AOCs
New College offers several philosophy courses that revolve around ethics, as well as, notably, courses on Medical Humanities taught by Cornel.

Why Ethics and Humanities courses are important for all AOCs

Any career path involves a set of ethical values that ideally should be followed. However, the study of concentrations involving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are pursued at much higher rates than the humanities, which typically includes ethics-related courses at larger American universities. All…

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Mask mandates expire nationwide
New York City, which once had the highest death rate in America at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, recently lifted its mask mandate. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Mask mandates expire nationwide

In 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread across the country and quickly took control of the popular consciousness, it became associated with two things: masks and New York City. New York was, in the first six months of the pandemic, easily the hardest hit location…

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15-week abortion ban to be passed by DeSantis
Planned Parenthood "Stop the Bans" sign hanging in their booth at Manatee Pride 2022.

15-week abortion ban to be passed by DeSantis

Since 1973, American women have had the constitutional right under federal law to seek an abortion within 24 weeks of pregnancy. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case in Mississippi—known as Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Clinic—where the Republican majority favored shortening the period…

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Johns Hopkins paper claims lockdowns only reduced mortality by 0.2%
A photo of Gillman Hall at John Hopkins University. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Johns Hopkins paper claims lockdowns only reduced mortality by 0.2%

A striking paper published by the Johns Hopkins Institute has been making the rounds, once again heaving the cultural-political trenches erected around COVID-19 into disorder and galvanizing yet another round of controversy. The paper in question, A literature Review and Meta-analysis of the effects of lockdowns…

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Proposed VIP Weekend event raises controversy among students
A poster for the Black Student Union (BSU) found in the Gender and Diversity Center (GDC).

Proposed VIP Weekend event raises controversy among students

New College of Florida seeks to make its community thrive with diversity and inclusion in order to promote the voices of black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). However, the most recent diversity event proposal raises multiple issues, especially from the perspective of BIPOC students…

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Late Night Club Carnival retrospective
The Late Night Club Carnival was first advertised by SAUCE on Feb. 28.

Late Night Club Carnival retrospective

On Mar. 5, Student Activities and Campus Engagement (SAUCE) hosted a Late Night Club Carnival from 9 p.m. to midnight, a massive club festival that featured 16 different on-campus clubs. Highlights included the Bull Shark Dive Club's dive tank, a face painting station and the…

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Four Winds return date set at Fall 2022
The empty shell of Four Winds has recently been bordered with an orange construction fence, perhaps signalling that changes are underway.

Four Winds return date set at Fall 2022

After the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., which shut down campus in Mar. 2020, the Four Winds Cafe, a major selling point for any prospective New College student, shut down along with it. While the school has been indicating that it might open…

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Come swing under the stars with the Sarasota Jazz Club
This year's Sarasota Jazz Festival features 11 different main stage performers. Photo courtesy of jazzclubsarasota.org

Come swing under the stars with the Sarasota Jazz Club

Get ready to swing under the stars, Novos—the Sarasota Jazz Festival is in town. Starting Mar. 13, Nathan Benderson Park is hosting a free three-and-a-half hour jazz concert to celebrate the start of the Swinging Under The Stars Jazz Festival. That’s the one and only…

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Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry and Light: A Review
Patti Smith’s fourth album, Wave, plays on a record player surrounded by flowers.

Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry and Light: A Review

The Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry, and Light exhibition at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens moved me profoundly. It’s incredibly creative, contextualizes in ingenious ways the revolutionary output of two artists in terms of their relationship and lives, all in the setting of a…

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New Florida COVID-19 guidelines means New College is ceasing high-risk contact tracing, shortening isolation period
One of the many rapid test kits available to students for free at the Counseling and Wellness Center.

New Florida COVID-19 guidelines means New College is ceasing high-risk contact tracing, shortening isolation period

Since mid 2020, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has worked to implement initiatives meant to return Florida to normal as much as possible in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Even at times when these initiatives conflicted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)…

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Hundreds of bound periodicals thrown away to make room for expanded CEO location
Magazines and journals filling up the Dumpster behind the Jane Bancroft Cook Library.

Hundreds of bound periodicals thrown away to make room for expanded CEO location

Students who use the back corners of the first floor of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library to study have likely noticed that the shelves of bound periodicals, which make up the majority of that left side of the first floor, have been slowly becoming vacant…

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Contextualizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Wreckage of a missile strike on a residential building in Ukraine. Photo courtesy of kyivcity.gov.

Contextualizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

In the morning of Feb. 24, 2022, (Eastern European Standard Time) President of Russia Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation in Ukraine,” and just after explosions were reported in major cities across Ukraine. Russian troops, which had been amassed in areas surrounding Ukraine, near…

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STORYLIVING: A tale of ego, branding opportunities, the California desert and Celebration, FL
An artist concept rendering of Cotino, complete with artificial lagoon. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

STORYLIVING: A tale of ego, branding opportunities, the California desert and Celebration, FL

Disney has just announced STORYLIVING, a series of master-planned communities that will be themed around Disney’s many different intellectual properties (IPs). More specifically, they’ve announced Cotino, a 600+ acre community including nearly 2,000 homes, a massive hotel, an elaborate promenade and most shockingly, a 24-acre…

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Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill passes first reading in Senate Committee, is met with community protest
Protestors marched up the John Ringling Bridge at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, each holding up a 700-foot long pride flag, some also carrying signs.

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill passes first reading in Senate Committee, is met with community protest

Florida House Bill 1557: “Parental Rights in Education” quickly gained the nickname “Don’t Say Gay Bill” by opponents and LGBTQ+ activists when it was first proposed on Jan. 11, 2022. On top of requiring school district boards to “reinforce [the] fundamental right of parents to…

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New College Fashion Archive vol. 2: clothing and identity on campus
First year Meera Razdan dressed in thrifted and small business goods.

New College Fashion Archive vol. 2: clothing and identity on campus

New College has fostered an environment of acceptance and freedom of expression for decades now, which, in turn, created a domain of various identities many times expressed outwardly through clothing. It’s hard to walk through campus without noticing all the dyed heads, Demonia platform shoes…

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Neglect of ADA violations makes campus inaccessible to those with disabilities
The steepness of the overpass can make getting across campus a challenge to those with physical disabilities or those using mobility devices.

Neglect of ADA violations makes campus inaccessible to those with disabilities

By Basil Pursely and Christine Wehner Up until the end of February, the only available elevator in V, W, X and Y Residence Halls had been broken for approximately two and a half months. The broken elevator has meant that students with physical disabilities would…

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Cargo ship carrying luxury cars catches fire in the Atlantic Ocean
The Felicity Ace is 656 feet long and carrying over 17,000 metric tons of material, and now sits floating and abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Cargo ship carrying luxury cars catches fire in the Atlantic Ocean

On Feb. 16, the Felicity Ace cargo ship, capable of carrying over 17,000 metric tons, caught fire in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The ship departed from Emden, Germany, with a planned route to Davisville, Rhode Island. The fire broke out while the ship…

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58th St. Residents Protest New College Construction and Potential Land Acquisition with Poignant Art
The residents of 58th St. hold an art show every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) in protest of New College's "58th St. Project."

58th St. Residents Protest New College Construction and Potential Land Acquisition with Poignant Art

By Nickolas Steinig and Sophia Brown Colorful hand-painted signs have cropped up along the houses of 58th St., a two-lane road running parallel to Palmer B Dormitory, or B Dorm. The signs bear slogans including “How many roads & trees & wildlife will New College…

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What makes NCF student clubs successful?
Performers of the Fall 2021 Dance Collective show celebrating during the curtain call, reflective of the community that Dance Collective builds each semester. Photo courtesy of Christine Wehner.

What makes NCF student clubs successful?

Students at New College likely remember their first club fair, or Novopolooza, as a key part of their orientation. Lines of tables hosting information on student run organizations, internship opportunities and local businesses looking to attract students as both employees and customers. Novopolooza is the…

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Manatee death tolls continue to rise, experts are racing to feed and keep them warm during winter
Manatees feeding on romaine lettuce to substitute for their main food source: sea grass. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Manatee death tolls continue to rise, experts are racing to feed and keep them warm during winter

This brief serves as an update on last semester’s feature on manatees and their alarming mortality rate. Since November, local advocacy groups are rushing to expand the public’s knowledge and to increase awareness. Manatees are essential to Florida’s unique aquatic ecosystem: they act characteristically as…

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Sarasota celebrates centennial with geocaching
Sarasota County Quest sign-up QR code near a geocache site.

Sarasota celebrates centennial with geocaching

In celebration of the centennial anniversary on July 1, 2021, Sarasota County has installed geocaches in historical sites all across the county for participants to find, sign the logbook, take a postcard and maybe learn something about the newly 100 year old area.  After downloading…

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“Putting Parents First Adjustment” causes Sarasota to lose $12.6 million
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praises State Representative Randy Fine and the House of Representatives for upholding his decision.

“Putting Parents First Adjustment” causes Sarasota to lose $12.6 million

On Feb. 15, Sarasota lawmakers—along with the rest of the Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives—passed the “Putting Parents First Adjustment.” How it puts the parents first, exactly, is unclear, but what isn’t is the point of this seemingly minute adjustment to the state…

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Unbanning Maus with Professor Jessica Young
A crowd of students and faculty gathered in the library on Feb. 17 to do a group reading of several selected pages from Maus.

Unbanning Maus with Professor Jessica Young

On Jan. 10, approximately two weeks before Holocaust Memorial day, the McMinn Country School Board in Tennessee unanimously voted to ban Art Speigelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus. As part of what some have identified as a larger effort to censor books dealing with critical…

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2021 Employee Satisfaction Survey reveals subpar work environment
College Hall (left) and Cook Hall (right), found at New College's bay front.

2021 Employee Satisfaction Survey reveals subpar work environment

The 2021 Employee Satisfaction Survey Report recently came out with a shocking Net Promoter score of -35.7, but what does this score really mean?  “Originally developed as a measure of customer satisfaction, the employee NPS is a measurement of an employee’s willingness to recommend their…

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Rent hike incoming for Dort, Gold and B Dorm to cover water line and HVAC replacement costs
An aerial view of Dort and Gold Residence Halls.

Rent hike incoming for Dort, Gold and B Dorm to cover water line and HVAC replacement costs

On Jan. 11, the New College of Florida Board of Trustees (BOT) passed an unprecedented amendment to the colleges’ rent regulations. Action Item 3-1002 gives the administration authority to increase rent prices for Palmer B Dormitory up to 34% (from $6700 to $9000) and increase…

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Finance, registration and records made easy: Introducing the One-Stop Shop
The current location of the One-Stop Shop on the first floor of the Palmer D building.

Finance, registration and records made easy: Introducing the One-Stop Shop

Financial aid, registration and accessing transcripts can all be confusing or frustrating systems to navigate in any institution. At New College especially, with its unconventional administrative channels and small staff, these processes can cause students much grief. However, the recently-implemented One-Stop Shop on the first…

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New College’s hidden pigeonhole: the NCSA Archives
Scan of a 1982 zine in the archives, "Crystal Method."

New College’s hidden pigeonhole: the NCSA Archives

The closet-turned-archive tucked behind the Old Mail Room in Hamilton “Ham” Center, lush with aging papers and remnants of the past serves as a sort of map room for student life at New College. The New College Student Alliance (NCSA) Archives has been collecting little…

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Dr. Anthony Andrews bids farewell to New College, retires after 40 years
Andrews in front of the bookshelves in the New College Anthropology Lab.

Dr. Anthony Andrews bids farewell to New College, retires after 40 years

Retirement is bittersweet. While the idea of leaving behind late nights grading papers and early mornings giving lectures sounds quite pleasant, the thought of leaving the people and school you’ve made your home for decades is much harder to swallow. Despite this, Professor of Anthropology…

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Golden retrievers and The Art of Impossible: Getting to know incoming president Dr. Patricia Okker
Incoming New College President Patricia Okker with her golden retriever, Blu. Photo courtesy of Patricia Okker.

Golden retrievers and The Art of Impossible: Getting to know incoming president Dr. Patricia Okker

With her tenure beginning on July 1, upcoming New College president Dr. Patricia Okker told herself that she wasn’t going to buy any more books in the next few months. Okker is still at her current position at the University of Missouri—“Mizzou”—but her move to…

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Students came together for the sake of art at New Fest
Thesis student and Catalyst Editor in Chief Anna Lynn Winfrey and Jenna Courtade enjoyed their time at New Fest, playing with bubbles on May 8, 2021.

Students came together for the sake of art at New Fest

Campus events saw a bit of a decline this year as New College enforced social distancing safety guidelines, but on-campus groups such as the Student Events Team (SET), the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) and Student Activities and Campus Engagement (SAUCE) worked to make the…

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PCPreview: Cyberfuturism meets the present as graduation COUP returns in full force
A digital sketch Gatof created to plan the layout of one of the sculptures in the Nook, located next to the Ham center. Image courtesy of Hannah Gatof and Magda Van Thienen.

PCPreview: Cyberfuturism meets the present as graduation COUP returns in full force

On Wednesday, May 19, the glitter-clad cohorts of 2020 and 2021 will have the chance to travel through time and back again as they safely dance the night away at this year’s cyberfuturism-themed Center of the Universe Party (COUP), which will be the college’s first…

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Notes from two years of post-graduate life
A portrait of Cassie Manz ('15), the author of this post. As a student at New College, Manz also served as the Catalyst's Copy Editor.

Notes from two years of post-graduate life

Reader submission by Cassie Manz My goal in writing this piece is to offer an example of what post-graduate life can look like. Everyone’s post-grad experience is different, and the beautiful thing is that it’s always changing. But it’s no secret that adjusting to life…

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Four Winds Focus Group considering options for the cafe’s revitalization
Photo courtesy of Adriana Gavilanes Four Winds during the Fall semester of 2019.

Four Winds Focus Group considering options for the cafe’s revitalization

In January 2019, a budget shortfall necessitated the difficult decision to lock the beloved, student-run cafe’s doors after it had been struggling with a financial crisis for years. After two unsuccessful attempts to revitalize the cafe, NCSA President Sofia Lombardi is spearheading an effort to…

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NCF community perseveres through a challenging year: a COVID-19 retrospective
Campus spaces have been marked by changes such as masking and social distancing signs throughout the year.

NCF community perseveres through a challenging year: a COVID-19 retrospective

This school year has been one of the most challenging years many students and faculty have ever endured. Despite the stressful  year, the New College community has shown immense strength, persevering through unprecedented hardship and rapidly adapting to the unique scenarios created by the pandemic.…

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OPINION: Stigmatizing Symbols
Saussure’s description of two great rivers running in parallel, one representing the “indefinite plane of jumbled ideas” and the other representing the “equally vague plane of sounds."

OPINION: Stigmatizing Symbols

Reader submission by Ian Jensen On the song Fantasy off the 2016 album Warlord artist Lil Flash raps “My eyes red just like a stop sign.” Upon hearing this, many will conclude that Lil Flash has been smoking weed. Before following them in doing so,…

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Women directors take the lead in “Selected Documentaries” category at the 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival
Poster release for the 23rd annual Sarasota Film Festival. Image courtesy of SceneSarasota.com and the Sarasota Film Festival.

Women directors take the lead in “Selected Documentaries” category at the 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival

The 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival will screen both in-person and online at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key this Friday, April 30 through May 9. Patrons can view scheduling and order in-person tickets online for $15. Virtual screening prices vary depending on category. Here are some…

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OPINION: Treatment before medication: order matters
Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

OPINION: Treatment before medication: order matters

Submission by Stassi Kiousis I stared at the whiteboard, looking at my teacher, Ms. Lewis, writing down the math problem. My eyes kept wandering around the room, or my vision went blurry while my mind raced from thoughts about lunch to my homework later that day…

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Florida’s anti-transgender bill in limbo
American artist Jeff Sheng with an exhibition of his photo series Fearless, about out lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) high school and college athletes. Exhibition at the Drew School, high school, San Francisco, CA, January 15, 2009.

Florida’s anti-transgender bill in limbo

Florida lawmakers have been considering a bill that would ban transgender athletes from participating in female’s scholastic sports, but it appears to have been stopped in its tracks as of April 20.  The version of the bill that was passed in the Florida House stated…

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Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Anti-Riot” Bill Becomes Law
George Floyd protests in Miami, Florida on June 6, 2020.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Anti-Riot” Bill Becomes Law

Following widespread protests against police brutality in the summer of 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis decided to sign into law what he himself calls an “anti-riot measure.” The law promises tougher punishments on those that engage in what the Florida legislature determines to be a violent…

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BACC week is in full swing at New College, but things are a little different this year
Presentations look a bit different this year, as COVID-19 has limited in-person baccalaureate exams at New College. This is a photo of a pre-COVID conference presentation unaffiliated with the college.

BACC week is in full swing at New College, but things are a little different this year

Thesis students were forced to adapt to the unique challenge of completing their theses in the midst of a pandemic, with some battling the negative mental and physical effects of isolation, having to find different resources to complete their research. Then, they had to make…

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President Donal O’Shea’s retirement honored with a surprise “O’Shea Day” parade
O'Shea poses on a makeshift throne in front of Cook Hall, bearing a framed print of himself that says, "The Don."

President Donal O’Shea’s retirement honored with a surprise “O’Shea Day” parade

Staff, students and faculty jovially marched down College Drive from the campus bookstore to Cook Hall on the afternoon of Friday, April 23 to celebrate President Donal O’Shea’s retirement with a surprise parade, which was replete with prizes, extravagant costumes and even a pair of…

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Capturing St. Pete youth: Tony Ahedo debuts feature film “ICON”
Director, Producer and Screenwriter for ICON, Tony Ahedo.

Capturing St. Pete youth: Tony Ahedo debuts feature film “ICON”

Based on Tony Ahedo’s 2015 short film by the same name, ICON follows two high school students, Sam and Ana, as they struggle through a decision that will change their lives forever. Ahedo authentically captures Floridian adolescence with steady shots of skate parks, beat-up Toyotas…

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Staying on campus for the summer
The upstairs interior of one of the Letter Dorms, as shown in the Housing Selection instructional video.

Staying on campus for the summer

While it is not typical for NCF to offer long-term housing during the summer, Student Affairs has opted to allow limited on-campus housing for the summer, from May 24 to August 17.  To be considered eligible, a student must have a housing assignment for Fall…

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Recreational marijuana unlikely to get the green light in Florida
A popular image from the Marijuana and Hemp Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Recreational marijuana unlikely to get the green light in Florida

Despite three bills currently sitting in the Florida Legislature to legalize recreational marijuana for adults and polls expressing a majority of Floridians would support the legalization of recreational marijuana, legal weed still faces serious opposition with the Florida government. Currently, Senate Bill 710 proposed by…

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NCF not mandating COVID vaccinations in the Fall
New College hosted several on-campus vaccine clinics in Spring 2021, and more booster clinics could be on the horizon.

NCF not mandating COVID vaccinations in the Fall

New College has not yet required students to receive  COVID-19 vaccinations in order to return to campus in the fall, but will require negative COVID-19 tests before returning to campus, as well as shortly afterwards. This policy is similar to many other colleges across the…

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Caples Mansion renovations to improve indoor air quality soon underway
The deck of the Caples Mansion faces towards the West, making it a perfect spot to watch the sun's descent.

Caples Mansion renovations to improve indoor air quality soon underway

Caples Mansion—located on Caples Campus south of the Ringling Museum—has been best defined for the past few years not through its own use, but by what surrounds it. More recent NCF students are usually familiar with the Caples Boathouse or the New College Food Forest…

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What you don’t understand about chronic pain
Model of chronic pain, courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

What you don’t understand about chronic pain

Reader submission by Lila Marlow If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, then you’ve experienced pain. But living through pain and living with pain are two very different things. People who suffer from chronic pain live with it every day, every week, every month for years.…

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WandaVision as a reflection of a COVID-ridden world
A cosplayer dressed as the Vision at the 2015 New York Comic Con.

WandaVision as a reflection of a COVID-ridden world

Disclaimer: this article contains spoilers for Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War and WandaVision. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj9J2ecsSpo Whenever there is mass societal unrest, there are usually superhero stories to follow.  For example, the cinematic world post-9/11 saw a renaissance of less campy superheroes and darker supervillains. …

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Illegal Civilization and the road to “North Hollywood”
Core Members of the Illegal Civilization crew as they are displayed on the collective's official website.

Illegal Civilization and the road to “North Hollywood”

Mikey Alfred’s directorial debut North Hollywood has been a long time coming. The new feature comes from the minds of Alfred and the other members of the skateboarding and art collective Illegal Civilization. From start to finish, I was completely sucked into the world of…

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Fourth presidential candidate Michael Sosulski focuses on faculty involvement and student support
Sosulski gestures as NCSA President Sofia Lombardi looks on at the livestreamed student forum at the Sudakoff Conference Center.

Fourth presidential candidate Michael Sosulski focuses on faculty involvement and student support

On April 7 at 4:58 p.m., presidential candidate Dr. Michael Sosulski was not sitting on stage at the Sudakoff Conference Center, waiting to give his mini class presentation, but was instead in the audience chatting with the handful of students present. Three minutes into his…

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Duane Smith launches new event to recognize students efforts in applying for fellowships and scholarships
On April 27, 2018, alumni of the Gilman Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship Programs (not from New College) gathered at the U.S. Diplomacy Center for an introduction to the life of a diplomat.

Duane Smith launches new event to recognize students efforts in applying for fellowships and scholarships

Dr. Duane Smith was hired in February 2020 for scholarship and fellowship advising for the Center of Career Engagement and Opportunity (CEO). There were plans for a luncheon last year for students who applied but those were cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year,…

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Official venue for 2021 Commencement has been decided
Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, during 2011 Baltimore Orioles Spring Training.

Official venue for 2021 Commencement has been decided

The 2021 Commencement ceremony venue has officially been announced. Graduating students can look forward to receiving their diplomas in person while remaining safe from COVID-19. Commencement is slated to take place on May 21 at 10 a.m. at the Ed Smith Stadium with award-winning lawyer…

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Presidential candidate Patricia Okker visits New College, reflects about her own college experience
Dr. Patricia Okker speaks to the New College student body at a livestream student forum at the Sudakoff Conference Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2021. NCSA president Sofia Lombardi, who moderated the forum, is seated to the left of Dr. Okker.

Presidential candidate Patricia Okker visits New College, reflects about her own college experience

Dr. Patricia Okker had an undergraduate experience not unlike that of a New College student. Hailing from Allegheny College, a small (though not quite as small as New College) Pennsylvanian liberal arts institution, Okker entered the campus pursuing a science major and left with an…

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SYSH: Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
In the initial time after signing with Big Machine Records, Swift wrote over 250 songs before releasing her album "Fearless."

SYSH: Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor Swift has had a rough couple years with the rights to her master recordings of her first six albums being sold in June 2019 when record executive Scooter Braun’s company Ithaca Holdings LLC purchased Big Machine Records for roughly $330 million.  These first six…

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Mulberries are in season at New College!
Fresh mulberries from NCF's Food Forest and Carbon Farm.

Mulberries are in season at New College!

Mulberry season is upon us: mulberry trees already beginning to fruit. Campus is home to many Mulberry trees of two main varieties, the larger Morus nigra and the smaller Pakistani mulberry tree the Morus macroura.  Students looking to track down the delicious mulberry either as…

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The New College Law Society discusses the history of felons’ voting rights in the state of Florida
President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with Martin Luther King, Jr. at the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The New College Law Society discusses the history of felons’ voting rights in the state of Florida

The Law Society held their first major event discussing felon voting rights. The meeting covered the history of jurisdiction in executive clemency decisions in the state of Florida and the passing of Amendment Four, also known as the Voting Rights Restoration For Felons Initiative.  As…

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Presidential candidate Rhonda Phillips visits New College
Phillips speaks with NCSA President Sofia Lombardi during the livestreamed student forum in the Sudakoff Conference Center.

Presidential candidate Rhonda Phillips visits New College

On April 8, prospective New College president Dr. Rhonda Phillips began her visit to the school’s campus. Phillips currently serves as a professor and the Dean at the Honors College of Purdue University. In her meetings with faculty and staff, Phillips emphasized the value of…

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Piney Point reservoir breach threatens to inundate homes and businesses, brings potential ecological impacts in Tampa Bay
"What we are looking at now is trying to prevent and respond to, if need be, a real catastrophic flood situation," DeSantis said at a press conference.

Piney Point reservoir breach threatens to inundate homes and businesses, brings potential ecological impacts in Tampa Bay

What is happening: A leak in the liner of the Piney Point reservoir caused a partial breach in one of the containment walls. If fully breached, the reservoir could release potentially hundreds of millions of gallons of highly acidic wastewater from the former Piney Point…

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Alan Shao to students: “You don’t know me.” Now that his on-campus interviews are finished, here’s what we’ve learned
Presidential Candidate Alan Shao speaking to a crowd of 30-40 students at Sudakoff Conference Center on Friday, April 2.

Alan Shao to students: “You don’t know me.” Now that his on-campus interviews are finished, here’s what we’ve learned

“There is some obvious student apprehension of your candidacy,” NSCA President Sofia Lombardi said to New College presidential candidate Dr. Alan Shao during the final question of the student-led Q&A at Sudakoff Conference Center on March 30. About 40 students and staff were present for…

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Find your voice on WSLR 96.5
WSLR's logo, courtesy of wslr.org.

Find your voice on WSLR 96.5

Submitted by Danielle Campbell To work with WSLR is an engaging process of finding your own voice. I figured that out during my first semester at New College of Florida when I interned with the radio station. Working with WSLR’s Critical Times News team alongside…

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NCSA spring elections come to an end
New College students, including current NCSA President Sofia Lombardi, approach the Florida State Capitol on Feb. 25, 2020.

NCSA spring elections come to an end

The third New College Student Alliance (NCSA) election cycle of the 2020-2021 school year has come to an end. After holding elections in the fall under unconventional circumstances due to the pandemic, fourth year student and Supervisor of Elections Annika Kufrovich was able to learn…

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New College professor plays key role unearthing history in “Finding Angola”
Baram poses with gear on wooden benches. Image courtesy of lookingforangola.org

New College professor plays key role unearthing history in “Finding Angola”

March 19 through 28, the Second Annual Sarasota Native American Film Festival, hosted on Eventive, offered a diverse selection of indigenous-produced works about various facets of indigenous history and culture. As the name would imply, the festival had plenty to offer on the individual experiences…

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More in-person classes planned for fall, according to latest Towne Meeting
Building your own AOC is one of the little-known perks of attending New College, but the process can be confusing for many.

More in-person classes planned for fall, according to latest Towne Meeting

As the spring 2021 semester reaches its halfway mark, New College makes plans for the future concerning in-person and online classes, and other matters related to COVID safety. Here are the details from the Towne Hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 26. The Nuances of “Going…

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Putting the “fly” back in NatiMediFly: five students restore native, medicinal and butterfly-attracting garden
Liah Continentino, Gus Frank, Barbara Monteiro, Nick Beck and London Weier pose proudly in front of the NatiMediFly. Image courtesy of the author.

Putting the “fly” back in NatiMediFly: five students restore native, medicinal and butterfly-attracting garden

At the end of ISP, New College’s native, medicinal and butterfly-attracting garden—called the NatiMediFly for short—emerged from its metaphorical chrysalis after five intrepid students renovated what was once an overgrown, brambly maze and restored it to a lush, sweet-scented and pollinator-friendly community space.  Second-years London…

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Applications for college’s COVID relief fund open until March 15
During previous waves of CARES Act funding, students have been able to request up to $2,000 dollars. This most recent wave, however, not only resulted in students get less than what was requested, but was also the final wave of CARES Act funding at New College.

Applications for college’s COVID relief fund open until March 15

On Dec. 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was signed into law and authorized $22.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funding for higher education. These funds can be used for anything from “student’s cost of attendance [to] emergency costs that arise…

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When it comes to COVID-19 statistics, how does NCF compare to larger state universities?
This graph of COVID-19 cases per day over time, taken from covidusa.net, shows that Florida has had an average of 5,711 cases per day as of March 8.

When it comes to COVID-19 statistics, how does NCF compare to larger state universities?

As of March 9, Florida has had 1,948,307 total COVID-19 cases, with 44,625 new cases since March 8. Since Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would be entering Phase 3 of the reopening plan in Sept. 2020, restaurants and businesses have slowly been reopening to…

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Fall 2021 housing process made easy with instructional videos and one-on-one service
The upstairs interior of one of the Letter Dorms, as shown in the Housing Selection instructional video.

Fall 2021 housing process made easy with instructional videos and one-on-one service

Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs Mark Stier announced on Feb. 4 that, based on national COVID-19 vaccine deployment, New College administration was anticipating a return to “normal operations” by fall 2021. While several details are still up in the air, the Fall 2021 housing…

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Bound theses: should they stay or should they go?
Bound theses in the Jane Bancroft Cook library collection.

Bound theses: should they stay or should they go?

Exploring the past theses in the library is an integral part of the New College experience. But with talk of digitizing theses in the near future, students and faculty alike have expressed concerns about not having a physical copy of student work stored in the…

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NCF Black History Month celebrations persevere in the face of racist Zoombombing
As annoying as students may find the repeated emails requesting that they fill out their Instructional Evaluations, they're a pivotal way for students to make their voices heard in the academic sphere.

NCF Black History Month celebrations persevere in the face of racist Zoombombing

This February has seen a series of virtual lectures, screenings and volunteer events in honor of Black History Month, including the “Health Disparities and Creative Intervention” lecture on Feb. 9, showcasing the work of the Multicultural Health Institute (MHI). In a discussion run by founder…

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Board of Trustees preparing for potential budget cuts
New College students, including current NCSA President Sofia Lombardi, approach the Florida State Capitol on Feb. 25, 2020.

Board of Trustees preparing for potential budget cuts

Although the proposed merger last spring ultimately failed, it spurred NCF’s Board of Trustees to take a more proactive approach to the legislative agenda of the state. With constitutionally-required budget cuts forthcoming this session, the college’s continued independence may require it.  To the surprise of…

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Bird Graveyard short story contest submissions

For The Bird Graveyard Short Story Contest, there were plenty of submissions that made the most of an unorthodox prompt, which required contestants to select an image from the @birdgraveyard instagram account and write a story around it. Here are some of the best: https://www.instagram.com/p/BuUy-clFF0v/?igshid=1c15lwsjvhsb5…

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404 Error: Internet Not Found — Connectivity issues on campus
As annoying as students may find the repeated emails requesting that they fill out their Instructional Evaluations, they're a pivotal way for students to make their voices heard in the academic sphere.

404 Error: Internet Not Found — Connectivity issues on campus

  Now more than ever, a strong internet connection is a necessity for New College. Students and professors alike need to be able to connect to internet conference calls, as a solid Zoom connection is now almost as crucial to a student’s education as the professor.…

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Wear a mask, because love is in the air: Valentine’s COUP substitute promises to include more in-person events
This spring's Valentine's Day COUP takes place on Feb. 19 and 20 after some rough weather on Valentine's Day weekend, and will be run primarily by NSCA members.

Wear a mask, because love is in the air: Valentine’s COUP substitute promises to include more in-person events

The COVID-19 pandemic has cost students much of their college experience over the past year. More than students’ classroom environments or living situations, COVID-19 has also changed how students are able to socialize on campus. This fall students attempted to find compromise between long-standing traditions…

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B dorm closed, but admin say it will re-open this fall
B Dorm residents have reported feeling neglected in the greater campus conversation on security updates.

B dorm closed, but admin say it will re-open this fall

By Sophia Brown and Anna Lynn Winfrey After a semester of partial occupancy during a pandemic, the college’s only dorm with communal-style living has been shut down. Interim Dean of Students Randy Harrell, who made the decision, cited revised safety protocols for quarantining on-campus and…

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Lights, cameras: action on long-term security improvements
Lights in Palm Court illuminate the entrance to Pei 3rd Court on a recent evening.

Lights, cameras: action on long-term security improvements

This article is the second in a two-part series about the recent intrusions into dormitories on the residential side of campus. Read the first article that focuses on student experiences and administration’s immediate response here.  After a series of late-night intrusions into students’ dorms set…

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Visions of the Black Experience goes virtual for 2020

Miles Iton ‘14 and Professor Zabriskie feature in 2020 Visions of The Black Experience Film Fest Sarasota’s second annual Visions of the Black Experience film festival kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 12 and was extended through Sunday, Nov. 29. The series “celebrates, rates and illuminates…

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Night at the Museum: Ringling Edition

Ca d'Zan as seen from a kayak. After sunset, the crescent moon rose over the Ringling museum. Students gathered by the east facade waiting for a behind the scenes tour of the art museum. On Tuesday, Nov. 17 one New College class, “Worlds of Wonder:…

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For the first time, select students allowed to stay on campus over winter break
Since Stier's departure from New College, Housing and Residence Life has been taken up by administrators such as Nicole Gelfert and S. Marjorie Thomas.

For the first time, select students allowed to stay on campus over winter break

Students leaving for winter break are reminded to clean out their fridges and throw away any perishables in their rooms. As people decide whether gathering for the holidays is safe, college students are put into a difficult position: is it safe to travel home? For…

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New LabStat portal allows easier access to COVID-19 test results
New College continues to offer weekly COVID-19 tests on campus every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New LabStat portal allows easier access to COVID-19 test results

The portal will be a faster way to check results. The Counselling and Wellness Center (CWC) has partnered with test provider LabStat to create a portal for students to check COVID-19 test results. In the coming semesters, the hope is that the portal will make…

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First-Year Office Hours with the NCSA

First-Year Office Hours poster. Photo courtesy of Sofia Lombardi.  New College Student Alliance (NCSA) President Sofia Lombardi and Vice President of Academic Affairs Elan Sandler are there “for everything and anything” that first-year and transfer students need during first-year office hours. In this case, first-year…

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New College improves in performance based funding metrics, despite previous struggles
The hope of the EPC is that these recent changes will reduce anxiety for new, incoming students and by having them cement their class schedules earlier in the semester.

New College improves in performance based funding metrics, despite previous struggles

"We should feel good, but we shouldn't feel like everything is on cruise control." Thiessen said. "We have a lot of improvements still to do.” Every year, the State University System (SUS) allocates upwards of $13 billion in state funding, in part through a performance-based…

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The systemic issues behind Nigeria’s police force
Nigerian police officers, part of AMISOM's Foreign Police Unit, conduct a foot patrol near Lido Beach. As part of AMISOM's efforts to make Mogadishu a safer place, regular foot patrols are now coducted around the city by the mission's Foreign Police Unit. AU-UN IST PHOTO / TOBIN JONES.f

The systemic issues behind Nigeria’s police force

Nigerian police officers conduct a foot patrol. Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons. Since early October, the citizens of Nigeria have been protesting for an end to the brutality of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit whose abuses of power include extrajudicial violence…

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Introducing New College’s brand new COVID-19 liaisons
If selected for random testing, students should now report to Sainer Auditorium on the Caples campus on Mondays between 12-4 p.m. or Tuesdays between 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Introducing New College’s brand new COVID-19 liaisons

The COVID-19 liaison's are paid and will look to improve communication of COVID-19 information on-campus. On Oct. 5, New College Student Alliance (NCSA) President and Catalyst co-Copy Editor Sofia Lombardi sent a weekly update to the student email list saying that she, Dean of Student…

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Tracking Hurricane Eta

Storm rolling over Lido Beach on Sept. 20. Holly Penta/Catalyst. Tropical storm Eta strengthened to a category 1 hurricane early Wednesday morning and is expected to make another landfall soon. Eta is not forecasted to directly hit Sarasota, but the county has drafted a local…

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Heart Walk 2020: digital edition
Graphic for New College's Heart Walk.

Heart Walk 2020: digital edition

Students, faculty and staff who sign up for the heart walk will receive a free t-shirt emblazoned with this design. Image courtesy of Lisa Bolduc. New College is participating in the virtual 2020 Suncoast Heart Walk on Dec. 12 to raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA).…

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What Thanksgiving, winter break and the return to campus looks like with COVID-19 and the altered fall schedule
Since Stier's departure from New College, Housing and Residence Life has been taken up by administrators such as Nicole Gelfert and S. Marjorie Thomas.

What Thanksgiving, winter break and the return to campus looks like with COVID-19 and the altered fall schedule

If a student does not fill out a break form, housing will assume the student will be leaving for Thanksgiving break and will secure their room. Between this year’s move-in process, which phased students in over the course of a week to avoid overcrowding, and…

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Spooky six-word story contest

One never knows what lurks in the dark corners of New College nights. Sometimes, short doesn’t mean sweet… The Catalyst received a plethora of submissions for spooky six-word stories from students, staff and faculty. Our staff voted on our favorites. Congratulations to all of the…

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New College Foundation raises over $50,000 on 60th Anniversary celebration
Up until this month, New College students have been able to receive up to $2,000 upon request as part of the CARES Act.

New College Foundation raises over $50,000 on 60th Anniversary celebration

One of the oldest buildings at New College, College Hall has seen several cohorts walk its halls. 60 years after New College’s founding on October 11, 1960, the New College Foundation launched a giving campaign that raised $51,239 and a virtual New Topics New College…

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SYSH: 2020 Survival Mode

This year has been stressful politically and emotionally with the coming presidential election and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the adjustments to daily life, but one way that Catalyst staff members have kept their heads above water by listening to music. The following are the…

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Horoscopes to get through Scorpio season

Mercury is in Retrograde! Who will transform this Scorpio Season?  Mercury retrogrades into Scorpio, opposing Uranus, giving way to new possibilities and portals. Retrogrades always slowly lift a veil to reveal your true self. Will you finally accept what you see in the mirror? Aquarius …

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Living in isolation: quarantined students share their experiences
The college has designated several individual dorms for mandated quarantines, such as this room in the Pei residence halls.

Living in isolation: quarantined students share their experiences

Before the school year started, second-year Cecilia Spaugh thought that campus would quickly be shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak. But as weeks progressed without any cases, she thought the college had made it and everything was okay.  “I was convinced that we weren't…

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“Lo que es real también es virtual”: New College celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with online gallery
The online platform for the LatinX Heritage Month virtual museum allows patrons to peruse an outdoor online gallery.

“Lo que es real también es virtual”: New College celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with online gallery

Latinx Heritage Month (LHM) is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15 across the globe. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, New College kicked off LHM with a virtual museum exhibiting photography and visual work from students and artists in the Sarasota area. Although the…

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New College’s new Provost: Suzanne Sherman

Acting Provost Suzanne Sherman became the official Provost on Friday, October 2, per an email announcement by President Donal O’Shea. Sherman served as acting provost for over a month after Barbara Feldman resigned on September 1. As provost, Sherman will focus on increasing academic programs…

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BOG discusses possible tuition raise
The hope of the EPC is that these recent changes will reduce anxiety for new, incoming students and by having them cement their class schedules earlier in the semester.

BOG discusses possible tuition raise

For New College of Florida, in-state tuition is $6,916 and out-of-state is $29,944, according to the 2019-2020 fact book. On Wednesday, September 16, the potential of a tuition raise for State University System (SUS) universities came up during the Board of Governors (BOG) meeting to…

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SCCHP addresses rampant housing inequality amidst public health crisis
While last year's winter break housing options were born out of necessity for select students, they are now available this year to anyone unable to return home for any reason.

SCCHP addresses rampant housing inequality amidst public health crisis

Last spring, campus abruptly closed forcing students to find quick housing alternatives. The Student Coalition for Combating Homelessness and Poverty (SCCHP) ensures that housing and other necessities are readily available to everyone at New College. The co-presidents of SCCHP, thesis students Liz Bowerfind and Carter…

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Swim club is back: at a distance
Anyone swimming laps is not required to wear a mask.

Swim club is back: at a distance

Anyone swimming laps is not required to wear a mask. Due to the pandemic, campus saw numerous changes made to daily student life and clubs were no exception. The swim club in particular made a few adjustments to meet current Centers for Disease Control and…

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Less on-campus students lead to Metz cutbacks on employees, food options and hours
Signs reminding students to wear masks have been set up near the entrance to the New College Cafe and at each table.

Less on-campus students lead to Metz cutbacks on employees, food options and hours

Signs reminding students to wear masks have been set up near the entrance to the New College Cafe and at each table. Living during the COVID-19 pandemic means some daily activities that were once trivial have now become complicated. Going grocery shopping has become something…

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New College reports first positive COVID-19 case this semester
The college has designated several individual dorms for mandated quarantines, such as this room in the Pei residence halls.

New College reports first positive COVID-19 case this semester

Six weeks into the first full semester during the COVID-19 pandemic, the inevitable happened: the first positive case of COVID-19 was reported for the academic year on Tuesday, September 29. College officials remain tight-lipped on details about this case and would not disclose whether the…

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Conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett nominated to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, sparks nationwide debate
The U.S. Supreme Court building at dusk on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett nominated to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, sparks nationwide debate

The U.S. Supreme Court building at dusk on Capitol Hill in Washington. On Friday, Sept. 18, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. With only 46 days before the presidential election, Ginsburg’s death sparked a nationwide debate as to whether or not President Donald Trump should…

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The current state of the Campus Police Department (CPD)
Police cruisers on campus can make the CPD seem intimidating or impersonal to students, but they could soon be making the transition to bikes and golf carts.

The current state of the Campus Police Department (CPD)

Police cruisers on campus can make the CPD seem intimidating or impersonal to students, but they could soon be making the transition to bikes and golf carts. The topic of defunding the police has been met with national intrigue the past few months, both countered…

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“Say her name”: Protesters gather in Sarasota and Bradenton as Breonna Taylor’s killers walk free
Organizers with the Party for Socialism and Liberation march towards downtown Sarasota with a banner that says, "this is a revolt against racism! Stop the war on Black America!"

“Say her name”: Protesters gather in Sarasota and Bradenton as Breonna Taylor’s killers walk free

Organizers with the Party for Socialism and Liberation march towards downtown Sarasota with a banner that says, "this is a revolt against racism! Stop the war on Black America!" On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 24, protesters in Sarasota and Bradenton spilled into the streets…

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Provost search narrows to three finalists

The provost’s job can be one of the most difficult administrative jobs at a college: responsibilities include overseeing the academic program, the Jane Bancroft Cook Library, the Center for Engagement and Opportunity (CEO) and interdisciplinary programs. After Barbara Feldman’s sudden departure at the beginning of…

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The Bike Shoppe is back in business
Bike Shoppe TA Joey Daniels tests the brakes of a bicycle.

The Bike Shoppe is back in business

Bike Shoppe TA Joey Daniels tests the brakes of a bicycle. It’s been a slow start to the bike shop this semester, but thesis student and Bike Shoppe Teaching Assistant (TA) Joey Daniels is excited to be back in his element.  “It’s been good,” Daniels…

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An ama-zine project for uncertain times
Origlio worked on the watercolor design of the zine.

An ama-zine project for uncertain times

Origlio worked on the watercolor design of the zine. When second-year Madi Markham got an assignment in Dr. Clarkson’s “Sexual Politics” class to create a public service announcement about navigating relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of her classmates started planning videos. Markham felt inspired…

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10 questions with Visiting Professor of Music Jose Martinez
The Bogota music scene is known for its variety.

10 questions with Visiting Professor of Music Jose Martinez

The Bogota music scene is known for its variety. Spotlight: Visiting Music Professor Jose Martinez discusses different sound landscapes as a coastal Colombian and metal head  Professor of music, composer and rock music connoisseur Jose Martinez recounts the Rock scene in Bogota and life as…

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Introducing new NCSA President Sofia Lombardi
NCSA President Sofia Lombardi was elected with no opposition.

Introducing new NCSA President Sofia Lombardi

Sofia Lombardi won the presidency with 76.66% of the vote. New College is facing new challenges this semester while still trying to solve the problems of last semester. The Four Winds cafe, transparency and police presence on campus are still hot topics of debate. With…

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The WRC’s Thesis Crunch is back, virtually!
Thesis student Carter Delegal crunching away.

The WRC’s Thesis Crunch is back, virtually!

Thesis student Carter Delegal crunching away. With the fall semester in full swing, the WRC has officially launched Thesis Crunch, their annual writing group for thesis students.  “Traditionally, the WRC hosts it in the Spring semester when it’s ‘crunch time’ for thesising students (hence the…

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Everything there is to know about mail-in voting
Sarasota County vote by mail materials from 2020.

Everything there is to know about mail-in voting

Sarasota County vote by mail materials. With Tuesday, November 3 just around the corner, many students are wondering how to safely vote during a pandemic. While early voting in the state of Florida runs from October 24 to October 31, there is a third option…

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In the midst of COVID-19, flu shots are more important than ever
Flu shots will also help prevent any unnecessary ICU hospitalizations. Saving resources and space for COVID-19 patients.

In the midst of COVID-19, flu shots are more important than ever

Flu shots will also help prevent any unnecessary ICU hospitalizations. Saving resources and space for COVID-19 patients. In the last six months, the COVID-19 pandemic uprooted the world’s daily lifestyle, drastically altering the way people work, study and socialize. While concerns of the contagious respiratory…

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Testing delays and symptom checker struggles mark New College’s first month of COVID-19 testing
If selected for random testing, students should now report to Sainer Auditorium on the Caples campus on Mondays between 12-4 p.m. or Tuesdays between 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Testing delays and symptom checker struggles mark New College’s first month of COVID-19 testing

If selected for random testing students should report to the CWC. In August as students and employees began to trickle back to campus, New College began random testing of students and employees. Only students who had registered with the University of South Florida’s (USF) symptom…

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Fashionably Safe: New College Mask Fashion
Wilson (left) and Courtade (right) pose with third year Angelica Velosa outside the Student Success Center.

Fashionably Safe: New College Mask Fashion

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many changes to campus life and culture. One dramatic change is the campus-wide mask mandate which states that students are required to wear masks in any public space, inside or out. Masks have become an avenue for self-expression as…

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Changes in parking permit protocol will retire New College license plates
It can be hard to find parking near dorms as spaces alongside Dort and Gold fill up throughout the day.

Changes in parking permit protocol will retire New College license plates

It can be hard to find parking near dorms as spaces alongside Dort and Gold fill up throughout the day. A recent email notified changes in parking protocols to students, faculty and staff with New College license plates. A $75 annual parking permit will now…

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Provost’s office enacts trial partnership with tutoring app
President Donal O'Shea suggested Knack as a new peer tutoring service for students.

Provost’s office enacts trial partnership with tutoring app

Knack will allow students to offer tutoring services for specific classes. New College is in a unique position when it comes to campus tutoring services. The small enrollment size coupled with student-employed services like the Student Success Center (SSC), the Quantitative Resource Center (QRC) and…

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Charities expect to raise less in 2020, here’s how to help
A single donation of blood has the potential to save three lives.

Charities expect to raise less in 2020, here’s how to help

Nowadays, the news seems to be filled with crises, ranging from the wildfires in California, the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, a pandemic and protests for racial justice. The abundance of emergencies has left many charities, nonprofits and fundraising organizations expecting to fall short of their…

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The pool has a new look after completed renovation
Campus spaces have been marked by changes such as masking and social distancing signs throughout the year.

The pool has a new look after completed renovation

The fitness center’s pool has a brand new look after its renovation was completed in Spring 2020. Construction finished up in early April and the total cost of the project, paid with the Capital Improvement Trust Fund (CITF), was around $200,000. The renovation should last…

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Novos adjust to new classroom settings
Bella Schuler, second-year transfer in her refurbished shed in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Novos adjust to new classroom settings

Schools all over the world are adapting to the new academic year whether it is face-to-face or completely remote. Students, faculty and staff have devoted a great deal of time and energy to welcome the technological changes that COVID-19 has incited in American schooling. Meanwhile,…

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New student emails aim to promote retention and “on time” graduation
As annoying as students may find the repeated emails requesting that they fill out their Instructional Evaluations, they're a pivotal way for students to make their voices heard in the academic sphere.

New student emails aim to promote retention and “on time” graduation

Emails are an essential part of life as a New College student, from talking with professors to engaging with other students on the forum. Since 2012, New College student emails have included the student’s year of entry, which served to define cohorts and instilled a…

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After months of Reemployment Assistance hiccups, Florida receives federal aid
Long lines formed outside of unemployment offices across the state as unemployed Floridians struggled to secure Reemployment Assistance benefits.

After months of Reemployment Assistance hiccups, Florida receives federal aid

“Kind of a nightmare,” was the way third year Lily Burse described applying for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s Reemployment Assistance benefits in March, as businesses shuttered across the country and the national unemployment rate shot to its highest point on record due…

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Provost Barbara Feldman leaving after 3 years
Former Provost Barbara Feldman at the Save Our School rally on Feb. 20, 2020.

Provost Barbara Feldman leaving after 3 years

By Anna Lynn Winfrey and Sergio Salinas In an email sent to staff and faculty on the evening of Sept. 1, 2020, President Donal O’Shea announced that Provost Barbara Feldman has "vacated her position." Associate Provost Suzanne Sherman will serve as acting provost until a replacement…

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