All forms of media are biased. This isn’t a well-guarded secret because most people are aware that certain outlets cater to different segments. While this outwardly appears dishonest, it balances itself out.          But, before we explain why the media is biased, we must first define what the media is. The media is an entity that is defined by certain channels that aims to share stories....

  Bruce Springsteen’s music has an effect on his fans. From his number one hit “Born To Run” to his most successful single “Dancing in the Dark,” His three best records: “Born to Run,” “Born in the U.S.A.” and “The Rising” represent a different era not only for Springsteen’s music, but in American history.  “Born to Run,” released in 1975, is a fan favorite....

I hope this letter finds you and your family well during this time of crisis. Over the past few weeks, we have seen local, state and federal officials enacting precautionary measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I support the work being done locally, and across the nation, to keep our country safe. However, as a Mountaineer and North Carolinian, I feel and understand the same...

Amidst this time of uncertainty, our president has begun calling himself a “wartime” president. During a press conference March 18, Trump said “I view it as, in a sense, a wartime president” while speaking of the COVID-19 epidemic., attempting to put himself on the pedestal of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. It’s another sad attempt by the president to clean his...

Students have vacated campus to complete the rest of the semester online, as only 160 App students who met the qualifications remain in on-campus housing for the remainder of the semester. This change brought about expected challenges for students and faculty alike. Discussion-heavy courses must be restructured, teachers and students must become acclimated to Zoom and the rest of the semester will...

Colleagues: My top priority as Faculty Senate Chair has been to work with Senate to get you the raise you deserve. For most of the year, I believed a raise would happen. This no longer seems likely. At yesterday’s Faculty Senate meeting (March 23), the administration made it clear that, at least for now, we cannot expect a raise—be it a merit raise, a market-adjustment raise, or a bonus. In...

Dear Chancellor Everts, I think back from time to time to my own two college commencement ceremonies, as I am sure you have done as well. I remember that exciting feeling of donning my cap and gown; the waiting to march into an arena with classmates, some familiar and some not; the feeling of anticipation; hearing the music; and finally walking across that stage. It was a culminating event to years...

Teaching Hazardous Language by Leonardo Flores, chair of the Department of English  How can English Department faculty teach texts that contemporary students may consider offensive, while at the same time create a safe environment that contributes to learning? This is not a new question, but one which has come to a head in my department in recent weeks. As a discussion about a situation that...