The Rocky Mountain Collegian Articles

The article highlights the challenges bisexual individuals face, including marginalization within both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual communities, misconceptions, and fetishization. Bisexual erasure, where bisexuality is overlooked in discussions of sexual orientation, exacerbates these issues.

This is especially prevalent in college environments and leads to higher rates of mental health issues among bisexuals. The article stresses the importance of validating bisexual experiences and fostering open conversations to combat erasure and support bisexual individuals.

This article discusses the challenges of remote learning for students with ADHD, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining focus and self-motivation without the structure of in-person classes. ADHD symptoms, such as trouble with time management and increased impulsivity, are exacerbated in an online environment filled with distractions.

In this article, I highlight the importance of seeking help and utilizing resources like the Student Disability Center, which offers accommodations such as extended test times and note-taking assistance. Despite the struggles, I encourage students with ADHD to take pride in getting the support they need.

The article discusses the disappointing voter turnout in both national and local elections, citing a low participation rate in the Associated Students of Colorado State University election. It argues that political negligence—choosing not to vote or stay informed—has consequences, much like the bystander effect, where individuals fail to act in emergencies, believing others will take responsibility.

The piece emphasizes that even if one is not directly affected by an issue, voting is a crucial way to influence outcomes and that abstaining from voting due to ignorance or apathy is itself a political stance with significant impact.

The article addresses the ongoing uncertainty and adaptation challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for students and workers accustomed to pre-pandemic norms. With classes shifting online and businesses adapting to new logistics, many students are deferring their education in hopes of returning to a traditional format.

However, given the current lack of clear communication from institutions and the extended timeline for vaccine distribution, it's unclear when or if the old structure will return. The article encourages students to accept the reality of remote learning, focus on adapting to current conditions, and find ways to thrive despite the challenges.

The article evaluates the effectiveness of Colorado State University’s approach to sexual health education, focusing on the emphasis on consent versus comprehensive safe sex practices. Despite the university's strong stance on consent and required sexual assault prevention training, a survey of 482 sexually active CSU students reveals concerning gaps in STD testing and the use of protection.

Many respondents reported infrequent STD testing and inconsistent use of condoms and dental dams. The data suggests a disconnect between the safe sex practices taught and the behaviors of students. The article argues for a more robust emphasis on STD prevention alongside consent education to better protect students' sexual health.

The article emphasizes the importance of Transgender Awareness Week in fostering true allyship. It highlights that being an ally involves more than avoiding transphobia; it requires actively supporting the transgender community.

Insights from community members like Alex Boyum and Lab Ducote underscore the dangers and microaggressions transgender individuals face, including the harmful effects of language and gatekeeping within the LGBTQ+ community.

The article urges allies to educate themselves, use inclusive language, and listen to the experiences of transgender people to create a more accepting and supportive culture.

Proposition EE, recently approved by Coloradans, imposes a tax on nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, with funds earmarked for K-12 education, rural schools, tobacco programs, and general state spending. While the tax aims to discourage smoking and support education, it disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals and college students, who face financial difficulties and high rates of vaping.

The tax also affects minors, who are targeted by nicotine marketing strategies and may lack full decision-making capacity. Critics argue that the tax penalizes those struggling with addiction and question the ethics of using such taxes to fund public education instead of directly supporting smoking prevention programs.

Finding late-night study spots with COVID-19 restrictions in Fort Collins can be challenging, but there are several good options, including the Alleycat Coffee House and several locations around Colorado State University. This article delves into 10 of the best study spots in Fort Collins. 

The article highlights the economic risks of automation, predicting that 25% of American workers—about 36 million—could face job losses due to technology advancements. The trucking industry, with over 3.5 million drivers, is particularly at risk.

It argues for proactive policies, including: promoting jobs requiring human skills, expanding roles in maintaining technology, and implementing basic income to support displaced workers.

I suggest that while automation is unavoidable, well-designed policies can mitigate its negative effects and support economic stability.

The article discusses how COVID-19 has exacerbated academic integrity issues due to the shift to online learning. Cheating rates soared from under 1% to over 8% during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges of remote testing. 

Instances of cheating, from minor infractions to more severe cases like hiring test-takers, reveal a lack of effective monitoring. Many instructors acknowledge the problem but are not actively proctoring exams.

The article argues that rather than punishing students, universities should adapt to the new online learning environment by embracing collaboration and open-note tests to better align with current realities.

The article highlights unsafe sexual practices among Colorado State University students based on a survey of 482 individuals. Key findings include a lack of STD testing, infrequent use of condoms or dental dams, and a prevailing stigma surrounding STDs. The narrative around STDs often leads to shame and avoidance of communication, exacerbating the issue. The article calls for CSU to address these issues by providing free STD testing, mandatory education on sexual health, and accessible protection. Emphasizing that STDs do not define individuals and promoting open dialogue are crucial for improving sexual health and reducing stigma on campus.

The article addresses common toxic dating behaviors among college students, including ghosting, gaslighting, love bombing, and breadcrumbing.

The article emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help when necessary to navigate and mitigate these toxic dating behaviors effectively.

The article reflects on the first year of the pandemic and its impact on remote learning and communication. The article concludes that while remote learning presents challenges, it also offers benefits and prepares students for evolving communication styles in the workforce.

The article addresses the growing student debt crisis in the U.S., where 43.2 million borrowers owe an average of $39,351 each, totaling $1.73 trillion in debt. Scholarships, often seen as a solution, fall short of alleviating the burden. Full-ride scholarships are rare, and the average scholarship amount is only $4,202 per student, significantly less than the annual cost of college.

Additionally, the scholarship application process is time-consuming and may not address the needs of all students, especially those from historically marginalized groups. The article argues that scholarships are not a comprehensive fix for the student debt crisis and advocates for policy changes, such as student loan forgiveness, to address the issue more effectively.

Fort Collins is known for it's wide variety of thrift stores around town. This article delves into some of the best thrift spots in town. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted higher education, thrusting it into an identity crisis. As universities transitioned to remote learning, traditional campus features and unique aspects became less relevant, making the college degree seem standardized and less distinct.

This has opened the door for alternative education platforms, like Google Career Certificates, which offer job-ready skills at a fraction of the cost and time of a traditional degree. With an average completion cost of $294 compared to the $38,320 tuition of a four-year college, these certificates provide a more cost-effective and direct route to employment.

As employers increasingly recognize these alternatives as equivalent to degrees, universities must adapt to stay competitive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Alcohol use is deeply ingrained in the college experience, with a significant prevalence of binge drinking among students. At Colorado State University, all undergraduates under 21 are required to complete an online alcohol education course, acknowledging that alcohol affects many students, even those who don’t drink.

Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that around 40% of college students binge drink regularly, contributing to numerous health and social issues, including reckless behavior and alcohol-related deaths.

The college environment, marked by social pressures and mental health challenges, creates ideal conditions for alcohol abuse. This normalization of heavy drinking can obscure its dangers, making it crucial to address and understand the serious implications of alcohol misuse.

Students are encouraged to make informed decisions about drinking and seek help if struggling with alcohol dependence.

As formal Greek life recruitment approaches at Colorado State University, students are weighing the decision to rush. Interviews with current members provide insight into the Greek life experience.

Overall, Greek life offers community, philanthropy, and deep relationships but also involves partying and social hierarchies. Prospective members should carefully consider these factors before deciding to rush.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the workforce, triggering what’s known as the Great Resignation. Between April and June 2021, 11.5 million workers quit their jobs, driven by the desire for flexibility and remote work options that became prevalent during the pandemic.

Major companies like Twitter and Facebook have adapted by offering remote work, but industries like food service are struggling with severe labor shortages. For example, Colorado State University's Durrell Dining Center closed parts of its operation due to insufficient staff, reflecting broader issues in the sector.

Workers are re-evaluating job conditions, and essential workers, particularly in food service, are facing increased stress and poor treatment from customers. To address these issues and prevent further resignations, there is a call to offer better wages and more flexible working conditions to reflect the true value of essential roles in the post-pandemic economy.

Halloween, while celebrated for its spooky fun, poses significant risks, particularly regarding sexual assault. This holiday coincides with a peak period for campus sexual assaults, with over 50% of such incidents occurring from August to November, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

The festive culture, which includes heavy partying and alcohol consumption, exacerbates these risks. Alcohol is involved in at least 50% of student sexual assaults, and costumes can add to the sense of anonymity, making it easier for perpetrators to commit crimes.

Additionally, fraternity students are statistically more likely to be involved in sexual assault. Colorado State University has noted an increase in sexual assault reports during Halloween.

While Halloween should be enjoyed, it’s crucial to stay informed and prioritize safety by trusting your instincts, traveling in groups, and being cautious with alcohol consumption.

The shift to pass/fail grading during the pandemic has highlighted flaws in the traditional grading system. While pass/fail simplifies evaluation to a binary outcome, it raises questions about the effectiveness and relevance of traditional grades in truly reflecting a student’s understanding and capabilities.

As universities and employers increasingly recognize that GPA alone doesn’t capture a candidate’s potential, it’s time to reconsider how we measure and value academic achievement.

The article discusses the U+2 law in Fort Collins, which restricts residential occupancy to no more than three unrelated people. This law has been particularly problematic for students at Colorado State University (CSU) and has a history of classism and racism.

Originally passed in 1964, the law was aimed at limiting immigrant housing, reflecting anti-immigrant sentiments of the time. Despite being changed from a criminal to a civil offense, the law continues to disproportionately affect students and low-income individuals.

Efforts by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) to reform the law, such as the "Me+3" campaign, highlight its ongoing impact and the need to address its discriminatory origins.

The article highlights The Stump in The Plaza at Colorado State University (CSU), a symbol of free speech and student expression.

Purchased in 1964 by student media employees, The Stump has become a tangible representation of free speech and the exchange of ideas on campus. It's deeply connected to CSU's tradition of promoting open dialogue, as it stands in The Plaza, a central space for protests, opinions, and campaigns.

While not all students may be aware of The Stump's history, its role as a physical and symbolic platform for free speech is significant. The Stump remains a living testament to CSU's commitment to encouraging diverse voices and ideas.

On March 5, 2022, TEDxCSU returned to Colorado State University with the theme "Retrace," focusing on revisiting and discovering new perspectives. Held in the Lory Student Center Theatre and ballrooms, the event featured six diverse speakers who explored topics such as music education, attachment styles, African media, and culture cultivation.

The event, one of CSU's first major gatherings since the mask mandate lift, provided an engaging platform for ideas and personal reflections. 

The return of campus preachers to the Lory Student Center Plaza at Colorado State University has ignited significant controversy and student counterprotests. The preachers, known for their provocative Christian evangelism, sparked debates and reactions among students. Many, like Leora Greene and Caroline Distel, criticized the preachers for discriminatory remarks, particularly against the LGBTQ+ community.

Some students, including Ian Lucht, used creative methods such as playing a saxophone to drown out the preachers, while others, like Jake Byrd, used LGBTQ+ flags as symbols of protest.

The events drew mixed reactions; some students viewed the preachers' actions as hate speech, while others saw it as protected free speech. As tensions persist, there is growing demand for the University to address the situation.