Duffy's Site

https://dailycollegian.com/2022/03/kn95s-are-the-solution-to-the-mask-debate/ This opinion article written by Julia Oktay discusses the current guidelines at UMass Amherst regarding COVID face masks. Recently, mask restrictions in Massachusetts have been lifted for individuals who are vaccinated, and the same goes for K-12 schools, along with UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth. On the other hand, UMass Amherst has conveyed to the students that they plan on keeping the mandate in place as they continue to monitor the situation. Both students and faculty are divided on…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/03/satire-the-fine-arts-center-looks-neither-fine-nor-artistic-but-it-still-deserves-some-love/ This satirical option article is written by Kelly McMahan, where she points out the many flaws of the Fine Arts Center at UMass in a humorous way. McMahon describes how difficult it is to even get into the building, considering the fact that many of the most convenient entrances are always locked. In addition to the flawed practicality of the building, she points out the strange look of the concrete building. She also includes quotes from fictitious interviews, where…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-a-students-guide-to-action/ This article written by Max Schwartz discusses the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and informs students on what they can do to take action. Schwartz provides three steps that students can follow while these events take place. The first is for students to talk about what’s going on. Schwartz urges students to talk with friends and peers. In addition to this he warns of the misinformation being spread on social media through sites like Tik Tok and Twitter….

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/umass-needs-to-reevaluate-their-mask-mandate/ This story was written by Luke Halpern and is an opinion piece regarding the current mask regulations at UMass. Halpern takes the stance that UMass should lift their current indoors mask mandate. He argues that due to the fact that the new variant tends to be less dangerous, especially for vaccinated individuals, and the majority of the UMass population is vaccinated, the mask mandate is no longer necessary. Halpern highlights that even though there have still been a significant…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/point-umass-needs-to-focus-on-traffic-volume-not-traffic-control/ This opinion piece written by Alanna Joachim focuses on the issues regarding both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on North Pleasant Street, the road that travels directly through the UMass campus. Joachim brings up that many people who are frustrated by this traffic have suggested that the university implement new infrastructure such as traffic lights and pedestrian beacons. On the other hand, Joachim argues that this could actually cause more danger and more traffic. One issue that Joachim points out…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/new-rso-application-released-to-address-concerns-of-student-groups/ This article written by Lucas Ruud informs students on the new Registered Student Organization application process being implemented at UMass. Ruud points out that the previous application was difficult for students, as they had little information and assistance when applying. One of the new additions to the process is an interest form, which is being put in place to help plan the application. Along with the interest form, the Undergraduate Registry Oversight Committee plans to meet with those applying…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/lettered-grading-has-got-to-go/ This article is an opinion piece written by Manas Pandit. Pandit makes the argument that the current letter grading and GPA system that most universities have in place is not a sufficient measurement of a student’s understanding of material. The way most college courses are structured, huge final and midterm exams play a major role in determining one’s final grade for the class. While these tests may measure certain skills, they do not necessarily provide an accurate measurement of…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/umass-needs-better-public-transportation/ This opinion editorial written by Zach Leach discusses the importance of public transportation and why UMass should improve their current system. Leach begins the article by explaining that during break, he had visited some friends at Georgia Tech. At their campus, students have access to a ride service similar to Uber that is free for all students and available all throughout the night, meanwhile at UMass, there is no such service available. The current bus system at UMass is…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/01/pre-game-playlist-how-listening-to-music-positively-affects-umass-athletes/ I really enjoyed reading this article by Corinne Arel. Arel includes input from a few student-athletes who explain why music has benefited them. While college sports are obviously physically demanding, a huge aspect of being able to perform well has to do with one’s mindset. These athletes explain that music has played a big role in their relationship with their sport. Some make the point that listening to music has helped them stay motivated, whether that be during a…

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https://dailycollegian.com/2022/02/the-hidden-costs-of-greek-life/ This article written by Katherine Kelly-Coviello instantly sparked my interest. The author of this piece, former sorority member, reveals why she had to drop out of the organization after only being a part of it for 3 weeks. Despite the fact that she got along with the other members of her sorority and enjoyed her time there for the most part, she explains that the financial burden that comes along with being a part of a sorority was not…

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