NEWS

CSU Wage Strike: Calls for Higher Pay and Improved Benefits

By Mk Palaris

On Monday, Jan. 22, California Faculty Association (CFA) workers, part of the largest public university systems in America, walked the picket line. Donning ponchos, they echoed chants of “overeducated and under-compensated.” In efforts to address disproportionate salaries and advocate for better working conditions, the strike was planned to last from Jan. 22 to Jan. 26. Had an agreement not been reached within that time frame, there was a possibility of further escalation. However, the whole ordeal took an unexpected turn when CFA and the California State University (CSU) administration came to a tentative agreement (TA) after one day of striking.

Representing nearly 30,000 professors, lecturers, librarians, counselors and coaches, CFA’s strike marked a significant development in picketing in its sheer magnitude. According to a Strike FAQ on Calfac.org, faculty initiated the strike to fight for a 12% raise, manageable workloads, improved parental leave, accessible and inclusive campuses and more student counselors. With the salary of professors ranging between $64,000 to $122,000, members of the lower-receiving end had the most pressing demand for a 12% raise, with the CFA website reading, “If faculty cannot take care of themselves, we cannot take care of our students.” CFA’s proposals have been addressed in the statutory process but were denied by CSU administration, prompting faculty to strike.

Despite reaching a tentative agreement, it did not come without compromise and alterations from CFA’s original demands. According to an Inside Higher Ed article, the union was aiming for a 12% increase in salary, but the final tentative agreement was just a 5% increase. Additionally, 10 weeks of paid parental leave was granted, but not the full semester like originally requested. The tentative agreement didn't promise more student counselors, but a follow-up CFA news post did acknowledge the goal to increase the student-to-counselor ratio to 1,500:1. With some points of the tentative agreement failing to meet CFA’s demands completely, many union members have criticized the ordeal. Associate professor Andrew Bryne of California Polytechnic State University told Inside Higher Ed, “I don’t understand why this ended so abruptly when so many people showed up […] for results that seem to fall really far short of what our opening demands were.” Many CFA workers were unsatisfied with these discrepancies.

With the tentative agreement on the table, members of CFA are left to either cast a “yes” or “no” vote. A “yes” marks an endorsement of every aspect detailed in the tentative agreement, accepting the compromise reached during negotiations. Conversely, a “no” rejects the agreement, bringing faculty to return to the original terms of imposition. These terms, which included a 5% general salary increase, a pay increase to department chairs and the consequence of higher faculty parking lot fees, would have CSU management not obligated to return to negotiations. As professor Jennifer Eagan of CSU East Bay told CFA, “A yes vote on this Tentative Agreement means progressive movement in areas of our contract that haven’t moved in a very long time. A no vote on this TA would give away everything we forced the CSU to put on the table. Once given away, there are no guarantees that we would get them back.” As CFA members consider the implications of their votes, the decision carries consequences for further negotiations.

Amidst these developments, it’s imperative to note the existing wage disparity within the CSU system. Evident in the earnings of different employee categories, higher-level faculty, like Cal State presidents, earn substantially more than educators. At CSU, lecturers and professors typically earn salaries ranging from $64,000 to $122,000. Despite the wages of the lowest-paid faculty having seen approximately a 20% increase since 2007, campus presidents have seen growth of around 40%, elevating their average salaries to more than $400,000. While many of the professors in the system must work multiple jobs alongside teaching to make ends meet, anger erupts over the CSU chancellor’s nearly 1 million dollar yearly salary and $96,000 housing allowance. Lecturer Laura Quinn of Cal State Bernadino told LAist, “I have a master's degree, I’m teaching a full-time load at this place, and it's just not cutting it. And then you see a million-dollar chancellor with a $96,000 housing allowance.”

The anticipated week-long CSU wage strike ended after one day in an abrupt tentative agreement that many faculty believe falls short of the proposed demands. The forthcoming vote presents a dilemma for many faculty members, as the potential consequences of rejecting the agreement elicit reluctant “yes” votes from CFA members. Many faculty perceive the event as not fully addressing original demands, and tensions arise between CFA and CSU management. 

Despite the strike, CSU faculty salaries are more than La Sierra's, underscoring the need for broader dialogue on fair compensation in academia. La Sierra faculty members are also overworked and underpaid, having large disparities as well between administration and faculty. While the average faculty wage for lecturers and professors is around $73,000–with its range as $58,000 to $94,000–a wage disparity exists in comparison to the university president, whose salary is around $250,000. 

As CSU management grapples with their decision, it’s evident that the discussion on fair compensation for college faculty warrants attention by universities nationwide.

  Traveling with Sustainability 

By: Uloma Nwosu and Kara Roda

In today’s modern world, transportation such as cars, trains and buses are the staple of society. However, these methods of transportation are not going to be reliable forever. As such, it’s time to consider more sustainable options. Investing in more physically active and eco-friendly travel options can improve quality of life. At La Sierra University, several options provide student discounts and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional travel.

While traditional travel facilitates fast-paced and comfortable transit, the environmental and financial consequences are a significant disadvantage. According to the EPA, the ozone layer is decreasing rapidly, with over 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Though cities encourage yearly smog tests to reduce these emissions, many do not comply. A smog test costs around $30-$60, and with most people's demanding schedules, finding time is difficult. Another downside to traditional travel is gas prices, which are currently around $5 per gallon. Gas prices aside, car maintenance is also expensive. Tire changes may cost between $25 and $50, oil changes between $65 and $100, and engine replacements as much as $10,000. Other factors, such as traffic and noise pollution, can also decrease overall life expectancy. While cars, buses and trains have been the standard form of transportation, there are other options.

Alternative options such as carpooling, cycling and walking can positively impact students' health and safety. Students could carpool with friends, reducing traffic and saving on gas. In California alone, around 200,000 car accidents happen each year, and approximately 6 million occur in the U.S. altogether. With carpooling, congestion is reduced by 35%, decreasing traffic and the chance of an accident overall. Financially, students can alleviate rising gas prices by splitting (costs) among passengers. Cycling is another option for students, and while some see it as an inconvenience, it can promote a healthier lifestyle by incorporating exercise. Cycling exercises the muscles in the body, including abdominal muscles, glutes, quads, triceps, the heart and more. Walking to school is both cost-efficient and convenient for those who live near campus. Both activities contribute to better cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular health. For less physically demanding options, the city of Riverside provides options for students on a budget. 

There are a number of organizations that give discounted transportation to students at La Sierra. MetroLink gives free transit passes to those with a student ID. The Adventure Pass allows students to travel throughout Southern California. Additionally, Metrolink trains run on 100% renewable fuel, benefiting the environment by reducing emissions while giving students more travel opportunities. The Riverside Transit also offers affordable prices for general bus fares and long-term fares that can be used for up to 30 days. These options are accessible throughout the year at any hour. For those wanting to explore outside of Riverside or even the country, there are affordable deals available for students. During the holidays, the price of plane tickets can make a flight home financially out of reach. StudentUniverse offers deals on plane tickets to places like San Francisco and London, which can be helpful for students looking to save money; all flights through StudentUniverse are less than $500.

Given these options, sustainable travel is more convenient and available than people might believe. With commuter services such as these, both traffic congestion and carbon emissions are reduced. Whether traveling alone or with a group, sustainability is possible. Moreover, these alternative options can make traveling more accessible and bring health benefits to students and the environment. However, these options are not limited to this with more possibilities not mentioned. Your input is valuable in fostering greener travel at La Sierra University; please share your thoughts or recommendations.

Beyond the game: exploring the history and cultural impact of the super bowl

By nikki nadler

On Feb. 11, Americans will gather with friends and family to watch the 2024 Super Bowl, which will determine this year’s National Football League (NFL) champion. Super Bowl LVIII will take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, pitting AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, against NFC winners, the 49ers. The Super Bowl did not always hold its current cultural place in the United States. The first Super Bowl took place over 50 years ago, and since then, Super Bowl Sunday has become one of this nation’s most widespread traditions and popular sporting events.

The NFL was founded in the 1920s, followed by the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s, quickly becoming their rival. The two leagues merged in 1966 to become the NFL with two internal conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The first Super Bowl, called the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game,” took place in 1967. In this game, the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers represented the former AFL and NFL respectively. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. In 1969, Chief’s owner Lamar Hunt coined the term “Super Bowl.” Since then, winners of the AFC play against the winners of the NFC in the Super Bowl each year. 

The Super Bowl has evolved into more than a football game, with many Americans treating it as an unofficial holiday. It appeals to a wide demographic, including those who don’t follow football closely but wish to join in the festivities. To further promote the game, the host city holds festivities which are covered by the media during the lead-up to the Super Bowl. Some viewers look forward to the Super Bowl commercials as companies take advantage of the wide-streamed event. 

Super Bowl commercials have become iconic in recent years for their whimsical and unique nature, the ads becoming a sort of “cultural experience.” Last year’s Super Bowl featured ads including a musical number starring Melissa McCarthy for Booking.com, a new rendition of “Grease’s” Summer Nights with John Travolta for T-Mobile, and a Google Pixel ad starring Doja Cat, Amy Schumer and Giannis Antetokounmpo. For Super Bowl LVIII, viewers can expect to see many food-related ads from companies like Doritos and Pringles, cosmetic ads from e.l.f. Cosmetics and Old Spice, and other miscellaneous ads from companies such as BMW and Squarespace. 

In addition to ads, film studios release first-look movie trailers during the Super Bowl. Last year’s Super Bowl featured 12 movie trailers and this year is expected to be no different. Trailers for “Deadpool 3,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Joker Folie a Deux,” and “House of the Dragon Season 2” are all speculated to be featured this year. However, one of the largest appeals of the Super Bowl is the Halftime Show.

Rivaling the game in its popularity, the Super Bowl Halftime Show draws in viewers who tune in solely for the Halftime Show experience. Each year, the Halftime Show features a high-profile artist who puts on a musical performance with extensive choreography and impressive stage and set design. Many notable artists have performed for the Halftime Show, including Rihanna who performed last year and set the record for the highest viewership of any halftime show ever. 

The first Halftime Show featured the University of Arizona and Grambling State Marching Bands. The following performances were of similar caliber until 1993 when Michael Jackson headlined. His revolutionary performance changed the style of the Halftime Show. Since then, big-name celebrities such as Prince, Madonna and Beyonce have headlined. This year, Usher will take the stage in the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. Apple Music released a trailer in anticipation of the event, with famous faces such as Lakers’ star LeBron James, Latin singer J. Balvin and BTS’ Jung Kook. The celebrity appearances hint toward who may join Usher on stage. Either way, viewers can expect this Halftime Show to be a memorable experience. 

While the rest of the nation gathers in homes, restaurants and other venues to watch the Super Bowl, La Sierra University offers campus spaces for Super Bowl festivities. Students are invited to attend viewing parties where they can get together to watch the game with friends while enjoying free food. This year, Zapara School of Business (ZSB), SALSU and Residential Life are collaborating to host an event where Super Bowl LVIII will be streamed. The event will be in the Troesh Center at the ZSB on Feb. 11 from 3-6 p.m. Another way students can get involved and share the spirit of the Super Bowl on campus is through Flag Football Intramurals. To sign up for intramurals, students should check their student email for more info, or go to imleagues.com. Students are also encouraged to show their support by attending intramural games at the La Sierra University soccer field on Monday and Thursday nights from 6-10 p.m. Consider taking part in campus festivities for the Super Bowl this February.

Why Daylight Savings?

By nikki nadler

The practice of Daylight Savings occurs twice a year, and it often leads to confusion among people who ask, why do we have daylight savings? This year, daylight savings started on Sunday, March 12 when the time sprang forward an hour, and ended on Sunday, Nov. 5. Now, the majority of the United States is in standard time. Since 2007, daylight savings has started on the second Sunday in March and ended on the first Sunday in November. While many enjoy the long summer and short winter days, the United States faces criticism for moving time forward and backward. Reviewing the history of daylight savings reveals why it was first implemented and why some say it’s time to put the practice to rest. 

Benjamin Franklin is credited with the initial idea of changing time in a letter expressing a desire to have daylight hours to pursue hobbies after leaving work. However, the practice was not implemented throughout the U.S. until World War I. Joined by Great Britain, Australia, and Germany, daylight savings became a practice to conserve fuel reserves for the war. Using natural sunlight as the basis for a “day”gave citizens the opportunity to spend more time outside, use less fuel and potentially grow the economy. After World War I, the government faced protests from the farming community who suffered from the changing times. Farmers relied on the sunrise—regardless of the official time—to illuminate the road while transporting their produce to the market in the morning. In response to the pushback, the government temporarily discontinued daylight savings and reinstated it at the start of World War II. Following the end of World War II, the federal government repealed “war time,” the name for daylight savings during the world wars, leaving individual states to set their preferred time. Decades later, the United States passed the Uniform Time Act to resolve confusion following the end of mandated wartime. In 2007, daylight savings changed from April and October to March and November. Now, some politicians are pushing for yet another change to daylight savings.

Last year, the Senate introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to eliminate time shifts and keep the U.S. in daylight savings time. While the bill passed through the Senate, it never reached the House of Representatives. Additionally, some senators expressed strong opposition to the bill. Though many agree that time changes should end, the Sunshine Protection Act has faced criticism for proposing that daylight savings time should be permanent rather than standard time. Some critics argue that the U.S. should follow the global practice of standard time to maintain uniformity. Medical professionals also advocate for standard time, as they generally agree that standard time is more beneficial for bodily health. They emphasize that early sunrises under standard time promote better sleep cycles for humans. Standard time is observed in the time frame of November to March.

Despite arguments against the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill's proponents seem rooted in keeping daylight savings time rather than standard time. This may be due to the economic appeal of having an extended evening before sunset. Citizens tend to spend more money when the sun sets later. At this point, the issue remains unsolved. 

Staying in Standard Time could have a negative effect on mental health for some. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as seasonal depression, is a condition in which one might experience excessive fatigue and sadness at certain times of the year. This is due to the shorter days and longer nights common in the fall and winter months. Studies show that the shorter days in these months sometimes lead to a chemical change in the brain. One such example is how the darker days create a surplus of melatonin in the body, a hormone that promotes sleep, which leads to excess fatigue. Other symptoms of SAD could include decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities, anxiety, increased appetite, weight gain and brain fog. If the Sunshine Protection Act were to root U.S. national time in daylight savings time permanently, SAD may not affect people as strongly. 

As the days continue to shorten, medical professionals recommend those experiencing SAD increase their exposure to sunlight and try light therapy if symptoms are severe and not showing signs of improvement. La Sierra University offers free counseling and encourages students to visit the Student Wellness Services (SWS) center if they are experiencing SAD or any other type of physical or mental health issues. For more information on La Sierra’s wellness services, visit their page here.

To make an appointment with the Wellness Center:

phone: (951) 785-2200

email: wellness@lasierra.edu

*walk-ins also available

Campus Updates: What’s New at La Sierra University?

By Quinn McFarland

La Sierra University has undergone several changes since the end of the spring 2023 quarter. Despite being almost fully through fall quarter, there are people who may be unaware of the new additions and renovations on campus. Below is a highlight of some of the changes La Sierra University has made that are now officially open to the student body.

Fitness Center

After almost a year of building, the new fitness center opened at the start of the fall 2023 quarter. The 5,500 square-foot building, situated just outside the Alumni Pavilion, provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment. A variety of fitness options, including treadmills and powerlifting equipment, cater to a wide range of needs. Additionally, there is open space for easy stretching, yoga or free weight usage. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the fitness center allows for a lot of natural light. According to Ashley Walters-Garcia, the intramurals director, the fitness center is open from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Fridays and 5-10 p.m. on Sundays. It will remain closed during chapel and on Saturdays. If you have any questions about what else is offered in the fitness center, feel free to contact Walters-Garcia at awalters@lasierra.edu.

Dome Project

Since 2021, La Sierra and the Enactus team have been working towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus through the Freight Farm program. Currently located behind Ambs Hall are two shipping containers, a greenhouse and a brand-new geodesic dome. Gifted by the class of 2022 and 2023, the dome is an experimental structure outfitted with an “off-grid solar power system,” allowing for better temperature control. The hope is that this sustainability park will enhance education in agriculture and further research in environmentally-friendly practices.

Dining Services

This year, La Sierra University welcomed Brian Kesteleyn as the brand-new dining services director. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor’s in food service management and an associate degree in culinary arts, Kestelyn has been involved as a food service manager for many years. As such, he is aware that there needs to be a change within food service to become more environmentally conscious. “Sustainability is a priority for us, and we’re committed to eco-friendly practices, sourcing locally and minimizing food waste,” says Kesteleyn. He also aims to deliver exceptional service within the Dining Commons, creating a diverse dining experience, even within the vegetarian parameters. As stated in the 2021 article, La Sierra University ranks number one in diversity in the west, making it vital that its dining halls reflect that statistic. That’s why the dining experience offers a range of choices, from vegan-specific dishes to classics like pizza and burgers. The salad bar and hot meal menu are regularly updated, featuring dishes like enchiladas, sushi and different types of curry to cater to diverse food preferences. Additionally, the cafeteria and Eagle’s Nest have been revamped. This includes new monitors to display the menu at each station, a brand-new coffee dispenser and a newly repaired soft-serve ice cream machine.

The Dining Commons hours:

Breakfast: 

7:15-10:15 a.m. Mondays through Fridays

Lunch: 

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Fridays

12-2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Dinner: 

5-6:30 p.m. every day.

Student Lounge

At the beginning of this year, La Sierra unveiled the newly renovated student lounge. Located between the Dining Commons and Eagles Nest, the student lounge has received fresh paint and new flooring to provide a nice, clean space to study or hang out with friends. Complete with ping-pong and foosball tables, the new space has an all-new TV and couches, as well as many tall tables and chairs. Organizations have been able to utilize the renovated space for student life. At the beginning of November, SALSU used this space to create an open mic night for all students. The LUNA student organization also hosted a glow-in-the-dark event in this space.

As the fall quarter ends, La Sierra University hopes that students can study and relax in the lounge, or destress using the new equipment in the fitness center. La Sierra is committed to creating an enriching student life, and these spaces reflect that commitment. For additional information on campus spaces, feel free to contact Tracy Morgan-Tyler at ttyler@lasierra.edu. 

La Sierra’s H.U.B. Fair: Explore the Campus Clubs

Written by Nikki Nadler

On Oct. 4, La Sierra University hosted its annual H.U.B. Fair. Students came out to get involved, sign up for clubs and grab some tasty treats. The H.U.B. Fair is an event where students and staff come together to display the campus’s variety of clubs and associations. Participants filled 42 tables, ranging from university services—such as Student Financial Services (SFS) and the English Writing Center—to student-led clubs. 

Spiritual Life, SALSU, and Criterion had booths at the H.U.B. Fair. Spiritual Life is a largely student-led ministry that helps coordinate the speakers and music for First Service, dorm worship, and chapel. Additionally, Spiritual Life aims to get students involved in their ministry to cultivate a sense of community faith. Students can schedule a meeting with Pastor Decena, the lead chaplain and director of Spiritual Life, or Pastor Pono, the associate chaplain, to volunteer for Spiritual Life. Additionally, La Sierra’s SALSU advocated for students to join them in making a change on campus. SALSU focused on promoting campus events, and the opportunity to join senate for this school year. The 18 senators were determined on Oct. 17, following a vote by the student body.

La Sierra offers three cultural clubs on its campus: LUNA, BSU, and ASA. Latinos United Nations Abroad (LUNA) is La Sierra’s Latin American club; they are known for their lively events with Latin music, piñatas and agua frescas. Rachel Baez, the LUNA senator, stated that LUNA’s goal is to build a campus community for Latinx students, fostering a safe and enjoyable space to learn about Latinx culture. Black Student Union (BSU) is another cultural club on campus that seeks to promote diversity and awareness. Led by President Nyeleti Mawela, BSU hosts events throughout the year. Asian Student Association (ASA) is a new club on campus this year. Olivia Genobaga, ASA’s marketing director, said that “ASA aims to practice inclusion and celebrate diversity. Expect lots of exciting events in the coming year.” While these clubs are culturally centered, all students, regardless of cultural, ethnic or racial identity, are welcomed and encouraged to join and attend events. 

Pre-Law Society is one of several pre-professional clubs available to La Sierra students. Pre-Law Society aims to help students interested in pursuing careers in law to prepare for their future. Students who participate in Pre-Law Society have the opportunity to speak with current legal professionals, visit law school campuses, talk about LSAT prep and law school admissions requirements, and explore various internship opportunities. Pre-Law Society meets every other Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Fred Hoyt Library, found in Humanities Room 211. This year's president is Isabel Delgado, a senior global studies student. Delgado said, “We have so much planned this school year, and we’re always welcoming new and current students, so please feel free to stop by.” There are some other pre-professional clubs like the Pre-Med Society, Pre-Dental Society, and Pre-Nursing club. All of these clubs host workshops and networking-style events for students interested in healthcare careers. 

The Business department presented a variety of clubs at the H.U.B. Fair, such as the Accounting and Finance Society, Investment Club and Nuñez Business Incubator. The Business Club hosts social and professional development events throughout the year for students.

Together is a new club on campus this year that emphasizes female empowerment. Alyssa Lee and Daphne Prakash started this club to create a community on campus that supports and gives voice to women, while advocating for equal opportunity regardless of gender. Work they’ve already begun this quarter included showing support for survivors and those going through breast cancer. Together asked its members to wear pink on Thursday, Oct. 26. On Nov. 2 at 5 p.m., the club gathered to write cards to uplift women with breast cancer.

The H.U.B. Fair is an important campus event because it gives students a place to foster their interests and create community within the student body. There is always room for new clubs on the La Sierra University campus to represent diverse interests and backgrounds. For a comprehensive list of clubs, visit the student development page on La Sierra’s website https://lasierra.edu/student-involvement/student-organizations/.