Campus health updates, student music talent opportunities, and unionizing Chicago workers
and meet our new featured columnist!
Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! We’re soaking up our last couple days of summer break before the new school year officially kicks off this Wednesday, but we’re always around with a Monday newsletter. Your newsletter team — Kate, Mariah, Billie, Bridget, Isabella, Lauren and Monique — is back with everything DePaul needs to know heading into the new school year.
We’d also like to introduce our new featured columnist, Lauren Shepherd. Lauren is a new staff writer at 14 East and has contributed to other sections of ‘In The Loop’ before taking on our recommendations. Have suggestions for Lauren? Leave a comment or find her on Twitter @laursheperd307.
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That’s all from me! Let’s get into the news.
COVID restrictions loosening and Monkeypox cases looming — what the DePaul community needs to know before stepping on campus
By Mariah Hernandez
The incoming 2022-23 school year is full of changes and new health guidelines. We have been living with COVID-19 for over two years, learning to live and adapt to the ongoing changes and are now, DePaul is gearing up to protect students against another health crisis.. When COVIDrates started decreasing, we saw changes in policy on campus. When monkeypox rates started increasing, the university started adding information in their health updates. Slowly more restrictions have been lifted and this can be seen in the fall health update.
As of August 18, DePaul released a health update for the fall quarter in regards to both COVID-19 and monkeypox. Here’s an overview of the health updates from DePaul for this fall quarter, and on Friday a more in depth look at these policies with further input from DePaul’s new President Robert Manuel and Russell Dorn, Manager of News and Integrated Content will be published on the 14 East website.
COVID-19 Policies Fall 2022
What to expect on campus:
No Mask Requirements
Students are not required to wear masks in any setting on campus. Masks are still highly encouraged and will be provided to students in the front desk areas of on campus buildings.
Vaccination, including the first booster shot, is required
This is a continuing requirement from the Spring Quarter. Students should upload their vaccine card to Campus Connect similar to any other immunization.
Students are not required to report a positive test
DePaul does recommend isolating in place for at least five days in the case of a positive test but is not requiring students to report a positive test to them.
The COVID-19 Dashboard will no longer be used since students are not required to report positive covid cases.
New “short term” housing
In the previous school year, COVID-positive students were offered the option of isolation housing. In what is now being called “short term housing”, students can request to be moved to an isolated unit if they meet the requirements.
Visitors in dorms are allowed, but expected to be vaccinated
Vaccine cards are expected to be shown at the front desk by any non-DePaul student visitors.
No more on-campus testing
DePaul’s on-campus testing with SHIELD Illinois will not be offered this school year.
Rapid tests will be available on both Lincoln Park and Loop Campuses.
Monkeypox Updates
DePaul has mentioned monkeypox in their fall health update, ensuring students that if a case reaches campus, they have a plan made when handling communicable illnesses and will follow this if needed. Check out previous coverage explaining the plan for if monkeypox reaches campus.
Russell Dorn, DePaul’s Manager of News and Integrated Content, recommends for “all members of the DePaul community to read up on the symptoms of monkeypox as well as ways to prevent the disease.”
DePaul has also provided students with guides for if you catch a communicable disease living on either the Lincoln Park or Loop campus.
As a new president Rob Manuel explains being open to student input and that “what I feel and what I experience is very different from each of you, and my job is to make sure that we can have a policy that helps everybody see their path.”
So, if you have any opinions, concerns, or just a general comment or question, let someone know. When dealing with COVID-19 and monkeypox, you have a voice too.
The combination of both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as monkeypox when going into a new school year could be overwhelming. Here are various resources for COVID-19 and monkeypox to keep yourself educated and safe.
Monkeypox
COVID-19
Dorn recommended several city resources to use as well:
As always, there are COVID-19 and mental health resources at the end of each newsletter.
DePaul News
By Billie Rollason
University Transportation Option Updates
The inter-campus shuttle which runs between the Loop and LPC has been renewed for the 2022-23 school year. The Vinnie Van service is also back, transporting students from LPC to nearby residential addresses during the academic quarters.
Here’s what students need to know:
You must show a valid DePaul ID for shuttle and van entrance
The shuttle runs on a continuous loop from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday
The Vinnie Van runs between 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday - Thursday
Transportation hours vary during finals — and the services do not run during breaks, intersessions, or university holidays
The inter-campus shuttle is now trackable via an app
For Vinnie Van service, students must fill out a brief form including their residential address that is located within the specified boundaries.
To learn more details about these student services, check out Jess Peterson’s DePaul newsline story.
New student convocation is tomorrow
This event celebrates the arrival of new and transfer students. The day will include an academic welcome, interactive stations, food and performances. To learn more about Tuesday’s schedule and details check out DePaul’s Student Affairs link, here!
DAB event “Sounds of Sheffield” seeks student musical talent
Submissions are currently open to be considered for live showcasing at this fall program. The event will be hosted in the student center atrium, offering students a “coffee house vibe”, the chance to chat, eat and enjoy musical talents! To learn more about the event, as well as performer submissions check out the DeHub event page.
Two Sexual Assaults reported in a single week at DePaul’s LPC campus
Police are still looking for a single person who allegedly committed both offenses. The first offense occurred in the student center on August 29, and the second offense in the Corcoran Hall dorms on August 31. More details on this story, and its development can be found in Rosemary Sobolz’s Tribune article.
For more information on DePaul’s sexual and relationship violence policies, resources — as well as ways to report offenses: click here.
Chicago Headlines
By Bridget Killian
Mahalia Jackson Court opens in Chatham – A pop-up space with food trucks, local artists and live music opened in Chatham on September 2. The court, located on 79th Street, is dedicated to South Side gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. To learn more about the space, read Atavia Reed’s story in Block Club.
Chicago workers are unionizing – Filings for unions in Chicago have increased 45% from last year. Baristas, theater workers, museum docents and others are among those fighting for better conditions in their industries. Amy Qin and Charmaine Runes of WBEZ have the story.
Chicago welcomes 75 new migrants from Texas – Organizations are working to provide resources to migrants who were bused from Texas as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s protest of federal border policies. The city is partnering with local groups to assist people in finding shelter and jobs. Read more from Leen Yassine of Block Club
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza stepping down after current term – Ald. Garza of the 10th ward announced she will not be seeking a third term after seven years of holding the position. She was the first woman to be elected to city council representing the 10th ward. For more, Manny Ramos from Chicago Sun-Times has the story.
National Headlines
By Isabella Ali
Pakistan Floods: death toll passes 1,300 — More than a third of Pakistan has been flooded by fast melting glaciers, leaving roads, houses, and crops completely destroyed. As of Monday, 1,314 people had died as a result of the disastrous floods that began in June, 458 of them being children, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support those affected. More than 33 million people have been displaced and the nation now has to deal with the spread of waterborne illnesses as well as other health issues in the impacted areas, Al Jazeera reports.
U.S. announces $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan — The U.S. State Department approved a sale of $1.1 billion in weapons to Taiwan, angering China as a result. This follows China’s growing military activities near Taiwan. The Chinese Embassy in Washington's spokesperson, Liu Pengyu, stated that the arms deal “severely jeopardizes China-U.S. relations peace and stability.” He further adds that China will take “legitimate and necessary counter-measures in light of the development of the situation.” The US arms sale proposed on Friday still needs to be voted on by the US Congress to proceed, as reported by Reuters.
Israeli Army admits ‘High Probability’ that soldier killed reporter Shireen Abu Akleh — The Israeli military's long-awaited inquiry into the fatal shooting of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has been released. The inquiry claims that there is a "high probability” that an Israeli soldier “accidentally hit” the reporter. The military's account of how she was killed has been a subject of controversy. Akleh was shot in the head while wearing a distinguishing jacket marked with the word "press,” according to witnesses and multiple investigations by the United Nations, human rights organizations, and media outlets. The report concluded the Israel Defense Forces had done numerous internal investigations and that no one would be punished for the shooting. Tom Bateman from BBC has the story.
E. coli outbreak spreads to 6 states — The CDC reports that an E. coli outbreak has been detected in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Kentucky. Although the CDC suspects the number of sickened is “likely higher,” nearly 100 people were reported to be ill, with 43 hospitalizations and 0 deaths. An investigation of the outbreak’s source is ongoing but many of the affected people claimed they had eaten sandwiches containing romaine lettuce at the fast food chain Wendy's. This revelation has prompted Wendy's to release a statement and take the precaution of removing the sandwich lettuce at some restaurants. The CDC emphasizes that there is no need to avoid eating at Wendy's and that there is no evidence of romaine lettuce served at other restaurants or sold in grocery stores is connected to this outbreak. Joe Hernandez from NPR has more on the story.
California Wildfires Exacerbate — Six major California wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres in less than a week and resulted in at least two resident deaths. Data from California's fire authority shows that, since August 31, wildfires have burned more than 23,000 acres in total across the state. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in north county, Siskiyou, and said more than 5,800 residents were forced to evacuate due to the blaze. Elizabeth Wolfe from CNN has the story.
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Lauren Sheperd
Hello everyone and happy first week of classes! My name is Lauren Sheperd and I’m beginning my sophomore year at DePaul studying journalism. Here’s your first recommendation for the 2022-2023 school year:
Let’s talk about brunch. More importantly, let’s talk about an affordable brunch spot just a few minutes off campus – I always end up spending less than $20, and they give you a lot of food. Brunch is a quintessential part of the college experience: the recap of the night before with friends, the best types of food and most importantly, the coffee. However, Chicago brunches tend to be pricey, not really ideal for college students. If you're looking to splurge a bit one morning and avoid the dining hall or your fridge, look no further than Dash of Salt and Pepper, located on the corner of Lincoln and Webster.
As you approach Dash – which my friends fondly call the diner – you can smell the food being made. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a friendly staff and bright colors, as well as comfortable seating and booths. There is a clear Chicago theme in the restaurant, as it’s decorated with street signs, flags and images from around the city. This small, corner restaurant feels like home as soon as you step through the door.
Now for the most important part: the food. My go-to is always one of the omelets named after a train line – usually the blue line omelet which is a three egg omelet with sausage, ham and bacon – but for all of the egg haters, there are other options.
Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory in the morning (or the early afternoon) Dash has you covered. There’s also a lunch menu with sandwiches, burgers and other typical lunch items, but I am always an advocate for breakfast food.
See you all next week, and don’t forget to tip your service workers!
Resources
Need resources regarding cooling centers, rental assistance, abortion access, COVID-19 testing and vaccines or mental health? Check out our complete list here.
That’s it for today! See you next Monday.
The 14 East Newsletter Team