Photo by Michelle Stevens

There is no doubt that Jacksonville, Fla. is not a city lacking of smells. Whether a set of nostrils are traveling over the Matthews Bridge or throughout the Jacksonville University campus, there are moments where they are likely to recoil. For a number of years, the city has earned itself a pungent reputation.

Speculation and blame for the city’s nauseating notoriety has been blamed on a history of paper mills, broken septic tanks and the corporate pollution of the St. Johns, the truth of this lying somewhere within the mix.

“From a historical perspective, I grew up in Jacksonville back in the sixties and it [the smell] used to be a lot worse because we had a paper mill,” said Deborah Venn, database manager for the St. Johns River Keeper. “The one thing I do know is it is a lot better than it was.”

This improvement is due to an anti-odor campaign, enacted by the city of Jacksonville in the 1980s which increased fines for company odor violations drastically in order to phase out the problem. However, while the air of Jacksonville has toned down, it has gone through more of a transformation than elimination.

In recent years, noses and thoughts have turned towards a grotesque aroma emitted by a number of Jacksonville waterways, mostly those branching from the St. Johns River.

For Jacksonville University, an institution situated along the river, this issue is still prevalent and spurs the ever present, inevitable discussion of the water’s reek. Hosting students and faculty from around the world as well as local areas, the school is a hotspot for opinion on the smell, ranging on both sides of the spectrum.

“I’m originally from New York,” said freshman Valerie Ortiz. “I moved to Jacksonville in 02’ and to be honest I have never really noticed the smell of it (the river).”

“What does the St. Johns River smell like to me? Ha! Funny, funny question; the St. Johns river smells like the Jacksonville Zoo uses it as a toilet,” said junior Daniel Holmes. “I mean, whoa. My friend Brent jumped in that thing before and hit the bottom, nothing but muck. Yeah, I have to say, it smells like one giant broken toilet.”

This rendition, while humorous, may not be far from the truth. According to the website of the St. Johns River Keeper, 50 rivers and streams branching off of the St. Johns were on the state Department of Environmental Protection’s impaired rivers list. These possess consistently high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, found in the intestines and waste of humans and other mammals. A 2005 Florida Times Union article reports that this is due to failure of a number of Jacksonville’s estimated 170,000 septic tanks as well as water treatment plants.

This references only one problem, Jacksonville’s water also contains pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants which not only add to the smell but make many fish species unsafe for consumption due to pollutants in their tissues.

It is clear that the issue of the city’s smell is one which runs deeper than a superficial desire to scrunch one’s nose. The curious odor turns out to be more than a minor nuisance to those who live and commute around Jacksonville’s waterways and septic systems. It sinks into a concerning matter of environmental and population health.

Photo by Lorna Kelso

As students and workers climb from one of the ladder rungs in their lives to another, from one deadline to the next, it can feel as though the enduring jaws of time are nipping at their heels. With the constant threat of falling behind, time spent pondering the meaning of it all, who we are, where we are, where we’re going and the like, can appear a less than attractive way to spend much deserved downtime.  However, about once a month, the occurrence of a philosophy slam changes this perspective.

In the casual atmosphere of a philosophy slam, every student has a voice and reason to express it. Organized by the Philosophy Club, the slams are an engaging way to explore topics that are meaningful but can seem intimidating in a classroom, in practice or from the sidelines of a political debate.

“Philosophy slams are a long standing gem at JU,” said junior Bryon Heylock. “They give the students and faculty the ability to bond in a less formal setting and to talk about intellectual issues.”

At the most recent philosophy slam, David Courtwright, Ph.D., spoke confidently into the microphone, his voice carried by the loud speakers that were scattered around the ceiling of the dimly lit bar known as the Northstar Substation. On the quiet Wednesday night, the stillness of the street outside was a stark contrast to the bold and boisterous discussions he led within the confining brick walls of the bar. As a published historian and presidential professor for the University of North Florida, Dr. Courtwright was well versed in the evening’s topic of interest, which was provocatively titled, “Is there such a thing as conservatism?”

As tradition dictates, the first few minutes of a philosophy slam were dedicated to presenting evidence for argument. Dr. Cartwright clarified that he believed there is no such thing as conservatism but there are conservatives. However, ideologically, economically and philosophically, conservatism is not a unified phenomenon.  Conservatives, on the other hand, do not need unity to exist.  Dr. Courtwright stated it has been argued that conservatism could possibly exist from a psychological standpoint within someone but not as a unified idea.

Dr. Courtwright used the Nolan Chart, also known as the World’s Smallest Political quiz, to introduce his point and to allow the audience to take a quiz to align their political perspective with the appropriate label.  He emphasized that political views exist on a plane, just as the diamond shaped body of the Nolan Chart demonstrated, with each corner representing the extremes of each particular perspective while the lines of the planes in between revealed a tendency to lean towards a particular political perspective. These included liberal (leans towards open-mindedness), conservative (tends to lean toward tradition), statist (supports highly centralized government), and libertarian (uphold political liberty).  In the center of the chart there was also a section for centralists (prefer most of the power with one organization).

After the introduction the floor was opened up to the audience, and from then on there was the rhythmic passing of the microphone from audience to moderator.

“I thought the most interesting turn that the conversation took was that so many people expressed dissatisfaction with the two party system,” said Dr. Courtwright. “It turned out to be more a discussion of what type of government we have.”

Overall, the students and communities were very receptive. Freshman Arielle Bass said, “It was fairly interesting, although I do not usually enjoy politics.”

Coming this weekend alumni will be retracing their steps on campus from Feb. 17 to Feb. 19. Jacksonville University Alumni Board of Governors and JU Athletics will be cosponsoring the first Winter Alumni Gathering, WAG.

This event is not associated with fall homecoming and will not be as large an event as the fall homecoming, but the office of alumni relations is trying to make this into an eventful weekend for alumni.

“We are trying to coin the term WAG because this will become an annual event happening every year in February,” said Lucas Meers, communications coordinator for alumni and parent relations.

Originally the weekend was planned to center around basketball, but the lacrosse classic is a part of the weekend now as well. Alumni are able to receive discount tickets to the classic.

The kick-off for WAG will be the Winter Alumni Gathering Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. The fall homecoming party was met with high success leading the office of alumni relations to plan another party with a live band, food and two free drinks with every ticket purchase. The party will take place at the Alumni House.

The next morning a champagne breakfast and campus tours begin at 9:00 a.m. There will be a continental breakfast with mimosas in the Kinne Center. The campus tour will be led by JU’s student ambassadors and will showcase the latest additions to the institution.

After the tour, at 11:00 a.m. the alumni will be able to head to the beach volleyball courts settle in for the Alumni vs. Student Volleyball Game against the new Division 1 Beach Volleyball team.

According to Meers, the student-alumni volleyball game will have teams of students going up against alumni. This will help alumni become more involved with the students and get the students to know their alumni. Also, it’s just to have a good time.

Starting at 1:00 p.m. basketball games start at the Jacksonville Memorial Arena, first the women play followed by a Green and Gold Lunch at 2:00 p.m. and finally a men’s basketball game at 3:15 p.m. The basketball teams will be playing against Mercer University.

Dolphins’ Night Out follows the games at 7:00 p.m. at Poe’s Tavern in Atlantic Beach. The school encourages alumni to visit neighboring bars and restaurants in the surrounding area. Alumni could either chose this event or “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. in the Swisher Theater.

Finally to cap the weekend off the JU lacrosse team will be going against Navy in the Moe’s Southwest Classic. Tailgating begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets must be purchased at will-call. The game begins at 4:00 p.m.

Similar to University of North Florida’s homecoming, there used to be a big homecoming during basketball season at a basketball game prior to 1998 when the school gained the football team.

“I think it’s going to be a very fun event and will reconnect alums to get back into the school spirit before football season,” Meers said.

Photo by Michelle Stevens

In her native Russia, Mariya Tkach taught preschool for over a decade. Today in her role as housekeeper at Jacksonville University, she supports education in a markedly different way. Well before the first streaks of sunshine break through the night sky, she can be found carefully scrubbing and sweeping her corner of campus.

“I like it here,” said Tkach as a frosty predawn breeze rustled the pile of leaves at her feet. Like most university housekeepers, she works from four in the morning to one in the afternoon. “I like watching the students because they have a future. I want that for my four kids. God gave me this job. I say, ‘Thank you, God!’ because I don’t have English. I’m happy about my life!”

Tkach’s enthusiasm for her work may come as a surprise to anyone even passingly familiar with the unphotogenic responsibilities of housekeepers. Yet what is even more remarkable is how often Tkach’s coworkers echo her positivity. When asked to name what they dislike about their job, few have a ready answer.

“I like my job,” said Galina Shevchik, who comes from the Ukraine. “I work for nice people.”

“I like to make a difference — a visual difference,” said Mary Mincey, a genial Georgian and mother of two grown children.  “I remember one time I was cleaning a glass partition — I think in Swisher four — and a lady told me, ‘That hasn’t been done in 15 years.’ When someone acknowledges something you’ve done, it inspires you to do more.”

Even as Mincey described how she came to work at JU, a student knocked at the door, wanting to say hello to her. “That’s Trevor,” Mincey said, one of a couple of students who often wish her a good morning as she cleans the Swisher Science and Nelms buildings.

“When students take time to come in and speak, it says something to you. It makes me feel good,” Mincey said. “Others bump into you and don’t say, ‘Excuse me.’”

Angelina Pooser also expressed appreciation for friendly students. “The best thing about [my job] is that I get to meet new people,” said Pooser, who attended high school in Jacksonville. “The kids here are really nice, and they’ll come up and talk to me.”

For Katie Womack, a Jacksonville native who helps maintain the Swisher Library, people at JU have contributed to funny memories, including one incident that involved a football tackling dummy.

“If you don’t lock the golf cart, kids will try to take it,” Womack said. “You know those football things you hit? Well, someone put one of them in the golf cart, took it to the dorms, and was about to take it off campus. The funny thing is, I don’t even think they went here.”

While the housekeepers are quick to praise the environment at JU, they do confess to having unique pet peeves. For Womack, it’s seeing food left in the library. According to Pooser, discarded cups that still contain liquid can create sticky messes on the floor and carpet. Mincey is shocked at the way students of both sexes leave the restrooms. She says that at one time she even considered writing to Oprah, asking the talk show host to remind ladies of basic restroom etiquette.

Victor Chrnyshov, supervisor of housekeeping, smiled as he said, “I tell the workers, this job can be messy, but it’s our job security. If they [students] don’t trash the place, they don’t need us.”

Chrnyshov also pointed out a significant job benefit. “Starting in 2010, all the Sodexo employees treat us like a family, and they gave us the privilege of free education [at JU],” he said. Chrnyshov himself is currently enrolled in the Accelerated Degree Program, working towards a degree in business.

Pooser said that although employees may take up to three free classes per semester, “we’re only allowed one day class, so even though we have all this time during the day, the rest have to be ADP.” Still, she hopes to soon take advantage of the provision as she pursues her interest in nursing.

According to Mincey, the immediate family members of JU housekeepers have not had the option of attending free classes since JU began subcontracting out custodial work. Joseph Coleman, who serves as a liaison between the university and Sodexo, could not be reached for comment.

Mincey suggested a link between complementary education for housekeepers’ families and continued employee commitment. “I just think that if you feel like a part of something, you feel like doing more,” she said.

Adapting to college life provides challenges for any new student. For some, the transition into college life may prove more difficult, especially when necessary needs are not being met.

Unfortunately, not every student at Jacksonville University is provided a chance to fit in or feel comfortable in his or her surroundings. However, the Student Life Office provides assistance to students who do have different needs.

The Student Life office, located on the third floor of the Davis Student Commons, was created to specifically manage cases when a student has a documented disability. These students receive “reasonable accommodations” and individual support services to allow equality, said John Balog, Ph.D., the vice-president of Student Life. Such accommodations can include bringing a computer to class, receiving extra time on tests and moving classrooms to a more accessible venue.

Students may have a variety of disabilities that can include hearing impairment, Attention Deficit Disorder, physical and mobility impairment, psychological disorders, speech impairment, visual impairment and learning disabilities. The majority of disabilities documented by students at JU are ADD and ADHD, according to the Student Life Office.

Unfortunately, the school is not equipped to assist every student’s needs. JU has very limited resources for students with visual or hearing impairments. Most buildings are not accessible to those who have problems getting up stairs. To be able to access the post office or bookstore, those in a wheelchair have to take the elevator in the Student Commons.

Speaking from personal experience, JU’s inaccessibility affects not only students but their families as well. After being accepted into JU, I had come to tour the school with my mom and wheelchair-bound younger sister only to find the school’s inaccessibility. Unable to accompany us on the tour, she had to remain at the Howard Administration Building by herself. When the tour was completed, the three of us wanted to go buy gear from my new school. It was a shock to learn we had to go through another building to actually access the bookstore.

Moving in to my dorm when school started was another experience when my sister had to be left alone. She could not gain access to the living quarters of Botts Hall. The dormitory is not even equipped with a freight elevator. Being unable to share my experience with her greatly took away from my own experience.

More recently, junior Nicole Saunders, a wheelchair-bound student, has also had some difficulty navigating through campus on occasion. She feels the school should fix the small problems that really make campus inaccessible.

“It feels like a slap in the face,” Saunders said. “They only do what they have to.”

Saunders has admitted to being treated differently by students and faculty. Teachers don’t seem to mind when she enters class a few minutes late, she said as a positive way she is treated differently. However, she does not appreciate when she is expected to be doing what everyone else is doing or when necessary accommodations on campus are handled improperly. Despite everything, Saunders has had a positive experience at this school.

Only one event of discrimination has been reported against JU. The case was filed with the Office of Civil Rights under the Department of Education. In that instance, the student had never registered her disability with the Student Life Office. DOE decided there was no foundation for the case, and it was dismissed.

JUSA hosts an annual safety walk with members from Campus Security and the Student Life office. The outcomes of this annual walk allow for safety changes and provide more accessibility across campus.

“Because of this walk, the sidewalk pathway along the road was put in,” said Saunders. “I didn’t feel safe when I was going home to the dorms. Lucky for me, I have great friends that would walk me dormside.”

Problems between students and teachers hardly ever occur if there is documentation. Teachers are willing to work with students if issues may arise.

“We are very fortunate,” Balog said. “Our faculty bends over backward for our students.”

JU is making small strides, but still has some problems they need to fix.

“I do appreciate what the school has done for me, but it shouldn’t have waited until it became a necessity,” she said. “There’s still so many things to be done.”

Photo courtesy of Linda Shubert

Nursing is one of the most sought after majors on the Jacksonville University campus, which means the department of nursing is growing day by day.

The department would not be a success without the continued efforts of its hard-working professors. Linda Shubert is a well-known face among nursing majors whose love for nursing and teaching has helped establish the careers of several JU students.

Shubert describes herself as a “North Carolina girl.” However, the mother of six has no complains with Florida weather. She received her Bachelor of Arts in speech pathology and audiology and later went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing.

In an interview conducted via email, Shubert explained how she began her teaching career.

“I have always enjoyed teaching, whether students, patients or families,” she said. “I have taught at community college level, university level [and] private program prior to coming to JU.  The reputation of JU’s nursing program coupled with the proximity to my home led me to pursue a teaching opportunity here.”

She had originally begun her career in speech therapy and became interested in the field of nursing after working as a nursing assistant in college. The transition was a smooth one, especially since she has always been interested in the “helping professions,” but with every field in life come challenges.

For Shubert the most difficult part of the job is keeping current in the medical profession, but one of the easiest parts of her job is that it allows her to use her creativity. Her love for her profession is huge, but so is her love for JU. The people she works with make up a large reason of why she loves coming into work.

“The best part about teaching at JU?” Shubert said. “The students. I also am fortunate to work with a group of hard-working faculty/staff.”

Her students share a mutual liking for their professor. Patrick Regis, junior, is a nursing major who sees her as a vital part to the JU nursing school.

“She is an integral part of the nursing department,” he said. “She has taught all of us so much and is someone any student can turn to for help.”

In her spare time, Shubert enjoys cycling and strength training and even teaches a spin class at the JU Fitness Center. Some of her other interests include cooking, gardening, hiking and camping. She seems like a person who loves the outdoors but claims that if she was not a professor or a nurse she would open an herb and culinary store.

Linda Shubert is truly a dedicated professor who is an asset to the JU community, especially its nursing students. If there is one thing she expects in return from all her students, it’s professionalism.

“When students walk across the graduation stage, I expect them to represent JU and nursing by being competent, caring and professional,” Shubert said.