Mysterious Bag Outside of the Science Building

Public Safety and the Fire Marshal stayed from 1:15 to 2:09AM 

On early Friday morning, a mysterious garbage bag was left outside the Science Building.  From 1 to 2 A.M., the Public Safety and the Fire Marshal tried to see the bag contained hazardous chemicals.

"I thought the flashing lights were ambulances and I thought some person got drunk and passed out," said Christine Mathew '15, who lives in Earle Hall, which is located right across the Science Building.  "I didn't know there were fire marshals. I only saw a bunch of lights outside my room."

Public Safety kept their distance from the
garbage outside of the Science Building.

One of the public safety officers searched through all the garbage bags in the dumpster located right outside of the Science Building for clues.  However, he only commented about the odor of bananas and a bag of M&Ms.

I also witnessed a public safety officer walking into the Science Building and immediately walking right back out quickly with his face covered and bursting out with a sound of disgust.

It was strange how Public Safety did not send out an alert to the students to be cautious.

A Public Safety Officer searches through the dumpster for hazardous chemicals.

Reasons for SGA Elections Voter Turn-Out

Each year, the Student Government Association (SGA) holds elections and they do their best to increase voter turn-out by advertising and by word of mouth.  But from what I heard during an SGA meeting, less than 25% of the undergraduate student body (4,000 students total) vote each year.

Some students are not informed about the elections, despite the advertisements on e-campus and on campus.  Some students forget to vote or just do not have the time to do say, even though it takes less than 5 minutes to do so.  Other students are misinformed about the elections are do not know that they are allowed to vote.  For example, Janae Cummings '13, who has served as the Vice President of her class in SGA, did not know that she was allowed to vote for candidates who ran for cabinet positions.

listen to ‘Interview with Janae Cummings '13’ on Audioboo

New Milk Shake Brings All the Students to the C-Store

The milk shakes are machine-made.

Did you hear about the new "F'real" milkshakes, smoothies, and frozen coffee at the Post Hall C-Store?  Students seem to like it; it's been sold out since Tuesday night.

"I really like it," says Ana Maldonado, '16. "It's delicious; it's authentic. It's expensive, but I would get it again."

Although the F'real drinks are a big hit, some students did complain about it.  It isn't healthy and it is $4.99 each.

"It was meh... I don't know if it was just because of the one that I got, but it was grainy," says Joyce Liu, '14.

"The milk shake is so small, and it's like 580 calories," says Nicholas Quinn, '16. "There's like 300 calories from fat."

The F'real Milk Shake is located at the Post Hall C-Store

Tavalon Bubble Tea

Tavalon tea is offered in the Underground Cafe.

Finally, bubble tea, along with Tavalon Tea, has come to Adelphi's Underground Cafe!  Growing up with Chinese parents, I am a huge fan of bubble tea.  During the warm weather, bubble tea is a popular drink/snack for the Asian community in NYC.  It was quite exciting to see a new cultural food come on campus. 

Bubbles, boba, and tapioca balls are synonymous.  They can be added to any drink with an extra cost of 50 cents.  It is available in the Underground Cafe.

“It’s good,” says Kate McLeod, ’15.  “We got green tea with boba.”

My black tea with tapioca balls.

“It’s my first time trying it,” says Meghan Starkes, ’15.  “I wasn’t sure what they were for.  Still not sure what they are for.”

I tried the bubble black tea, but the tapioca balls are not as good as they can be.  I am willing to try it once more, though!

The Tavalon tea menu.

Possible New Food at Adelphi

A "hot pocket"-like wrap.

Earlier today, Lackmann Culinary Services, Adelphi’s food provider, gave free samples of “Pizzan.”  They offered students a choice of either peperoni or buffalo chicken meat.  

“I tried the buffalo chicken and I liked it a lot,” says Nina Stoia, ’16. “My friend got the peperoni and it wasn’t so good… I think I would pay $5.50 for one… I paid $12.00 for a salad.”

“It tasted good, but it tasted like a hot pocket,” says Jacqueline Williams, ’14.

Chef Fletcher Johnson and a Lackmann District Manager

“I wouldn’t pay $5.50 for it because it tastes like rubber chicken,” says Carl Williams ’15.

I tried the peperoni “Pizzan” and I found it to be very unhealthy and oily.  I don’t think it would be a good idea for students to be eating a “Hot Pocket”-like meal lunch or dinner on a daily basis.

Chemistry Lab Gone Wrong

The science building and its proximity was blocked off.

At approximately 1:30pm today, the entire Adelphi community was notified by Adelphi Alert, "the Garden City Fire Department investigating a possible chemical spill in science building. Stay away from area."  Students were all aroused and curious as to what happened.  Two students, whose names will not be identified for privacy purposes, admitted to spilled Bromine, a chemical, during their Physical Chemistry lab experiment.

"It was weird and inconvenient to be disrupted during class,” says Jaclyn Mancini, ’16.  “I didn't actually worry about my safety."             

The Garden City Fire Department came to investigate
the chemical spill in the science building

After an hour of waiting, students, faculty, and
administrators were allowed back into the science building.

While Adelphi Public Safety and the Garden City Fire Marshal investigated and closed off the science building, some students, faculty, and administrators waited outside to enjoy the nice weather.  Some students had no time to waste, so they went into the library to continue their work.     

By 2:30pm, the "Nassau County Fire Marshall determined all conditions are normal in Science Building" and the Adelphi community was allowed back into the science building and its proximity.

NEW Korean Food at Adelphi!

Koso Fresh ad in the UC Lobby

Did you hear? Koso Fresh has come to Adelphi.  Students seem to love the Korean spices and concept, but do they love it enough to keep it in the University Center Cafe permanently?  Some students think that that Koso Fresh rice bowls are delicious, but $8.99 is really expensive for one meal.  Students who are on meal plans have to use two meal swipes to purchase a meal worth $8.99.  Some students miss their waffles, which has been replaced by Koso fresh for this week.  Others are just glad that Kaso Fresh has not taken away their burritos.

Koso Fresh menu

"I thought it was going to replace the burrito station," says Elisa Hanson.  It's good that it's not."

Kaso Fresh's most popular item is its rice bowl, which consists of brown and white rice mixed together.  One can add lettuce, relish, carrots, chic peas, bean sprouts, chicken, pork, tofu, sesame sauce, mild sauce, and hot sauce.

Krissa Dumalo, '16 and Caitlyn Ty, '16 were one of the first students to try Kaso Fresh.  "It was better than I thought it would be," says Caitlyn. "It's like Chipotle, but Korean style. It's good, but when I saw the price..."

Koso Fresh rice bowl with spicey pork

Adelphi, a Safe Zone/LGBTQ-friendly Campus

Photo credit: Adelphi University

It's that time of the year again: housing deposits and applications are due.  But this time, something big's changed: gender inclusive housing.

If you registered to reside on the Garden City campus next fall, you were asked if you'd be "interested in gender inclusive housing."

Most students think of gender inclusive housing as a way for heterosexual couples to live with each other.  However, that was not the intention.  The purpose for this program, currently being proposed, is for students to recognize that Adelphi is moving forward and is LGBTQ friendly.  Gender inclusive housing allows for students, regardless of gender identity and sexual preference, to reside comfortably at Adelphi.

Photo credit: Adelphi University

Many students who have not been Safe Zone trained or are not knowledgeable about their LGBTQ community seem to be against gender inclusive housing and/or supportive of gender inclusive housing for non-LGBTQ related reasons.

"Bad idea," says Junior Leyba, '14. "Nobody will ever get any work done."

"They should really let guys live with girls," says Claudio Ventura, '16.

"Just because I have a girlfriend doesn't mean I'm going to live with her," says Miguel Molina.  "It's just that a guy should be comfortable living with a guy."

"That's nuts...," says Lauren Tesoriero, '14. "I think it can cause a lot of housing issues if two straight people, like a couple, dorm together and then break up, or fight and stuff."

But aren't we adults by now?  Shouldn't we have the right to decide whether or not we want to live with our partners?

One student gave me a different perspective: learning to connect with the opposite sex.  "I support it," says Sam Mirkov, '14.  "It's a great way to connect, even if some people feel it's inappropriate.  Cause think of all the people who have trouble connecting with the opposite sex. [In terms of homosexuals,] it depends on the person.  If he is looking for a partner, he might get attached [in gender exclusive housing].  To be honest, I'd rather live with the opposite sex."

At yesterday's Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, a bill was passed, stating that SGA is in support of gender inclusive housing.  Senators who participated in the discussion were overwhelmingly supportive of the proposal.

Although gender inclusive housing may not be available by fall 2013, the fact that it is being considered is a huge step towards a more socially just community.  Over 129 colleges/universities in the US already provide gender inclusive housing, including Stony Brook University, Albany University, Cornell University, and University of Oregon.

Photo credit: University of Oregon

Underground's Secret Hours

The Underground Cafe is often found
closed on its usual Saturday hours.

The Underground Cafe on the basement of the Adelphi University Center is known for its Starbucks coffee, warm and calm atmosphere, friendly service, jazz music, and pastries.  However, it is also known for its slow and long lines, expensive drinks, low-quality Starbucks drinks, and most annoyingly, inconsistent hours.

"Nice atmosphere, too expensive when it comes to the food, but that's a place that I would have my meetings," says Josephine Chuah '16.  "It's not open on Saturday... Well, I don't go there on Saturdays anyway. But I do like the ladies there; they are very nice and friendly.  But I do wish that the compound was bigger because a lot of people do have lunch there."

According to the Adelphi University Student Planners (funded by the Student Government Association) and the Adelphi website, the Underground Cafe is supposed to be open on Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm.  However, as a resident, I know that this is not true.  Also, the Underground Cafe used to be open on Sundays from 10:00am-2:00pm, but now it is closed.

"It really bothers me that they are not open on the weekends," says Megan O'Reilly, '16.

The amount of seating is limited in the Underground Cafe.

Has "Health Services" Serviced You Well?

Adelphi University Health Services Center at Waldo Hall

As a resident, I use Adelphi's Health Services at least twice a semester.  I've been seen by EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), nurses, and NPs (Nurse Practitioners).  The thing that most frustrates students and myself is that we do not know what each position can and cannot do... we simply want to go to "the nurse" and expect the problem to be fixed by the time we leave.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Although the Health Services Center is open 24/7 (except on special occasions), their services are limited and sometimes unsatisfactory.  On weekdays, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, a nurse is available and an NP is available with an appointment.  On weekdays, from 4:00pm-8:00am and weekends, an EMT is available.  I've been to Health Services for a variety of reasons and I find that  an NP should be available 24/7 because nurses and EMTs are not certified to do certain things, such as prescribe medicine or conduct a blood test.

Ms. Hawley (EMT) showed me how
to wrap my injured foot.

However, this is not to say that nurses and EMTs are useless.  In fact, when my foot was injured the other day, an EMT, Lauren Hawley, was able to take my blood pressure to make sure that I was not internally bleeding.  Ms. Hawley also provided me with three packs of ice and elastic bandage wraps, which she taught me how to use.  She even wrote a note to excuse me from work.  Other students also gave positive feedback:

"Health Services helped me a lot," said Charles Collura, '14.  "I had strep.  They actually gave me an examination; they actually prescribed medication for me. They're better than I thought it would be.  I think the problem is that most people assume that the health center is like the school nurse, who can give you a tissue and a band-aid... but it's actually a legitimate doctor. They actually know stuff."

Overall, the Adelphi Health Services staff does the best that they, but the lack of funding limits their services.

Post Dining Hall: Post Opening Year

Nikos Cafe, a Greek cuisine before Post Dining Hall existed

Photo credit: Adelphi University

Yep, those days of "Nikos Cafe," "Sbarro," and "The Grill" are long gone at Adelphi; but so are the grand-opening days of "All-You-Care-to-Eat" at Post Dining Hall.  According to the Adelphi website, "89% of Adelphi students surveyed stated that they would be interested in an All-You-Care-to-Eat dining option on campus."  However, many students would agree that food at the Post Dining Hall still sub-par.

Post Dining Hall Grand Opening
Photo credit: Adelphi University

If you take a look at Adelphi's Lackmann Facebook page, the cover photo glamorizes what looks to me like a wedge of lettuce with some peppers, onions, and ranch on top.  Seriously? Who looks forward to eating that?  

                                                                                                                                                                 

Lackmann had just provided students with new dining options at Post Hall in late January, so I decided to ask students if they've seen any improvements. 

Photo credit: Adelphi University

"I'd say that they've improved, but very little," says Natnael Petros, '15.  "They need more improvements, but they have improved a little bit compared to last year."

"I think this place has a trajectory that's kind of weird," says Christopher Ladka, '14. "I think this place is very good at the beginning of the semester, and then gets a lot worse. It has periods where it's good and it has periods where it's bad, and overall, it stayed the same."

"I just think it's bad," says Steven Joseph, '16.

"It's improved slightly in the food quality, but it also got more expensive and it still needs a lot of improve," says Lauren Tesoriero.  "[My dinner] was decent, but the first plate I picked up was still dirty and some of the food wasn't as tasty as it looked."

On February 26th, Michael Franzese, the District Manager of Lackmann Culinary Services, and Linda Pianelli, the Marketing Manager, met with the Student Government Association (SGA) to answer the senators' concerns about food at Adelphi.  As Vice President of Class of 2014, I was there for the entire meeting, and although the meeting went well and many solutions seemed to be agreed on both ends, there is still a lack of improvement and results.

Vending Machine in the Library?

Photo credit: Michael Angel

Feeling hungry or tired? Need an instant rush of energy? Well, if you’re in the library, you’re out of luck, because the closest bite to eat is located in another building.

Vending machines exist in almost every other building at Adelphi.

Students at Adelphi have been wondering if there are vending machines in the library and when they realized that there aren’t, confusion, and frustration seem to be the popular reaction.

Library entrance, a possible vending machine location.

Library lobby, another possible vending machine location.

“I’m in the library and I’m studying and I have to go all the way to the Science Building or the PAC for a snack," said Sheba Varghese, ‘14.  "How could the library, out of all places, especially where people would probably need it the most, not have a vending machine? I really don’t understand this and I’ve talkd to many people about it and they have the same concern.”

“I think having to go to the UC to get food is the most annoying thing in the world," said Christine Matthew, ‘13.  "There should really be some vending machines here, especially when it gets late and you’re studying.  The UC and all the other buildings are closed.” 

“I don’t have a problem with it," said Michael Ganci, Library Evening Supervisor.  "My only concern is the books and the computers; spillage and that sort of thing cause we've had that problem before. When we get moldy or wet books back, we have to charge the students. So I’m not totally in favor but I’m not against it either. But if there were vending machines in the library, I’d be the first to use it.”

Library 2nd floor, Quan's suggested location for a vending machine.

“Honestly, I’ve never seen a vending machine in the library," said Quan Tran, Front Desk Lab Consultant.  "Do they even have one yet? I think it would be cool. Maybe one by the bathroom? Because if no one on shift with me, then I can’t get a bottle of soda.”


Although vending machines seem to be a great idea, the issue of having vending machines has been brought to the Student Government Association (SGA) and to Charles W. Simpson, the library Dean. Simpson said that they are in the process of hiring a new library dean, so issues such as this one will have to be held off.  On the other hand, Adelphi is not a big campus, the UC is not too far of a walk, and the library is not a cafeteria.

Bottle Filling Stations

Bottle Filling Station in the University Center Cafe.
Photo by Ammie Lin

In 2011, Adelphi University installed bottle filling stations all over campus for the community to refill and reuse water bottles in an effort to "go green."  The purpose is to save the earth and save money simultaneously.  However, are students taking advantage of these bottle filling stations?  Are the stations maintained properly?

Garbage and Recyling Bins Located
Next to Bottle Filling Station.
Photo by Ammie Lin. 

One bottle filling station is located in the University Center (UC) Café, which seems to be a great place to have one.  However, garbage and recycling bins are placed right next to the station.  It may not be a problem during quiet hours, but when traffic if high, the garbage and recycling bins are filled to the top and eventually, waste and recyclables fall right into the station.  I asked a few students what they think of the bottle filling stations, particularly in the UC Cafe:

“I never even knew we had something like that. I usually bring my own water," said Frank Faber, ’14.  "I never drank out of the water fountains and I probably never will, but if you’re talking about the one that fills up the bottle, probably. I’m EMT-certified and I cannot give CPR if I’m sick, which is why I never drink out of water fountains.”

“I use them in the gym all the time. I don’t really see the fountain in the corner [of the UC Café]," said Brijen Patel, ’14.  "I didn’t realize that there was garbage around the fountain, but I’ll keep a look out for it next time.  It would be cool to have them all around campus; in Resident Halls and even outside, especially during the summer.”

“I use them, but once in a while, they are dirty," said Claudio Ventura ’16.  "I use the ones in Waldo and in the gym.  Besides that, I like them.  It’s in a bad spot.  They should move the garbage cans to somewhere else.”

Bottle Filling Station in Earle Hall.
Photo by Ammie Lin.

On February 11^th, 12:00-3:00pm, I also noticed that laundry detergent was bubbling out of the drain of the bottle filling station in Earle Hall.  

Bottle filling station with detergent bubbles.

In addition to how they feel about having these stations on campus, I asked a few students about this problem as well:

“My problem is that some of them don’t work," said Junior Leyba ‘14.  "I don’t think it’s safe if it’s connected to the laundry. It looks bad on the school because the water that they’re drinking isn’t sanitary.”

Joseph Rao fills up his
water bottle in Earle Hall.
Photo by Ammie Lin.

“Oh, I’m aware, said Joseph Rao.  "But I don’t see what the bubbles coming out of the drain have to do with the water coming out of the fountain. So, I don’t care. It doesn’t affect the water that I’m drinking.”

“Once in a while I fill up a bottle that I have in my room… I didn’t know that; it does sound concerning, said Taylor Ross, '12.  "I probably will drink this [bottle of water], but I won’t drink from the fountain anymore."

Welcome to My Blog!

Hello there! Welcome and thank you for viewing my blog.  I will be posting blogs weekly about the concerns that students have regarding their quality of life here at Adelphi University.  As Vice President of Class of 2014 and the Student Government Association (SGA), I am responsible for making sure that student concerns are heard by the administrators of Adelphi.  My blog is a space where I can publicly share the issues that students are having in-depth.  Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and contact me!