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FAU University Press The University Press (UP) is FAU's first student-run newspaper. The University Press (UP) is FAU's student-run magazine.

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“Adam Hasner does not have the experience nor the credentials in academia or university management,” said Yordanos Molla...
02/21/2025

“Adam Hasner does not have the experience nor the credentials in academia or university management,” said Yordanos Molla, an organizer with Dream Defenders. “How is a person with no experience in higher education management skilled enough to become a university president?”

The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) confirmed Adam Hasner as FAU’s eighth president on Feb. 20, despite student concerns about his ties to the private prison industry and lack of academic credentials.

The confirmation follows the FAU Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimous vote last week to select Hasner, a former Republican state representative and current executive president for public policy at The GEO Group — a for-profit prison corporation.

During the public comment portion of the BOG meeting, students and activists strongly opposed Hasner’s appointment.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: .mmt
📸: Reece Handley

On Feb. 18 and 19, Cindy Smock, better known as Sister Cindy on Instagram and TikTok, made her way down to Florida Atlan...
02/20/2025

On Feb. 18 and 19, Cindy Smock, better known as Sister Cindy on Instagram and TikTok, made her way down to Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus, bringing her “HoNoMo Revolution” to spread her message of the importance of repenting from sexual impurities and the dangers of worldly influences to students.

“Living the ho life is like a gold studded diamond in a pig’s nose!” These are amongst some of the things Sister Cindy shouted to crowds of Florida Atlantic students, as she handed out branded buttons and mini scripture books to those who participated.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: Kaii Thompson
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I’m going to preempt this column with a few general study-abroad tips I’ve learned over the past week since I flew from ...
02/19/2025

I’m going to preempt this column with a few general study-abroad tips I’ve learned over the past week since I flew from Miami to Prague, with a connection in London, as I am studying abroad for over five months at Anglo-American University. Frankly, I chose to come to the capital of Czechia because I know nothing about it; that way everything will be fresh and new for me — I will share this journey, the good and the bad.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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Students are speaking out against Florida Atlantic University’s decision to relocate burrowing owls after the Florida Fi...
02/17/2025

Students are speaking out against Florida Atlantic University’s decision to relocate burrowing owls after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) approved a permit to clear space for a new residence hall set to open in 2026.

While the FFWCC permits FAU to “non-lethally harass” the owls from their campus habitat, FAU’s representative said only a cluster of owls were affected.

“The permit was for the removal of just one burrow cluster, and the team had observed only two pairs of owls on the construction site,” wrote Joshua Glanzer, FAU spokesperson in an email on Feb. 14.

For many, the issue isn’t just about housing, it’s about protecting and preserving the wildlife on FAU’s campus.

“We just want to stand together to let the school know that these little guys don’t have a voice,” Jose Camacho, FAU’s Sustainability Club president and an environmental engineering senior said. “We are trying to be that voice for them.”

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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Before the lights dim and actors take their positions, Florida Atlantic students in the Department of Theatre and Dance ...
02/14/2025

Before the lights dim and actors take their positions, Florida Atlantic students in the Department of Theatre and Dance spend countless hours preparing for their ongoing show, 1776. This musical follows the Founding Fathers on their journey to signing the Declaration of Independence. The final show date is Feb. 16. The pre-production process involves script analysis, set design and weeks of rehearsals.

Among the various moving parts of preparing two to three shows per semester, over 50 actors, lighting technicians and sound designers each play a crucial role in creating this immersive historical musical.

“Since theatre is such a collaborative art form, being able to bring life and energy to shows with cast mates is something that happens often,” Mack Moore, a musical theatre sophomore, said.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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📸: Courtesy of Paisley Kinkade

Florida Atlantic University has joined the elite group of 187 universities nationwide that hold the highest research cla...
02/14/2025

Florida Atlantic University has joined the elite group of 187 universities nationwide that hold the highest research classification.

The university’s new R1 status, awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, places the university as the sixth school in the Florida State System to reach this level, according to a Feb. 13 email from Interim President Stacy Volnick.

“Achieving R1 status is a Big Deal,” the email reads. ‘It is more than just a title — it serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, opening doors to major donors, research grants and partnerships that will elevate our institution’s capabilities and reach.”

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: .mmt
📸: Alex Dolce

“If you destroy the habitat in one place they’re either killed in the process or they have nowhere to go,” said Colin Hu...
02/12/2025

“If you destroy the habitat in one place they’re either killed in the process or they have nowhere to go,” said Colin Hughes, an associate professor in the Department Biological Sciences at FAU.

The state of Florida has permitted university staff to “harass” burrowing owls in an attempt to clear out the land needed for the construction of a new dorm. Harassing is intentionally chasing away an animal from their natural habitat.

Florida Atlantic University staff plans to welcome students to a new dorm in fall 2026. In September of last year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) gave the university a permit to relocate the owls in the coming weeks. Staff will remove the owl burrows, and place them in a location that is yet to be determined.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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“By removing barriers to education and opportunity, our approach demonstrates how individuals and families can be empowe...
02/11/2025

“By removing barriers to education and opportunity, our approach demonstrates how individuals and families can be empowered, paving the way for brighter futures and stronger, more resilient communities,” said Gregg Fields, leader of the program at FAU, in a press release.

On Jan. 23., the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods chose Florida Atlantic University to receive a $21 million grant, which is the largest grant that the University has ever received, according to a press release from FAU.

Florida Atlantic University was chosen to receive the grant in order to expand the Broward Unlimited Potential (UP), a program launched by Broward College in 2018 that provides community members over the age of 18 with skills-based courses and certifications for free.

The program offers Adult Education programs, including GED and ESOL programs, Career Pathway Navigators, a CE to Credit program that allows those who completed a skills-based certificate to earn credit for their degree at no cost, and an employment program that gives participants free job placement.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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📸: Courtesy of iStock

On Monday, the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Adam Hasner as the eighth preside...
02/10/2025

On Monday, the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Adam Hasner as the eighth president of the university.

Hasner is a former Republican member of the state’s House of Representatives and the current executive vice president for public policy at The GEO Group, a for-profit prison corporation with longstanding ties to the university.

The search has been ongoing since 2022 when former President John Kelly stepped down. This is the second iteration of the presidential search, which started in July 2024. A previous search ended after a violation of Florida law on Oct. 30, 2023. For this current attempt, the committee hired Tennessee-based search firm Buffkin/Baker to assist.

Stacy Volnick has served as the interim president since 2023 and will continue until the new president begins their first day in office. In early July 2023, the FAU Presidential Search Committee named finalists for the first search attempt; however, it was suspended — which restarted the entire search process. The last search did not meet this point of the process of interviewing the finalists.

The next step in concluding the presidential search is for the Florida Board of Governors to confirm the candidate chosen by the trustees, the date of the meeting has yet to be announced.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: Michael Cook

I feel restored knowing that Florida Atlantic University cares about all its students. There was a short time when I fel...
02/10/2025

I feel restored knowing that Florida Atlantic University cares about all its students. There was a short time when I fell through the cracks in the system. I needed help from the university and thought that no one was listening. However, after many emails and phone calls, I was indeed heard and my problem was solved.

As a part-time computer engineering student, I am on the larger side, weighing over 400 pounds. I returned to FAU in the fall of 2021 after a hiatus of 22 years. Until now, I had managed with the seating provided in the classes I attended. The chairs were either sufficient to hold me, or I squeezed in when necessary.

My request was simple: a chair without arms and a small desk in the classrooms I attend. Such accommodations would make it possible for me to participate in class comfortably and effectively. Last semester, I found a suitable desk in the classroom. It was probably for someone else, and it has since been removed — leaving me struggling to find a solution.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: Skylar Gutman

BREAKING NEWS: The Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees has voted to name Adam Hasner as the eighth president o...
02/10/2025

BREAKING NEWS: The Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees has voted to name Adam Hasner as the eighth president of the university, selecting him from three finalists. All of the BOT trustees voted for Hasner in today’s meeting. This decision follows last week’s series of public forums, which allowed university stakeholders to ask questions of the final candidates, including Michael Hartline and John Volin.

The next step in concluding the presidential search is for the Florida Board of Governors to confirm the candidate chosen by the trustees — the date of the meeting is to be announced. This second round of the search has been ongoing since 2022 when former president John Kelly stepped down. Stacy Volnick has been serving as the interim president since 2023 and will continue in this role until the new president begins their first day in office.

In early July 2023, the FAU Presidential Search Committee named finalists for the first search attempt; however, it was suspended after a violation of Florida law on Oct. 30, 2023 — which restarted the entire search process. 

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: Michael Cook

On Feb. 6, Hillel Center, a Jewish campus organization on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus, hosted its f...
02/08/2025

On Feb. 6, Hillel Center, a Jewish campus organization on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus, hosted its fourth annual “Spread Cream Cheese not Hate” campaign, which was started in an effort to combat campus-wide antisemitism or hate against individuals of Jewish faith.

Now celebrating its fourth year, Hillel commits to teaching FAU community members to spread awareness against antisemitism in exchange for a bagel with cream cheese.

Senior Danielle Cohen volunteers for Hillel. She reveals her pride for the campaign as they reach 600 signatures and her thoughts on what this pledge means to her.

“The community is supportive of us, and that they’re not going to use slander or hate speech against us,” Cohen said. “I stand against antisemitism, I really cherish our community and I want to make my voice known.”

Read the full story at upressonline.com

✍️ Sam Grizelj
📸 Courtesy of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach

Florida Atlantic women’s basketball (10-14, 2-9 AAC) is a little more than halfway through its American Athletic Confere...
02/07/2025

Florida Atlantic women’s basketball (10-14, 2-9 AAC) is a little more than halfway through its American Athletic Conference schedule for the 2024-25 season.

The Owls are currently ranked 12th in the AAC, tied last with Wichita State. In the preseason poll, the Owls were picked last in spot 13 in the conference going into their second year in the AAC.
With only seven games remaining in conference play, the Owls must sharpen their ex*****on on both ends of the floor to climb the AAC standings.
The Owls have suffered the loss of good players to injuries early in the season, such as freshman guards Erin Rodgers and Sydney Mains. Nonetheless, FAU has persevered and pushed through its season despite these temporary setbacks.
“Erin came out the gate really hot for our team and unfortunately suffered an ACL tear at Christmas, but she was phenomenal,” said Sullivan. “We really expected [Sydney] to be a big contributor to it this year, but she also had to undergo knee surgery; just in terms of their personalities, they’ve been great.”

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“Our students, our faculty, our staff should all feel that they have a place here, that they belong… and they should exp...
02/07/2025

“Our students, our faculty, our staff should all feel that they have a place here, that they belong… and they should expect to have their voices heard and they should expect to be seen and valued as community members,” said John Volin, one of three finalists for Florida Atlantic University’s current presidential search, .

Volin presented his vision for the institution during a series of public forums on Feb. 6. If elected, he would become FAU’s eighth president.

Volin, the current executive vice president and provost at the University of Maine, addressed topics about academic freedom, artificial intelligence and student success during the forums. These question-and-answer sessions were divided into three categories: One for Faculty, another for Students and then Staff, Donors and Community Members across three FAU campuses.

Volin started his academic career at FAU, joining as an assistant professor of botany in late 1995 after completing his doctorate and postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: .mmt
📸: Photo courtesy of the University of Maine’s Office of the President page

From the small town of Keystone Heights, Fla. to the swaying palm trees in Boca Raton, Kiley Channell is stepping into h...
02/06/2025

From the small town of Keystone Heights, Fla. to the swaying palm trees in Boca Raton, Kiley Channell is stepping into her sophomore year as a standout talent on the Florida Atlantic University’s softball roster. 

Channell played tee ball since the age of four, making her no stranger to the game, nor when it comes to dominating on the red clay. Her whole life has been dedicated to swinging a bat at an overly sized baseball. Growing up, she was coached by her father Jason, and watching her brother play baseball — she easily developed a love for playing the sport.

“Kiley would always tag big, huge power five schools, and she randomly popped up on my Twitter one day. And I was like ‘Who is this kid and why is she still uncommitted?’. Usually by your junior year you are committed, and she was an uncommitted senior,” said FAU softball head coach Jordan Clark.

Now, Channell gears up for the start of a turning-heads sophomore season this spring. The reigning AAC regular season and conference champs team takes the field against the University of Mississippi Ole Miss on Feb. 6.

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Florida Atlantic University graduate student warns against Adam Hasner’s presidential bid, citing ties to for-profit pri...
02/05/2025

Florida Atlantic University graduate student warns against Adam Hasner’s presidential bid, citing ties to for-profit prisons and far-right extremism before a scheduled public forum on Friday.

In a recent message to students at the university, the presidential search was headlined “Florida Atlantic’s Next Chapter.” This begs the question: Does Hasner have the mindset to represent our institution in these already difficult and divisive times? Hasner has limited experience in higher education administration compared to the other finalists: Michael Hartline and John Volin.

His primary connection to academia is a decade-long advisory role with FAU’s College of Business. Further, his association with The GEO Group is contentious, given the company’s controversial history. You are the company you keep. Hasner’s past history suggests he is an ideologue of the first order.

The BOT has promised a series of open forums for the candidates this week. It is my hope that the student body will organize and raise concerns about Hasner’s potential appointment. If the past is prologue, in 2013, GEO gave a $6 million donation to FAU in exchange for its name on the stadium. After students protested against this idea, given the serious ethical issues with the company’s operations, the university’s administration returned the donation.

In sum, we can potentially correct a grievous wrong in hiring Hasner to lead FAU into its next chapter.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
✏️: Melissa Roberts

Michael Hartline appealed to the crowd with humor at the public forums on Feb. 3 across three of Florida Atlantic Univer...
02/04/2025

Michael Hartline appealed to the crowd with humor at the public forums on Feb. 3 across three of Florida Atlantic University’s campuses, speaking to faculty, students, staff, donors and community members as he pitched himself to be the university’s eighth president.

Hartline explains that his president’s office would have a “transparent open door policy,” meaning he is here for all of FAU’s community. He says anyone, especially students, can talk to him because he is here to serve them and build up the school.

“Number one is we’re here for students. My main goal is student success. We would not be here if it weren’t for students. We all have jobs and wonderful jobs that we love, because we get to interact with students every single day. And it’s truly amazing. I always say they are the best ambassadors of the university,” Hartline said during the Open Forum for Staff, Donors and Community Members. 

As Hartline said, student success is one of his promises, or what he called his “True Norths,” and leadership is another on his list. He believes that whether he becomes the next president or remains in his current position, the job is not about him. He has a button on his wall that says, “This job is not about me,” as a reminder that his purpose is to serve others.

To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.
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Videos

Jose Camacho, FAU’s Sustainability Club president speaks about advocating for burrowing owls amid the relocation for a new dorm building. To read, more visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

This past weekend, the Super Bowl brought in the most watched Halftime show of all time. Students reflect on their favorite Kendrick Lamar songs.

Happy Saturday, Owls! Here’s the news recap for the week. To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

Here’s what you might have missed about the presidential search. To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio. Happy Wednesday, Owls!

Hear what Hillel volunteers had to say about the “Spread Cheese Not Hate” event hosted on Feb. 6. and read the University Press’s full coverage on the event at the link in bio!

Student protesters outside Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton’s Student Union to voice their concerns about FAU Presidential Search Finalist Adam Hasner after the public forums.

Lys Hayes interviews FAU softball infielder Kylie Channel. To read the full feature article visit upressonline.com and watch the full interview at https://youtu.be/AN74GLgs2gA

What are FAU students’ favorite throw-back songs? Watch to find out!

REPOST: Watch Tristin Trivers, an FAU student and social media influencer go for a run on the Boca Raton campus while University Press Students Life Editor, Gabriela Quintero ask him some questions about his life as a content creator. To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

An announcement for the upcoming open forums for the presidential search this week.

Happy Monday, Owls! Here’s the news recap for the week. To read more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

With chilly weather comes great music! Students around FAU’s Boca Raton campus reflect on their musical choices this week.

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The University Press (UP) is FAU's student-run newspaper. WEB: http://www.upressonline.com E-MAIL: [email protected] TWITTER: http://twitter.com/upressonline PHONE: (561) 297-2960 NEWSROOM: Room 214, Student Union, Boca campus