The concept of media literacy has been rising in both journalistic circles and common discussions across campus — accusations of being “media illiterate” or assumptions that media literacy is solely an issue for those interested in communications have become a common refrain. But the concept of media literacy is not a new force, and efforts to expand the course offerings throughout the college reflect a growing interest in the field. 

Lately, I’ve heard all kinds of responses when talking to people before and after the election. I’ve heard people afraid of the current state of the world, I’ve heard people afraid of deportation, environmental catastrophe, economic downturn, discrimination and the decline of democracy. I’ve heard that people are afraid.

Gen Z needs to get to work. But Gen Z is not your savior.

Ithaca College has a history of staff and program cuts that have created a feeling of unrest both in the student body and staff. The return of Huron Consulting Group on campus is not an immediate cause for concern from an academic standpoint, as it may lead to the strengthening of the institution as a whole. But for employees of the college, patterns of academic prioritization due to COVID-19 have raised warning signs. 

No politician, party or policy can save or condemn us. In the wake of election results that may put many of Ithaca College’s community members at risk, we need a reminder that our civic duty does not end or begin with Election Day.

I write this note of gratitude in memory of Professor George Schuler (1935–2024) who passed away on September 7. I suspect his former colleagues and students have plenty of stories to share about his warm humanity, open-mindedness and caring nature, and this is mine.

Independent bookstores are the heart of any community, and in Ithaca, Buffalo Street Books  proudly fulfills that role for locals, students and visitors alike. As an Ithaca College alumni who has made their home in Ithaca, Buffalo Street Books has been a shining beacon of what it means for a local organization to serve its community above all. That’s why, in a time of crisis for the store, it is imperative that the college’s community stand behind this iconic Ithaca institution. 

Following escalations in Gaza in the past year, significant media attention has been paid to the ongoing conflict and its expansion throughout the Middle East. Commentators sympathetic to both Palestinian and Israeli experiences have raised charges of bias against mainstream Western publications.

Ithaca College students respond to the 2024 presidential election. The students were interviewed before and after the results of the presidential election were announced. These responses were selected through brief, impromptu interviews with campus community members. They are not representative of the entire Ithaca College community, and have been edited for clarity and length.