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UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

All content by Courtney Green
Photo credit Dan Parker.

“Administration is not doing enough”: SDS speaks on neo-Nazis, campus preachers, and activism

Courtney Green, News Editor November 22, 2019

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) is a student-led activist group on campus. They campaign around equity and social justice on campus, tackling big issues like racism and LGBT rights. From a standpoint...

Navya autonomous driving vehicle. Photo by Dan.

The future is self-driving and it’s here in Jax

Courtney Green, News Editor November 19, 2019

No steering wheel. No pedals. The Autonom Shuttle by Navya is touted as the “cutting edge of multi-sensor technology.” And soon, a fleet of 12 autonomous vehicles will run the Bay Street Innovation...

A student shared a photo of this flyer to Reddit, saying it was found outside of Chick-fil-A on UNF's campus.

Students stand up against neo-Nazis; their banner is taken down

Courtney Green, News Editor November 14, 2019

The neo-Nazi saga continues for UNF, this time in the form of an anti-neo-Nazi banner being removed within less than 24 hours of putting it up. UNF Students for a Democratic Society (UNF SDS) dropped...

Apps to aid the student grind: iPhone edition

Apps to aid the student grind: iPhone edition

Courtney Green, News Editor November 14, 2019

The student grind challenges us all, especially at the peak of the semester when it's all downhill from here. Here are four iPhone apps (check out the Android list here) for four different areas of your...

Apps to aid the student grind: Android edition

Apps to aid the student grind: Android edition

Courtney Green, News Editor November 13, 2019

There’s an app for that. No. Seriously, there’s probably an app for that. There’s probably app with a soundboard that can tell you “there’s an app for that” whenever you have even the hint...

UNF stands at attention ahead of ninth annual Veterans Day Tribute

Courtney Green, News Editor November 9, 2019

The proud flags of the U.S. military branches billowed in the breeze through UNF’s Veterans Plaza ahead of the ninth annual Veterans Day Tribute.  As set-up for the event was underway, Spinnaker...

Jazz your way into Veterans Day

Jazz your way into Veterans Day

Courtney Green, News Editor November 9, 2019

Get in the Veterans Day spirit this weekend with the “Airmen of Note,” the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. The active duty Airman musicians will be performing this Sunday,...

UNF's Thomas G. Carpenter Library is a "no potato zone"

UNF’s Thomas G. Carpenter Library is a “no potato zone”

Courtney Green, News Editor November 7, 2019

Want fries with that? It appears an Osprey forgot their cooked sweet potato in a University of North Florida Bookstore vending machine. The Thomas G. Carpenter Library was a good sport about it though,...

Photo by Camille Shaw

Bicyclist and pedestrian collide, rescue called

Courtney Green, News Editor November 6, 2019

A bicyclist and pedestrian collided around 5 p.m. near the Green and Lot 2. One of the individuals involved received a very minor road rash, according to a University statement. As a result, rescue...

Halloween Special: Spinnaker tells ghost stories

Courtney Green, News Editor October 31, 2019

We’ve all got a ghost story, real or passed down. Here are a few for you to carry through the Halloween evening. The Ghost in the Yard “So this is a real ghost story. It happened when I was in...

An extra hour of sleep, brought to you by the end of Daylight Savings

An extra hour of sleep, brought to you by the end of Daylight Savings

Courtney Green, News Editor October 31, 2019

Are you ready for that extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning? Daylight savings ends Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m., meaning that the “fall back” allows for an extra hour of sleep at the cost of a...

Need a Lyft to your next job? Lyft's new program aims to help you get there

Need a Lyft to your next job? Lyft’s new program aims to help you get there

Erik Feliciano and Courtney Green October 30, 2019

If you're having trouble getting to your next job interview or are having problems getting to work, Lyft has just announced their new Jobs Access Program for over 35 cities, including Jacksonville. The...

Rejoice! Popeyes chicken sandwich is back!

Rejoice! Popeyes chicken sandwich is back!

Courtney Green, News Editor October 29, 2019

Remember back in August when that magical sandwich came out at Popeyes and was subsequently consumed in its mass produced entirety two weeks later? Well, it’s back! The menu item is slated...

Two-factor authentication is coming: Time to rise and shine without MyWings issues

Two-factor authentication is coming: Time to rise and shine without MyWings issues

Courtney Green, News Editor October 22, 2019

If you're already annoyed with the two-factor authentication notifications...You'll be even more annoyed tomorrow. MyWings can be a hassle to login into on a good day, but tomorrow morning will be the...

The big takeaway: the CNN/New York Times democratic debates

The big takeaway: the CNN/New York Times democratic debates

Courtney Green, News Editor October 16, 2019

The CNN/New York Times debate in Westerville, Ohio featured 12 candidates. The next debate, slated for November, will likely be missing some of those who stood on the stage last night. Spinnaker’s...

Photo by Joseph Basco

Money moves: UNF ranks nationally for low student loan default rates

Courtney Green, News editor October 16, 2019

Student loans are the bane of a college student’s existence. The idea of taking on debt in exchange for a degree that might land you a job that can then pay off that debt may even be anxiety inducing...

A preacher on the Green.

“Do not engage”: UNF and UPD comment on recent protest against YouTube preachers on the green

Courtney Green, News Editor October 14, 2019

After multiple protests against a preaching group known as Untamed Truth, the University has provided Spinnaker with a statement regarding the group’s right to be there, as well as advice for students. “Thus...

Dean of Students and Ombuds respond to preachers and protesters on the Green

Courtney Green, News Editor October 10, 2019

For the second week in a row now, students protested preachers on the Green. This time, it got the attention of the Dean of Students and the Ombuds. Dr. Andrea Adams-Manning, Dean of Students, along...

Young man vaping.

UNF & the vaping epidemic: A generation going up in smoke?

Courtney Green, News Editor October 4, 2019

“It looks like it is almost coating the inside of the lungs with Saran-wrap.” You’ve heard the horror stories of young adults with breathing issues. You’ve seen the pictures of cloudy lungs...

*Halloween special* Top three TV conspiracy theories

*Halloween special* Top three TV conspiracy theories

Courtney Green, Breanna Cataldo, and Kaitlyn Bowers September 26, 2019

We all have our favorite childhood TV shows -- the ones that made us feel all warm and fuzzy in our pajamas on Saturday mornings, the ones that made us laugh out loud. Maybe thinking back on them elicits...

Free (or discounted) services for students

Free (or discounted) services for students

Courtney Green and Jessica Volz September 25, 2019

Being a college student has its perks. Check out these free -- or discounted -- services for uni students. Microsoft Office 360 Oh, the dread -- a professor has requested that you submit an assignment...

Individual studying for LSAT. Photo provided by Kaplan.

Law students rejoice: the LSAT has gone digital

Courtney Green, News Editor September 20, 2019

The MCAT and GRE have already made the switch to digital. Now, the LSAT follows. Spinnaker reached out to Kaplan, an education service which prepares students for the LSAT, to get the swoop on the details. According...

Fresh Week 2019 flyer.

Get fit, have fun, get educated with Fresh Week

Courtney Green, News Editor September 19, 2019

Get your fit on starting next week with UNF’s Department of Recreation & Wellness as they kickoff Fresh Week. For the entire week of September 23 - 27, expect to see a modified list of special group...

Retired U.S. Ambassador Barbara Stephenson speaks at UNF Herbert University Center. Photo by Romario Gardner.

Former U.S. ambassador speaks at UNF on relations with Latin America

Courtney Green, News Editor September 18, 2019

On Tuesday, September 17, former Ambassador to Panama Barbara Stephenson gave a talk at UNF’s Adam W. Herbert University Center on “The Latin Americans: Their Love-Hate Relationship with the U.S.”  Barbara...

The Women's Center.Photo by Bronwyn Knight

A guide for Freshmen: What is the Women’s Center?

Courtney Green, News Editor September 18, 2019

"I’m interested in the Women’s Center, but I don't really think it's the place for me." Well, lucky for you, the Women’s Center is an intersectional, all-inclusive place for everyone and every identity...

Picture of Mindy the Gator at UNF

Howard’s got competition: Meet Mindy the Gator

Courtney Green, News Editor September 16, 2019

A common saying here in Florida goes something along the lines of this: “Where there’s water, there is probably a gator.” UNF has tons of water hot-spots, so naturally we should anticipate a gator...

Howard the Duck with a romantic interest in Candy Cane Lake. Photo by Nathan Turoff.

Scandal on Candy Cane Lake: Howard the Duck spotted with new love interest

Courtney Green, News Editor September 13, 2019

Sparks and feathers flew on Candy Cane Lake when Howard the Duck was spotted with a new friend, the very mysterious brown duck. Before UNF’s short hurricane break, Spinnaker received a news tip outing...

A person coding on a laptop.

Fullstack/UNF Coding Bootcamp offers separate Intro to Coding course

Courtney Green, News Editor September 12, 2019

Still thinking about UNF’s new IT program, the Coding Bootcamp, that starts next month? Maybe you aren’t sure if coding is for you but you’re still interested. Well, good news: Fullstack and the...

UNF student union at night

For the first time, UNF ranks nationally among top universities

Courtney Green, News Editor September 12, 2019

It’s official: UNF isn’t just where Ospreys swoop. It’s where we soar. For eight years, UNF has ranked as “Best Regional” university by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. That...

Java coding

Fullstack scholarship available for UNF Coding Bootcamp

Courtney Green, News Editor September 11, 2019

Have your eyes on UNF’s new IT program? Don’t let the cost turn you off! Fullstack Academy is providing a $2000 scholarship to the first class of UNF students to participate in the program.  The...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: UNF closes all residential housing, moves remaining students

Courtney Green, News Editor September 2, 2019

At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 2, UNF announced it will be closing all residential housing and the Osprey Cafe at noon tomorrow in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian. In the alert, UNF also urges students...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: Category 4 upon landfall

Courtney Green, News Editor August 30, 2019

Hurricane Dorian continues to strengthen and is now a Category 4. The hurricane is expected to still be a Category 4 upon landfall on Florida's coast late Monday or Tuesday morning. To be clear, Dorian...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: hurricane may be a Category 2 when it hits Jax

Courtney Green, News Editor August 30, 2019

According to News4Jax's 5 p.m. advisory, it's anticipated that Dorian may be a Category 2 hurricane when it hits Jax on Tuesday. The location of where the storm will make landfall has also shifted further...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: Dorian strengthens to a Category 3

Courtney Green, News Editor August 30, 2019

Hurricane Dorian has strengthened to a Category 3 and is anticipated to make landfall sometime Monday, September 2. At the time it makes landfall, it may be a Category 4. UNF has cancelled classes for...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: UNF cancels classes and activities through Tuesday

Courtney Green, News Editor August 29, 2019

At 5:35 p.m., UNF sent out an Osprey Alert stating that classes and activities will be cancelled from Saturday, August 31 through Tuesday, Sept. 3 due to Hurricane Dorian. Dorian is currently expected...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: Governor Ron DeSantis announces school closures

Courtney Green, News Editor August 29, 2019

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced school closures for Central Florida. University of Central Florida, Daytona College, Valencia College, and Florida Polytechnic University are among the colleges and...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: UNF begins hurricane preparations

Courtney Green, News Editor August 28, 2019

Spinnaker has confirmed that UNF Physical Facilities has already removed umbrellas from around campus as of today. They will either begin moving other items indoors or secure them down outdoors as Hurricane...

Text that says "Tracking Dorian" over an arial picture of a hurricane

Tracking Dorian: Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency

Courtney Green, News Editor August 28, 2019

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency as Category 1 hurricane Dorian approaches Florida. It is anticipated the hurricane will be a Category 3 when it makes landfall in the state. At...

Blue, gray, and...green? The UNF Bookstore and sustainable practices

Blue, gray, and…green? The UNF Bookstore and sustainable practices

Courtney Green, News Editor August 28, 2019

Have you ever wondered where those old, no-longer-used textbooks go after you drop them in the donation box outside of the UNF Bookstore? Maybe you’ve never even noticed the donation box or you’ve...

A random Popeyes.

Everybody panic– Popeyes ran out of chicken sandwiches

Courtney Green, News Editor August 27, 2019

Why did the chicken cross the road? Hopefully not to get its wings on the new and overly-popular Popeyes chicken sandwich that launched August 12. Unfortunately, those are already sold out. Even Gayle...

The UNF Counseling Center.

The UNF Counseling Center gets a new director

Courtney Green, News Editor August 27, 2019

After a brief searching phase that was only in the drafting stages as of late July, Dr. Richmond Wynn has been named the new Director of UNF Counseling Center.  On July 25, it was announced that the...

UNF Writing Center. Photo by Courtney Green.

A guide for Freshmen: What is the UNF Writing Center?

Courtney Green, News Editor August 26, 2019

In the floating halls above the ground-level of UNF’s sidewalks lies a land of myth spoken about only by concerned professors and dedicated students. It’s rumored that this place can provide you with...

Study tips to start the new semester off right

Courtney Green, News Editor August 26, 2019

Fall semester has only just begun, but it's a good idea to go ahead and draft your study plan now before classes become too overwhelming. Lucky for you, Spinnaker tracked down some A+ study tips from your...

Instagram logo

Instagram hoax fools celebrities and politicians

Courtney Green, News Editor August 22, 2019

Did you fall for the most recent Instagram hoax? If so, you’re not alone. Many celebrities fell for it too. Even Secretary of Energy Rick Perry fell for it, and he’s in charge of nuclear security. This...

Pride flag.

What to expect from the LGBT Resource Center this semester

Courtney Green, News Editor August 21, 2019

The LGBT Resource Center is ready to start this semester off with pride. Spinnaker sat down with Dwan Love-Dinkens, Program Coordinator for the LGBT Resource Center, to get the SWOOP on everything the...

Spinnaker Media's mural. Photo by Courtney Green.

A guide for Freshmen: What is Spinnaker?

Courtney Green, News Editor August 20, 2019

So you're new to UNF and you just heard about us when you saw our glossy new magazine. Or maybe you've been reading us for a while now but are under the impression that we are an office of reporters only.  Regardless...

The mural walkway. Photo by Courtney Green.

Club’n at the Nest

Courtney Green, News Editor August 20, 2019

So you’re new to UNF or  you’ve stumbled around campus blindly for three semesters and just realized there’s stuff going on around you. Maybe you’re still stuck in the glory days of high school...

A white duck that looks like Howard the Duck.

A duckumentary: the legend of Howard the Duck

Courtney Green, News Editor August 19, 2019

Not all osprey-lings turn out to be full-fledged ospreys when they grow up. Face it-- sometimes, one out of every thousand is going to be a duck, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of an osprey at...

work

Need a job? Don’t have a car? Work on campus!

Erik Feliciano and Courtney Green August 16, 2019

So you’re a Freshman who is rolling up broke and wants some extra spending money. Lucky for you, there are tons of job opportunities on campus just a stone’s throw from your dorm. You can find applications...

concert

Jacksonville’s got talent: 5 bands from Jax

Courtney Green, News Editor August 15, 2019

If you’re new to Jacksonville, you might not be aware that we’re a city of true talent here. Artists, musicians and authors from all levels of celebrity stature call River City their home. Here are...

bathroom signs

Where to find feminine friendly and gender neutral bathrooms on campus

Courtney Green, News Editor August 15, 2019

So, you’re new to UNF and you don’t know the first thing about the bathrooms around here. Well, our chambers have a few secrets as far as women and unisex goes. Ladies Mother Nature surprised...

man sitting on couch against wall, looking sad

A path forward: OCD Jacksonville seminar at UNF

Courtney Green, News Editor August 14, 2019

Do you or someone you love suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? OCD Jacksonville and Chi Sigma Iota’s Sigma Phi Epsilon (UNF) Chapter will be bringing a free seminar on OCD to UNF on Sept. 8,...

Mark Tumeo, the former dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. Courtesy of the University of North Florida

One last say in Tumeo case as closing arguments show both sides of the story

Heydi Ortiz and Courtney Green August 13, 2019

We now know the final arguments in the case for and against a former dean getting his job back at UNF.  Spinnaker obtained the closing written arguments in the Mark Tumeo vs. The Board of Trustees...

Student Profile: Lee Giat, eyes to the stars

Courtney Green, News Editor August 9, 2019

Meet Lee Giat. He is down to earth but has his head in space. “My majors are communications and physics, specifically in video production and astrophysics. My ultimate goal is to make the first movie...

Photo by Camille Shaw

Update: Chally doesn’t buy Professor Thornton’s end-of-the-year “Aloha Party” story

Heydi Ortiz and Courtney Green August 1, 2019

This story was updated on Nov. 7, 2024, at 2:49 p.m. to clarify that Thornton was under the influence of cold medicine, changing "Dr. Thornton explained that he was under the influence himself at the time...

The UNF Counseling Center.

The future of the UNF Counseling Center

Courtney Green, News Editor July 31, 2019

Big changes are coming to the UNF Counseling Center in the wake of Dr. Andy King's decision to step down from his position as UNF Counseling Center Director.  Student mental health is one of UNF President...

Exclusive video: UPD body-cam video shows alcohol-fueled end-of-year class party

Courtney Green, News Editor July 29, 2019

“Spread it out. This is good stuff.” It’s the first thing that can be heard in a police body-cam video that Spinnaker recently obtained of Dr. Brian Thornton’s end-of-the-year luau -- a class...

Back-to-School supplies

Add this to your calendar: tax-free holiday

Courtney Green, News Editor July 26, 2019

Gear up on your back-to-school necessities, Ospreys! Florida’s Sales Tax Holiday, otherwise known as the “tax-free holiday,” begins next Friday, August 2.  This is the perfect time to stock up...

Florida Theatre Jacksonville

Comedian Cody Ko coming to Jax

Courtney Green July 18, 2019

Get ready to laugh!  The “Tiny Meat” comedy tour is coming to Jacksonville on November 01. Tickets are priced at $76 on some ticket-buying sites, but you can get your ticket directly from Florida...

One-Stop

One-Stop life hacks for incoming freshmen

Courtney Green July 12, 2019

Many students privately express frustration with their university’s financial aid department, no matter what university it might be. So how can you make One-Stop actually one stop? Here are some tips...

Person using iphone in vehicle

How Florida’s new texting and driving law will affect UNF students

Courtney Green July 2, 2019

You might have heard about the new texting and driving law, which went into effect Monday, July 1. The Wireless Communications While Driving Law (also known as the Texting Law) means that you can receive...

Pit-Gate: Halsey, body hair and UNF’s opinion

Courtney Green June 27, 2019

Rolling Stone’s forthcoming July issue features singer Halsey and her pits-- unshaven. While the internet had a lot to say about the cover’s release, we decided to ask UNF students their opinions. Overall,...

What incoming freshmen need to know about UNF's Student Wellness Complex

What incoming freshmen need to know about UNF’s Student Wellness Complex

Courtney Green June 24, 2019

College is a time to reinvent yourself, and many people see physical fitness as an integral part of reinvention. To get our new students acquainted with UNF’s Student Wellness Complex, Spinnaker spoke...

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