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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Shelby Senesac

All content by Shelby Senesac
Dr. Tracy Alloway / Photo Courtesy of UNF.

UNF psychology professor publishes new book ‘Think Like a Girl’

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jul 20, 2021

Award-winning psychologist and UNF psychology professor, Dr. Tracy Alloway, published her new book “Think Like a Girl: 10 Unique Strengths of a Woman’s Brain and How to Make Them Work for You.” The...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels.

UNF’s procedures for tropical storms and hurricanes

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jul 13, 2021

With hurricane season rushing in, UNF continues to work to keep students, faculty, and staff well-informed, prepared, and safe when it comes to severe weather striking the First Coast.  The UNF Emergency...

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Photo courtesy of Kim Jinhong via Pexels.

Using hazard lights in Florida now legal in certain weather conditions

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jul 9, 2021

Florida drivers have been reminded over the years not to use their hazard lights in the rain, however, a new law in Florida changes that.  The new law, which went into effect July 1, allows Florida...

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President Anne H. Hopkins. October 7,1998

Former UNF President Anne H. Hopkins passes away

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jul 7, 2021

The University of North Florida’s fourth president, Dr. Anne H. Hopkins, passed away this past Fourth of July weekend. Dr. Hopkins was the University’s president from 1999 to 2002 and worked as a political...

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Photo courtesy of Mayor Chris Hoffman.

Mayor of Jax Beach recaps Orange Crush Festival; Shares thoughts on the event

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 25, 2021

Last weekend, the highly anticipated Orange Crush Festival made its way to Jacksonville Beach. Spinnaker spoke with Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman to discuss the events that took place and if the...

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UNF ranked No. 7 most affordable LGBTQ-friendly college nationally

UNF ranked No. 7 most affordable LGBTQ-friendly college nationally

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 23, 2021

UNF landed No. 7 in Student Loan Hero’s ranking of the most affordable LGBTQ-friendly higher-education institutions in the U.S. for 2021.  Student Loan Hero researchers selected colleges and universities...

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Photo courtesy of UNF Osprey Life and Productions.

UNF Summer B Kickoff week

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 21, 2021

This week, UNF will be welcoming new and returning students to the Nest with Summer B Kickoff week – a series of fun events and programs including a summer bash, cookout, movie night, and more.  “Summer...

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Photo courtesy of University of North Florida.

Upcoming graduation walks for Summer Class of 2021 and Class of 2020

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 17, 2021

UNF will be honoring and holding in-person graduation walk events for both the Summer Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020.  The Class of 2020 will have the opportunity they missed last year amid the...

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Photo courtesy of Orange Crush Festival.

Orange Crush Festival to bring the party to Jacksonville this weekend

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 15, 2021

This weekend, June 18-20, the Orange Crush Festival is coming to Jacksonville to host a three-day event that will include a mixer/showcase, pool party, beach days, vendor villages, and after parties. The...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Blood drive at Osprey Fountains on Tuesday, June 15

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jun 14, 2021

The University of North Florida and the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the common rooms at Osprey Fountains. The Osprey Fountains is located...

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Photo courtesy of Cassiano Psomas via Unsplash

Mental health awareness: Psychiatric service dogs & emotional support dogs

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 20, 2021

Psychiatric service dogs and emotional support dogs can greatly benefit those who struggle with their mental health or those with mental disabilities. Could one of these be right for you? Dogs are known...

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UNF bringing new engineering degree programs in Fall 2021

UNF bringing new engineering degree programs in Fall 2021

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 18, 2021

This fall, UNF is opening two new engineering degree programs which consist of an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. The new undergraduate degree being offered to students is the Bachelor of...

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Photo courtesy of Anna Shvets via Pexels

New CDC guidelines ease some concerns UNF faculty members raised

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 14, 2021

Earlier this week, several UNF faculty members relayed in an email sent to all UNF faculty that they were troubled by UNF’s change to their mask policy which no longer requires masks to be worn on campus....

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Your mind matters

Mental Health Awareness Month: Your mind matters

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 11, 2021

Say it louder for the people in the back: “You are not alone!” Mental health is just as important as physical health. The entire month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and works...

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Photo courtesy of Anelya Okapova via Pexels

Flesh-eating bacteria lies in Florida waters

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 7, 2021

It’s summer in Florida, which means the heat is progressively swelling and people will be spending more time in Florida’s seawater. However, those entering the water should be aware of the dangerous...

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Photo courtesy of Charlotte May via Pexels

UNF students’ thoughts on some colleges requiring COVID-19 vaccine

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | May 6, 2021

There is a growing number of colleges in the U.S. that will now require students to have the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus in the fall. As of now, UNF isn’t one of them, but Spinnaker wanted...

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"JACKSONVILLE, FL - APRIL 24: General view of the sold out crowd on hand for UFC 261 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 24, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida."  (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) / Photo retrieved from Rolling Stone

How a mass crowd gathered in a Jax arena for the UFC 261 during a pandemic

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 30, 2021

On April 24, more than 15,000 people sat shoulder to shoulder at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 261 in the middle of the COVID-19...

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Photo courtesy of Jill Responte

Stunning mural created for Spinnaker Media

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 27, 2021

Vibrant bursts of color and a captivating work of art now greet those who enter Spinnaker Media’s office thanks to recent UNF graduate and Spinnaker’s design editor, Jill Responte. Responte has...

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UNF logo

COVID-19 violations at UNF

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 26, 2021

Although UNF hasn’t had as many students on campus as previous years because of the pandemic, there has still been a large number of students who have violated the university’s protocols and rules...

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Photo courtesy of Erik Witsoe via Unsplash

Things to do in Jacksonville on a rainy day

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 22, 2021

Florida’s rainy season is right around the corner – the wet season stretches from May to October every year. Despite Florida being the “Sunshine State,” many Floridians have become accustomed to...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Does a graduate’s GPA really matter?

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 22, 2021

It’s a question that crosses most college students’ minds: Will my graduating GPA affect my chances of getting or not getting the job I apply for? To put it simply, your GPA might not matter as...

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Simple money-saving hacks you need to try

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 14, 2021

Are you money-hungry? On the surface, transferring funds from your checking account into your savings account might seem like the easiest way to save money. However, there are lots of other simple money-saving...

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Best companies to work for in Jax according to the web

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 14, 2021

Spinnaker decided to do some digging and find Jacksonville’s best companies to work for based on pay, hours, benefits, and work-life balance. Among four popular career/employee websites (Glassdoor,...

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Anti-Semitic propaganda QR codes found attached to UNF professors’ doors

Anti-Semitic propaganda QR codes found attached to UNF professors’ doors

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 6, 2021

According to the Jewish Student Union, QR codes leading to anti-semitic propaganda were found on the doors of several professors within the Social Sciences building last week during Passover. Some of those...

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Image created by Shelby Senesac.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: UNF to host informative discussions via Zoom

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 5, 2021

Join UNF’s virtual panel and discussion series taking place through Zoom this month which aims to raise awareness of sexual violence; inform students, faculty, and staff on reporting procedures, and...

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UNF chemistry professor awarded exclusive fellowship in Washington, D.C.

UNF chemistry professor awarded exclusive fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Apr 1, 2021

UNF associate professor of chemistry, Dr. Josh Melko, has been awarded the highly competitive American Chemical Society (ACS) Congressional Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Only two spots for the fellowship...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Tips for building credit and avoiding debt

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 30, 2021

Having credit is key when it comes to renting an apartment, buying a house, purchasing a car, and much more. Aside from having credit built up, having a good credit score is extremely beneficial because...

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Photo by Justin Nedrow

UNF paving the way for grads to succeed in the new economy

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 25, 2021

UNF was recognized on a national podcast, “Post Corona,” earlier this month for its cutting-edge initiative by joining graduates with companies that pay real salaries. “Post Corona,” hosted...

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Photo courtesy of UNF / UNF Giving Day Zoom background

UNF Giving Day 2021 recap; What the donated funds will go towards

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 24, 2021

UNF Giving Day 2021, which took place earlier this month, was the most successful one yet. The donated funds from this year’s Giving Day will go a long way, continuing to make UNF’s campus and student...

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Photo courtesy of UNF Fraternity and Sorority Life

UNF students claim to be members of Kappa Sigma under false pretenses

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 23, 2021

Earlier this month, Spinnaker received a letter that was sent to Greek chapter advisors from the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Headquarters. The letter stated that some UNF students are misrepresenting themselves...

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Photo by Justin Nedrow.

Students’ thoughts on UNF’s reopening plans for the fall

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 18, 2021

UNF students will flock back to the Nest this fall semester, and Spinnaker decided to see how students feel about it. While some are looking forward to being back on campus, others aren’t as comfortable...

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Police presence at the scene / Photo by Nathan Turoff

Body pulled out of retention pond at UNF

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 16, 2021

The body of a 17-year-old male was pulled from the retention pond beside Alumni Hall at UNF according to Action News Jax.  Officers arrived at the scene around 6 p.m. and Dani Bozzini from Action News...

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Photo courtesy of Skitterphoto via Pexels

Florida gas prices continue to soar

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 15, 2021

Gas prices in Florida are quickly on their way to hitting $3 per gallon. What’s the deal?  According to AAA, Florida gas prices are the most expensive they have been since June 2018, and they could...

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Photo created by Shelby Senesac

Advising responds to “U Never Finish” poll and offers helpful tips for students

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 11, 2021

Spinnaker spoke to UNF Advising and got their feedback about the results of the “U Never Finish” poll. UNF Advising also offered lots of useful tips for students to help with their journey towards...

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UNF Virtual Learning Center / Photo by Justin Nedrow

UNF’s Virtual Learning Center now open

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 10, 2021

Wander the streets of Tokyo, take flight into space, swim through a coral reef, see the world through a colorblind person’s eyes, participate in an operating room, and experience so much more at UNF’s...

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Frances Glessner Lee working on one of the dioramas / Courtesy of the Glessner House Museum, Chicago / Photo retrieved from Harvard Magazine

Women’s History Month spotlight: Frances Glessner Lee

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 8, 2021

Little displays of death – Frances Glessner Lee took forensic science and criminal investigations to new heights by recreating violent crime scenes. She recreated them with the tiniest of details at...

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Photo courtesy of UNF.

Swoop and support UNF Giving Day

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Mar 7, 2021

A gift, no matter the size, that makes a difference – UNF Giving Day is an all-day event that will take place March 10, 2021.  Every year, Osprey alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends support...

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Photo courtesy of Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas via Pexels

Sexual assault and harassment in college

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 25, 2021

Imagine having your innocence stolen, your body violated, and your mind left emotionally traumatized. It happens all the time on college campuses, UNF being one of them. It’s crucial for students to...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Florida ranked as one of the worst states for human trafficking

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 24, 2021

Florida can’t seem to keep its name off of any lists that involve ‘the worst’ out of a ranking of states or areas. Florida was once again recognized as one of 'the worst’ at something. However,...

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Photo created by Stella Filipov (Art Director of Spinnaker Media)

Gender pronouns after profile name: What does it mean and how to change yours

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 17, 2021

You’ve probably seen ‘he/him/his, she/her/hers, or they/them/their’ beside someone’s profile name during a Zoom class, on Canvas, at work, etc. You might be wondering, why are some people doing...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Online vs. face-to-face courses: Which do UNF students prefer?

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 11, 2021

Does your learning preference differ from the majority of students? Spinnaker released a poll on social media platforms asking students whether they prefer online or face to face courses at UNF. A total...

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"Black History Month" by Enokson is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 / Creative Commons

Visit the Florida Black Heritage Trail

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 9, 2021

In honor of Black History Month, take a trip back in time and explore the Florida Black Heritage Trail to learn more about Florida’s African American history. The trail works as a guide to all the different...

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What’s up with UNF’s reputation of standing for “U Never Finish”?

What’s up with UNF’s reputation of standing for “U Never Finish”?

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 4, 2021

Spinnaker decided to ask students through a multiple-choice poll posted on Facebook and Instagram on why they think UNF got the unfortunate naming “U Never Finish,” and the results might surprise you.  Students...

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Photo by Kat Wilcox via Pexels

Homicides in Jacksonville continue to rise at an alarming rate

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 3, 2021

Jacksonville holds the dreadful reputation of being the murder capital of Florida. With Jacksonville’s homicide rates continuing to climb over the past five years, it leaves locals wondering if 2021...

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Blind Date with a Book is back this February

Blind Date with a Book is back this February

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 1, 2021

Love is in the air, and so is COVID-19. What better reason is there to stay in and curl up with a good book? Plan a Blind Date with a Book for this Valentine’s Day!  Carpenter Library is back with...

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Photo by Robin Worrall via Unsplash

Are you spending too much time on your phone?

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Feb 1, 2021

A poll put together by Spinnaker reveals the shocking truth about how much time people spend on their cell phones. The poll asked UNF students how much time they spend on their phones per day. Students...

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Gov. DeSantis speaks about 2021-22 state budget plan during press conference in Tallahassee on Thurs. Jan. 28 / Photo screenshot by Shelby Senesac

DeSantis 2021-22 state budget plan; $2.7 billion for Florida’s universities, no tuition increase

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 28, 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis revealed his state budget plan for the next fiscal year, 2021-2022, on Thursday, Jan. 28. The budget presents a bright outlook for colleges and universities. The 2021-22 budget...

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Photo from Brody’s series “Public Domain” - Welcome to Fabulous Art (Mural collaboration by Dustin Harewood, Elena Ohlander and Shaun Thurston; mirror mosaic by Christy Frazier, Jacksonville, FL), 2020, Archival Inkjet Print / Image courtesy of Ally Brody

Meet UNF’s Student Artist-in-Residence, Ally Brody; exhibit now open at MOCA

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 26, 2021

The UNF Student Artist-in-Residence exhibit, “Ally Brody: Public Domain,” is a sight to see. Brody’s “Public Domain” captures and highlights the uniqueness and creativity of street art throughout...

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Photo by Catherine Sheila via Pexels.

UNF Environmental Center to host community cleanup; Volunteer opportunity

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 25, 2021

If you’re looking to volunteer and make a difference in our environment, get together with the UNF Environmental Center to help clean up debris and plastic items along some of Jacksonville’s waterways.  Volunteers...

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Jacksonville University under mandatory evacuation due to bomb threat

Jacksonville University under mandatory evacuation due to bomb threat

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 22, 2021

Jacksonville University is under mandatory evacuation due to a bomb threat. All Jacksonville University students and staff were told to leave campus immediately following a bomb threat this afternoon,...

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Photo by Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

Unique spots in Jacksonville that offer free Wi-Fi

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 20, 2021

If Wi-Fi connection troubles keep getting in the way of getting your work done, or you simply just want a change of scenery while you’re grinding out homework assignments, check out some of these awesome...

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Photo by Ekrulila via Pexels.

What sort of jobs can you land with your UNF major?

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 14, 2021

After graduating from UNF with your degree of choice, it’s time to do the thrilling task of applying for a job that coincides with what you’ve learned and mastered in college. There’s a wide variety...

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Photo by PhotoMIX Company via Pexels

Tips for UNF residents on keeping yourself and your belongings safe

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 14, 2021

No matter where you live, the possibility of burglary or theft lingers. What precautions can UNF residents take to avoid potential burglaries and thefts?  Last year, there were a number of burglaries...

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Want to banish the booze? Here are ways to boost your mental health amid the pandemic besides drinking

Want to banish the booze? Here are ways to boost your mental health amid the pandemic besides drinking

Shelby Senesac, News Editor | Jan 12, 2021

There’s no denying that COVID-19 brought numerous unforeseen changes into our lives in 2020. For many people, their anxiety skyrocketed during this time and they’ve turned to alcohol in order to cope. According...

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