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UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

A photo of Madelyn Schneider

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief

Madelyn Schneider is Spinnaker's current editor-in-chief. She is a junior majoring in English and minoring in mass communication at the University of North Florida. Madelyn began her work for Spinnaker as its news editor in the spring of 2024 and was promoted to editor-in-chief over the summer of 2024. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys writing, reading and camping out at all the local coffee shops.

All content by Madelyn Schneider
A field of United States flags outside the UNF Student Union.

[Photo] The day after: Student thoughts post-Election Day

Sierra Parsons, Volunteer Reporter November 12, 2024

A field of United States flags outside the UNF Student Union.

This combination of file photos shows Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, speaking at a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 12, 2024, 2024, and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaking a town hall campaign event in Warren, Mich., on Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo)

2024 Presidential Election: Live electoral map

Presidential Election 2024 - Spinnaker live map by Spinnaker Newsroom. Updates by Madelyn Schneider. __ *Updates to the interactive graphic reflect electoral vote counts as of Nov. 10 at 3:22...

Lenny Carrillo from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office sets up voting booths at the Meadow Woods Community Center in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Early voting begins in Orange County on Monday and runs through November 3. There will be 22 locations across the county for early voting, open from 8am to 8pm daily. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

A Florida voter’s guide to the amendments on the ballot

There are six amendments on Florida ballots this election that, if approved, will make changes to state law on issues ranging from marijuana use to abortion access.  For enactment, each amendment needs...

A sticker that reads "I Voted in Duval County."

2024 Election: Key North Florida races, live updates

Candidate Guides U.S. Senate: Florida In the U.S. Senate race, Republican and incumbent Sen. Rick Scott faces Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in a statewide election.  Rick Scott (R) Scott is a former...

Still of "Coraline." (2009 Laika)

Editor Picks: Top 5 not-so-spooky Halloween movies

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief October 30, 2024

This article expresses the views of its author(s), separate from those of this publication. Readers are encouraged to comment or submit a Letter to the Editor to share their opinions. To submit a Letter...

(Courtesy of UNF SG)

Student Government releases unofficial fall 2024 election results

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief October 23, 2024

The Student Government Office of Elections released the names of the 17 winning candidates of its uncontested fall mid-term elections Wednesday afternoon, after canceling the voting process earlier this...

Trustees sit at around the table for their quarterly meeting at UNF Mednexus on Sept. 30, 2024.

BOT approves freedom of expression amendments, grants Limayem $100,000 bonus and raise

Mindy McLarty, Madelyn Schneider, and Ethan Leckie October 17, 2024

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees passed an amendment last month to a university regulation that changes the way people can demonstrate and protest on campus. The passing of this amendment...

The Lufrano Intercultural Gallery being prepared for "The Art of Hope" exhibit.

[Photo] New art exhibit tells story of life after incarceration

Sierra Parsons, Volunteer Reporter October 14, 2024

The Lufrano Intercultural Gallery being prepared for "The Art of Hope" exhibit.

Hurricane Milton upgraded to major hurricane - live updates

Hurricane Milton upgraded to major hurricane – live updates

Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a major Category Four hurricane, according to a  National Hurricane Center 8 a.m. update. The University of North Florida sent out alert yesterday, saying...

A large, blue statue with the letters UNF on a concrete slab

Faculty union files class action grievance against UNF

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief October 5, 2024

The University of North Florida faculty union filed a class action grievance against the university on Friday, alleging that UNF violated the union’s agreements on post-tenure review guidelines.  In...

Screenshot of the Phish Alert Report button, accessed via UNF Microsoft Outlook emails.

[Photo] Scam likely: Phishing emails take over University inboxes

Brennan Ambrose, Police Reporter September 30, 2024

Screenshot of the Phish Alert Report button, accessed via UNF Microsoft Outlook emails.

National Weather Service cone map of Tropical Storm Helene as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. (NOAA, NWS)

UNF closed Thursday and Friday— Helene live updates

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief September 24, 2024

All classes and on-campus activities have been canceled for Thursday and Friday, according to a UNF campus alert sent out at 4:52 p.m. All offices will also close. The University plans to resume normal...

A mural of sticky notes created by Korie ‘Gigi’ Novaton, spelling out “Voces y Caras.”

Self-discovery in community: How Voces y Caras celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Kaili Cochran and Madelyn Schneider September 26, 2024

Voces y Caras— the product of storytelling, discovery and community. The University of North Florida Art Gallery will host this immersive exhibit of Hispanic voices and faces for Hispanic Heritage Month.  Led...

B&A Committee alters and passes Title VIII amendments

B&A Committee alters and passes Title VIII amendments

Ethan Leckie, Mindy McLarty, and Madelyn Schneider September 7, 2024

[A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the amendments to Title VIII would be sent to the university president, Moez Limayem, for final approval after a potential approving vote from...

Student Government banner

Proposed Title VIII changes expand SG treasurer power

Madelyn Schneider and Ethan Leckie September 5, 2024

[A previous version of this article was published Sept. 4, 2024. The following article was updated to remove a section titled "'Unanimous approval' for special requests over $7,000" because the article...

The Student Government Senate's seal on the wall of the Senate Chambers on the third floor of the University of North Florida's Student Union.

Breaking down SG’s proposed Title VIII changes ahead of Senate approval

Ethan Leckie and Madelyn Schneider September 4, 2024

[Update: The following article was updated to remove a section titled “‘Unanimous approval’ for special requests over $7,000” because the article implied this was a new proposal. However, the language...

The University of North Florida entrance sign with a green palm tree behind and purple and white flowers in front.

Tuesday power outage that left two lineworkers injured caused by ‘electrical arc fire,’ says JEA

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 30, 2024

The power outage that injured two lineworkers earlier this week was caused by an “electrical arc fire,” according to JEA.  The two JEA linemen, David Lutins and Theodric Arline, were taken to Memorial...

UNF logo.

UNF restores power after incident leaves two JEA employees injured

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 27, 2024

The University of North Florida restored power on campus after an incident that injured two JEA employees. JEA said the electrical cabinet failure caused the outage, but no other details were released,...

University of North Florida sign

UNF continues to restore power on campus after two JEA workers injured in an incident

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 27, 2024

The University of North Florida sent a second alert Tuesday saying it is continuing to restore power on campus after an incident that injured two JEA employees. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said the...

UNF logo.

UNF alert says power outage impacting multiple parts of campus

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 27, 2024

The University of North Florida sent out a campus alert Tuesday in response to a campus power outage. According to the alert, the power outage affects multiple parts of campus and "JEA is on site working...

UNF'S Counseling Center entrance

‘We all need people’: Licensed therapist on UNF Counseling Center group therapy and more

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 26, 2024

According to the Healthy Minds Network 2023 survey, about a third of college students have some kind of anxiety or mood disorder. Shana Sopko, group coordinator and licensed mental health counselor at...

UNF logo.

Public notice: UNF releases amendment to Freedom of Expression in Outdoor Areas of Campus regulation

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 23, 2024

The University of North Florida released its proposed amendment to regulation 7.0040 of Freedom of Expression in Outdoor Areas of Campus. The UNF Board of Trustees will consider the changes at their next...

UNF logo.

UNF network up and running after campus-wide outage

Madelyn Schneider August 20, 2024

[Updated Aug. 20: Spinnaker originally published that UNF said they did not know the cause of the network outage but has updated the article to reflect UNF's latest response.] The University of North...

The comedy show featuring Keenan Thompson will take place at the Fine Arts Center in the Lazarra Performance Hall on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. Admission is free for all UNF students with an Osprey1 card. Doors will open at 6 p.m. (Courtesy of UNF SG)

Comedian Kenan Thompson to perform live at UNF

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 15, 2024

The University of North Florida’s Student Government announced Thursday that comedian Kenan Thompson will be the performer for its scheduled on-campus comedy show.  SG President Michael Barcal announced...

Cara Tasher conducts the UNF chamber ensemble at the Small Guild Hall in Riga, Latvia. In Riga, the chamber singers performed with the BALSIS Youth Choir.

Letter from the Editor: What I learned on tour with UNF’s chamber singers

Madelyn Schneider, Editor-in-Chief August 12, 2024

This summer, I had the opportunity to join select members of the University of North Florida’s choir members on their tour of Finland, Latvia and Estonia. Until May, I had never ventured outside the...

Student Government responds to student backlash over comedy show budget

Student Government responds to student backlash over comedy show budget

Madelyn Schneider and Ethan Leckie August 12, 2024

Students took to social media last month to voice their frustrations after the University of North Florida’s Student Government approved a $110,000 budget for a high-profile comedy show, which is scheduled...

UNF will be closed Monday, new alert says: Tropical Storm Debby live updates

UNF will be closed Monday, new alert says: Tropical Storm Debby live updates

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor August 4, 2024

Latest graphics Monday Aug. 5, 4:30 p.m.: A tropical storm warning remains in effect until Monday at 7 p.m. for Coastal Duval county.  NWS extended the tornado watch for Florida’s Clay, Duval,...

UNF ‘maintaining normal business operations’ Monday: Live updates on Tropical Storm Debby

UNF ‘maintaining normal business operations’ Monday: Live updates on Tropical Storm Debby

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor August 4, 2024

Sunday, Aug. 4, 6:10 p.m.: The University of North Florida will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5 per an alert issued after this original article was published. Coverage of UNF's latest campus alert and live...

UNF issues campus alert: Monitoring Tropical Storm Debby

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor August 3, 2024

Updates Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, 5 p.m.: Spinnaker's Tropical Storm Debby updates made after 5 p.m. Sunday can be monitored here. Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, 11:30 a.m.: Jacksonville is now under a tornado...

(Photo courtesy of UNF)

Upperclassmen share dorm essentials and what freshmen should know

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor July 31, 2024

Move-in is right around the corner for students at the University of North Florida. To help incoming freshmen navigate their first move-in, upperclassmen shared some things that made dorm life easier.  Eda...

The Arena Parking Garage, located next to the Student Union, is open to students with a blue pass and has faculty reserved spots. During the fall 2022 semester, cars could be seen driving around the garage constantly, searching for an open spot.

What students should know when parking on campus this fall

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor July 19, 2024

Parking permit sales began earlier this month for University of North Florida students. UNF Director of Business and Parking Services, George Androuin, gave his tips for students parking on campus this...

The Osprey Connector

UNF announces transition to new app for Osprey Connector shuttle

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor July 8, 2024

The mobile app, DoubleMap, used by the University of North Florida’s Osprey Connector shuttle service will be replaced by the TransLoc app this week. UNF announced the app change via an Instagram...

This photo taken from a screen shows the first presidential debate between US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the CNN studio in Atlanta. The first pre-election debate between current US President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be held on June 27 without spectators or reporters in the CNN studio in Atlanta. (Photo by Artem Priakhin / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

What last week’s presidential debate could mean for the 2024 election

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor July 2, 2024

Last Thursday, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden debated for the first time since the 2020 election season, resulting in many false claims from Trump and a performance by Biden that...

Aidan O’Gorman races in the men’s 10,000m final race at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. (Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics)

UNF runner places 20th at U.S. Olympic trials

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor July 1, 2024

University of North Florida track and field runner Aidan O’Gorman competed in the U.S. Olympic trials on June 21 for the men’s 10,000-metre run. The event in Eugene, Oregon, was the final qualifier...

UNF biology professor Scott Jones (right) celebrates with ecologist Ches Vervaeke (left) next to the northernmost mangrove in southern Georgia. (Photo courtesy of UNF).

UNF biology professor discovers northernmost mangroves ever recorded

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 25, 2024

University of North Florida biology professor Scott Jones recently found mangrove trees in southern Georgia. He said these are the northernmost trees ever recorded. Back in January, Jones headed north...

In this combination photo, President Joe Biden speaks May 2, 2024, in Wilmington, N.C., left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, May 1, 2024, in Waukesha, Wis. President Joe Biden says he won’t participate in the campaign debates sponsored by a nonpartisan commission, instead challenging Republican Donald Trump to a pair of debates. Biden said Wednesday that Trump lost two debates to him in 2020 and since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Biden proposes debating Trump twice. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

Trump vs. Biden: A UNF political science professor’s November forecast

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 24, 2024

Donald Trump and Joe Biden will face off in their first 2024 debate on Thursday. University of North Florida political science professor Michael Binder said this November’s election will be neck-and-neck....

The Lycoming Tri-County NAACP organized a Juneteenth Celebration featuring food vendors, music, and speakers at Brandon Park in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on June 19, 2021. Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday two days earlier. (Photo by Paul Weaver/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

The significance of Juneteenth to UNF’s Black Student Union

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 18, 2024

Wednesday is Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery for African Americans in the United States. The University of North Florida will be closed for the holiday, and members of the...

President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden exchange points during their first presidential debate Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

What candidates voters might see in this year’s ‘exceptionally close’ election

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 17, 2024

As Florida voters begin to line up at polling stations in November, here are the candidates they can expect to see on their ballots and what policies they represent. The Democratic National Convention,...

UNF logo.

UNF campus alert warns of phone scam

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 17, 2024

The University of North Florida sent out an alert notification on Monday afternoon to inform the community about a phone call scam. According to the alert, an unknown individual called the family of...

UNF archaeology students dig at Black Hammock Island

UNF archaeology students dig at Black Hammock Island

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 10, 2024

A group of UNF archaeology students have begun a new dig at Black Hammock Island on Jacksonville’s Northside to uncover history left behind by the indigenous people of northeast Florida. More than...

The Florida State Capitol building is seen in Tallahassee, Fla., Jan. 11, 2024. (AP photo/Francis Chung)

What will be on Florida ballots this election season

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 7, 2024

On August 20, Florida voters will choose which candidates will appear on the November ballot at the federal and state levels. The deadline to register to vote in Florida’s primary election is July...

ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot that Open AI claims can “help with writing, learning, brainstorming and more.”

[Photo] Students using generative AI to write essays and solve problems: Should we be worried?

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern June 6, 2024

ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot that Open AI claims can “help with writing, learning, brainstorming and more.”

Rendering of the new Jaguars stadium (Photo courtesy of the City of Jacksonville)

How Duval voters feel about public funding for Jaguars stadium renovations

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 3, 2024

The University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab released results from its Jax Speaks Poll last Tuesday. The poll was conducted from May 21 to May 23. PORL asked 667 Duval County registered...

A rainbow flag waves at the starting line of a Pride Observance Month 5K run at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 21, 2019. The rainbow flag is displayed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning events worldwide as a symbol for diversity in the LGBTQ community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal)

Members of the UNF LGBTQ community share their stories for Pride Month

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 3, 2024

June 1 marked the first day of Pride Month, a time to celebrate and increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community. However, the University of North Florida's LGBTQ Center closed a month before. UNF...

UNF MedNexus

UNF MedNexus launches three academic programs in Palm Coast

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor June 1, 2024

UNF MedNexus has three new degree programs coming to Palm Coast, as it announced this week. Enrolling now for the fall semester are the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration, Master...

A QR code sign is displayed at Florida Atlantic University on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Boca Raton, Fla. for students to register to vote. Abortion and marijuana will be on Florida's November ballot, and these issues are critical issues for young voters. (AP Photo/Cody Jackson)

Florida 2024 ballot measures: Why college students should care

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor May 19, 2024

It's no secret that Americans are divided over Trump and Biden. But there's more to look out for on the November ballot, including the six proposed constitutional amendments Floridians will vote on. According...

Hannah Kalas and other students gather around Tucker. (Madelyn Schneider)

Campus Canines helping students destress before finals week

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 29, 2024

Students at the University of North Florida have been flocking to the library before finals week to study for their big exams, and the library organized some events like visits from the Campus Canines...

UNF astrophysics professor Marina Kounkel (Photo courtesy of Marina Kounkel)

NASA awards UNF astrophysics professor Marina Kounkel $500,000 grant

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 19, 2024

This month, the University of North Florida received a $500,000 grant from NASA to research young stars and eclipsing binaries over the next three years. Marina Kounkel, an associate professor of physics...

Ilyssa Tomlinson receives $17,000 Gladys Prior Award (Photo courtesy of UNF)

UNF partners with local philanthropist to surprise four Jacksonville teachers with awards

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 19, 2024

The University of North Florida’s College of Education and Human Services presented four Duval County teachers with awards of $17,000 each on Tuesday. Philanthropist Gilchrist Berg established the...

Ernesto Zedillo speaking at the Distinguished Voices Lecture on Tuesday night (Photo courtesy of the World Affairs Council)

Ernesto Zedillo’s lecture at UNF: A polarizing speaker with unifying ideas

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 15, 2024

Last Tuesday night, former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo spoke at the Adam W. Herbert University Center to give his perspective on Latin America-U.S. economic relations as part of the Distinguished...

Photo by Alexis Molinaro

Summer and fall registration is here: Tips from advisors and students

Madelyn Schneider and Jeanne Gilbert April 15, 2024

Registration for summer and fall classes at UNF began at 7 a.m. on Monday, and time tickets and course schedules were released on April 5 for students to begin planning. Senior Director of Student Success...

UNF spent nearly $300,000 on OzFest performers T-Pain and Flo Milli

UNF spent nearly $300,000 on OzFest performers T-Pain and Flo Milli

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 10, 2024

The University of North Florida’s annual homecoming concert, OzFest, took place on February 3, and T-Pain and Flo Milli’s contracts show nearly $300,000 was spent on the featured performers. Headliner...

(Photo courtesy of UNF)

Former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo speaking at UNF Tuesday night

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 9, 2024

The University of North Florida will host this semester’s final Distinguished Voices lecture on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, where former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo...

(Photo courtesy of UNF)

UNF raises over $2.3 million during sixth annual Giving Day fundraiser

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 5, 2024

The University of North Florida held its sixth annual Giving Day event this week. According to the university, the fundraiser raised over $2.3 million from over 4,300 donors, more than double the amount...

(Courtesy of UNF Dean of Students)

UNF holding several events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor April 4, 2024

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the University of North Florida is hosting several events over the next few weeks as part of an initiative called “Start by Believing.” The events will...

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