Campus Times

If you’ve ever taken a STEM class at URochester, chances are you’ve used WeBWorK: a shared rite of passage with courses ranging from calculus to computer science.

Behind the platform is a powerful, open-source system built on decades of faculty contributions, delivering instant feedback to over 1,300 institutions around the world.

“My impression is that WeBWorK is truly the premier math homework software in the world. And has been that way for at least 20 years, URochester math professor and WeBWorK co-administrator Mark Herman said.

🖋️: Maya Brosnick, Editor-In-Chief and Elena Bachmann, Publisher
📸: Harry Li, Photo Editor

🔗 Read the full article with the link in our bio.

Tristan Bass-Krueger, a URochester PhD student and TA is facing federal charges after engaging in sexually explicit communication and contact with a minor he met on Tinder.

Authorities say the case involved the exchange of messages, images, and videos. “If convicted, the charges carry a maximum criminal sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine,” writes News Editor Teddy Almond.

The University confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement and issued a campus ban. The individual was arrested out-of-state and is expected to be extradited to New York.

🖋️: Teddy Almond, News Editor
📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

🔗 Read the full article with the link in our bio.

Most people picture Greenland as distant and frozen, but “what happens there over the next few decades will shape coastlines, weather patterns, and human migration for centuries.”

As the island’s ice sheet melts at a staggering rate of roughly 280 billion tons per year, scientists warn of accelerating sea level rise which could disrupt ocean currents and affect a feedback loop that regulates global temperature.

In 2021, Greenland moved to ban offshore drilling and uranium mining. In a stark contrast, the Trump administration recently announced plans to open up new oil drilling along the coasts.

🖋️: JohnPaul Sleiman, Staff Writer
🎨: Rida Al-Zayad, Staff Illustrator

🔗 Read the full article with the link in our bio.

The 98th Academy Awards nominations highlight a promising future for Hollywood, boasting a widespread slate of films that blend critical acclaim with audience popularity.

From box office hits like “Sinners” and “Marty Supreme,” to critically acclaimed films such as “Hamnet” and “One Battle After Another,” this year’s Best Picture candidates reflect the Academy’s tastes and what is relevant in the zeitgeist.

With “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” emerging as major frontrunners—the latter making history with 16 nominations—it’s clear that this year’s Oscar’s nominations showcase the growing recognition of original storytelling, genres, and diverse voices.

🖋️: Benji Cutler, Staff Writer
🎨: Eliana Thompson, Illustrations Editor

🔗 Read the full article with the link in our bio.

As the Spring Semester starts, students returning to campus are preparing for rush season and looking into Greek life at URochester.

The University is home to 23 affiliated fraternities and sororities, each an opportunity to for students to “find the best fit socially.” Taking place over the course of a week (sororities) or a month (fraternities) rush season allows interested students to meet with current members through various activities.

Despite preconceived notions, current Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) President and sophomore Jadon Kowaleski shared how Greek life is “an extremely supportive culture” and is meant “for students to walk away feeling confident in their choice; whether that choice be SigEp or another organization that better aligns with who they are.”

🖋️: Maddie Unruh, Sports Editor
📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

🔗 Read the full article with the link in our bio.

A “heated debate” unfolded on Monday, Feb. 2, as Student Association (SA) members addressed a proposal addressing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on campus.

Introduced by sophomore Sophia Hasseler, the proposal called on the URochester’s Department of Public Safety to release a statement on its role during a hypothetical ICE arrest. However, some disagreed with proposal, questioning if it could potentially place students at further risk.

Despite the concerns, Hasseler argued that the school has already seen attention from ICE and the Trump Administration, saying that “there needs to be a plan in place from DPS to protect our students.”

🖋️: Yenah Park and Teddy Almond, News Editors
📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

UR Libraries will soon welcome new leadership as Timothy McGeary prepares to assume the role of Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean beginning in March.

Appointed to the position earlier this year, McGeary will serve as chief strategist and advocate for library services, from collections and digital infrastructure to research and academic partnerships, while also working to strengthen the Libraries’ visibility and engagement across campus.

During this digital age, McGeary wants to highlight the relevance of having a physical space despite ongoing technological change, saying that “libraries have continued to be in high demand.”

🖋️: Hannah Smith, Features Editor
📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

The Deanship of the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has a new name in the wake of a $10 million donation from University Trustee Emeritus John Bruning ’24 (Honorary) and Barbara Bruning. The donation is intended to establish permanent funding for the position, according to a University News release.

Named Dean in 2016, Wendi Heinzelman will continue in the position now named the John and Barbara Bruning Dean for the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

“For generations to come, the Brunings’ gift will provide stable, dedicated resources to strengthen the Hajim School’s ability to attract and retain distinguished leaders — those who will uphold academic quality, steward resources, and sustain the institution’s mission and culture,” the University wrote.

🖋️: Teddy Almond, News Editor
📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

Our staff had a great time chilling out with everyone who visited our booth at the Winter Activities Fair! Be sure to come hang out with us at our GIM on Wednesday and Friday at 7.

GIM 🗓️: Wednesday, February 4th, 7-8 PM
📍: Campus Times Office • Wilco Room 103

GIM 2🗓️: Friday, February 6th, 7-8 PM
📍: Campus Times Office • Wilco Room 103

📸: Teddy Almond, News Editor

Wishing you a happy holiday season from all of us at CT! Thank you for another year of readership and we look forward to the spring semester!