by Ilyssa Weiner

Oswego, NY- Spring is finally here in Oswego State. The first day of the new season was on Monday. However, spring fever isn’t the only thing increasing on campus. There’s also spring allergies.

Mary Walker Health Center Director Angie Brown says cold and allergy complaints are very common this time of year.

“It is a pretty common complaint we see…especially this time of year,” Brown said.

The spring allergy season usually starts in early March. However, the fluctuating weather on campus recently may have caused some people’s allergies to start sooner.

Allergies are usually caused by pollen floating in the air. When it’s breathed in, it will cause a reaction inside your body.

”That’s why your body does the sneezing and the coughing and the runny nose because it’s actually trying to get that outta there. It’s an irritant,” she said.

To prevent allergies from getting worse Brown advises students to keep their windows closed and get rid of any dust they may have in their room. She says that if students are really bothered by allergies, he or she should take medication such as antihistamine to prevent anything severe from happening.

Each student’s allergic reactions are different and Brown says each student’s treatment of the allergy will be different as well.

Mary Walker Health Center is open Mon.-Fri. from 8:30AM-4 PM.

by Jihad Yarber

Oswego, NY- April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), 11% of college students experience rape or sexual assault on campus. Oswego State educates those on campus about how to assess these situations through Title IX training.

Title IX is a section of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972 that prevents sexual discrimination in colleges.  Discrimination includes sexual harassment, assault, and rape.

Title IX training is required for many clubs, organizations, and employers on campus. It goes through the basics of sexual harassment training and how to avoid being a bystander.

Oswego State student Alyssa Barrett says the Title IX training provided on campus is beneficial.

“I feel like it was beneficial, not just for organizations or jobs. I think the video they show was effective. I think it’s important just to know about it in general,” she said.

Fraternities and sororities on campus must also go through the Title IX training in order to spread awareness about sexual harassment and assault to incoming members.

“Greek life honestly has a bad reputation,” Kappa Sigma president Steven Gerencser said. “People just think that we’re drinking clubs and all we do is take advantage of girls and do all that stuff, but I think it’s good because it shows we don’t just do that, it’s not the stereotypes. We care about people and it’s good we’re teaching our pledges that.”

Both Barrett and Gerencser feel the training is an excellent step to assure their wellbeing.