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The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

One Zelensky retires, another Zelensky begins: Father, son duo lead NKUPD

Emily Sisk, Editor-in-Chief November 22, 2024

At Northern Kentucky University’s Police Department (NKUPD), the Zelensky last name has been around for quite a while. Greg Zelensky began as an officer at NKUPD in 1997. He said he always wanted...

NKU Police Department Chief John Gaffin stands outside his office which overlooks Truist Arena.

Behind the badge: How John Gaffin changed NKUPD culture and conquered law school

Emily Sisk, News Editor September 19, 2023

An 18-year-old John Gaffin walked onto NKU’s campus with the idea that he would be a radio deejay, or at least something media related. He even wrote a movie review which was published in The Northerner. Nearly...

NKU’s 2022 Annual Campus Security Report for 2021

Understanding sexual assault on NKU’s campus

Emily Sisk, News Editor November 18, 2022

NKU’s Annual Campus Security Report was recently released for 2021; the report is a 75-page document that ultimately displays statistics on crimes that were reported within the range of campus property....

A Northern Kentucky University police car.

NKU Chief of Police discusses University preparedness in case of school violence, emergencies

Emory Davis, Contributor November 7, 2021

With a rise in school shootings across the nation, Chief of Police John Gaffin assures students that “school is one of the safest places you can be.” Since the beginning of the school year, the...

NKU has seen an increase in students struggling with mental health issues, including substance abuse, since this semester began, according to NKU's Health, Counseling and Student Wellness.

Mental health, substance abuse concerns rise during the pandemic

Cody Howard, Contributor December 9, 2020

The international spread of the COVID-19 virus has unfortunately brought harm to many physically, but what’s often overlooked are the mental health issues brought about by the pandemic, which can be...

Administration plans change following Floyd death

Administration plans change following Floyd death

Josh Kelly, Managing Editor June 10, 2020

While the streets of Cincinnati’s downtown fill with the voices asking for a change in the systemic racism against Black people, NKU administration debates how they can help their Black students. “It...

Officer Dewayne Cox (in car) and Officer Autumn Ruehl (on bike) with Detective Bobby Pate in the background.

Patrolling campus during a pandemic: how officers are staying safe

Rachel Smith, Assistant News Editor May 8, 2020

Latex gloves. Lysol-scented office space. Lonely patrols.  While COVID-19 has initiated a wave of work-from-home orders, some positions still require boots on the ground. For university police officers,...

Preparing BB&T Arena: the game plan before the game

Kaycee Sloan, Reporter February 27, 2020

As March Madness approaches, fans are packing BB&T Arena. Keeping fans safe is the main concern of security staff at BB&T Arena, according to Erik Jones, guest services and event coordinator.  In...

The main objective of camera implementation is to “facilitate transparency … enhance service to the community by accurately documenting events, actions, conditions and statements made during citizen interactions, traffic stops, arrests and other incidents," according to NKU Police BWC Policy.

NKU police implement body-worn cameras

Kyle Wade, Contributor October 23, 2019

In 2018, 992 people were shot and killed by police. As of this year, another 717 have lost their lives to fatal force, according to The Washington Post. While some police departments move away from body...

Graffiti stairwell: proposed plans to paint over

Graffiti stairwell: proposed plans to paint over

Kyle Wade, Contributor September 16, 2019

It’s back to the drawing board for the faculty of School of the Arts as they continue to pursue solutions to promote self-expression, not vandalism. The Fine Arts Building’s graffiti stairwell is...

Will Title IX change?

Will Title IX change?

Josh Goad, Assistant New Editor February 13, 2019

Title IX was a part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and has since become an integral part of the way education works in America. This major piece of legislation states: “No person in the United States...

How does the university handle reports of sexual assault?

How does the university handle reports of sexual assault?

Abby Anstead, Asst. Managing Editor January 18, 2017

“What do you need?” Ann James, deputy Title IX coordinator for students, said that’s the first thing she asks students when they report an instance of sexual assault. “The first thing I do is,...

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