Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

All content by Molly Sullivan
Chico State students protest the proposed tuition increase in front of Kendall Hall on Feb. 1. Photo credit: Carlos Islas

Students and university face tuition increase and budget problems

Molly Sullivan
March 22, 2017

Student wallets will be $270 lighter next year. The CSU Board of Trustees voted to approve a 5 percent tuition increase for 23 campuses at its March 22 meeting in Long Beach, Calif. Despite opposition...

A view of Oroville Dam as lake levels recede from 901 feet on Feb. 12. Photo credit: Forrest Hartman

Oroville Spillway crisis unfolds

Molly Sullivan
February 14, 2017

Feb. 7: Oroville Dam officials discovered erosion damage to the bottom half of the spillway. According to the California Department of Water Resources, flow over the spillway was stopped to investigate...

Chico State student protest the tuition increase with Students for Quality Education on Feb. 1. Photo credit: Carlos Islas

Students head to Capitol to fight tuition increase

Molly Sullivan
February 14, 2017

Throughout California, students are working to increase funding for the CSU and stop the tuition increase. In his budget proposal, Gov. Jerry Brown only offered $157.2 million while the CSU requested...

Photo credit: George Johnston

Reported rape at Kappa Sigma house investigation ongoing, UPD Chief says

Molly Sullivan
February 9, 2017

The investigation into the reported rape that occurred Feb. 5 at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house is ongoing, according to University Police Chief John Feeney. The University Police Department was...

Photo courtesy of Chico State Students for Quality Education

Tuition hike protest coming to Chico State

Molly Sullivan
January 30, 2017

Students for Quality Education, a coalition of CSU students, is hosting a statewide student protest this week in response to the proposed 5 percent tuition increase. At Chico State, the protest will...

Photo Credit: Pete Souza/ White House Press Office

The Obama years

Molly Sullivan
January 25, 2017

President Barack Obama made history when he became the first African-American president in 2009. In his two terms, he led the country through international conflicts and domestic unrest. He also instituted...

President Gayle Hutchinson speaks with Betsy Boyd at a university budget committee meeting in 2016.

President Hutchinson’s listening tour comes to an end

Molly Sullivan
December 15, 2016

President Gayle Hutchinson concluded her 100-day listening tour on Dec. 2, and is now incorporating the feedback into her plan for the next academic year. At the start of her presidency, Hutchinson...

University Cabinet candidates to visit campus

Molly Sullivan
December 15, 2016

Finalists for the position of vice president for business and finance will visit campus in February 2017, according to a campus email from President Gayle Hutchinson. The vice president for business and...

Provost finalists visit Chico State

Molly Sullivan
December 13, 2016

The three finalists for the position of provost and vice president of academic affairs will visit Chico State this week.The finalists are Carlos C. Ayala from Sonoma State, Debra S. Larson from Cal Poly...

Police investigating the scene today Photo credit: Kaley Wise

Crime rates rise over winter break

Molly Sullivan
December 13, 2016

Student residences and apartments are at increased risk for burglary and property crime during winter break, according to University Police Chief John Feeney. The Chico Police Department’s 2015 annual...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man using roommate’s voicemail to control minds

Molly Sullivan
December 8, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Suspicious Subject Monday 10:39 p.m., Ayres Hall A man was standing in front of the door to Ayres hall and attempted to "bless them" as they entered. Call...

Tuition hike vote postponed, students organize

Molly Sullivan
December 7, 2016

The CSU Board of Trustees has postponed its vote on the proposed 5 percent tuition hike for two months, moving the vote to its March 21 meeting. The CSU is currently facing a $168.8 million shortfall...

The Chico city council approved an amendment to the noise ordinance that allows for citations to second offenders. Photo credit: Lauren Anderson

Chico State lecturer elected mayor of Chico

Molly Sullivan
December 7, 2016

Sean Morgan, a lecturer at Chico State, and Reanette Fillmer were elected as mayor and vice mayor of Chico at the City Council meeting on Tuesday. Morgan was unanimously elected after the current...

People gather to celebrate the university's Director of Public Affairs and Communication Joe Wills' retirement. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

University’s director of public affairs retires

Molly Sullivan
December 6, 2016

Joe Wills, the director of public affairs and publications, celebrated his retirement on Dec. 2 after 19 years at Chico State. At least 200 Chico State faculty, staff and students, including Willie...

Students express fear after election

Students express fear after election

Molly Sullivan
November 17, 2016

Students talked about themes of fear, shame and grief during the post-election forum for Democrats Nov. 16 in the Bell Memorial Union. Students gathered in four groups where they discussed their feelings...

Students protest possible tuition hike

Molly Sullivan
November 14, 2016

Students from 23 CSU campuses are protesting the proposed tuition hike at the Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach, California. The CSU Chancellor recently proposed raising tuition by 5 percent to...

Possible tuition increase for students

Molly Sullivan
November 9, 2016

CSU students could pay 5 percent more in tuition next fall, according to a tuition proposal by CSU Chancellor Timothy White. If the proposal passes, annual tuition would increase by $270 for undergraduates,...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Woman chased by two clowns

Molly Sullivan
November 7, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Suspicious Circumstance Saturday 11:05 p.m., Wildcat Recreation Center A group of people were reported for allegedly carrying a real chainsaw. Call...

President Gayle Hutchinson speaks about diversity at Chico State during a black lives matter teach-in. Photo credit: Jovanna Garcia

President Hutchinson talks campus improvements at open forum

Molly Sullivan
October 28, 2016

President Gayle Hutchinson discussed strengths, challenges and avenues for investment at the last open forum of her listening tour Oct. 24 in the Performing Arts Center. President Hutchinson has met with...

University Police Chief John Feeney. Photo courtesy of John Feeney.

Student drugging still under investigation

Molly Sullivan
October 28, 2016

University Police are still investigating a string of incidents involving the drugging of male students that occurred in late September and early October. The campus was notified of the incidents in a...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man holds beer while stealing gas

Molly Sullivan and Kayla Fitzgerald
October 21, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Suspicious Circumstance Monday 9:14 a.m., O’Connell Technology Center A student came to a class they were not enrolled in and was being disruptive. Call...

Ali McMorrow (left), senior crops and horticulture major, buys a pomegranate from Kim Narol (right), marketing manager for the Organic Vegetable Project. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Organic Vegetable Project feeds students

Molly Sullivan
October 19, 2016

Last year, Chancellor Timothy White released a report on campus services to address student food insecurity, and since then Chico State has been raising awareness and expanding its campus programs. One...

Students at last year's Great Debate. Photo credit: Courtesy of Sue Peterson

City Council forum at Great Debate

Molly Sullivan
October 15, 2016

The Great Debate, an annual event for communication students, will have a forum for Chico City Council candidates on Oct. 21 at noon at the City Council Chamber. "Being in Chico for a majority of the year...

Student volunteers help eligible students fill out CalFresh paperwork so they can enroll in the program. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

CalFresh useless on campus

Molly Sullivan
October 14, 2016

Student volunteers at the Center for Healthy Communities enrolled eligible students in CalFresh, formerly known as food stamps, Oct. 12 in an event to raise awareness about food insecurity. “We’re...

The Albert E. Warrens Reception Center was designed by Julia Morgan in 1922. The house is being renovated and restored so it can be used for university events. Photo credit: Matt McCarthy

President’s Mansion receives $1.75 million makeover

Molly Sullivan
October 9, 2016

[masterslider id="12"] The former President’s Mansion located on the north end of campus is receiving a $1.75 million restoration and renovation so it can be used for university events. Construction...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man threatens to punch roommates

Molly Sullivan
October 5, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Non-injury Hit and Run Monday 8:20 a.m., Parking Structure on Cherry Street A black Chevy Tahoe was seen hitting a red Ford Ranger on the first floor of...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Nine jars of Goober Grape Jelly stolen

Molly Sullivan
September 21, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Transient Call Monday 8:14 a.m., Main Street A transient man camped in front of bike rack outside 25 Main St., preventing people from parking their bikes.   Call...

Non-perishable food on the shelves of the Wildcat pantry. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Wildcat Pantry grows, connects with campus and students

Molly Sullivan
September 21, 2016

Kathleen Moroney’s office is like no other on campus. Next to her desk and the other typical office furniture, Moroney has two bookcases full of food. There are shelves filled with rice, canned food,...

Vu Nguyen, Associated Students Executive Vice President Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Associated Student officers talk diversity, safety with Pres. Hutchinson

Molly Sullivan
September 14, 2016

As a part of her 100-day listening tour, President Gayle Hutchinson met with Associated Students officers today to address diversity and safety on campus. With the data collected from the diversity...

University Police Sgt. David Bird
Courtesy of University Police

UPD could get body cameras soon

Molly Sullivan
September 8, 2016

University Police have plans to add body-worn cameras to their law enforcement strategy, but the exact policy and budget for their use have not been confirmed. The incident involving Chico Police and...

Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Topless Day in Bidwell Park

Molly Sullivan
August 28, 2016

To raise awareness about International Go Topless Day, the Chico Breast Liberation held a picnic at One Mile Recreation Area on Sunday to advocate for equal rights for women to be shirtless in public....

President Gayle Hutchinson delivers her convocation speech on Aug. 18.

President Gayle Hutchinson boosts morale at Fall Convocation

Molly Sullivan
August 20, 2016
President Gayle Hutchinson addresses university issues at her first convocation speech.
Nicole Marlin and her dog, Rider, were on campus April 5 to raise awareness of the Stockdog Association's fundraiser. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Stockdog Association showcases dogs on campus

Molly Sullivan
May 9, 2016
The Chico Stockdog Association brings out their dogs for Chico State students.
Volunteers count votes at the Clinton caucus.  Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Chico Democrats turn out for Clinton caucus

Molly Sullivan
May 6, 2016
Democrats from the First Congressional District elected delegates for the Democratic National Convention on Sunday.
The Afro-caribbean dance class came out and performed for an audience. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

A.S. hosts International Festival

Molly Sullivan
April 30, 2016
Associated Students' International Festival will be in Trinity Commons on Saturday, April 30.
The diversity survey is open until May 1 and wants to capture students' perspectives on diversity. Photo courtesy of Chico State

A.S. seeks student input on campus diversity

Molly Sullivan
April 28, 2016
A.S. created a campus climate survey on diversity to better understand the experiences of students on campus.
Chico's Hillel club is currently preparing for a trip to Israel. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Chico Hillel heads to Israel

Molly Sullivan
April 25, 2016
Students in Chico's Jewish student union prepares for a trip to Israel
Deanna Jarquin, current A.S. president, reflects on her time in the position. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

A.S. president, Deanna Jarquin, bids farewell

Molly Sullivan
April 14, 2016
Current A.S. president, Deanna Jarquin reflects on her time as president and the future.
The Sound Grenade is a handheld safety device. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Sound Grenade a non-violent device for personal safety

Molly Sullivan
April 10, 2016
A new personal alarm device offers a non-violent alternative for self-defense.
Students gathered in Trinity Commons to support labor rights for faculty in honor of Cesar Chavez. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

In honor of Cesar Chavez, students support faculty labor rights

Molly Sullivan
April 2, 2016

To commemorate Cesar Chavez, Chico State students gathered in Trinity Commons on March 28 to show solidarity with the California Faculty Association strike. “We want to continue Cesar Chavez’s...

Students and faculty discuss the meaning of death at a Death Cafe on campus. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Death Cafe makes its campus debut

Molly Sullivan
March 29, 2016

Death was in the air amidst the beautiful spring weather at Chico State's first Death Cafe on March 23. Death Cafe is an international movement devoted to allaying fear and anxiety of death and increasing...

Photo courtesy of Bernie 2016.

Bernie fans to host free registration event with live music

Molly Sullivan
March 25, 2016
Local bands will perform at a voter registration event in support of presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders.
Vincent Le runs the booth for Stop Trafficking of Persons. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

S.T.O.P. conference cut short by strike

Molly Sullivan
March 10, 2016

The Stop Trafficking of Persons club tabled outside of Butte Hall on March 8 to raise awareness about their upcoming events, including their annual conference on April 11-14. However, the conference may...

The Cross-Cultural Leadership Center hosted a Black Lives Matter rally. Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Black Lives Matter on campus

Molly Sullivan
March 1, 2016
Black Lives Matter rally facilitates conversation about race and diversity on campus.
Butte College has an ongoing sexual assault case that has lasted 37 months. Fifteen months is the average time for Title IX cases to be resolved. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Federal agency surpasses third year of ongoing Butte College investigation

Gabriel Sandoval and Molly Sullivan
February 28, 2016
Butte College has a sexual assault investigation that has been ongoing for three years.
At least 64 hives have been taken from a Butte County orchard. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Beekeepers feeling the sting

Molly Sullivan
February 24, 2016
Bee thefts escalate as Butte County enters pollination season.
Tova Love, president of RDA, embraces religious tolerance and wraps her hair in a tichel full time to better understand its impact. Photo courtesy of Tova Love

Students advance religious diversity on campus

Molly Sullivan
February 9, 2016
Students resurrect interfaith organization on campus.