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The Columbia Chronicle
We've got you covered

The Columbia Chronicle
We've got you covered

The Columbia Chronicle
Allison Shelton

Allison Shelton, Reporter

Allison Shelton is a senior  journalism major, with a minor in advertising and fashion communications.  She has reported on Columbia’s Student Government Association and also has written about sustainability, campus events and the college’s unions. Shelton joined the Chronicle as a reporter in August 2023.

 

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

All content by Allison Shelton
The former presidential residence 1258 N. LaSalle sold for $2.3 million. During the historic part-time faculty strike, union members and students protested outside the residence on Nov. 10, 2023.

Exclusive: Columbia sells controversial presidential residence for $2.3 million

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Protestors gather in Federal Plaza to protest against the war in Iran on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Protesters rally in Chicago against U.S. strikes on Iran

By Matt Brady, Uriel Reyes, and Allison Shelton
Recent graduate, Chase Lowry, and senior Mora Forkapa work on their fashion project for NASCAR in the fashion lab in 623 S. Wabash on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Columbia students rev up race weekend with NASCAR fashion show

By Allison Shelton and Marc Balbarin
Performer of Pride Fest's Drag Show struts down the crowd on their way to the stage on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Chicago’s 24th Pride Fest draws crowds despite sweltering heat

By Uriel Reyes and Allison Shelton
Columbia College Chicago went through a second round of layoffs as the college's financial crisis continues. The 33 E. Ida B Wells building is seen on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Columbia moves to cover fall courses following latest round of layoffs

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
"No Kings" protestors walk down Clark Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Tens of thousands rally in downtown Chicago as part of national ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump policies, military parade

By Marc Balbarin, Uriel Reyes, and Allison Shelton
Jim DeRogatis, a professor of instruction in the School of Communication and Culture, uses his experience as a journalist and music critic to teach one of Columbia's "Big Chicago" courses, focusing on music and media.

Breaking: Jim DeRogatis leaves Columbia for Northwestern

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
The Dance Center on Michigan Avenue will be open all summer except for weekends, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Columbia restricts campus building access to weekdays

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Columbia College Chicago students arrive at the commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Commencement: Live updates from Columbia’s 2025 graduation ceremonies

Students gather for a group photo at Columbia's 135th Blood Ball held on the fifth floor of the Student Center on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Night circus takes over Student Center for 135th blood ball

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Michael Kowalkowski, a sophomore fine arts major, and Ryan Sanhamel, a sophomore film and television major, speak at the Student Government Association E-board elections for vice president of finance on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in The Hive at 618 S. Michigan Ave.

Student Government Association holds annual E-Board elections

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Aidan Leake, a senior musical theatre major, proudly wears entirely blue outfit in support of Autism Awareness Day at 30 East Balbo on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

April marks start of Autism Awareness Month

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Chronicle sweeps awards at annual Illinois College Press Association conference

Chronicle sweeps awards at annual Illinois College Press Association conference

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Jeanne Kelly in her office at the Services for Students with Disabilities, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Director of Services for Students with Disabilities Jeanne Doyle Kelly retires after 13 years

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Protest organizers chant and speak at Chicago's People's March for Justice at Water Tower Park on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

Protestors in Chicago march against Trump’s first presidential actions

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Faculty Senate members meet at the Student Center on Dec. 6, 2024.

Breaking: College moves up timeline to present program overhaul to Board of Trustees

By Vivian Richey and Allison Shelton
Members of the Improv Club deliver a lively performance during The Power of Persistence fundraising event at the Student Center on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

Annual gala celebrates student work, raises funds for Persistence Scholarship

By Vivian Richey, Morgan Kromer, and Allison Shelton
Senior Associate Provost Nate Bakkum and Suzanne McBride, dean of faculty affairs, take notes during a Faculty Senate meeting at the Student Center on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

Columbia will accept DEI course transfers from other institutions

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Teddi Karnes, Columbia Votes! voter genius sophomore film and television major, hands snacks to participants walking to the Chicago supersite polling location on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Columbia Votes hosts ‘Party to the Polls’, giving students a buddy to go vote

By Allison Shelton, Campus News Editor
Presidential candidates target different demographics through different advertising methods

Presidential candidates target different demographics through different advertising methods

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Part-time faculty and students gather in front of the 600 S Michigan building to begin their strike on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.

College marks one-year anniversary of historic part-time faculty union strike

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Members of the faculty senate that came in person for the hybrid meeting held in the Student Center on Friday, Sep. 6, 2024.

Faculty Senate considers proposal to accept DEI courses from other institutions

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus Editor
Students push back against use of AI to create flyer for the School of Visual Arts event

Students push back against use of AI to create flyer for the School of Visual Arts event

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus Editor
Students attend "The Deciders" screening and learn about voting at HAUS in the 623 S. Wabash building on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.

Columbia screens ‘The Deciders’ documentary, encourages students to vote in upcoming election

By Vivian Richey and Allison Shelton
Members of the Faculty Senate during the board meeting held in the Student Center, on Sept. 6, 2024.

Full-time faculty, staff receive 3% salary raise

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Student sitting in the lobby on the first floor of the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Columbia building on Sept. 3, 2024.

Explainer: Understanding the college’s new structure, other changes made over summer

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus News Editor
Students move into The Dwight, one of Columbia College Chicago's student housing buildings, Aug. 27, 2024. The second day of Move-Ins for The Dwight.

Housing makes changes to dorm move-in this semester to help ease lines, congestion around elevators

By Allison Shelton, Assistant Campus Editor
A student takes a video at the Manifest main stage at 623 S. Wabash Avenue on Friday, May 10, 2024. Columbia seniors end the week of finals with a celebration and excitement for commencement.

Disrupted, hectic school year ends with Manifest celebration

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Theatre, dance students struggle to keep positive mindset during college careers

Theatre, dance students struggle to keep positive mindset during college careers

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Students gather on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the Student Center to listen to the speeches of the candidates running for E-Board for students to learn more about why they should vote for either candidate.

Sophomore Jenna Davis to lead SGA after uncontested race

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Jenna Davis, candidate to be the next Student Government Association president, sits in a meeting with President and CEO Kwang-Wu Kim on Feb. 13, 2024.

SGA holds election for new president, three other officer positions

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Incoming first-year illustration major Alexa Amaya (left), comedy writing and performance major Fred Scher, and animation major Declan Mclaren sit together and chat in the Student Center on Friday, March 15, 2024.

For first time, college requires returning students to make roommate requests in person

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Majority of Columbia students report their mental health impacted by financial worries

Majority of Columbia students report their mental health impacted by financial worries

By Vivian Richey and Allison Shelton
What to do if your ex is harassing you online 

What to do if your ex is harassing you online 

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Columbia’s part time faculty union hosted an event on Friday for union members, faculty and students. The event, called CFAC Townhall 2 was advertised as a town hall to debrief about the historic strike, talk about unionism in the arts, and discuss strategy for organizing. the event was hosted by Columbia Faculty Union President Diana Vallera. And feature a panel of speakers. But when some part-time instructors who resigned during the historic strike last fall showed up they were turned away and threatened with legal action.

Part-time union bars former members from event advertised as ‘town hall’ open to students, faculty

By Allison Shelton and Maya Swan-Sullivan
President of the Faculty Union Diana Vallera speaks at The Real Town Hall on Oct. 20, 2023. Various slides were used to inform students and faculty about issues affecting Columbia College Chicago.

Explainer: Addressing student concerns about another strike

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Student workers worry about losing on-campus jobs during financial crisis

Student workers worry about losing on-campus jobs during financial crisis

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Senior Associate Provost Nathan Bakkum speaks to families at the college's first Admitted Student Day event held at the Student Center on Feb. 24, 2024. Nearly 400 people attended. Seven other Admitted Student Day events are planned for spring.

College welcomes prospective students, families amidst financial crisis

By Allison Shelton and Maya Swan-Sullivan
New minor in Theatre Department set to begin Fall 2024

New minor in Theatre Department set to begin Fall 2024

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Bare minimum is new sex education norm

Bare minimum is new sex education norm

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Columbia President Kwang-Wu Kim addresses the Student Government Association in their weekly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at the Student Center. Kim’s presence was not announced on social media when SGA posted about the meeting.

Kim pledges to meet more regularly with students as financial crisis deepens

By Allison Shelton, Reporter
Columbia students having conversations in the student center on February 9, 2024. Students talk about their class projects and upcoming holiday plans at 754 S. Wabash Ave.

College to increase tuition 5% next school year

By Allison Shelton and Abra Richardson
Audience members listen as President Kwang-Wu Kim speaks about the current financial state of Columbia College Chicago at the Student Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

Breaking: College could cut 125 positions across campus to save $19 million

By Allison Shelton and Maya Swan-Sullivan
Four students elected to fill vacant senate seats for student government

Four students elected to fill vacant senate seats for student government

By Allison Shelton and Kate Larroder
Parents of Columbia students share concerns about impact of six-week-long strike

Parents of Columbia students share concerns about impact of six-week-long strike

By Vivian Richey and Allison Shelton
Danta' "StylesRaw" Williams and Darrell "Artistic" Roberts walks guests through photos taken by photographer Raymond Boyd, in the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum on Nov. 4, 2023.

The Hip-Hop Heritage Museum represents hip-hop as a lifestyle, not just a genre

By Allison Shelton and Sydney Richardson
Breaking: Nearly half of part-time instructors are now teaching during the strike, the college reports

Breaking: Nearly half of part-time instructors are now teaching during the strike, the college reports

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Joe Lapsley part-time instructor for classes including queer history and Junior Film major, Jeremy Rivera Davis stand near Fat Cat and Scabby on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, outside the 618 S. Michigan Ave. building. Strikers are spread among campus buildings instead of centralized locations like 600 S. Michigan Ave. and 1104 S Wabash. Ave.

Students come back from break to face new instructors, other class changes during the fifth week of part-time union strike

By Olivia Cohen, Cierra Lemott, and Allison Shelton
In annual forum, students ask Columbia leaders about tuition increases, class sizes and personal sacrifices administrators have made to address the deficit 

In annual forum, students ask Columbia leaders about tuition increases, class sizes and personal sacrifices administrators have made to address the deficit 

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Lexie Jones, a senior Fashion Design Major works with materials to organize and measure the clothing on the sewing dress form on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Students work on assignments and projects independently or in groups in the fashion studio and adjoining garages at 623 S. Wabash Ave.

Fashion Department holds ‘Stitch ‘N’ Bitch’ to help students deal with strike

By Allison Shelton, Staff Reporter
A Julez Rhein, a senator for SGA, engages in one of the duck races at the Student Government Association event on Friday, Nov. 9. The event was to help raise awareness for disability advocacy.

SGA hosts duck race, town hall for students with disabilities

By Allison Shelton, Staff Reporter
Students dance at the second annual Noche Buena, held at the 1104 S Wabash Ave. building on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

SGA, Latino Alliance host second annual Noche Buena

By Miranda Bucio and Allison Shelton
Protesters gather outside of President Kwang-Wu Kim’a residence in the Old Town neighborhood. Protesters participated in an “art build” outside of his residence on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Students and faculty march from campus to residence of Columbia president

By Allison Shelton, Cierra Lemott, and Connor Dore
Part-time faculty members gather outside of the 33 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. building holding "On Strike" signs on Nov. 6, 2023. This marks day six of the strike which is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the week.

Students confused by conflicting messages about whether they should go to class during the strike

By Allison Shelton and Olivia Cohen
Diana Vallera, president of Columbia's part-time faculty union, speaks to students, faculty and staff demanding change on Friday, Oct. 20, at 1104 S. Wabash.

Ahead of spring registration, students are concerned about potential course cuts, increased class sizes

By Allison Shelton and Uriel Reyes
Columbia students sit down together to make picket signs in support of the Columbia Faculty Union and Student Body Coalition on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at 600 S. Michigan Ave.

Part-time faculty union hosts event to make picket signs ahead of possible strike

By Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
Senior Vice President and Provost Marcella David speaks to parents, students and staff during a demonstration at the Student Center on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. She stands in front of President Kwang-Wu Kim and Diana Vallera, president of the Columbia College Faculty Union and a part-time photography instructor.

CFAC, students hold protest at president’s address

By Vivian Richey and Allison Shelton
Susan Padveen, associate chair and Grace Overbeke, assistant professor in the Theatre Department speaking to the Chronicle about the importance of having a space for students and faculty to mourn the loss of lives in the Middle East amidst the war. The first event opportunity to silently mourn was on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at 72 E. 11th St., and people can keep up to date with more events through social media.

Faculty support, educate students on the Israel-Hamas war

By Sydney Richardson, Allison Shelton, and Abra Richardson
Junior fashion product development major Jair Reyes works on a course assignment at the Wabash Campus Building Fashion Lab, 623 South Wabash Ave., on the 7th Floor. on Oct. 5, 2023. Open studio access is available to all students in the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Math and Science, Fashion Studies departments collaborate on projects around sustainability

By Allison Shelton, Staff Reporter
SGA to hold second round of elections to fill remaining Senate seats

SGA to hold second round of elections to fill remaining Senate seats

By Allison Shelton, Staff Reporter
Academic Manager Craig Sigele gives a presentation for a marketing course offered during J-Term on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. The study abroad fair gives students a chance to receive information about J-term courses.

Study Abroad Fair attracts students interested in taking their education global

By Allison Shelton, Staff Reporter
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