April 6 issue by MediaOCU

THE“CAMPUS

April 6, 2016 – Volume 110 Issue 23

Still working:

New SGA president plans to build on existing goals

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Miguel Rios

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nic Rhodes, economics/finance junior, was elected as the next president of Student Government Association. Rhodes beat Daniel McClain, accounting/finance junior, after a 24-hour voting window that started March 29. Rhodes received 62 percent of the votes, while McClain received about 38 percent. “I really do respect the way he ran his campaign,” Rhodes said of McClain. “He had great ideas, and I think I definitely want to use some of those ideas moving forward.” Rhodes has been a part of SGA for three years, serving as chairman of the appropriations committee, as senator for two years and as vice president. Rhodes will be a good president, said Misael Martinez, finance/ economics junior. “I think he’s a well qualified individual with good leadership experience due to his involvement on campus,” he said. Rhodes’s platform focused on continuing the conversation with Sodexo, following through with removing the plus/minus grade scale

Additionally, Rhodes said he would like to work with officials to create an after-school program for surrounding junior high and high schools. He said he would like to see the program offer opportunities I’m excited about the year comfor students interested in politics such as mock trials, a model UN and ing up. I’m really, really pumped a mock senate. “I’m excited about the year coming up,” he said. “I’m really, really to see what we can do and really pumped to see what we can do and really make some real changes to make some real changes to the the school.” school. After graduation, Rhodes said he plans to enter the OCU master’s Nic Rhodes program for business, but he’s keeping his options open. “I thought about law school and obviously a career in politics would SGA president-elect be very exciting,” Rhodes said. “I’m trying to keep my options open system and passing more positive initiatives. at this point.” See below for more on the resolutions. Besides being involved in SGA, Rhodes is a midfielder for the soccer Chance Johnson, current SGA president, said he’s happy for Rhodes. team and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Rhodes said “I know he’s worked hard the past two years, and I’ve enjoyed working he likes to play games like ping pong and pool with friends. alongside him,” he said. “I think he’ll succeed in the role.” “Actually my favorite thing to do in the world is play foosball,” Rhodes will take office after the April 14 inauguration. Rhodes said. As president, Rhodes said he wants to accomplish everything in his platform and improve the intramural field. During the candidate forum March 24, he said the field’s quality is unacceptable.

SGA, Sodexo negotiations lead to more food service changes Miguel Rios EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Student Government Association and Sodexo representatives agreed on more changes to campus food services. SGA leaders began negotiating with Sodexo officials after passing a resolution in February that allowed SGA President Chance Johnson to address six requests. The requests were for Sodexo to: - release its contract with the university for review, - allow students to take hot food out of the cafeteria, - develop new meal plan options for students, - refund students for unused meals, - allow outside food vendors on campus for some events, and - clearly display prices on pre-packaged items in Alvin’s café. SGA, Sodexo and university officials attended negotiations, including Nirali Mickow, director of food service, administrators, and the SGA cabinet. The meetings resulted in four of the six requests being met. University and Sodexo officials refused to release their contract to SGA. The request to refund unused meals at the end of the year also was denied, Johnson said. “That one is not going to happen, quite frankly,” he said. “It would cause too many logistical problems, not only for the university, but also for Sodexo. Sodexo officials began displaying prices on pre-packaged

The success of almost all of these programs are predicated on students’ response to them. We’ve worked hard to get to the point where Sodexo is open to them.

Chance Johnson SGA president

items in Alvin’s at the beginning of the month. Pilot program Students will be allowed to take hot food out of the caf during a pilot program in Fall 2016, officials said. Johnson said this was a highly discussed and difficult part of the negotiations, but ended with all parties agreeing to allow students to take hot food out of the caf in a to-go box like they would expect. Mickow said the pilot program will last a certain number of weeks, but students will only be able to take hot food out once a week. The pilot program will test whether taking hot food out of the caf is mutually beneficial for students and Sodexo Matthew Cook, dance sophomore, said this will help. “I’ve always wanted to take hot food out of the caf because I have a very busy schedule and have very short time to eat lunch,” he said. “If I could take more things to go, that would be very helpful.” The program’s success is dependent on the next student government administration assisting Sodexo with its implementation, Johnson said. Nic Rhodes, SGA presidentelect, said he will continue working with Sodexo so more positive changes can occur.

“The program will require student honesty because they don’t want people to eat a lot in the caf and then take more food because they need to base their pricing on how much food is being eaten,” Rhodes said. The crucial part is making sure students respect Sodexo, Johnson said. “It’s just an opportunity,” he said of the pilot program. “If there’s abuse of the program when we test it, then it’ll almost assuredly go away.” Outside food vendors SGA members also focused on getting more flexibility in Sodexo’s exclusivity on campus. Johnson said Sodexo officials clarified instances where they would allow outside food vendors on campus. “In a situation where Sodexo lacks either the personnel or the resources or the skills to meet a specific sort of catering or culinary need, student organizations can go to an outside vendor and approach them about providing those services,” Johnson said. If Sodexo can provide the service, they will exercise their right of first refusal, officials said. “The right of first refusal means, if we want to get food trucks on campus or if you want to get pizza for your organization

Ali Wonderly Student Publications

SGA President Chance Johnson holds students back as they swarm the doughnuts during Midnight Breakfast hosted in the fall by the Student Activities Council. Students will be able to take hot food out of the caf starting next fall.

meeting, technically you have to ask Sodexo first and they have the ability to say ‘no you cannot do that, we will provide the food,’” Rhodes said. “For instance, multicultural events that have specific foods that the caf can’t make, Sodexo said they would not use the right of first refusal.” Sodexo officials said students should come to them first to see if they can provide the food. Johnson said Sodexo has some liability in terms of food provided on campus. “One of the things they’re a little bit leery of is bringing outside vendors on because of safety issues,” he said. “We at least agreed with them that, if we ever sought to bring outside vendors onto campus, that they would meet strict standards for food

safety compliance.” To contact Sodexo about outside food vendors, email Mickow at niraliben.mickow@sodexo. com. Meal plans Sodexo and university officials created another meal plan option available for next academic year. Meal Plan F consists of 10 meals per week, $450 in points and $50 in Stars Cash. It costs $2,137, according to the OCU website, okcu.edu. “I only get to eat lunch twice a week, which is why I think the new meal plan development would be a fantastic idea,” Cook said. “SGA is doing good.” If the new plan is popular, Johnson said SGA members want to negotiate to develop even more

meal plan options. “The success of almost all of these programs are predicated on students’ response to them,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to get to the point where Sodexo is open to them. If we want them to continue, we have to be willing to treat them appropriately.” Mickow said SGA does a good job relaying student concerns to Sodexo officials “They are our way of knowing what students think about us,” she said.

GPA survey results show students dislike current system Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER

Donovan Lawson Student Publications

Meagan Chew, acting junior, and Loni Carbaugh, psychology junior, study together at the Panhellenic Study Party in March in the Phi Mu house.

M MEDIAOCU.com

More than half of students surveyed agree with Student Government Association’s resolution to change the grading system. SGA officials sent out a survey to students and faculty regarding the GPA plus/minus system. The survey opened March 23 and closed March 30. More than 700 responses were received. “It is evident that students aren’t in agreement with the plus/minus system because they believe that it lowers student GPAs overall,” said Nic Rhodes, newly-elected president of SGA. The results of the survey show that more than 50 percent of students agree that the plus/minus system is unfair to students. A large majority of the respondents said they prefer straight letter grades to the plus/minus system. Three times as many students believe that the plus/minus system lowers students’ GPAs, according to the survey. In a study conducted by Dr. Jonathan Willner, chairman of economics, there were twice as many minuses given than pluses. If

changed to a straight letter system, 60 percent of students would see an improvement in their GPA. One student said she likes that SGA is trying to make this change, but wants to see how it affects her grades compared to those of students at other schools. “I feel like SGA has given us the numbers, which is helpful, but I would like to know how our system compares to other liberal arts colleges and whether or not it affects how graduate schools look at and compare our GPAs,” said Franziska Harms, acting sophomore. Any change to the grading system would require the approval of the Faculty Senate. “Optimistically, if we worked the entirety of next year to push this through, we could see grading scales changed by Fall of 2017,” Rhodes said. For more information, email Rhodes at nhrhodes@my.okcu. edu.

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opinion SGA leadership urged to do more in the coming semester Student Government Association elections wrapped up and we have a new student body president to be sworn in next semester. See Page 1 to read more about Nic Rhodes, economics/finance junior, as SGA president. Rhodes might not be new to SGA, but hopefully he can make some changes regarding the way SGA operates. Student Senate is supposed to meet weekly to conduct business. Senate canceled meetings at least three times last semester because not enough senators were present for them to have quorum. The lack of meetings resulted in organizations having to request reimbursements instead of initial funding. It also caused a meeting to run over the time allotted because business had not been conducted in so long. Senate failed to meet three

times again this semester, due to conflicting schedules and lack of legislation to be heard. Senate needs to meet when they are scheduled to meet. Canceled meetings will cause students to feel like senators don’t want to hear their concerns or are unavailable to help them with funding needs. Along with the meeting issue, Senate also didn’t seem to accomplish much this academic year. Two major resolutions passed at the beginning of the semester, but no outcomes to those resolutions were provided until last week. This made it seem like the resolutions didn’t advance until just before the elections. With less than four weeks left in the semester, it’s uncertain what will happen to most of the initiatives. See Page 1 for more on the resolutions. SGA needs to change the way it operates. Senators need

Talk Back “What do you hope to see from SGA next year?”

to attend meetings and represent their constituents. Officials need to work diligently year-round on resolutions and provide closure for students before the academic year ends. As a whole, student government needs to focus on communication and making changes to improve the OCU experience for the entire student body. Funding was cut and working around class schedules can be difficult, but when the student body is looking to you for answers or changes, we expect to see more than just a scramble to get things done before the change of office and the semester ends. So, Mr. President, remember: Change can be good, but be sure you finish what you started and communicate throughout the process.

“I would like to see them do something about the grading system.”

“Maybe better prices in Alvin’s if they can control that.”

Jasmine Richman acting senior

Taylor Glaspie marketing freshman

“More doughnuts at Midnight Breakfast”

“To eliminate a plus/ minus system”

Djordje Djordjevic software engineering freshman

Katie Pohlman dance freshman

“Get more involved with the community”

“Make some changes in the caf”

Tori Thomas nursing senior

Petar Djurdjevic business freshman

Editor comments on women’s basketball season with new coach The women’s basketball team has a lot of work to do before next season. The team finished its season with a 67-52 loss against LewisClark State during the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I women’s basketball tournament March 16. The team was ranked second in NAIA at this time last year with two consecutive national titles, but went into this year’s

tournament ranked 15 spots lower. It hurt the team when Latricia Trammell, former head coach, left to serve as the assistant coach for Georgia State University in Atlanta. I understand why she’d take the job and move on to bigger and better things, considering it is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I school, but her leave also cost us most of our previous winning team.

Maleyia Vaughn is a mass communications senior from Oklahoma City, Okla. She enjoys going to the Oklahoma City Zoo and playing with her dog, Bailey. !

The team started their season with only two returning players, senior forwards Markeisha Johnson and Catherine Krushke. The two are the only seniors on the

team. The team only had six other players at the beginning of the year, and later added two more. Bo Overton, who took over as head coach after Trammel’s

departure, said at the beginning of the year that he had high hopes for the season. “This program and this school is used to high standards, and we’ll continue to stay on that path,” Overton previously told Student Publications. It seems as though those standards were not upheld. This year’s stats weren’t too bad at 20-9 with one loss at home, but they weren’t at the same level as

last year. The team was 30-2 last year and was undefeated at home. I’m not saying Overton is a bad coach or that our players aren’t talented. Maybe Overton did everything he possibly could, but the players were just too tired from having such a small team. Maybe Overton and the team just lacked chemistry. Either way, the team needs to work hard before next season.

Critic finds Zootopia ‘everything you’d expect, more’ Before it was released, Disney’s new film Zootopia seemed like a surefire hit. An animated Disney movie featuring bigeyed, adorable animals? Sign me up! It would have been easy for them to put out any old story because there is no way any child in Disney’s age range could resist it. Instead, Zootopia delivers on all its potential and so much more. Directed by Byron Howard

and Rich Moore and written by a score of writers, Zootopia is set in a world where all animals, predator or prey, live like humans. The impressive cast features the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, JK Simmons and Jenny Slate. The story follows rabbit “Judy Hopps” as she tries to become the first bunny police officer in Zootopia history. Armed with a love for the job

Danielle Petersen is a music theater senior from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing the violin, playing with her cat and watching films.

and a never-say-never attitude, she works her way up the police ranks and eventually stumbles onto a string of cases involving missing predators. With the reluctant assistance of a

sly conman fox named “Nick Wilde,” they team up and take on the case. Solving it, however, only ends up being half the story. Zootopia not only provides a

fun and utterly hilarious movie experience for children and adults alike, but it also is a genuinely thought-provoking film. The second half of the film brings up startlingly relevant social issues that may go over a child’s head but will land right at home for an adult. The kind of issues Zootopia takes on, such as racism and prejudice, aren’t what you’d expect from a children’s movie at all, which is why it’s surprising when they nail their

message and leave you nodding along in agreement. In combination with the witty humor and adorable animation, the film can be adored by all. It will surprise you how good Zootopia is, and with the anticipation that preceded its release, that’s impressive. Disney has hit their latest work out of the park, from the basic concept to the outstanding execution. It’s everything you’d expect and more.

Joseph Lyon’s senior music theater recital at 8 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

L. Bass Music Center

Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.

WEDNESDAY Summer/Fall 2016 enrollment begins for undergrads with 60 plus completed hours Marie Howe workshop and poetry reading at 10 a.m. in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business Interfaith Wednesday at the Wesley at 11:30 a.m. in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Marie Howe Open Mic Poetry

Reading at 6:15 p.m. in KerrMcGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business Caleb Mitchum’s graduate flute recital at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Marie Howe poetry reading at 8 p.m. in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business THURSDAY Summer/Fall 2016 enrollment begins for undergrads with 30

plus completed hours Chapel with Michael Horn, youth ministry senior, as speaker at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Softball vs. Rogers State at 2 p.m. in Ann Lacy Stadium As You Like It at 8 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center London Long-Wheeler’s senior vocal performance recital at

8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center FRIDAY Summer/Fall 2016 enrollment continues for all students STAR Summit at 2 p.m. in Leichter Room in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center Sean Erwin’s senior music composition recital at 6 p.m. in the medium rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

Paul O’Dette’s lute performance at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SATURDAY Baseball vs. Bacone at 2 p.m. in Jim Wade Stadium Kristoffer Pendergraft’s senior music theater recital at 2 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda

Biz Young’s senior music recital at 6 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center OCU orchestra concert at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SUNDAY Madeline Smith’s senior music theater recital at 2 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Columnist compares her mom to a ‘cool mom’ I remember clearly the day a friend told me about her relationship with her mom. She described her as “cool, chill, fun, and her best friend.” She said she had a cool mom because she didn’t have many rules and wasn’t overprotective. I don’t have what people would call a “cool mom.” I have a caring and active mom who established boundaries for me. My friend was allowed to stay up late to watch TV, play on the computer whenever she

wanted and was allowed to call and text people without any rules or consequences. She could go to a friend’s house even when her mom hadn’t met the friend or their parents. She would go to the mall whenever she wanted. She had a MySpace account way before most children our age. I was shocked because my life at home was completely different. I couldn’t watch TV or be on the computer until I finished my homework and chores. I did not have a phone until it was neces-

Tatum Nelson is a mass communications/religion sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. She enjoys spending time with her sister and eating tacos. !

sary because of my after school activities. When I got one, it was monitored and I couldn’t text. I couldn’t go to a friend’s house until my mom met their parents, and I could never stay long on a school day. When

my friend urged me to get a MySpace account without my mom’s permission, I cried because I disappointed her. Even though my mom set rules for the house, I had a happy childhood. I wouldn’t describe

THE CAMPUS

Photographers: Donovan Lawson, Andrew Robling Staff Writers: Prisca Lynch, Elina Moon, Taylor Rey Columnists: Tatum Nelson, Madelyn Parker Film Critic: Danielle Petersen

growing up was “yes.” It’s a parent’s job to prepare their children for life, to be able to talk to us about real issues and teach us skills, so they are confident we can make it in this world on our own. Friends don’t have that relationship, active parents do. She is more than just a friend, she’s my momma, and I’m proud of our relationship, even if she’s not considered “cool.”

The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published Wednesday during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and exam periods.

April 6, 2016, Volume 110, Number 23

Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Emily Wiley Web Editor: Maleyia Vaughn Lifestyles Editor: Sage Tokach Photo Editor: Ali Wonderly Copy Editor: John Hiller Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri

my mom as “cool, chill, fun or my best friend.” I say she is supportive and encouraging, and she always expects the most from me. She is the best mother I could ask for. I don’t know when a “cool mom” became a parent who let their child do whatever they wanted with little to no boundaries, but I am glad my mom doesn’t fall in that category. I would not have been prepared for the world to tell me “no” if all I heard from my mom

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone

Ad and Marketing Director: number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to Digitally signed by Newsroom Ashten Vincent DN: cn=Newsroom, o, ou, edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without exCirculation Director: email=ehwiley@my.okcu.edu, planation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ c=US Allie Glazner okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and SciDate: 2016.01.09 13:22:47 -06'00' Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

Newsroom

ences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

April 6, 2016

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news

Ice cream served in caf non-dairy, not dairy-free Elina Moon STAFF WRITER

Students with dairy allergies should take caution before eating the ice cream served in the caf. The ice cream isn’t actually dairy-free, as many students my think, and people with certain dairy allergies shouldn’t eat it. The ice cream served in the caf is labeled as “nondairy,” which is different from dairy-free. The Food and Drug Administration’s re g u l a t o r y d e f i n i t i o n o f non-dairy allows the presence of milk proteins, such as caseinate.

There is no FDA definition in place for “dairy-free,” so anything labeled “dairy free” isn’t necessarily free of milk proteins either, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, hhs.gov. C e l i a Te d d e , a m u s i c theater/vocal performance freshman, has a milk protein allergy. She discovered the ice cream isn’t dairy-free after eating it for nearly two semesters when she had an allergic reaction. “I’m allergic to milk and I didn’t know about this,” Tedde said. “It said nondairy on the sign, which to me meant ‘green light, you’re

I think it’d be nice if there were more signage and listed ingredients so we can make decisions on what we can eat ourselves. Celia Tedde music theater/vocal performance freshman

good to go.’ I had no idea that non-dairy was regulated as still containing some milk products, which I’m actually pretty mad about.” The ingredients labeled on the package of the ice cream include sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, coconut oil, dutch-processed cocoa

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Donovan Lawson Student Publications

(with soy leichtin), maltodextrin, guar and xanthan gums, sodium caseinate, salt, mono and diglycerides, artificial flavor, and silicon dioxide. The ingredient that those with milk allergies must be wary of is sodium caseinate. It is a milk derivative and the protein that

Tedde is allergic to. Te d d e o f f e re d a s o l u tion on how students could be warned of the misunderstanding. “I’m sure the caf employees don’t even know about this,” Tedde said. “They saw non-dairy on the package, so it’s labeled as non-dairy, and that’s not their fault. If possible, I think it’d be nice if there were more signage and listed ingredients so we can make decisions on what we can eat ourselves.” St u d e n t s w i t h l a c t o s e intolerance are safe to eat the ice cream. Sodium caseinate is not a source of lactose, so the ice cream is

“lactose-free.” “I’ve learned that you really have to do your research and question and a s k a b o u t e v e r y t h i n g ,” Te d d e s a i d . “ Yo u n e v e r know what has milk in it. I think a lot of non-dairy food is made for people with lactose intolerance, and it’s not the same thing.”

Elina Moon Student Publications

Making miracles

OCUpella performs during Phi Mu’s Miracle Mac on Friday hosted at Phi Mu’s house. OCUpella is a campus organization that sings at a variety of campus events, including Greek Life philanthropy weeks. Miracle Mac was the final event of Phi Mu’s Miracle Week, which raised money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a network of 170 children’s hospitals across the United States. The amount raised for the week was not known at presstime. Left: Tyra Bullock, acting junior, and Libby White, music business freshman, watch as others play “Just Dance” on the Nintendo Wii during Phi Mu’s Just Dance night March 31. The event originally was planned to be a stepping class, but changed due to the step team having a last-minute conflict.

Students paint murals for local high, elementary schools Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER

Students in a special topics art class are creating murals for two local schools. The class, mural painting, teaches students how to become mural painters. The murals will be painted at Edmond Memorial High School, 1000 E. 15th St. in Edmond, and Gatewood Elementary, 1821 N.W. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Students put together the proposals and rough drafts of the projects while Mike Wimmer, professor and art department chairman, acts as a liaison between the schools and the class members. “The one at the high school is an inspirational wall of sorts,”

The one at the high school is an inspirational wall of sorts, and the elementary school one is all about the imagination. Biz Young acting senior

said Biz Young, acting senior. “And the elementary school one is all about the imagination and it covers three of the four walls in their library.” The mural for Edmond Memorial began last weekend. The mural for Gatewood Elementary is in the final steps of approval.

“I enjoy painting these murals,” Young said. “To help high schools and elementary schools become brighter by doing art is amazing.” Since the murals are part of a class, only those enrolled in the class may help paint them. “There is potential for a group of students to start a mural painting group as a way for art students to make money during the summer,” Wimmer said. For more information about the class, its projects, or future mural paintings email Wimmer at mwimmer@okcu.edu.

Facilities officials work to deal with pest issues on campus Tatum Nelson STAFF WRITER

Spiders, roaches, wasps, and other insects are being spotted on campus. Coming back from Spring Break, many students were surprised to find that, when they walked on campus, they caused a swarm of what looked like flying spiders to come up from the grass. Debra McVay, events and facilities manager, said she is happy to inform students about how facilities can help when they have a pest problem.

“We have issues every year,” McVay said. “Wasps swarm in certain areas every year. Sometimes students will put in a work order that says they have a black widow or brown recluse spider in their room. That is usually not the case because a lot of people aren’t trained to recognize what they are seeing, but we never take any chances.” Work orders process within 24 to 48 hours, McVay said. There have been no confirmations of any poisonous spiders on campus. Pest control has dealt with wasps in the Ann Lacy School

Ya’ll just need to tell us because, if no one tell us, we don’t know and we can’t fix it.

of American Dance and Arts Management and the Gold Star Memorial Building this semester. Pest control treated roach-like insects in the Meinders School of Business and trapped a bat in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. “Kelly Johnson, our pest control guy, is so diligent and he will fog, he will spray, he will come after hours

Debra McVay events and facilities manager

and treat,” McVay said. “He has been our contractor on campus for many years, so he values our business and he values the safety of our students.” Many students are nervous about insects on campus and don’t know what is being done about the problem. After noticing the spiders, Bekah Wade, business senior,

said she panicked and would not have known what to do if they decided to swarm. “I would have lost my shit if I had seen that happen,” Wade said. “Like, literally, would have broke down and cried on campus.” If anyone is afraid of spiders or other insects, McVay said, they should go to an residents assistant and facilities can help them out, after hours or whenever needed. No one has reported anything to facilities about any kind of flying spiders or other insect activity, McVay said. “Ya’ll just need to tell us

because, if no one tells us, we don’t know, and we can’t fix it,” McVay said. Facilities and housing have protocols they follow to fix the problem, McVay said, so the best option would be to submit a work order and then talk to an RA. In case of an emergency, call the facilities department at 405-208-5382 and follow up with a work order.

Sophomore’s music video chosen for annual film festival screening Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

A student’s music video was selected to screen at an annual film festival. Jamison Keefover, mass communications sophomore, created a music video for the local band the Lunar Laugh’s song “Man Against Man.” “What inspired it was just the lyrics of the song ‘Man Against Man’ and even what the title of the song means,” Keefover said. “By using a Hilary Clinton sound bite, and showing how rough competition isn’t always beneficial to everyone involved, it follows two businessmen on the day of a presentation who value ethics differently. It has a quirkiness to it through the upbeat music and scenarios, but it has a question of morals through big business and such.” April 6, 2016

What inspired it was just the lyrics of the song “Man Against Man” and even what the title of the song means. Jamison Keefover mass communications sophomore

The video started as a school assignment, but became a real production when she began working with the Lunar Laugh. “Jamison is very creative and a hard worker, her video is really a combination of both of those things and I’m really happy for her,”

said Jenna Mazzoccoli, music theater sophomore. The video will be played during the Bison Film Festival, an annual film festival that focuses on showcasing the work of college students in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and Arkansas. The festival is Thursday and Friday at the Poncan Theatre, 104 E. Grand Ave. in Ponca City, Okla. Awards will be presented Saturday. Students can purchase a day pass for $10 to attend. Keefover’s video will be played at 8 p.m. Friday. To watch Keefover’s music video visit YouTube at, www.youtube. com/watch?v=8OOs1pJIDbU.

news Cheer team changes routine, prepares for nationals Maleyia Vaughn WEB EDITOR

The small co-ed cheer squad is defending its national title at the National Cheer Alliance Collegiate National Championship this week. The win would be the squad’s third consecutive NCA national title. Coaches changed the squad’s routine after placing second at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Invitational on March 13 in Davenport, Iowa. The squad worked on this routine for about three weeks before taking it to nationals. “The new routine was absolutely a good idea for us,” said Katie Winnicki, mass communications and cheer sophomore. “We got very comfortable with the old routine and after the loss in Iowa, it really drained us and

Visit MediaOCU.com for updates on the cheer and pom squad nationals.

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we really needed something new to give us that edge. “I hear everyone say after almost every routine we’ve done, ‘this is the hardest routine we’ve done,’ and it’s a good thing because each time you add something in, it’s pushing you to do more of your skills and better yourself.” NCA has a rule that teams can only consist of a maximum of four men and 20 members total. The team was cut to 18 members including the four men. “We had to make a lot of changes after losing NAIA,” said Loni Carbaugh, psychology and cheer junior. “We still have a lot of

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work to do, but I definitely think if we are able to hit this routine with zero deductions, I have no doubt that we would win.” Brandy Corcoran, former head coach, helped the cheer squad get to NAIA and helped make necessary changes after not placing first. She also helped with the squad’s “game day,” which is leading the crowd before the team’s performance. “She knows what she’s doing so she’s a very effective leader and coach,” Carbaugh said. The cheer and pom squads leave for Daytona today and return Sunday. Pom is competing in the

Maleyia Vaughn Student Publications The small co-ed cheer squad performs during their national showing Friday in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The team leaves for Daytona today to defend their national title. They return Sunday.

National Dance Alliance Collegiate National Championship with two routines, team performance and hip-hop. The pom squad placed third for team performance and fourth for hip-hop at NDA last year, and placed sixth at the NAIA Invitational.

“We expect to place first in both divisions at NDA,” said Talor Kline, business administration and pom sophomore. “I know it sounds a little crazy to jump from sixth place to first place in less than a month, but our coach, Tasha Hinex, has put a lot of time and thought into us and we trust

her to put us in a division where we can win.” “We have a really good chance to win at NDA and we can’t wait to bring home some national championship banners.”

Olympic gymnast announced as graduation speaker Emily Wiley ASSOCIATE EDITOR

This year’s graduation speaker is an Olympic athlete, businessman and philanthropist. Bart Conner will speak at the undergraduate commencement ceremony May 7 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. “Gymnasts don’t always come to mind when you think of a graduation speaker,” Conner said. “But the important thing to learn when I do speak is that I have taken my life as a gymnast and built upon it for this wonderful life. I hope I can relay that it’s okay to stray from the path to the students who are about to embark on their new lives.” Conner grew up near Chicago where he became involved in gymnastics when he was about 10 years old. Conner was a member of three Olympic Teams in 1976, 1980 and 1984. He won two gold medals during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, one as a member of the U.S. team and the other with a perfect score on the parallel bars. “I was three years out of high school and thrilled to actually accomplish something at the Olympics,” Conner said. “I didn’t even get to go during my second Olympics because it was boycotted by the U.S., but the third Olympics were just amazing.” Conner earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1984 from

I hope I can relay that it’s okay to stray from the path to the students who are about to embark on their new lives. Bart Conner gymnast

University of Oklahoma in Norman. While at OU, he earned 14 National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American honors and led his team to two NCAA team titles. “I was on the eight-year plan due to gymnastics,” Conner said. “My last couple years I was taking one class per semester, so it was pretty easy.” Conner was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1991 and into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2006, Conner’s 1984 Olympic Gold medal winning team was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. Conner now serves as the president and chairman of the board of the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. “I’m tempted to say wait and see on why I chose him,” President Robert Henry said. “But Bart Connor is an inspiration, Olympic

athlete, diplomat, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveler.” Conner does commentary for ESPN and is the co-producer of International Gymnast Magazine, along with his wife Nadia Comaneci, Romanian Olympic gymnast. Comaneci won nine Olympic medals competing in the 1976 and 1980 games. Together, they own the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy, 3206 Bart Conner Drive in Norman, which is one of the largest gymnastics centers in the U.S., according to bartconnergymnastics.com. They also serve as members of the board of directors of Special Olympics. “I have always had a place for philanthropy and young athletes in my heart,” Conner said. “If I can help them, then I think that is enough.’ Henry said he tries to find a speaker who can speak to students as well as other generations. “Although graduation is mostly about students, it is also a family event involving those greatest of familial members, grandparents,” Henry said. “ I try to find a speaker of intellect and import who can speak primarily to students, but also to a couple of other generations. It is really an important family time, in my books.”

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Donors given opportunity to climb Gold Star Building Taylor Rey

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Elina Moon Student Publications

Get it write

The cast of OCU Out of The Box’s production of Seminar portrays aspiring novelists taking a class from a famous writer who rips out their hearts with his critique. Performances were April 1-2 in Clara E. Jones Administration Tower. The show was directed by Alex Speight, acting sophomore. Out of the Box took over OCUEdge this semster. The next Out of the Box show is “Stupid F**king Bird” on April 29-30.

STAFF WRITER

OCU will allow people to climb up the Gold Star Memorial Building as part of the AllAlumni Weekend. The All-Alumni Weekend is scheduled April 22-24 for alumni to visit Oklahoma City. “Our goal with this event is to get people back on campus who maybe haven’t visited in a while,” said Marianne Hosler, coordinator of alumni relations. Each school will host its own events during the weekend. Other events include the 30 Under 30 brunch and the Distinguished Alumni Winner dinner to celebrate accomplished alumni.

I have been wanting to climb the Gold Star building for a long time, so I’m really excited that they’re finally opening it up. Franziska Harms acting sophomore

The Gold Star Climb will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23 for those who donate $100 before April 22. Donations can be made online or as a check, call 405-208-7000 to donate. “I have been wanting to climb the Gold Star building for a long time, so I’m really excited that they’re finally opening it up,” said Franziska Harms, acting sophomore. The climb consists of stairs and ladders, so attendees are advised to dress mindfully of

the activity. Four alumni have registered so far. To register, visitokcu.edu/ alumni/gsclimb. After submitting the form, attendees are emailed a time for them to climb the building. For more information about the All-Alumni Weekend, visit the OCU Alumni and Friends website,okcu.edu/alumni/ index.

Committee uses survey to improve campus study spaces Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR

The learning commons committee is creating a report to summarize the results of their survey about campus study spaces. The committee will send a report to administration and the trustees to request improvements and changes to learning commons areas. The report also will be made available to students. The committee consists of 16 faculty and staff members, who met once or twice each month since the committee’s formation in the fall to discuss their findings. Between meetings, members researched learning commons, observed student habits in study areas on campus, as well as at other Oklahoma schools, and consulted with learning commons experts on campus; Victoria Swinney, director of the Dulaney-Browne Library; Jenny Minsberg, disabilities service coordinator, and Paul Gebb, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “The end goal is to create better study environments for students across the campus so they’re more able to work collaboratively and learn effectively,” Swinney said. The committee sent a survey to members of Student Government Association in January, asking questions about where students study and how study spaces could be improved. A revised version of the survey was sent electronically in February to all undergraduate and graduate students. At the committee’s last meeting March 11, they reviewed the responses. “Research says if you get 10 percent of the recipients to respond, you’re lucky, but we got over 20 percent,” said Dr. April 6, 2016

I loved that students’ passions for academics showed through their responses, and they talked about things they appreciated within the current study spaces. Dr. Liz Willner chairwoman education department

Liz Willner, chairwoman of the education department. “We had 261 responses, which is awesome since there was no incentive.” In their responses, students mentioned the need for more white boards, printers and outlets. They also said ideal spaces to study had comfortable furniture, food, drink, and natural light. “I loved that students’ passion for academics showed through their responses, and they talked about things they appreciated within current study spaces,” Willner said. “However, I did find it disappointing that a sixth semester student didn’t know about interlibrary loans. I guess that means we need to make our resources more available.” The official report is scheduled to be completed and distributed before the end of the month. Some of the simpler improvements are underway. Campus Technology staff immediately began work to provide more outlets and hookups for student use, and library staff is further training employees to help students with computer issues.

“As director of library, I’m working on parts I want to be ready by fall,” Swinney said. “Aside from more computer help, I want to make the electricity availability more visible. We actually have electrical outlets on most floors every 24 inches, but you have to know it’s there and look for it, mainly in the baseboards.” The library also plans to make laptop printing more available. It is possible now, but it is much easier to print from PCs than Macs, Swinney said. To print from a laptop, ask staff at the circulation desk or follow the instructions under “Printing” at libguides.okcu.edu/services/technology. Daniel Etti-Williams, acting freshman, likes current spaces, but wishes he could study outside more. “The library study areas are nice and private, but I’d love to see more outdoor study spaces,” he said. “If there were umbrellas over the outside table or a study tent somewhere, I would study outside in the scorching sun or pouring rain.” Some student requests may become long-term projects. “Many students requested sound-proof study areas or study rooms without glass walls,” Willner said. “We will look into it, but we have to balance privacy and safety. If someone needs help, we have to be able to get to them.” Students also asked for study areas with 24-hour access. The committee would like to make this a reality, but safety issues will need resolutions first, Willner said.