Jan. 30 by MediaOCU

THE“CAMPUS

January 30, 2019 – Volume 112 Issue 15

Methodist leaders propose new LGBTQ plans Emily Wollenberg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

United Methodist leaders soon will decide how members of the LGBTQ community may fit in the church. A special session of the United Methodist General Conference will take place Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis. Leaders will decide at the conference “whether, how and which churches within United Methodism will allow openly gay clergy and same-sex marriage rites, and whether homosexuality is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching,’” according to religionnews.com. The session follows an official letter from the United Methodist Church Council of Bishops published Dec. 28 apologizing to the global LGBTQ community about how they’ve been treated by the church. The letter was met with praise and backlash. “Demeaning and dehumanizing comments and attacks on LGBTQ persons in conversations related to the upcoming February Conference are a great tragedy and do violence to hearts, minds and spirits,” the council’s letter reads. “When you suffer, the whole body of Christ suffers. Together, we need to work to resist hate, violence, and oppression of persons.” Addison Saviers, religion sophomore, said she supports the Council of Bishops publicizing the letter. “This is now an issue we’re having to address in 2019 because no one wants to talk about it, so the fact that the United Methodist Council of Bishops would be willing to talk about it and take a stance on it is a really big thing, because, currently, no one as big as them has done so,” she said. The debate about LGTBQ clergy, membership and weddings has been happening for years. “I’m taking a UMC studies course, and I didn’t realize how long we’ve been putting off this kind of decision,” said Madison Waller, religion sophomore. “That was kind of sad, but I’m also proud of the United Methodist Church for taking this step because I’m excited to see how it will affect United Methodism and Christianity as well. I’m hoping it will encourage other denominations to take that step forward.”

We will help to facilitate dialogue to work through whatever decisions are made.

Dr. Charles Neff

vice president university-church relations

Dr. Charles Neff, vice president for university-church relations, said the letter hopefully will pave the way for how the LGBTQ community will be treated in the future. Neff said the conflict within the church comes from two stances in the domination: that all persons are persons of sacred worth and are permitted to be full participants in the life of the church, but also whether homosexuality is compatible with Christian teachings. “This has mainly come into play on the side of clergy. Clergy are not allowed at this point to be self-avowed homosexuals, and they’re not allowed to perform same-sex unions in the church,” Neff said. Much of the pushback surrounding the issue began after the 2015 Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage, said the Rev. Elizabeth Horton-Ware, director of religious life. “This has prompted people who have that same theological view to step forward and say, ‘if the government will honor it, there’s no reason for us not to.’ There’re also people who say, ‘just because the government honors it, doesn’t mean that’s who we need to be as a church,’” Horton-Ware said. The United Methodist Church has seen a large national cultural shift in matters related to LGBTQ, particularly in western regions, Neff said. “Our western jurisdiction, which is basically Colorado and everything west, is really pushing the issue. In 2016 they elected an openly lesbian bishop of Colorado. That has raised concerns in other parts of the country,” he said. More than 99 different proposals were submitted to the United Methodist general conference as possible plans regarding this issue, but three main proposals are being considered, HortonWare said. The One Church Plan: This plan keeps the Methodist Church united, but allows each congregation and pastor to decide for themselves regarding sexuality and their level of inclusion in the church. The Traditionalist Plan: This plan strengthens existing language regarding sexuality in the Book of Discipline, the official book of law and doctrines for the United Methodist Church, and enforces penalties related to clergy who perform same-sex unions or churches who host same-sex weddings. The Connectional Church Plan: This plan allows the Methodist Church to split into three categories: progressive, centrist and traditional, each of which will have a different stance on sexuality. The One Church Plan is the primary recommendation from the United Methodist Church Council of Bishops. But bishops from around the United States and the rest of the world have spoken out in favor of other plans. The session will bring together a diverse group of Methodists,

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Neff said. “This is a worldwide gathering. It’s United Methodists from America, Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. It’s a variety of theological positions and opinions,” Neff said. Saviers said many students from the United Methodist studies class in the Wimberly School of Religion will attend the general conference. Both she and Waller said they support the One Church Plan. “The One Church Plan gives people an opportunity to express their theological beliefs,” Waller said. “We’re not really pushing anyone out of the church that way, we’re letting them decide for themselves. Hopefully, maybe in the future, we’ll be able to make it even more inclusive, but I think for right now this is the best option.” Waller said the people she surrounds herself with are accepting of the LGTBQ community, but she recognizes that Oklahoma, as a conservative state, might not be as accepting. “The core of United Methodism is very progressive, and a lot of people just don’t really see that in United Methodism. It’s like they joined the denomination blindly, almost, not really knowing that United Methodism tries to move with the times,” Waller said. It’s possible officials at the conference won’t reach a decision, in which case they will have to meet again later, Saviers said. “Some churches are LGBTQ-affirming, some are not,” she said. “You can’t really push anyone out of the Church, because that’s against the first affirming thing of what we stand for, is that everyone is a child of God.” Neff and Horton-Ware said they don’t know which plan will be chosen. “It’s hard to say at this point what the results will be. Each of the plans brings with it a different scenario or possibility,” Neff said. “I think some churches and clergy will ultimately decide not to remain in connection with the UMC as a result. Chances are, regardless of which one passes, the church will go through a transformation in the coming years, and we’ll find ways to navigate through those changes as clergy, as churches, as a university, as an annual conference.” John Vick, religion junior, said, regardless of the decision, United Methodists will uphold the values of the Church. “While I don’t know what decisions will be made at General Conference, I do know that the people called Methodists will continue to love God, love others and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Vick said. Neff said he and Horton-Ware will work with the community through any changes in the coming months. “We will help to facilitate dialogue to work through whatever decisions are made, recognizing that OCU has its own ethos, its own wonderful spirit and traditions, and that those will be honored and cherished regardless of the results,” he said. Horton-Ware said she and other officials at OCU will continue to accept the LGBTQ community. “I know that each individual who is part of our community is a blessed and beloved child of God. The participation of students who identify within the LGBTQ community adds to our community richness,” she said. “We are a diverse theological community with members of the LGBTQ community participating fully. My expectation is that I will continue to lead in that way.”

The Market at Alvin’s promotes new meal, snack options Sarah Muscarella

STAFF WRITER

The Market at Alvin’s expanded its meal trade options and snack choices this semester. Chartwells, the campus food service provider, conducted a survey last semester asking students what improvements could be made to the Caf and Alvin’s. The top three responses they received from the survey were variety of food selections, value for price and availability of healthy options, according to a sign Chartwells put in Alvin’s. Supervisor Mina Thompson said their solutions for these responses are ready-to-eat options, four meal deal bundle options, and more healthy meal and snack options. “It replaces the old, grab-and-go meal plan,” Thompson said. “The students requested more variety and more healthy snacks. They got a better choice of salad, sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups, and dessert cups, more leaning towards the healthy side.” Alvin’s now allows meal trades, points normally used for the Caf or Chick-fil-A, for frozen entrees and oatmeal. Students also can get fruit or granola bars as sides when they trade for a sandwich or salad, said Carlos Sanchez, English senior and The Market at Alvin’s employee. The survey was conducted because Chartwells is fairly new on campus, Sanchez said. Chartwells replaced Sodexo as the main food supplier of the university in July, according to Student Publications archives. “They were trying to get a scope on how everyone was liking everything,” he said. Sanchez said there is a better selection of entrees in the meal trade system as well. “There’s a couple of new items in the typical meal trade. We have more wraps and more salads,” Sanchez said. “They all look better quality.” Customers often choose the new options for breakfast or

M MEDIAOCU.com

We have more wraps and more salads. They all look better quality.

Carlos Sanchez The Market at Alvin’s employee

after-hours meals, Sanchez said. The meal trades are unavailable on weekends. Students have been enjoying the new meal trade options, Thompson said. “They love this better than the old one. They prefer this one,” she said. Sanchez said he has noticed trends in what students are buying. “So far, a lot of people have been choosing the non-sandwich options. I’ve noticed a lot of people coming in for the oatmeal in the mornings or the frozen meals late at night,” Sanchez said. The survey was accessible to students for much of the semester. Liv Story, acting freshman, said a woman passed around an iPad for students to take the survey during breakfast. Tables with iPads outside the Caf and Alvin’s had promotions for the survey, Sanchez said. Story said she noticed and appreciates officials’ response to the survey. “I wanted more meal options, that way I could get something for a breakfast or for a different lunch option, so that’s what I needed,” Story said. Sou�ce: OCU Dining Se��ices

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opinion Students encouraged to provide survey feedback After reading student responses to a survey, Chartwells officials made changes, giving students what they want. A survey was distributed last semester asking students what new and improved aspects they’d like to see in the Caf and The Market at Alvin’s. Officials took the top requests they received and made changes. Read more about the changes on Page 1. Though changes like this may seem small, a survey of this kind gives students a way to voice their desires directly to the people responsible for making those changes. It’s worth noting how quickly Chartwells took action and began implementing changes that came straight from the students, considering students are their biggest customers. This kind of efficiency is admirable and should be implemented by other on-campus entities.

For example, SGA recently sent out a survey asking for student input regarding their presence on campus this academic year. If student input is taken into consideration as swiftly as it was in the Chartwells survey, then the efficiency and reward will be similarly effective. The Chartwells and SGA surveys are just two of many surveys that students receive via their university email accounts. Seeing one actually come to fruition is encouraging for students and makes them feel more inclined to fill out surveys in the future, as they should. Students have an obligation to take these kinds of surveys seriously and be honest in their opinions when taking them. If students desire change, then it’s their responsibility to use their voice to enact that change. Communicating directly with the individuals running these services brings actual progress, whereas complaining to friends

Talk Back “How do you stay civically involved?”

or on social media only brings a momentary relief that leads nowhere. When students take surveys seriously and offer insightful opinions for officials, those officials are more likely to take improvements seriously. At a private university where students can sometimes feel powerless or unheard by university officials, this is one way to make them feel in control. Students don’t know how to run a university, but they know what they want. When officials honor those desires, it goes a long way. It makes students feel like they attend a university that’s authentically theirs and that cares about their happiness and well-being. Officials would be wise to continue doing this, and students would be wise to speak up when they do.

"I haven't been. Silence is the best for me right now."

"I keep up through social media"

Cadence Tyson design and production senior

Emily Leib nursing junior

"Know what you're voting for, and know why you're voting for it."

"I get a lot of my news from NPR and small independent news sources."

E. Blaze Stark history/political science senior

Makenzie VanZee psychology/religion sophomore

"I vote."

"I have gone into the Capitol to meet with my elected representatives."

Kallie Olsen English senior

Natalie Gregg English/education junior

Rising female artist’s debut album leaves lingering impact Maggie Rogers is the next big name you should know in music. Her full-length album, Heard It In A Past Life, crosses between the genres of pop, dance and folk music. The album was released Jan. 18 and can be streamed on major platforms. Prior to this album, Rogers released a 2017 EP titled Now That The Light Is Fading, as well as remixes, singles and popular Spotify Singles covers. Listen to her Tim McGraw cover, you won’t regret it. The full album, only 12 songs and 45 minutes in length, sticks with the listener much longer than its run time. The opening track, Give A Little, opens with the line “If I was who I was before, then I’d be waiting at your door, but I

cannot confess I am the same.” From the opening notes, Rogers identifies the album as one that is about growth and change– she’s not the same person that she used to be. After all, she only graduated from NYU two years ago. Since then, she’s toured with HAIM and Mumford & Sons and gained recognition from journalists, musicians and millennials near and far. Give A Little starts the album off on the correct footing, foreshadowing the dance hits to come, but also the thoughtful lyricism that makes Rogers’s writing stand out. A definite highlight from the album is the song Retrograde. The chorus features the line “Oh, here I am, settled in, freaking out,” followed by

Amanda Miller is an English senior from Kansas City. She likes pop culture, glitter and iced coffee.

what could best be described as angsty sing-yelling. Rogers captures a feeling of chaos in a song that’s accompanied by a chorus of backing vocals and computerized percussion. Rogers even features a shoutout in verse two to the 1981 Stevie Nicks song Bella Donna. Retrograde feels like a call to dance away the stress, and like Nicks’s classic Bella Donna, it communicates an image of a woman looking her own turmoil in the eyes

and fighting with everything she has to embrace, accept and ultimately overcome it. Retrograde is not the only track to detail a time of personal distress. Overnight opens with a verse about losing something. What Rogers “lost” is up to interpretation, but one can conclude that she’s talking about a moment when she felt disconnected from emotions. The next track, The Knife, talks about “the knife of insight”

that helped Rogers shape herself into the person she wanted to become—or at least gave her some perspective into the things she wanted to feel and experience. The album continues past these tracks with more songs about losing and finding oneself in various ways. It’s in the final song, Back In My Body, where Rogers gets specific. In this slow-moving anthem, Rogers sings about the acute anxiety she felt while traveling overseas. The chorus features the lines “This time I know I’m fighting, this time I know I’m back in my body… I found myself when I was going everywhere,” which highlights how Rogers found a new aspect of herself, even though she was more alone then she ever had

been while abroad. What Rogers creates in her debut album is a juxtaposition between isolation and belonging. Each track is tinged with a balance of mid-’20s conflict and the visceral want to dance and sing with friends while covered in glitter. Ideally, Rogers would be playing at said dance party. Rogers describes herself as a “witchy feminist rock star,” but her music can be understood by everyone. Anyone who has ever felt unsure of themselves can understand what she’s singing about. Listen when anxious, when sad, when happy and singing along in the car. Heard It In A Past Life is an album that will be on your mind while listening and long after.

Bird Box an entertaining thrill of suspense, fails to live up to hype W hen Twitter obsesses about a movie so hard that BuzzFeed releases three different compilations of fan-made memes, that’s how you know it’s a Netflix horror film. In the case of Bird Box, the hype was twofold. On one hand, there were lighthearted GIFs and “that moment when” captions, and on the other there were trigger warnings and harrowed testimonies to the film’s emotional punch. Which, in the case of the latter, I can’t quite blame them. At the center of Bird Box is a frightening concept—a world attacked by abstract and nefarious beings, the sight of whom instantly causes the seer to kill themselves however they can. Needless to say, this leads to some pretty shocking

moments, from a woman willingly sitting down in a flaming car to someone slamming their heads into window glass repeatedly until their death. The film opens with “Mallory,” played by Sandra Bullock, attempting to sail down a river blindfolded with two children known only as “Boy” and “Girl.” The film switches between this timeline and a “five years earlier” timeline when Mallory is nine months pregnant, and the viewer can see how this state of disaster began. The timeline-swapping happens pretty seamlessly, and the film’s premise is an innately intriguing one. It breeds several incredibly suspenseful moments because, anytime the characters are outside, they have to travel blindfolded in case

Chandler White is an English senior from Meeker, Oklahoma. He likes gothic horror and good hip-hop.

they see one of the creatures, a task that more often than not leads to peril. Thematically, the idea of something so horrifying that just looking at it provokes one to suicide brings me back to the most chilling moments of H. P. Lovecraft, and an analogy can be drawn regarding mental illness and the widespread depression in society. If there is such an analogy, though, it doesn’t shine through as clearly as it could because the film’s emotional

component just doesn’t quite hit the spot. Mallory’s character has an interesting and wellexecuted arc, but just about everyone else in the film falls short. This isn’t a complete sin, but it can make the cast feel a little one-dimensional. Survival horror, though suspenseful and entertaining, isn’t worth the while unless there’s a stronger emotional attachment going on, something done much better in a film like 2018’s A Quiet Place.

In fact, many have claimed Bird Box rides on the coattails of A Quiet Place, but I find this hard to believe considering the Bird Box novel was written four years before that film. Also, though I can see the comparisons to movies like A Quiet Place and It Comes at Night, this film, ironically, reminds me a bit more of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. The world seems to be ending, yet the characters are oddly casual about dark-as-hell events, and the director somehow still finds a way to pump the movie full of ridiculously out-of-place comic relief. And, unlike A Quiet Place and just like The Birds, the premise of Bird Box doesn’t leave room for that complete of an ending. One could say that a certain

“emotional” finish takes place or that Mallory’s character arc reaches closure, and maybe that’s enough of an ending to reward the viewer. But, personally, I still felt a pinch underwhelmed. Bird Box is a worthy watch, and it’s a movie I could see myself returning to maybe once or twice, but it’s definitely not up to the level of the movies people are comparing it to. It’s frequently suspenseful, sometimes shocking, occasionally heartwarming entertainment, but for the horror Renaissance the last decade has brought, it just doesn’t fit. I have a hard time imagining us looking back 10 years from now and admiring it as much as other horror films from the same decade.

Stadium

Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts 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.

THURSDAY Lambda Chi Alpha's Brother Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center The Wolves at 8 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

FRIDAY Baseball at 2 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium

Family at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

SATURDAY Baseball at 10 a.m. at Jim Wade Stadium

The Wolves at 8 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Lambda Chi Alpha's Shop the Chops from 10 p.m. to midnight in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center

The Wolves at 2 and 8 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

OCU Stripped: The Addams

Baseball at 3:30 p.m. at Jim Wade

THE CAMPUS

Web Editor: Jessica Vanek Staff Writers: Luke Barrett, Callie Dewees, Erik Hamilton, Dru Norton, Sarah Muscarella, Hope Melton Columnists: Caroline Hawthorne, Amanda Miller Photographers: Carolann Stout, Kylie Sullivan, Hope Melton, Clara Foster

SUNDAY The Wolves at 2 p.m. in Burg

TUESDAY Women's basketball vs. Southwestern Christian University at 6 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

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.

Jan. 30, 2019, Volume 112, Issue 15

Editor-in-chief: Nicole Waltman Associate Editor: Emily Wollenberg Copy Editor: Chandler White Associate Copy Editor: Paul Dower Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Maddie Bowes

OCU Stripped: The Addams Family at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

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ters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

January 30, 2019

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news

Students concerned about safety in science labs Caroline Hawthorne

STAFF WRITER

Students and professors have expressed concern about maintenance issues in the campus science labs. The labs in Dawson-Loeffler Science and Mathematics Center were built 25 years ago and are mainly used by chemistry, biology and physics students. Concerns are related to temperature, ventilation and broken equipment. Emily Hernández, cellular and molecular biology sophomore, said ventilation issues are occurring because of the chemistry lab renovation last year. “ Working in the new chemistry lab is great, but it leads to other issues,” Hernández said. “In the chemistry lab, we have these hoods, and that’s where we do all of our toxic experiments, things that you should not be inhaling.

The vent hoods have these little glass walls that you pull down, so that only your arms are exposed. However, during the afternoons, when the other section is working, there is an overwhelming fume of hexane. There is kind of this acceptance of being exposed to chemicals that we should not be inhaling.” Hernández said other students have complained about the hoods, and students sometimes have to leave the lab because of the fumes. “We’ve had a few people get headaches,” she said. “My friend and I have had to step out of the room. We have to take a Tylenol or drink of water and then have to come in and return to work. A professor once poured vinegar down the chemistry lab drain, and then he came to the biology lab and smelled everything.” Other issues include the inability to control the building’s temperature. This has caused worms to die and experi-

There is kind of this acceptance of being exposed to chemicals that we should not be inhaling.

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Emily Hernández

cellular and molecular biology sophomore

ments involving them to not be carried out. Dr. Greg Mullen, associate professor of biology, said his worms almost died because of temperature issues. “We were putting fans on the containers to try and make it a livable environment for them,” he said. “Our lab technician sacrificed her fan to put air on them. It’s oddly hard to get incubators to stay at room temperature. We made it through, though.” Scott Seefeldt, biology senior, also brought up issues

of broken equipment and not having the proper tools to carry out labs. Equipment that needs to be fixed are scales and spectrophotometers. “In the physical chemistry lab, equipment has been broken,” Seefeldt said. “We only had lab three times out of however long we were scheduled. There is also the issue of heat. Especially during the winter months, the heat was so high that we couldn’t get anything done.” Mullen said there has been

progress since the temperature is lower than it used to be. “We have made some recent and significant changes,” he said. “The temperature was running at 84 to 85 degrees. After several emails from myself, it is now running in the low 70s.” Dr. Adam Ryburn, professor and chairman of biology, said temperature issues are more to do with maintenance. “We have no control over this,” Ryburn said. “It’s all to do with facilities. This has always been a problem. This is something we constantly have to battle. It’s not good for the students. We finally went to the dean and she intervened on our behalf, which is how the issue was fixed.” Ryburn said there has been discussion about renovating the biology labs, but funding is the main issue. “There’s a new funding campaign going on,” he said. “We hope that the biology depart-

ment will reap some of the benefits of that and that there will be leftovers. The advancement office reaches out to alumni and donors for money. There is a long list of things that need to be fixed. It’s easy to say ‘I have a person to contact to ask for money,’ but they may have already been contacted by the university.” Ryburn said the physics lab is the current priority because it is being prepared for a new physical therapy program that President Martha Burger said is one of her main goals for the academic year. Biology would be third on the list. “We have the most biology students in all of the science majors,” he said. “They are required to take physics and chemistry classes, so they still use the labs. They do enjoy the benefits of it.”

Leaders update students, discuss future plans at State of Students Emily Wollenberg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Students had the opportunity to voice their opinions to Student Government Association last week. Members of SGA addressed the student body in the State of the Students at 6 p.m. Friday in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Tyler Patton, mass communications junior and SGA chief of staff, said the purpose of the event was to inform the students of what SGA has been doing and to be transparent. Jordan Tarter, English junior and SGA president, began the event with a speech. “I’m very proud of this group, and I’m very happy to be a part of a student government here that is so eager to serve,” Tarter said. “SGA began this academic year by putting its focus on inclusivity, transparency, environmental sustainability, and putting the students first.” Tarter also spoke about events SGA hosted last semester. Mackenzie Jones, dance senior, attended the State of the Students. “They are doing a good job at introducing new events,” Jones said. “They touched on diversity tonight, which I think is a huge issue in this country right now.” Jones said she attended the event to ask officials questions about the allotment process for student organizations. “It’s better to get your question asked out in the open versus over email,” she said. Sen. David Hall (music) told Jones students wouldn’t see any money they request from allotments until the next year. Austin Gibson-Black, vice president of Student Senate, addressed concerns about allotment confirmations coming later than expected. “Student Senate didn’t meet quorum for two meetings in December, so the Student Senate was not able to pass the allotments,” Gibson-Black said. “We did, however, meet last Tuesday and pass those allotments. President Tarter signed those on Friday.” To combat not meeting quorum, Gibson-Black said some senators suggested reducing unexcused absences from three to one or two.

SGA began this academic year by putting its focus on inclusivity, transparency, environmental sustainability, and putting the students first. Jordan Tarter

SGA president English senior

Tarter also spoke to the students about the camera installed in Cokesbury Court Clubhouse. “This camera will give us the ability to capture images of the license plates of every car that enters through the gate,” Tarter said. “After an unfortunate kidnapping attempt took place in our community last spring, SGA elected to respond to this unsettling situation and contribute to the security of our fellow students by funding this camera from our reserves.” After OCU officials notified students of the tuition increase through an email during winter break, Tarter said she began communicating with the president’s office about a forum for students. “SGA has been listening to your concerns on this and we are taking action. I’ve been meeting with Martha Burger and collaborating with student philanthropy in order to host a public interview which will give the students the answers that they have been asking for,” she said. Tarter responded to a student question about the date of the meeting. “We are still scheduling meetings. I’ve been working on this through break, but hopefully after this Thursday, we will have a really good, solid plan,” she said. Another initiative SGA is interested in working on is bringing American Sign Language classes to OCU. Alison Sloan, SGA public relations secretary and acting junior, posted on the OCU Facebook page asking if students would be interested in an ASL language credit class. The post received more than 100 likes and 60 comments, all of which were positive. Tarter said, if they can’t implement a class, they would look to start an ASL club.

SGA is trying to improve environmental sustainability at OCU, Tarter said. After SGA allocated funds to Young Democrats to buy recycling bins for Methodist Hall, she said students were not properly using the bins or taking care of them, so the bins were removed and put into storage. “We’ve faced trials and errors and we are diligent in our efforts to continue the Blue Goes Green initiative and hope to find a solution that works to continue to better these efforts,” she said. “I’ve been meeting with students from several organizations in order to find a way to bring more recycling to campus.” Teddy Edgar, music theater/vocal performance junior, said he attended the event to be more informed. “I just want to be more a part of what’s going on on campus. I feel like I’ve been such a passive student here, not really engaging,” he said. Edgar said most issues in SGA could stem from communication. “There was a certain group of people who have been elected to the same issues over and over, so there’s been a lot of backlash for Jordan and a few other new people which is causing a lot of problems with getting things done,” he said. The event was overall positive, Patton said. “Not everything runs smoothly, and there are bumps in the road, and I feel like the students did get some good answers to the questions they’ve been asking and the concerns that they’ve had,” he said. Edgar compared SGA’s success with that of the United States’ government. “I think we’re doing good so far. I mean we don’t have a government shutdown,” he said. Tarter said she looks forward to a positive future with OCU. “I’m so grateful to be able to serve at a school which prides itself in hard work, helping others, and continuously striving to do and be better,” Tarter said.

BlueLink updates include university app Luke Barrett

STAFF WRITER

Elina Moon Student Publications

Family matters Reily Preston, acting senior, plays “Phedre” in TheatreOCU’s Stage II production of Phedre. The play had performances Jan. 24-27 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. The next production is Gloria, directed by Luke Eddy, and has performances Feb. 14-17 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.

January 30, 2019

A new app has launched to make BlueLink more accessible for students. The app became available after the BlueLink update in early December. It is called “Ellucian Go” and it is a mobile version of the website. Instructions to log in can be found on BlueLink. The app is available on the iTunes store and through Google Play. On Apple devices, it requires iOS 11.0 or later, according to the App Store. Registrar Charlie Monnot said the registrar’s office was involved in the testing of the BlueLink update, but he only uses BlueLink a few times every month. “I think it’s very much like the old site,” he said. “BlueLink itself is almost an exact copy of the old one. To me, it’s the same, with some new features that are kind of nice for the student. We don’t have the new features up yet for the faculty. That’s our next project.” Monnot said this update hopefully will occur this spring. He said the app is similar to the website, but has new features. “It has a different layout for ‘my schedule,’ ‘my grades,’ ‘my account,’ and ‘bill pay,’ and ‘register for classes.’ I kind of like the ‘register for classes’ a little bit better. And then it has all the links to BlueLink, so it gives you both,” he said. Bequer Gomez, mass communications senior, said he found the new website plain, but useful. “I think it does what it’s supposed to do. Its looks might not be the best, it’s pretty plain and simple, which can also be helpful,” he said. Gomez was unaware of the mobile app, though he said he would likely only use it as he needed, which wasn’t often. Olivia White, acting sophomore, said she appreciated the effort to make the site better, but she experienced technical difficulties and could not access it on her computer, though campus tech offered help on Facebook. White said she uses BlueLink every day because of work. She works as a resident assistant and as the social media coordinator for First-Year Experience.

Elina Moon Student Publications The Ellucian Go app provides a portal to many of the university’s online resources, like BlueLink, the university website, the athletics website, the Dulaney-Browne catalog, and the university’s social media pages.

“I think that, if it was tailored to an iPhone rather than a PC, it probably would be a lot easier for me to navigate,” she said. Simón Gómez, music theater/music composition sophomore, said he was aware of the app and had downloaded it, but he didn’t use it. “Even when I use it for my phone, I access the PC website. I don’t use the app,” he said. Lysa Engle, film senior, said it was difficult to adjust to the updated website due to old habits. “I think it might just be because I was used to the old BlueLink, but I’m still vaguely confused by it,” she said. “I’m old and still set in my ways, so I don’t where anything is now.” Monnot said students with comments or suggestions regarding BlueLink can contact the registrar’s office by email at registrar@ okcu.edu or by phone number at 405-208-5298.

lifestyles SHINING STAR Dance senior to obtain graduate degree in Dublin, Ireland College students attend graduate school all over the United States after graduation. But one soon-to-be graduate is going all the way to another country. Savannah Michalek, arts management senior, was accepted to University College Dublin for a master’s degree in cultural policy and arts management. Michalek said her grad school application was simple. “It wasn’t too time-consuming, it was just a quick essay and an interview with the dean of the program,” Michalek said. “I found out right after Thanksgiving that I got in.” Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment requires seniors to complete a capstone that is a hypothetical project where students gather logistics for a possible business pitch. Michalek is working to tie her senior capstone to her future graduate program. “Basically, we’re producing a performance and we have to work with artists, a facility and a nonprofit,” she said. “Since my master’s will be in cultural policy, I asked an alumna of the school about what I could do now that would reflect on what I’m going to be doing in grad school. I’m thinking about cultural dancing and stuff like that.” Michalek still wants to dance, as well as work at a nonprofit after completing graduate school. “I’ve been a dancer since I was really young, so I still want

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Submitted

Savannah Michalek, arts management senior, was in TEXAS Outdoor Musical for seasons 52 and 53. The show ran from June 2 to Aug. 18. She did 68 performances each year that she was in the production.

to do that. My master’s program is only a year, and eventually I’d love to work for nonprofits or in fundraising an arts organization. That’s what I’m really passionate about.” Michalek said one of her role models is Lauren Levitt.

“She’s a principle ballet dancer at the New York City ballet, and I think that she’s very open to new possibilities and inclusion,” Michalek said. “She wants to create art that’s reflective of what’s going on now by exploring new movement and going past the normal boundaries of ballet.” Rachel Suggs, professor of arts management; Susan Cosby, assistant professor of arts management, and John Bedford, dean of Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, have all made an impact on Michalek, she said. “I’d love to thank professor Suggs and professor Cosby. They’ve been really supportive of my journey and helping me believe that I can do the arts,” she said. “Dean Bedford has also been really helpful. I got to be his sound operator assistant for choreography show." Michalek said students who aren’t decided on their futures are not alone. “I think we’re all on the same page that we don’t quite know what we’re doing yet, and that’s okay,” she said. Suggs said she is proud of Michalek’s work. “Savannah is a focused, dedicated and excellent student of arts management,” she said. “She is one of the university’s and Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment’s future stars.” By Web Editor Jessica Vanek

Women's basketball coach reaches 100 wins at OCU Chandler White

COPY EDITOR

A coach who has spent the last four years at OCU won his 100th game this weekend. Bo Overton, head coach of women’s basketball, led the Stars to victory against Langston University on Saturday, with an 82-42 win. This marks the 100th game won by the team while coached by Overton. “We got off to a real good start. We played well in the first half,” Overton said. “We just took care of our business and got out of there with a win.” Overton said, because of OCU’s numerous athletic accomplishments, he considers his to be less impressive. “We have softball coaches that have won over a thousand games. We have baseball coaches that are in halls of fame of 1,000 games, and we have a golf coach that’s won five national championships,” he said. “To me, I just don’t think a hundred games is that big a deal. I told them, ‘maybe when we get to 500, let’s talk about it,’ but 100 is kind of where we’re supposed to be.” Overton said his players are good athletes and good people. “The four years I’ve been here, I’ve really had good players that not only take care of their business on the court, but are great students, great people, and I think that combination has led to winning so quickly here,” he said. “Of course you’ve got to be good basketball players, but they’re great people, great teammates, they’re great on campus. So, I think when you combine all of that with the way that they can play basketball, they solve problems on the floor very fast, and I think that’s what gets them a lot of wins.” Junior Forward Brennyn Seagler said this combination is greatly due to Overton’s leadership. “Coach Overton truly cares about all of his players,” she said. “He not only helps you on the court to become a better player,

We're going to keep working, keep getting great players and great people here and maybe someday I can say I've won a thousand. Bo Overton

head coach women's basketball

he helps you become a better person off the court as well.” Senior Forward Taylor Lacour said Overton’s knowledge of the players is an asset. “He really knows the game and his players,” she said. “He assesses each of our strengths and comes up with plays and defenses that highlight them.” Overton said Megan Patel, assistant women’s basketball coach, contributes greatly to the team’s success. “I’ve got a great assistant coach, Megan Patel, who does a lot of the work behind the scenes and who really makes it to where I just got to make sure I get the team to the game on time, and we’re going to be alright,” he said. Lacour said Overton is one of the best coaches she’s ever had. “He really understands and fights for us on and off the court,” she said. Athletic Director Jim Abbott said he and the rest of the athletics department admire the work of Overton and the team. “We’re awfully proud of the work he and the girls have done,” Abbott said. Overton said having younger and older players on the team contributes to success.

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Cou�tesy o� OCUspo�ts.com Coach Bo Overton and the women’s basketball players celebrate Overton’s 100th win during his time at OCU. The Stars played Langston University at their campus on Saturday with an 82-42 victory. The game was also the team’s fifth consecutive win this season.

“We have two seniors, but we also have a lot of young players that could play significant minutes,” he said. “We have good players that’ll be back next year. We have a sophomore, Payton Taylor, who’s a really good player. We have two freshmen that lead us in scoring, so I think the future looks good.” Overton said he looks forward to when the team accomplishes even higher numbers than 100 wins. “We’re going to keep working, keep getting great players and great people here and maybe someday I can say I’ve won a thousand,” he said.

PrintStar closed due to lack of staffing, leaves alternative Jessica Vanek

WEB EDITOR

PrintStar, OCU’s on-campus print shop, is closed indefinitely, but students still can get items printed. A sign was posted on the doors of the PrintStar office Jan. 16 alerting students that the shop is closed until further notice. Any student needing to pick up course packs, print jobs or headshots may go to the campus mailroom to do so, according to the notice. The closure came after students received emails that PrintStar’s management company, RK Black, hired new personnel. An RK Black official later said PrintStar is closed because of understaffing. University officials are uncertain when the printer will reopen, said Lori Walker, director of auxiliary services.

In the meantime, students can have items printed off campus, Walker said. Print orders may be submitted via email at production@rkblack.com or by calling the OCU Print Shop at 405-208-5665. “Completed print jobs will be delivered to the Mail Center daily by courier and you will be notified when they are available to be picked up,” Walker wrote in an email. Dane Drennan, music theater freshman, said he used the mail order service to print out music for the upcoming opera L’amico Fritz. “They told me it would be delivered at the end of the day, but I never got a notification that it was delivered. A few days later I went to the mailroom and they told me that it had never been delivered, so we called and it turns out there was some mix up where my score

was printed but never delivered,” Drennan said. “However, they were really apologetic about it and had the score printed again and delivered right away, I got it about 45 minutes later.” PrintStar’s closing inhibits students’ ability to go about their normal day, said Johnny Richards, film production senior. “I feel like PrintStar was really convenient, and now that it’s shut down, it’s going to cause some issues for the everyday student just trying to get their work done,” Richards said. An RK Black official said they are happy with their relationship with OCU and plan to reopen as soon as the staffing issue is resolved, according to an email to Walker.

Student Civic Engagement Committee now active on campus Erik Hamilton

STAFF WRITER

A student-run, student-operated committee recently formed on campus to keep the campus community civically involved. The Student Civic Engagement Committee is considered an activities organization. They organize events on and off campus, including the facilitation of distinguished speakers for their events, informational gatherings and charitable activities. Members also run StarCorps, the volunteer database for OCU. The SCEC began piecing together their organization last spring, had some meetings during the summer and then officially began planning and hosting events last semester. Trae Trousdale, mass communications sophomore and director of the SCEC, said Levi Harrel, director of student engagement, used to handle all SCEC responsibilities himself. “It was one person trying to coordinate all these events and trying to contact people off campus,” Trousdale said. “And it didn’t really have that student feel. It wasn’t led by students. It was more of us being told to do or being asked to do by the university. Levi saw that as a problem.” Harrel assembled an all-student committee and became their faculty adviser. The SCEC operates as a charitable organization and a student activities organization. There are 12 executive members. For Bequer Gomez, mass communications senior and off January 30, 2019

We are really trying to build a community.

Trae Trousdale

director Student Civic Engagement Committee

campus event coordinator for SCEC, it’s about the charity. “For me, it’s important because it’s a way of us helping,” Gomez said. “That’s one of the most important things to me—serving. Being the hands and feet for people who can’t.” Trousdale said the student activities aspect comes before the charity. He also said the SCEC is more about community. “We are really trying to build a community,” Trousdale said. “I think we all sort of have this identity with OCU, but it’s not a cohesive identity. There’s a disconnect between the students outside of the performing arts and students in the performing arts. What we’re really trying to do is take down those barriers and make events that every student is going to want to come and participate in. At the heart of it, we are just students trying to coordinate activities

for other students.” Recent events organized by the SCEC include the MLK Day of Service, Comment and Chill with Title IX, a Veteran’s Day service project, and a 9/11 service project. They are planning an event with Spectrum, the on-campus LGBTQIA+ alliance and preparing for an event involving the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Students may stay updated on volunteer and service opportunities by joining StarCorps. They may do this by accessing, filling out and submitting a registration form via the StarCorps Facebook page or the Student Civic Engagement Committee’s OrgSync page. By doing so, students can stay up to date on specific volunteer opportunities they might be interested in, on campus and in the Oklahoma City area. “StarCorps is an easy way to get plugged in with giving back,” said Ellie Roth, SCEC’s volunteer coordinator. “SCEC does all the planning and prep work, and students just show up, have some fun and do some good for our campus and community.” The SCEC is on Twitter @okcuscec and on Instagram @okcuscec. Students may also contact Trousdale via email at btrousdale@ my.okcu.edu or Roth via email at evroth@my.okcu.edu. Contributing: Editor in Chief Nicole Waltman