Sept. 26

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THE“CAMPUS

September 26, 2018 – Volume 112 Issue 5

Students caught violating clothing, tobacco policies Nicole Waltman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Some students recently were seen violating health code regulations in the caf. Dustin Barlow, acting junior, was asked to leave the caf on Sept. 12 because he was barefoot, a breach of these regulations. “You need to make sure you have shirts and shoes on because it’s a health code violation for us,” said Emily Anderson, director of dining services. “We could get in trouble for that, and we certainly don’t want that.” Barlow was swiped into the caf as usual and sat down to eat when Anderson asked him to step outside the caf with her. Anderson then explained that shoes are required in the caf and asked Barlow to leave. Barlow said he understood. He was allowed to finish his food and then left the caf. “I assumed that it wasn’t an issue because I was still swiped in at the register before entering,” he said. “If I was told I couldn’t come in because of shoes, I would’ve respected it. We have the no shoes, no shirt policy everywhere. I definitely will not walk in shirtless to the caf. Even if I want to, I won’t.” Barlow said he was unaware he was breaking a rule, and he’s been walking around campus barefoot for a semester and a half. “I always get looks and comments from everyone, dispersed among a variety of opinions, but I’ve always been swiped into the caf,” he said. Barlow said he understands the policy and respects it. Smoking on campus Students also said they’ve seen their peers vaping in areas like the caf and The Market at Alvin’s. Oaklin Davis, business graduate, said he has seen students vaping in both dining areas at different times. Nicole Waltman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“They have to be more considerate of the people on campus,” Rodgers said. “That’s why the rules are there—to make sure that people can be on a campus that’s safe and is not imposing on anyone else.”

That’s why the rules are there—to make sure that people can be on a campus that’s safe and is not imposing on anyone else. Jennifer Rodgers chief police

“I can only speculate that they do it in many other places,” he said. “I just happen to frequent dining areas more than any place on campus, so that’s when I witness it.” Vaping is included in the university’s tobacco policy and isn’t tolerated any more than tobacco, OCU Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers said. “I think there’s a misunderstanding,” Rodgers said. “There’s not really an intent on the student to break any kind of rule, but we have not probably made it as clear as it needs to be.” A tobacco policy violation is a $50 fine, which can be appealed. The violation also can be a matter of student conduct, meaning a student in violation would meet with Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, and Lily Bermudez, associate dean of students, to decide if the student is a repeat offender and potential further punishment. “Ultimately, could someone be expelled from school? Absolutely, if they have enough issues behind them, they could certainly be asked to leave,” Rodgers said. Students can find the exact policy at okcu.edu/students/ handbook/04-university-policies-procedures/w-tobacco-freecampus.

Reporting issues Anderson said some of the most important things to remember in the caf are: − wear shirts and shoes, − no vaping/tobacco usage, − no throwing food, − no defacing of murals on the walls, − don’t stand on chairs or tables, − and report anything wrong that is seen. “A lot of it is just for health codes and, you know, safety,” Anderson said. “Our safety for everyone is our No. 1 priority.” If a student sees something inappropriate or wrong in the caf, they can report it to any caf or The Market at Alvin’s employee or to Anderson’s office next to the chef ’s table in the caf. “It’s being respectful of the space and respectful of others,” Anderson said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. And it goes back to, ‘if you see something, say something.’” If students have questions about caf policies, they may email Anderson at emily.anderson4@compass-usa.com or use the Dine On Campus app and click “contact,” which goes directly to Anderson. Rodgers said students can call OCUPD at 405-208-5001 or use the “Rave Guardian” app to anonymously report things they see, as well.

Marijuana prohibited on campus despite new Oklahoma law Jessica Vanek

WEB EDITOR

The use of medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma, but it remains against the rules at OCU. Oklahoma SQ 788 regarding the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative passed June 26. Oklahoma is the 30th state to pass the initiative. An email from Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, was sent to students Sept. 13 regarding the school’s policy on medical marijuana. The email reads: “no person may possess or use marijuana, in any form, or be under the influence of marijuana on any university property or at any off-campus university event, even with a valid medical marijuana patient license.” The student handbook reads: “a positive test result for marijuana will not be used as the sole reason to refuse admission into the university if the applicant possesses a valid medical marijuana license issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.” The medical amnesty policy, which protects students seeking medical attention for alcohol or drug-related emergencies, is still

The top priority is , first and foremost, the safety of the students.

Jordan Tarter English/philosophy senior

in place with the recent legalization of medical marijuana, according to the email. The student handbook, code of conduct, and alcohol and other drugs policies were updated to reflect the new rule. An email was sent the following day asking students to participate in the annual anonymous research survey about alcohol and marijuana use on campus. The email quotes Jordan Tarter, English/ philosophy senior and Student Government Association president. “This survey is absolutely anonymous, and its purpose isn’t

to ‘catch’ anyone,” Tarter wrote. “In order to properly educate ourselves and ensure that OKCU is a safe place for us to learn and grow, we must first gain an understanding of the current situation pertaining to drug and alcohol use.” Another email was sent Sept. 21 to faculty and staff regarding medical marijuana policies in the workplace. Addison Saviers, religion sophomore, said her friends and family have the ability to self-medicate. “I really think medical marijuana is a great tool that individuals can use to fight chronic illnesses, even just anxiety and depression,” Saviers said. “Having the ability to self-medicate and know your own limits and be able to have the freedom to make yourself feel better is a great thing to have. It’s helped my friends and family a lot, and I can definitely see a difference in our relationships when they can self-medicate.” Students with questions about medical marijuana and use of alcohol on campus may call the OCUPD non-emergency phone at (405) 208-5001.

Student survey inspires new music assembly, curriculum changes Caroline Hawthorne

STAFF WRITER

The weekly music assembly curriculum has changed in response to a student survey. Wanda L. Bass School of Music officials sent a survey to music students in June and again in August asking for feedback about the music degree programs. There was high response about weekly music assembly. Mu s i c a s s e m b l i e s a re weekly mandatory student performances that take place 1 p.m. Tuesdays for all music students who aren’t seniors. “The surveys were a part of what we call our continuous improvement,” said Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the schools of music and theater. “We’ve made many curricular changes recently and always continue to make changes to improve our curriculum and co-curricular activities.” Curricular changes affect music theory, music history and music education. Parker said, originally, the music

M MEDIAOCU.com

education degree took nine semesters to complete, but it can now be completed in eight semesters. “We eliminated things, and, at the same time, we made it quite an innovative and distinctive program around the country,” Parker said. “Students are getting a much broader and deeper music education curriculum than most of their peers.” This academic year’s music assemblies will feature more workshops and Q&As focusing on the business side of music. The goal is to focus on the practical side of the business by bringing in more guests, Parker said. Alumni were brought in for last week’s music assembly to discuss how to handle being an artist after graduation. “We’re using that gathering time to discuss the business sides of things,” Parker said. “We always get the request to do more of that.” Current students were sent surveys through email in June and on Aug. 28. Alumni also

were contacted to give suggestions from a different point of view. Focus groups were conducted during the summer to include these alumni. Teddy Edgar, music theater/ vocal performance junior, said he requested music assemblies to be more inclusive. “I said that I wanted music assemblies to be more integrated and to incorporate all people in the music,” Edgar said. “We had one music assembly where alumni came in for a Q&A, and then they performed, and I want more stuff like that. I want more focus on music education or composition. Maybe once or twice a month they have a day where someone comes in, and the other days are performances.” Parker said he encourages students to plan their own music assemblies. “The parameters are going to be: program it, find a place for it, make it interesting, and find ways to attract the community to the event you are planning so you are now the impresario for the performance,” he said.

Hannah Rogers Student Publications Jeremiah Rupp, bass performance senior, and Landon Honolka, bass performance sophomore, play “Parade of Politically Prudent Pigs” at music assembly Sept. 18 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

The most recent workshop was on Yoga for Musicians, led by Dr. Kristen Queen, interim director of the school of music at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. “The response already from the students was fantastic,” Parker said. “It helps with stress and anxiety, and it helps keep your muscle toned as a per-

former, since every performer uses their body. We’re aiming for more things like that.” Edgar said he is happy the school is working to continue improving its curriculum and adding new activities for students. “Wanda L. Bass allows their students to sculpt their career under the right supervision and

instruction,” Edgar said. “I am so appreciative for the effort and support of the music school and owe all of my future success and endeavors to them.”

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