Independent Collegian UT101

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

THE INDEPENDENt

COLLEGiAN

UT 101

Your guide to UT and the Toledo area

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012 | The Independent Collegian |

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A letter from the Independent Collegian staff New students, Welcome! If you are reading this, you have successfully graduated from high school and have overcome one of the great hurdles of your studies. You have passed through one of life’s great stages. Some of you are traditional college students who have just now graduated. Others have a bit more life experience and are coming back to college.

All are welcome at the University of Toledo! As you have either inferred or discovered, your college education extends far beyond the classroom. Yes, the classroom should be an integral part of your time here at UT, but it is simply the tip of the great iceburg which is your college experience. If you have not yet felt like your learning experience has begun, let it begin here with UT 101.

This section is meant to help familiarize you with the university and the surrounding area. Many of you are not from Toledo and it is our hope that this will be a helpful guide to campus and Toledo. Among the things you will read about are the diverse organizations on campus, the great spots to study or chill and the wonderful and unique things to go see, try, taste and hear around the Glass City.

It is our hope that UT 101 will not be an exhaustive guide to discovering Toledo, but rather one that should make you want to get your hands dirty and discover the nightlife, the art, the music and the food of Toledo. It should make you want to join student organizations, see one of the most impressive zoos in the country, attend a baseball game played by one of the most well-known minor-league baseball teams, jog in our topnotch metro parks. Enjoy your time getting to know the University of Toledo.

We at the Independent Collegian hope you will come to love this university as much as we have in the last 93 years. Use this guide to make the most of the beginning of your college journey.

Go Rockets!

The staff of the Independent Collegian (419) 534-2438

The 206-foot tall bell tower atop University Hall was completed in 1931 and overlooks the UT community.

ic file photo

A letter from the UT Office of First-Year Experience Dear First Year Student, Welcome to your first year at The University of Toledo! You are now a Rocket.

The University of Toledo has a number of initiatives to enhance the quality of the first-year experience (FYE) and bolster the success of our beginning students.

The “first year experience” concept represents a deliberate attempt to ensure that our UT first-year students are supported through the use of learning communities, orientation classes, service learning, freshman activities, and increased interaction with faculty outside the classroom. Upon the completion of the first year, you should have a positive sense of self, with the confidence and tools necessary to achieve both academic and life-long goals.

Your first semester can be exciting and frustrating at the same time. Through this note I am offering to assist in any way possible as you deal with those frustrations. At the same time, I want you to be aware that there are many offices here on campus that can help you manage both the academic and student life aspects of your University of Toledo experience. I want your first year here to be spectacular in every way. You are special

to the UT community and I want you to feel that way.

As I look back on my own education here at the University of Toledo I have some thoughts I’d like to share. Yes, I am a proud UT alumna, mom, teacher and mentor!

“If I could start my college experience over, what would I do differently in my first year?”

I would definitely prepare myself better for the transition from my sheltered high school life to a life of independence.

I would plan my college career path better by exploring career choices earlier in the game, getting better advice on what classes to take, taking classes at levels that matched my ability (and not too hard, of course), studying harder than I did, and trying not to be too intimidated to ask for help. I would get to know my advisor early and contact him/her often.

I would also have: n Taken more “fun” classes and explored more of my interests; n Tried to become better at scheduling studying because poor time management is what held me back the most; n Met more people, made better friends sooner, and definitely become more involved on campus earlier;

n Searched more aggressively for information about scholarships and grants; n Looked for leadership positions in college that look good on my resume; n Made sure I gained some work experience in my major field early in my college career; n Stepped out and experienced Toledo events and activities such as the Toledo Zoo, the Art Museum, the Mud Hens, the waterfront sooner; and finally, n Not have skipped any classes! (or, maybe one!)

Maybe you’ve heard all this before, but these ideas will ring true. I promise. You have begun a wonderfully exciting journey. Your world, in transition now, will get larger and more fascinating every day! Stay in touch. Please frequently check out our website (http://utoledo. edu/fye) to help you in your first year transition.

Have a great first semester!

Sincerely, Jennifer Rockwood Director, First-Year Experience 419.530.2330 Jennifer.Rockwood@utoledo.edu

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embracing diversity

UT student organizations reflect diverse student population around campus

By Zachary R. Dehm Forum Editor

From religious to ethnic to sexual orientation, University of Toledo’s diverse student body reflects the numerous student organizations and events occurring throughout the school year.

Sophomore music education major Daniel Giffin said diversity helped broaden his perspectives.

“Diversity has influenced my work in the classroom by giving me different perspectives on subjects,” Griffin said. “When you have different perspectives, you can know much more about a subject than you would otherwise.”

While present in the classroom, diversity extends to all aspects of student life. Senior mechanical engineering major Michael Miranda said the power of diversity organizations is to inform the stu-

dents about a culture.

Miranda, the internal vice-president of the UT Filipino American Association, said that the group “brings together individuals, Filipino, Filipino-American and non-Filipino, to learn and experience the Filipino culture through history, cuisine and arts.”

Miranda said diversity helps give a dynamic experience to be better prepared for life after college.

The FAA shares this goal with other ethnic organizations on campus. Mary Page Dalrymple, a senior nursing major and president of the Catholic Student Association agrees with the emphasis on diversity.

“Diversity is a vital part of any organization,” she said. “It is the key to keeping things interesting.

Without diversity, the level of conversation and interaction

would be deathly boring.”

Dalrymple said beyond simply keeping things interesting, they must be challenging.

“I love listening to diverse stories of how students have come to believe the things they believe, or overhearing heated discussions about controversial topics, with each student bringing their own diverse views on the subject,” she said.

While diversity is such an important part of UT life, some see room for improvement in unrealized potential. Jeanetta MohlkeHill, a senior women and gender studies major and co-president of the UT Feminist Alliance, said she feels UT has a particularly diverse community.

“I think UT is really unique because of its diverse community,” she said. “UT student diversity range from their ethnicity to

“Diversity has influenced my work in the classroom by giving me different perspectives on subjects.”

Daniel Griffin Sophomore, music education

sexual orientation to non-traditional student status.”

However, Mohlke-Hill said she notices some shortcomings, which she feels ought to be addressed.

“I think UT sometimes struggles when it comes to incorporating that diversity outside of the classroom,” she said. “Specifically, it is usually privileged students who are able to participate in activities on campus. Our organization has struggled to figure out how to get students who have

families, have full-time jobs, or even commute involved in our events and activities. It is mostly students who have the time and money to participate in these organizations and activities are the ones getting involved.”

Mohlke-Hill said there are a number of organizations that should reflect the diversity of UT’s student body, but fail to do so due to their incompatibility with non-privileged students.

Whatever one’s feelings on the intensity of UT’s diverse environment, students seem to agree on its importance.

“No matter where you work when you grow up, you will encounter diversity, and having experienced this as students will help us be more apt to dealing with diversity in the workplace,” Dalrymple said.

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Seniors speak

What advice do you have for the incoming class at UT?

“Always take the first exam of a class seriously.

It’s normally the easiest exam. If you do well on it you will have a point cushion for later exams instead of having to play catch up.”

Adelle Rodriguez biology

“You don’t have to waste hundreds and hundreds of dollars on textbooks from the bookstore. Buy them or rent them online since you won’t ever make half that money back when you sell it back.”

“It’s important to get involved with student organizations. If you attend UT four years and only go to class you’re not getting the most out of your college experience.”

Ethan Ladowitz, business and marketing

Nicole Baumann,

“Don’t have any plans completely set in stone. Life is tricky and things constantly change. You need to have the ability to cope and change with what your education throws at you.”

“Don’t buy books at the bookstore.

It’s much cheaper to get them online.”

Brad amborski, business

“College is about growing. Learn everything you can and experience any and all good opportunities that come your way.”

Sarah Hudson

pharmacy

Justin Takac mathematics

mathematics

Navigating Toledo: How to get from Point A to Point B

By Russell Axon Arts & Life Editor

While Toledo’s campus isn’t one of the country’s larger universities, it can still be a hassle getting from Point A to Point B. Things only become more difficult when the destination is off campus.

These methods of transportation can help ease the travel process and even make it enjoyable. n Night Watch: Walking is the preferred method of getting around the pathway-filled campus but as with any college campus, it can be dangerous at night. The university’s Night Watch service lessens this danger. Working in conjunction with the campus police, a team of two escorts will accompany students to any location on campus. The service is free

and available Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. To request Night Watch’s assistance, call 419-530-3024. n On Wheels: Sometimes walking isn’t quick enough, like when class started 10 minutes ago. A solid set of wheels can definitely speed things up. The university’s campus is filled with paved pathways and big hills ideal for bikes, skateboards or rollerblades. In addition, the University Parks bike trail cuts through southern campus by Rocket Hall and extends West to Sylvania Township, offering a scenic and long ride for any potential explorers. Additionally, multiple bike corrals are located

throughout campus allowing bikers to safely store their wheels between classes. For students wanting a set of wheels, local shops such as Wersell’s Bike and Ski Shop and Just Skateboards sell the equipment for casual and experienced riders, and both shops are located near campus. n UT Transit Service: For students who survive through routines and habits, the bus could be their best option. The university offers a bus service which covers virtually all of campus via eight different routes, including several which go off campus. All the buses use either bio-fuel or hybrid engines and feature bike racks.

Students can follow the buses through a GPS tracking link on

the Transit Services homepage or by texting “Utoledo” and the name of their stop to 41411. Many of the bus routes do not run during holidays or breaks. The university also offers paratransit services around campus for disabled students. Applications for paratransit service are made through the Office of Accessibility. n Off Campus Options: After travelling through the university’s campus for a week or two, students will want to see what else Toledo has to offer. Unless they have a car, or a friend with a car willing to be their personal chauffeur, they could be stuck. Luckily, the city has a few reliable transportation options. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) bus routes cover much

of Toledo and its surrounding towns. Specifically, three routes stop at the university — Routes 3, 5 and 22F — all of which can connect to other routes throughout the city which can be found on TARTA’s website. One-way fares cost only $1, round trips cost $4 and multiple ride passes can be purchased for $20 to $40.

A more direct option is the Black and White Cab Company.

Serving the greater Toledo area, the company offers cab, sedan and courier services. Those in need of a ride call the company directly, and they will dispatch a cab directly to the caller. Rides can also be booked on the company’s website. This is an especially helpful service after nights at a bar or club.

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illustration by Ryan clair/IC

Places to go and things to do around Toledo n Fifth Third Field: (406 Washington St., Toledo, OH 43604, 419-725-HENS (4367)) For a major league ballpark experience at a minor league ballpark price, nothing beats Fifth Third Field. Home to the Toledo Mud Hens, the 10-year old field still shines as a great place to enjoy the great American pastime. Although baseball season ends soon, the field also hosts theme nights, parties and fireworks on special days. Tickets typically start at $9 and can be purchased online or at the field. n Rick’s City Diner: (2633 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606, 419-536-1117) For those who wake up early enough for breakfast, Rick’s City Diner is a great local spot perfect for university students. The diner is located

right next to campus — just down the road from University Hall — and serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes for affordable prices, not including the student discount. A friendly atmosphere and staff add to the diner’s appeal.

Rick’s City Diner is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. n Calvino’s Restaurant: (3143 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, 419-531-5100) A wise man once said that a good date night requires good food and good atmosphere. Calvino’s offers both without emptying an already light wallet. Located about a mile from Main Campus, Calvino’s serves traditional and modern Italian cuisine filled with flavor and zest.

For customers of the proper age, the restaurant has an impressive wine selection to complement all of their dishes. The small upstairs dining room offers a quiet and casual experience. Be sure to make

reservations. Calvino’s is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. n Westgate Franklin Park Shopping Center: (50001 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43623, 419-4733317) A Toledo tradition, Franklin Park Mall is the one-stop destination for food, clothes, games and things you didn’t even know you needed. In addition to the over 150 retail stores inside, the 1.3 million-square-foot shopping center is anchored by Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney and Dick’s Sporting Goods while housing four full-sized restaurants and a 16-screen movie theater. The mall is also surrounded by other major retailers and restaurant chains. By riding either the university’s or a TARTA bus route, students can easily reach this microcosm of materialism to shop to the heart’s content, catch a new movie with friends, or simply people-watch

with the mallrats. n RamaLama Records: (3151 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, 419-531-7625) Although digital libraries have largely replaced physical albums, it’s never a bad idea to know where the local record store is located. RamaLama Records is the closest and best record store for university students. The wide selection covers the walls of the entire store, featuring new releases, classic albums and virtually every genre. The second floor contains a hodgepodge of new and old vinyl records, ranging in sound and age. RamaLama offers all this at affordable prices without sacrificing any quality. n Huntington Center: (500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, OH 43604, 419-255-3300) Concerts and Toledo Walleye hockey are found at this downtown venue. For $15 you can be close to the glass for a Walleye game and the Huntington Center also played host for stars

such as Rush and Tool and will host Rascal Flatts Oct. 4. n Imagination Station: (1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604, 419-244-2674) Affectionately called COSI by nostalgic locals, embrace the scientist inside of you (unless you already enroll is CNSM) with hands-on demos.

Although there is no student discount, for under $10, it’s tough to beat. Imagination Station is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. n Uncle John’s Pancake House: (3131 Secor Rd., Toledo, OH 43606, 419-536-9442) Because we at the Independent Collegian love breakfast, we figured it’d be a good idea to share a second diner favorite. Uncle John’s is under a mile from Main Campus and an long-standing Toledo tradition. Plus, did we mention it’s cheap?

— By Russell Axon and Vincent D. Scebbi

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012 | The Independent Collegian |

Five events

you won’t want to miss!

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Football, music and philanthropy mark some of UT’s annual traditions

Show your school spirit along with alumni and the Toledo community at Homecoming, which will be Saturday, Oct. 6. The parade will step off at 11 a.m. and the Rockets facing off against Central Michigan at 7 p.m. in the Glass Bowl.

Entering its 76th year, Songfest is UT’s second-oldest tradition. Groups create and rehearse song-and-dance routines then perform in front of a large audience in Savage Arena. Student organizations compete in three different divisions: male, female and co-ed. Winning the men’s division last year was Pi Kappa Alpha. Alpha Chi Omega captured the women’s crown and Campus Crusade for Christ won the co-ed division. Sponsors are Blue Key National Honor Fraternity and Mortar Board National Honor Society.

“For the Kids!” Last year’s annual Dance Marathon raised over $55,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The best way to break last year’s figures is to go out and participate.

Without sports, rivalries would be too political. The Rockets, the favorite in the Mid-American Conference West Division, take on their arch-rival Bowling Green State University Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Glass Bowl.

Last year, Toledo defeated the Falcons 28-21. Other noteable home games this year include an Oct. 20 showdown against Big East foe Cincinnati, Nov. 6 against Ball State and Nov. 20 against Akron.

For a day, UT transforms to a concert venue. While Cartel (above) rocked in front of Memorial Field House, Sept. 9’s headliner is Bowling for Soup. Other acts include The Dumb Easies, Hot Sauce, KJON, Alexander Zonjic & Jeff Lorber, Tyler Hilton and Gloriana.

The day kicks off at 3 p.m.

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