Jan 25

THE CAMPUS

January 25, 2017 – Volume 110 Issue 41

Felons on campus?

Percentage of schools that require applicants to disclose criminal records

Special requirements for applicants with criminal records

Admissions committee accepts criminals on case-by-case basis University officials do not automatically refuse admission to students with criminal records.

Officials said they have admitted students who answer in affirmative on their university application to questions regarding being charged or convicted of a past misdemeanor or felony.

If a student answers “yes” to any of the questions, the vice president of student affairs or dean of students review the application file and investigate further, said Michelle Cook, director of admissions.

“Then that information is presented by the VP for student affairs/ dean of students to the admissions committee, which is made up of faculty and staff,” Cook said. “There a decision regarding admission is made.”

The admissions committee consists of 10 voting members who meet to review and discuss admission of potential students who do not meet all of the university’s application requirements. The committee reviews all of the applicant’s paperwork, including transcripts, essays and letters of recommendation. Their options include regular admission, refusal of admission or admission on probation, where the student is admitted but must achieve a 2.00 GPA after a semester of at least 12 credit hours.

The potential student’s admissions counselor is asked to write a recommendation to the committee regarding which decision they should make, providing the reasons for that decision. This recommendation is not always taken, though, said Kristen Burkholder, access services librarian and admissions committee member.

“We aren’t presented with many felonies, but, when we are, we

Elias Dominguez Student Publications Information from “The Use of Criminal History Records in College Admissions” by the Center for Community Alternatives and the Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. According to their research, most schools have additional steps in their admissions process for students with criminal histories, the most common of which is consulting with deans and/or submitting a letter of explanation.

look at as much context as possible,” Burkholder said. “If someone has a felony on their record, they know they need to provide a thorough explanation. We look at when the felony happened, the circumstances around it and whether or not they are likely to do it again.”

The applicant’s potential housing situation may play into the decision, but the biggest concern is whether the student might be a danger to anyone in the OCU community, Burkholder said.

This case-by-case policy has been in place for as long as anyone can remember, Cook said.

The policy came to light recently when a student was arrested for possession of methamphetamine last semester on campus.

Juan Burrell, 43, was arrested Nov. 11 and charged Dec. 13 with one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The arrest occurred after a campus police officer recognized Burrell as a man with three warrants out for his arrest. The warrants were from September 2014 charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of methamphetamine, to which Burrell pleaded guilty.

Before his November arrest, Burrell was studying psychology with a pre-law and Oxford plan, as well as a minor in criminal justice. Fall

2016 was his first semester on campus.

“When it comes to drugs, the committee usually only deals with convicted felonies, since applicants aren’t required to report unproven charges,” Cook said. “If we don’t think they’d be a danger, we’ll probably try to give them a second chance.”

Officials will not disclose the number of students with criminal records on campus. They also said there’s no set policy for prospective students who have sex offenses, so they would go through the same process.

Quinn Weedon, English junior, said the issue is a tough one because crimes are all different.

“Though you can’t have a cold-blooded criminal wandering campus, you can’t refuse to admit every kid who gets in a bar fight or smokes weed,” Weedon said. “I believe in second chances, but there is a line somewhere. I think it has to be a case-by-case basis.”

By Associate Editor Sage Tokach

Deadline for May graduation requirements approaches McAlyn Forbes STAFF WRITER

Though seniors are planning their post-graduation goals, there are still things to do in order to prepare for the big ceremony.

All students planning to graduate or walk in May should stop by the registrar’s office and apply for graduation. The deadline to do so is Feb. 17.

Students graduating in the summer, but who plan to walk in the spring, also need to fill out their application to walk. This application is available online, from their adviser or from Pam Bobier, assistant director for academic services.

If a student’s degree requirements will not be met by July 28, but they still want to walk, they must contact academic affairs.

Students need to ensure that they have met all of the requirements they need to graduate, Provost Dr. Kent Buchanan said.

“They need to talk to their advisers right away and have them

“

do a check,” Buchanan said.

Kendra Comstock, vocal performance senior, said she’s excited and nervous for graduation. She’s already planning for what her next step in life will be.

“I am planning on moving to Boston very soon after I graduate, so I’m starting to apply for jobs and find apartments-so that’s weird,” Comstock said. “But I am keeping that planning secondary to finishing my last semester. I’m putting a lot of effort into my recital and hanging out with friends as much as possible.”

Bobier encouraged students to attend Gateway to Graduation, which is all day Feb. 14-15 in the Bookstore, to order regalia.

Gateway to Graduation is a resource for graduating seniors where representatives from different departments are available to help verify applications, get financial aid assistance, get help with career plans, check graduate school options, and order regalia and announcements. Represented departments include the - registrar’s office,

- student accounts, - career services, - graduate admissions, and - Jostens, which makes memorabilia like class rings or announcements.

Baccalaureate Commencement will start at 9 a.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. Undergraduate Commencement starts afterward at 11 a.m., and Graduate Commencement will be at 3 p.m. Both will be in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

All commencement ceremonies are May 6.

Seating for guests is on a first-come-first-served basis and includes seating for those who cannot climb stairs. A sign language interpreter will be present at the ceremony and will be featured on the online streaming of the ceremony.

Law school dean steps down, returns to full-time teaching Zoe Travers NEWS EDITOR

Dr. Valerie Couch, dean of the OCU School of Law, is stepping down after five years.

Couch wrote that she was privileged to serve as dean in an email sent Jan. 9 to law students.

“It’s hard for me to believe how quickly the last few years have passed,” Couch wrote. “My time here feels no longer than a comet streaking through the sky.”

She informed her students that she will make the transition from dean to full-time faculty member, and a new dean will take her place July 1.

President Robert Henry appointed Lee Peoples, director of the law library, to serve as interim dean until a national search determines

M MEDIAOCU.com

who will serve full-time.

“How fortunate the next dean will be,” Couch wrote in her email. “I am excited for that person already!”

Couch wrote in another email to alumni and community that Peoples has her full confidence and support.

Couch began her career as a trial lawyer in private practice for 16 years before she served for 13 years as a federal judge.

Couch was the first female named dean of the law school.

She wrote that her experience at OCU has been exhilarating and humbling.

“Entering the unique community of OCU Law turned my eyes and mind to the future,” Couch wrote.

Couch was responsible for many significant changes to the law school during her time as dean. Among these changes is the expansion of the energy law program. Couch said in a 2011 interview with NewsOK

I love this school and appreciate its generous spirit.

You have embraced me as a member of this big, lively family, and so have our alums who are doing amazing work all around the world.

Dr. Valerie Couch law school dean

that one of her goals as dean was to create an opportunity for students to learn about natural resources and energy law.

Couch was also instrumental in the move of the law building from the main campus to the current downtown campus, 800 N. Harvey Ave. In her recent email, Couch wrote, “we have transplanted our energy to the fertile soil of downtown Oklahoma City, and we are thriving!”

Couch praises the experience, talent, passion, and commitment of her students and places an emphasis on serving the local community.

She also wrote that she takes pride in the traditions of the university and its commitment to innovation within the legal profession, even in a time she calls “tumultuous” for legal education.

“I love this school and appreciate its generous spirit,” Couch wrote. “ You have embraced me as a member of

this big, lively family, and so have our alums who are doing amazing work all around the world!”

St u d e n t s c h a r a c t e r i z e Couch as being involved and knowledgeable.

“Even though she’s the dean, she likes to go around and get to know students,” said Emily Ousley, L1 law student.

“She’s always personable and asks students how things are going.”

An example of this openness is what Couch calls “couch sittings” wherein she meets with students on a couch and speaks with them about various topics.

Ousley said Couch’s role as a judge and as the first female dean of the law school inspires her in her law career.

“Whenever there’s a woman in her position, that’s something to strive for,” Ousley said.

She said she admires

Couch’s open-door policy and her ability to make significant changes on campus. But, on top of that, Ousley admires her ability to be personable.

“I definitely appreciate her being around. Sometimes you can have this stair-stepper situation where you can never see the person at the top,” Ousley said.

Couch spoke at a “State of the Law School” address Jan. 19 and welcomed students to join her and speak about the transition to a new dean.

“We are now in a perfect place,” Couch wrote in her email. “With these great strengths, our school is ready for the next chapter of its history. I welcome your thoughts as we shape this transition together.”

Couch was unavailable for comment last week.

It's a miracle (week)

Follow us on Twitter @MediaOCU

Mr. Burns

Like us on Facebook at MediaOCU

View photos from Phi Mu's philanthropy week Find out more about the next TheatreOCU show

Engaging different cultures

Read about upcoming multicultural events

Follow us on Instagram @media_ocu

opinion Editors advise officials to reject ex-felons as students Just before the end of last semester, a 43-year-old student was arrested on campus for possession of methamphetamine.

As it turns out, that student had three warrants out for his arrest and a felonious criminal background.

Fortunately, Lt. Joshua Pankowsky recognized the man and arrested him.

Despite the eventual outcome of the situation, this discovery is startling. The university has a responsibility to its students-and their parents-to keep students safe. This includes communicating about things that could put them in danger.

Students and their parents pay thousands of dollars for students to attend this institution. Parents send their children to college with the belief that the university will protect their welfare, which includes rejecting

admission to people with serious criminal offenses.

See Page 1 for more about the admissions process for students with criminal records.

Officials described the admissions process for students with a criminal past as a “case-by-case process.” This makes sense because students with minor offenses shouldn’t have to struggle with getting a higher education. But when a student has felonies, officials should reject their admission.

There’s a higher expectation of safety and protection when enrolling a student into a private, Methodist university like OCU, not to mention that most students live on campus, which is located in a part of the city that’s known to have crimes. In 2016 alone, 199 crime reports were filed with the Oklahoma City Police Department and 685 citations issued within a half-mile radius of OCU,

Talk Back “Should people with criminal records be accepted at OCU?”

according to police records. These statistics don’t include OCUPD reports or citations. This area surrounding campus gives university officials even more responsibility to do whatever possible to keep students safe.

Even though people with criminal records absolutely should get a second chance, there’s an unspoken expectation that university officials should at least communicate these matters with students. Students shouldn’t have to feel like university officials are hiding information from them. It is better for officials to volunteer the information unprompted in order to maintain trust with students.

“Everyone has the right to an education.

It's their way of turning their life around.”

“Yes. Kids make mistakes, I feel like they deserve a second chance.”

Nicholas Villemarette design and production freshman

Devon McCrea guitar freshman

“Depends. I wouldn’t particularly want a murdering fellow student walking around at night with me.”

“Students should be able to have the opportunity to come here or anywhere.”

Taylor Stephens music theater freshman

Brandon Brown music education freshman

“It depends on if they have gone through things to help them with their mental state.”

“If the crime is petty, it shouldn't be held over their heads.”

Sydney Valaer music theater freshman

Monica Mason business management sophomore

The Eagle Huntress gives audiences a glimpse of a different culture Even with all the technology and means to travel nowadays, most people still can get stuck living in their little bubble, unaware of ways of life outside their immediate vicinity.

It's bad enough inside our own country, where someone growing up in California can have a vastly different education, viewpoint or life experience than someone growing up in Oklahoma.

The differences in where or how other people live across the globe can be eye-opening, so it's nice to occasionally be treated to glimpses of other cultures through works like the 2016 film The Eagle Huntress.

Directed by Otto Bell and narrated by Daisy Ridley of Star Wars fame, The Eagle Huntress is a documentary that follows Aisholpan, a 13-year-old girl from Mongolia who dreams of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming an eagle huntress, someone who uses an eagle to hunt for food and pelts during the harsh Mongolian winters.

Eagle hunting is historically done by men, and, although her family has a long history of being successful hunters, her wish is met with skepticism amongst those outside her family, as there have been no other female eagle hunters in the country’s history. From becoming the first girl to enter

Danielle Petersen is a violin performance graduate from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing with her cat and watching films.

the Golden Eagle Festival, an annual competition in Mongolia for fellow eagle hunters to show off their skills, to her first foray into actual hunting, Aisholpan is tested repeatedly as she tries to make a name for herself.

The film is beautiful. Set in the Mongolian wilderness, the film treats us to breathtaking views of mountains and envi-

ronments that people call their homes. Sweeping aerial shots capture the vast isolation of the area, which helps viewers realize that Aisholpan and her family don’t just hunt for sport. They do it to survive.

Many viewers have probably seen a film of this type, where someone perseveres in the face of adversity, so while the set-

ting may be different, the story is one in which the audience is well-versed. Watching Aisholpan train and compete produces the type of anxiety that a close friend or family member would feel as they cheer for a loved one to succeed. Aisholpan herself is a determined and charismatic girl, making it even easier to cheer for her. It’s also heartwarming to watch her father support her so enthusiastically, even as his fellow eagle hunters look upon him with skepticism when he trains her.

While fascinating, the film feels, even at just 87 minutes, like it was stretched to fill the time and make it to feature length.

Also, the story is well-tread ter-

ritory, so even though it’s done well, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’ve seen this type of movie before, which can take away some of its impact.

Nevertheless, it is fascinating and inspiring to watch a 13-yearold girl make history and challenge the roles that her culture has placed on man and woman.

She stays true to herself as she stands up for her passion and refuses to take no for an answer just because something has never been done before. This film is a highly recommended visual treat for the documentary lover.

Columnist advocates for responsible stray animal rescue I rescued four animals within four semesters at OCU. I don’t catch these animals on purpose. They just show up.

Last year I was walking to the Caf, and a sweet dog decided to join me on my walk. A few months later, my friends and I found a dog lying in front of the elevators at midnight in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. Earlier this semester, we found a home for a tiny stray kitten. Only a few days ago, I was going to get my laundry when a pit bull puppy came running up

to me, jumped on my lap and started licking my face.

Stray animals are a national issue. About 7.6 million animals are admitted to shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

It is impossible to calculate how many animals are living on the streets, but, if you have ever walked around campus, you know the number in Oklahoma City is high. I have seen kittens living in dumpsters, and I have seen dogs hit by cars.

For an animal lover such

McAlyn Forbes is an acting sophomore from the beautiful mountains of Colorado. She loves petting any dog that she sees and reading in bed with tea.

as myself, when I see a stray, it becomes my life’s mission to rescue it. But that becomes problematic when I don’t have a car and animals are not allowed in campus housing.

So, for my fellow animal lovers, I give you some advice if you suddenly find yourself with an

adorable stray in your clutches.

Give the animal some food.

Dogs can eat chicken and rice, and cats can eat chicken and tuna.

Take the animal to a shelter or clinic, and see if they are chipped. The Central Oklahoma Humane Society, 9300

N. May Ave. Suite 400-281 in Oklahoma City, will do this for free, and it is an easy way to track down the owners.

Unfortunately, if they are not chipped, then the humane society cannot help.

If this is the case, try to find an owner another way. There are many Facebook pages and websites that allow you to post or register the found animal, thereby increasing the chances of reuniting the animal with its owner.

Find a friend off campus willing to house the animal for a few days while you find

the owner or a no-kill shelter.

It is imperative to me that I exhaust all of my options before I even consider giving the animal to a place where he or she may be euthanized.

Rescuing an animal without a car or the ability to house it is difficult, but it’s not impossible. Of the four animals I have rescued, the first dog was taken to a shelter, the second dog found its family, the kitty found a new home in Texas, and my sweet pit bull is living with a student off campus.

Absolutely worth it.

Bass Music Center

presents: Paul Merkelo from 3-5 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall 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.

WEDNESDAY Phi Mu Miracle Week Game Night from 7-9 p.m. in the Phi Mu House in the Nellie R. Melton Panhellenic Quadrangle THURSDAY Chapel from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel LinkedIn 101 Workshop from 3-4 p.m. in Room 215 in Dulaney-Browne Library Women's basketball game vs. USAO from 6-7:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

SGA Free Movie Night from 7-11 p.m. in Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16, 150 E. Reno Ave. Men’s basketball game vs. USAO from 8-9:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center FRIDAY Final day to drop a class without a professor's signature Alexandra Hebert's senior music theater recital from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Project 21 concert from 8-10 p.m.

in the medium rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Phi Mu Miracle Mac from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Phi Mu House in the Nellie R. Melton Panhellenic Quadrangle SATURDAY Caroline Baniewicz's junior music theater recital from 2-2:30 p.m. in Wimberly Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Women's basketball game vs.

Bacone from 3-4:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

Madeline Roberts's junior music theater recital from 4-4:30 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Men's basketball game vs.

Bacone from 5-6:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center Liza Clark's senior music theater recital from 6-7 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Taylor Paulson and Jackson Walker's junior music theater recital from 6-6:30 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L.

January 25, 2017, Volume 110, Number 41

2

Web Editor: Nicole Waltman Photographers: Courtney Beyer, McAlyn Forbes, Donovan Lawson, Kelsey Simmons, Ali Wonderly Staff Writers: Taylor Rey, Prisca Lynch, McAlyn Forbes, Evan Juedeman, Nathan Moelling, Adrianna DelPercio

Madeline Heigele's junior music theater recital from 8-8:30 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center SUNDAY Billy Speed's junior music theater recital from 2-2:30 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center OCU Distinguished Artist Series

Cora Winstead's senior music theater recital from 6-7 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Walker Degerness's senior music theater recital from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center MONDAY Evensong worship ser vice at 8 p.m. in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

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.

THE CAMPUS Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White News Editor: Zoe Travers Lifestyles Editor: Madelyn Parker Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri

Lauren Urso's senior vocal performance recital from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Film Critics: Danielle Petersen, Mary McLain Videographer: Emily Haan Ad Representatives: Madison Clark, Jonathan May Circulation Director: Brianna Demuth Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

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.

The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2017. All rights reserved.

January 25, 2017

a&e School of Theater creates regular podcast series Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

Members of the School of Theater created a series of podcasts that showcase the creativity and originality of its students.

Gregory DeCandia, head of the re-imagined Bachelor of Arts in theater and performance program, started the podcasts, bringing the first one, Thank You Ten, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he started it.

“The name comes from when the stage manager of a show gives the actors a 10-minute warning, and the actors respond, ‘thank you, 10,’” DeCandia said.

Courtney Beyer, Alyssa Pearson and Haileigh Tomlinson, acting seniors, continued with additional podcasts focusing on issues about diversity.

The 10-minute podcasts chronicle performance art on and off campus. The first episode will cover Clybourne Park, the first production of the semester.

Other podcasts include Brennan Book Blog, run by Kate Brennan, head of voice. Brennan Book Blog is released every

holiday and covers book recommendations based on that holiday.

“The first one came out on Halloween and covered thrillers,” Brennan said. “The next one will be Valentine’s Day, and I think it will be about sad, lonely hearts books.”

Another podcast, Devising, is about creating new works in conjunction with the goal of the new BA program—to focus on new, original works rather than written text.

“This is a podcast on how things begin and what people are doing in the world to create,” Brennan said.

Haley Fortune, acting senior, said she likes the idea of a BA theater project that includes other students and faculty.

“I had heard about the podcasts a little bit,” Fortune said.

“They are an offshoot of work from the head of the new BA program. I think it’s a good idea.”

“

The podcasts are recorded in the basement of the Gold Star Memorial Building in a newly-created sound studio.

Proposals for a fifth student-run podcast will be considered this semester, and the opportunity is not limited to theater majors. Podcasters will accept proposals in February. More information will be available via fliers on campus and on the podcast website, wocu.online, which also is where the podcasts can be heard.

“I think podcasts could be the new frontier,” Brennan said.

“They are not only good for the community, but they can also build our presence nationally and internationally. This can give the world a window into what we do here. We have a really neat opportunity on this end to check and see who is listening, and sometimes it’s like ‘oh wow, someone in Belgium.’”

Out of the Box to debut new annual playwright program Nathan Moelling STAFF WRITER

With a new year come new productions.

This semester, there is something brand new for talent-seekers and performance enthusiasts.

Out of the Box presents a new twist to student-led stage production.

With the Playwright in Residence Program, Out of the Box members choose one student playwright to create an original play.

The development process begins at the start of each school year, leading to the play’s performance the following April.

Lily Kennedy, acting senior and junior artistic director for Out of the Box, was chosen as the playwright to kick-start the program. One of the main reasons she was chosen is that she led the charge in the program’s implementation.

Kennedy’s goal is to present a way for students to create original works while stressing the developmental process that accompanies creative writing.

“When a writer is first starting out, there can sometimes be a disconnect of how to turn a big idea into something physical on the page,” Kennedy said. “The Playwright in Residence Program will spend the first four months just helping the playwright

January 25, 2017

This program was implemented as a way to provide opportunities for artists to grow, develop and expose their work.

Caitlin Gibbons theater for young audiences junior

develop their idea and put pen to paper. This will allow the writer to really figure out their voice, make mistakes, but still have a safety net.”

Kennedy proposed the idea to the Out of the Box committee in November, hoping that the program could begin in August. But she saw this spring semester as an opportunity to give the program a “trial run” and thought she would make a good first playwright. She has previous experience in writing and production as well as having already begun writing a play, so she felt the timing was perfect.

Kennedy picked Caitlin Gibbons, theater for young audiences junior, to direct the play.

“She’s a friend, but also passionate, creative and incredibly

smart,” Kennedy said. “I feel that she is the perfect person to helm this play.”

The program was implemented as a way to provide opportunities for artists to grow, develop and expose their work, Gibbons said.

“Upcoming playwrights, like Lily, are now given a space and time to demonstrate all of their hard work and viewpoints in a way that benefits actors, students and viewers alike,” Gibbons said.

Their play is titled 2016: Her Story, Her Vote and centers on the unique views of 30 different women who were interviewed about the presidential election.

“This is not a partisan play,” Kennedy said. “Stories from women on both sides and of multiple backgrounds are featured.

My goal for this play is to encourage others to listen to one another, especially when it comes to their political views. There has been so much hate lately from all sides, and I want to combat that with respect and love.”

2016: Her Story, Her Vote will be performed at 8 p.m. April 2 in the admin tower in Clara E. Jones Administration Building.

3

news

“ “

Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Two birds, both stoned Julia Waits, acting senior, is surrounded by “voices” during a reading of Two Birds That Are Stoned. The show is about two young men who explore the depths of their friendship through conversations and smoking marijuana.

Top left: Abby Peek, acting freshman, and Julia Waits, acting senior, pause between scenes. The play was written by Allison Morris, acting senior, directed by Haley Fortune, acting senior, and is performed by her classmates.

Bottom left: Allison Morris, acting senior, observes as actors rehearse a reading of her original play. It was performed as part of Fresh Paint’s Performance Lab program Jan. 19 at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd.

University to host annual strength, conditioning conference Adrianna DelPercio STAFF WRITER

The university’s exercise and sport science department will host the annual Oklahoma State Clinic of the National Strength and Conditioning Association on Feb. 17-18. It will be the second time for OCU to host the event.

The clinic will take place from 4-8 p.m. Feb.17 and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 18. The hands-on part of the clinic will be in the Exercise

Science Building, and the lectures will be in the Homsey courtroom in Sarkey’s Math and Science Building.

The clinic allows local personal trainers and strength/ conditioning experts to speak about their work and help further the understanding of their field to attendees.

The Oklahoma State Clinic is a state chapter of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The organization started in 1978 with 76 strength and conditioning coaches from different col-

I am excited to take in all of the most recent developments of exercise science.

leges and universities that came together with the goal of unifying their profession. The goal of the NSCA is to provide an evidence-based foundation

Alyson Morse exercise science junior

for people who train.

OCU also hosted the clinic in 2012. Some of the students in the exercise science department helped host the

event. Jason Miller, exercise science chairman, was a special speaker at the event as well. He will speak at the 2017 clinic from 4-5 p.m. Feb. 17.

His presentation will be entitled “Selecting Effective Recovery Strategies: A Journey Through the List of Recovery Modalities.”

“I will be speaking about recovery modalities, the things athletes need to do in between the workouts in order to recover faster,” Miller said.

Alyson Morse, exercise science junior, said she looks for-

ward to learning more about recovery in fitness from Miller.

“I’m always excited to hear from Jason Miller,” she said.

“Especially in a subject so relevant to today’s research and my own curiosity as an athlete.

Mostly I am excited to take in all of the most recent developments of exercise science.”

The clinic of the NSCA is free to all OCU students who want to attend.

New university provost focuses on vision for the future Nicole Waltman WEB EDITOR

The university’s new provost said he wants to develop student internships and study abroad programs, while helping create a multi-year vision for the university.

Dr. Kent Buchanan took office as the university’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs in December, following an 18-month search for the position.

A university search committee began looking for a provost after Dr. Susan Barber retired from the position in June 2015.

Officials announced in 2016 that their first search did not yield a hire and that they would continue searching, according to Student Publications archives. Buchanan, who was serving as the interim provost at the time, applied for the position during the first search, according to the archives.

Buchanan served as the assistant provost since 2012 until becoming the interim provost in July 2015. Before coming to OCU in 2006, he was a professor at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10-and-a-half years at OCU. I’ve made some great friends, and I think the atmosphere and the environment is incredible.

Kent Buchanan university provost

The duties of a provost vary at every university. At OCU, the provost serves as the chief academic officer, overseeing all schools and colleges, academic programs, student recruitment and retention, and faculty development.

Before moving to the provost’s office, Buchanan was a biology professor and served as chairman of the biology department. He said he loves OCU. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10-and-a-half years at OCU,” Buchanan said. “I’ve made some great friends, and I think the

atmosphere and the environment is incredible. Everybody just loves to be here, and it’s just like another family.”

Buchanan said he has some new goals as provost.

“I want to really help the different schools and the deans to develop more internships so our students are doing things off campus, and they’re getting that real-life application,” he said. “I also want to develop a means to make it easier for our students to study abroad.”

Buchanan and members of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee are also working to develop a vision for the university for the years to come, he said. Nic Rhodes, Student Government Association president, is on the committee.

“Working with Dr. Buchanan is an incredible opportunity,” Rhodes said. “It’s easy to tell in each and every meeting that he cares deeply about the students and wants what is best for both the university and the students. I truly believe he was the best choice for the provost position, and I’m glad the search committee made the decision that they did.”

Students produce off-campus show Sage Tokach ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tap away!

Donovan Lawson Student Publications

Students listen while Cassandra Mora, assistant professor of dance, teaches choreography for the dance portion of callbacks for the mainstage musical Anything Goes. More than 150 students were called back, causing callbacks to run until after midnight. Auditions were Jan. 16-17 and callbacks were Jan. 19. Anything Goes, OCU Opera and Music Theater company’s last musical of the year, will perform April 21-23 in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

January 25, 2017

Franziska Harms and Zoe Settle, acting juniors, are codirecting an off-campus production as part of a weekend of sexual assault awareness.

The show, Really Really by Paul Downs Colaizzo, deals with the subject of rape at a college party, how it affects the individuals involved and the reactions of other people on campus.

“This show is extremely relevant to college students, especially in our generation,” Settle said. “Hearing about rape is different from when it happens to you or your friend. Really Really asks what rape really is.

This show is important to do now and here.”

Though the cast is composed of OCU students, the production is not affiliated with OCU. Harms and Settle purchased

performance rights for the show, splitting the $100 fee between themselves.

The directors said they have had trouble finding spaces and means to produce the show, so they decided to work outside of the university. Their production will take place in an actual college house, the setting of the show.

The students submitted Really Really for the School of Theater season, but the show was never selected.

“We were tired of being told ‘no’ on a campus that constantly encourages making art on your own time,” Harms said. “We’re artists, and we should be able to do art. So we will.”

The students decided to split the blocking rehearsals between male and female characters because Colaizzo mostly keeps the two groups divided throughout the show. Settle will block the female scenes, while Harms will

block the male ones.

“The last scene will be a collaborative effort because it is the main problem people have with the show,” Settle said. “It’s an in-your-face, live-action rape that some people interpret does not serve the story. It’s important that we communicate what’s happening, but it doesn’t need to be full-frontal.”

The pair of directors had auditions at the beginning of the semester, clearly stating the show’s physical and emotional demands.

The students involved consist of two directors, an assistant director, two stage managers, 10 actors, and one swing, with three roles double cast.

The production will be open to the public, starting at 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2309 N. Blackwelder Ave.

4