Special First-year Issue 2010 | The Miami Student

The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

VOLUME 137 NO. 58

Summer 2010

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

Welcome to Miami

MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

First-year students watch the Miami University Marching Band perform during the 2009 convocation ceremony at the Hub.

Convocation returns to its home on Central quad after 20 years

By Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

Twenty years after its move to Millett Hall, convocation for first-year students will move back to Central quad this year and will begin at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.

Andrew Beckett, chair of the convocation committee for the past 4 years and associate dean of students, said convocation has continually undergone changes to meet students’ needs and reflect feedback from previous years.

“We’re still making changes to make it more fun,” Beckett said. “We don’t want it

to be boring.”

In the past, convocation took place the day before classes started. It was moved to the morning after students arrived, said Beckett.

“We thought it was good to have a symbolic ceremony right when students got here, Beckett said.

Beckett said the early start could affect students’ relationships with each other if they’re not able to stay up late and meet neighbors in their residence halls with the 8 a.m. start looming over them.

One downside of holding convocation

at Millett was the distance students had to travel.

Because the first-year class meets at the Hub in the center of campus before walking as a group to convocation, Beckett said it made more sense to hold the even in central quad, also making it a shorter walk for students to get to classrooms afterward to discuss the summer reading.

“The idea is that it will be easier for students to access the discussion groups and get to the rooms in less time,” John Tassoni, a member of the committee and director of liberal education at

Miami, said.

Another conflict with the Millett location was graduate student commencement, which takes place the Thursday before the start of the fall semester, Beckett said. The staff in Millett had to turn the space around in a very short time.

Beckett also said this was reason for the early morning start, as the space was occupied in the afternoon.

In addition, faculty and staff attend the graduate commencement ceremony, and Beckett said the committee wanted to make sure convocation did not conflict with that so they were able to attend both events.

CAMPUS

Dear First-Years, Welcome to Miami! (... Bienvenido a Miami! ... just kidding).

We’re The Miami Student, published on Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic year. We put together this special issue, highlighting some of our biggest stories from this past semester, and added some helpful tips and guides just for you. Check out our website (www.miamistudent.net) throughout the summer for news updates and more.

This next semester is sure to be full of firsts for you. It may be the first time you’re living with a roommate, the first time you’ll rub a turtle’s head for good luck, the first time you’ll take a class in gerontology. We encourage you to embrace these firsts and more by branching out of your comfort zone to try new experiences and meet new people. Explore your interests and get involved in something you love or have always wanted to try.

College is all about unique experiences, and there’s no better place to spend four years. We wish you the best of luck! And try to keep yourself out of our police reports ...

Love, TMS

MegaFair promotes student orgs.

By Hannah Sutter

extra- and co-curricular activities on campus, including Greek life. Many of these organizations provide excellent opportunities for Miami University Campus Activities Coun- leadership development and planning skills. cil is sponsoring Mega Fair, an afternoon They also serve as a resume-builder for showcasing several of the more than 400 or- potential employers. ganizations involved on campus.

On the personal side of things, many The event takes place 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. students meet their best friends in college 30 in Millet Hall and will offer tables both through getting involved on campus. on the floor and around “(Mega Fair is) the first the concourse. Each table opportunity (for students) Miami boasts an will inform students about to see all of the participatastounding 85 percent of ing organizations and gives what their organization is the student population all about. organizations a chance to Representatives from showcase what they are involved in extra- and each group will stick around about to prospective numco-curricular activities to answer any questions bers,” said Assistant Direcon campus. newcomers might have and tor of Student Activities to further explain the purVanessa Braun. poses of their group.

With over 400 orga“(Mega Fair is) representative of a broad nizations to choose from, students have spectrum of student organizations and student plenty of options that cater to a wide array involvement opportunities,” said Senior Di- of interests. rector of Student Engagement Katie Wilson.

In addition to groups that revolve around Getting involved on campus is a great way physical activity and campus improvement, to meet new people and make new friends there are also groups that focus on activism while acclimating to college life. Besides the and embracing one’s heritage and culture. social positives, students can choose groups One such group is Spectrum, Miami’s Gay, based on what interests them most.

Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance.

Senior Joe Carlin said his experience as “(Groups like Spectrum) foster a sense of president and participant in Strider’s Run- community for a very specific group of stuning Club provided these types of opportuni- dents and serve as a good outlet for those ties for him. who care about a certain cause,” Spectrum “(It) was the perfect way to continue do- Co-President David Morgan said. ing something I love and a great way to meet Whether you want to hit the Quidditch pitch other people and find others to run with,” with the Miami Quidditch team or come up Carlin said. with fresh ways for students to come together Miami boasts an astounding 85 per- on campus with the Program Board, Miami cent of the student population involved in has an organization that suits everyone.

For The Miami Student

2

Campus

Summer 2010

Student job applications move online

By Jenna Yates For The Miami Student

This fall, student employment applications will join the digital world.

Instead of trekking across campus to pick up multiple paper applications for jobs, students will be able to apply online to work on-campus.

Kate Stoss, director of compensation, employment and technology, said the application is a combination of job applications compiled from a variety of departments.

According to Stoss, the website will look very similar to the current website for job listings but will be tailored specifically toward student employment.

Stoss said the new website will pull together all employment opportunities for students.

“Some departments do not post centrally, they post on their own websites,” Stoss said.

The website will streamline student employment and make it a lot easier for students to find opportunities as well as save the department time on paperwork, Stoss said.

“For student employment, it should save us quite a bit of time,” Stoss said. “Right now, the system requires us to do paperwork. By this new system, we will get all the transactions electronically.”

According to Stoss, the website will be a much more effective way to communicate with student employees.

“We also hope that making all these transactions electronic, we will be able to use a workflow tailored into banner,” Stoss said. “That will save our department a lot of time.”

Stoss said there are other universities that use an electronic system.

“A lot of universities use People Admin,” Stoss said.

According to Stoss, People Admin is an online human resources system that tracks talent management, application management and performance management. Unlike Miami University’s current system, People Admin is also used for staff employment.

According to Pat Brown, a sophomore at University of Kentucky, his school already uses this system.

Brown said students can fill out an online application and wait to see if

wSee APPLICATION, page 3

Editor in Chief

Thirty-six more students will have the opportunity to live in the heart of uptown beginning with the 2011-12 academic year as

Courtney Day dayce2@muohio.edu Hope Holmberg holmbehh@muohio.edu Amanda Seitz seitzam2@muohio.edu

Cuts loom for King Library

By Samuel Baird For The Miami Student

Due to the budget cutbacks that have plagued Miami University, the school’s library system will reduce available services and hours of operation fall 2010.

Lisa Santucci, information services librarian, said the libraries will no longer offer e-reserves, poster printing or 24/7 access to the King Library facility as of the fall 2010 semester.

According to Santucci, these steps are necessary for maintaining the libraries’ essential functions.

“In these times, we have to examine what is really core to our mission,” Santucci said. “The library is here to support the curriculum.”

In regard to eliminating e-reserves, Belinda Barr, assistant dean for information service, said most professors now use their Blackboard sites to post readings electronically. The library will explain the basic process of uploading readings to Blackboard for

wSee LIBRARY, page 13 SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student

Being open, honest with roommates eases transition

By Natalie McKerjee Senior Staff Writer

While there are plenty aspects of being a first-year that require some getting used to, perhaps the most significant change incoming students experience is having a roommate (or even roommates).

There is no doubt that you have heard the horror stories of the roommates who snore so loud you think a plane is landing in your matchbox of a dorm room, or the roommate who brings the entire football team home at 3 a.m. or even the roommate whose face you have yet to see because it is constantly covered by a biochemistry text book.

Regardless of any frightful scenario, the fact is that your roommate will be a significant factor of your entire year.

Whether you have one roommate or three, there is no question that developing a

healthy relationship with them be clean,” Mahon said. Mahon will ensure a more pleasant will be living with her firstfirst year. Miami University year roommates off campus senior Kristin Grubb said one during her senior year and of the major issues involv- they have all remained close friends. Being ing roommates of is the topic of Regardless of any accepting the various stu“sexiling.” frightful scenario, dents you are “If you are going to bring the fact is that your bound to meet someone back, roommate will be a in the residence is espelet them know significant factor of halls cially imporbeforehand,” your entire year. tant and can Grubb said. lead to vari“It sucks to get ‘sexiled,’ ous opportubut it’s better than being in nities that can enhance your Miami experience. the room.”

Senior Kevin Milligan beGrubb also suggests if a roommate is particularly lieves this type of mentalmessy, there should be a ity contributed to his success designated area of the room while attending Miami. “Be where the mess is permitted open to trying new things and all other areas should al- and meet as many people as ways remain clean. “I needed possible,” Milligan said.

Sophomore Alex Pirman that area,” Grubb said.

Junior Katie Mahon also also considers openness to be a said cleanliness is crucial. helpful component of a strong “Don’t make them angry and roommate relationship and

DuBois Bookstore to renovate, add apartments

By Catherine Couretas

Editors

Dubois Bookstore rebuilds with the addition of apartments.

According to owner John DuBois, he did not want to lose the uptown location and knew the market is there for premium housing.

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

For the next year, DuBois Bookstore will move its main location to Stewart Square, located at College and Spring.

“They’ll be very nice apartments with the amenities that make it a cool hot place to live and a super location,” DuBois said.

In early July, DuBois will close the doors to its uptown building and re-open in Stewart Square on South College Avenue, its temporary location. There will also be a smaller version of the store located on West Park Place uptown that DuBois described as a souvenir and clothing shop.

He does not think, however, the temporary move would be detrimental to business.

“The long term benefits will weigh out the short term pains of moving out and putting the building up,” DuBois said. “It’s going to be quite an expenditure but we feel that it makes sense.”

DuBois said the store is able to undergo this change because of recent changes to zoning rules in Oxford. The store can now build to the lot line and have more than three apartments in one building, among other rules.

An example of construction before the change in rules is Bella Place, said Scott Webb, the architect for the project. The complex actually consists of three buildings each with three apartments.

“It cuts up all the commercial space underneath,” Webb said. “It’s still not rented.”

Webb has also been involved in the design of Stewart Square and at 25 W. High St., the building that will soon house Fiesta Charra.

believes that roommate contracts handed out by all resident assistants at the beginning of the year are a useful tool to disclose any pet peeves that may cause future issues.

“Just be really open when you first meet them and be honest when filling out the roommate agreement forms,” Pirman said. “If something bothers you, then say something about it the first time instead of stewing over it.”

According to Pirman, avoiding unnecessary drama is pivotal when establishing a solid relationship with roommates.

Grubb said while openness is important when initially interacting with new roommates, boundaries of what is and is not acceptable are definitely necessary.

“Something I learned is to not divulge too much information to them too soon because they can use it against you or judge you for it,” Grubb said.

E-book helps with financial preparation for college

By Kristen Grace Senior Staff Writer

Planning and preparing for college involves a lot more than just picking a school.

You have to think about what you want to study, what classes you want to take and even decide on how much Talbott money you should borrow to pay for it all.

There is a great deal of uncertainty and guesswork that goes into borrowing the right amount, but Steve Talbott, a professor at

wSee E-BOOK, page 13

Campus

THE MIAMI STUDENT

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 3

Presidents open up about “The Miami Experience” Hodge predicts curricular reform, higher profile The Miami Student (TMS): What advice would you give first-years for how to succeed in college?

University President David Hodge: One, don’t wait until the last minute on assignments.

Secondly, talk to your faculty and advisors. Join a student organization. Take chances. Step outside your comfort zone. Try something new. The most important thing of all is to find Hodge your passion.

TMS: What have you learned from students at Miami?

Hodge: I love being with the students. (I’ve learned) to play broomball. I’ve been inspired by the students — by the creativity, by dedication, by their service to others. It’s pretty cool.

TMS: What do you think is unique about the Miami experience?

Hodge: I think the intensity of it — it truly is a 24/7 immersive experience.

TMS: What do you wish more students knew?

Hodge: Everybody on campus is here to help students succeed. The faculty and staff really care.

TMS: How you do like to spend your free time?

Hodge: Fishing. I’m obsessed. We have a cabin in Washington state. I also go to Brookville Lake.

TMS: What is the most important thing you learned as an undergraduate student?

Hodge: I think it was the transition from thinking of myself as a student to thinking of myself as

APPLICATION continued from page 2

they are placed in a position.

“It is a good idea, but you rarely get

a professional. One of my faculty as a thank-you bought me a membership in a national association.

TMS: As an undergraduate student, what did you want do as a career?

Hodge: I wanted to be a professor, but I never imagined this. Neither of my parents finished the 10th grade, so I knew very little about academics.

TMS: What has been your favorite experience at Miami?

Hodge: My favorite moments are convocation and commencement. They are filled with pride and optimism. Also, the Bicentennial, the big Charter Day celebration, to realize that 200 years before, the charter was signed.

TMS: What has been your biggest challenge at Miami?

Hodge: These days, you have to talk about finances, and that challenge is true of any university.

The second challenge is raising our level of ambition to be even better than we are.

TMS: Where do you see Miami going, or what changes do you envision in the next five to 10 years?

Hodge: Academically, a lot of curricular reform to make it more dynamic and interactive. Students will have more high impact experiences like study abroad and leadership. We will have a higher national profile and we’ll have won at least one national championship in hockey.

TMS: Do you go to the games?

Hodge: Oh yeah! My wife Valarie and I are fans.

We never knew hockey before we came to Miami.

feedback,” Brown said.

Matt Hopp, a junior at Miami, said a common application would make things much easier and believes that finding a job on Miami’s campus is relatively easy.

“If you look hard enough, I think you can find a job on this campus,”

S R E T I WR

WANTED!

Ingram discusses roommates, getting involved on campus The Miami Student (TMS): Talk a little bit about Associated Student Government (ASG), your position (student body president) and what it does for the student body.

Student Body President Heath Ingram: Student government in college is completely different than it was in high school. Student government at Miami is an opportunity to shape the institution’s future. Every Ingram student who comes into this university has an opportunity to leave a mark. Student government is one of the ways to leave an incredibly long-lasting mark. It works on behalf of the students in ways they often times don’t recognize. I mean, yeah, student government does do homecoming, but student government also represents the entire student body to the administration and to the state of Ohio and also to the country. I represent the student body at any official function of the university and speak on behalf of the entire student body.

(TMS): What advice would you give to first-years as they move into their residence halls?

Ingram: Get out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as you can. The more people you meet, the more fun you’re going to have. That first couple weeks, I would say meet as many people as you can in your dorm because you’re going to be seeing them throughout the rest of your time at Miami.

TMS: Did you ever have trouble with a roommate or

Hopp said.

Stoss said the departments would be able to utilize this tool for all student employment.

“We are going to have all the departments use this website,” Stoss said.

“They’ll be able to send all their requests for student employment.”

wSee INGRAM, page 14 Stoss said this website will be up and running in the fall.

“Right now, we are in the testing phase,” Stoss said.

According to Stoss, the university is trying to finalize the process, but the website will be up and running by the time fall employment application starts.

Hey, first-years!

The MiamiStudent is looking for new writers!

E-mail Catherine at couretca@muohio.edu.

4

Community

Summer 2010

Editor Kelsey Bishop bishopka@muohio.edu

Oxford welcomes changes uptown

By Jenni Wiener Staff Writer

Throughout the year at Miami University many changes have occurred not only on campus, but uptown as well.

According to senior Brittany Bok, students have wished for a Chipotle in uptown Oxford for a long time. This year, that wish came true.

“When I heard we were getting a Chipotle uptown, I was so excited,” Bok said. “My friends and I always crave Chipotle during the year, so now it’s nice to be able to go there. I love it.”

Sophomore Jared Wise agreed and likes to eat there all the time.

“Chipotle is one of my favorite places to eat,” Wise said. “Qdoba is good, but nothing can compare with Chipotle. I’m so glad we finally have one.”

Besides Chipotle, there are many other new developments in uptown Oxford, such as BTO Yogurt, Sushi Nara, new apartments, Maid Rite Sandwich Shop and Will’s Pizza.

BTO, also known as By-The-Ounce, is Oxford’s self-serve frozen yogurt shop.

Sophomore Lindsay Becker said she and all of her friends love to go to BTO for a cool treat.

“I always get so much frozen yogurt that it ends up costing me,” Becker said. “They have so many flavors and toppings. I like to mix it up.”

Becker said she likes the style of BTO and seems to always see people she knows there.

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

Students enjoy sandwiches at Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop which opened this year.

wSee UPTOWN, page 5

A guide to uptown restaurants Bagel and Deli Shop

Kona Bistro

Maid Rite

The Smokin’ Ox

Bagel and Deli is the ultimate college dining experience. The one-of-a-kind hangout provides hundreds of types of bagels designed by students that are steamed and made as you watch. Open until everyone leaves High Street, Bagel and Deli can satisfy any late night cravings you may have. Don’t get hooked on just one bagel though, try them all because you never know what surprisingly scrumptious combinations you might find.

Kona provides a more modern, upscale dining option for uptown eaters. The menu contains more gourmet-style options with a variety of vegetarian options. Kona is a great place to take parents when they come in town, especially if they will foot the bill because it can be on the expensive side. If you are looking for a high-end feel in a small town, however, Kona may be a good option.

With their signature loose meat ground beef sandwiches, Maid-Rite provides an alternative to Oxford’s many sub sandwich options. Dine in or take your Maid-Rite to go, either way your sandwiches are made to order and offered at great prices. Don’t forget to try a homemade milkshake.

Maid-Rite offers a variety of shake flavors that they can mix and match to order.

A classic barbeque joint nestled in the corner of East Park Place, The Smokin’ Ox provides a variety of barbequed dishes and classic American fare. With a ton of side dishes to choose from and bottles of sauce on the table to add to all of your food, everyone can find something to love and make it taste the way they want it. The $5 lunch specials are a great way to enjoy a meal and a drink without breaking the bank between classes.

Phan Shin

Wild Bistro

An Oxford classic, Phan Shin provides Chinese and Thai specialties at an affordable price. The food is delicious and the staff is one of the most friendly in town. Chinese delivery can sometimes be a lifesaver during finals or busy weeks throughout the semester and there are tons of options to satisfy any taste.

The newest Asian restaurant in Oxford, Wild Bistro provides authentic cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. While it can get pricey, check out the lunch boxes and other money-saving options. With carryout and dine-in options, you can enjoy Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes in your residence hall or meet a friend uptown.

Fiesta Charra With authentic Mexican dishes, Fiesta Charra is a town favorite. The restaurant is planning to move to a new location and obtain a liquor license, which will bring margaritas and other alcoholic fare to the already packed menu. Fiesta Charra offers hundreds of options with minimal cost, especially considering the quality of their delicious dishes.

La Bodgea A quaint deli that matches the small town appeal of Oxford, La Bodega provides a variety of sandwich options as well as other items. The macaroni and cheese is a student favorite and can bring a taste of home when you’re feeling a little lonely. Vegetarian options are also easy to find at La Bodega, which also offers delicious desserts including brownies and baklava.

Compiled by Courtney Day and Erin Fischesser ERIN MAHER The Miami Student

➤

OPINION

Pizza! Pizza!: a look at options around town

By Kelsey Bishop and Erin Fischesser For The Miami Student

Nearly every college student loves pizza, and Oxford is not short on options when it comes to purchasing a slice of the staple food. We decided to let you in on the secrets of the slices so you can choose the best option for you (or try them all). After all, all pizza is not created equally.

Bruno’s Pizza Bruno’s is an affordable, quick late-night snack, especially en route from uptown. At just $1.50 per slice, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth … and by that we mean a slice of cheese with crust that tastes slightly like cardboard can’t be worth much more than that.

The best aspect of Bruno’s is definitely the prime location uptown, in the midst of all the late-night mayhem, and the stand outside of the pizza shop that provides relatively fast service depending on the night. Getting a slice or a whole pizza at Bruno’s is a gamble.

Sometimes t h e i r pizza is hot and

fresh, but sometimes it’s a little cold and a little chewy for our liking.

Domino’s Pizza The worldwide chain makes a home for itself in Oxford on College Corner Pike and provides the great deals and tasty offerings customers have come to expect. While delivery services sometimes take longer than other options because of the distance, the savings that are easy to find in various student coupon books along with the soft crust and steaming cheese may be worth the wait. The many coupons and student deals mean you should never pay full price to get a slice of the familiar food from Domino’s.

LaRosa’s Pizzeria A Cincinnati classic, LaRosa’s brings a more characteristic Italian taste to its food. While you can have it delivered, the dining experience in the restaurant is well worth the trip to Lynn Avenue. In addition to pizza, the franchise also provides other options including pasta, salads and calzones. The original recipe sauce and fresh ingredients are always a crowd pleaser. Customers can also choose from a number of types of crust to compliment

their favorite toppings. The prices at LaRosa’s are a little more than some of the other options, but the sit-down dining and unique flavors are well worth the extra green.

Little Caesars At just $5 per pizza, Little Caesars’ signature “Hot-NReady” pizzas are great money savers for college students.

The best part is they’re made fresh everyday. And don’t worry, the name “Hot-N-Ready” holds true because their pizzas are actually fresh out of the oven and ready to eat upon ordering. For the small price you pay, Little Caesars provides above-average quality pizza. Though the crust isn’t the most flavorful in town, it’s normally soft and fresh. Overall, a few slices of Little Caesars definitely hits the spot. On top of that, it’s one of the most convenient, quick and cheap pizza places in Oxford.

Papa John’s Pizza For a generic, American-style delivery pizza, Papa John’s is tough to beat. If you’re looking to save some money, watch out for the great deals they offer for students. Also, if you don’t want to leave your house or dorm to get food, Papa John’s is convenient because they deliver and they normally take about 30 minutes to arrive.

Papa John’s makes some of the best crust in town — it’s very flavorful and is normally very soft and fresh tasting. The sauce is a little sweet, but it’s still tasty and it

wSee PIZZA, page 5

Community

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Bus to provide service to Jungle Jim’s

By Laura Siedlecki

This opportunity will be available durFor The Miami Student ing the months of September, November, January and possibly April. Once plans are Plans for bus trips to Jungle Jim’s Inter- finalized, dates will be announced. national Market in Fairfield for the 2010-11 Even though the idea is geared toward school year are under way. international students, all students can atRecently, the Divertend these trips. There sity Affairs Council will be a minimal fee “This trip will allow (DAC) received a grant of about $5 per student international students to attend. from the Miami University Parents Fund to Kris Stewart, assisto have access to more pay for transportation to tant to the vice presiauthentic options from the grocery store. dent for parent protheir native countries grams and divisional Mike Solarz, outreach and to feel a little bit director of the DAC, initiatives, said they said the need for trips wouldn’t know how more at home.” out of Oxford, espethis initiative would cially for international benefit international MIKE SOLARZ students, was conveyed students, but the inOUTREACH DIRECTOR multiple times. tention is to provide DIVERSITY AFFAIRS COUNCIL “Collectively DAC, all Miami students an the Office of Internaopportunity to purtional Education and chase a number of difParking and Transportation Services coor- ficult to find groceries and goods including dinated and sponsored several trips last se- international foods. mester out of Oxford … due to the budget “Oxford is a small town, and while Krogcuts the trips needed an outside source of er provides a variety of groceries, Jungle funding,” Solarz said.

Jim’s would provide an even wider variety

PIZZA

continued from page 5 goes well with the crust and the cheese (which isn’t exactly the finest in town, but at least they aren’t sparing with it!).

We also recommend the special garlic sauce to dip the crust in because it adds a lot more flavor.

Pizza Hut Another classic American pizza chain, Pizza Hut provides a familiar menu and feel for students. The restaurant has a salad bar and a large dining area, so you can bring the whole corridor if you choose.

Pizza Hut provides many options in pizza and other options including pasta and tasty breadsticks. Prices are college student friendly, and there are often specials or meal deals that you can split with a friend.

of foods and produce,” Stewart said.

According to Stewart, one of the purposes of the Parents Fund is to provide funding for student initiatives where no other resources exist.

Sophomore Weijian Lou, an international student, is excited about the new opportunity.

“It will provide international students opportunities to get access to a supermarket where they can purchase various ingredients from their own countries as well as get the majority of their groceries,” Lou said. “It will be a good platform for international students to share their cultures through participating in this kind of shopping activity, meaning that they can cook together and hang out after coming back from Jungle Jims.”

Solarz said many international students experience culture shock during the first couple of months of school.

“This trip will allow international students to have access to more authentic options from their native countries and to feel a little bit more at home,” Solarz said.

“Hopefully, this will alleviate any culture shock that occurs upon arrival.”

SDS Pizza SDS Pizza is a chain unique to Oxford that was started by Miami University students during their college years. The slices boast an original sauce that owners claim is world famous.

Along with the delicious cheese and fluffy crust, SDS provides a tasty dining experience. If you’re price-conscious, however, SDS may not be the way to go as it is typically more expensive than other pizza places in town. The product is not very greasy and interesting pictures on the boxes are unique to SDS.

Will’s Uptown Pizza Will’s definitely brings a different spin on pizza to Oxford, but we’re just not sure that they spun the right way. If you’re not looking to clog your arteries, then don’t order Will’s because they make some of the greasiest pizza in town.

Even after using about five napkins to soak up the grease, it’s difficult to get past the overly spicy sauce. However, the crust is fresh and doughy and the cheese they use is also tasty. For those of you who stay up late nights, Will’s delivers until 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 1 a.m. all other nights.

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 5

UPTOWN continued from page 5

Sushi Nara, on the other hand, is a little less casual than BTO. “Sushi Nara has a lot of variety for a great price,” said Bok, a waitress at the restaurant. “I absolutely recommend it to all of my friends.”

She said Sushi Nara is a great place to go with family or friends because it has a bar with drink specials, the best sushi in Oxford and other good food for people who aren’t keen on sushi.

Another new development that Bok said she thinks is a good addition to uptown is the new apartments. She, however, said she worries that with sophomores living on campus there could be too many.

“The redistribution of the off-campus population will be a great thing for students and uptown businesses,” said Matt Rodbro, president of Red Brick Property Management Inc. “Students no longer have to live in apartments outside of town. They are able to live uptown and in houses in the Mile Square. Ideally, everyone will be able to function off-campus without needing a car.”

Red Brick Property Management, Inc. owns the apartments in the new Chipotle building and the East Church Metropolitan Building. The company is also developing a new multi-use building across from Phan Shin that will have a private rooftop restaurant and spa, among other things.

“It may be nice to have more choice when it comes to off-campus housing,” Bok said.

“The new apartments are definitely in a great location.”

With all of the new developments, however, comes the loss of some memorable businesses, such as Balcony Bar and the Alexander House.

“I am really sad that Balcony closed,” Bok said. “We always went to happy hour there on Fridays. I have some great memories from that bar.”

Rodbro, however, is optimistic about the new developments.

“I look forward to the further development of this important area and the creation of new businesses like grocery stores uptown,” he said. “I think that we are all working toward an uptown that will not require students to travel to Kroger’s, Wal-Mart and other far-off locations to take care of their everyday needs.”

6

Summer 2010

Features

By Amelia Carpenter Features Editor

For most first-year students at Miami, being a college student would be living with a roommate that’s not a sibling for the first time, taking care of oneself when ill, waking up without the help of parents, maintaining a schedule and balancing a social life and excelling academically. But since that could be overwhelming, current Miami students offered their two cents in what they wish they would’ve known as a first-year.

Beyond scanning the course catalog, floor plans, room dimensions and cheap carpet sales during move-in week, there are other elements of campus life Miami students wish they had known about prior to their arrival.

Academic Sophomore Becca Sues said she wished she spent more time talking to her advisor and getting her grades up as a first-year.

Sophomore Allison McDannel said the opposite. “(I wish I knew to) go out as much as possible,” McDannel said.

Sues said she was stressed about the “required” summer reading.

“I wish I knew I didn’t have to read that summer reading book,” Sues said.

Sues and McDannel also said they wished they knew how to view grade distributions for courses and websites like RateMyProfessors.com.

Grade distributions for all courses are posted on the Miami website at http://www. units.muohio.edu/reg/gradedist/. RateMyProfessors.com is an online resource for anonymous feedback about professors at all universities including Miami.

Extracurricular Sophomore Zach Mason said how important it was to get involved at Miami.

Through Mason’s activities, he said he made a lot of friends.

“When I first came to school I met so many cool people, different (people),”

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Amelia Carpenter carpenab@muohio.edu

Mason said. “It really changed my whole perspective.”

First-year Catherine Meeth said getting involved was important in making the transition from home to college.

“I know a lot of people who got homesick and wanted to go home right away,” Meeth said. “They weren’t meeting people.”

Meeth suggested joining clubs or student groups to make the transition easier, even if it’s just temporary.

Social “Brick Street rocks,” Mason said. “It doesn’t matter what day of the week, doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, Brick Street (has) it.”

Mason said there were activities at Brick Street every night of the week. For example, Mondays are karaoke nights, and Tuesdays are 90s theme nights.

“Embrace your freedom, embrace your new friends,” Mason said.

First-year Torrey Schusterman agreed that going “uptown” was fun, but not required.

“Partying is not everything,” Schusterman said. “You don’t have to go out all the time. You are here to go to school.”

Residential and Dining Meeth found that by leaving her door open in her residence hall, she met a lot of people living around her.

“Someone told me before I came to school keep your door open, and I didn’t think it was going to make a difference and it did,” Meeth said.

Junior Dan Albert regrets underestimating his dining options as a first-year student. Albert lived in Collins Hall on East Quad, closest to Erickson, a dining hall.

“I didn’t realize until after leaving Collins how lucky I was to be next to the best ‘all you can eat’ dining hall on campus,” Albert said. “I realized when I lived in Scott Hall sophomore year that all of the foods offered Ala Carte were the same foods but much higher priced. My friends and I have always made a journey back to Erickson to eat every year as a reminder.”

FOR FIRST-YEARS:

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ERIN MAHER AND HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student

THE MIAMI STUDENT

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 7

8

Amusement

Summer 2010

Editor Anna Turner turnera6@muohio.edu

SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Amusement is intended to be humorous and satirical. If you don’t have a sense of humor, read something else.

ANNA TURNER

I

The Miami Student

You think your group project sucks?

By Anna Turner Amusement Editor

The innovative professors prefer PowerPoint presentations, group papers and speeches to the traditional blue books and multiple-choice questions. For those of you with said innovative professors, get ready for the most awkward tradition in academia. Nothing says “group projects” like the hesitant exchange of email addresses, the dead-end conversation about mutual friends and the classic fallback of, “Oh my god! I love your shirt!”

And while it may seem like being paired with the braceface in the unicorn shirt is as bad as it gets, think again. Take a gander at these group project possibilities, and maybe you’ll reconsider.

Dora: First we need a mapa. Do you know where my mapa is?

You: What the hell do you need a map for?

Dora: Is it under the table?

You: ....

Dora: Is it on this shelf?

You: It’s in your backpack.

Dora: Is it in my backpack? You found it! It’s in my backpack!

You: I think it’s safe to say that I hate you more than I have ever hated any other 6-year-old child before in my life.

Dora: Have you seen my You: OH MY GOD! ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!

MKT 291 Power Point about what to sell

Spanish 311 10-minute speech on Peru Partner: Dora the Explorer Dora: Hola! Have you seen my cesta?

You: I don’t think our presentation needs to involve baskets.

Dora: Is it under the table?

You: What?

Dora: Is it on this shelf?

You: Dora, your basket is in your left hand. Can we please talk about our presentation, now?

Dora: Is it in my hand?

You: We’ve been here for three hours, Dora, and accomplished absolutely nothDora: You found it! It’s in my hand!

You: Great, we found it. Let’s get started, OK? I’m thinking we should do an outline.

Dora: Now that we have my basket, we can go to Blueberry Hill! Do you want to go to Blueberry Hill?

You: No, just like I didn’t want to go to Grape Mountain, Peach Field or Cupcake River.

Partners: Kanye West and Willy Wonka You: So, what product are you thinking about?

Willy Wonka: Pully-Polly-Peely Whatsit Mango Flips.

You: Hm, well, before we pick … whatever it is you just said … we should probably Kanye: OK, OK, listen: I am happy for you, and I respect you, but Willy was talking. OK? OK? Willy was talking, and he was talking better than you have ever talked. Than you have ever talked.

Willy: The shnozberries taste like shnozberries!

Kanye: Can I just say that Beyoncé has the best wallpaper not just of the year but of every wall ever built, OK? You: What does Beyonce have to do with this?

Kanye: OK, just, OK I’m sorry, but listen. I respect you, and I respect that you won You: Won what?

Kanye: - and I am happy for you, but I don’t think you deserve this nor am I happy for you. OK?

HST 197 skit Partner: Hannibal Lector Hannibal: You look delicious.

You: OK … this meeting is over.

Hannibal: No, wait, don’t leave! I brought lotion!

POL 142 group essay Partners: M. Night Shyamalan and the Kool-Aid Man M. Night: So, we’ve got the plot, let’s get the twist!

Kool-Aid Man: Oooooh yeeeaahhhh!

You: We’re writing a paper about the World Bank. There is no “twist.”

M. Night: There’s always a twist.

Kool-Aid Man: Oooooh yeeeaaah!

M. Night: Yeah, right? He gets it, do you get it?

You: No, I don’t, it doesn’t make any sense.

M. Night: OK, fine, let’s try something else Kool-Aid Man: Oooh yeeeaaahhhh!

M. Night: Try this on. The aliens were dead all along because the plants killed them once the Lady in the Water revealed the village elders were really the monst You: That’s not an idea for a paper. That’s all the plot twists of your crappy movies bundled into one nonsensical statement.

Kool-Aid Man: Ooooh yeeaaa You: I swear to Zeus, Kool-Aid Man. If you do not shut up I will drink all of your fruit punch goodness until you are nothing more than a pitcher.

M. Night: What about this? A young couple adopts a mouseYou: No. Do you see now? Do you see how bad group projects could be? You should be thankful to be partnered with Holly Halitosis. Thankful. Enjoy midterms season now because it only comes once a semester!

feature

Bagel & Deli: the experience of a lifetime

By Liz Caskey

For The Miami Student

Every weekend around 2 a.m., Miami University students pour out of the closing bars and flock toward Oxford’s most notorious restaurant, The Bagel and Deli Shop.

The smells of steamed bagels entice intoxicated passersby from the streets, leading them into a shop exuding personality.

The Grateful Dead’s teddy bears dance across the walls of the deli alongside Time magazine covers dating back to O.J. Simpson’s murder trial. But what stands out the

7 the

I N FA M O U S

list

top

most are the 50 plus bagel signs hanging behind the counter. Shouts of “M.I.L.F,” “Tonya Harding” and “Messy Katie” fill the air, signifying the inebriated customers’ bagels of choice. It is these bizarrely named bagels and accompanying signs that have contributed to Bagel and Deli’s success in Oxford for the past 34 years.

Bagel and Deli opened in 1975. It was founded by Ned Stephenson, an Oxford native who wished to run a simple but delicious deli.

However, in the ‘80s after facing financial issues, Stephenson decided to revamp

his shop. He switched from subs to steamed bagels but what changed everything was when a restaurant evaluator suggested that Stephenson name his sandwiches.

Twenty-one years later the named sandwiches have taken on a life of their own.

With nearly 2,000 bagels sold a week, they’re no longer named by the owner, but rather by obsessed customers.

“People come into the shop all the time saying that they have the best idea for an amazing new bagel and ask how they can get their own sign up on the wall,” said Lindsey Scott, a Miami University senior

who has worked at Bagel and Deli for nearly two years.

Anyone can come into the shop with an idea for their own bagel creation; all they have to do is have an original combination and make their own sign to be hung up.

However, just because all signs are accepted doesn’t mean that they obtain a coveted spot on the wall.

“Basically, Ned decides if they suck and if he doesn’t hate them he puts them up,” Scott says. “Sometimes they’re only hung up for a

wSee BAGEL, page 9

Reasons to ditch your significant other ...

7. Get your OWN initials tattooed on your bicep 6. Hook up with a Miami Student editor 5. You can put the “three” in threesome 4. Score yourself a townie 3. Don’t have to wash your sheets as much

2. More people can appreciate your manscaping/vagazzling 1. Freedom

Amusement

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Miami University students! + Buy a Mac and get a free iPod touch.*

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 9

BAGEL

continued from page 8 day or so before we add them to the reject pile; the competition has gotten fierce.”

The shop receives roughly120 submissions a year, making it all the more difficult for new bagels to outshine the old. Signs only stay hung up if they gain a following and become big sellers.

A lucky few have been on the wall for more than17 years.

Iconic bagels like the “Salty Hor” even have sweatshirts made in their honor, establishing their place in Bagel and Deli history for years to come. For many, walking though The Bagel and Deli Shop’s infamous door, pushing and shoving their way to the counter and ordering a “Mr. Turkey,” is a momentous occasion. But for the privileged few whose creations actually grace the walls, it is something much more. They know they aren’t just a part of the legacy, they are the legacy.

You want to like this.

Visit the Miami University Bookstore for information on the Miami Notebook Program, special offers on a Mac and iPod touch and a free printer offer with the purchase of a qualifying Mac. For more information on Miami Notebook, visit www.muohio.edu/miaminotebook Miami University Bookstore Phillip R. Shriver Center 513.529.2634

*Buy a qualifying Mac and iPod with Apple education pricing from May 25, 2010, through September 7, 2010, and receive an online rebate up to $199.

8GB iPod touch is second generation. Terms and conditions apply. Free printer offer is available while suppies last with the purchase of a qualifying in stock Mac. See store for details.

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10

Opinion

Summer 2010

Editors Thomasina Johnson johnsota@muohio.edu Jessica Sink sinkjk@muohio.edu

➤ EDITORIALS

The following pieces, written by the editorial editors, reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board.

New library hours a tough pill to swallow

D

ue to recent cutbacks, Other libraries on campus offer King Library will reduce similar services to students who its hours of operation be- may wish to utilize options not ginning fall 2010 and will discon- available at King. tinue poster printing services and Reduced hours may encourage certain e-reserve services as well. students to finish work during The facility will the week and plan close at 10 p.m. ahead more accuReduced hours Fridays and Saturrately and responcould negatively days and open at 11 sibly to avoid last a.m. Sundays. Acminute headaches. impact students cording to library Students will still and their officials, these have full access to ability to access changes are made the library during specific resources. the week. to preserve core library resources.

The library cuts The editorial reflect the finanboard of The Miami Student ac- cial situation of the university cepts these changes with appre- and the need to reduce costs. The hension. While the board under- board acknowledges this need stands the need to reduce costs, and feels the reduced hours and reduced hours could negatively services are fair. However, moniimpact students and their abil- toring these changes and the imity to access specific resources. pact on students is essential.

Reduced hours could also afThe board hopes the university fect student employment posi- will chose to implement politions and the amount of work cies conscious of student needs time available. and minimize cuts as much Despite these concerns, the as possible. board believes these changes are Libraries are an essential aspect preferable to cutting fundamental of Miami’s education and should resources and can be managed. remain a priority.

ANDY KOSTENDT The Miami Student

Online job applications will facilitate employment

S

tarting fall 2010, all Miami will be sent to a reliable, tested University student job ap- online human resources system, plications will be consoli- each student can be certain that dated into one website. Students his or her request will be sent to will be able to create a profile and and reviewed by the correct declick on jobs for which they wish partmental employer. to apply.

The board supports the paperUniversity officials hope this less application process and besystem will lieves this new save time for program will both students help Miami beBecause each and employers, application will be sent come more enmake it easier vironmentally to a reliable, tested for students to sustainable and online human find and apply use less paper for jobs and resources. The resources system, cut back on board also beeach student can be paper use. the concertain that his or her lieves The editorial solidation of request will be sent to a p p l i c a t i o n s board of The Miami Student will help the and reviewed by the supports the correct departmental campus save online format valuable time employer. for on-campus and money. jobs. Because Because this searching for an application proon-campus job can be both over- cess is much easier than the paper whelming and confusing, especial- system, the board foresees a flood ly for new or first-year students, of applications. the board believes that this methTo prevent an overload of reod of job application will make sponses to listed jobs, the board searching and applying for jobs recommends that employers for much easier than looking at long more specialized jobs require adlists of jobs and using traditional ditional material or prerequisites paper applications. to ensure the best candidates get The board believes the online the jobs. student job application process is The board also suggests an example of interdepartmental this new job application syscommunication that will facilitate tem be communicated to each the evaluation of students’ appli- student, especially new and cations. Because each application first-year students.

JINGHANG HUANG The Miami Student

The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief Erin Fischesser News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor Thomasina Johnson Editorial Editor Jessica Sink Editorial Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor Hope Holmberg Campus Editor

Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Kelsey Bishop Community Editor Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director JINGHANG HUANG The Miami Student

Opinion

THE MIAMI STUDENT

➤ THE BITTER AND THE SWEET

Don’t mess with a classic “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? Are they serious!? Intrigued and shocked, I grabbed the paperback off the bookstore shelf.

Thomasina Gracing the Johnson cover was a typical portrait of an early 19th century young woman, save for the fact that half of her face’s flesh disintegrates, showing zombie-esque exposed bone, with artistic splatters of blood on the woman’s dress.

The book, published in 2009, is a joint-effort from Jane Austen (who wrote the classic 1813 satire Pride and Prejudice) and American author and film producer Seth Grahme-Smith. The publisher promises that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is “Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you’d actually want to read.”

This new spin is very creative, but is it worth the attention? A lot of people think it is, as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was number three on the New York Times bestseller list and was given an Arating by Entertainment Weekly. I, on the other hand, will not be buying this book.

As a devote Pride and Prejudice fan, I am slightly offended yet another person is degrading the original masterpiece, and by doing so making tons of money. Call me a purist, but there are some things to which you shouldn’t add zombies.

Pride and Prejudice is a novel still as fresh as it was in 1813. In it, Austen deftly weaves messages of feminism into 19th century England, a world where women have few rights. With the novels heroine, Elizabeth Bennett, Austen creates a very human, nonzombie woman. Elizabeth is a clever, honest, loving and, as the title suggests, proud, young woman. She is a true trail-blazer for female characters; she fights against society’s expectations of women.

Elizabeth is outspoken about issues such as women’s education and the value and role of women.

One of the themes in the novel is the unfairness of the legal system, which greatly favored men over women. The beauty of Pride and Prejudice is not only its subtle, yet radical messages, but Austen’s skill as a keen observer of people.

My ratty, well-loved copy of Pride and Prejudice is always on my nigh table stand because the story is always as fresh and relevant as it was almost 200 years ago.

Re-writing and re-mashing Pride and Prejudice is not a new concept. There have been many adaptations, from Bollywood’s 2004 Bride and Prejudice to Seducing Mr. Darcy, a racy romance novel

by Gwyn Cready. I’m not opposed to other people creating their own interpretations of Austen’s book, but in doing so, they must keep the elements of what makes Pride and Prejudice so important. For example, in 1995, the BBC made the novel into a carefully-crafted, now-classic mini-series. Ten years later, Hollywood created its latest version with Kiera Knightly playing Elizabeth. Like the BBC version, this adaptation also kept true to the wit and charm of the book’s original spirit.

From the reviews and excerpts I’ve read of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the book pays little attention to Austen’s skilled style of writing, nor to the messages that make the original novel so important. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies may be funny, but in the end, Austen will have the last laugh.

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 11

➤ PERSPECTIVE

Achieving diversity a test of courage AUSTIN FAST

Nothing endures but change.

I typed those words on this page just more than eight months ago, announcing my goal as editor in chief of The Miami Student to leave Miami University better than I found it when I arrived as a nervous first-year in August 2006.

I am not sure I achieved my goal, but I sure tried real hard.

Nothing endures but change. Terrifying, but necessary. Change is the only way we keep from going stale, stagnating or backtracking.

Unfortunately, the wheels driving that transformation sometimes spin uselessly, refusing to gain traction. Failing to obtain desired change can be even more maddening than resisting an inevitable one.

Let’s face it — Miami is not known for its diversity. It may never be, but its students and faculty can work toward creating an accepting environment.

Now, don’t get me wrong — Miami does try to encourage diversity, but its progress sometimes falters.

Holding town hall meetings to discuss offensive events like Ghetto Fest or last year’s noose incident are good first steps toward raising awareness, but who comes to these meetings? The people who already care about encouraging diversity.

I’m no cultural expert, but personal experience tells me pointing fingers, calling people bigots or cramming diversity down students’ throats is not the way to foster an appreciation of diversity at Miami. A university staff member once e-mailed me, calling me a “racially insensitive, troubling and unethical editor in chief.”

I had never met this man, but he harangued me for paragraphs without once explaining why the newspaper had so terribly ticked him off. Other meetings I had as editor in chief with administrators in student affairs were confrontational, patronizing and always in harsh reaction to some purported offense.

That’s the problem: Miami’s reactions to diversity crises overshadow its efforts to prevent them (or in the case of the Spectrum drag show assault, its reaction is quite underwhelming), and this reaction often comes off as accusatory rather than instructional. My personal encounters with Miami administration left me with the distinct feeling remorseful 6-year-old experiences after being sent to the principal’s office, smacked on

the wrist and returned to class without being allowed to eat lunch.

The town hall meeting on April 22 was a reaction to Ghetto Fest (and the assault at Stadium).

Sophomore Sierra Hughes moderated discussion and cut off one attendee who asked, “What are we doing here? What’s the goal?” She said the point of the town hall was to come together and say, “I’m frustrated. You’re frustrated too?

Let’s talk about this.”

Great. Discussion and reflection are important stages of change, but the town hall meeting missed the paramount aspect: action. Or rather, proaction. Without crafting a strategy to tactfully challenge assumptions and stereotypes, you’re just a bunch of people bellyaching to a group of similarly-minded others.

One speaker at the town hall meeting reminded the audience that a major “offensive event” comes up each year that gets everyone riled up and talking about acceptance and equality. However, he said, the adrenalized fervor dies down within a week or two. He passionately told the room that creating appreciation of diversity requires small daily efforts from a large number of people.

It is now a week later. Last week’s No Hate rally and march created awareness that I do not want to die down. These large reactionary events attract attention, but they sometimes fail to reach audiences who don’t already care about Miami’s diverse student populations. What can attract their attention are the small actions each one of us can take on a daily basis. We can challenge our friends who use the word “gay” or “retarded” to describe something they find stupid.

We can challenge those who describe objects or people as “ghetto.” And most importantly, Miami administrators can react constructively to students perhaps inadvertently expressing their privilege.

Beverly Daniel Tatum’s book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? offers keen insight into how to understand the effect simple words can have on others. She makes the point that many people in the United States (and at Miami especially) are born into some form of privileged status based upon their multiple identities, whether it be race, gender,

socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, educational level, age, physical ability or one of many others.

An African-American woman may be systematically disadvantaged by gender and race, but benefits as a heterosexual college-educated Christian. More than half of Miami students could be affected by sexism and the remainder has sisters, mothers and girlfriends whose prospects in life are systematically limited by their immutable lack of a Y chromosome. Members of that other half may be atheist, physically disabled, a first-generation college student or any other sort of identity that does not represent the advantaged social group in the United States.

Many of us either fall into at least one disadvantaged group, or intimately know someone who does. The trick is to use this understanding to grasp how privilege affects people who differ from us. Your experience as a woman, as a gay man or as a Muslim in the United States can help you begin to grasp the painful emotions racism, classism and ageism can invoke.

Privilege isn’t inherently evil. Like many things, it is how the possessor uses it that counts, and privilege can be a powerful catalyst for change. Administrators cracking down on those whose privilege has never been challenged will only create guilt-laden students, ashamed of their own privileged status. A continuous stream of young people flows through the halls of Miami’s red-bricked academic buildings. These problems will recur, simply because new, unchallenged minds fill our campus each year. Miami must be vigilant, starting with first-years, or even during the admission process, to ensure students appreciate difference, understand the effect inadvertent expression of privilege can have on others and realize they can use their privilege to create change.

I challenge Miami administrators to react levelheadedly to students potentially unaware of their own privilege. Instruct before incidents occur rather than reprimand after the fact. I challenge Miami students to recognize your own privilege and strive to understand how small words can be so hurtful to others. And I challenge all of Miami to leave this university better than you found it when you arrived.

FAST is editor in chief emeritus for The Miami Student

➤ RULE OF THUMB Steamy summer in Oxford

Extra! Extra!

Getting around

Looks like the weather will be great and the new students aren’t lookin’ too bad either.

Over 3,700 students have accepted enrollment for the fall semester.

MegaFair is a great way to get involved when arriving in the fall.

Murky waters

Groupies

The oil spill happened...so let’s fix it, not just talk about how it’s there.

Getting stuck with slackers on group projects really stinks.

Girls gone wild No, that wasn’t bound to happen to any sorority eventually. Girls, please keep it together.

Compiled by The Miami Student Editorial Board

➤ GREEN EGGS & SAM

Liberal education in need of re-evaluation Liberal education should be, first and foremost, dynamic. Flexibility and moving forward are central to liberal thought. The Miami Plan is not supporting a liberal education if it is not continually being reevaluated and reinvented. At the same time, the idea of liberal education is itself enduring.

Miami University has extolled the benefits of liberal education throughout its history. Through the Miami Plan, the fundamental components of a liberal education have even been “canonized.” A liberal education is easily as valuable to Miami students today as it ever has been, and the need to reevaluate it and make it more relevant for students Sam had never been greater.

Kay Miami needs to reexamine what classes make up the Miami Plan, who is taking them, who is teaching them and why. Specifically, the overlap between the distribution requirements of various colleges and departments and the Miami Plan needs to be looked at. Many students in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) tend to take Miami Plan courses that also fulfill CAS requirements. Many students seek out Miami Plan courses in their major or thematic sequences. Sometimes, the Miami Plan and major requirements are a good fit for each other. Sometimes they are not. Departments must, must, must provide better advising.

Departmental advisers should know the Miami Plan forwards and backwards. Whether this means the university needs to train advisers or advisers need to start paying attention, somehow somebody in each department needs to be looking at how the Miami Plan and departmental requirements are complementary.

Deciding which subjects should be compulsory and which classes

students should take is only half the battle. The actual content of the course is what makes a class memorable or wastes students’ time.

Massive lectures taught by uninterested professors who drew the short straw are every student’s nightmare. Through admirable initiatives such as the Top 25 project, the university needs to improve and control the quality of Miami Plan courses. Students want to be taught by professors who clearly want to be there, who really care about teaching the class. We can tell when we are not the only apathetic ones in the room.

Another way to make the Miami Plan more relevant is to place greater emphasis on the applications of what is being taught. Someone with a liberal education has a responsibility to educate others, take a stance on issues and be an informed and active citizen. Miami should be showing students what their education means in the world. The critical thinking skills and knowledge hopefully gleaned from the Miami Plan really do have meaning out there. Miami needs to beat us over the head with the applications of what we are learning.

Finally, students need to be willing learners. Part of the value of a Miami degree is the well-roundedness that comes with it. Sure, taking difficult classes outside of your major may lower your grade point average, but it enhances your degree. You came to Miami because it has a reputation for turning out stellar thinkers and doers.

It has that reputation because it is a liberal education school. Being an adult means being intellectually curious. Any future profession will involve learning on the spot. Go ahead, students: prepare yourselves. Explore new subjects. Start paying attention to the staggering amount of things you don’t know. That’s what learning is. That’s what college is for.

12

FYI Page

Summer 2010

The Miami Student Oldest university paper in the United States, established in 1826 News 513-529-2257 Editorial 513-529-2259 Business 513-529-2210 Fax 513-529-1893

Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

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Kelsey Bishop Community Editor Thomasina Johnson, Jessica Sink Editorial Editors Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director Taylor Brinkman, Shuwei Jiao, Abigail Offenbaker, Colleen Yates Page Designers Erin Killinger Graphic Designer Jinghang Huang, Chad Stebbins, Bizzy Young Cartoonists Senior Staff Writers Taylor Dolven Kristen Grace Abbie Harper Mary Kate Linehan Tom Segell Jessica Sink Hunter Stenback Dylan Tussel Patrick Wolande

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In the Tabloids

By Andrew Reynolds

Across

1) Exhibits a tendency (with “to”) 6) Common food poisoning bacteria, in short 11) Cookie container 14) To no ______ (useless) 15) Embryonic membranes 16) Salt Lake City athlete 17) *Indian predator 19) Mob boss 20) Compass pt.

21) Tomato sauce herb 23) One who pays attention to data like 20-Across 28) Certain fungal cells 29) Friendship 30) “New Zealand yam,” to some 31) Carrie (1976) actress Laurie 32) Flower bouquet 33) Obtained 34) Close to 35) Enjoy an afternoon in Aspen 36) Chlorine or Iodine, for one 38) “____ be my pleasure” 41) “Consequently ...”

43) Unhappy fan’s cry 44) Word with “Asian” or “prickly” 45) Natural skin lubricant 47) Ray’s wife, on CBS 48) ______ Rica 49) On fire 50) Hearty dish in Belfast 52) Sonoran Desert plant 55) TV personality Summerall or Sajak 56) Bro or sis 57) Stories creating big headlines this year (and other years) and a hint to the starred clues in this puzzle 63) Chemical suffix 64) “Toodeloo,” in Toulouse 65) Some weekly checklists 66) Cozy room 67) Explorer Juan ______ de León 68) Extent

Down

1) Bar bill

2) Day of preparation, often 3) “Drew Carey Show” actress Martin 4) It’s easily lost uptown?

5) Informal, as language 6) Used a park bench 7) “I did NOT need to know that ...”

8) Sweater material 9) Chicago Navy?

10) Tortoise’s nemesis 11) *World-famous English heavy metal band 12) In one go 13) Eminent Impressionist painter 18) Actress Thompson 22) Greek earth goddess 23) Brief stopovers in King Library?

24) Frenzied (with “run”) 25) *Activity for London tourists 26) VH1 “Academy” 27) Baseball playoff month 31) Handheld note-taker 33) Vehicle propeller?

34) The Matrix hero 36) Sing with your lips closed 37) Large Mongolian desert 39) Golden pick in the 2010 NFL draft?

40) Use a sketchpad 42) Rwandan ethnic group 44) Above three degrees?

45) Talked back too 46) Jerry and George’s friend 47) Toxic pesticide byproduct 48) Gregorian songs 51) Relaxing retreat 53) “Stat!”

54) Turn in again, as an assignment 58) Brief time, briefly 59) Pool tool 60) Big happening 61) Remove (with “off”) 62) Compass pt. that is 135 degrees away from 20-Across

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THE MIAMI STUDENT

SUMMER 2010 ♌ 13

E-BOOK

continued from page 2 Cleveland State, has recently come out with an e-book aimed directly at answering the question: “How much money should I borrow for college?�

In his e-book, “How Much Should I Borrow For College?,� Talbott uses government research on the current job market to determine how much a person can make within the first year of a specific job. These jobs are separated by applicable majors available for students to take in college, Talbott said.

By understanding the projected amount of money a student can expect to make with a job from their intended major, students can

use Talbott’s special calculator to estimate “Once you find out what you want do, what how much money they can afford to borrow kind of job you’re interested in, you can find for college and pay off in a reasonable amount out what those jobs pay.� of time after graduation, Talbott said.

According to Talbott, this is the only book of “It’s not to say the government’s projections its kind out right now. He hopes it will allow stuare just in stone, but they are statistical projec- dents to understand what their options are and tions of what’s be realistic with been happening their money.

Students can use Talbott’s special in recent times,� “I really hope calculator to estimate how much Talbott said. that this helps Both students money they can afford to borrow for students get an college and pay off in a reasonable idea of where who are just entering colthey are going amount of time after graduation. lege and stuand sort of match dents trying to their hopes and decide on what major they might be in- wishes against the reality — get a reality terested in will find this book helpful, check,� Talbott said.

Talbott said.

Mary Krasner, the mother of two students “You can get an idea of what you want to currently attending Miami University, would do and what it can translate into,� Talbott said. have liked to have had something like this

LIBRARY continued from page 2

faculty and administrators with no prior experience, but from that point the responsibility will be in the instructors’ hands.

Along with the removal of e-reserves, the plotter machine used to print high-quality posters in King’s multimedia center will also be eliminated. “What has happened is our multimedia facility is about multimedia and we offered the plotter as an extra, but the price of maintaining it is getting exorbitant,�

Santucci said.

Barr said the loss of King’s plotter would be a minor inconvenience to the students. “The service is still going to be available on campus,� Barr said, “IT services will still have their plotter for use.�

The final cutback affecting the library system this upcoming fall is the reduction of hours at King Library.

According to Santucci, King Library will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday until 9 a.m. Saturday. It will also be closed from 10 p.m. Saturday until 11 a.m. Sunday.

King’s weekday times will remain unchanged from the current 24-hour policy.

Barr said the hours had to be cut due to a reduction in staff.

when her children were starting out in school. “I would buy something like that,� Krasner said. “School is just so expensive now. You need to do a risk/reward analysis.�

This book could be especially helpful for students who fear they will be will be paying off their student loans for years after they graduate.

Junior Emily Sullivan, a strategic communication major, would like to know what she can expect to make in the jobs that her majors open up to her. “Going in, you don’t really know what different majors are going to make,�

Sullivan said.

Talbott’s book, How Much Should I Borrow For College?, is available online at http:// www.howmuchshouldiborrow.com and can be purchased either in full or individually by chapter.

“We had to eliminate hours,� Barr said. “So we looked at the numbers and those hours we chose were when we didn’t have a lot of people.�

After hearing the situation, one frequent library-visitor appeared sympathetic. “It’s always nice to have the library option open on the weekend,� sophomore Rose Kaplin, a dietetics major, said. “I understand why they have to change though, and at least they still have 24-hour weekdays.�

Several students seemed willing to adapt to the necessary changes. “I use the library a lot, but if they really have to make a change I don’t think it will be the end of the world,� said sophomore Geoff Blackwell, an international studies major.

Check out Sudoku

?

on page 12.

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THE MIAMI STUDENT

14♦ SUMMER 2010

INGRAM

continued from page 3 know someone that did?

Ingram: Yeah, I definitely did. The big thing (with roommates) is communication.

You’ve just got to talk to each other. The

first thing you’ve got to do when you get your roommate is have a conversation about who you are, where you came from and then set up an open and honest relationship with each other so you know that you can always tell each other the truth about what’s bothering you. The primary reason I think roommates don’t get along in the end is because they can’t talk to each other about what’s really bothering them, then they get angry

with each other and it turns into something completely different.

TMS: How would you encourage students to get involved?

Ingram: The thing that’s going to make you Miami is the organization you get involved with. You’re not going to love Miami just because you’re going to school there. I would tell students to get involved and find

what they’re passionate about at Miami, because a student organization anchors you and helps you develop yourself. You come to love not just the organization but you come to love Miami more because of the student organization you’ve invested your time in.

It’s ultimately going to make you love your Miami experience even more.

Compiled by Catherine Couretas

Check out our Web site throughout the summer for news updates, photos and more! www.miamistudent.net

The Miami Student is looking for creative-minded individuals to be:

page & graphic designers photographers cartoonists E-mail Erin at maherem@muohio.edu.

Sports

THE MIAMI STUDENT

HOCKEY

continued from page 16 time in line if you want to have a chance to watch Blasi’s boys dominate. Bring some homework and cards to pass the time and get there around noon on game day if you

want to have your pick (Unless the series is against Michigan. Then, prepare to rent a tent).

• Consider joining RedAlert for a different kind of in-line experience and tons of benefits. Membership costs 10 bones.

• You need two things to get into games: a student ID and a wristband. There’s no charge to enter, but it all comes back to waiting in line. There are a limited

FOOTBALL continued from page 16

Roethlisberger for each of the top three spots.

Miami’s football stadium, Yager Stadium, seats

SUMMER 2010 ♦ 15

number of bands, so make sure you get yours before they run out.

• Miami has a multitude of cheers — all of them funny, most of them offensive. Learn them, love them and invent your own.

• A sieve has holes in it, much like the opposing team’s defense. Hopefully that clarifies a lot down the road.

• Learn the fight song because you’ll be

just over 30,000 people and all of Miami’s home games are free to students who have their Miami student identification.

In addition, all Miami concessions at athletic events take Miami meal plans.

Yager Stadium is located on the north part of campus past North Quad and there is usually no line that students have to stand in to get into games.

singing it a lot.

• Heads up for any Miami player to score at any given moment. These guys boast the most balanced squad in the country and everyone’s a threat.

Look for opening weekend to be right around the first weekend in October. You won’t be disappointed. Love and Honor to Miami — see you at the rink!

Miami plays five home games this year, including their annual homecoming game against Ohio University on October 23 and a Tuesday night game against the defending MAC East Division Champions, the Temple Owls, who beat Miami last year 34-32 with a last-second field goal.

Be sure to come out and support the RedHawks this year!

When you’re finished reading

The Miami Student, please recycle!

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Welcome to Miami!

www.miamistudent.net

16

Summer 2010

Sports

Editor Katie Giovinale giovinkl@muohio.edu

The inside scoop on Miami athletics Fall: Football

By JM Rieger Staff Writer

Coming off of a 1-11 record last season, Head Coach Mike Haywood and the Miami University football team are looking to improve and regroup in the 2010-2011 season.

Last year the Red and White played one of the toughest schedules in the country and they will repeat that trend this year with games against University of Cincinnati, University of Missouri, University of Florida and the defending Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions, Central Michigan University.

The RedHawks are led by stand-out redshirt sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert and senior tailback Thomas Merriweather, each of whom made major contributions to the Red and White last year.

Merriweather had three rushing touchdowns last year to go with 291 yards rushing. Dysert threw for over 2,600 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a 426 passing yard performance against the Temple University Owls on November 5, placing him fourth all-time in Miami history for most passing yards in a single game, trailing only Ben

wSee FOOTBALL, page 15 Winter: Basketball & Hockey

By Nick Bonaventura Staff Writer

Miami University’s men’s basketball team is best characterized by its long-time head coach Charlie Coles.

Coles has been the head coach of the RedHawks for 14 seasons and he has shown no signs of slowing down.

One thing that is almost impossible to miss at men’s basketball games is the student section, containing many members who don red camouflage shirts and hard hats. This section is known as “Charlie’s Army” and is meant to show the appreciation and respect that Miami students have for Coles.

Student athletes from other sports almost always make appearances in the crowd at basketball games as they show support for their fellow athletes.

In addition to many students attending the games, there are always large numbers of Oxford residents showing support for Miami athletics. This mix of people creates an atmosphere that always makes for a great time.

Both men’s and women’s games also feature the Miami band playing fight songs and helping keep everyone in a great mood for basketball.

Women’s basketball games differ in some ways from the men’s games. Obviously there is no “Charlie’s Army,” but instead just your average student section, which tends to be dominated by a mix of Miami students and student athletes.

The face of women’s basketball is Head Coach Maria Fantanarosa, another experienced Miami head coach.

Fantanarosa has been with the team for 12 seasons.

All game long Fantanarosa can be heard encouraging her team and hounding the referees. Following each home game she always thanks the fans for showing up and thanks the Miami band for their stellar performance.

Basketball games always make for a fun time at Miami. Men’s and women’s games offer great entertainment for every spectator, and of course are a great study break for those times when professors collaborate and decide to all assign tests the same week.

By Erika Hadley Senior Staff Writer

Over the course of the past five seasons, the Miami University men’s ice hockey team has compiled the winningest record in the country, captured two Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Regular Season Championships, made back-to-back trips to the Frozen Four and exploded in popularity on Miami’s campus.

No year of college — or, for that matter, no weekend between the months of October and March — is complete without viewing at least one game at the Goggin Ice Center, Miami’s state-ofthe-art facility. RedHawk hockey is steeped in tradition and, as Miami’s newest crop of hockey fanatics, there are a few things you need to know in order to make your days at the Goggin as memorable as possible.

• The early bird gets a seat. Steve Cady Arena is a phenomenal venue for watching games, but seating is not unlimited and the student section just never seems to be big enough. The bottom line is that you need to put in

wSee HOCKEY, page 15 Spring: Baseball

By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer

Though this year they are teetering on the cusp of another .500 season and competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the Miami University baseball experience isn’t just about the product on the diamond.

Yes, baseball purists and enthusiasts will love the small ball, high octane, high effort ball clubs that both the baseball and softball teams display week in and week out, but one thing that often goes unappreciated on the Oxford campus is the experience of a warm spring day at Hayden Park at McKie Field or the Miami Softball Stadium.

These ballparks are truly some of the wonders of Oxford and a must-stop for those hardcore sports fans disguised as Miami students.

The fields are always pristinely prepared and well maintained, just ask the RedHawk ball players who tidy it up after all of the home games, making the experience all the more enjoyable for thread heads.

Walking through the black gates of Hayden Park on game day you will not usually notice a huge crowd or slow admission process, unlike the other big RedHawk sports, but instead a soothing aroma. The concession stand on the left side of the park offers everything that you need for a solid game day including hot dogs, hamburgers, candy and Cracker Jacks.

The baseball team also takes part in many promotional days to keep the seats filled and area residents and students coming in support of the Red and White. Although most of the time it is not a problem to find a seat at the game, those looking for a great view should check out the first baseline on the visitor’s side of the stadium. With this viewpoint you can catch a great duel between hitter and pitcher and maybe even catch a few foul balls.

This season the Red and White had its highest attendance on “Have a Greek Day.” Head Coach Dan Simonds always says big days like that energize his ball club and he loves to see and hear the RedHawk faithful.

The next time you are out and about you may hear the crack of the bat and know where to go, but if not, stroll on over and grab a seat to watch the men or women RedHawks rally for a MAC title.