‘I like to live without the label’: Miami community reacts to new DEI developments
Within the last two weeks of Januthree executive orders mandating the elimination of diversity, equity andout the federal government and armed forces.
The second order states that the Attorney General and the Secretary oftutions of higher education regarding measures to comply with Students
for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. On Feb, 11, Ohio Senate Bill 1 passed in the Senate and is on its way
S.B. 1 would ban diversity and instriking, set rules around politically-controversial classroom discussions and put diversity scholarships at risk, among other things, according to Ohio Capital Journal.
Pepper Stetler, a professor of history of art and architecture at Miami University, wrote a testimony as a
STELLA POWERS
ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY AND ASST. CULTURE EDITOR
icant changes in the United States. second term, he signed a record number of 26 executive orders.
Trump was quick to implement the changes he campaigned on. He signed orders to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America (in which he was successful) and ban birthright citizenship, as well as many orders directly impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Many of these actions are alof State’s website now refers only to LGB individuals instead of LGBTQ+, and individuals using the X gender marker on their passports are currently unable to renew them, with only male and female being recognized.
private citizen to the Senate Higher Education Committee in opposition to S.B.1.
“S.B.1 is the epitome of big government overreach,” Stetler wrote.
“This bill would impose unprecedented levels of political interference and unnecessary micromanagement on Ohio's colleges and universities. They would severely undermine the integrity of our higher education system.”
More than 800 people submitted a testimony.
“Miami University is monitoring proposed state legislation and new
This comes after an executive orGender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which states: “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
Gwendolyn Rhorer, a junior individualized studies major with a focus on sexuality education and women, gender and sexuality studies, said while she hasn’t seen any major Trump-related changes implemented at Miami University yet, she thinks his election has made people feel more bold.
“People think that the president has a lot more individual power than he actually does,” Rhorer said. “Being gay and trans is objectively more accepted than it was. Even within the last 10 years, we’ve come so far. People understand that sexuality and gender is a spectrum and that it’s not
federal requirements and is not intending to comment at this time,” wrote Seth Bauguess, senior director of communications at Miami, to The Miami Student. Between both sides of these decisions, there’s a battle of interpretations taking place, including one thattions, reinterpret our own meanings
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
New course load requirements for professors raise concerns among faculty
SHANNON MAHONEY
ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR
Miami University released new course load requirements to itsquirements are calculated based on the workload equivalent (WLE) system used previously. However, the revised requirements, which would increase the number of courses for most professors.
Quality vs. quantity
As professors are required to teach more classes next semester,fessor of geography, are wondering how they will maintain the same level of rigor in their teaching.
Prytherch said faculty members are drawn to Miami because of its emphasis on undergraduate education. He is worried that the new requirements will be detrimental to those students.
“There are fewer and fewer faculty members who are being asked to teach more and more sections,” Prytherch said. “Naturally, it’s hard to maintain the quality.”
Some professors are already preparing to cut back on the material they teach. Adding even a single class to a professor’s workload results in hours of planning, preparation and grading. Professors like Lewis Magruder in the theater department said time constraints will be a real concern.
“I just have to narrow down what I teach,” Magruder said. “I can’t spend as much time with grading.”
I saw the Los Angeles wildfires
CHLOE MCKINNEY CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR
sexual, Rhorer said she doesn’t fear for her own safety as much as she does for the safety of others, including those who identify as transgender. She emphasized how important she thinks it is to provide health and mental resources for the LGBTQ+ community, especially due to the suicide rate of transgender people.
According to The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ organization, suicide attempt rates for transgender and non-binary identifying children had increased by nearly 72% due to anti-transgender laws. Spencer Mandzak, a senior public administration major and state chairman for the Ohio College Republican Federation, said Trump’s post-inauguration actions shouldn’t come as a surprise, because these policies were a huge part of his campaign.
Around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, the smell of burning rubber hit my nose outside my Angeles.
That’s when the adrenaline started to kick in.
I remember reassuring my roommates.
“Fires happen here all the time,” I said. “They know how to handle it.” Myself, 15 other students and two professors were less than a week into Miami University’s Inside Hollywood study away program. Andy Rice, who’s been leading this program for the last three years, lived in to Ohio to work at Miami. He shared the same initial thoughts when wenavision that Monday.
HAYLEY LUBY STAFF WRITER
The Miami University men’s basketball team has rolled to a 19-5 start during its 2024-25 season, the RedHawks' best record since the 1998-99 season.
against Appalachian State University with a 77-63 win. Junior Bellarmine transfer Peter Suder and redshirt sophomore wing Kam Craft led the team in points that night, totaling almost half of the team’s points.
The RedHawks lost to the Wright State University Raiders and the University of Michigan Wolverines but managed a win against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore sandwiched between the two. Miami then traveled to the Fort Myers Classic, where it brought home the championship win. Suder was named the Fort My-
Hawks along with Miami Athlete of the Week after leading the team to a 2-0 tournament win. He averaged 17 points per game and shot 9-for-9 from the foul line.
“Anytime you can win a championship, I think that goes a long way,” head coach Travis Steele said. “Our goal is to win the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship, but sometimes you have to take those smaller victories, so winning that was
Myers Classic win against Siena College, 70-58, was Steele’s 100th career win. Steele started with the RedHawks in 2022. Later in the season, Miami faced multiple non-conference competitors. It secured big wins against Air Force and Sacred Heart University, but it fell short of Indiana University
Suder led the team in points against Air Force, having a career-high of 42 points that night.
Before beginning MAC play, the RedHawks were 8-4. Miami cemented a winning season after a victory against Ohio University in the Battle of the Bricks.
“We realized we had a lot of pieces to be good as a team and took all of our skill development seriously,” Craft said. “Everyone got better in the court.”
The team, made up of a deep bench all of whom know each other well, and Steele describes the most important attribute of their success as their connectivity.
“It’s connectivity,” Steele said. “Our guys get along really well and
themselves second, and that is really in.”
Rice, associate professor of mediaies. “When those things initially break out though, it seems to be the most scary, devastating images thatbody across the country is like, ‘Oh Rice said his main concerns were ensuring we, the students, weren’t scared while keeping a close eye on any updates and air quality. But at that time, the Palisades Fire was still small, the skies were blue outside and besides the more than 60 mph winds, everything seemed normal. Throughout Monday night and into the next day, things only got worse as winds carried burning embers across the city. Eventually, our little apartment complex was surFire in the West, the Eaton Fire in the East and the Hurst Fire in the North. By Tuesday, the program was at a standstill. People across the city had to evacuate quickly, and the Miami alums we planned to meet canceled for the same reason.
SOLOMON BOWSER THE MIAMI STUDENT
OLIVIA PATEL
MANAGING EDITOR
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ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITORS
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ASST. CULTURE EDITOR
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
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SARAH KENNEL
ASST. GREENHAWKS EDITOR
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Burglar tries to cut a hole in wall of local business
Between Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, Oxincidents, according to Oxford Police Department reports.
On Feb. 4 at 2:39 p.m., in the 30 a subject concerning a suspected fraudulent bank membership application. A report was taken and the investigation is ongoing.
At 3:12 p.m. on Feb. 6, in the 200 block of S. Locust St., an unknown suspect cut a hole in the wall of a business to gain access to the building. A report of the incident was taken.
Later that same day, at 8:00 p.m., in the 200 block of Reagan Place, a victim reported that after breaking up with his girlfriend, one of her friends texted him, threatening to ruin his life. A report was taken.
At 12:18 a.m. on Feb. 8, at the intersection of South Locust Street and -
The driver was taken into custody on the outstanding warrants. Narcotics were recovered from the vehicle and sent to the lab. The vehicle was impounded.
That same morning at 12:04 a.m.,cers got a call for an unresponsive, intoxicated and underage female.
was conscious but could not stand on her own. She was transported to the hospital to receive care.
At 5:10 p.m. that evening, in the 500 block of N. Campus Ave., two juveniles were playing with BB guns in the woods and one accidentally shot the other in the eye. A report was taken.
Later that night, at 11:28 p.m., in the 5000 block of College Cornerwanted person’s complaint at a local business. On the scene, the man refused to leave and failed to identify himself. He was arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest.
smith646@miamioh.edu
Miami students react to Trump’s LGBTQ+ related executive orders and policies
“It’s a major platform of the Republican party, to remove identity politics out of the federal government, [where] they never should Mandzak said.
For Mandzak, Trump following through on his promises during makes himself and other Republithe 0rders regarding transgender individuals, including one prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s sports, are in place to keep people safe.
minors to transition and keeping young men out of young women’s sports when they’re under the age of 18, I feel like those are things that a majority of Americans agree on,” Mandzak said.
On the contrary, Rhorer emphasized how despite these orders, she hopes transgender individuals can continue to express themselves freely. In addition to Trump’s executive orders, Ohio’s Senate Bill 104 has also raised concern among LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Florian Siatkosky, a sophomore anthropology
“People who are very gender non-conforming [...] no matter if they were to go into a men’s restroom or a women’s restroom, people would still think, ‘oh, you don’t
belong here,” Siatkosky said. “I think that just makes a very dangerous environment for everybody, because regardless of your gender identity, if somebody sees you that way, you don’t have control over that.”
According to the bill, students would have to use the bathroom that aligns with their assigned gender at birth, rather than the gender they identify as. Siatkosky has yet to see
utive orders at Miami but said that it wouldn’t be surprising if there were impacts on programs such as the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI).
Despite concerns, Mandzak said as Miami is a state institution and not federal, programs such as the CSDI will likely not close. However, he said that the decision to cut federal diversity, equity and inclusion funding is in place to ensure fair hiring practices.
“It’s removing the ability to hire these people strictly based on what their sexual preference is, which makes sense,” Mandzak said. “I mean, you should be hired into a position based on merit, not based on things that happen behind closed doors.”
Riley Nielsen, a junior computtransgender woman, said the CSDI provides a safe space for queer students at Miami, and while she isn’t too familiar with the bathroom bill herself, she has heard talk among
New course load requirements for professors raise concerns among faculty
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Class changes
As professors are forced to make concessions, Prytherch said writing assessments may be cut. This year, Miami also raised the minimum number of students required for a class to run from 12 to 15. With more classes to teach and more students per class, qualitative assessments and individual feedback won’t be possible for many professors.
“It’s just going to be more large lecture classes and multiple choice pack in the credit hours,” Magruder said.
Prytherch said he and other professors want their students to be able to read texts critically and synthesize information, but these skills requiredividual students.
“We want to be able to incorporate writing in our classes,” Prytherch said, “but it’s getting harder and harder.”
Impact on students
Magruder said with heavier course loads, they won’t be able to give students the same level of attention. They will have more trouble saying yes to things like advising student clubs and mentoring for undergraduate honors theses, a major component of the honors program.
“It’s not going to be the sort of relationships we used to have with students,” Magruder said.
Melany Fisk, a professor of biology, said she worries undergraduate research opportunities will disappear as professors take on more courses. Fisk currently supervises eight undergraduate students in her lab. One is writing a paper for her independent study, so Fisk said she meets with the student weekly to provide feedback.
“I’ve been doing that for years,” Fisk said. “I take students into theects together and they learn so much more that way.”
other students and emphasized the importance of gender-neutral bathrooms at Miami.
“It’s really scary going into the Nielsen said. “It’s terrifying, and so not having that little transition point is dangerous for people.”
In addition to being referred to as LGB on the Department of State’s website, other LGBTQ+ pages and resources have been disappearing from various federal websites as well. Google Calendar even followed suit, removing Pride Month from its default events.
“As a lot of these laws get passed and a lot of these executive orders get signed, a lot of people who have very negative views of the LGBTQ+ community will kind of be bolstered in those views and make it actively a more dangerous environment for a lot of queer individuals,” Siatkosky said.
Rhorer said she thinks these changes are a direct result of the presidential election, in which Trump won with 312 Electoral College votes and 49.8% of the popular vote.
“Americans saw all of that blatant racism, homophobia, xenophobia, all the things and still chose to vote for that,” Rhorer said. “I’m very angry that this is the situation that we’ve put ourselves in, and I’m very angry that we have to dig ourselves again.”
Fisk said many professors would have to reduce hours spent with undergraduates in the lab or even close the labs altogether. She also said graduate students will feel the impacts as well.
“The less time we have for writing our papers and grants,” Fisk said, “the less graduate students we’ll be able to support.” Faculty left out load requirements were not discussed with the professors beforehand. Both Prytherch and Fisk said the speed at which the university moved forward with the decision was startling.
“They didn’t have a conversation with [the faculty] about it,” Magruder said.
According to Ohio code, section 3345.45, faculty cannot collectively bargain for their workloads. However, some professors feel they should have been consulted about these changes before they were announced. Professors like Fisk feel that the updates to the workload system are unfair and could have been better handled if conversation.
“I’m not sure what’s driving these decisions,” Fisk said. “If the Board of Trustees is mandating this, I’m not sure whether the folks behind this truly understand what we do in research and what we do in the classroom.”
The number of classes professors are required to teach is calculated based on the annual reports professors write at the end of each year. The reports include things like the number of courses they taught, student outcomes, research, publications and grants. The new requirements were calculated based on annual re-ing 2020 and 2021 when COVID-19 around the country.
“They’re judging us on a time in which, for many, the pandemic really hit our research,” Prytherch said.
Fisk said professors are already feeling the strain. Fisk, who arrived in 2007, started by teaching roughly three courses a year. Starting in the fall of 2025, she will be teaching three courses a semester. Heavy workloads, combined with hours of planning, grading, mentorship and research have been overwhelming for some, causing resignations.
“Many of the faculty that I know are of the lowest morale that we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Fisk said.
University Senate response
The University Senate passed three resolutions Monday afternoon, in response to the requirements. new WLE requirements be put on pause until Provost Elizabeth Mullenix makes a presentation and the Senate has discussed it. The second and third resolutions requested that discussions over workload norms be brought to the Academic Policy Committee for discussion.
The Senate moved to waive its usual two-week waiting period to approve the resolutions to ensure they would be presented to the Board of Trustees at their monthly meeting in February.
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ADAM SMITH BUSINESS MANAGER
GRAPHIC BY MACY CHAMBERLIN
MIAMI
PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH
JOURNALISM PROFESSOR ROSEMARY PENNINGTON GRADES STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS IN HER OFFICE.
PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
The College of Education, Health and Society welcomes new dean
VENEZIA MCHENRY
THE MIAMI STUDENT
From the moment Amity Noltemeyer became a graduate student at Miami University, she felt a strong love for the community that always welcomed and supported her. After graduate school, she worked as a school psychologist in Northeast Ohio. After receiving her doctoralami as a faculty member, she wassity reach its full potential.
On Dec. 1, 2024, Noltemeyer of-lege of Education, Health and Society (EHS) at Miami. After serving as interim dean for 11 months, she said she was ready to transition into the role permanently.
“When I transferred to interim I was doing a lot of learning; I still
am,” Noltemeyer said. “It’s been more of a gradual shift to take all the information I’ve learned aboutple, and start to make changes that make our college better.”
Noltemeyer said she credits the mentors she had during her graduate studies and early faculty years with shaping her as a scholar and psychologist. Their encouragement motivated her to give back to the Miami community and treat others as she was treated. Most weekdays, Noltemeyer can be found in meetings with associate deans and student leadership councils, collaborating on how to meet their goals for the week. She is also in charge of fundraising for EHS and often attends events with students and faculty to promote its programs. Even with her packed
DEI’s Rise & Fall
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Diversity -
sor in the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies and a member of the Association of Latinx Faculty
in 1999 where he studied at Northern Arizona University for his undergraduate degree and attended graduate school at the University of Arizona.
“I’m an immigrant who came to this country, who had the opportunity to go through college, to go through grad school, [to] get jobs and to see the opportunities that a diverse environment can provide for someone like me and that I can provide for others enriching experience.”
-
spective gained from being exposed to new cultures. While at Miami, he’s taken part in several multicultural programs and initiatives, including UniDiversity Festival.
“I have worked through certain programs, initiatives, [including] taking students abroad to other countries or bringing international students here, and creating an environment where learning and building knowl-
Equity -
gist and professor in the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies at Miami, teaches courses in critical race and ethnic studies, conducted bias training with police and other organizations and helped establish pathways to progress for underrepresented students.
In 2022, he was awarded theing Faculty Award for Student Success for his extensive work in helping students to succeed academically. administration’s claim that organizations are prioritizing diversity over merit because of DEI initiatives.
“Now there’s this notion that, somehow, some individuals are getting special treatment, I’ve never seen of the ghetto – I never got a scholarship. That means I worked my way through college.” for excellence and that it’s paramount to every student’s success.
“We have one basic mission at Miami, and that is the education of all means meeting the students where
they are and lifting them up to this high standard.”
Inclusion
Jackson Harper is a junior studying English language arts for secondary education as well as linguistics.
He’s the president of the Black Student Action Association and a memHarper values being a part of these organizations – he said they give him the opportunity to build stronger relationships within his community and to embrace a part of his identity that he hasn’t always felt welcome to.
“It’s always been really cool to have DEI spaces because it feels like I can actually be in a room without eyes going on me,” Harper said. “It feels nice to not be looked at like some type of an other. I like to live without the label, I like to feel like my skin and who I am is normal.”
However, Harper doesn’t just appreciate having a dedicated community but having one that contributes to a greater whole.
“When you have the full story, it’s very interesting how we can start moving away from mistakes, we can start evolving as a group, we can start learning more things because DEI is not just a little check-box we have,” Harper said. “DEI is actually looking at the whole picture when you’ve been given a snapshot edited photo for years, upon years, upon years.”found between their respective outlooks: an understanding that diversity can only thrive when those who champion it make themselves seen and heard.
“The students have more power said. “The students are also members of their community, they have congressmen, they have senators, they have the voice to channel how they feel about what is happening and how that is impacting them in their spaces.”
should wield that voice.
“We take love and honor to where we recognize that we’re all a part of this community called Miami comstand together or we’re going to fall apart.”
Harper echoed the power in num-
“I want people to stand on business and say it with their chest,” Harper said. “I want them to say what needs to be said and not move when the ground starts shaking. When we start doing that as a community, it’s very interesting how our voice gets a lot louder.”
bowsers2@miamioh.edu
schedule, she said she’s always willing to meet with students and faculty.
“There’s rarely an empty moment in the day,” Noltemeyer said. “When there is, I like to have my door open in case issues come up or folks need to come in and meet with me.”
As dean, she said she is focused on creating a positive culture and climate within EHS, ensuring every decision she makes aligns with her goals.
Building connections among faculty is also a very important part of Noltemeyer’s objectives for the college. Even though the faculty of classes and meetings, she thinks an environment where they enjoy working together is integral to a supportive community.
cil member Brigit Morgan has only worked with Noltemeyer for a year but has already seen changes in EHS.
“We’ve been brainstorming ideas to bring the community closer with EHS,” Morgan said. Morgan said she encourages students wanting to get involved in EHS to introduce themselves to Noltemeyer and look into becoming an EHS student ambassador. Through this, students can have honest conversations about the future of the college.
Associate Dean for Faculty and Development Nazan Bautista said Noltemeyer’s extensive experience at Miami has helped her make clear every student and faculty member. She said she admires Noltemeyer’s
leadership and involvement as the new dean.
“She listens [and] encourages open dialogue,” Bautista said. “Facand heard when she’s the one making the decision.”
Noltemeyer said she believes she will be a successful dean because of her deep care for Miami and its future. She believes her hard work will help EHS and Miami succeed in the long term.
people feel respected, valued and get to connect with each other,” Noltemeyer said. “We are all in an environment where students, faculthink we all want to be around each other and care about this place.”
mchenrvg@miamioh.edu
Media madness: How TikTok turned from a trend
ISABELLA OLIVAS THE MIAMI STUDENT
The global sensation TikTok was released in 2016. Since then, it has been the source of fashion trends, entertaining dances and creative stories. For nine years, the app hasencers and celebrities.
But how did a platform shift from fun to a national security threat? Moreover, how did the ban shake other countries to take similar action?
In the United States, TikTok came into the political eye only a few years after its release.
Schumer (D-New York) and Tom
vestigate TikTok as a national security threat. Because the app is owned
tedance, the senators questioned the app’s data-collecting practices. At the time, TikTok was widely popular among younger generations, with 110 million users in 2019.
In response to this search, TikTok stressed its independence from no private information is shared be-
nese government. This investigation sparked the political tension between TikTok and its parent company.
In January 2020, The U.S. Department of Defense instructed all military personnel to delete TikTok
ment promoting this action.
“This decision is consistent with existing and emerging threats as we secure and defend our network,” Harrison wrote.
Despite TikTok having emphagovernment, the order was made under the “potential risk” TikTok posed to its user’s personal information, as well as concerns over cybersecurity
ment.
In July 2020, President Donald Trump announced he was considering banning TikTok because it posed a national security threat. His statement unswayed Microsoft from posing a potential deal to purchase the app.
In the same month, India banned TikTok and many other technology ministry said it received reports that mobile apps were “steal-
to a threat
ing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data.” The ban was also in response to clashes between the two countries, where 20 Indian soldiers died.
The following month, Trump signed an executive order to ban any transactions between American companies and Bytedance. The order included calling the transactions a “national emergency” because of how the app “captures vast swaths of information from its users.”
A few days later, Trump issued another executive order demanding Bytedance sell TikTok to the U.S., and Trump gave Bytedance 90 days to do so. The order Trump made suggested no room for compromise which made Microsoft optimistic about a possible deal, but nothing came out of it.
In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected President of the United States and both the order and the selling deal were put on pause. During this time, TikTok began to grow rapidly, surpassing one billion active users. For a while, things were quiet.
Tension resurfaced in December 2022 when former FBI Director about TikTok and its national security risks. His concern centered around the app’s ability to push a certain algorithm to American users, align with those of the U.S.
In March 2023, U.S. Legislators held a congressional hearing with the hearing, he relentlessly denied all claims that suggested an alliance government.
A clip from the hearing went viral -
replied, “Senator, I’m Singaporean.” bans TikTok or forces Bytedance to sell. The House of Representatives passed the bill, and Biden signed it one month later.
In the summer of 2024, both Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris joined TikTok and began posting content to support their candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. After winning the election in November 2024, Trump the TikTok ban in the U.S. because his stance on it reversed.
On Jan. 18, the app was temporarily banned for 12 hours, but later resurfaced due to Trump’s attempts to negotiate with Bytedance.
Kevin Reuning, professor of political science at Miami University, said a TikTok ban could spark tension.
“I think there will be, from a more elite political point of view, a lot of blaming of other people,” Reuning said. “Both Republicans and Democrats were kind of trying to back away from this even though the initial ban was voted with bipartisan Reuning described that a TikTok ban is unique in comparison to other platforms because of its interaction with the First Amendment.
“There are limits on speech in a variety of ways, but this to my knowledge [is]something sort of entirely new,” Reuning said. “Social media has come and gone, but this is again, olivasid@miamioh.edu
A building’s lifespan: How Miami decides when to renovate
TAYLOR STUMBAUGH SENIOR CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EDITOR
Miami University’s campus is full of historic landmarks and red-brick buildings. To keep these timeless buildings up to modern standards, dorms, dining halls and academic buildings require semi-annual maintenance.
But how does Miami decide which buildings need updating?
The Physical Facilities Department uses facility condition indexes (FCIs) to determine how much money has been invested into a building, in comparison to when it was built and last renovated.
Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations
Cody Powell said every building has a “life cycle cost.” This means that from the time it’s built to the time it’s destroyed, it needs to be maintained with regular cleaning costs, utilities and modernizing the space. Eventually, this will include paying for removal.
Powell gave the example of constructing a new building today worth $10 million. This doesn’t inof design. He would then assign that building a lifespan of 50 years, with an annual cost of $200,000. He said the current replacement value divided by the lifespan informs them if it’s more economical to continue with building improvements or not.
stead of 10,000, generating space for the new courts as well as responding to the local demand.
A 0% FCI means a building is brand new or enough money has gone into it annually to maintain its condition. Powell said a 100% FCI doesn’t mean the building is falling apart or unsafe – the university just hasn’t put any money into it. Miami has a goal of maintaining a 30% or less FCI overall and tries not to reach 50%.
MOLLY FAHY STAFF WRITER
Whether you forgot to make that reservation your significant other asked you to make, or you decided to celebrate with your friends this year, Oxford has a lot of great ways to make sure your Valentine’s Day can still be an enjoyable one.
“Short n’ Sweet” date ideas
Looking for some of that “me espresso?” Kofenya Coffee might be the place for you. Since 2004, Kofenya has been Oxford’s goto indie coffee shop. There are a wide variety of drinks available, at reasonable prices, which is perfect to suit the tastes of any couple or group of friends that decide to take part in this cozy, cafe atmosphere.
If you’re not into coffee, try visiting Graeter’s Ice Cream or Tous les Jours across the street for a quick, sweet treat that you can share.
Ice skating
On Feb. 15, from 3:15-5:05 p.m., the Goggin Ice Center will be hosting a Valentine’s Skate. The entry fee is $7.50 per person, which includes a free skate rental. Additionally, Goggin will be hosting a moonlight, “Date Night” themed skate from 9:45-11:15
p.m. on Feb. 15, as well. Admission is free with a Miami University student ID, and a skate rental is $3.50.
Celebrate with the girls Sworn off love for the year?
Gather all your friends together and have some fun all on your own.
On Feb. 13 from 6:30-8:30
p.m., you and your friends can indulge in some chocolate fondue and test out your pottery skills at You’re Fired. You have to sign up to attend, and admission is $12 per person which includes the studio fee. If you want to paint a clay project, it will be available for an additional fee of $12-$20.
Uptown Blends Valentine’s week
Running from Feb. 10-14, Uptown Blends will be having Valentine-themed events every evening from 4-6 p.m. This includes crafting a Valentine’s wreath, cards, friendship bracelets and more. The art museum
The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum will be open Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. for anyone interested in seeing some of their new exhibitions.
fahymm@miamioh.edu
“What we’re trying to do is just say, in general, how much are we reinvesting back into our buildings,” Powell said. “If we look at that over time, how, then does that compare to what we’re actually spending and does that look like we’re in a state of degradation or not.”
However, he said every component of a building is also given a life called deferred maintenance, where buildings accumulate untheir life cycle.
It’s not just the life cycle cost that’s looked at, but also the use of the buildings or infrastructure itself.
Powell used Millett Hall as an example. If Millett were to be built today, construction alone would be between $160 and $180 million. He added that when Millett was built in 1986, it only served men’s basketball, but now it holds three Division I sports. Moreover, the current the activities, resulting in a change in demand.
According to the Facilities 2023, Millett’s FCI is more than 51%, meaning it hasn’t had any real substantial reinvestments in years, making it hard to recruit student-athletes.
He said the new arena would have practice and competition courts and hold roughly 6,500 in-
“[Fifty percent is] more of a tipping point where we really haven’t made major investments, but major investments are needed,” Powell said. “... How much is it impacting those who are using the facility or staying in the facility? Is it meeting our programmatic needs? Just because it was something that was built in the 50s and we’ve done longer make sense for us. So do we reinvest in it, or do we take it down and build something else?”
He added it’s not only an issue of wondering which buildings to reinvest in, but also where to get the money. He said the talk about how to tackle Millett has been going on for at least eight years. Miami has looked at how to renovate it, and how to add an addition for practice courts, but inevitably they had difrenovating an existing building without a naming opportunity.
“So we reached a point where it’s like, ‘All right, well, what are we going to do? Do I spend $80 million on a building that still might not meet our needs or do we spend more but create a situation that we and meet the university’s needs over time,’” Powell said.
The total FCI for Miami at the an increase of 1.32% from 2022, according to the FCI report.
Bachelor Hall was constructed in 1978 for $5.3 million. Replacing Bachelor Hall is estimated to cost $52.6 million, according to the FCI report. However, it’s estimated that $31.6 million would be needed in 2023 to simply return Bachelor Hall to a “like new” condition. Hence, Bachelor Hall’s FCI is esti-
“It’s a love that we all share”:
WILLIAM KWAN
THE MIAMI STUDENT
Passion takes many forms. For Miami University, one of its forms is its study abroad program, ranked fourth in the nation for undergrads in public universities. From Miami’s campus in Luxembourg to faculty-led opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new learning environments.
In particular, the vaunted Miami study abroad program established in Luxembourg, located in the Miami University Dolibois Education Center (MUDEC), is one of the cornerstones of Miami’s international study programs.
“We’ve had 55 years of trips to MUDEC at the Luxembourg campus,” Karla Guinigundo, director of global partnerships, said. “Study abroad is a fundamental part of Miami culture.”
John Dolibois’ connection with Miami also contributes to the Luxembourg program’s legacy. An alumnus of Miami, he provided the university with the opportunity to establish a permanent campus in Luxembourg.
“Dolibois was actually the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg,” Guinigundo said. “He was crucial in establishing the connection we have there now.”
Beyond Luxembourg, Miami’s faculty-led programs can take students to nearly any part of the globe.
Noelia Rojes-Miesse, a senior lecturer in the Spanish and Portuguese
mated to be 60.04%.
Other buildings in similar states are Harrison Hall (68.5%), Boyd Science Building (51.08%), Phillips Hall (49.6%) and Thomson Hall (83.7%), before it was torn down for unrelated reasons. The Miami Inn, unlike the others, was at 25.94% before being demolished.
According to the report, out of 179 buildings on Oxford’s campus, 75 academic, auxiliary, residential and administrative buildings are below 30%. Fifty-two are between 30-50%, with another 52 also above 50%.
Powell said years ago the university started updating the residence halls in batches after they averaged a 60% FCI. They didn’t meet accessibility needs for students, air conditioning and window units weren’t an option. After more than 12 years, the university is on the last three dorms to be renovated: Tappan Hall, Morris Hall and Emerson Hall. Those three are at 54.54%, 52.12% and 52.22%, respectively. but we can’t do that again,” Powell said. “We need to keep reinvesting and picking buildings that we’re gohave to come up with a billion dollars all at once [again].”
Rob Abowitz, the associate director of residence life, said the upkeep of residence halls is important so that students have an environment where they can study, sleep and live. He added, though, that overall, students won’t remember if their dorm was renovated or not when looking back.
“Their experience in the residence halls has more to do with the relationships they build, the things they do, the ways they get involved, the connections they make, the support they get from being on campus,” Abowitz said. “It does not have to do with whether you’re in a renovated building.”
Miami is 85% done with the 25-year plan to update all the residence halls, with the last ones beginning over the summer of 2025. stumbata@miamioh.edu
Department, studied abroad in Costa Rica. “In my study abroad program, we took a class of pre-med students with co-majors and minors in Spanish to Costa Rica,” Rojes-Miesse said. “They learned about healthcare in the nation and had the opportunity to practice immersive language study.”
Rojas-Miesse has been running study abroad programs for 15 years at Miami and is intimately familiar with the intricacies of planning a trip.
“[The trips] tend to happen organically from each professor’s contacts and connections to the country they
want to set up a trip to for the study abroad program,” Rojas-Miesse said. “They’re very carefully designed, involve setting up relationships with people in the country, and eventually, we send in a proposal to the university.”
Rojas-Misse said she believes Miami’s study abroad program ranks professors.
“It’s the passion of the professors, who do all the administrative work, planning, recruiting, teaching and budgeting, who know they are responsible 24/7 for the success of
their program, that makes the study abroad program worth attending,” Rojas-Misse said. “It’s a love that we all share.”
Annabel Cunningham, a junior history major, recently returned from a study abroad trip to Luxembourg. She said the trip shaped her perspective. “At MUDEC, we took classes and also did many sightseeing trips around historical sites for World War II,” Cunningham said. “We also traveled out of Luxembourg to Poland for study tours as well.” Beyond the classes and excur-
sions, Cunningham also discovered great networking and professional opportunities.
“I also participated in an intern-porations that work with Miami and MUDEC for this program,” Cunningham said. “They have a list of internships that you can sign up for when you go on the trip; that really helped me to have more opportunities.”
kwanwz@miamioh.edu
Review and preview: Start to finish of the 2024-25 men’s basketball season
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Heading into MAC play after the new year, the RedHawks faced six conference opponents, winning each game for a 6-0 lead ahead of the University of Akron. Throughout those games, leading scorers like sophomore guard Mekhi Cooper, sophomore wing Eian Elmer and junior forward Antwone Woolfolk were showcased, all contributing to the team’s success.
The winning streak broke when the RedHawks faced Akron, the num ber one team in the MAC. On the
KETHAN BABU SPORTS EDITOR
the game before falling behind 20 throughout the second half despite exceptional performances
Byers, Suder and sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro. Miami lost 102-75, putting the RedHawks second in the MAC, where they still currently stand.
“Even after the loss we had to team chemistry,” Byers said. “I think that is going to be important
down the road for the rest of the season.”
Through conference play, Byers’ performance has skyrocketed, with the majority of his points coming in the beginning of the season's second half. Against the Univer18 points, Miami’s second-leading scorer for that game.
“Things have been great since MAC play started,” Byers said. “I am pretty lucky to get some open shots and hit them. Earlier in the season, I was struggling to make a shot, but recently I’ve been starting to make
them, so I just want to keep playing hard and defending well and the shots will fall.”
The RedHawks have seven games remaining before MAC tournament play begins in March. The team currently holds a 10-1 record behind Akron, who remain their only conference loss.
season title before advancing to the MAC championship and, beyond that, the NCAA tournament.
“We’re panning out as we expected, and being 10-1 in the conference is a huge deal,” Craft said. “We are
putting ourselves in a position to win the MAC championship. We just need to keep playing well and shooting the ball well.”
In a 92-80 win against Toledo, Craft had a career-high 40 points allowing the RedHawks to maintain their positioning in the MAC. Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, the team plans to take each game as it comes, with its next competition on the road against Western Michigan on Feb. 15.
lubyhj@miamioh.edu
Women’s basketball seeks spot in Cleveland as season enters home stretch
When head coach Glenn Box prepared for the 2024-25 season, he highlighted the importance of player development for the Miami University RedHawks women’s basketball team.
Miami returned six players from last year. With a roster boasting seven newcomers, the program needed to build a strong team culture if the RedHawks hoped to improve on their 9-20 record from the 2023-24 season.
So far, the team has achieved this goal. The RedHawks sit at 14-8 (6-5 in conference play), their best start since the 201819 season, as they enter the final seven matchups before the 2025 Mid-American Conference (MAC) tournament.
Before the season began, Box and his coaching staff, including associate head coach Ben Wierzba, needed to figure out how to fit the three transfers and four first-year players into the Miami culture.
“We were trying to figure out what pieces fit,” Wierzba said. “We had a lot of new faces in here, and [we were] just trying to figure out roles and each person’s strengths and how to put those pieces together. It’s still going along, but I think we’ve come to a point now where we figured out who can do what.”
Through the first few games of the non-conference slate, the RedHawks continued to develop their game plan and figure out each player’s strengths. Graduate student guard Maya Chandler described the offseason as finding the team’s identity and how everyone can work to achieve it.
“We were a brand new team,” Chandler said. “It was everybody’s first time, so it was really about gelling and figuring out where everybody’s gonna be best for us. I think we definitely found that, and we definitely know how to push the pace on offense.”
At the start of conference play, the RedHawks struggled to stay above .500. Following their opening loss to the Ball State University Cardinals, the RedHawks went 4-2 before dropping back-to-back games against the Kent State University Golden Flashes and the University of Toledo Rockets.
Miami’s 4-5 standing in the MAC received a boost when the RedHawks outscored the Ohio University Bobcats 72-34 on One Miami Day. The team proceeded to win its next two games, including a victory over the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in the MAC-Sun Belt Conference challenge. A key aspect of the RedHawks’ success has been their late-game comebacks. Miami tied its matchup against Louisiana with less than 15 seconds to go, allowing the team to take an overtime victory and continue its winning streak.
“We’re a pretty tough team,” Chandler said. “We’re hard nosed.
We got a lot of girls that are pretty stubborn, [and] it’s hard to beat stubborn kids who want to win, and that’s us. I think we found a lot of our identity in that,
just pushing and relying a lot on our defense, especially in tight games.”
Chandler highlighted the team’s defensive identity as another source of Miami’s success.
The RedHawks lead the MAC with 262 steals and rank fourth with 64 blocks. Sophomore forward Amber Tretter cracks the top five with 175 total rebounds. A strong defense only equates success if the offense can capitalize on opportunities. For Wierzba, a vital improvement for the RedHawks this season has been their ability to stretch the court and their speed.
“That’s the only thing we really tried to get better [at],” Wierzba said. “If you watch our games, when we cause turnovers and we get rebounds, we can get out and run, and when we’re playing fast
and the floors open, that’s when we’re really good.”
Miami’'s early conference losses were characterized by lategame slips. The RedHawks led the University of Buffalo Bulls 46-39 after three quarters, but Buffalo outscored them 20-5 in the final 10 minutes to take their victory.
Similarly, Miami held a 40-35 advantage going into the final five minutes against the Central Michigan University Chippewas. However, a 12-6 run for Central Michigan culminated in Miami’s second loss in conference play.
“There’s definitely some games where we beat ourselves instead of having the other team beat us,” Tretter said. “We’re looking forward [to] seeing some of them again.”
Miami’s remaining games include three rematches against
teams that defeated the RedHawks previously: the Kent State University Golden Flashes (Feb. 15), the Bulls (Feb. 22) and the Chippewas (March 5). These rematches will be critical for Miami, who sits at fifth in the MAC and holds the same 6-5 conference record as the No. 6 Western Michigan University Broncos. The RedHawks enter the home stretch of the 2024-25 season with Cleveland in their sights, but the team’s visions stretch beyond the MAC tournament.
“It’s a great accomplishment for the program, for Box and for everybody here,” Chandler said. “It’s a great experience, but it’s also an expectation. We’re not done when we get to Cleveland.” babukc2@miamioh.edu
SOPHOMORE WING EIAN
GRADUATE STUDENT GUARD MAYA CHANDLER DRIBBLING AGAINST
PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH
Miami softball looks to hit it out of the park in 2025 season
SPORTS EDITOR
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
softball program embarked on its
the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, the University of Maryland
the weekend allowed the RedHawks
knowledging the losses from last year what they were bringing in and know
Holly Blaska and Kate Kobayashi, the Gardner-Colegate highlighted as-
“With Emerald, I think she’s done a little bit sharper on defense, and I
Gophers, as the RedHawks fell in ex-
the RedHawks’ mistakes on the seaseveral positives that will prove to be
Maryland led 3-2 heading into the RedHawks shifted the advantage
Gardner-Colegate also highlight-
Miami baseball looking to take the next step in 2025 season
Gardner-Colegate isn’t threatened by these games and looks forward to are in regionals that we’re going to
babukc2@miamioh.edu middleje@miamioh.edu
BRYAN MILLER THE MIAMI STUDENT
It’s almost time for the Miami University RedHawks baseball team
Miami went 27-27 last season, a six-win improvement from 2023
ley as the manager after arriving
RedHawks dropped games against Miami is looking to improve on
that, the RedHawks will need to rely
“He played the entire year last
themselves when the season starts
the fold provides the RedHawks
mill2361@miamioh.edu
In the editor’s rotation: Songs for those going through it on Valentine’s Day
CHLOE SOUTHARD CULTURE EDITOR
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. No, I don’t care about your opinions on it. I don’t want to hear that it was invented by corporations to sell cards and candy, yada yada yada. And don’t give me the “I don’t need one day for love when I can love every day” crap, either. I know a majority of y’all aren’t actually spending every day loving.
That aside, maybe you have valid reasoning for disliking the holiday. Maybe you’re going through a breakup; maybe you’re spending it alone.
Don’t worry — I see you. For this week, I’d like to give you some songs that are the antithesis of Valentine’s Day. Consider it a little gift from me to you. May these songs bring you some catharsis.
‘THE GREATEST’ — Billie Eilish felt physical pain. This is, in my opinion, Eilish’s greatest (no pun intend-
ed) work. The songwriting is phenomenal, the vocals are giving — it’s just perfect.
the bridge — it will heal something in you.
‘Oh Well’ and ‘Shadowboxer’ — Fiona Apple Apple is one of the best songwriters of all time, and plenty of her songs could work on this list, but “Oh Well” and “Shadowboxer” are some of my favorites and some of the most hard-hitting. If you’re feeling extra angsty, these tracks are perfect.
‘You Oughta Know’ — Alanis Morissette
No one writes female rage like Morissette. This is one of the most iconic breakup songs of all time, and for good reason. If you’re feeling particularly angry on Valentine’s Day, maybe treat yourself to a rage room and this song.
‘Two Slow Dancers’ — Mitski
This one is perfect for wallowing in your pain. It’s OK – let those ugly sobs out, scream into your pillow and maybe cry until you throw up. At least your misery will look somewhat cin-
ematic with this song playing in the background.
‘Knew You Well’ — Art Lown heard this song, I thought it was recorded in the ’60s or ’70s. Imagine my shock when I learned that it came out in 2021. That aside, this is a sweet but melancholic song about reminisc-
‘Vampire Empire’ — Big Thief
This one went platinum on TikTok. The lyrics just hit so hard, and the way in which lead singer Adrianne Lenker sings them makes the song even more impactful. The demo version of this track is also just as excellent.
most underrated tracks on Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” A moodier, more toned down song, the lyrics are confessional and real. Too many people are sleeping on this one or unjustly hating it.
‘Cinnamon Girl’ and ‘Pretty When You Cry’ — Lana Del Rey So many of Del Rey’s songs could work on this playlist, but these ones
“Cinnamon Girl,” for obvious reasons, but “Pretty When You Cry” because it serves as a reminder that it’s OK to feel sad, angry and lost, because you’re still pretty when you cry.
‘Fade Into You’ — Mazzy Star
Too many people have wrongfully mistaken this song as a love song.
This is not a love song. This song is painful yearning, this song is unre-
For those who play this song at their wedding or make TikToks of your partner to it, allow me to quote Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”: Big mistake. Big. Huge.
‘Storms’ — Fleetwood Mac I know, “Silver Springs” is the breakup song that automatically comes to mind when you think of Fleetwood Mac. But this one is underrated and meaningful. It’s soft and quiet but emotional — simply perfect.
‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ — ABBA In my last playlist, I mentioned that everyone is missing out on how
ABBA writes about breakups. I stand by that, and I’m going to continue to push the ABBA heartbreak agenda.
‘China’ — Tori Amos
This ballad nearly brings me to my knees every time I hear it. Amos’s vocals are beautiful and painful; you can hear the hurt in her voice. Not enough people talk about Amos when discussing other prominent, alternative female artists from the ’90s like Morissette, Apple, PJ Harvey and more.
‘Underdressed at the Symphony’ — Faye Webster If you’re feeling contemplative or the urge to sulk, this song is the one for you. Honestly, the entire record in which this track appears on (and is ti-
‘Waiting Room’ and ‘Moon Song’ — Phoebe Bridgers I know, both of these songs are TikTok classics, especially “Moon Song,” but they are simply gut-wrenching, and I couldn’t leave them out.
‘cellophane’ — FKA twigs
I’m sorry.
@_chloebowie_
southacr@miamioh.edu
It’s time to start watching the films on your watchlist
CHLOE SOUTHARD
CULTURE EDITOR
I’m a professional procrastinator, even when it comes to doing things I enjoy. I like to consider myself a movie on my Letterboxd watchlist. There’s so many movies I’d like to see, but I have what feels like so little time.
When I do actually have time, I have been sitting in my watchlist for months — some years, at this point. From what I understand, this seems to be a shared experience within the
With the start of a new semester, I’ve been utilizing my free time — primarily on weekends — to work through my watchlist. Luckily, a lot of are available on Tubi. Quick sidenote: check Tubi out, it actually has a lot of good, critically acclaimed movies available for free.
So, to start my journey, I began with a movie I’ve heard a lot about: “Requiem for a Dream.” After watchmany people talk about it. as they spiral further into drug addiction. The main character, Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) becomes
addicted to amphetamines. Her son, Harry (Jared Leto), his friend, Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) and girlfriend, Marion (Jennifer Connelly) are heroin addicts. I loved director Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan,” and I thoroughly enjoyed “The Whale,” but “Requiem for a Dream” knocks it out of the park.iety-inducing — it makes your skin crawl and feel almost dirty — but you simply can’t look away. Next, I watched “Precious,” which tells the story of 16-year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a Black girl growing up in Harlem during the late ’80s. Precious experiences neglect and abuse at the hands of her mother, Mary Lee (Mo’Nique), and her father, who has impregnated Precious twice.
When Precious is transferred to an alternative school, her life is changed by teacher Blu Rain (Paula Patton).
Blu pushes Precious to learn how to read, write and pursue her education. “Precious” is certainly a hard and emotional watch, but so worth it. The story depicted is real; it’s something that, sadly, many people live through. Sibide and Patton’s performances are
pactful.
I bought into the TikTok hype by
the app as grotesque and horrifying, something that leaves viewers things disgusting, so I thought I’d give “Megan is Missing” a chance.
It’s terrible.
gan and Amy, two 14-year-old girls who have gone missing from their hometown after interacting and meeting up with a man who was posing as a boy online.
It’s constructed through the use of webcam footage, cam recordings and news reports. It’s supposed to give a found footage feel (think “The Blair Witch Project”), but fails miserably. The acting is downright awful, the
ploitative, torture porn. It feels like director Michael Goi just wanted to make something shocking and gross rather than actually educate audiences about internet safety. I needed to cleanse my palette after the abomination that is “Megan is actually disturbing and well written: “We Need to Talk About Kevin.”
“We Need to Talk About Kevin” follows Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton) navigating life after her son, Kevin (Ezra Miller), has committed an unspeakable act. Leading up to this, we catch glimpses of the strained
relationship between Eva and Kevin as he grows up. Swinton’s performance in this it lingered in my mind for days after watching. And then came the big one.
“Showgirls.” I’ve heard references to “Showgirls” countless times on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” It’s Michelle Visage’s quickly become one of mine. At the center of “Showgirls” is Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley), Las Vegas as an exotic dancer. When she’s noticed by the famous Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), the lead in a dance production at the Stardust Resort and Casino, Nomi starts out on an unrelenting path to stardom.
I can’t express how much I loved this movie. From beginning to end, it was perfect. It’s campy, the cinematography is beautiful and the chemistry between Nomi and Cristal is enthralling.
I genuinely am not the same person I was before watching “Showgirls.” If you think this movie is bad or stupid, you need to take a step back and evaluate the way you view cinema, and I’m being so serious.
Finally, I watched “Moonstruck” and “Southern Comfort.” “Moonstruck” is a romantic com-
edy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Typically, I don’t care for romcoms, but “Moonstruck” is funny, iconic and full of drama — plus, I love Cher.
“Southern Comfort” is a moving documentary that chronicles the last year of Robert Eads’s life. Eads was a transgender man who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was failed bylights the tight-knit community and found family between trans individuals.
It is also one of the only documentaries that’s made me cry. It’s such an context. Please, if you’re going to this article, let it be this one. Working through my watchlist has been such an invigorating expe-ent kinds of movies. Some will change your life, some will open your eyes to ongoing issues in the world and some are just downright bad.
Now that you’re done reading this, go watch something you’ve been putable to stop.
@_chloebowie_ southacr@miamioh.edu
GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD.
GRAPHIC BY STELLA POWERS.
CULTURE
Staff picks: Our favorite ships
STAFF REPORT
Valentine’s Day is here, and in the spirit of the holiday, we at The Miami Student have decided to share some relationships in the media that we love to love.
Carol Aird and Therese Belivet
(‘Carol’ and ‘The Price of Salt’) Salt,” I immediately fell in love with Carol and Therese’s relationship. There is so much yearning and adoration between the two, and the way their relationship is written in bothtiful.
From seeing the shared looks of longing onscreen to reading Therese’s thoughts about Carol in the book, their love is depicted perfectly. Carol’strasted with Therese’s reserved, naive personality creates such an interesting dynamic. Even though their love is forbidden, Carol and Therese foster a moving bond and change each other’s lives.
- Chloe Southard, Culture Editor
Agatha Harkness and Rio
Vidal (‘Agatha All Along’)
AgathaRio is one of my favorite ships of all time for a variety of rea-
sons. They have the most intense, angsty chemistry and such a dark history with each other.
Plus, their entire relationship witchy dark magic and centuries of heartbreak and betrayal, rooted in death and grief. The characters are also played by Aubrey Plaza and Kathryn Hahn, so what’s there not to love?
Samantha Cook and Wade Watts are the perfect book couple. Watts and Cook don’t even know what each other look like, but they still fall in other, it doesn’t matter what they look like or who they are because they truly fell for each other.
- Kasey Turman, Editor-in-Chief
Scott McCall and Allison Argent (‘Teen Wolf’)
This love trope has hurt me for years, since I’ve watched the show. I believe there are not two people in this world who were more meant for each other, so the show was nothing to me after Scott and Allison ended.
Scott’s girlfriends – including Kira –after Allison.
- Olivia Patel, Managing Editor
Linda and Bob Belcher (‘Bob’s Burgers’)
I love Linda and Bob together because they represent a realistic family unit where their love is funny while also being an everyday type of thing.
It’s not large proclamations or super romancy; it’s loving each other through their quirks and shenanigans and seeing the gross or awkward sides of each other and loving them nonetheless.
-Taylor Stumbaugh, Senior Campus & Community Editor
Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw (‘Sex in the City’)
Carrie and Aidan were perfect … so of course Carrie ruins it.
- Kiser Young, Social Media Editor
Jack Sparrow and Eliz-
abeth Swan (‘Pirates of the Caribbean’)
The chemistry between these two was impeccable. Elizabeth clearly was more into pirates than goody two shoe English boys. To add to their chemistry, they both have the last names of a bird.
Culture editors’ picks: The Oscars
STELLA POWERS
ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY AND ASST. CULTURE EDITOR
CHLOE SOUTHARD
CULTURE EDITOR
The 97th Academy Awards are right around the corner, celebrating year. On March 2, the biggest releases of 2024 will be competing to take home some Oscars.
from “Wicked” to “The Brutalist,” the year was full of extravagant cinematic releases. “A Complete Unknown,” “Anora,” “A Real Pain,” “The Substance,” “Conclave” and “Emilia Pérez” are all up for some of the biggest categories of the night. While it is ultimately up to the Academy to pick the winners, we are, once again, going to tell you our thoughts. So who’s going to take home this year’s Oscars in the biggest categories of the night?
Actor in a leading role
Nominees:
Complete Unknown”
Chloe’s pick: Colman Domingo — ‘Sing Sing’
I’m an A24 stan through and through, tried and true. Now, I won’t lie, I haven’t watched “Sing Sing” in its entirety, but from what I’ve seen of Domingo’s performance through clips and trailers, he deserves the win. I’ve heard nothing but good things about “Sing Sing,” and I desperately wish I could have seen it in theaters.
Stella’s pick: Timotheé Chalamet — ‘A Complete Unknown’ In my mind, Timotheé Chalamet is the only person who should even be in the running for this award. He completely transformed for his role as Bob Dylan and certainly did not disappoint. He put so much work and efto sing and play guitar. His dedication he is my pick for this category.
Actor in a supporting role
Nominees: -
plete Unknown”
Chloe’s pick: Forfeit
It shames me to admit that I haven’t seen a lot of the nominations this year, so I am forfeiting this category, as I know nothing about any of these performances. Just know that I will be rooting for “The Substance” in any category it’s been nominated for.
Stella’s pick: Kieran Culkin — ‘A Real Pain’ I have to confess: I still have yet to see “A Real Pain.” However, Kieran Culkin’s performance seems to be a hit this awards season. As a fan of can never miss when it comes to his acting. The Golden Globes seemed to agree, so hopefully the Oscars follow and do the same.
Actress in a leading role
Nominees:
Chloe’s pick: Demi Moore — ‘The Substance’ It’s about damn time the Acade-
than Moore (haha, get it). Her performance in “The Substance” was simply stick with me for the rest of my life. This nomination is so much more than “The Substance.” This is for Mia Goth in “Pearl,” for Toni Collette in “Hereditary,” for Keke Palmer in “Nope,” for Florence Pugh in “Midsommar.” It’s for all of the outstandbeen overlooked by the Academy, and I can’t think of anyone to better represent them than Moore and her stellar performance.
Stella’s pick: Mikey Madison — ‘Anora’ As much as I would love for Cyn-
thia Erivo to become the youngest person to hold the EGOT title, Mikey Madison absolutely kills it in “Anora.” She’s talked in interviews about how much research she did for this role and it really shows. She even sucfan of Madison, it is wonderful to see and very well-deserved Oscar nomination.
Actress in a supporting role Nominees:plete Unknown”
Chloe’s pick: Ariana Grande — ‘Wicked’ I was not familiar with Miss Grande’s acting game. Sure, I’ve seen “Victorious” and a few episodes of “Scream Queens,” but I didn’t know that Grande could genuinely act the way she does in “Wicked.” I was seriously blown away by her performance; her Glinda is so endearing but conniving in a way that’s impossible to hate. Also, Margaret Qualley was absolutely snubbed in this category.
Stella’s pick: Ariana Grande — ‘Wicked’
I grew up absolutely obsessed with the show “Victorious,” and, through association, Ariana Grande. Later in life, I discovered her music and also happened to become a full-blown theater kid. Needless t0 say, seeing her take on the role of Glinda in “Wicked,” something pretty much any theater kid dreams of, was spectacular. Grande delivers in every aspect of but her acting and adaptation of the Glinda voice originally coined by Kristin Chenoweth was nothing short of magical. As much as I loved Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown,” my “Wicked” obsessed heart has to give this one to Grande.
Nominees:
- Teddy Johnson, Humor Editor
Alex and Liana (‘Barbie and the Diamond Castle’)
Truly the perfect sapphics who live
They are literally protected by their love for each other. Just listen to “2 voices 1 song.”
Marianne and Héloïse (‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’)
This is one of the most beautifully tragic pairings ever. Period. The way their relationship blossoms from one of disdain to infatuation and love is so thoroughly developed and impactful. I still cry for them every time I watch the movie.
- Chloe Southard, Culture Editor
Jackie Taylor and Shauna Shipman (‘Yellowjackets’)
While they may not be canonically together in the show, Jackie and Shauna have really interesting chemistry, plus a tragic ending. The two high school best friends get stranded in the wilderness together, get with the same guy and Shauna’s admiration for Jackie is apparent. It’s a relationship that’s twisted, but in a way, poetic, which is why it is one of the most popular ships in the
and Gregory Zalcman
Mann and Mark Nielsen
Elliot and Liz Kearney “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Crossingham and Richard Beek
Chloe’s pick: ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham and Richard Beek & Gromit.” As a kid, I enjoyed the man and dog duo, and I still do now. The plot is silly and charming, and Wallace and Gromit bring me an odd sense of comfort. Not to mention, the claymation is simply outstanding and deserves an award for all of the time and work that goes into the art form alone.
Stella’s pick: ‘Inside Out 2’ — Kelsey Mann and Mark Nielsen As a fan of the original, “Inside Out 2” did not disappoint. In fact, I loved it so much that I went to see it twice in theaters. Watching Riley grow older and deal with new emotions in her life was so relatable and so needed. The introduction of the emotion Anxiety and the depiction of an anxiety attack that alone should earn it the win, not to mention the beautiful animation and incredible performances by the cast.
Cinematography
Nominees:
Chloe’s pick: ‘Nosferatu’ — Jarin Blaschke
Like I said earlier, I haven’t seennately includes “Nosferatu.” However, I have seen clips and screencaps nominated, I’m going to advocate for it.
Stella’s pick: ‘Nosferatu’ — Jarin Blaschke
While I wasn’t the biggest fan of “Nosferatu” as a whole, I found myself in awe of the cinematography. The stunning visuals and unique, dark and gothic aesthetic really carried the this year, the beauty of “Nosferatu” is unmatched, even if it was lacking in a few other departments. Cinematically, “Nosfertatu” stole the show when
Nominees:
Directing
“A Complete Unknown”
fandom. Even in death, the two can’t leave each other’s thoughts.
Mark and Helly are two amazing characters that put love into the weirdson, Mark and Helly fall for each other in the weirdest of circumstances on
Mark and Helly don’t know who they really are, what they’re doing or where they are, but they still steal glances and laugh at each other’s jokes.
- Kasey Turman, Editor-in-Chief
Feyre Archeron and Rhysand (‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’) They’re perfect and amazing and I love them so much.
- Taylor Stumbaugh, Senior Campus & Community Editor
Teddy Johnson and Sabrina Carpenter They are both short and sweet!
- Teddy Johnson, Humor Editor Nice try, Teddy. Get in line.
Chloe’s pick: ‘The Substance’ — Coralie Fargeat “The Substance” is one of the 2020s. Fargeat’s depiction of women’s bodies and how society views them as they age is realistic and relevant. While the plot is intense and somewhat absurd, the message is raw, and she uses a compelling way of storytelling to convey it. It’s hard to believe that “The Substance” is only see what she does in the future.
Stella’s pick: ‘The Substance’ — Coralie Fargeat Coralie Fargeat’s unique approach and vision for “The Substance” brought the uncomfortable, unsettling yet somehow still beautiful and empowering story of Elizabeth Sparhave ever seen, and Fargeat’s directing accompanied by stellar performances really make it the Oscar-nominated masterpiece it is. Watching this story unfold was an incredible cinematic experience and Fargeat deserves all the praise for her work. Best picture
Nominees: “Anora”
“The Brutalist” “A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
“I’m Still Here”
“Nickel Boys”
“The Substance”
“Wicked”
Chloe’s pick: ‘The Substance’ I told you I’m rooting for “The Substance” in every category. Compared takes the cake for its sheer originali-tations of something else, and others simply pale in comparison to the masterpiece that is “The Substance.” The cinematography is striking, the performances are outstanding, the sound is haunting and the visual/makeup no other option here.
Stella’s pick: ‘Wicked’
While there were many great contenders this year, such as “The Substance,” “Anora” and “A Complete Unknown,” the real star of the show has to be “Wicked.” The musical’s long-waited big screen debut did not disappoint, thanks to all of the hard work that went into such a long pro-ed with incredible performances all around, in both acting and vocals. There is something so magical about being transported back into the land of Oz, and for that, “Wicked” is more than deserving of best picture.
Awards season has been interesting this year, to say the least, but thenees in all categories. Tune in on Sunhome the trophies this year.
powers40@miamioh.edu
GRAPHIC BY CHLOE SOUTHARD.
GRAPHIC BY STELLA POWERS.
The beginnings of a movement: A timeline of sustainability at Miami
KENNEL
SARAH
GREENHAWKS EDITOR
ASST.
In 2008, two Miami University students approached then President David Hodge to ask why the university did not have a sustainability plan. His response: “Why not head up a committee to write one?”
The two students took on the challenge.
In the following years, Miami’s sustainability initiatives developed rapidly. Professor of geography and former Sustainability Coordinator David Prytherch said he watched this drew in a lot of people,” Prytherch said. “We then, all together, wrote Miami.” and faculty volunteer work to solutions achieving the coveted cost-effective and green combination, the story of sustainability at Miami can be peeled back to reveal a history demonstrating the tedious – andates action. The roots of Miami’s sustainability
2009. The Farmer School of Busibuilding on campus. Many faculty members were beginning to come together and dedicate their time to the movement, as well. Prytherch beganordinator the same year – a role he would occupy until 2012.
The Sustainability Committee, a volunteer group of faculty members, also came together around this commitments and goals were drafted in 2010. Suzanne Zazycki, former associate director of the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES), who co-chaired the committee for six years, said the group worked toward gathering and presenting fact sheets regarding sustainability to the university.
“Since it started back in 2009, a lot of us on the sustainability committee have just been steadily plowing through and working hard, doing our annual reports – just working, not grassroots level, but maybe kind of unseen,” said Sustainability Communications Manager Susan Meikle. Meikle, who has been serving on the committee since 2011, said the
the foundations for sustainability to move quickly at Miami. Around this time, Miami also began shifting from steam to geotherbuildings to transition were dorms Elliott and Stoddard Halls in 2010. Miami’s current director of sustainability, Olivia Herron, described the project as forward-thinking.
ly an early adopter of geothermal, especially within higher education,” Herron said.
She also described the university knew its old steam system was outdated, with the newest boiler being installed in 1979. Not only had a success – they were a success that could save money while remaining environmentally friendly.
The Utility Master Plan, which lays the groundwork for geothermal transition, was later created in 2012 and updated in 2017 with plans to With the help of this plan, Miami has cut over half of its utility-based carbon emissions since 2008.
garnering administration support for sustainability, this incentive did not act alone.
“I think that was a big factor to get upper administration and the board of trustees on board,” she said. “But also, another thing was that students had started to become more vocal, and that really catches the ear of the president and the board of trustees.”
Before serving as associate diexperienced environmentalism as an undergraduate at Miami.
She was part of the recycling coalition – a student and faculty advocacy group that aimed to help the university add and expand recycling programs. Zazycki said the movement was a product of a larger realization taking place in the late 1980s, that solid waste management had gotten out of control. She recalls holding public meetings on campus to encourage conversation and pulling cans out of trash to demonstrate the need for recycling.
“I remember there being a lot of energy and excitement,” Zazycki said.
As a faculty member, Zazycki saw a similar passionate environmental movement play out, this time from an outcry about climate change. She said that sometimes in movements such as these, creating noise can encourage better communication from administrators.
administration to start sharing what they have been doing, what they have been talking about,” she said.
Meikle also remembers this action, where one Friday in September of 2019, students gathered in front of Lewis Place to advocate for climate action, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future movement. The students on the scene, and a meeting between two student leaders and President Gregory Crawford was organized.
Meikle said that although the university was discussing climate action and carbon neutrality, students were unaware of this.
“It just kind of was marching side by side,” she said. “Just each didn’t know what the other was doing.”
Meikle said that post-COVID-19, sustainability communication increased. Organizing their online pages with updates on sustainability Carbon neutrality movements
In 2019, Herron helped write a small section of a university report that explored paths toward carbon neutrality, titled “A Commitment to
Lead.” Today, she gets to help implement it.
Herron said the report’s goal was to determine whether the university should create its own climate action plan, or abide by an outside national standard. Report writers recommended the latter, and in September 2020, Crawford signed the President’s Climate Leadership Commitments.
The program, under the third-party standards of Second Nature, committed the university to carbon neutrality and paved the way for the Climate Action Plan, submitted in May 2024. This plan sets 2040 as the target date for zero net emissions and lays out the goals and actions to achieve this target. What’s next for Miami sustainability?
“It’s a very exciting time,” Herron said.
The Utility Master Plan, laid out over ten years ago, is drawing near its end with an estimate of 2028. The university looks ahead to implementing solar energy to pair with geothermal, and the Climate Action Plan marches forward.
Annabel Dechant, a master’s student of political science who is currently working as a student assistant student involvement has been encouraging, and hopes it will continue to increase.
“Sustainability is strongest when said.
Meikle said she is also optimistic, and the Climate Action Plan’s implementation has gone smoothly so far, with surprisingly little pushback. As for the future, she is waiting to see what the climate surrounding sustainability will bring.
“It would be very disappointing to see people start shying away from it just because of the politics,” she said. “Because it’s more important than ever.” kennelse@miamioh.edu
Meet Miami’s new sustainability engagement coordinator
SOPHIE KWIATKOWSKI STAFF WRITER
From playing college softball to working at a zoo in Dayton, Miami University’s new sustainability engagement coordinator, Alex Miller, has truly done it all. However, Miller is now looking forward to what she can accomplish in this pioneering role.
Miller’s journey to Miami
Originally from the Dayton area, Miller recently moved back to Ohio after graduating from Hanover College with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental biology in May 2024. She is now in her third semester of pursuing a master of arts in biology from
“I really like having the ability to choose my own adventure for my master’s program,” Miller said. “I waseasy paced and is manageable while working full time.” Landing the position
Miller came across the sustainability engagement coordinator position on Miami’s job board after setting alerts for new job openings -
“I was looking into internships related to the logistical, environmental science side of conservation, and I stumbled across this position,” Miller said. So, she applied, landed an interview with Olivia Herron, the director of sustainability at Miami, and got the job.
“After talking with Olivia, I immediately felt like all of the things that I had been doing had led up to me getting this position,” Miller said.
Miller’s responsibilities as engagement coordinator Since the sustainability engagement coordinator position is a threepronged partnership between the -
PIRE, Miller’s day-to-day responsibilities tend to vary.
many of my interests,” Miller said.
“Having a job that doesn’t feel like a job is so amazing.” Annabel DeChant, a political sci-
ence master’s student at Miami and Americorps Service+ Student Assisstressed the importance of Miller’s cross-functional position.
“Having somebody dedicated to student outreach and coordination will be really good so that students can play a bigger role in our sustain-
Miller’s current projects Miller is coordinating multiple projects around campus. From starting a partnership with The Lee and
Rosemary Fisher Innovation College@Elm that helps small businesses become more sustainable, to updating the signage around the Oscar Sort AI composting systems in Armstrong, Miller is dedicating herself to the engagement aspect of her position. She is particularly enthusiastic about her involvement with Miami’s participation in the nationwide Campus Race to Zero Waste per capita recycling competition.
“We send in weekly data on Miami’s standard recycling outputs after
conducting waste audits, with some being held at events like basketball games,” Miller said.
the competition will be posted on Friday, Feb. 14 to the scoreboard. Miller is also helping Miami become a leader in this competition by advertising initiatives like Hefty ReNew, which helps to correctly sort hard-to-recycle plastics through the use of recognizable orange bags. She will be promoting this initiative at upcoming campus events, including the ‘I love you beary much’ event on Thursday, Feb. 13. By educating students about initiatives like Hefty ReNew at popular campus events, Miller hopes to make sustainability a more accessible and collaborative goal at Miami.
“I think sustainability sometimes gets a bad rep since people think it’s too hard, it takes extra time and it’s too expensive to recycle the right way,” Miller said. “But having the accessibility and education for sustainable initiatives is better now than it has ever been before.”
Building on this goal of enhancing collaboration in Miami sustainability initiatives, Miller emphasized the importance of the ‘Sustainability Knowledge and Culture’ survey President Gregory Crawford emailed to every Miami student on Thursday, Feb. 6.
“We’re collecting data on things that students want or need as well as educational gaps our student body has on sustainability initiatives on campus,” Miller said. “The more students we have caring about sustainability and getting involved with it, the better.”
kwiatksk@miamioh.edu
PHOTO BY SARAH FROSCH
Haters gonna hate: What Taylor Swift’s impact
EMILY BURNS THE MIAMI STUDENT
This Sunday, millions of Americans will tune in to the 2025 Super Bowl to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.
It’s been a long time coming for these two teams, who’ve had bad blood since the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 at the end of the 2022 season, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how the three-peat hopeful Chiefs rise to the challenge of upholding their victory over the birds.
But a four-hour-long game rooted in rivalry can only be entertaining for so long. Thankfully, I have a certain singer/songwriter to look out for and hold my interest during the more boring parts of the game, like when the players walk around for 20 seconds in between every play for no apparent reason.
My attention to living-legend Taylor Swift is held by many new enjoyers of the sport, who became avid watchers once Swift began making appearances at Chiefs tight end Tra-tendance at a home game in September 2023, attention to the league has skyrocketed thanks to support from Swift’s fanbase.
Last year’s Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and the reigning champion Chiefs drew in a spectacular amount of viewers. Coverage of the game reached new levels with Swiftie-led social platform X accounts who reported on the game, like Tayvis Nation (@tayvisnation) and Taylor Swift Updates (@ SwiftNYC), who have a combined following of over 600,000 fans. That’s not even counting the hundreds, if not thousands, of other social media accounts dedicated to coverage of the
superstar’s inner life.
Swift’s relationship with Kelce has bolstered his reputation too. When Swift attended last year’s Super Bowl, Kelce gained more Instagram followers in a single day than the NFL’s top 100 players combined and his number 87 jersey saw a 400% increase in sales.
Last year’s Super Bowl also saw a 63% increase in female viewership, with a 53% increase among teen girls alone, making it the largest TV broadcast since the moon landing in 1969.
More recently, January’s AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and the Bills set a new record for the number of viewers tuned in. Approximately 57 million people watched, surpassing that of last year’s AFC game, for which Swift was also in attendance.
But her impact on the NFL goes far beyond the number of people watching. Swift’s association with the corporation is predicted to have increased the league’s net worth by over $122 million, expanding the brand’s reach to new heights.
It’s no secret that football is a male-dominated sport, both in players, coaches and referees, as well as the casual or dedicated viewer. Football is undoubtedly regarded by many as one of the most masculine forms of entertainment, with women on the proverbial sidelines. But Swift has started to change that. By merely showing up to support her partner, -
So if Swift is so good for football, why do so many fans object to seeing
TAYLOR POWERS
ASST. OPINION EDITOR
1895. TV was invented in 1927. The internet? 1983.
The internet is only 42 years old, yet it has taken over our entire society. My generation is often referred to as digital natives. We were born around the beginning of lots of modern technology, so we’re typicallylike the current generation of youth,
my childhood didn’t revolve around the internet. Sure, I understood how to use a phone or an iPad. I watched Disney Channel and Cartoon Network on TV and played dress-up games on my grandma’s computer in elementary grade and used it often.
devices. I jumped on the trampoline with my neighbors in my backyard. I collected La La Loopsies. I stayed up past my bedtime hiding underneath a more chapter of whatever book I was
currently on.
If I was using a device, I was still socializing with someone. I’d be watching a movie with my grandma at a sleepover. I’d be playing video games like Wii Sports or Just Dance with my friends. Even if I had a device in my hand, my friends still had my attention.
The internet gives children easy access to all types of content, for better or worse. Social media platforms typically have safety features and parental controls, but they’re only useful if the parents actually utilize them. If a parent’s solution to their toddler’s temper tantrum is to shove an iPad
her at the games? Why have some gone as far as writing threats on signs directed to Swift at the games she attends and even taken to harassing Kelce himself, as well as the rest of his family?
Why are grown men clocking in to bully Swifties on social media platforms like it’s their day job? Why can’t a woman enjoy what men have for decades? And why is hating TIME Magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year the hill that absurd, misogynistic men insist on dying upon?
Since the start of her career, Swift has carried the brunt of disrespectful, arrogant men who hate to see a woman win (insert the 2009 MTV Awards here). As a result, her fans have grown accustomed to the distaste she receives both online and from people in real life. Whether it be a passing
in their hands, do you think they’ll check the content they’re watching?
As long as they’re not screaming and crying, right?
Our youth are not healthily consuming social media. They’re watch-ers, and they feel convinced to buy anti-aging skin care products with harmful retinol at nine years old. They’re shown the best version of someone, and it’s not entirely realistic. They think they need the newest Stanley cup or lip gloss from Sephora, Wheels car.
The internet also grants parents the space to exploit their children for content and money, as seen with Ruby Franke and her family vlogging YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” and other channels.
“SevenSuperGirls,” an all-girl collaboration channel and one of my favorites when I was young, was about seven girls who’d post videos from stories about being a mermaid. Later on, co-owner Ian Rylett was arrested in 2018 on suspicion of child sexual abuse and later pled guilty.
Rylett had a set of rules the young girls had to follow. Most of them were about physical appearance, such as no makeup or crazy hair colors, but it eventually turned into no shaving legs, and even no bras. Rylett claimed that these rules were sent by sponsorships, who wanted the teens to appear younger than they were.
Kaelyn Wilkins, a former member, recently released a video explaining her experience on the channel. She explained how sponsorships were pulled from her at one point beand had to send him photos to prove they were growing back.
I’m not blaming social media corporations for these issues. It’s impossible to monitor the content of every account. But I do believe that there are steps social media can take to make their platforms safer for kids.
joke about her relationship history from an undoubtedly jealous teenage boy or a full-blown tirade from your beer-bellied uncle at the Thanksgiving table about how Swift “ruined football,” spouting claims that she’s shown for an absurd about of times between plays, nevermind the fact that she only takes up an average of 0.46% of the screen time of any game she attends.
Put simply, Swift is hated because she makes insecure men feel threatened. She’s a successful, powerful businesswoman at the height of her career who spends her free time supporting her partner amongst her closest family and friends, and having an amazing time doing it. She is ushering in a new generation of young, female fans who are diving headof American entertainment that has
So while I don’t know the names of every player on the Chiefs, and down means, I tune in to their games whenever I can, hoping to catch a glimpse of Miss Americana herself, the Most Valuable Princess of Chiefs Kingdom and the leader of a new era of women in sports.
burnsen@miamioh.edu
About Emily Burns
Instagram recently released a feature that forces users under 18 years old into “Teen Accounts.”
I encourage content creators to check their analytics every now and then, just to see if there are any young users they can weave out. Instagram does have a feature where creators can set an age requirement for their account.
But above all, I encourage parents to monitor how their children use technology and the internet. Parents need to take accountability for when they’ve fallen short. We need to stop normalizing giving our toddlers an iPad when they’re upset. We need to who borderline exploit their children for content.
So much about the internet is still new territory, and I won’t act like it’srequirement. But I think it’s important that we try harder to protect children. I don’t think social media corporations can solve the issue entirely on their own. Parents need to step up too. Because right now, kids don’t know how to be kids without the internet.
powerstj@miamioh.edu
About Taylor Powers
HALLE GRANT THE MIAMI STUDENT
Four years may seem like a long time – until they’re almost over. As a senior, I now realize just how quicklycertain. Most of all, I was unaware of to come.
your comfort zone in ways you never Stepping outside your comfort zone
time career, navigating professional relationships or tackling the respon-
college. The risks you take now shape
lenges in the future. Personal growth beyond academics
-
portunities to challenge yourself, up conversations with new people.
Whether it’s stepping into a full-
prioritize these qualities just as much as technical expertise, making the the classroom. The importance of making mistakes
Cherishing the present
myself savoring every small moment.
ept scheme of normalization. Many that these changes will result in
sive. They sense or hear from their instructors that things are not well. No one else comes close to the
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
On Dec. 3, 2024, Miami Univer-
per semester. This is a jump from the average two or three that many protaught.-
ally challenging material. Less time form genuine connections with us. can completely change your Miami
they love their work. They love inMiami is not taking care of the this institution, the people who truly
to cram in more classes which will take away from their inherent misfuture will not receive the same qual-
That is unfair to those paying
Recently,
granthn@miamioh.edu
Day in the life of a Jeep driver The art of sleeping on airplanes
TEDDY JOHNSON HUMOR EDITOR
This article is facetious, and if you are bothered by this, I’m probably who you are writing about.
12:50 p.m.: Wake up. Check to see PuhPa’s credit card statement only to see that I’ve reached the spending limit for the month. Too many O-bombs last night. I suck at driving. No worries, Mother’s American Express Gold card will have to do.
12:55 p.m.: Time for class. May as well drive there since Daddy paid for it! Oh a parking ticket? $150! Who cares, add it to my bursar balance. I ain’t paying for shit anyways. I suck at driving.
Opens the Jeep Wrangler door and starts the car
12:56 p.m.: Damn, my car is so cool. I suck at driving. Everyone must think I’m the coolest dude on campus. Let’s blast some really shitty music with way too much bass so that everyone will turn their head!
Starts driving down High Street at 90 mph revving the engine and turning the music up even louder.
People start to notice. 1:00 p.m.: Hell yeah, everyone turning their heads to look at how cool I am. I suck at driving. Hey ladies, do you like my speakers? I call them my dawgs, listen to them bark.
ROUOOOOUHOYGOUH. Turns music up louder and continues driving down High Street. Turns into a parking lot that has a “Parking Strictly Enforced” sign by Laws Hall.
1:10 p.m.: What’s the sign say?
Oh, it says “Parking.” Great, I’ll park here. I suck at driving. Almost time for coloring class!
2:35 p.m.: Phew! I suck at driving. All that coloring made me hungry and McDonald’s sounds like a real snack right now. Drives towards McDonald’s and is approaching an intersection. Begins turning right onto High Street and hears a thud, thud sound under the Jeep.
2:45 p.m.: Damn! This town has such a deer problem. F--- that deer. “deer” laying on the road behind him.
4:00 p.m. Pickin’ up the boys. We got important business to attend to. cram into the Jeep.
4:30 p.m.:
Hero: Everyone! One more time, what are your roles?!
Friend 1: Music control!
Hero: Good. Next? and close Jeep windows).
Hero: Yes. And what else?
Friend 3: Make sure everyone is head bobbing in sync.
Hero: Excellent! Lastly?
Friend 4: I am to yell something unintelligible at anyone I see on the sidewalk.
Friend 5: Directions. Hero: Awesome! Who’s ready to drive really around Oxford?
Friends: WE ARE!
The driving around goes late into the night, despite people yelling at them to shut the f--- up because its 3 a.m. compensate.
john1595@miamioh.edu
ELIZA SULLIVAN THE MIAMI STUDENT
No one likes airplanes. They’re a crying baby a few rows away. Recently, I had the distinct misfortune those long, arduous hours, I became a master at the single most importsleeping on an airplane. I have detailed my techniques below.
1: The faceplant
Once you’ve reached cruising altitude, pull out that tray table in front of you and lay your head face down on it. Try to ignore the thousands of unwashed hands that have been all over the tray table and have some sweet dreams.
When you wake up, your neck will be stuck at a 90-degree angle, convenient for looking at your phone or staring at the ground as you walk to avoid eye contact with passing people.
2: The friend
Take advantage of being packed together like sardines for several hours with your fellow passengers and really get to know them. The quickest way to build intimacy with another person is physical touch, so cozy up – lay your head on their shoulder and fall fast asleep.
The hardest part of sleeping on a plane is not being able to be horizontal, so take advantage of the airplane’s largest horizontal space: the
is here to serve you, so don’t worry about blocking the aisle by falling asleep in it, the stewardesses will just step over you. Bring a pillow and life jacket under your seat is a great alternative) and settle in for the most comfortable sleep of your life.
4: The father
Take a leaf out of your dad’s book and fall asleep sitting straight up in your chair while watching the insure to have you jolting awake every twenty minutes and claiming you’re “just resting your eyes,” a fatherhood classic. Bonus points if you hold the empty plastic drink cup they gave you alongside your can of Diet Coke.
5: The carry-on there never seems to be enough overhead bin space in airplanes, but fear not. With enough dedication, and a true lack of any sense of shame, you can secure an entire empty overhead bin. While fellow passengers are boarding, defend your bin space by putting suspicious luggage in it –egg salad sandwiches are my go-tos – or simply stare people down when they approach you. Once everyone is boarded, climb up into your empty bin and settle in for the night. You might feel a little cramped, but the privacy of having your own little sleeping bin is worth it.
sullivei@miamioh.edu
Those discord messages may not be as harmful to your future as you think: Musk hires teen DOGE engineer “Big Balls”
BREAKING: My single-AF heart on Feb. 14.
‘Possessed by Kermit the Frog (voice)’: Google searches skyrocket after Patrick Mahomes’ postgame Super Bowl interview
Feminist pauses social media tirade about gender equality after checking prices on 12-rose bouquets
Valentine’s Day proposals expected to increase up to 80% in ‘border states’ in response to ICE raids
U.S. fraternities lose $145 million after Saquon Barkley anytime touchdown doesn’t hit
FACT: Being funny does NOT get you a partner (Need proof? See humor section editor’s relationship statuses)
West Virginia receives moment of glory after Kendrick accuses Drake of liking miners
Hearing test appointments spike 400% after Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance
periments, the Sock Pairing Department and Federal Balloon Training Academy defunded by DOGE
In a new survey, 95% of couples report doing cardio “not at the gym” on Feb. 14
Fraternity house stray Natty Light cans down 20% as new pledges assigned to clean up after brothers weather
ing toilets from two years ago
Punxsutawney Phil missing after predicting six more weeks of winter humor section in limbo patteemj@miamioh.edu oviattcc@miamioh.
GRAPHIC BY MADELINE BUECKER
ELIZA HERSELF FINDING A COZY PLACE TO SLEEP. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELIZA SULLIVAN
