BRINGING YOU THE NEWS FOR 100 YEARS
MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2015
VOLUME LXXIX, NUMBER 2
WWW.MUSTANGNEWS.NET
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MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR WOW EXPERIENCE
YOUR FIRST-YEAR CHEAT SHEET
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
Monday, September 14, 2015
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A diverse staff, essential to Mustang News innovation know Mustang News wasn’t always this multimedia-focused. Two years ago, there was just a newspaper: Mustang Daily. They printed four times a week, while broadcast news was confined to the then-separate CPTV studio. Photography wasn’t a focus and multimedia online interactives were nearly non-existent. Mediums didn’t touch, and few planned on that ever changing. Even after we shifted our focus towards ultramodern journalism two years ago, early efforts to become more cohesive ranged from disjointed to solid. Today, things are different.
We are now a combined media outlet, and one of the most innovative ones in California. Our job this year is to prove that to you by bringing the best coverage we can. What is this “best coverage,” we speak of? Well, it looks a lot like the breaking news coverage of the St. Fratty’s Day roof collapse, the documentary mini-series on the Cal Poly men’s basketball team and the collaborative listicle on net neutrality. We’ve improved as a newsroom and staff since these pieces and we’re ready to bust out even greater content for you
BENJY EGEL | COURTESY PHOTO
CELINA OSEGUERA | COURTESY PHOTO
this time around. It won’t always be easy, but it wouldn’t be fun if it was. Luckily, we have a talented staff to help us in this leg of the transition. We have writers, broadcasters, photographers, social media gurus, all people ready to use what they have to bring you the best innovative coverage you’ve ever seen from Mustang News. Aside from including more broadcast video, photography and wall-to-wall social media coverage, we can improve even more by continually adding fresh perspectives. We need you for this one. If you have a penchant for writing, an eye for photography, computer science skills — or any other skills you think would be valuable to Mustang News, stop
by and talk with us. The door is always open. Having students who can do things we can’t — code their own interactive web pages, have a running knowledge of San Luis Obispo’s agricultural history — is something that excites us. With people like you, there’s no end to what we can do as an organization. This request is a bit different from what Mustang News has said in the past — we’ve haven’t always outwardly asked for different majors to assist us in our work. But, like we said, things are different and we’re ready to use all of you to create a Mustang News no one has ever seen. And don’t worry, our staff is pretty diverse right now. We aren’t all a bunch of journalism
students. You’ll fit right in. Our sports editor is a mechanical engineering senior, our arts editor is double majoring in journalism and anthropology and geography and reporters are studying everything from economics to computer science. We aren’t going to lie, breaking old habits from the Mustang Daily era — only focusing on the newspaper and not as much on media integration — hasn’t been easy. Every year is a new step to a different, brighter direction. Using all the mediums we have and everyone on staff — writers, broadcasters, photographers and hopefully, you — we plan on going leaps and bounds from where we were two years ago. From here on out, things are going to be different for the better.
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When we ask our friends what they know about Mustang News, the response is typically something along the lines of, “It’s Cal Poly’s student newspaper.” Wrong. Our organization prints a newspaper twice a week, but it’s much more than that. It’s an innovative broadcast TV station. It’s a website filled with beautiful photography paired with newsworthy — as well as fun — content. It’s a news organization that will blow up your social media feed. For those who have been at Cal Poly longer than two years, you
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Monday, September 14, 2015
WOW event preview Tuesday 9/15 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Mustang Way to Success (four sessions) 12-5 p.m.: Real People | Real Stories: Know Your Limits 9-11 p.m.: Hypnotist
Friday 9/18 9-1 p.m.: Campus & Community Resource Fair 12:30-4:15 p.m.: Mustang Way to Success (16 sessions) 10pm-12 a.m.: Laser Tag
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Sunday 9/13
Monday 9/14
8 a.m.-5 p.m.: WOW Check In
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Real People | Real Stories: Expect Respect
2-4:30 p.m.: WOW Grouping
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Mustang Way to Success (three sessions)
7-9 p.m.: Big Fall Welcome
7-10 p.m.: WOW-A-RAMA
Wednesday 9/16
Thursday 9/17
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: College and Department Welcome
9 a.m.-7 p.m.: Awareness Gallery
2:30-7 p.m.: Real People | Real Stories (two sessions)
12:30-4:15 p.m.: Mustang Way to Success (13 sessions)
7:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m.: Evening Events & Entertainment
Saturday 9/19 10-11 a.m.: Club Meeting 10-5 p.m.: Day of Service 7:30 p.m.: Football: Cal Poly vs. Northern Iowa
8:30-10 p.m.: Silent Disco
Sunday 9/20 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: WOW Closing 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Club Showcase
Graphic by Georgie de Mattos
Wel co m e to Cal Poly
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voted best seafood
COME IN AND TRY OUR AWARD WINNING CLAM CHOWDER! 197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach • 805-773-4653 1491 Monterey Street, SLO • 805-544-7576 893 Higuera Street, SLO • 805-439-2990 (Next to Barnes and Noble!)
Monday, September 14, 2015
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Freshman year fears demystified Tim Wetzel @timawetzel
got to be in the position that they’re in. Get to know them as people too.”
Freshmen: Don’t panic! Your first year is tough. It’s hard to transition, classes are confusing and information is flying at you from all angles. Just take a deep breath and read through these tips. Beth Miller, assistant vice provost for University Advising, and Cassie Pitkin, academic adviser for the Mustang Success Center, are here to help.
How will I afford to buy books? It’s easier than you might think. According to Pitkin, books are relatively affordable at Cal Poly. “The prices are fairly reasonable,” Pitkin said. “I would say Cal Poly does the best they can in keeping prices down, but buying books is different than what they had to do in high school.” In addition to reasonable prices, Cal Poly buys books back from students
Will the workload in classes kill me? No. You’re not going to die in classes. Classes are harder, but they’re also more liberating. According to Pitkin, it varies by class. “I think that’s going to depend on what type of class (freshmen are) in,” Pitkin said. “They definitely have to put in more work in college than they did in high school. Miller agreed, adding that transitioning to the quarter system can be tough. “A lot of it has to do with the pace of the course,” Miller said. “You’re going from a semester type of system to a quarter system, and that pace can be really challenging for students when they start. Getting used to having midterms by the second or third week of school is really difficult, so there’s a lot of adjustment period for first-year students.” Will I know my professor at all? Well, that depends on how much effort you put into it. Miller explained that it’s not the faculty’s choice, it’s the student’s. “The professors really want to talk to the students,” Miller said. “I’ve been here for a couple of years and I have been really impressed with how approachable the faculty are at Cal Poly. Students sometimes need to make the first step, which is going to office hours.” Pitkin suggested students have something to talk about as well. “Ask them questions about the class,” Pitkin said, “but also ask them how they
REACH OUT FOR SOMEBODY RIGHT AWAY. IT’S A HUGE TR ANSITION AND YOU’RE NOT EXPECTED TO DO IT ALONE. BETH MILLER ASSISTANT VICE PROVOST FOR UNIVERSITY ADVISING
after they finish using them. The Cal Poly bookstore website explains this in more detail. According to the University Store website, “to get the best buyback price for your textbook, the best way is to sell them for a retail buyback value on campus — this occurs during the final week of exams and the first week of classes. We are only able to offer buybacks on books that will be used for classes in the next academic term.” Will I have any friends? Absolutely! Pitkin has lots of experience helping students get connected, and offered a few words of wisdom. “I think it always seems like it’s easier for everyone else to meet friends,” Pitkin said, “but at the same time there are a lot of opportunities through programming in the residence halls, Week of Welcome (WOW) and in classes. (Freshmen are) always being introduced to new people, so if they’re willing to start up a conversation it’s usually a lot easier.” Miller also noted that some students just need a bit of time. “I think it takes a while to make con-
nections,” Miller said. “Some students make them right away, and I think coming to Soar and WOW actually really helps. I think those small groups are where those students make some really good friends. Miller added that housing helps students connect with each other as well. “Living in the residence halls is a huge help,” Miller said, “because you’re living with people who are all in the same situation as you’re in. You’re all starting school for the first time, for the most part.” How will I stay on a budget? Saving money is a bit tougher than making friends. However, Miller suggested students follow their expenses. “I would say it’s really tracking where the money is going online through their account,” Miller said. “(Students should) do a monthly plan of their money, then go in and reconcile that at the end of the month with your bank statement.” Pitkin remarked that the dining plan makes this easier to do. “Each student has Plu$ Dollars that they will use, so really looking at what they can eat on campus and planning it out ahead of time is the best option.” Miller added that students should make sure that they spend money on what is important to them. “Really it’s just making sure they’re not living in the dark, but rather looking at their account and monitoring what they’re spending,” Miller said. “It can go quickly. It’s $5 here, $10 here and it all goes out fast. It’s just really watching where their money is going.” So you’ll be fine. Just stay on your toes and ask for help. The Mustang Success Center and Cal Poly faculty are always here to help. “Reach out for somebody right away,” Miller said. “It’s a huge transition and you’re not expected to do it alone; that’s why we have so many resources on campus.”
DAKOTA GREENWICH | MUSTANG NE WS TRANSITION| Be aware of campus resources while transitoning to Cal Poly this year.
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NEW STUDENT AND TR ANSITION PROGR AMS | COURTESY PHOTO WELCOME | It’s important to make the best out of your Week of Welcome — participate in every activity, skip the parties, get out of your comfort zone and be ready to connect with as many people as possible.
Make the best out of your WOW experience Naba Ahmed @nabaahmed
Here’s to the week where incoming freshmen will now be referred to as “WOWies.” Embrace this new name because though orientation is only a week long, it will follow you for the rest of the year. Week of Welcome (WOW) is your chance to enjoy a whole week of college fun without having to go through the actual “school” part. Make the most of it, because the quarter system will have midterms and tests bombarding you before you know it. According to computer science sophomore Jeevan Vase, WOW is a new college experience, so it’s important to make the best of it. “You should always be friendly, go to all the events, and make sure you enjoy yourselves,” Vase said. 1. Try out as many activities as you can During WOW, the opportunities are endless. Your WOW leaders will show you everything that Cal Poly has to offer: from hikes to kayaking in Morro Bay to eating at Splash Café. According to business administration sophomore Yasi Agah, it’s important to experience everything during WOW. “It’s really easy to sleep through an early morning hike or skip out on an afternoon game because you’re tired, but it’s definitely the type of week where you get out what you put in,” Agah said. 2. Skip the parties Instead, make the most of WOW by going on late-night runs to In-nOut or having a scary movie marathon with your WOW group. Business administration sophomore Lindsay Kroner had an unforgettable WOW experience because she went to all her events. “You have four years to party and only one WOW, so go to as many events as you can,” Kroner said. “I met some good friends during WOW that I wouldn’t have gotten close to otherwise.” 3. Get out of your comfort zone College is all about new experiences, a lot of which will happen during
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WOW. You should go into WOW with an open mind, Kroner said. “College is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced, so you shouldn’t back out of something just because it’s a little out of your comfort zone,” Kroner said. “Rip up your cool card as soon as you walk through the door because everyone is on the same boat as you.”
WOW should not be taken for granted. It is more than just a week of orientation; it’s the quintessential week to explore everything Cal Poly has to offer. “The school year isn’t the same as WOW and you won’t ever have another chance to just have a week of pure fun,” Agah said.
4. Connect with your WOW group This is your opportunity to really get to know the people that you are going to be living with for the next year. Your WOW leaders will be able to provide you with firsthand experience from their first year. If you ever need help throughout the year, they will be there to offer advice or provide scheduling tips.
5. Enjoy yourself WOW is a chance for you to discover your home for the next four years. You will get the chance to learn the ins and outs of Cal Poly and explore Downtown San Luis Obispo. It’s important to remember to enjoy yourself while exploring with your WOW group.
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Get to know Cal Poly administration
Lindsy Mobley @lindsy_mobley
Owen Schwaegerle. ASI supports a variety of programs aimed at meeting the needs of students and manages the Cal Poly Recreation Center, Julian A. McPhee University Union, ASI and Orfalea Family Children’s Center and the Cal Poly Sports Complex on behalf of the University. ASI also serves as a vehicle for participation in the student governance of the university, and provides on-campus student employment opportunities.
Office of the President Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong became the university’s ninth permanent president in February 2011. Armstrong is involved in numerous California State University (CSU) committees and serves as the primary contact between Cal Poly and the CSU system. He reports directly to CSU Chancellor Timothy White, as well as the CSU Board of Trustees. Furthermore, the president maintains a presence in all of Cal Poly’s administrative departments, colleges and organizations. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathleen Enz Finken reports to Armstrong on academic planning and policy concerns. The provost hears from each of the deans of the six colleges and overlooks the management of admissions, Financial Aid, graduate programs, the Academic Senate and other departments within Academic Affairs. Student Affairs Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey reports
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS INTRODUCTIONS | The administration building, located across the University Union, is the center of administration activity on campus.
to President Armstrong and manages all programs and services outside of the classroom. From orientation to commencement and beyond, Student Affairs offers hundreds of programs and ser vices to help students succeed. Administration and Finance
Vice President for Administration and Finance Cynthia Vizcaíno Villa serves as the chief financial officer for the Administration and Finance department, which covers the Office of the Vice President, University Police Department (UPD), Cal Poly Corporation, Facilities, the Performing Arts Center, Human
Resources, Administrative Compliance Services, Finance Business Services and Network and Technology Services. University Advancement The division is currently led by an interim management steering committee, consisting of Assistant Vice President for University Advancement Adam Jarman, Assistant Vice President of Planned Giving Stacy Cannon and Associate Vice President for Advancement Operations Grant Trexler. The search for a vice president of advancement will begin later this academic year.
College Deans Cal Poly has six academic colleges: the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; the Orfalea College of Business; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; and the College of Science and Mathematics. Each college has a dean who reports directly to the provost. The deans oversee all issues related to their individual college and hear from their college department heads.
University Police Department (UPD) Chief George Hughes heads UPD, which works with campus to enforce the law, maintain peace and order and provide a safe community for students, faculty and guests.
Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Associated Students, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation and the recognized student body auxiliary organization at Cal Poly. The current ASI president is
Board of Directors The Board of Directors serves as the official voice of the students. These 25 student-elected representatives provide oversight in ASI corporate activity, in addition to advocating for students in a variety of other capacities in the campus community. University Union Advisory Board The University Union Advisory Board reviews financial matters and makes policy recommendations to the university president and the ASI Executive Director regarding the Cal Poly Recreation Center, Julian A. McPhee University Union and the Cal Poly Sports Complex. Executive Cabinet The Executive Cabinet works with other Cal Poly students, staff and community members to carry out the ASI president’s goals. Volunteers create ways for students to get involved in campus life and build community relationships. Cal Poly Corporation Cal Poly Corporation provides services that generate an alternative source of revenue for the university.
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Who is Owen Schwaegerle: A profile on our ASI president Lindsy Mobley @lindsy_mobley
MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO HAIL TO THE CHIEF | Schwaegerle’s platform emphasized Student Fees, Student Safety and School Spirit.
Many students know him as Cal Poly Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) president and agricultural business senior. Many students may remember him by his “Three S’s” platform — Student Fees, Student Safety and School Spirit. But who is Owen Schwaegerle, really? Schwaegerle was raised in Pleasanton, California where he grew up as the middle child of three brothers. He’s an Eagle Scout who loves hiking and getting out into nature. Some of his other interests include line dancing, reading and writing, he said. Besides the fact that he has relatives who went to Cal Poly, Schwaegerle was drawn to the university because of the community and the location. He loves the “beautiful” mountains, the proximity to the beach and the “small-town feel,” he said. It’s an understatement to say he likes to get involved. Schwaegerle started getting involved at Cal Poly during his freshman year as part of the resi-
dence hall council. He proceeded to join Cru and the Line Dancing Club. Sophomore year he became a resident advisor and joined the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. As a junior, he served on student government and decided to run for ASI president “so he could continue to serve students,” he said. “Through the residence halls I really learned how important it is for the students to get involved in healthy activities so that way they can get grounded at our school and continue to thrive,” he said. “And then through the fraternity I was able to learn how important a role greek life plays in developing students into future leaders.” In ASI, he experienced how students have an impact by representing the voice of other students, and by putting on events and programs. As ASI president, he first wants to address the S standing for Student Fees by getting more students to register to vote. “That way they have a say in the democratic process and choosing leaders that will sup-
port the CSU (California State University) and send us more funding,” he said. Last year, he went to the California Higher Education Student Summit where student governments went to Sacramento to lobby for more state funding. “And we were successful last year,” Schwaegerele said. “They ended up sending $97 million to the CSU, which was more than originally planned. And that’s something I want to see continued is being a voice for students, making sure that we are doing advocacy work to our state representatives and getting students registered to vote so they have a say in that process.” Schwaegerele aims to address student safety and school spirit by making sure Cal Poly puts on programs and events that will increase awareness around sexual assault and mental health. In addition, Schwaegerele wants everyone to be supportive of each other, responsible for their actions and excited to be Mustangs. Now that the school knows Schwaegerle, he’s ready to get to know the school.
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San Luis Obispo’s best study spots 1 Gina Randazzo @CPMustangNews
Have you been feeling claustrophobic from those late nights at the library crammed alongside what feels like Cal Poly’s entire student body? Take advantage of the many study spots San Luis Obispo has to offer.
1. Kreuzberg, CA: Known for its fresh coffee and even fresher atmosphere Take a trip to Kreuzberg, CA where delicious food, comfy seating and warm coffee await. Located in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo, Kreuzberg’s unique and artsy environment creates a cool and relaxed vibe that makes concen-
tration easy. Kreuzberg also offers an array of tempting sandwiches, salads and breakfast options that are sure to satisfy all of your study snacking needs. Though this trendy study spot offers a plethora of seating, Kreuzberg is very popular, so make sure to get there early to snag a table. Continued on page 9
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2. Linnaea’s: A breath of fresh air for even the busiest of students If you’re looking for an escape from the indoors, but have midterms looming over your head, look no further — Linnaea’s has you covered. Located around the corner of Higuera on Garden Street, Linnaea’s may look like your ordinary coffee shop when you first enter, but walk a little further and you’ll discover this study spot’s sweet patio garden. Decorated by local art, lush foliage and even a koi pond, Linnaea’s outdoor patio allows for serene and relaxing focus in a beautiful environment. Linnaea’s offers everything a studious Cal Poly student should need, from vegetarian, organic and fair trade coffee and food options, to a large selection of indoor and outdoor workspaces and even outdoor outlets. When you’re not studying, be sure to check out Linnaea’s live music and entertainment every night except Mondays. Acts usually consist of live music and jam sessions by local musicians, but can include other forms of entertainment, like poetry slams, storytelling and artist receptions. 3. Front Porch: With free coffee, free food and free Wi-Fi, what more could a Cal Poly student want? For many, starting school at a four-year university means cutting expenses as much as possible — sometimes even a cup of coffee can be hard to afford. Luckily for Cal Poly and Cuesta students, there’s Front Porch. Offering free coffee and tea every day and a home-cooked meal on Wednesday nights, Front Porch is much more than just a comfy workspace for students. Front Porch is directly behind Cal Poly’s Health Center, so its location is ideal for students living on campus. The coffee house also opens early and closes late (though hours depend on the volunteers working on given days), so students can use the study space as long as they need, unlike many other coffee shops in San Luis Obispo. The community of Front Porch creates a welcoming atmosphere for anyone walking through its doors. The friendly and helpful volunteers are always excited for new students to grab a cup of coffee and use the wide selection of study spaces. Unfortunately, Front Porch’s inclusive attitude may be a curse when it comes to snagging a meal on Wednesday nights, as free food seems to always attract large crowds of hungry college students. Make sure to get in line early to guarantee your dinner (they begin serving at 6 p.m.) and even earlier to secure a workspace. Additionally, Front Porch’s Wi-Fi is often hard to connect to on busy nights (particularly Wednesdays). Continued on page 10
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4. Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics: Cal Poly’s hidden gem of study spots Though building 180 is filled with many of Cal Poly’s science and mathematics laboratories and classrooms, it is also home to some awesome study spots. Warren J. Baker Center — known simply as “Baker” by Cal Poly students — is one of Cal Poly’s newest buildings, and its spacious and diverse layout
allows students to pick from a variety of workspaces. The third to fifth floors offer large group tables and couches that make collaborative work easy, barlike seating with outlets for solo work and several enclosed workspaces equipped with whiteboards and large tables for visual and space-consuming learning. Similar to Baker, many other Cal Poly buildings have hidden study spaces that might not be noticeable upon first glance. Walk around campus and take a look inside — you
might be surprised by what you find.5. Leaning Pine Arboretum: Head toward a sunny escape that makes concentration a breeze Trying to find a quiet space to collect your thoughts or catch up on some heavy reading? Leaning Pine Arboretum may be just the sanctuary for you. This living laboratory of plants is not only a place where students can brush up on their foliage facts, but it can also be used as a quiet study space away from the hustle and bustle of Cal Poly’s main campus.
The arboretum’s winding paths cut through an array of flowers, ponds and greenery, and are dotted with benches. In the center of the Arboretum is an open, sunny field that is ideal for quiet reading, writing and even work on a laptop (if your computer has a long battery life). Take a walk past the WOW-ARAMA field and the Poly Plant Shop to find the arboretum, or visit its website to learn more. 6. Julian A. McPhee University Union: Cal Poly’s favor-
ite study space in the heart of just about everything Nothing can really top the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU) when it comes to study spots for Cal Poly students. This study spot has everything a busy student would ever need — all in one place. The second story of the UU is filled with comfy couches, large tables for group study and quiet study lounges dedicated to silent independent work. Also on the second floor, Cal
Poly’s MultiCultural Center offers free printing (paper not provided) and Associated Students Inc. often puts on stress-relieving events for students during academically challenging times of each quarter. Take a trip downstairs and you’ll find Starbucks (for many Cal Poly students, a necessity), many of Cal Poly’s dining options and the University Store, which has just about any office supply, book or study tool a student could need. You can even take a break from the books and knock down a
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Your guide to going greek Savannah Sperry
MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO BROS
| Every year, IFC hosts a kickoff barbecue for prospective members to meet houses on Dexter Lawn.
As fall quarter begins, freshmen will settle into their residence halls, befriend fellow WOWies, have their first deeply unsatisfying campus meals and many will consider getting involved in greek life. If you’re contemplating becoming a part of the greek community at Cal Poly, the first thing to do is sign up for recruitment. “I’d say give it a shot, you know, if anything else, it can’t hurt to come out to rush and see for yourself what greek life is like and what it has to offer,” mechanical engineering senior and Interfraternity Council (IFC) president Alex Campbell said. Panhellenic recruitment (for sororities), and IFC recruitment (for fraternities), are run
@SavannahJSperry
very differently. Relative to sorority rush, fraternity rush is much less formal. During the third week, IFC hosts a rush kickoff barbecue. All houses will be represented on Dexter Lawn, and prospective members can meet people from different houses and get their schedules for the week, which are also posted on the IFC website. “From then on it’s pretty informal,” Campbell said. “You go to the events you want to go to and the ones that interest you, and you can bounce around between houses. It’s a lot less structured than a sorority rush; it’s much more informal.” For sorority recruitment, Panhellenic Council President and business administration senior Kristen Henry said the
MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO SISTERHOOD | Panhellenic Council President and business administration senior Kristen Henry advises women to keep an open mind throughout recruitment and be ready to learn.
best way to get involved is to sign up beforehand. Registration will open online on Sept. 1. “If you already know that you want to go through recruitment, then that would be the first step that you would need to take,” Henry said, “and then that’s going to sign you up, give you all the instructions for the forms you need to fill out, all the dates that are involved, when the education sessions are offered, the orientation, all of those dates.” Students thinking of going through sorority recruitment will also have an opportunity to interact with women from each sorority at the Week of Welcome club showcase on Sept. 20. “People will be there to answer your questions, Panhellenic will have a booth set up to answer any questions about recruitment as a process or what greek life is kind of like on our campus,” Henry said. Henry said it is important to keep an open mind when going through recruitment. “If it works out, great, and if you decide it’s not for you after learning more about it, then that’s great also, but just keep an open mind,” Henry said. “You’re going to meet a ton of really wonderful women from all different houses and learn about everybody’s sisterhood, so definitely go in ready to learn and ready to keep an open mind.” Both leaders thanked greek life for the opportunities it granted them. “I never thought I’d join greek life, and I gave it a shot and it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my college career,” Campbell said.
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How to manage your Plu$ Dollars
Michelle Zaludek @michellenistic
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In the upcoming year, Cal Poly freshmen will have to learn to budget their Plu$ Dollars a little differently than students have in prior years. Meal plans have been cut out of the system, and Cal Poly will now provide students living in the residence halls with $4,083 Plu$ Dollars for the year — automatically split into $1,361 Plu$ Dollars per quarter. The new meal system was instated to give students a greater range of flexibility in when and where they eat, and has allowed Cal Poly to reduce entry into all-you-care-to-eat facilities from $10.25 down to $4.50. Michael Swartz, a mechanical engineering senior and member of Orientation Team who will be working event staff during Week of Welcome (WOW), described positives to this year’s meal plan system. “Compared to the previous meal plan system, I think this plan is closer to how the real world works,” Swartz said in an email to Mustang News. However, that doesn’t mean student budgeting will be easier. “Students will have to put a solid amount of effort into budgeting,” WOW leader and political science junior Lisa Haight said in an email to Mustang News. “Yet, I think that with added budgeting comes a vast amount of variety, independence and choice for all of the students that will benefit them.” Coming up with a budget plan doesn’t have to be hard, but students will have to take the time to figure out what suits their habits. “My best tip would be to calculate how many days are in the quarter and to see the maximum amount of Plu$ Dollars you can be spending each day,” communication studies junior Hayley Silva said in an email to Mustang News. For example, for the upcoming fall quarter, if a student is on campus every day from the first day of class through the last day of finals, they will have to budget $1,361 Plu$ Dollars for 82 days, which breaks down to approximately $16.60 in Plu$ Dollars per day. Students who know they will be away from campus during breaks or weekends can factor that into their budget plan for the quarter, giving them extra Plu$ Dollars for daily spending. Failing to budget altogether can leave students low on funds at the end of the quarter.
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“One bad habit a friend of mine had freshman year was using his Plu$ Dollars at Subway literally every day Spring quarter. (He) ran out (of Plu$ Dollars) before the quarter was over,” Swartz said. Silva, a member of the Open House Committee who will be leading her second WOW group this year, added, “I think the entire quarter outlook
is a surefire way to end up with no Plu$ Dollars during finals week, and let’s be real, finals week is the week you’re going to need the most food!” But b eing to o f r ugal can have its own consequences. “I knew quite a few people who thought that saving as many Plu$ Dollars as possible would
be a good idea,” Haight said. “Considering the money rolls over quarter-to-quarter, it seemed like a good idea at first. However, at the end of the year, they had an obscene amount (of Plu$ Dollars) … I knew way too many students who lost money by putting so much pressure on themselves to save.”
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Get involved: Seeking out the right clubs for you Thomas Gantt @CPMustangNews
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| When you find the right club, it can be like finding a supportive home away from home.
Have an interest? A passion? Need an easy way to meet people or maybe you want to push yourself a little outside of you comfort zone? Join a club. As an incoming student, making Cal Poly your home away from home can be challenging. But with more than 300 clubs on campus, there is no need to worry about discovering one that reflects your interests. Finding a club at Cal Poly
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| One way clubs are appreciated for their involvement is through a club recognition awards ceremony and reception.
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may seem daunting at first, but a bevy of resources exists to help students discover or even create their own club. The Associated Students, Inc (ASI) makes it easy to search through all available clubs through its website along with a variety of other information about clubs on campus. The question you have to ask yourself is: What club is right for you? The best way to find the perfect club for you may not be as easy as searching the club directory. Putting yourself out there will always be the best way to discover clubs. “When I started looking through the clubs there at WOW week I pretty much signed up for everything,” business administration sophomore Kelsey Zazanis said. “I just wrote my email down on ever ything that looks slightly interesting.” That’s how Zazanis got involved with the Queer Student Union. The Queer Student Union seeks to improve Cal Poly’s queer culture through activism, advocacy, demonstration, social events and educational opportunities, as stated on the ASI website. “It’s a great space for people to unite, get together for something they are passionate about and hopefully make a change,” said Zazanis, who serves as the Vice President of Outreach for the club. Allison Gross, a recent sociology graduate and former president of Women SPEAK, a girl’s health and leadership program, echoed this sentiment about her own club. “It’s a great way to meet, and have something to do and feel good about doing it,” she said. One of the more popular clubs on campus, especially
with gamers, is the League of Legends club. Based around the game of the same name, the club runs an active Facebook page for students to meet and find other players to play games with, discuss the game and plan events. According to Dennis Wong, computer science senior and president of the League of Legends club, the club serves as a place for new students to continue expressing their love and interest for the game. Wong encouraged new students to get involved with clubs. “It allows you to go out and experience more of the college life rather than just go to class, go to Metro, go to the bathroom and then go back to your room,” he said. These clubs represent just a few of the diverse options you have to choose from in your search. There are clubs for ballroom dancing, clubs for bowling, professional clubs, religious clubs, academic clubs, athletic clubs and major-related clubs. If you have an idea for a club, then ASI will even work with you to bring it to fruition. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately discover one that fits your needs. Remember that college is just as much about discovering who you are as it is about learning the skills necessary to succeed in the real world. Joining clubs can result in plenty of opportunities to hone skills you would not necessarily learn in the classroom. In addition, you may discover a new hobby or interest that you would never have thought of doing before college. “Try anything and everything that sounds interesting to you,” Zazanis said. “You’ll be surprised at what you end up loving.”
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Your first-year cheat sheet Get involved in organizations on and off campus.
Meet as many people as feels comfortable.
Budget your Plu$ Dollars.
Created by Lo誰c Poivet from the Noun Project
Have open communication with your roommates.
Take a chance on a club sport or intramural sport.
Wear shower shoes. Created by hunotika from the Noun Project
Created by Mario Bieh from the Noun Project
Avoid late-night junk food binges.
Get off campus and explore SLO as much as possible.
Surround yourself with people who are active.
Created by Marvin Wilhelm from the Noun Project
Try to find your niche.
Take advantage of SLO transit.
Factor breaks and finals week into your budget for the quarter, so you have extra money for daily spending at those times.
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Monday, September 14, 2015
WOW | 16 MUSTANG NEWS Graphic Arts Building Building 26, Suite 226 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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How to survive living in the residence halls Annie Vainshtein @CPMustangNews
Of all the living experiences you’ll have throughout your life, freshman year residence halls are certainly among the most formative. Living in the residence halls, for most, marks the end of an era — one of which includes home-cooked coddling, reasonable expectations of privacy and silence. For the the most part, residence halls are a cesspool of Athlete’s Foot and yesterday’s mistakes, but the more you learn to cope with the trials and tribulations, the better off you are.
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Roommates As the old saying goes, “Living with you has made me seriously consider living in my car.” Roommates are less a practice of compatibility and more one of patience. No matter how many mutual friends the two of you have on Facebook, or how much both of you love the beach, pizza and ‘California kush,’ life will still get in
the way, and circumstances will petty, and you will probably (defi- effort to meet as many people as undeniably breed tensions. It’s nitely) steal their (organic, fair feels comfortable, and when in no one’s job to tell you to pick up trade) yogurt at one point or an- doubt,ask them lots of questions your clothes or go to lecturebut other. Just admit to it. Take out the about themselves, or the drought. this kind of freedom can be over- trash even if no one’s asked you to. Both of those usually strike up whelming and lead to bad habits, Wash your sheets, often. great conversation. like eating too many doughnuts Clubs or failing all of your classes — Shower whichever one comes first. Part You won’t use your robe as much You are not too cool for anything. of living under your own roof as you think you will, and even- Not doing anything is very uncool for the first time requires self tually will stop caring about that — maintaining six subreddits gets imposing restrictions. birthmark on your leg. tiring after month three, as does Wine and viticulture the self-created Ramen junior Hannah Ermisch cod of depression. DON’T BE SCARED TO COMMUNICATE, stressed the imporTry to find your niche BUT BE KIND AND SINCERE ABOUT tance of open commu— maybe it’s playing IT. THE SILENT TREATMENT NEVER WORKS. nication when cycling beach volleyball or through roommate performing in theater HANNAH ERMISCH unpleasantries. productions. Maybe it’s WINE AND VITICULTURE JUNIOR “Don’t be scared to working at Petco off camcommunicate, but be pus or spending hours on kind and sincere about Dexter Lawn writing ficit,” she said. “The silent treatment tion. Whatever it is, you’ll find it. never works.” Chances are, it’s probably written Clothes Most of us (some of us with Pack 1/4 of your closet and then on a poster somewhere outside bruises) can attest to that. cut that in half. This is not compli- the library. If you live in a triple and both cated arithmetic. Bring more socks Psychology alumna Kelly Buof your roommates get in a fight, than you think you’ll need. Throw disch, who was a resident adviser never, ever take a side. away all the clothes you wore to for Yosemite Hall, said that if she They will make up and both parties in high school. could go back and deliver some Speaking of high school, college words of wisdom, they would hate you. We all have the potential to be is not high school. Make an active be this:
“Don’t BFF and only hang out with the first group of people you meet. Meet as many people as possible, get involved in organizations. Don’t limit yourself.” You should never feel like there’s a race to adjust to a new environment — everyone transitions at his or her own pace. It takes a long time to fully acclimate, to feel like you’ve met your “people,” to build up a tolerance to the MSG at VG Cafe. Don’t worry if it feels like you’re slower than the rest. Do what feels right, with people with whom you feel comfortable, people who challenge you, people who illuminate the best version of you. Wait for the right people. Food Take someone over 40 with you to buy groceries. You will buy way too many pre-made salads and they will expire. Lastly, get off campus as often as you can. If you don’t have a car, make friends who have one or take the bus, even it feels like a hassle or a trek. Accept and anticipate change. Wear shower shoes.
Reilly Roberts
Health experts offer advice for avoiding the freshman 15
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It’s 4 p.m. and the afternoon wall of sleepiness is setting in. You gaze down in dismay at the essay you have not started. You have three choices. One: Wake yourself up with some exercise. Do some laps around your residence hall, jumping jacks in your room — anything to get energized. Two: Grab a snack and hope it gives you the sustenance you need to complete this 10page essay about the history of technology. Three: Figure out how to work your roommate’s Keurig and hope for the best. After debating these three options you decide on a snack, since it requires the least amount of focus and effort. You rummage through your secret stash of Oreos and Goldfish and settle in for the night. Unfortunately it is this cycle of snacking, debating and settling on the easiest option that throws freshmen for a spin. Megan Coats, a registered dietician for Cal Poly Campus Dining, explained the reason for such habits. “Research shows that students gain weight their freshman year due to late night binges and the endless food possibilities that
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“Is it about the bush?”
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they have never experienced before,” Coats said. Not to mention the “endless possibilities” can be found only a short walk from freshman housing. The freshman 15 is as real as students make it, depending on what their transition into college looks like. “Anxiety, homesickness, stress, adapting to a new routine and having roommates also can contribute to the additional eating,” Coats said. With that, avoiding the freshman 15 looks a lot like distinguishing actual hunger from everything else. “Listen to hunger cues,” Coats said. “Dehydration disguises itself as hunger, and most people can’t distinguish between the two.” Separating hunger from boredem also plays a key part in developing eating habits at school, Coats said. Having a definite plan of what to eat each day and where to eat it on campus also helps maintain healthy eating habits. Exercise and being active is another important aspect of avoiding the freshmen 15, Coats said. Kinesiology senior Becca Brookes — and president of the
triathlon club — said staying active is essential. “Surround yourself with people who enjoy being active,” Brookes said. Take a chance on a club sport or intramurals and give racketball a go. If hand-eye coordination is not your thing, try out ultimate frisbee. Along with exercising and being aware of what you eat, Plu$ Dollars are something to keep in mind this upcoming school year as well. Theresa Fagouri, a health educator at Cal Poly, gave some insight on the updated meal plan, which uses only Plu$ Dollars. “I encourage students to use their dining dollars wisely and choose foods that feed their brain and academia,” Fagouri said. Try a fresh salad from Red Radish instead of a microwavable burrito from VG Cafe, for example. It’s the small choices that count throughout the day, whether it’s taking a healthy snack to class or going for a quick jog before starting that essay. “Be open-minded to new foods and experiences,” Coats said. “You’re in college now — this is the time.”
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Monday, September 14, 2015
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Top 10 things to do in San Luis Obispo Will Peischel @CPMustangNews
San Luis Obispo has an abundance of activities, but these should be your first 10. Nestled in a Tuscan-esque landscape, planted halfway between two of America’s most prolific cities, lounging only 10 miles from the beach — San Luis Obispo hits the geographic nail on the head. In the four (or more) years you spend here, you’d have to do some serious strategic planning to cover
everything there is to see around these parts. That’s why it’s never too early to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled a quick 10-item to-do list comprising some of the best San Luis Obispo has to offer. 1. Montana de Oro The 25-minute drive to the cliffs of Montana de Oro already make for a trip well worth the ride. Los Osos Valley Road shoots straight between two chains of hills, through the valley floor. It’s perfect for a late-afternoon cruise
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with the windows down in the passenger seat of your friend’s car. A disposable camera is recommended. After a few miles winding through a large Eucalyptus grove, the path suddenly unfolds a magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean. There are also plenty of walking paths along and down in the cliffs, which feature rock formations that folded and collapsed into the ocean over the eons. 2. Bubblegum Alley Between Broad and Garden Streets on Higuera Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo, there’s an alley with a major hygienic issue. Fortunately, the hygienic issue is really cool-looking. Bubblegum Alley is pretty self-explanatory — it’s an alley, the walls are covered with bubblegum. Is it a profound art installation? Probably not. Is it worth stopping to look at momentarily for an Instagram on the way to Kreuzberg? You bet. 3. Avila Beach Just a few miles down the 101 is Avila Beach, the resident adorable beach-pier-boardwalk triple
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threat. Considerably smaller than nearby Pismo Beach, Avila Beach has a more personal feel to it. Everything fits together much more neatly than other nearby beachfronts. Along the walk there are restaurants with outdoor seating that evoke a wine country culture that’s undoubtedly Central Californian. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll catch locals
walking their dogs on the beach or kids from your favorite polytechnic state university drinking beer and playing Smash Ball. 4. Pirate’s Cove Not everyone is on the nude beach train; for those of you who are — that’s an option around here. Near Avila Beach is Cave Landing Road, a dirt road that winds up
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and around a ridge. Don’t jump out of your skivvies just yet. The dirt parking lot provides access to a series of winding paths that are all worth checking out. Only one leads down to Pirate’s Cove, where you can feel free to remove whatever, or don’t. Pirate’s Cove is welcoming to all, including those who prefer to stay clothed. The beach has a unique geographic personality; it stretches around the foot of a large cliff. At some points the beach only carries a width of a dozen yards. This is perfect for wind coverage, and the few boats that almost always lazily float before the beach make a nice sight. 5. Architecture Graveyard At the foot of Cerro Vista housing, there is a gate with a mountain lion warning on it. Ten minutes down the path beyond the gate lies one of the most unique (and brag-worthy) aspects of Cal Poly: Architecture Graveyard. For decades, installations, created by
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architecture students as academic projects, have populated the landscape. Each installation is completely unique, some with features that make them more abodes than anything else. Almost all are in a state of decay, which brings an additional layer of personality to the deserted martianscape. 6. Serenity Swing This hike, which flanks the land that comprises Architecture Graveyard, will kick your ass. It also features one of the finest views in the entire county. The march leads hikers up and through ridgelines and hills that build atop each other. Perhaps the greatest part of this hike is how isolated it feels. There are almost no moments along the way when anything manmade can be seen, except the occasional domesticated animal. With that comes a sort of timelessness. At the top of the
final, very steep ridge is the rope swing which hangs from a lone tree. One side brings a view that arcs into town, the other side a turquoise mountainside when the sun hits just right. 7. Santa Rosa Skate Park This year, San Luis Obispo completed a skate park in Santa Rosa Park, thanks to public funds. While public works projects usually don’t evoke images of teenage anarchy and punk party rebelliousness, it’s pretty freakin’ sweet. Be sure to bring more than just your longboard to school. 8. Bishop Peak The essential, primary, center-ofit-all, bring-your-friends-who’rehere-for-the-weekend hike. Bishop Peak is located in the center of San Luis Obispo and offers a comprehensive view of the entire area. Depending on your leg joints, this hike usually takes a little more than an hour. It’s accessible, and never too overwhelming
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— the perfect middle of the road. If you’re feeling more ambitious than this Mustang News writer ever will, bring a sleeping bag and go camping upon the massive rock which encompasses the “peak” part of “Bishop Peak.” Before the sun rises, the peak stands higher than the cloud line, providing a surreal and completely unique view above the clouds. 9. Madonna Inn With the exception of Elvis Graceland, this might be the cheesiest place on Earth, so take pride in the fact that it’s here. Madonna Inn is exactly the way it was 40 years ago, which is the point. Every room has its own theme, which is so gimmicky
you can’t not love it. The main dining room is campier than an ’80s horror movie. The only thing that isn’t fake about Madonna Inn is their cake, which is delicious enough to completely restore the equilibrium. 10. Morro Bay Morro Bay features a series of waterfront attractions from restaurants to canoeing, all wrapped around a giant rock that looks like a deflated dodgeball the gods accidentally sent hurling towards the earth. Rent a row boat to tour the bay and dock at the sandbar adjacent to the rock, which offers a closeup on the ecosystem unique to San Luis Obispo County.
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Your First Pop-Quiz: The Important Stuff
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Q: Where is the best place to eat, drink and lock eyes with the Mustang of your dreams? Turn upside down to see answer.
Open ‘til Midnight Tue - Sat Open ‘til 11pm Sun & Mon Daily “Hoppy” Hour
1141 Chorro St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805. 903. 1141 www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Valid at San Luis Obispo Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and alcohol. No cash value. Not valid with any other offer. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 12/31/15.
Located in the Laguna Village Shopping Center
• 4 minute drive from Cal Poly • Convenient public transportation
1314 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 888-BARGAIN
Monday, September 14, 2015
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SLO Transit advises students to take the bus Brendan Abrams @brenabrams
SLO Transit gets it: There is little glamor in taking the bus. Fighting for a place to sit while enduring the shifty gazes of strangers in a slow-moving box on wheels certainly does not seem ideal for the fashionable millennials of Cal Poly. For many, there are not any better options for transportation around town or to campus. Cars are expensive to maintain and nearly impossible to park on a weekday. Bikes can require a commitment of sweat and calorie-burning that not everyone is willing to make. Walking sometimes isn’t feasible. Horses require hitching posts that simply don’t exist anywhere near the campus core. SLO Transit buses, on the other hand, are free, relatively convenient and require only a commitment of taking an ID card out of a pocket.
So yes, buses are a good way to get around for some people. What might be lesser known is that buses are vital to the future prosperity of the San Luis Obispo community. As new businesses take root in town and the student population grows, alternative forms of transportation become increasingly important. Buses help alleviate traffic and have a much smaller environmental impact when compared to personal cars. More importantly for students, San Luis Obispo buses are continually becoming more efficient and easier to use. The SLO Transit app allows users to track the buses in real time and view the most up-to-date schedules and routes. John Osumi is the CEO of Bishop Peak Technologies, the San Luis Obispo-based company that developed the app. He said his company has noticed some trends related to automobile traffic and buses.
Kennedy Library Performing Arts Center Mustang Village
Haggen
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“We’ve noticed that congestion has been increasing quite
steadily over the last three years in SLO,” Osumi said. “The roads in SLO can only handle so much traffic, and if we can alleviate some of that just by using mass transit, it not only makes the buses travel faster and stay more on time, but it also helps the commuters (in cars).” Buses travel faster if they have more passengers to transport because it means there are fewer cars on the road, but there is another potential contributing factor. If the demand for buses increases enough, Cal Poly and SLO Transit may have no choice but to provide more buses, fur-
ther improving the SLO public transportation experience. There are some steps students can take to ensure SLO transit runs as smoothly as possible. Dee Lawson, a city of San Luis Obispo Transportation Assistant, said that small changes in how students use the buses can pay off for everyone. “Get to the stop before the time point says to, and have your ID out and ready to swipe before getting on the bus,” said Lawson. “The buses will stay on time so much better.” Over the course of an entire day, tiny delays from riders
arriving late or fumbling with their credentials can add up and become a significant hindrance to the bus system. Luckily, the SLO Transit app exists to make those tiny delays a thing of the past. There are no longer any excuses for not being ready at the bus stop on time. Bussing around town no longer involves the fussing it once did. If walking, biking and horseback riding are not ideal, try leaving the car — and the glamorous aspirations — at home and do the quaint college town of San Luis Obispo a favor: Take the bus.
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Adjusting to your new home as an international student As a student at Cal Poly, you can use the city bus system for free. This makes getting downtown and to places like Target and Costco less of a burden. If you have a smartphone, I highly suggest downloading the SLO Transit app to navigate the bus system. Always remember that you can bike to most places within San Luis Obispo as well.
Warren Fox @CPMustangNews
While San Luis Obispo may immediately feel like home to many incoming freshmen, some students from an international background may find it challenging to settle in comfortably and confidently. If you’re an international student, or an American who has grown up overseas — like me — adjusting may seem hard at first, but luckily I’ve gone through it for you. American and San Luis Obispo culture Something that you will notice right away is that San Luis Obispo is a pretty unique place. Nestled halfway between Northern and Southern California, San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast have created a distinct culture that is unlike any American stereotype you have come across so far. But this doesn’t mean that it’s going to be hard to find where you fit in. Being in a college town like San Luis Obispo gives you the opportunity to meet a variety of people from different parts of California, the U.S. and the world in general. As cheesy as it sounds, you need to put yourself out there and find the people who best relate to you. If you have any particular cultural interest, chances are you can find an official or informal group that operates on or near campus to join. However, when it comes to meeting an entirely new group of people, my best advice is to observe and watch before you speak. Transportation I grew up in an international urban setting, so
WARREN FOX | COURTESY PHOTO
I became heavily accustomed to using multiple forms of public transportation to get around where I lived. If you can relate to me, then transportation in San Luis Obispo can be frustrating to figure out. Public transportation may seem to be lacking at times, but you’ll eventually find ways to get around town that work best for you. Because most freshmen do not bring cars to Cal Poly, you’ll be in the same situation as many of your new peers. Chances are, you’ll eventually make a friend with a car who can make trips to the beach or store easier. It’s always a good idea to offer to pitch in gas money if a friend drives you somewhere.
But there are still plenty of chances to make friends and meet people outside of these activities. To meet like-minded people, I advise you look into joining a club or considering the greek system, or even both if it suits you. Getting involved with similar people in groups at Cal Poly is an extremely easy way to find A S CHEESY A S IT SOUNDS, others that share your YOU NEED TO PUT YOURSELF OUT Alcohol passions and interests, THERE AND FIND THE PEOPLE WHO which will in turn After being raised in a BEST REL ATE TO YOU. make your transition place where the drinkinto the U.S. easier. ing age was 18, I had a case of reverse culture You can find a comshock when I came home to the U.S. where the plete list of all campus recognized clubs on the drinking age is 21. Associated Students, Inc. website, and lists of If you’re coming to Cal Poly from another coun- fraternities and sororities as well as information try, then it’s likely the drinking age was some- regarding the rush process on the Interfraternity where around 18, too. Council and Panhellenic websites. I cannot stress how important it is to remember that the drinking age here is 21 and that fines for Final thoughts alcohol related incidences in San Luis Obispo During my freshman year, San Luis Obispo are very expensive, especially during Week of proved itself to be an extremely fun place. I made Welcome (WOW). a fantastic group of friends. As I did, you will have ups and downs and exThat being said, it is no surprise that alcohol perience everything in between. is abundant in college communities. If you do choose to drink, drink responsibly, always go It’s completely normal to not have the best out with people you know and never get behind freshman year, but there are ways to ensure it the wheel of a car — or handlebars of a bike — won’t end up that way. after drinking. Try not to focus a lot of your energy at missing home, because it will drain you quickly. Meeting people: Clubs and the greek system Instead, make the best of the years you have Go to as many WOW activities as you can with- at Cal Poly. out exhausting yourself. You are in a wonderful community within a The week is set up so that you can make per- diverse country, so put yourself out there and sonal connections with everyone in your group. enjoy everything that this place has to offer.
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Monday, September 14, 2015
A year of sports in review Jesse Summers @CPMustangSports
The 2014-15 season was a disappointment for Cal Poly’s basketball and baseball teams, but football, men’s soccer and women’s soccer each fared well in their respective divisions. Cal Poly football finished at 7-5 in the Big Sky Conference, with big wins over Montana and Montana State early in the season. The most notable returning player for the Mustangs is senior quarterback Chris Brown, an All-Big Sky Conference Third Team member. Brown broke the Big Sky record for most rushing yards by a quarterback, and threw for 1,465 yards and 12 touchdowns. The men’s soccer team played well until the end of the season when they lost three matches in a row. The annual Blue-Green game against UC Santa Barbara filled Alex G. Spanos Stadium with a sellout crowd of 11,075 fans. Though the men’s team was unable to beat the Gauchos in that game, they did draw 2-2 in a thrilling away matchup. The women’s team was led by Cal Poly Female Athlete of the Year Elise Krieghoff, who ranks third among all active Division 1 player with 46 goals. Krieghoff, a senior, led the Big West Conference in goals for the third consecutive year. The men’s team finished 8-7-4 on the season, while the women’s team finished 10-9-1. As winter approached, the budding hype for the men’s basketball team grew after the previous year’s NCAA Tournament berth. Despite an exciting preseason, including a big win over Delaware and a tough loss to Gonzaga, the Mustangs were inconsistent throughout Big West Conference play and did not return to the
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tournament. Armed with several new transfers and most of their roster returning, the Mustangs will likely fare better in league play this season. Possibly the biggest disappointment of the year was the Cal Poly baseball team, which held a No. 1 national ranking just a year earlier. Plagued by injuries to second baseman Mark Mathias and des-
ignated hitter Brian Mundell, the Mustangs struggled to gain back the momentum they had the season before. With Mathias, Mundell, shortstop Peter Van Gansen, right fielder Zach Zehner and ace pitcher Casey Bloomquist now playing minor league baseball, head coach Larry Lee will have his work cut out trying to replace the team’s best players.
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Monday, September 14, 2015
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Men’s soccer welcomes Bjorn Sandberg Keenan Donath @CPMustangSports
For the 2015 season, the Cal Poly men’s soccer team will welcome Bjorn Sandberg to its starting back line all the way from Sodertalje, Sweden. Sandberg comes to San Luis Obispo via transfer from Oregon State, where he started more than 90 percent of the Beavers’ games during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In his freshman year in Corvallis, Oregon, Sandberg emerged as an early starter. The central defender ended up starting all but two of the team’s 18 matches. He followed that up with a sophomore campaign where his three assists ranked third on Oregon State’s stacked squad. Having previously played among top-tier talent in the Pac-12 conference, Sandberg will bring experience and depth to the Mustangs’ 2015 lineup. From Sweden to San Luis Obispo, Sandberg figures to be a key fixture in Cal Poly’s next two seasons. “Bjorn is an exceptional soccer player who will compete to anchor the center of our defense,” head coach Steve Sampson said. The Swede also brings a fresh
brand of foreign athleticism. Sandberg spent a season playing for his hometown club, Assyriska FF. A team that is known in Sweden for its Assyrian immigrant following, Assyriska FF regularly competes in the country’s first and second divisions. Sandberg also tried his hand at basketball, making it as far as the Swedish U16 National Team. Playing professionally in Europe is no joke, especially in Sweden where there is a long legacy of superior athletics. Former F.C. Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a native of the Scandinavian country and has long been considered one of the best players of his generation. While Sandberg is not expected to be an Ibrahimovic heir-apparent, his arrival to the pitch will bring some notoriety. “He’s incredibly mature and is already on the radar of many MLS teams. Bjorn is not only a solid defender, but also a player who can come forward when playing out of the back and is very dangerous on set pieces,” Sampson said. Sandberg is not the only exciting addition to the men’s team this year. Sampson, whose son Brandon graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in architec-
ture, joins the Mustangs after taking a break from an extensive coaching career. The 58-year-old was at the helm of the United States’ FIFA World Cup team in 1998 and an MLS Cup-winning Los Angeles Galaxy team in 2005. He also managed Costa Rica from 2002-04, becoming the first U.S. coach to oversee another country’s national team. A recently released recruitment video explains why Sandberg, a graphic communication junior, decided to attend Cal Poly as well as some valuable information from Sampson on the direction he sees for the program. Sampson and Sandberg look to lead a Cal Poly team that is coming off an up-and-down season. Starting the 2014 season 5-1-1 (the lone tie coming against the then-top ranked team in the nation, UCLA), the Mustangs were quick right out of the gate. But shaky play in conference matches down the stretch brought the team’s overall record to 8-7-4. Cal Poly comes into the new season with their top three goal scorers still on the roster. Senior midfielder Chase Minter, who netted a team-high seven goals in 2014, will play alongside fel-
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low senior and second leading scorer Matt Lagrassa. And Kaba Alkebulan, a redshirt sophomore who stands 6’4”, will follow up a season that saw him scoop up 12 total points. The Mustangs are also joined by returners Kip Colvey and goalkeeper Wade Hamilton. Colvey, an All Big West Second Team selection from a year ago and native of New Zealand, is currently helping his home country qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Hamilton, the reigning Big West Conference Goalkeeper of
the Year, was just named one of 28 players selected to the United States U-23 College Identification Training Camp. Soccer has historically been one of Cal Poly’s most celebrated teams, as the crowds that gather at annual matches with rival UC Santa Barbara can attest to. With that being said, there is a lot of hype around this year’s team. With preseason camp already under way, Sandberg and company are prepping for a season that should be met with excitement. Sampson, too, is eager to get out there and show the best home crowd in the Big West
what Cal Poly soccer is all about. “It should be rocking when we play our first official match at home against UNLV,” he said. “We want to continue the tradition of Spanos Stadium being a fun-filled, exciting and family-friendly soccer experience with the men playing their hearts out for their fans.” This year’s squad is stacked with talent; the question is whether this group of men has what is takes to come up successful in the postseason. Hopefully Sandberg will be the Swedish surprise that helps take them there.
Monday, September 14, 2015
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Join the team: Cal Poly club and intramural sports programs Alison Stauf @alistauf
Physics junior Edward Donohue knew he wanted to join the triathlon team after volunteering at the Wildflower Triathlon his freshman year. “I felt like a lot of my freshman year was wandering around finding things you can do on campus without really finding my calling, but when I joined the Cal Poly Triathlon team, I think I found it,” he said. The Cal Poly triathlon team is one of 25 club sports that are offered yearly, and while some of the teams require tryouts, most of them are open to athletes of any skill level. “I have been playing four years for Cal Poly rugby, and it’s been the best decision I have made since I’ve been at Cal Poly,” said Zachary Markow, president of the rugby club. “It’s brought me overseas, it’s exposed me to a whole different sport, culture, and the friendships I have made playing rugby are priceless.” Whether it’s badminton, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate frisbee, field hockey or water polo, each team is student-run and led by club officers. A membership fee is required for each, though the fee varies depending on the team. “The team environment is great. We’re one big family, we all get along together,” Markow said. “We all strive to pick each other up, and support from your teammates is how you win the game.”
Some of the club sports are more demanding than others, involving multiple practices throughout the week. “The time commitment is sometimes rough balancing class, practice, training and condition but at the end of the day it’s doable,” Markow said. “It’s doable to succeed in classes and succeed in sports as long as you are willing to put in the work and the time.” Cal Poly club sports compete against other university club teams across the nation such as UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and Fresno State, having won 18 national championships since 2005. “We have one of the best club sports programs in the nation. Multiple teams compete at the national level at the highest ranks possible,” Markow said. “The overall club sports program is one of the best things to get involved with at Cal Poly.”
CAL POLY RUGBY | COURTESY PHOTO NICE ‘TRY’ | The Cal Poly rugby team’s supportive environment is what helps each player be successful, said Zachary Markow, president of the club.
dents to choose from nine different sports and three different divisions ranging from the more competitive Division 1 to the more recreational Division 3. “Division 1 is like playing on a high school-level varsity team, so it gets pretty intense,” agricultural business senior and intramural THE TEAM ENVIRONMENT IS GREAT. sports student WE’RE ONE BIG FAMILY, WE ALL GET manager Olivia ALONG TOGETHER. WE ALL STRIVE TO Molodanof said. PICK EACH OTHER UP, AND SUPPORT FROM YOUR TEAMMATES IS HOW YOU “The second WIN THE GAME. division won’t be as competiZ ACHARY MARKOW tive and in the PRESIDENT OF THE RUGBY CLUB co-recreational divisions you see For those looking to stay closer more laidback and relaxed. We have to home, Cal Poly’s Associated Stu- a third division which only occurs dents, Inc. (ASI) offers the chance for certain sports and that’s very for students to form their own laidback and recreational, so you get teams through its intramural sports people that have never played the program. The program allows stu- sport before.”
Since the intramural sports program plays its games entirely on campus, the teams formed by the students are playing against each other rather than against teams from other schools. “People love it. I mean we have over 10,000 participants every year and so it’s a really popular program that people are joining all the time,” Molondalof said. “It’s a way for students to get away from school, meet new people, bond with their friends and escape their everyday routine by playing a sport and having fun.” The price for each team ranges from $110-160, which is often the main complaint from students, Molondalof said. “We’ve discussed trying to lower that and budget that a little differently,” Molondalof said. “We’re just trying to make it more student-based because we
want people to feel like they’re a part of something.” Registration occurs on the first Thursday of each quarter through an online process on the ASI website. This upcoming fall registration is on Sept. 24, with staggered registration times depending on the sport. “We usually hear from freshmen that they wish they would have known about it earlier, and so they’ll join their sophomore year because they didn’t really know how to sign up or what to do,” Molondalof said. For those who do not have a team to participate with, the program has a free agency process that puts the student on a team based on their schedule and the sport they want to play. “As of last year, if you wanted to play a sport but didn’t have a team, you would show up to a
meeting and we would basically put you on a team,” Molondalof said. “Now it’s similar to how you register for a team, so you would register and pay an individual amount, and then you’ll go to a meeting to meet your team.” Whether playing against other universities or fellow peers, Cal Poly offers programs for both the up-and-coming athlete and the seasoned professional. “Get involved and ask around. Most of the leaders of the clubs have their information online, or you can contact the club sports council for contact information,” Markow said. “Also I suggest walking around the club showcase fair; all of the sports will be out there displaying their craft and their players and trying to recruit players. It’s very easy to get involved and I would highly recommend getting involved.”
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