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FALL 2026

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hey there, Bearcats! My name is Hajra, and I’m the editor-in-chief of The News Record (TNR), the independent, student-run news organization at the University of Cincinnati. Just like that, summer has come to an end (even if the weather says otherwise), and we’re back on campus. It’s hard to believe another year has already gone by! Whether you’re returning to campus or arriving for the first time, this Welcome Back Guide is here to help you start the semester. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to start the semester, from football traditions and new businesses near campus to finding student discounts, student organizations and more.

TNR Editor-in-Chief Hajra Munir on Feb. 17, 2026, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

OUR STAFF Editor-in-chief | Hajra Munir Managing Editor | Joseph Carey Multimedia Editor | Chaz Timko

If this is your first introduction to TNR, welcome! Throughout the year, we’ll be here covering the stories that matter to the UC community and keeping you informed about life on campus and in Cincinnati. As I begin my senior year, one piece of advice I have is to embrace new beginnings and give yourself grace. Whether this is your first semester at UC or your last, every year is a chance to grow, try something new and discover more about yourself. Step outside your comfort zone, explore campus, get involved and take advantage of the many resources UC has to offer. You never know what opportunities — or people — you’ll find along the way.

Chief Photographer | Tavish Sweeney

Thank you for picking up this year’s Welcome Back Guide. Bearcats, let’s make this year an amazing one!

News Editor | Audrey Zelinski

Hajra Munir

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Sports Reporter | Denise Meads Opinion Reporter | Maeve Fagan Staff Photojournalist | Maggie Huss Student Sales Manager | Lucas Schmied Business Manager | Ginny McCabe Editorial Adviser | Jenny Wohlfarth COVER: Players high-five each other after an NCAA women's volleyball game between the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Aug. 29, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

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WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

HOW UC STUDENTS SPENT THEIR

MAGGIE HUSS | STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

SUMMER

This past summer, University of Cincinnati students were spread across the world. Whether it was studying abroad, volunteering locally, completing summer courses or pursuing a co-op, UC students were learning about different cultures, serving their communities and advancing in their careers. Audrey Allen, a fourth-year marketing and international business major, traveled to Verona, Italy, for a six-week study abroad program through the University Studies Abroad Consortium. “I knew I wanted to go in the summer so it would work around my class schedule a little bit better, and I decided on Verona because I love Italy,” Allen said. She described the country as the ideal location that truly immersed her in Italian culture, cuisine and amazing experiences with a tight-knit community. To students who are thinking about studying abroad, Allen said to take the leap and go headfirst into the opportunity. “If there is a trip that you want to do by yourself and nobody else has voiced that they want to go, just go by yourself. You will have a great experience nonetheless,” she said. Fourth-year interior design major Sydney Benson spent her summer gaining hands-on experience through UC’s cooperative education program as an interior design intern at Franco A. Pasquale Design Associates in Tampa, Florida. Benson had the opportunity to work in a small firm focused on large-scale residential design projects for vacation homes. Throughout her internship, she designed people’s closets, living rooms and kitchens. She not only learned more about the technical and accounting sides of design but also learned more about herself while temporarily living in a new

Audrey Allen stands on a bridge in Verona, Italy, on May 26, 2026. ALANY JIMENEZ VIA THE NEWS RECORD

living in a new city during the summer. “It has been so good for me to be forced to be outside of my comfort zone,” Benson said. Through this experience, one thing that stood out to Benson the most were her coworkers. “It is not just a job; it is more a design community who actually cares about one another,” Benson said, adding that she is very thankful that she chose UC because of the opportunities she has been given with this co-op and past professional endeavors.

“I knew I wanted to go in the summer so it would work around my class schedule a little bit better, and I decided on Verona because I love Italy. Audrey Allen

WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST

UC FOOTBALL GAME

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM UC FOOTBALL IN 2026

AVERY PADGETT | FEATURES EDITOR

DENISE MEADS | SPORTS REPORTER

It’s a fall Saturday at the University of Cincinnati. The air is practically vibrating with excitement, and a sea of black, red and white swarms every corner of campus. The Frisbee throwers and stadium studiers have vacated Nippert Stadium to make way for the thousands of football fans who will soon flood the stands. It’s game day at UC.

If last season proved anything, it’s that the University of Cincinnati’s football team can be unpredictable. After racing out to a hot 7-1 start, Cincinnati dropped its final five games to finish 7-6 with a season-ending Liberty Bowl loss. It wasn’t the ending fans hoped for, but the 2026 season brings a clean slate and plenty of reasons to be excited.

Sydney Kuehn, senior director of marketing and fan experience at University of Cincinnati Athletics, says that there is nowhere quite like Nippert on a game day. “The chants of Down the Drive, the crack of a cold Cincy Light, the feeling you get as the band charges the steps before the team comes out and secures a victory,” Kuehn said. “There is simply nothing like it.”

Head coach Scott Satterfield returns with a team that’s seen a variety of changes this offseason. One of the biggest changes is the man under center. JC French IV, a transfer from Georgia Southern University, will take over at quarterback after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Golden Eagles last season.

To prepare for this auspicious day, Kuehn recommends either purchasing student season tickets or entering a free weekly lottery for the chance to win a ticket, both of which can be accessed through the Bearcats Student Ticket portal. Once a student has their ticket, they can enter the stadium on either side of the Dieterle Vocal Arts Center where they will be given wristbands. Students who didn’t get tickets can still participate in UC fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 4, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. the action by tailgating and following TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER the game from The Grid, located on HOME GAME THEMES Campus Green. “The Rallycats have a you didn’t know the day before. Expect Saturday, Sept. 5 vs. Boston College | WEAR WHITE spot down there and they would love a crowdsurfing Bearcat in increasingly • Home Opener • Spirit Day for you to join them,” noted Kuehn. creative costumes. Bring your friends, Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Western Carolina | WEAR BLACK your merch and your gameday spirit, • Junior Bearcat Appreciation While it can be fun to understand the (STRIPEOUT!) but most importantly, bring your BearSaturday, Sept. 26 vs. Kansas State | WEAR RED AND BLACK ins and outs of the game, when kick off cat pride. • Stripe the Stadium! • Youth Teams Day finally comes, knowing the rules isn’t • Mental Health Awareness what’s most important — it’s all about “We need you,” Kuehn said. “You make Saturday, Oct. 24 vs. Texas Tech | WEAR RED sharing the passion. the environment at Nippert special. Get • 100th Homecoming there early, stay until the end, Down the • 50th James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame Expect to win even if we’ve lost every Drive and cheer loud. You won’t want Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Utah | WEAR BLACK other game in the season. Expect to • Breast Cancer Awareness • Halloween shout yourself hoarse, screaming chants to miss this.” Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Colorado | WEAR RED • Military Appreciation • Senior Night

Up front, veteran offensive linemen Joe Cotton and Evan Tengesdahl return after leading one of the nation’s best pass-protecting units according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Cotton and Tengesdahl earned preseason allBig 12 honors.

The Bearcats are hoping to turn the tide on defense after finishing last season with one of the nation’s lowest-ranked units according to ESPN. To help lead that turnaround, Nate Woody joins the staff as defensive coordinator. Woody previously coached alongside Satterfield at Appalachian State. Veteran defensive back Antwan Peek Jr. says Woody has already brought a new level of energy and accountability that’s been felt across the entire defense. Peek, a Cincinnati native and son of UC Athletics Hall of Famer Antwan Peek Sr., will add depth and experience to the unit after collecting 27 tackles and forcing two fumbles last season. The Bearcats opened the season Sept. 5 against Boston College at Nippert Stadium. Students can also look forward to fan-favorite game themes throughout the season, including a “stripe the stands” against Kansas State University on Sept. 26. UC will also celebrate its 100th Homecoming game against Texas Tech University on Oct. 24. Whether you’re the student who never misses a Saturday at Nippert or someone experiencing Bearcats football for the first time, this season is shaping up to be one worth watching.

UC Bearcats wide receiver Cyrus Allen (4) approaches the endzone after hauling in a 44-yard pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against the Bowling Green State University Falcons on Sept. 6, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. CHAZ TIMKO | MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

UC’S NEW VP FOR RESEARCH: LOREN WOLD

UC’S NEW PROVOST: RUDOLPH BUCHHEIT AUDREY ZELINSKI | NEWS EDITOR

AUDREY ZELINSKI | NEWS EDITOR

Rudolph Buchheit stepped into the role of executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati on June 1, 2026. Buchheit has a background in material science and engineering — previously serving as the dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky.

Loren Wold began serving as the University of Cincinnati’s vice president for research on Aug. 1, 2026. The vice president for research oversees research across UC’s colleges on the main campus and regional campuses. Wold is a biomedical researcher and previously served as the senior associate vice president of research at The Ohio State University. While at OSU, he ran an undergraduate lab researching environmental conditions as they relate to lung and heart disease. He plans to replicate the lab at UC.

The provost, also known as the chief academic officer, oversees various areas of university operation — including managing faculty and approving course curricula. Buchheit said he plans to focus on supporting student endeavors. “Very top of the list is student success,” Buchheit said. To him, student success encapsulates “every aspect of the students’ journey: from enrollment through progression engaging in all the academic enrichment and experiential learning opportunities that exist here and then translating that into professional and personal preparation.”

Despite his medical background, Wold believes research encompasses more than just scientific discovery. “To be vice president of research is to be the key cheerleader for faculty, staff and students in their scholarly pursuits,” Wold said. “I think a lot of times, as a biomedical or medical science researcher, we think of test tubes and beakers and such when we’re talking about research. But research is scholarly activity — it’s the historians writing books, it’s the artist producing amazing sculptures, it’s the poet writing their latest work.”

Another aspect of the provost’s responsibility is strategizing artificial intelligence implementation at UC. Buchheit said he is excited to have a hand in piloting AI personal assistant technology for students and faculty in the near future. “I’m pretty excited about some of the ways in which the university has organized to take advantage of what AI can bring,” Buchheit said. “I’m a big proponent of understanding how to use AI to enhance student learning.”

UC Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Rudolph Buchheit pictured outside of University Pavilion at UC. MICHAEL KEATING | UC OFFICE OF THE PROVOST VIA THE NEWS RECORD

Buchheit also recognizes potential ethical concerns involving AI use.

During his time at UC, Buchheit hopes to engage with students and consider student feedback.

“[AI] can be misused and it can be abused and we need to be cautious and vigilant about that,” he said. “We all need to spend time educating ourselves on the ethical dimensions of AI because AI systems crudely monitor human learning. In the way humans process

information, AI is susceptible to the same sorts of faults that we have — bias in particular.”

“I expect to be at events, visiting classes, talking to students — and those conversations are what, I think, is the best part of the job,” Buchheit said. “It’s through that engagement and understanding that I’m going to

be able to ensure that what we’re doing is meaningful and relevant to the students’ ambitions and what the students’ goals are.”

"[AI] can be misused and it can be abused and we need to be cautious and vigilant about that Rudolph Buchheit

Wold plans to focus on developing new research opportunities across academic disciplines and interdisciplinary research efforts at UC. “My key passion is building interdisciplinary teams of groups that never would have worked together in the past,” Wold said. For example, Wold said, “bringing your physicians in with your artists and your musicians and talking about music therapy and how that can be used in various novel ways.” Wold approaches his new role in the same way he approaches research — trying new things and learning from failures. “Ninety percent of research will fail,” Wold said. “But it’s appreciating that failures are also successes, because we learn what doesn’t work, and we can

UC Senior Associate Vice President for Research Loren Wold on July 8, 2026, at his office in the Digital Futures building in Cincinnati. AUDREY ZELINSKI | NEWS EDITOR

To be vice president of research is to be the key cheerleader for faculty, staff and students in their scholarly pursuits." Loren Wold

also learn from that to design future experiments.” Wold believes this trial-and-error mindset is particularly applicable to recent federal legislation impacting research regulation and grant funding. “Research has changed so dramatically within the last two years, and the rules are

changing,” Wold said. “But this is simply, in my mind, opening up key opportunities to understand — how can we find where there are inadequacies within our process and fix those so that, when things come back to a more steady state, we’re ready to really significantly increase our enterprise.”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE...

COLIN KUNZ | SPORTS EDITOR

WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

SORSBY

FINDING YOUR FIT IN GREEK LIFE MAEVE FAGAN | OPINION REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati is home to a large Greek life community, encompassing 42 sorority and fraternity chapters that offer a variety of opportunities for students to foster leadership, social responsibility and personal growth.

It lets you meet people, get outside your comfort zone and get involved on campus.” Lauren Luxenburg

For the new academic year, formal sorority recruitment will take place from Aug. 16-23, 2026, including 11 chapters within the College Panhellenic Council (CPC), the governing body for women’s sororities at UC and across the nation. To get involved in CPC recruitment, UC students can register through the official UC website or the Cincinnati Panhellenic Sororities’ social media account on Instagram. During registration, potential new members will be asked questions about themselves to help them prepare for the process. Throughout the recruitment week, participants will have a chance to tour chapter houses, meet with active

UC Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) at an NCAA football game against the Bowling Green State University Falcons on Sept. 6, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Former University of Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been shaking up the college football world for months now. The complicated saga began with his decision to transfer to Texas Tech. After Sorsby signed with the Red Raiders for a reported name, image and likeness deal worth nearly $5 million, UC Athletics published a statement indicating plans to sue the quarterback for breach of contract. UC is seeking $1 million in damages, according to court records. The lawsuit remains ongoing. Sorsby’s troubles did not stop there. On April 27, Texas Tech

issued a statement that the player had checked into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. Sorsby later admitted to placing thousands of bets and wagering approximately $90,000 throughout his college career, according to ESPN. Following the revelation, the NCAA suspended Sorsby. After two failed attempts at reinstatement, the quarterback’s eligibility was temporarily restored by an injunction from a Texas district court. The decision drew ire from multiple programs in the Big 12, with conference officials threatening to fight the injunction in federal court.

Relenting, Sorsby opted to forgo his final year of college play and apply for the NFL Supplemental Draft. However, the league’s decision to cancel this summer’s supplemental draft has left him with limited options. In the meantime, Sorsby’s predicament has quickly drawn widespread attention from college football fans nationwide. In addition, opinions of the quarterback among UC fans have not improved since his departure. For example, Jason Cassell, a third-year mechanical engineering major, said he will remember two different players.

“For him as a player, him being entertaining to watch, but everything after the fact is two different Sorsbys.” Third-year mechanical engineering major Hunter Cusano claimed Sorsby’s exit left many burned bridges with Bearcats fans.

“Even though it seems difficult having a busy recruitment schedule the week before school starts, I felt it only provided benefits for me,” said Lauren Luxenburg, a fourth-year organizational leadership major and member of Gamma Phi Beta, who went through formal recruitment in fall 2024. “It lets you meet people, get outside your comfort zone and get involved on campus.” The Interfraternity Council (IFC) recruitment week also takes place at the beginning of the academic year from Sept. 13-18, 2026. During fraternity recruitment, each chapter within the IFC hosts events that allow students to visit the houses they are interested in. Similar to sorority recruitment, newcomers will get the chance to talk with active members and determine which chapter is the best fit. Recruitment for chapters within the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) have different processes than CPC. Prospective members interested in MGC and NPHC chapters participate in a membership intake process and are encouraged to attend chapter-sponsored events to learn more about each organization’s requirements. Recruitment for any of UC’s Greek life organizations allows students to find a community, build new connections and feel more at home on campus.

“In my opinion, after this whole gambling thing, when I found out he was going to another school, it’s like ‘you can keep him now.’ ” Following the Canadian Football League’s decision to bar him from signing with any team this season, it might be a while before Sorsby begins his pro football career.

members and learn about the sororities’ values and philanthropy, all to determine which chapter they fit into best.

Clifton Avenue near UC — colloquially known as “frat row” — is central to much of the university’s Greek life. ERIK HEMMERT FOR THE NEWS RECORD

WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

ON-CAMPUS JOBS

OFFER MORE THAN A PAYCHECK FOR UC STUDENTS

BEST DISCOUNTS FOR STUDENTS AROUND CINCINNATI

THRIVING ON A DIME: FREE ACTIVITIES TO DO AROUND UC

HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LELA WALKER | OPINION EDITOR

AUBREY WINEINGER | FEATURES REPORTER

Stepping back on campus can feel like a new financial burden; from food expenses to going out with friends, being a student isn’t always easy on your wallet. Luckily, there are several student discounts on and off campus that can help make your time at the University of Cincinnati and in the Queen City fun at an affordable price.

For many University of Cincinnati students, an on-campus job starts as a way to earn extra money between classes. But for fourth-year elementary education major Allison Stankus, it became one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience. As a first-year, Stankus said she often returned to her dorm after class because she didn’t know many people. Looking for something productive to do, she applied for a job at Campus Recreation.

One of the most reliable discounts that students can take advantage of is the UC Metro program. This perk provides free unlimited rides for UC students and employees who register through the Transit app using a UC email address.

Now entering her fourth year as a member services lead, she said the connections she built have made campus feel like home. “The most rewarding part has been all of the friendships I have made through this job,” Stankus said. “Whether they started as coworkers or members, I now have many recognizable faces around campus, making it more welcoming than ever before.” Students looking for a similar experience have plenty of opportunities. According to Human Resources Communication Manager Alex Smith, students can search for student associate positions through jobs.uc.edu, SuccessFactors and Handshake. He encourages students to begin searching early and approach the application process professionally. “I’d say take it seriously,” Smith said. “This is more than an opportunity to earn money. It is an opportunity to practice all of the professional skills you’ll need to get a job in the future.” For many students, those professional skills grow alongside meaningful relationships. At the Learning Commons, more than 500 student employees provide academic support to over 15,000

of charge. To hear beautiful wind and string instruments played by some of the best musicians in the nation, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra features Student Access Plus memberships for $50, allowing any student to attend as many concerts as they wish during the season. Up the hill near Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum is not only a priceless visit with free admission, but students also save up to $15 when purchasing a membership.

The Learning Commons in French Hall at UC on July 25, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

This is more than an opportunity to earn money. It is an opportunity to practice all of the professional skills you’ll need to get a job in the future.” Alex Smith

UC students each year, according to Director Hannah Williamson. Williamson said student employees are at the center of that mission. “Our student employees make our mission possible,” Williamson said. Fourth-year operations management and business analytics major Caisey Ofori said working as an academic coach has allowed him to help fellow students while developing leadership and communication skills. “If you want to make people feel better, if you love putting smiles on people’s faces, if you just like being a resource,

that’s the best role you can do,” Ofori said. Stankus encourages students to consider jobs outside their majors, saying opportunities exist across campus. “There are opportunities at every single position, and the connections are beyond what you can imagine,” she said. Looking back, she said accepting that first campus job changed how she experiences UC. “The campus becomes a space of familiarity,” Stankus said, “instead of just a place for getting an education.”

Families decorate pumpkins on Oct. 12, 2024, at the Fall Fest in Burnet Woods in Cincinnati. LUCAS GRIFFITH FOR THE NEWS RECORD

For students, access to free transportation around the city is essential for work, volunteering and checking out Cincinnati’s downtown attractions. Sprinkled throughout Over-theRhine is a variety of concerts, sports games and artistic events at discounted prices and membership offers for full-time students. At the Cincinnati Opera, Bearcats can purchase tickets for only $16 based on availability at the beginning of the week of each performance. If opera isn’t your forte, the Contemporary Arts Center offers time students access to immersive performances and galleries free

Outside of the creative arts, students can watch the glowing orange-and-blue lights glow in the TQL Stadium by buying up to two Student Pass tickets for each FC Cincinnati game using their UC email.

Life at college moves fast, and expenses add up even faster. Finding high-quality entertainment should not add to your financial stress. Between textbooks and tuition, your wallet takes enough of a beating — but being a Bearcat means you do not have to stay cooped up in your dorm just to stay on budget. Being a University of Cincinnati student gives you free access to travel around Cincinnati on the metro system, making for an efficient way to explore the city. This could lead you to a free gallery walk through the Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park or all the way down to The Banks for a riverside retreat. If you want to stay closer to home, the Program and Activity Council (PAC) at UC holds free events all over campus for students. According to Maya McDonald, PAC’s marketing co-director, the fall semester events to look out for are PAC Welcomes You Back at the Sigma Sigma Commons, Pumpkin Palooza, Bouquet Grab & Go, Paint & Scoop and more. Specific details and dates can be found on

the PAC Instagram account. Sometimes you don’t even have to go out looking for free or low-cost activities. Simply walking down MainStreet can introduce you to pay-what-you-can thrift pop-ups, student organizations and campus activities. The rowing club might be hosting a competition next to a frat fundraiser, and Red Bull could be handing out drinks next to a cupcake giveaway. Another hidden gem is the Student Wellness Center. The center offers free health products, presentations from peer educators and financial wellness coaching. They also have a rest lounge where you can play Nintendo Switch and play your friends in Mario Kart between classes, grab free snacks when available and study in a spot that is away from the bustle of campus. So don’t let an empty bank account stop you from enjoying all the frugal fun that UC and Cincinnati have to offer. Whether you’re flat broke or budgeting, there are free activities for everyone.

If you love to bowl and engage in friendly competition, Norwood’s Stone Lanes holds a college night every Tuesday featuring two games of bowling for only $12. Whether you are interested in saving money on groceries with your Bearcat Card or enjoying fun activities around the city, there are plenty of discounts available to UC students as they get acclimated to the new school year.

UC students can use their Bearcat Card at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers on Calhoun Street. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

WELCOME BACK GUIDE | newsrecord.org

SETTING THE STAGE

CCM FALL PREVIEW

FIRST-YEAR SURVIVAL TIPS

JOE CAREY | MANAGING EDITOR

CHLOE HALL | NEWS REPORTER

The College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced an impressive concert schedule for the fall semester. Student ensembles will present a plethora of familiar staples and contemporary masterworks in the first months of the academic year, including the following performances.

Many aspects of life on a college campus are covered during Bearcats Bound Orientation, but there are some common firstyear hardships that new students may not anticipate. University of Cincinnati students who have survived their first year can provide some guidance on how to have a successful first year on campus.

RUSSIAN GIANTS | Sept. 15 The CCM Philharmonia returns to Corbett Auditorium for a night of Russian lyricism under the baton of guest conductor Timothy Muffitt. On the menu is Sergei Prokofiev’s quicksilver “Piano Concerto No. 3” and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s rarely heard “Symphony No. 3.” The student winner of CCM’s fall Piano Concerto Competition will solo with the orchestra in the concerto. PLACES WE CAN NO LONGER GO | Sept. 17 The music of guest composer John Mackey will headline the CCM Wind Symphony’s season-opening concert. Mackey’s “Places we can no longer go” will feature Grammy Award-winning soprano Lindsay Kesselman, and CCM faculty composer Jasmine Guo’s “the sound of where i came from” will open the concert. INTIMATE APPAREL | Oct. 1-3 Alumni guest director Torie Wiggins will join forces with CCM acting students in Lynn Nottage’s tale of Esther, a seamstress pursuing her dreams in New York City. Inspired by 20th-century photographs of the playwright’s family, the play won the 2004 New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play. LA BOHÈME | Oct. 29-31 Puccini’s immortal masterpiece tells the story of a seamstress and her artist compatriots struggling to survive in modernizing 19th-century Paris. The student cast will perform alongside the CCM Concert Orchestra, conducted by Aik Khai Pung. RENT | Nov. 12-14 CCM Musical Theater will bring Jonathan Larson’s cultural phenomenon of love, hope and expression to life in collaboration with guest director Ray Hogg. Based loosely on Puccini’s “La Bohème,” the Pulitzer-winning show is a must-see. DUKE ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER SUITE | Nov. 22 Ellington’s jazzy arrangement of “The Nutcracker” is coming to Corbett Auditorium just in time for the holidays. Under music director Scott Belck, the CCM Jazz Orchestra will ring in the season with a swing-inspired suite of beloved melodies. DANCE WORKS | Dec. 3-5 CCM Dance’s annual showcase will feature dizzying choreography from four of the department’s faculty choreographers. Student performers will grace Patricia Corbett Theater with selections from “La Bayadère,” “Le Corsaire” and Perrot’s “Pas de Quatre.”

Dress rehearsal of “Dance Works” presented by the UC College-Conservatory of Music on March 4, 2026, in the Patricia Corbett Theater in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alyssa Dwyer, a fourth-year environmental studies major, and Caleb Smith, a second-year psychology major, both experienced personal growth in what they believe to be the hardest moments of their first year on campus. Both students advise that first-year students see the year through to the end, even if rough patches arise. “The hardest part was figuring out where I fit in socially,” Smith said. “But I have a few good friends who I’ve made who hold me together.” Dwyer suggests rolling with the punches whenever possible. “I survived freshman year by allowing myself to adapt and change,” she said. “Things that have worked for you in the past may not work or need some changes.” As for academic life, Smith suggests finding a good café, a good latte and a good pair of headphones for students who may be struggling to balance day-to-day life with schoolwork. “It helps to break down tasks, like studying, and making to-do lists,” Dwyer said. Learning to plan ahead and learning to find effective study methods, including helpful YouTube videos, made Dwyer’s first-year experience a positive one.

You cannot do your best academically if you are not caring for yourself physically and mentally.” Alyssa Dwyer

Dwyer and Smith both emphasized an important lesson they learned during their first year at UC: all students, but especially first-year students, should learn to prioritize themselves and their mental health. “You cannot do your best academically if you are not caring for yourself physically and mentally,” Dwyer said. Your first year at college “isn’t easy. It sucks at times, like most things in life,” Smith said. “What matters is that you feel fulfilled or content in your place in life. Find that line for you.”

University of Cincinnati Welcome Week “Bearcats Kick-Off” on Aug. 21, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

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