NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 42, No. 54
Tuesday, september 2, 2014
nyunews.com
Hotels serve as residence halls this fall By Marita Vlachou Deputy News Editor
PHOTO BY alyssa vinzons
West Village dessert spot offers Italian gelato with a tasty twist Local gelateria offers a combination of authentic gelato with unusual flavors and preparations, giving a fresh take to a typical dessert option.
As a result of NYU’s ongoing renovations at Hayden residence hall, the university has contracted a number of rooms in the Affinia Manhattan, Affinia Shelburne and Affinia Dumont Hotels for the Fall 2014 semester. The hotel rooms were only made available to upperclassmen students. Students were first allowed to move in on Aug. 31 and will have to move out by Dec. 20. According to the NYU website, students in the Affinia Hotels are offered shared studio suites for two people, which include two beds, one desk, one dresser and a shared closet. Meghana Pakala, a Stern sophomore living at Affinia Dumont, said she has felt a change in the sense of community. “The biggest difference is definitely being surrounded by people that aren’t students and not having any sort of floor community,” Pakala said Rohan Makle, an LS sophomore living at Affinia Dumont, noticed the quiet environment the hotel offers.
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Student takes break from NYU for global adventure By Anna Ferkingstad Contributing Writer As students from around the world return to Washington Square for another year of classes, one NYU student decided to do the opposite and leave the square for a gap year. Gallatin sophomore Morgan Noll is taking time off from school to travel the world on her own, chronicling her adventures on her blog, Mapped by Morgan, as she goes. An interest in travel writing and a trip to a hostel in Montreal inspired her to take on a seven-month journey to explore Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. “[This trip] is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Noll said. “I regretted not taking a gap year before college. I was also feeling like I needed some
time to think more seriously about what exactly I wanted out of school and life before continuing my studies.” From cheesemaking in the Pyrenees to navigating transportation in Ireland, Noll recounts her experiences through pictures and stories on her blog, which recently received the Liebster Blogger Award, an award created by bloggers to identify and acknowledge new members of the community. Noll began her studies at NYU in the fall of 2013 but did not know that she wanted to travel abroad until the following May. With quick planning and a decision to use her high school Advanced Placement credits to make up for the semester she would be missing, Noll departed for Europe less than a
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New York keeps NYU laughing with local, student comedy By Julia Krom Contributing Writer
Watching comedy is a great way to decompress after a hard week of class and lucky for NYU students, New York is one of the funniest cities in the world. For sketch and improv comedy, one of New York’s best offerings is the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, which has two locations — one in the East Village and another in Chelsea. UCB was started by Amy Poehler of “Parks and Recreation” fame and, in addition to its performances, it offers classes in sketch and improv comedy. Tickets for shows are no more than $10, with certain shows open to the general public at no cost at all. UCB’s most popular show is “C,” performed twice every Sunday. Featuring popular improvisers such as Chris Gethard, Peter Grosz and even Poehler herself, the show often invites guest comedians from shows
including “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock” and “The Colbert Report.” Also in the NYU area is Gotham City Improv. Located on MacDougal Street and boasting a group of alumni that includes Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and Conan O’Brien, this theater offers classes as well as frequent improv shows. With its summer season winding down, the theater will soon announce its fall season. Next door to Gotham City Improv is the Comedy Cellar, the brick-walled comedy club known for its slew of celebrity performers. Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chapelle, Tom Papa, Wanda Sykes, Marc Maron and Lisa Lampanelli are among the talented comedians who have performed there regularly over the years. Today, Colin Quinn, Kevin Brennan, Gary Gulman and NYU alumnus Aziz Ansari will stop by
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Washington Square news | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
Washington Square News
staff recommendations
Editor-in-Chief
nicole brown Managing Editors
emily bell dana reszutek Assistant Managing Editors
casey dalrymple bryna shuman Web Managing Editors
cicek erel kavish harjai Creative Director, Special Editions
lyanne natividad Creative Directors
Julie ciccone olivia martin
senior staff
Chadwick Boseman in “Get on Up”
“Bound”
“My Everything,” Ariana Grande
“Citizen Ruth”
Although Tate Taylor’s James Brown biopic “Get on Up” suffers from uneven storytelling and a lack of ambition, all is forgiven through Chadwick Boseman. As a director whose craft can only be called average, Taylor is used to being fortunate with casting. “The Help” would not have worked were it not for its tremendous cast, and the same could be said for Boseman and “Get on Up.” Forget acting, Boseman is James Brown. Just like the Godfather of Soul himself, Boseman commands the screen and delivers an unforgettable performance. It is hard to imagine another actor even competing with Boseman for the Oscar.
Before the Wachowskis made “The Matrix,” they wrote a noir yarn about gunslinging lesbians called “Bound.” Unfortunately forgotten after their more recent CGI-laden action epics, “Bound” is a taut, sexy exercise in style with dark mood lighting, blood spatters that are the color of pomegranates and whooshing camera movements. More than just an average caper flick, the Wachowskis’ debut directorial effort is also a perceptive, genuine portrayal of a lesbian relationship, a rarity for film noir.
Nearly a year ago, Ariana Grande classily announced her start as a pop star with the release of her debut album, “Yours Truly.” She became easily recognizable as a powerful singer with a strong, Mariah Carey-like release. The album didn’t portray Grande as a risk-taker, but her followup album, “My Everything,” proves her maturity and her versatility as an artist. She is not just a girl who portrays sweetness and innocence. She is now an adult who is ready to become something more than a star — she is ready to become a pop, dance or R&B artist.
Though Alexander Payne is better known for his Academy Award-nominated “Election,” his lesser-seen 1996 comedy “Citizen Ruth” is just as great as any other film in his curriculum vitae. Starring Laura Dern as the titular Ruth, “Citizen Ruth” tells the story of a spray paint-huffing mother of four children, who have all been removed from her custody by the state. When a romp in bed with an ex results in a fifth pregnancy, Ruth is arrested and charged with child endangerment to her unborn fetus, unless she gets an abortion. What ensues is the tragicomic battle of a woman fighting against addiction and figuring out what she needs. Dern turns what should be a despicable character into a hero. In today’s tense and politically correct climate, “Citizen Ruth” merits a revisit.
— Marissa Elliot Little, Highlighter Editor
— Alex Greenberger, Arts Editor
— Alexa Spieler, Music Editor
— Ife Olujobi, Entertainment Editor PHOTOS VIA WIKIPEDIA.COM
news JOHN AMBROSIO, VALENTINA
DUQUE BOJANINI features HANNAH TREASURE arts ALEX GREENBERGER sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO copy THOMAS DEVLIN multimedia SHAWN PAIK under the arch blog JONATHAN
KESHISHOGLOU social media ARIANA DIVALENTINO senior editors TESSA AYSON, SCOTT MULLEN, VALERIE NELSON, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM, MARINA ZHENG
deputy staff
news LARSON BINZER, RAHUL
KRISHNAMOORTHY, MARITA VLACHOU features BAILEY EVANS beauty & style DAVID BOLOGNA violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining REBECCA RIDDLE film ISABEL JONES entertainment IFE OLUJOBI music ALEXA SPIELER theater/books NIKOLAS REDA-CASTELAO the highlighter blog MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE sports TONY CHAU multimedia hannah luu
opinion page opinion editor
CHRISTINA COLEBURN deputy opinion editors
OMAR ETMAN, ADAM FAZLIBEGU, TESS WOOSLEY
advertising business manager
ALISON LIZZIO University and alumni coordinator
claire mahany sales manager
today on campus
ARIANA DIVALENTINO sales representative
ETHAN JACOBS
Reality Show Open to all students, the Reality Show crew will perform in the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. tonight.
Sales associate
emma howcroft Graphic DesignerS
jillian branchaud KALEEL MUNROE circulation manager
JESSICA TIEN
Back to the Square Welcome back events for all students kick off today as part of Back to the Square week. A list of events can be found on the NYU website.
advising DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER
JIM LUTTRELL
Career Fair Check out opportunities for internships and jobs — both full-time and part-time — this semester at a career fair in the Wasserman Center for Career Development from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ILLUSTRATION BY SONJA HAROLDSON
today’s events are free for NYU students.
GOT AN EVENT? EMAIL US AT AGENDA@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS. GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM.
EDITORs-AT-LARGE
KRISTINA BOGOS, rachel kaplan, MICHELLE LIM, CLIO MCCONNELL, jordan melendrez, jonathan tan About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
nyunews.com
nyunews.com | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | Washington Square news
affinia continued from PG. 1
Affinia hotels bring changes to residential life
“All around it’s been quieter, but other than that there that have not been too many differences,” Makle said. Despite the fact that Affinia Hotels are farther away from campus, residents are not offered shuttle bus services. To make up for the hotel’s inconvenient location, residents are given unlimited MetroCards. “The MetroCard is fantastic but having unlimited rides has made me so lazy,” Pakala said. “I’ve been taking the bus to Gramercy, which is barely 10 blocks away.” CAS sophomore and resident of Affinia Manhattan Steven Nelson said while living in the hotels has been a more luxurious living experience than a typical dorm, there are still some problems. “There have also been a lot of disadvantages that I didn’t see coming,” Nelson said. “We only have one desk, there is very limited storage space and the hotel is located right next to a fire sta-
tion, so we get plenty of sirens throughout the day.” Abraham Rodriguez, the guest experience coordinator at Affinia Dumont who is in charge of the NYU group, said hosting many students is a new experience for the hotel staff. “We’ve had [sports] teams … and even for NYU, for the hospital, since they’re close we help them out for rooms,” Rodriguez said. “But I don’t think we’ve ever had students before as a dorming situation.” Regarding the problems that may come up with students, Rodriguez appears reassuring. “We don’t foresee any problems because NYU students are already informed of all the policies and details,” Rodriguez said. The residence hall staff has not yet responded to a request for comment. Email Marita Vlachou at mvlachou@nyunews.com.
NYU Reacts: Ferguson shooting By THE News Desk Three weeks ago, Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was fatally shot by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown’s death sparked nationwide debate over police militarization, racial profiling and the transparency of law enforcement. Wilson has not yet been charged, but the investigation and uproar over Brown’s death continues. Since the shooting on Aug. 9, hundreds of protesters have gathered in Ferguson to express their outrage and desire for change. Some protesters turned violent, looting and burning a QuikTrip, a local convenience store. Protests have become less tense since Ronald Johnson, commanding officer of a Missouri Highway Patrol troop, was placed in charge of public safety, marching in solidarity with protesters and encouraging dialogue and communication. “I’d say that the situation in Ferguson is just an indication of what’s been going on in this country. It’s been getting a lot of media attention but it’s not an isolated case, if anything it’s just the tip of the iceberg, and is something that happens to young black men. I’m just happy to see that there are conversations going on about how to solve the situation.” — CAS junior and president of the Black Student Union at NYU Arielle Andrews “Looking at the history of police brutality, especially against young people of color, and looking at the increased militarization of police, I guess it’s difficult to be surprised. But there’s still something gutwrenching about knowing tear gas is being thrown at your neighbors. I’m more horrified than surprised, and horrified that I’m not surprised.” — CAS junior and Missouri native Haley Quinn
Staff Photo by Kavish Harjai
Midtown hotels house many upperclassmen this semester.
“It’s weird because I’m from St. Louis and I’m from around the area that it happened in. That QuikTrip was around the corner from my aunt’s house. So the first reaction is surrealism but I guess after thinking it just makes it really hard to feel
Staff Graphic by Cicek Erel and Kavish Harjai
Ferguson census data suggests racial profiling by police. like the country I was born in wants me here. It’s hard not to feel like that even if I were to become very successful. I would still be just another ‘gangsta’ dirtying up the streets of the ‘melting pot.’” — Gallatin junior Vince Vance “The indignities that people of color face day to day range from the inconvenient to the tragically fatal. The Ferguson case has ultimately shown the inexcusable, unfortunate and unsettling truth of the vast inequality that still plagues American society. To posit that this is not an issue of racial discrimination is exceedingly ignorant and irresponsible” — LS sophomore Daniel Lynne “I feel that Ferguson is the culmination of racial tensions in America and a result of an increasingly militarized
police force and the dehumanization of black men.” — Gallatin junior Gaby Del Valle “Even in the media, we see more time spent debating Mike Brown’s possible participation in a nearby robbery or if he was antagonizing the officer in question, when really these things are totally irrelevant. Why are we trying to justify what is essentially a murder by blaming the victim? The officer in question used undue force and as a result of his prejudice a young man is dead; nothing changes this. Why should I, as a black man myself, have to live with the constant doubt that my life isn’t worth the same in the eyes of the law?” — CAS sophomore Ethan Redd Email the News Desk at news@nyunews.com.
Study concludes impact of Sandy evacuation on nurses
By Larson Binzer Deputy News Editor
When Superstorm Sandy hit New York City in October 2012, every patient at NYU Langone Medical Center was relocated to other area hospitals. Almost two years later, NYU colleges of nursing and dentistry have conducted a study to evaluate the psychological toll on the nurses during the evacuation. The study evaluated 528 nurses from Langone who were involved in the evacuation and subsequently transferred to different hospitals. According to the press release, the results determined
that 54 percent of the nurses found the transfer experience to be extremely or very stressful. While the evacuation itself was stressful, the study found that it was the time after the evacuation and subsequent closing of the medical center that affected nurses the most. During this time, nurses were deployed to other hospitals, which proved to be very trying, explained lead author Nancy Van Devanter, an associate professor at the College of Nursing specializing in health services research. “Initially, I really thought that the main story would be about the evacuation because it’s a
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very dramatic event, but what surprised me as we went along is people talked a lot more about the deployment,” Van Devanter said. “There were implications, from what [the nurses] were talking about, about steps that could be taken that in the event that this kind of thing would happen again that there could be a system set up that would make it less stressful.” Tim Shi, a 2012 graduate of the College of Nursing who works at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, recognizes that it would be extremely difficult for any nurse to switch hospitals. “Moving to a new hospital
would be tough,” Shi said. “[In a new environment] you’re learning new equipment, trying to find supplies on floors or not having the supplies you’re used to having... [During a hurricane] this would be unbelievably hard. Plus, those hospitals that didn’t have to evacuate now are getting overloaded with more patients leading to stress of nurses [who] have to care for more patients.” Van Devanter said there could be policy changes and inter-hospital agreements implemented on a regional or state level that could potentially make the transitions in disaster situations in the future
less stressful and more efficient for medical personnel and hospitals during deployment. “I think one of the things I heard from everyone in the study, and certainly most of us in [New York City], believe that this is not the last hurricane we’re going to have,” Van Devanter said. “We had two in a row. So I think people are concerned that there is a trend across the country for more of these weather-related disasters, so we need to take the time to prepare for them.” Email Larson Binzer at lbinzer@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | nyunews.com
FEATURES
edited by Hannah treasure FEATURES@nyunews.com
Student startup digs into NYC, other realty
Mapped continued from PG. 1
In gap year, student blogs about worldwide travels
month later. However, as Noll discovered when her wallet was recently stolen in Paris, there are pitfalls abound when traveling abroad alone. “I have no sense of direction, and I get lost almost every day,” Noll said. “It’s also difficult being away from all my close friends for so long, especially now when everyone is heading back to school together and I’m not.” Although she has encountered some challenges, Noll has not stopped taking full advantage of her trip. “Each day is full of new experiences and discoveries,” she said. Noll is currently in Amsterdam but will soon be departing for Italy. She plans to spend
three to four weeks in Italy. Then she will spend a couple of months in Southeast Asia. So far, Amsterdam, the Pyrenees, and Espechede, France have been her favorite places that she has visited. Noll will resume her full-time studies at NYU in January. However, she is already saving up for future travels. She encourages anyone interested in taking a gap year or spending time abroad to submerge themselves in the world of travel blogs and just go for it. “Travel is an education,” Noll said. “Learning about something at home does not compare to experiencing something firsthand.” Email Anna Ferkingstad at features@nyunews.com.
via mappedbymorgan.com
Morgan Noll visited Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
via mappedbymorgan.com
While traveling, Morgan Noll blogs and posts photographs, including of her time in Paris.
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By Zane Warman Contributing Editor
Many NYU students in need of fall semester housing have turned to a website created by their peers. Last February, Stern senior Harry Zhang, NYUAD senior Weichen Zhu and CAS senior Alex Wang founded CitySpade. Named after the strongest suit in poker, the website is a search engine for rental spaces and real estate sales in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Boston’s suburban counties. With each listing, filtered by neighborhood, size and price range, CitySpade shows local hot spots and attractions, the cost-effectiveness of the listing compared to other options nearby and the reliability of local transportation. The website aggregates listings from a variety of large brokers in each area. Two of CitySpade’s featured brokers, The Corcoran Corporation and Douglas Elliman, topped real estate magazine The Real Deal’s list for most listings in New York City. “We developed our algorithms to provide a quantified rating system to help people better figure out a deal,” Wang said. “But then we realized that this is not enough. So we started the Review/Discussion platform as an integral part of our product in the future. We allow users to rate and review the apartments or the neighborhoods they have lived.” Beyond the sophisticated algorithms and pragmatic crunching of numbers, CitySpade encourages potential buyers to familiarize themselves with their future homes before moving in. Every week, CitySpade engages its users through social media,
as well as shareable content on its blog. “Since each neighborhood has its own culture and feel, we have taken tours of these neighborhoods to provide you our own observations and factual data,” reads a March 6 blog post. “We encourage our users to share their unique adventures of living in and searching for the perfect place to live. This way, the larger CitySpade community will be able to learn from each other and make more informed decisions.” With its increasingly steady support garnered in its eight months of operation, Wang said the site will soon be expanding into the vibrant markets around Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. After receiving $200,000 from an investment group, a second round of funding has earned CitySpade between $500,000 and $600,000 to continue upgrading its website. CAS junior Nicki Niño said the website was easy to navigate and gave her a sense of security because the photos she was viewing actually reflected the listing she was interested in renting. “For me, that’s a big thing, having photos,” Niño said. “And [CitySpade] has a street view, so I can also see around the immediate street area.” She added that NYU and other colleges should partner with CitySpade, by encouraging students to use it to find housing. “On the NYU housing portal, they have different ways of finding a roommate,” she said. “They could have this as a recommended website to find other roommates as well.” Email Zane Warman at features@nyunews.com.
Extracurricular opportunities to enrich college experience
By Sue Liang and Bailey Evans Contributing Writer, Deputy Features Editor
In the beginning of the school year, it can be daunting to find ways get involved outside of the classroom. However, there are a multitude of possibilities to be involved even if you are unsure where to start.
Head to Club Fest At NYU there are hundreds of
clubs that appeal to the most eclectic of people. From activism and charity to sports and theater, joining clubs at NYU is a great way to find people with similar interests. Club Fest, this year on Sept. 8 at the Coles Sports Center from noon to 7 p.m., brings every organization together in one room. There, you can see the multitude of options and ask current members your burning questions.
Check out Wasserman Center for Career Development To bring out your professional side, stop by Wasserman to get help with your resume, learn about job and work-study
positions or practice for a big interview. NYU has countless networking opportunities and Wasserman is a great resource for everyone, especially those who are hesitant or nervous about entering the job field and thus are in need of guidance. Also, creating a website or portfolio on LinkedIn of your writing, artwork or whatever your passion may be is a great way to get a head start on landing the perfect job.
Explore Greek Life While NYU may not be known for its fraternities and sororities, they have the potential to be a major part of your college experience. Greek life is an op-
portunity to find ready-made social events while making lifelong friends and contacts. Get to know the 33 fraternities and sororities at the annual Meet the Greeks event on Sept. 3 in the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium.
Create something new Lack of a specific project, event or club has never stopped NYU students from getting involved before — they just create it themselves. From personalized dorm cleaning services to a marketplace for students to exchange used textbooks, furniture and more with each other, NYU students are constantly exploring and expanding into new areas. New
York City is the perfect place to think outside the box and find like-minded people to develop your dreams.
Travel the world With 13 different locations across the world, NYU prides itself on its global presence. Every year, students explore and learn more about other cultures as they study away. Traveling abroad during one of your semesters at NYU is an opportunity to challenge yourself and take advantage of a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. Email Sue Liang and Bailey Evans at features@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | Washington Square news
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dining
edited by rebecca riddle dining@nyunews.com
Gelato shop brings authentic Italian treats to the West Village By Kendall Levison Contributing Writer
Dolce Gelateria makes authentic Italian recipes daily and is well worth the short trek from Washington Square during the first week of classes. Formerly called L’Arte Del Gelateria, the store at 33 Barrow St. has been scooping up frozen Italian treats since 2007. Last summer, the shop underwent a rebranding featuring new menu items. There are a few main differences between ice cream and gelato. Gelato contains less fat than ice cream and is served at a slightly warmer temperature to allow the flavors to shine. In the case of Dolce, those flavors come from carefully sourced ingredients including olive oil from a grove that belongs to owner Salvatore Potestio’s family in Sicily and fresh fruits to make their dairy-free sorbetto. The earthy, muted green pistachio is made from nuts imported from Italy and contains no artificial colors. The dolce di latte tastes more toffee-like
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than its South American cousin dulce de leche. If it is steaming out, you might want to bypass the richer offerings in favor of one of their rotating flavors of sorbetto. The passion fruit is particularly good — intensely fruity and not too sweet. Not every flavor is perfect, including a vanilla that does not taste enough like its namesake, and a slightly gritty chocolate sorbetto. For those of you who think that the pinnacle of Italian cuisine comes in a glass jar with red letters, try skipping the too-sweet Nutella flavor. Instead, make your own by ordering Dolce’s excellent hazelnut gelato and their milk chocolate side by side. For a finishing touch, any flavor combination you choose will taste better in one of the crisp waffle cones that get made in-house every day. Dolce Gelateria’s signature dish is the spaghetti gelato, which thankfully does not taste like tomatoes. Instead, its vanilla gelato is shaped into noodles, topped with a mixed berry “marinara” sauce and finished
photo by alyssa vinzons
Dolce Gelateria offers a variety of flavors, both classic and unique. with a meatball made of a scoop of another gelato flavor, topped with chocolate. Their menu includes affogato, a dish made of vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso on top, along with two nontraditional variations — one with mascarpone gelato and Italian hot chocolate and the other with
New York City food Instagrams to follow
via instagram.com
Followers can submit food suggestions to @New_Fork_City. By Sue Liang Contributing Writer 1. @New_Fork_City: This Instagram run by three New Yorkers consists of many delicious food posts by their followers submitted via email or with the hashtag of their clever name, #newforkcity. From savory to sweet, they post drool-inducing food photos on a daily basis, along with full reviews of restaurants, food recipes and more on their website. 2. @BestFoodNY: This Instagram successfully brings together the Instagram community of foodies in New York City. The creators take the time to search for the best food
photos of the city and repost them with details about the original poster, the restaurant, a description of the food and comments that encourage discussion and engagement among followers. They also have their own app, MyFab5, to make finding delicious food spots in the city easier than ever. This account allows viewers to look at delicious eats, as well as be a part of the account itself.
3. @NYCfoodgals: With the cute and clever motto “We’re roommates keeping our friends close and our snacks closer,” these four women share the photos from their food adventures in New York City through this shared Instagram. With no fancy filters or DSLR-quality food photos, this Instagram will fill your feed with food photos that make you wish you could take a bite of your screen. 4. @NoBreadNYC: NYU dining halls are filled with gluten-free options for those with a dietary preference or restriction, so why shouldn’t NYU students’ Instagram feeds have the same range? From steak to oysters to gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, this account consistently posts everyone’s favorites. It covers every kind of food while keeping gluten out of the list of ingredients for those with dietary restrictions. You do not need to be on a gluten-free diet to follow it, though. As long as you love to eat, don’t miss this account.
5. @UrbanxKoi: The creator of this account, Nana Tsay, is a talented Columbia University graduate and photographer. The moment she clicks the shutter of her lens, ordinary items transform into pieces of extraordinary art, offering perspectives that you probably had not considered before. Magic occurs with every photograph. Her food photos are unlike any you have seen before, as she has a talent for taking everything to a new level of beautiful creativity. Tsay photographs all of the restaurants and cafes she explores around New York City, as well as homemade food she creates in her own kitchen. Email Sue Liang at dining@nyunews.com.
via instagram.com
A Columbia University graduate created @UrbanxKoi.
lemon sorbetto and fresh orange juice. Or try an ice cream sandwich, Mediterranean style. The shop takes brioche rolls custom-made by a local bakery and fills them with up to three flavors of gelato to make this Sicilian specialty ($5.95). In a city overflowing with gelato shops, it is the attention
to detail and authenticity that makes this small store stand out — regardless of the name on the sign. Dolce Gelateria is located at 33 Barrow St., on the corner of Seventh Avenue South. Email Kendall Levison at dining@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | nyunews.com
ARTS
edited by ALEX GREENBERGER arts@nyunews.com
comedy continued from PG. 1
City venues, student groups offer array of humorous shows
staff photo by shawn paik
New York City offers a wealth of opportunities for comedy enthusiasts to see well-known and emerging comedians at a range of venues, including the Comedy Cellar. to test out new material. Louis C.K.’s Comedy Cellar shows are even featured prominently in his semi-autobiographical FX show “Louie.” More big names can be found at two NBC live shows — latenight classic “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Comedy fans can get in line for standby
tickets for either of these shows, but doing so can take commitment and endurance — people will get in line as early as 24 hours in advance to get tickets for these popular shows. The year’s biggest New York comedy event has yet to come. The annual New York Comedy Festival, sponsored by Comedy Central, will take place this year
from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9. As always, the line-up boasts a diverse mix of celebrities and up-and-comers. This year’s festival highlights include Bill Cosby at Carnegie Hall on Nov. 8; Amy Schumer, also at Carnegie Hall, on Nov. 7; Tig Notaro at Town Hall on Nov. 6; and Marc Maron’s two shows at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 7.
And if all that sounds overwhelming or too expensive, NYU’s student clubs and groups put on comedy shows yearround, many of which are free. Among NYU’s student-run comedy groups are Dangerbox, Pasadena Golf Club, After School Special, Home Improvment and Dirt Circle, as well as two sketch groups, Hammerkatz and Free
Beer. Auditions for these groups are held in September, offering students the chance to join in on the laughs. And for those looking to enjoy comedy instead of perform it, these groups are proof that one does not even need to leave campus for a good laugh. Email Julia Krom at entertainment@nyunews.com.
New York City films to see on Netflix, in theaters By Isabel Jones Film Editor As a student in New York City, it can be challenging to remain in touch with the magic that ushered us to NYU. The once vibrant, bustling island can easily turn into a stress-filled, internship-laden nightmare. But no matter how betrayed we may feel by the city itself, there is one thing that always seems to restore that magnetic energy — movies. Here are a few movies set in the city that you can catch on Netflix right now, or see in theaters soon. “Birdman,” the latest film from acclaimed director Alejandro González Iñárritu, is capping off a successful festival run this October. Supposedly deviating from Iñárritu’s stylistic tendency toward dark melodrama — the like of “Babel” and “Biutiful” — “Birdman” could stand as a career-making film for both Iñárritu and its star Michael Keaton. And, of utmost importance, the film is set in one of the most intrinsically Manhattan locales
there is: the theater district. On the other side of the bridge, there’s “The Drop” — a crime drama that delves into the world of Brooklyn’s working class. Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini star as cousins, with Gandolfini’s performance being the recently deceased “Sopranos” actor’s final film appearance. Catch “The Drop” in theaters starting Sept. 12. Also set for a September release is Max Nichols’ directorial debut, “Two Night Stand.” Megan (Analeigh Tipton) and Alec (Miles Teller) share an extended one-night stand after an erratic New York snowstorm. If instant gratification sounds more appealing, the Netflix portal won’t disappoint. In the spirit of collegiate coming-of-age, “Frances Ha” is always a welcomed stream. While the rom antic black-andwhite exterior shots alone are worth a watch, “Ha” has other merits as well. It is difficult to feel talentless and emotionally stunted after comparing oneself to Greta Gerwig’s Frances, a 27-year-old failed yet passionate modern danc-
er. For more aimless 20-somethings and neuroses in New York, throw it back to Lena Dunham’s first commercial venture, “Tiny Furniture.” For a more haunting take on Manhattan, there is always the Academy Award-winning romance “Ghost.” Nothing screams retro like a cast consisting of Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze — but nothing screams perfection quite like that cast, either. Pay close attention to Sam and Molly’s (Swayze and Moore) apartment — it is unreal. Perhaps 1990 was the time to invest in Manhattan real estate. On a more somber note, there is the illuminating documentary “Man on Wire.” The piece profiles French tightrope walker Philippe Petit and his incredible journey between the Twin Towers. While in retrospect the content is tinged with melancholy, Petit’s journey is anything but depressing. Plus, there is an odd comfort in seeing the towers stand strong on screen — a bygone era preserved through film footage. When it comes down to it,
via wikipedia.com
“Birdman” is set in the theater district of New York City. New York City is more than just a classic setting. New York City is a character in every film it enters, and it is a character in your
life, too. Welcome it. Email Isabel Jones at ijones@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | Washington Square news
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arts
edited by alex greenberger arts@nyunews.com
New summer television series offer variety to viewers
By Nivea Serrao and Ife Olujobi Staff Writer, Entertainment Editor
This year’s summer television was a mixed bag in terms of quality and content. Returning series like “Masters of Sex” and “Orange is the New Black” impressed critics and audiences alike, but a
whole batch of freshman series also found success and even captured the cultural zeitgeist. First up, ABC Family’s “Chasing Life” tells the story of April Carver (Italia Ricci), an aspiring journalist who is diagnosed with cancer. April struggles to accept her disease and tries to balance her treat-
via wikipedia.com
“Married” provides a nuanced look at a typical sitcom household.
ments with her burgeoning love life, her family and her friends. In a rarity for television, Ricci’s stellar performance in this family drama offers a glimpse into some of the real struggles cancer patients face. Another excellent familythemed summer series is “Married,” the new FX show following married couple Russ (Nat Faxon) and Lina (Judy Greer) as they struggle to raise their children and present a front of normalcy while staving off unhappiness and bankruptcy. While the show’s setup reads like a clichéd sitcom, “Married” takes its conventional and sometimes broad plot points and consistently subverts them, presenting off-kilter situations with realistic solutions while highlighting the absurdity, mundanity and sadness of everyday life. With a stellar supporting cast rounded out by actors and comedians Jenny Slate, Brett Gelman, John Hodgman and Paul Reiser, “Married” is a quiet but surprising treat. For those who enjoy their sitcoms without gravitas, NBC’s familiar but charming “Undateable”
fits the bill. From “Scrubs” creator Bill Lawrence, this NBC sitcom focuses on Danny (Chris D’Elia) as he offers his roommate Justin (Brent Morin) dating advice. With a cast of seasoned improvisers and stand-up comedians, the show’s fresh jokes allow its actors to cash in on their collective chemistry and charisma. On the other end of the spectrum is more serious fare, like CBS’s sci-fi drama “Extant.” The Steven Spielberg-produced series centers on Molly Woods (Halle Berry), an astronaut who returns home to her engineer husband and android son, only to find herself mysteriously pregnant. While the series’ various elements sometimes feel familiar, Berry offers up a compelling lead, while the plot throws out enough twists and surprises to keep viewers interested. Another show that involves elements of science fiction is Starz’s “Outlander,” which has a decidedly more historical bent. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling series of novels, this series finds World War II nurse Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) transported back in time to 1743 Scotland, where she meets
a handsome Highlander named Jamie Frasier (Sam Heughan). Developed by “Battlestar Galatica” producer Ronald D. Moore, the series looks stunning and feels original, especially because of its distinctly female point-of-view. “Outlander” stands alongside Cinemax’s Steven Soderbergh-directed “The Knick” as one of two promising historical shows this summer. Finally, Netflix’s British import “Happy Valley” follows Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire), a Yorkshire police sergeant struggling to raise her orphaned grandson while also trying to take down the man responsible for her daughter’s suicide. Lancashire’s fantastic performance, coupled with the show’s brilliant writing, makes the six-episode season worth every minute. While only a sampling of what summer 2014 television had to offer, these seven shows should give you more than enough to binge on before fall shows start, or before classes get too demanding. Email Nivea Serrao and Ife Olujobi at entertainment@nyunews.com.
Houghton returns to New York Interested in working with us? Come to our Sunday pitch meetings!
UNDER THE ARCH | 4:30 p.m. NEWS | 5 p.m. FEATURES | 6 p.m. ARTS | 6 p.m. PHOTO/MULTIMEDIA | 6 p.m. SPORTS | 6:30 p.m. OPINION | 7 p.m. 838 broadway, fifth floor
By Alexa Spieler Music Editor
Tiffany Houghton is not a stranger to the bustle of New York. Houghton lived in Texas until the age of nine when she was selected to play the understudy for the actress who played the title character in the Broadway production of “Annie.” After that, Houghton and her family moved to Manhattan. Houghton was instantly captivated by how the streets of Manhattan shimmer. “I thought that was because so many Broadway stars and celebrities came through the streets, that the glitter just shed off of them because they were so sparkly or had tons of makeup on,” Houghton told WSN. Houghton is a petite, courteous blonde who is also a formidable creative force. The 20-year-old’s eclectic personality is the result of her upbringing — she has the kindness of a Southerner and the ambition of a New Yorker. Houghton may have a New York mentality, but she has not lost her Southern sweetness. “I’m definitely going to hug you when I meet you,” Houghton said. Houghton is now back in New York after touring with MKTO, a Californian pop duo with whom she has been performing songs that she wrote in her bedroom. “It’s cool to see how my songs translate onto the stage and with my full band. It’s so cool
to see people singing along,” Houghton said, reflecting on how her songs evolved from bedroom to stage. Time away from New York made the city more exciting, Houghton explained. “It’s always fun to come back to New York because there’s a certain energy and intensity here that I can relate to,” she said. “I definitely identify with a New Yorker personality, to a certain extent in that I’m always go, go, go.” Houghton may personify Southern hospitality, but that does not mean she is in any way passive. Her most recent single, “The Best,” is an empowering feminist anthem, where the narrator recounts being cheated on and how she faced the situation with fortitude. Houghton noted that she has been in relationships where everything was dependent on her boyfriend’s opinion — she found validation in being called pretty or talented. “It was all about whatever he thought,” Houghton said. “Whatever he said went.” Now Houghton is focusing on her perception of herself and encourages all girls to do the same. “It’s so important for girls to recognize that no one’s opinion of who they are is more important than their own opinion of themselves,” she said. On stage, she sings about loving band boys — songs that, for her fans, will be relatable. But her songs do not have the bub-
bliness that many female singers’ lyrics often have. Instead, she is a source of strength and encouragement, and she shows her young fanbase, primarily teenage girls, that they can take charge of their own lives. Email Alexa Spieler at aspieler@nyunews.com.
via facebook.com
Tiffany Houghton combines New York drive with Southern hospitality.
@nyunews
nyunews.com | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | Washington Square news
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Sports
edited by CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO SPORTS@nyunews.com
Weekend wrap-up By Kyle Luther Contributing Writer
Men’s Soccer The NYU men’s soccer team started the season off 2-0 over the weekend, defeating both Baruch College 3-1 and Brooklyn College 1-0. The Violets never trailed in either contest. On Saturday the Violets handily defeated Baruch College. The first two goals for the Violets came from Stern freshman midfielder Vegas Kastberg and CAS freshman defender Liam Stimpson. It was a team win, but CAS junior goalkeeper Nico Cantor should be noted for making two saves in only his second career start to keep Baruch College from getting within striking distance. The second match against Brooklyn College in the home opener was much closer with the Violets only scoring late in the game. They controlled most of the game, taking nine shots on goal compared to only two from Brooklyn College. In the 87th minute Stern freshman and forward Nicolas Notaro head-
ed the ball past the keeper finally taking advantage of the team’s many opportunities and sealing the game away.
Women’s Soccer The NYU women’s soccer team started off the season 1-1 over the weekend at the Cougar Classic in Union, New Jersey. The Violets won the first game 1-0 against Richard Stockton on Saturday but lost a close match 2-1 against host Kean University on Sunday. The team maintained a 1-0 lead against Richard Stockton for the majority of the game on Saturday. The only goal in the game came from Poly freshman forward Olivia Braender-Carr late in the first half. The Violets defense was the star of the match, only allowing one shot on goal during the first half while sophomore goalie Cassie Steinberg made four saves during the course of the game. Unfortunately, the Violets were not able to come back in a 2-1 loss against Kean on Sunday. The Cougars scored first in the 14th minute of the game but the Violets
responded just five minutes later when CAS senior forward Cami Crawford netted one in the upper right corner off a cross from SCPS junior forward Melissa Menta. Kean’s Shelby Pedersen scored the winning goal in the 76th minute to crush the Violets’ hopes of a weekend sweep.
Women’s Volleyball The NYU women’s volleyball team was defeated in a close match to North Central College in the Labor Day Invitational Championship over the weekend. The Violets managed to defeat Babson College, St. John Fisher College and Union College in a lead up to the championship game against North Central. The Violets took an early lead, winning the first set over the Cardinals, but did not maintain that lead. The Violets won the first set 25-22, lost the second set 25-20, came back to win the third 25-22 but lost the fourth set 25-15 and the fifth set 15-5. Email Kyle Luther at sports@nyunews.com.
File Photo by Caroline Collins
The NYU volleyball team lost its match to North Central College.
Home stadiums for baseball, softball teams announced
VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM
The NYU baseball team will play at MCU Park in Coney Island during its first varsity season since 1974. By Tony Chau Deputy Sports Editor The new NYU varsity baseball and softball teams officially
have their home fields for the upcoming season. NYU Athletics announced on Aug. 20 that the baseball team will play its home games
at MCU Park and the softball team will share a home field with Fordham University at the Bahoshy Softball Complex. Located in popular Brooklyn
tourist attraction Coney Island, MCU Park has been the home of the New York Mets’ Class-A affiliate the Brooklyn Cyclones since 2001. Fittingly, the park is just minutes away from the iconic Brooklyn Cyclone rollercoaster. Douglas Kimbler, the head coach of the baseball team, underscored the impact the park could have on the development of the team. “Having a place to play like MCU Park, in the infancy of this program, is a prominent tool in recruiting high-end academic student-athletes to NYU,” Kimbler said. Although baseball has been a club sport at the university for years, the program Kimbler alludes to is very much in its pilot stage. The integration of the NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering into the university brought with it a varsity baseball team, which NYU has not had since 1974 when it played in the NCAA Division I. This upcoming season, the team will be promoted from a club sport to the NCAA Division III. The baseball team will not be the only team playing on an outer-borough diamond, however, as the softball team will play in the heart of Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. Having undergone a major renovation just two years ago, the Bahoshy Softball Complex is now more fan-friendly with
the addition of a new grandstand and backstop behind home plate. Like the baseball program, the varsity softball team will play in the NCAA Division III and was also the byproduct of the Poly assimilation with only one distinction: it will be the first time the university has ever boasted a varsity softball team. Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information Jeffrey Bernstein expressed the excitement of the department at the end result of the search. “A lot of time and effort went into securing these outstanding fields for our baseball and softball teams,” Bernstein said. “They are terrific facilities, and we look forward to utilizing them as we begin a new era of NYU varsity baseball and add varsity softball for the first time.” In spite of the exciting announcement, fans will have to be patient while waiting to see the teams take the field because the baseball and softball seasons do not begin until February 2015 and March 2015, respectively. The softball team will take the field at the Bahoshy Softball Complex at its first home game when it faces Montclair State University on March 21. A week later, the baseball team will make its MCU Park debut against Brandeis University on March 28. Email Tony Chau at tchau@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | nyunews.com
nyunews.com The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The new york times crossword & daily sudoku Crossword ACROSS 1 Willy of “Free Willy,” e.g. 5 Kind of breath 10 Transportation for Mary Poppins or E.T. 14 Bit of office greenery 15 Forge a deal, say 16 How a sale item may be sold 17 United Nations headquarters decoration 18 Nursery worker’s suggestion for a backstabber? 20 Gets more clearheaded 22 Pontius ___ 23 Part of a place setting 24 Killer bees and others 25 Shrew 27 Ones cutting in line, e.g. 28 Tennis’s Ivanovic
29 Former New York governor Spitzer 31 Deuces 35 Peaks: Abbr. 36 … for a scoundrel? 39 Physicist Georg 40 Ask, as a riddle 42 Run away (with) 43 The Tigers of the S.E.C. 44 Responds hotly? 47 Atmospheric phenomenon during low temperatures 49 Mujer of mixed race 52 Noted filmmaker with a dog named Indiana 53 Milanese fashion house 54 Overly devoted son 57 … for a fall guy? 59 Connecticut Ivy 60 Away from a chat program, say
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61 It’s debatable 62 From the top 63 Cartoon collectibles 64 Wheelbarrow or thimble, in Monopoly 65 Line parts: Abbr. DOWN 1 Does a mob hit on 2 Move, to a Realtor 3 … for a grouch? 4 German chancellor Merkel 5 Extended piece by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin or John Entwistle of the Who 6 ___ Dei 7 Snare 8 Cry at a horror house 9 Like the diving end of a pool vis-à-vis the other end 10 Gas balloon supply 11 “Shaft” composer Hayes 12 Kunta ___ of “Roots” 13 ___ Park, Colo. 19 Rosy 21 Was fierce, as a storm 24 “I second that” 25 Improvise musically 26 “What’s gotten ___ you?” 27 Features of a droopy face
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46 Rapper who hosted MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”
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nyunews.com | tuesday, september 2, 2014 | Washington Square news
opinion
edited by CHRISTINA COLEBURN opinion@nyunews.com
Scientific Society
Panic distracts from U.S. Ebola treatment By Tess Woosley Deputy Opinion Editor
Ebola is an alarming virus with severe symptoms. Although the fatality rate of the current West African outbreak is 55 percent, some strains are as deadly as 90 percent. There have been over 3,000 confirmed cases to date throughout Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. Given these frightening statistics, it is unsurprising that one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in history has received media attention worldwide. Yet, it is important to remember the facts and have focused, productive discourse. This summer, Ebola trended on Twitter. Rumors ran rampant, including unfounded concerns that the virus had become airborne. In reality, Ebola can only spread between humans via direct contact with body fluids. Social media is an excellent tool for encouraging social and political action, but it should be used to educate, not spread false information. The lack of knowledge about the virus within West Africa is actually increasing transmission, as patients avoid treatment centers and hide their illnesses due to fearful associations of aide workers with
the disease. The United States has far more tools available to educate itself, yet we are still anxious about a virus that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention insists does not pose a significant risk to the U.S. population. American institutions should continue to be cautious when it comes to potential isolated Ebola cases, even though there is not a large risk in the United States due to existing health care infrastructure. The successful treatment of two health care workers quarantined at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta for Ebola demonstrated that large American hospitals are capable of combating the virus. Recently, three New York hospitals, including the NYU Langone Medical Center, had potential Ebola cases and followed proper protocol in handling them. Fortunately, none of these were actual Eb-
ola cases, but in international cities it is still possible. The CDC is also advising universities to screen international students coming from West Africa. In an abundance of caution, NYU responded to the outbreak by postponing its study abroad program in Accra. Measures like these should give the public confidence in the way the United States has dealt with this outbreak. A UNICEF regional director recently said, “If we are to break the chain of Ebola transmission, it is crucial to combat the fear surrounding it and earn the trust of communities.” While it is difficult for most to take direct action in fighting the culture of fear and distrust in West Africa, Americans can start at home. It is time the public learned the facts and stopped the spread of misinformation. Government organizations like the CDC and the National Institute of Health are taking Ebola very seriously — Twitter panics and media sensationalism only make their jobs harder. Email Tess Woosley at twoosley@nyunews.com.
Student opportunities
Unpaid internships vital for some students By Felipe De La Hoz Contributing Columnist
Unpaid internships have been a cause of heated discussion and perpetual frustration on college campuses. Estimates indicate that between one-fourth and one-half of U.S. internships do not compensate their interns. Regulators and students alike question whether this practice is harmful and, potentially, illegal. Most recently, the debate has inspired changes in labor policy pertaining to interns. Last April, Mayor Bill de Blasio approved a law that gave unpaid interns the right to sue if they are discriminated against or harassed by an employer. Other lawsuits aim to further shape the legal landscape of the unpaid internship by giving minimum wage to interns with responsibilities comparable to paid employees. However, many people do not believe that these regulatory measures extend far enough and would like to see unpaid internships stripped from the collegiate landscape altogether. Tisch senior Christina Isnardi started an online petition to urge the Wasserman Center for Career Development to stop posting “illegal, exploitative
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unpaid internships” on the CareerNet website. At present time, the petition has received 1,190 signatures. This Fair Pay Campaign would eliminate unpaid internships, including top positions at the White House. The frustration at working for free is understandable. Nobody wants to employ their talents without compensation. Regardless, some crucial voices are being left out of the dialogue — those who cannot do paid internships. For international students like myself, there are many pitfalls and aggravations associated with not having a Social Security Number, and obtaining internships is one of them. While universities can help international students find paid internships through Curricular Practical Training, the eligibility requirements are narrow. The internship would have to be
“directly related to your program of study,” invalidating those that are not directly related to a student’s declared major. There is also no guarantee that your CPT request will be approved. In the 2012-2013 academic year, internationals comprised 12 percent of the NYU student body. Unpaid internships are our best bet to obtain the work experience that proves pivotal to collegiate life. For undocumented students, the picture is grimmer. Without the option of a CPT, the only doors open for undocumented students to gain work experience in their given field are through unpaid internships. With 18 states now offering in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants, the percentage of undocumented students can only grow. Until a system is created that allows international and undocumented students to be compensated the way citizens and permanent residents are, these students must rely on unpaid internships. Eliminating unpaid internships sacrifices the opportunities to gain valuable work experience. Email Felipe De La Hoz at opinion@nyunews.com.
staff editorial
Hotels do not solve housing shortage
The NYU housing system has a long history of limited campus space. Compared to Columbia, NYU offers half the academic square footage per student. Compared to Yale, NYU provides less than one-fifth. This shortage is most obvious in housing. For the past seven years, NYU has exceeded the number of applicants from the year prior. During the same period, the admission rate has remained steady. How can the university celebrate its increasingly large applicant pool and its improved desirability to prospective students when it is struggling to house currently enrolled students? This semester, students have been placed into three Affinia hotels in Midtown due to the temporary closure of Hayden residence hall. While the hotels provide housekeeping twice a week, a television set with cable and other amenities, the students are alienated from campus. NYU provides monthly MetroCards to these undergraduates in place of a shuttle service. In addition, students who chose to live in the hotels for the fall semester are given priority placement in the study abroad program of their choice next semester, which served as the main attraction for its current residents. NYU has fairly compensated students willing to move out of the area, but housing shortages have been a long-standing issue within the university. In 1985, NYU placed 350 students in the Seville Hotel. More recently, there was a severe housing shortage in 2002 and small numbers of students have been placed in hotels every year since. This reflects a consistent pattern that needs a more permanent solution. In order to provide more housing for students, NYU has to either bid on buildings or construct new ones. Although decreasing the admissions rate would lower tuition revenue and endowment, reducing the admissions rate would also allow the university to operate with significantly lower expenses. While the NYU administration has made a noteworthy investment in building renovations, it comes at an implicit cost. In order to invest in dorms for incoming classes, current undergraduates must bare the brunt of renovation — either being displaced in off-campus housing or competing for dorms that have noticeable disparities in quality. As such, having fewer students would likely lead to better housing opportunities for active undergraduates. Supporting campus growth by admitting more students is not feasible without a tradeoff in square footage per student. While the housing shortage presents a major challenge to the NYU administration’s ability to cater to its students in the midst of university expansion, it is also indicative of its inability to find a better solution to the recurring problem. The strategies that the administration has employed unacceptably prioritize future growth over current students and this short-sighted fix does not address the crux of the issue. NYU should attend to the needs of the current student body, not compromise its housing situation in the name of an ongoing expansion plan.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Christina Coleburn (Chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Adam Fazlibegu(Co-chair), Tess Woosley (Co-chair)
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.