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VOL. 96, NO. 1

2A Back-to-School 2010 Amanda Turner, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

WELCOME TO OU AND THE DAILY COLUMN

MEREDITH MORIAK Incoming Editor-in-Chief

enjoyed learning from my co-workers. The experience I’ve gained in the Copeland Hall newsroom helped me land three professional newspaper int was the first day of classes in August 2007 and I ternships and prepared me to serve as editor-in-chief this logged into Facebook after getting ready for a lecture. year. I had a message in my inbox from a guy I’d met that The road to where I am now wasn’t easy, but it’s someMarch. thing I wouldn’t trade for the world. He was an editor at The Oklahoma For many of you, the road to college wasn’t easy. Daily and I’d visited with him during Deciding where to go, leaving home and walking into the spring break. unknown isn’t something to be taken lightly. In the message, he asked if I was interBut now that you’re here, in the heart of Sooner Nation, ested in working for The Daily and told I encourage all of you to get out of the dorm and get me to call him when I got out of class. involved. After my pre-calculus lecture that As fun as pizza delivery and video games until 4 a.m. morning, I excitedly dialed his phone can be, that’s not what makes the college experience. number, unaware of how influential this MEREDITH It’s about getting involved in the cultural, academic, friend and The Daily would be on my MORIAK service, social, faith-based, athletic and leadership orgafuture. nizations. There are hundreds of them and each needs I met up with him on the South Oval enthusiastic members who are willing to participate, for free Howdy Week pizza, was introduced to my editor learn and one-day lead. and assigned a story on drunken driving checkpoints. The students, faculty and staff at this university want to Just like that, I was up and running my act like my welcoming editor did and get first day as a Sooner. I’d been welcomed If you’re interested in writing you involved. They want to teach you and to The Daily family and I was hooked. for The Daily, have story ideas or watch you succeed. Let them. During the past three years, I’ve That said; don’t over-commit yourself just have questions about being a worked for The Daily as a reporter, copy to too many things. editor and managing editor. Despite what Sooner, feel free to e-mail Meredith Spend freshman year trying new things at meredithmoriak@ou.edu. I might have said when editors asked me and having different experiences. Figure to rewrite stories for the fourth time, I’ve out what you enjoy and where your talloved every second of it. ents lie. Copeland Hall, room 160, is the place that can make Then, focus your time and energy on making a differme smile, cry, laugh and scream all in the same day. I’ve ence in a few organizations, rather than passively being met some incredible people while writing stories and involved in a lot. It’s my hope that each of you find something to invest your time in like I’ve found The Daily. FALL 2010 AND SPRING 2011 EDITORIAL BOARD I smile knowing my peers pour themselves into camMeredith Moriak Editor-in-Chief pus groups and causes like the green initiative, Spanish Chris Lusk Senior Online Editor Club and ROTC. Every group on our campus is important Renee Selanders Managing Editor and makes our college experience better. No matter what groups you end up joining, just make LeighAnne Manwarren Assignment Editor sure you’re happy. Dusty Somers Life & Arts Editor For some of you, happiness may come from seeing James Corley Sports Editor your story or photographs in The Daily. If that’s the case, Jared Rader Opinion Editor consider this your personal Facebook message. I’d love to join you on the South Oval for some free Howdy Week Mark Potts Multimedia Editor pizza. Neil McGlohon Photo Editor For the rest of you, I hope you find a niche that gets Lauren Harned Design Editor you excited about being a Sooner, introduces you to

Amanda Turner Managing Editor Night Editor Mark Potts Opinion Editor Life & Arts Editor Eli Hull Photo Editor LeighAnne Manwarren Online Editor Luke Atkinson Writing Coach Judy Gibbs Robinson Editorial Adviser Bobby Jones Advertising Manager

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum and OU’s independent student voice. Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced and signed by the author(s). Letters will be cut to fit. Students must list their major and classification. OU staff and faculty must list their title. All letters must include a daytime phone number. Authors submitting letters in person must present photo identification. Submit letters Sunday through Thursday, in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters can also be submitted via e-mail to dailyopinion@ou.edu. Guest columns are accepted at editor’s discretion. ’Our View’ is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily. Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff. The board meets daily in160 Copeland Hall. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

In this file photo from November 2008, Meredith Moriak, then a journalism sophomore, arrives home after spending a week living “homeless” on the OU campus. The Daily published a diary of her experiences trying to find food and shelter and staying clean. incredible people and makes you want to lead. Whenever you find that, be sure to let me know. I’m sure we’d love to write about it. Class of 2014: no matter how you’re feeling today — nervous, excited, anxious, lonely or overwhelmed — remember it. You’ll look back in four years and smile, because the start of freshman year is the start of something wonderful. - Meredith Moriak is a journalism senior. She will be the editor-in-chief of The Daily during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters.

Back-to-School Edition 2010

BY THE NUMBERS: A LOOK AT OU POPULATION BY GENDER 10,693 females

Total number of instructional faculty on Norman campus in 2009-2010

Percent of freshmen in top tenth of high school class

$44.5 MILLION Total non-athletic scholarships granted in 2009-2010 academic year

11,039 males

POPULATION BY CLASS 6,445

248

degrees offered at OU

3,571

$1,016

Estimated yearly expenses for typical full-time undergraduate student

TOP FIVE MAJORS BY COLLEGE

Education 1,418

3,038

1,375

Undecided 1,342

4,053

Business 2,730

Arts & Sciences 7,925

Engineering

2,341 GRAPHICS BY AMANDA TURNER AND LUKE ATKINSON/THE DAILY

DATA FOR 2009-2010. SOURCE: IRR.OU.EDU

Library Welcome Thursday, August 19, 1:30 – 3:30 PM Friday, August 20, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Stop by Bizzell Memorial Library for a quick “meet and greet.” Meet a few of the library staff members, learn how the library helps students succeed at OU, and find out why Bizzell is packed with students all the time, all semester long. Short library tours will be offered for those who would like them. For more information, please call (405) 325-4142 or e-mail librarian@ou.edu

4A Back-to-School Edition 2010 Mark Potts, opinion editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

Thumbs up, thumbs down: WELCOME TO PAGE 4 Special freshmen edition OUR VIEW

Contrary to popular belief, the newspaper medium is not dead. If it were, you would not be holding this in your hands. These pages are alive and well with valuable information that you can benefit from, and we are happy that you are reading it. (If you are reading this online, just ignore that first paragraph.) The Oklahoma Daily is an institution at OU. We are the official student news source of the university, but not attached to it. We are the independent voice, meaning that we are the ones who control our content, not the university. Which is a good thing, otherwise we would be writing about how awesome it is that the tuition is going up, and you would read an article each week about our National Merit Scholars per capita. In short: We are here to serve the students. We strive to be a great source of news with smartly written content and entertaining stories. However, we have to recognize that we sometimes do not live up to our own expectations. Like every organization, we have had ups and downs. But thank goodness we aren’t the Chicago Cubs. We can learn from our mistakes and improve. We will work our hardest to give you well written and timely content. And we also vow to use spell check more often. But enough of that serious stuff, let’s talk opinion. This opinion page is where, in each edition, we present our view, which is what you are currently reading. The editorial staff, consisting of all The Daily’s editors, come together and discuss what should be the editorial opinion of the day, known as “Our View.” These opinions do not come lightly (or without some yelling), but we feel it is important to discuss what is going on around us, be it university related, United States related or world related, and present our views on a significant topic. From there, the opinion page is filled with articles written by, well, you. Anyone can write for the

Anyone can write for the opinion page, and we very much encourage you to come in and fill out an application to write for us. We welcome all views on all topics from students of all backgrounds and majors. opinion page, and we very much encourage you to come in and fill out an application to write for us. We welcome all views on all topics from students of all backgrounds and majors. We want a variety of voices and views, but please, be smart about it. Use facts to back up your argument. You can’t say President Barack Obama is the savior of the world without producing something to back that up, just like you cannot say he is a secret commie-socialist without something concrete to support that statement. And of course, if you disagree with an opinion column you read in the paper, we encourage you to write a letter to the editor or post a reply online telling us why. We try to print these letters regularly and often put them online no matter what. The opinion page is also home to political cartoons. In the past, we have had a variety of cartoons, from well-drawn to poorly-drawn animals that are suppose to be llamas, but really look nothing like llamas. If you want to draw a comic, please do and present your idea to the opinion editor. We are always looking for art to put on the page. We want to encourage an open forum for smart, intellectual dialog between students. We are not always going to agree, which is great. Use this page to spur dialog between you and your friends. And if you feel like contributing your voice to the page, please do.

You’re finished with applications, enrollment and moving, and finally starting college! Get ready for exciting exams. They aren’t fun anymore. Wait, were they ever? At least they weren’t as frightening as midterms and finals. Good luck! You will be meeting a lot of new people from all over the world, and making lifelong friends. Hopefully your suitemate is a good person, otherwise you’re going to be fighting over the bathroom a lot. And in the mornings, when things need to happen? That’s when it’ll get rough. You’re in an environment where professors treat you more like adults than children, unlike in your first 12 years of schooling. Being an adult means being mature. You alone are responsible for getting to bed at a decent hour and getting to all your classes on time. There are many opportunities to get free food, especially the first few weeks of school. Take advantage of this. All that free food will take its toll. The “Freshman 15” isn’t a myth. We suggest you try to walk and bike around Norman as much as possible. For most, this will be your first taste of freedom from home. Take advantage of your free time, explore the area, try new things and grow as a person. For many students, college suddenly means no more financial help from the parents. Spend wisely and don’t borrow more than you need. There are unlimited things to do on campus, including student organizations, famous speakers, Division I athletics, free movies and more. Fees. You’re going to be spending thousands in fees, some of which go for things you won’t use. Don’t look at the list of fees. It’ll just confuse and anger you.

DAVE MARTIN/ASSOCIATED PRESS

How did you spend your summer? An oil cleanup worker drags bags of oily sand along the stained beach July 19 in Grand Isle, La. Oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident continues to wash ashore.

When summer is a bust, get ready for fall I

t hasn’t been a fun summer, really. Maybe it is my age. I had a summer job. Two, actually. I had yard work to do about twice a week. The heat has been unbearable for some time. Funny how people who don’t believe in global warming will scream about snow and cool temperatures, yet, when we start having record-high heat, they keep quiet. But I digress. This has really been my first true “adult” summer. My previous college summers have consisted of fun internships or making movies with friends while working a parttime job just to survive. But these “adult” summers? They just aren’t fun. In addition to all that, it has also been pretty depressing when it comes to current events. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is still going on. Who knows when it will finally MARK be killed? Probably not as soon as thousands POTTS of fish and other marine life. Then there is the economy. It isn’t going up very quickly. I hear about that every day on television and in newspapers. The housing crisis, unemployment benefits, budget deficits, etc., etc. And sadly, we are still at war. Sigh. In an effort to escape the sadness that is our world, we like to go to imaginary places through the magic of film. And what better time for film than summer? Sure, you might say, “Mark, the fall is the best time for film because that’s usually when all the Oscar-caliber films are released. Also, you look just like George Clooney.” I would respond with, “I don’t care about Oscar-caliber films. I want stuff blowing up and pointless dialog. Also, I do look like George Clooney, thank you.” Then you would say, “You’ve used this George Clooney joke before.”

And I would respond, “Many times before. Many, many, Second, it personifies everything wrong with our country. times.” Why are we celebrating California? Isn’t it billions of dollars And you laugh and say, “But really, how is reality a joke? in debt with no way out? Shouldn’t its citizens be fighting for You look just like him!” better government representation, a change to their econI give a wry little smile and bat my hand at you, “Oh, you omy and be out working to make things better? Yes. But in stop it.” this song, it sounds like all the females are being super lazy, “I’m serious!” you say. “It’s uncanny!” getting drunk and having sex on beaches and ignoring their I look up at the sun, but I don’t close my eyes because I am civic duties. Shame on you, girls in California. You’re destroya man and the sun does not harm me. “It is uncanny,” I say in ing America. a deep and sexy man voice. Is the song “Alejandro” by Lady Gaga? I was ready to say it But this summer’s films had to go the same way that the was, until the names made me think of Spanish men, which rest of the world is going: to crap. Most films have no lived up made me think of the super-racist Arizona law, which makes to their potential. “A-Team,” while fun, left a lot to be desired. me sad. So no, not “Alejandro.” “Iron Man 2” was cool, but not as good as the first. I didn’t So summer movies are a bust. Summer music is a bust. even bother with the fourth “Shrek” movie because after the Everything summer is a bust. first, they should have stopped. “Grown Ups” felt like it was But I have hope for the fall. Things can’t stay bad forever nine hours long. It was the worst comedy I have seen since (unless you are a fan of Cleveland sports). “Schindler’s List.” And “Twilight: Eclipse?” Let’s just say they We have a whole new slate of films and music to be recould cast sea lions as the entire cast and leased soon, so hopefully there will be it would have been better acted (and ri- Everything summer is a some gold in there. The oil spill is capped diculously more adorable). and the relief wells are close to being The only bright spots so far have been bust. But I have hope for capped, so hopefully that will end that “Toy Story 3,” which did a fantastic job of for good. Washington is trying to pass ripping my heart out, and “Inception,” the fall. Things can’t stay legislation helping out the unemployed, which did a fantastic job of ripping my bad forever (unless you are which is a great step to helping out the brain out. economy (there is proof that passing out And then there is music. Every sum- a fan of Cleveland sports). unemployed benefits helps the economer, we get huge new releases from my, look it up). some of our favorite musicians. Out of So the outlook is more sunny than those albums, comes the song of the summer. It’s that one cloudy. song that is played everywhere, that you cannot get out of Plus, let’s be honest. I am just whiny because I wasn’t able your head, and that you ultimately hate more than anything to be off this summer, goofing around and playing video come September. But what is that song for this summer? games. Some say “California Gurls” by Katy Perry is that song. Sigh. I guess we all can’t be California girls after all. But I don’t think so. First, it is a great song, but it got old fast.

Back-to-School Edition 2010

Alcohol policy still strong after five years Alcohol education mandatory for incoming undergraduates 22 and younger, all greek members

to achieve their life goals.” Taking the initiative to reinforce the value of the educational experience, in conjunction with all the other things that make OU great, will help to encourage prospective CASEY WILSON students to call this place home, he said. The Oklahoma Daily The public also has been strongly supportive on the alcohol policy, having reIn addition to the typical math, science ceived honors from the Underage Drinking and English curriculum, students taking Enforcement Training Center as a “Success the next step in their educations at OU will Story” for the university’s efforts and combe schooled in the university’s strict alcomitment to curb underage drinking, hol policy. Shilling said. OU has been a “dry campus” since Spring The SafeRide program (325-RIDE) has 2005. Alcohol is banned in all fraternities, become increasingly popular since its insororities and residence halls, and restrictception in 2004 — giving nearly 7,000 rides ed to Friday and Saturday nights for events sponsored by campus-affiliated student annually — to both encourage responsible drinking and safely transport OU students organizations. The alcohol ban came after Blake in the Norman area, he said. Julie Odom, University College freshHammontree, a 19-year-old freshman man, said she is fine with OU’s alcohol from Enid, died after a Sigma Chi fraternity policy. Deciding not party Sept. 29, 2004. to go to OU simply beHis blood-alcohol level OU’S ALCOHOL POLICY cause of its dry campus was 0.42 — five times would reflect poorly on the legal limit. A “three-strikes” policy is in place for ons student, she said. The alcohol policy and off-campus violations, including: “I think I would has been successful in stick to what majors educating all students • Minor in possession they have and different and organizations • Public intoxication classes, ” Odom said. about responsible • Manufacture, use or possession of false University College drinking and promotidentification freshman James Cole ing a healthy lifestyle • Driving under the infl uence of alcohol said he also supports at OU, said OU spokesor drugs the alcohol policy on man Chris Shilling. • Driving while intoxicated campus. He predicts “With a few excep• Involvement in a crime while under the that even after he turns tions, we have received infl uence of alcohol or drugs 21, he still will support very positive respons• Possession or consumption of alcoholic the alcohol policy. es from the student beverages in residence halls, fraternity “I mean if you’re mabody, faculty and staff,” or sorority houses ture enough, you can Shilling said. • Possession or consumption of alcoholic take it,” Cole said. “You The alcohol policy beverages on OU property outdoors, have to know when to was written not as a deincluding lawns and parks stop.” terrent to the univerChase Hennion, sity but to support its engineering physics Source: https://webapps.ou.edu/alcohol/ overall mission safely, sophomore, said stuhe said. Alcohol edudents will most likely cation is mandatory for drink despite the strong all incoming graduates age 22 and under and all students joining alcohol policy because they are in college, away from parents and the restrictions they fraternities and sororities. “OU offers many things that enrich had at home. “So I think it’s good to have a strong althe student experience,” Shilling said. “Students come here from all over to re- cohol policy to protect people from overinceive a great education in order to prepare dulging in alcohol,” Hennion said.

BE HEARD.

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

A REFERENDUM PASSED IN THE SPRING OF 2009 REVEALED THAT 49 PERCENT OF VOTING STUDENTS SUPPORT A CAMPUS-WIDE SMOKING BAN. FOR STUDENT CONGRESS TO ACT ON THE REFERENDUM, THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE AN AGREEMENT FORGED BETWEEN THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT CONGRESS, THE GRADUATE SENATE, THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, THE FACULTY SENATE AND THE STAFF SENATE — AND WOULD FINALLY NEED THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY

More universities go tobacco-free SPENCER POPP The Oklahoma Daily

While many universities in Oklahoma have instituted tobacco-free policies on their campuses in recent years, no decision has been made at this point to turn OU into a tobacco-free campus, a university spokesman said. More than 100 higher education representatives met in July at Rose State College to discuss the challenges of becoming tobacco-free, the role of student government, promoting awareness and the importance of cessation and health services, according to the Oklahoma Higher Education website. Right now, all facilities at OU are smoke-free and smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of all building entrances. But proponents from organizations like Students Working Against Tobacco say this is not enough. According to the State of Oklahoma SWAT website, 5,800 adult deaths are reported each year and more $1.5 billion dollars in productivity is lost because of smoking in Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University is one of the universities that has recently enacted tobacco-free policies is now recognized

by the BACCHUS network, a national nonprofit organization “If a majority of these student, faculty and staff governance of more than 32,000 student leaders and advisers focused on groups support a ban, Boren would then appoint a task force health and safety issues that relate to college students, ac- to study the experiences of the OU Health Sciences Center, cording to the BACCHUS website. OSU and other campuses in instituting Enacted in July 2008, the new policy and enforcing their bans to report back to “I don’t really know how at OSU prohibits the use all of tobacco him with suggestions for an effective improducts on campus. But while enforcing they would enforce [a plementation plan,” Shilling said. the law has been difficult, a new law this Sean Kramer, business senior, said he November will make smoking or using to- ban] for the smokers who has quit smoking now, but would have bacco punishable by a fine of up to $100, are not going to stop, no been affected by the ban his freshman year according to the Oklahoma state tobacco in the dorms. policy website. “I would have just gone off-campus for matter what.” The OU Health Sciences Center and a little while or in my car,” he said. “I don’t Tulsa campuses are also tobacco-free. really know how they would enforce it for SEAN KRAMER, BUSINESS SENIOR For OU’s Norman campus to become the smokers who are not going to stop, no tobacco free, student, faculty and staff matter what.” government must be in favor, said univerKramer questions the effectiveness of a sity spokesman Chris Shilling. ban, but does think awareness and people learning about the “If such an effort [to become tobacco-free] presented itself, adverse health effects of smoking are the best ways to stop. President Boren would seek the input of student, faculty and Smoking cessation classes are offered in the fall and spring staff governance groups since they would also be impacted semesters for students looking to quit smoking and stop toby such a decision,” Schilling said in an e-mail. bacco use.

Back-to-School Edition 2010

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

COLUMN

The five worst puddle zones on campus MATT STEPHENS The Oklahoma Daily

A series of flash floods have hit Oklahoma in 2010, but just a few inches of rain can bring major puddles to certain spots on the OU campus. Paul Rothermel, landscape and grounds department supervisor, said OU doesn’t usually receive many complaints about the puddles, but they usually take some time to recede when there is an abundance of rain. “It usually runs off fairly quick,” Rothermel said. “There are some low spots in some sidewalks, that I know are on the list to be replaced, it’s just a matter of getting to them or funding, one of

the two.” When there is a problem area the landscaping and grounds department does what it can to fix it, he said. “Wherever we see a problem we try to address it, with either a swale to move the water out to a storm sewer, or actually put a drain in,” Rothermel said. “There have been several areas, actually right there at Burr Park, we put an extra drain right there and it alleviated pretty much all of the water from the sidewalk east, but the side walk is still a little bit low, it needs to brought up.” To help you keep your feet dry, The Daily lists some of the top places on OU’s campus to avoid after heavy precipitation.

NO. 3:

Water stands in a low spot in the sidewalk west of Burr Park after a thunderstorm in July.

NO. 1: Water completely covers large parts of a parking lot and sidewalk behind Copeland Hall following a thunderstorm in July.

NO. 4:

A man walks around a flooded sidewalk between Buchannan Hall and the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

NO. 5:

Water covers a sidewalk leading from the OU residence halls to the main campus after a thunderstorm.

NO. 2: A sidewalk west of Robertson Hall and Hester Hall is flooded with water. PHOTOS BY MATT STEPHENS/THE DAILY

OUPD: REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SPENCER POPP The Oklahoma Daily

With crimes of opportunity on the rise this past year on the OU campus, students are advised to lock up all personal belongings as well as take advantage of programs and resources the police department offers, said Lt. Bruce Chan, OUPD spokesman. SafeRide is one of the programs students are encouraged to use. Created in 2004, it offers free rides to students with a valid student ID from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. anywhere in Norman city limits, according to the SafeRide website. It will operated during the summer school sessions and will reopen Aug. 26. Another program, SafeWalk, is a service for students not wanting to walk on campus alone. A SafeWalk staff member will escort anyone on campus from 8 p.m until 2 a.m., seven days a week. Of large concern to OUPD this upcoming

school year is unattended property like backpacks, briefcases or packages that might be considered suspicious or out of place. “Don’t hesitate to call us if you see people who are acting out of place or who are acting suspiciously,” Chan said. “We like to err on the safe side.” In the year 2009, there were 780 filed reports of suspicious people or vehicles around the OU campus, according to OUPD records. Services provided by the police department on the Norman campus include animal control; emergency medical assistance for people who sustain injuries or suddenly become ill; and motorist assistance for people whose vehicles are stranded, according to the OUPD website. Police officers can also help with battery jumpstarts, and offer transportation to a service station or supply compressed air to refill a flat tire. The OUPD headquarters

are located in the south of campus near the OU Jimmy Austin golf course. There is also a satellite office located near Cate Center for student support and is manned eight hours a day in the school year, Chan said.

CAMPUS NUMBERS 325-2864 OU Police Department 325-STOP Campus Crimestoppers 325-NYNE Number Nyne Crisis Center 325-4929 Women’s Outreach Center 325-RIDE SafeRide 325-WALK SafeWalk

Back-to-School Edition 2010

10A

PHOTO PROVIDED

This screenshot show OU’s official student portal on July 23, following a redesign and other upgrades.

OU IT UPGRADES OZONE IN TIME FOR FALL ‘Flexible registration’ delayed until after fall enrollment to avoid usage issues

“‘Flex Reg’ will give students the ability to create multiple shopping carts, streamline the enrollment ‘checkout’ process, and improve the overall look of the enrollment service,” Key said in an e-mail. “We also don’t want any SPENCER POPP changes to negatively impact enrollment accuracy or availThe Oklahoma Daily ability. The implementation is very complex, and we won’t Students accessing oZONE, the OU network portal which roll until it is completely ready.” Key advises students to prepare for their enrollment winallows for access to grades, enrollment, pay and other serdow by making a list of course numbers for desired classes. vices, may notice some changes this fall to the look and feel It will save valuable time in trying to get into the highly of the website. sought-after courses, he said. Working through phase II of the project, The news of a flexible registration systhe oZONE team has worked all summer MORE INFO tem is a relief for many students who did on administrative improvements, upgradnot enjoy the transition between enroll. ing the visual aspects of the site and the More information about oZONE ou.edu and oZONE.ou.edu this past implementation of Flexible Registration, can be found at www.ou.edu, school year. a shopping cart feature which will allow and technical questions should Michael Vivian, communications sestudents to create multiple trial schedules, be directed to ozonehelp@ nior, was opposed to the functionality of said Nicholas Key, OU IT spokesman. ou.edu. oZONE when it came out last year, but welWhile the flexible registration system comes any changes or improvements that will not be ready for back-to-school enrollwill make navigating the site easier. ment, this feature is scheduled to be made “It is too confusing to search for classes,” available later this fall. he said. “If you hit back it refreshes everything, and it also

Name: OU Graduation Office-1327789; Width: 29p7.5; Depth: 10.5 in; Color: Black; File Name: -; Ad Number: 23437; Pickup: New

“We also don’t want any changes to negatively impact enrollment accuracy or availability. The [flexible registration] implementation is very complex, and we won’t roll until it is completely ready.” NICHOLAS KEY, OU IT SPOKESMAN seems to run slower on Macs.” Key said one thing students often have trouble with when navigating oZONE is finding where to click on the course reference number in the course search results list to access a better view of the course description and details. The amount of data in the course search results list can sometimes make it difficult to read the course description. Many of the problems can be avoided by simply navigating the site before the enrollment windows up and making sure you know how it works. This will make sure you’re prepared to get the classes you want, Key said.

Back-to-School Edition 2010

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ATHLETES, FACULTY PASS ALONG TRADITIONS AT CAMP CRIMSON BRYAN DUGAN The Oklahoma Daily

Walking into Catlett Music Center one Thursday night in July, one thing was definitely clear: Camp Crimson fever had taken over. The long-running Camp Crimson welcomes new students to campus. This summer’s editions were held July 15-17, July 22-24 and July 29-31. The Pride of Oklahoma played loudly on stage to welcome the Sooner session campers to “Tips and Traditions,” while small-group leaders gathered their families, each wearing a different color of handkerchief, in the Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall. “Tips and Traditions” is organized to show off OU’s rich traditions and what it means to be a Sooner fan. The lights soon dimmed and famous athletes from OU’s past were projected onto a screen on stage. Screams and claps resonated each time a well-recognized athlete or coach was shown. As the lights came back on, current OU athletes found their way to the front of the stage. Leading the pack were men’s basketball guard Cade Davis and women’s basketball guard Whitney Hand. “I don’t want to talk about last year’s season, but I don’t mind talking about the upcoming season,” Davis said, as he

laughed into the microphone. emphasis on the “who,” and tossing out free white tank tops Each athlete, representing a different official team, to campers. took turns introducing themselves and explaining the Through the games, campers were taught how to utilize SoonerNation — a program designed to reward OU students the Action Tutoring program, the writing center and how to for attending home events (excluding football games). attain test files. The first tradition of the night came The game was brought back to life when Pride of Oklahoma Drum Major Matt through a comical-relief moment. Lee Sumner took over by introducing his band asked a camper “What are the official OU and starting the “Oklahoma!” chant. The colors?” song prompted the hundreds of campers When the camper revealed “red and to stand and join in. white” as his answers, the audience eruptIn between songs, rumblings could be ed with an overpowering, “NO!” (The corheard from the news campers — all getting rect answer is crimson and cream.) For more coverage of this to know the people sitting next to them. The night ended with a battle of the “Boren brought this one back,” Sumner summer’s Camp Crimson events, bands. Two teams were organized with log on to OUDaily.com. said, as he turned to his band who began their lead singers blindfolded and forced to “The OU Chant.” lip sync. One team was given a Taylor Swift “O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A” came from each song and the other, the latest Justin Bieber camper as they followed Sumner’s lead, with his or her hit. right index finger extended high in the air. Every crazy movement of the blindfolded lip syncer Union Programming Board President Steven Lee kept prompted an even crazier response from the audience. the entertainment rolling with his Camp Crimson versions Following the “Tips and Traditions” session, the night of “Family Feud” and “Jeopardy,” both of which were used wasn’t over for the campers: They were sent on their way to to teach campers tips for getting ahead during their first se- “Stuff at the Huff,” an event designed to show off the Huston mester and OU’s long-standing traditions. Huffman Center and to allow campers time to play dodge“Who wants a free tank top?” Lee screamed, putting an ball, volleyball, basketball and to climb the rock wall.

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

METEOROLOGY WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR New director recently worked for the United Nations’ World Weather Research Division MATT STEPHENS The Oklahoma Daily

The OU School of Meteorology welcomed its new director inJuly, after the previous director stepped down to fill a faculty position. Dave Parsons succeeded Fred Carr, who had been the director since 1996. Carr is still with the school and is now a member of the faculty, according to the college’s public relations specialist Amy Buchanan. Before coming to OU, Parsons worked at the Center for Atmospheric Research. “I spent over 25 years at the Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo. I was a weather researcher there,” Parsons said. “I looked at winter storms, convection storms in the tropics and development of instrumentation. In between that time I have had some sabbaticals and long term visits. Parsons also recently worked for the United Nations as chief of the World Weather Research Division within the UN’s World Meteorological Organization. “I was in a lead for their world weather research program,” he said. “The goals for that are both to improve predictive skill in poorer weather models, and also to try and bring the benefits of improved prediction to society particularly in the developing world.” Parsons said he to come to OU because of the quality of the School of Meteorology. “It is one of the best departments in the world,” Parsons said. “It’s one of the leaders in storm research and development of new radar and radar techniques, and the national weather center is very unique to have the teaching department and the school here, and also to have the various institutes that are associated with OU together with government research and government operational weather prediction.”

PHOTO BY MATT STEPHENS/THE DAILY

Dave Parsons took over as director of OU’s School of Meteorology in July, following work with the United Nations and the Center for Atmospheric Research.

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. D O G E C N E I R E EXP

. P I H S D N E I R F E C EXPERIEN you’re invited >> For over 25 years, Chi Alpha (XA) campus ministries has been a place where you can experience God and experience friendship. Whether you are a student exploring faith for the first time or looking to connect with other followers of Christ, you are invited to continue the journey of knowing God with us.

what students are saying >>

LATENITE is our student worship experience. Expect a creative mix of - music, food, humor, passion and a relevant student life message from the Bible. All students are invited. Check ouxa.org for time and location details.

previews >>

[ Mission Trips ]

“Chi Alpha rocks my universe!”

[ Service Opportunities ]

Samantha - Pre-Radiation Therapy Major

“In Chi Alpha, I had countless ministry opportunities on campus.”

[ Golf Cart Rides - tours of campus / class ]

Josh - OU Medical School

“Chi Alpha is where I made so many friends my freshman year.” Brodie - Math Major

“Chi Alpha taught me the art of servanthood.” Adam - Spanish Major, History Minor

[ Lifegroups - More than a Bible study. Our Lifegroups are just the right size to be personal and are designed to explore God and build friendships. Led by students for students. ]

[ Intramural Sports ] [ Student Retreats ]

OUXA.ORG

“Chi Alpha has become my second family.” John - Computer Science Major

kknow God? If we acknowledge that we’re not perfect, believe in Jesus Christ, and ask Him to lead our life, we can have a relationship with God. Be encouraged - God wants to have a relationship with us. (Romans 3:10, 23) (Romans 10:9, 13) (John 3:16)

OUXA.ORG

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

DISABLED STUDENTS OVERCOME CHALLENGES CHELSEY KRAFT Sooner Yearbook

Leaving home for college is supposed to be one of the most promising and exciting times in a young adult’s life. Some students may suffer from homesickness. Others, their first broken heart. Difficult classes and homework may be overwhelming. For others, add in another obstacle: a physical disability. The addition of a physical disability can make it seem as if the obstacles and adversity already present in a college realm are insurmountable. Despite facing limitations that may make a college career more difficult, disabled students are capable of finding success. The definition of success varies from one person to another, and individuals can find satisfaction in reaching what they believe to be a successful goal. For Eric Gaffney, aviation-professional pilot senior, his success stems from a childhood passion. Through travels with his father’s job as a mechanic for American Airlines, Gaffney decided he wanted to become a pilot, despite being born without his right hand. “I initially doubted myself when coming to OU,” Gaffney said. “At first, I was in biochemistry, but I wanted to do what I had always wanted to do, which was fly. I feel like that was what I was born to do.” The task of flying an airplane is not a simple one for Gaffney. To prove his capability as a pilot, he had to pass three special medical flight tests that pilots with two hands are not required to take. He said he first had to prove he could fly the airplane by himself, then that he could fly the plane from both seats and finally that he could fly with manual flaps instead of electrical ones. Today, he is essentially restriction free. “To overcome the restrictions and earn those extra certificates is something that I smile about everyday,” Gaffney said. “It makes me really happy to know that there is no difference between me and another pilot. I may have to work a little harder and quicker, and by no means is it easy, but it is definitely nice to know I am restriction free.” Business junior Colin Bober saw a positive attitude as key in discovering success. “The main thing that has contributed to my success as a student is having an open mind and saying, ‘This is what I have, this

PHOTO BY KINGSLEY BURNS/SOONER YEARBOOK

Aviation-professional pilot senior Eric Gaffney found ways to adapt to many right-handed flight tasks, such as programming the GPS. is what I need to do, this is why I am here, and I can’t let this really define who I am because ultimately the way I grew up in my household and through my life is that I don’t see myself as disabled,’” Bober said. Bober, who was born with cerebral palsy, has regular motor function, but is unable to maintain his own balance. Still, he found college intimidating following a high school career where some people made fun of him after not taking time to understand his situation. “As a freshman, I didn’t know where I fit into a college community, but to put it into perspective, nobody does,” Bober said. Through a need for involvement, Bober joined the Association of Disabled

“To overcome the restrictions and earn those extra certificates is something that I smile about everyday. It makes me really happy to know that there is no difference between me and another pilot. I may have to work a little harder and quicker, and by no means is it easy, but it is definitely nice to know I am restriction free.” AVIATION-PROFESSIONAL PILOT SENIOR ERIC GAFFNEY Students and now serves as president. Attending law school is an option, and he understands the importance of support from others in his life. “My overall success has to be a collab-

orative effort between me, the university and everyone around me,” Bober said. While some students have adapted to SEE CHALLENGE, PAGE 15A

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

Challenge CONTINUED FROM 14A

a born disability, others are “I can recognize forced to adjust to a new that many young, situation following injury. A double major in politi- disabled people cal science and international and area studies, senior do not go to colKyle Morrison experienced lege and essenan injury resulting in quadtially ‘shut down’ riplegia at the age of 16. Morrison said he broke and give in to his neck while jumping a bike. The impact snapped depression and and dislocated his fifth helplessness, so I vertebra and damaged the have had success sixth, resulting in an incomplete injury of his spinal in continuing my cord. Now, he lacks most education and motor movement and sensory feeling below his chest staying someand down the back of his what active.” arms, requiring him to use an electric wheelchair. KYLE MORRISON, “Beyond the physical POLITICAL SCIENCE limitations, which I do not believe I will ever be ‘OK’ AND INTERNATIONAL with, are the social barriers,” AND AREA STUDIES Morrison said. “Obviously, SENIOR I am not ‘just like everyone else’ physically, and I think it would be a mistake to assert otherwise.” Socially, Morrison feels as if it may be difficult for disabled people to associate with people because an average person may want to avoid offending someone with a disability. “But, overall, I think that people can overcome this initial uneasiness after getting to know us and realizing that we are pretty similar,” he said. Yet Morrison understands the feelings of awkwardness and uneasiness he felt around disabled people before suffering his injury. “I can recognize that many young, disabled people do not go to college and essentially ‘shut down’ and give in to depression and helplessness, so I have had success in continuing my education and staying somewhat active,” Morrison said. Physical disabilities are often frustrating and discouraging issues to face, but it is possible for students to find happiness and success in the midst of the troubles. “It all comes down to how you perceive yourself and what you are willing to do,” Bober said. Editor’s note: This story was originally published in Sooner 2010. For more information or to buy your copy of Sooner 2010, visit www.studentmedia. ou.edu or call (405) 325-3668. PHOTO BY KINGSLEY BURNS/SOONER YEARBOOK

Eric Gaffney poses with OU’s twin-engine Piper Seminole. Gaffney recently completed his twin-engine rating, and will soon begin turbine training in the aviation department’s King Air.

2010 oklahoma football freshman and transfer season ticket lottery august 16 – 20 Sign up for OU Freshman and Transfer student season tickets for the 2010 season will begin on August 16 through August 20. Season tickets can be requested at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office.

ticket prices: Student season tickets are $165 and will be placed on the student’s bursar account. There is a $15 processing fee for all orders. Students will only be charged if awarded season tickets.

requesting tickets online: Tickets can be requested online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on August 16 and lasting through 3 p.m. on August 20. A lottery will be held the afternoon of August 21 if demand exceeds supply.

requesting tickets in person: Tickets can be requested in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. The OU Athletics Ticket Office will begin taking walk-up window requests at 8 a.m. on August 16 and will continue every business day until August 20 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY

Sean Madole, accounting junior, stocks books at the University Bookstore in preparation for the fall semester. This will be the first semester that the bookstore offers textbook rentals. “I think it is a smart idea because [book rentals] are cheaper and it helps a lot,” said criminology junior Nikki Lofftus.

Bookstores unveil new option for buying textbooks ASHLEY HORNING The Oklahoma Daily

This fall, students have a new way to acquire their textbooks: renting them. The University Bookstore and Boomer Sooner Textbooks are offering textbook rentals. Textbook rentals made a hasty introduction to OU in the 2009 spring semester when Boomer Sooner Textbooks put together a rental program two weeks before the semester began. “We’ve gotten a good turn out so far for the summer,” said Devon Toland, manager of Boomer Sooner Textbooks. Renting textbooks is an appealing venture for students as both The University Bookstore and Boomer Sooner Textbooks offer textbook rentals at half the price it would be to buy the

book. Manager Christina Chapman of University Bookstore said that the only requirement for students to rent is to have a credit card with their name on it in order for a student to be eligible to rent books. Students are also able to rent textbooks online through University Bookstore website. On the Boomer Sooner Textbooks website, students can check to see if any of their textbooks qualify for renting and then go to the store and rent them. “[About] 25 to 30 percent of the books are eligible to rent,” said Chapman. While at Boomer Sooner Textbooks, the textbook rental list is completely random. “A list is sent down from our parent company, we never know what it’s going to be,”

Toland said. “We add some textbooks to the list, ones that are used regularly through the fall and spring semester.” A student who decides to rent textbooks signs an agreement with the bookstore stating that they will return the rented book at the end of the semester. Failure to do so will result in the full price of the book being charged to the student’s credit card. Besides renting textbooks, bookstores are still offering used books for purchasing as well as other coupon promotions. Boomer Sooner Textbooks will be on campus during Rush Week, and is offering an additional 20 percent off in coupons for orientation. Another option for students who are on a book budget this fall is to keep in mind that Bizzell Memorial Library offers a variety of

textbooks used at OU. Available on a first come, first served basis textbooks may not be checked out for the full semester. “We currently have approximately 1,700 unique titles on reserve,” public relations officer Sarah Robbins said. “We do not have textbooks for every course; we primarily purchase textbooks for general education courses that have high enrollments as well as courses that have comparatively high-cost textbooks.” Students are able to check out textbooks at the main circulation desk of the library with their OU IDs. Books can be checked out for two hours, with an additional two-hour renewal option if needed. “Textbooks can leave the building, but must be returned before the library closes,” Robbins said.

Back-to-School Edition 2010

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ONLINE CLASSES MAY EASE COSTS Students advised to check if course credits will transfer toward degrees KATHERINE BORGERDING The Oklahoma Daily

Hannah Morris, a political science and public relations junior at OU, took an online class at Rose State College in addition to her course load at OU. Some OU students choose to take online classes at junior colleges, not to save money, but because they believe it will be easier. “Classes at junior colleges are less rigorous and more financially feasible,” Morris said. When a student enrolls in an online class at junior colleges Rose State College in Midwest City or Oklahoma City Community College, a fixed fee of $12 is added to the cost of tuition. This fee is added to cover the expenses the college takes on when offering classes taught in this manner. At Rose State, the cost per credit hour is $69, at OCCC it is $65. So, even with the $12 increase the cost of taking an online class is still fairly low. At OU however, in-state tuition is $117 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition is $236 per credit hour. This is the general cost of tuition at OU, and the fees can also be quite expensive. If a student were to take classes online at OU, a fee would be added to the tuition and existing fees cost. The cost of this fee, according to OU’s Office of the Bursar, depends on the college the class is offered through, the number of credit hours the student has completed and the student’s major. On top of the $573 dollar cost, including tuition and fees for non-resident students, another fee is added to the cost of taking an online class at OU. Morris said she would recommend taking online classes at junior colleges or online colleges, but to take care in choosing classes and said to avoid taking core courses at other schools. In some cases, graduate schools will frown on taking classes at smaller, less rigorous schools. Morris advised to check graduate schools’ recommendations. Forrest Bennett, political science and history junior, took a math class off campus and has seen many fraternity brothers take online classes at other schools while attending OU. “A lot of times students take classes at online colleges, especially classes that aren’t extraordinarily pertinent to their major, so they want to get them out of the way in an easier way,” Bennett said. Bennett said to be cautious in choosing classes and to be sure that the hours will transfer. He recommended checking with an advisor before taking classes outside of OU.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

At Rose State College in Midwest City, the cost per credit hour is $69, at Oklahoma City Community College it is $65. At OU, however, in-state tuition is $117 per credit hour and outof-state tuition is $236 per credit hour.

Questions? Concerns? (405) 325-0841 oucares@ou.edu Find out more about: choosing a major improving your GPA planning for graduation and so much more!

Get the answers you need to SUCCEED! The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

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Back-to-School Edition 2010

COLUMN

Art department grants students’ research dream

ix months ago, a friend and classmate of mine got an idea. After taking a class on pre-Columbian art history, he decided that he wanted to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to see Mayan ruins and wanted me to come with him — and he wanted the School of Art to pay for it. The first time Nick Richardson came to me with this proposal, I was skeptical. Although I knew Nick was a driven person who could make something happen if he wanted, I was sure the privilege of obtaining a fully-funded trip would be a long shot. Both Nick and I are seniors in the School of Art and Art History, majoring in visual communications, and we have a strong passion for adventure and photography. The two of us have done everything from a spontaneous 12-hour drive to Colorado to try to summit one of the tallest mountains in the state, to a three-mile hike through a desert canyon in complete darkness just to pick a good spot for photographing star trails. The urge to see Mayan ruins came from the same drive as these adventures, so it is no surprise we were eager to make it happen. After a couple of days of talking, Nick convinced our classmate Dewey and I to meet with the director of the art school, Mary Jo Watson, to propose a travel grant. We approached her with this request not knowing what to expect. In return for funding our trip to the Yucatan, we promised to document three ruins for use in various design projects, agreed to lecture a class and share our experience in the ruins, and offered to display our photographs in the art gallery of the school. Not only did she agree to pay for the trip, but Watson was TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY also extremely enthusiastic about sending students to a place that she had been teaching about for years. The three Visual communications senior Nick Richardson composes a photograph while standing on a rock at Tulum, Mexico, in May. of us, she said smiling, were the first to ever express interest Richardson and two other students photographed ancient ruins during a two-week trip funded by an Art department grant. in these places. “They can listen to me talk all day about the Maya culture,” alone through Uxmal as if we had just stumbled upon an un- profound discoveries. Had I known that being passionate about something would result in a trip, I would have taken Watson said. “But when they hear about the ruins from fel- discovered world. Though we had to budget wisely for the duration of the advantage of these opportunities my entire college career. low students who have been there and seen these places first trip, having it fully-funded made for a great transition into The important thing is finding something you are passionate hand, they will be much more excited about learning.” After finishing the semester and planning the trip, Nick, what was for Nick and I, our first steps outside of the country. about and then using your skills to make something impresIt allowed us to experience a new culture in a much more sive out of those passions. Dewey and I were flown to the gradual setting. School funding OU students are at a research university, which means the Yucatan Peninsula. We spent nine also forced us to structure our trip professors who are teaching us are the very people who are days acclimating to a new culture, Whether you want to study the mating with a specific goal in mind, when, involved in what we hope to be doing professionally some exploring new towns and walk- patterns of fireflies in Thailand or write otherwise, we may have taken day. These are the people to talk to. Whether you want to ing through the incredible worlds to the ruins in a less focused ap- study the mating patterns of fireflies in Thailand or write a of three Mayan ruins: Tulum, a book about quantum physics, try to proach. We accumulated more book about quantum physics, identify the skills that will carry Chitchen-Itza and Uxmal. identify the skills that will carry you than 2,000 photographs during you toward those interests — and don’t be afraid to seek out Uxmal, the three of us agreed, the course of the trip, and we were financial assistance. was the most impressive of the sites toward those interests — and don’t be able to come back with a new Nick, Dewey and I are currently in the process of designing we visited. For one, this site was alafraid to seek out financial assistance. perspective on the history of the a book containing photographs and writings from our first most completely void of tourists, people who occupied the Yucatan hand experiences in the Mayan ruins. We are also planning a which was something that had Peninsula 1,000 years ago. photo gallery set to take place in the Lightwell Art Gallery of been an annoyance at ChitchenIt was after we had completed the trip and succeeded in the School of Art from Oct. 11-22. Itza, but most importantly, the structures and layout of the We’re also talking to our director about getting funding to ruins were such that it made one feel totally immersed in the having it funded by the school that I realized how much potential I had missed out on in the last three years as a student travel to Belize in December. Maybe we can see and docuancient city. On one occasion, the three of us became separated in in the School of Art. Grant money is out there, but I had never ment more Mayan ruins. the labyrinth of stone that composed the site, and for what thought to ask for it. I assumed grant money was reserved seemed like 20 minutes, we were free to wander completely for graduate students or for those who were working toward - Tyler Metcalfe is a visual communications senior.

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TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY

Dewey Hulsey and Nick Richardson, both visual communication seniors, approach a large pyramid at the site Uxmal while on a research trip to Mexico in May.

TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY

ABOVE LEFT: Dewey Hulsey photographs the main temple at the Mayan site Tulum. ABOVE RIGHT: Nick Richardson takes a photograph of a serpent head inside the ballcourt of Chichen-Itza. The expedition was funded by a grant from the Art department.

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