Student Life Guide 2020

THE DAILY ILLINI

Student Life Guide: Navigating COVID-19

FALL 2020

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Friday, August 21, 2020

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Help to prevent spread of COVID-19 on campus BY: JJ KIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Look, I get it. You’ve been stuck at home since March and have been dreaming of going to the first party or block you can get to.

Although I’d personally strongly advise against doing that, because even though there isn’t as big of a risk that you will experience severe symptoms, which has happened to some, it’s the risk of getting professors, essential workers and their family members sick. Now I’m not going to babysit you or tell you how to live your life, so here are some suggestions on how to be as safe as possible.

Obviously, students and faculty will have to test twice a week and those who fail to test or contract the virus won’t be admitted, there are still ways to be even more proactive in trying to limit this virus.

Wear a Mask

This isn’t political, nor is this trying to invade your rights. This notion is backed up by science, results and common courtesy to others around you.

The Center for Disease Control, the nation’s health protection agency, who is funded to handle situations like pandemics, backed by scientists who have spent a majority of their lives studying their respective fields, recommends wearing a mask because they found that respiratory droplets have a large role in the transmission of COVID-19.

There have been countless peer-reviewed studies from prestigious and

renowned publications, such as The New England Journal of Medicine, that show wearing a mask makes a difference.

Take it from Bill Nye, every American child’s favorite scientist, who cannot stress the importance of wearing a mask enough.

I’m really not sure where this anti-science rhetoric/ doubting experts in science and medicine comes from, but facts are facts.

Avoid door handles

With several thousand students returning to campus, door handles will inevitably be one of the most frequently used objects on campus. If you can, using your shoes or shoulders to open doors would drastically reduce the amount of contact you have with germs and bacteria.

Have a personal hand sanitizer bottle with you to disinfect your hands when you have to pull a door.

Try to order takeout

The CDC highly recommends not dining in to eat at restaurants, even if it’s outdoors. Since the virus is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets, eating at restaurants poses a significant risk of spreading the virus to others. Considering the fact that masks have to be off when eating, ventilation isn’t ideal indoors, and there is usually not a lot of space inside restauKENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI rants to properly social dis- Tables line the edges of walkways on the Main Quad as students inquire about the many RSOs being represented during Quad tance restaurant staff and Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Learn how to navigate Quad Day for the upcoming fall semester by thinking about clubs you’ve heard of, picking out clubs that you want to join or learn more about and write down informational meeting dates and times. consumers. jjk7@dailyillini.com

Quad Day 2020 turns virtual BY: ZAINAB QURESHI LONGFORM EDITOR

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The Alma Mater statue stands proudly with her arms spread wide on a summer day. Add second sentence: Students and faculty can assist in limiting transmission of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, avoiding door handles and trying to order takeout.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly thrown a wrench in everyone’s plans this year. Now, incoming freshmen must navigate their first year of college without the help of the traditional, in-person “Quad Day” the University offers each year. There are alternatives, however, and the sentiment of Quad Day can still be somewhat achieved by browsing the list of RSOs online.

However, once you get to the list — or during a regular year, on the Quad — it can be pretty overwhelming. The University houses hundreds of RSOs, and referencing an online list instead of a person to find out more information is not ideal when trying to discern which one you want to join. Despite the struggles that will arise this year as the country continues to wrestle a pandemic, it can still be very valuable to become a part of commu-

nities on campus. Knowing which one to dedicate time to is difficult, especially if you have a lot of interests.

Hopefully, some of these tips can help you navigate the virtual Quad Day you have ahead of you.

Ask yourself if there are clubs you have heard of and are already interested in.

Think back to all the topics and issues you already know you are interested in, and then search for groups that may use those subjects to revolve around. If you are a pre-law student, then two no-brainer RSOs to explore would be Mock Trial or a pre-law fraternity. If you are interested in art and graphic design, you could join one of the many publications on campus, as they are always looking for creative people. Once you have those interests narrowed down, you can look through the list while already having an idea in your mind. This will defi-

nitely mitigate any stress college experience would while searching. have looked very different.

After your first lookthrough, look again for anything else that pops out at you.

Write down the informational meeting dates and times in your planner or somewhere you You might already have check frequently.

a wide variety of RSO names to investigate after your first look through and may not feel the need to go through the list one more time. That’s totally okay, but it’s important to keep in mind that just not everything is going to be what you think it will be. I was interested in a number of clubs before I narrowed down which ones I wanted to devote my time to.

There were a couple clubs I thought I was going to thrive in but didn’t end up being a good fit for me and my schedule in the end. I ended up joining a club sport instead, and though I’m not a sporty person, it has turned out to be a community and activity I am so thankful to have. If I hadn’t kept my mind open to it, my

Writing down a list of activities is a great way to explore the communities on campus, but that list doesn’t do you much good unless you actually attend the info sessions. It can seem like a bother and very hectic, but without attending those meetings, you won’t have a good gauge of whether or not you will like the RSO. Ultimately, RSOs can be a great way to make friends and build connections and experience on campus. With COVID-19 it can be harder to explore and socialize, but that just makes it even more important to find the right RSO for you. zqures7@dailyillini.com

Cultivate sports passion through campus involvement BY: CARSON GOURDIE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Welcome to the University of Illinois, home to the Fighting Illini. While Illinois hasn’t always run the Big Ten with dominance, it looks like the Orange and Blue are starting to have a much brighter future with Brad Underwood’s recruiting and Lovie Smith teaching his players to cause turnovers. However, if you’re like me, you’ll probably not be able to play with these Division I athletes.

Having said that, there are plenty of Illini clubs that allow you to stay connected with sports.

In high school, I was fortunate enough to participate in numerous sports.

However, given my limited athletic ability — the second slowest kid on the track team — I always prided myself of being more of a watcher. I could remember the strangest of sports stats, with my claim to fame being able to recite any Rose Bowl score since 1980. So when I came to Illinois, there were plenty of options for me to check out.

One of the longest run organizations at Illinois is WPGU radio, a student run radio station that gives an open platform for its talent to talk about sports. Whether you’re more interested in talking about the Chicagoland teams or Illini athletics, WPGU is a fantastic place to test out radio.

If you want to experience the behind-the-scenes side of sports, Illinois provides a number of clubs that range from business to law.

If you want to see what it’s like to be a sports agent, the Sports and Entertainment Law Society might provide a good look into the field.

Aside from educating interested members in the legal issues while representing a client, the club provides opportunities within the sports and entertainment industries.

Another club that provides a behind the scene look is the Sports Business Association. Being exposed to guest speakers, professional conferences, workshops and volunteer opportunities, this RSO strives to offer students quali-

ty opportunities to experience, investigate and explore the multi-billion dollar industry of sports.

Now, if you decided you aren’t quite ready to retire from competitive athletics, Illinois has you covered.

Aside from a bunch of competitive Division I club programs, i.e. the hockey and soccer team, Illinois offers intramurals that give anyone the chance to compete against their peers. If you are interested, you can compete in intramurals that include almost any sport you can think of.

Finally, if you plan on supporting your Division I teams, there might not be a better way to show your spirit than to join the Orange Krush. By signing up with the Illini Pride Student Athletic Board, you open the door for opportunities to improve the community and provide enthusiasm throughout the student body. And while the fall season is getting postponed to the spring, you’ll still have the chance to cheer on the Illini in a spring time overload and help the Orange

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu pushes forward during the match against Purdue on Jan. 5 at State Farm Center. The University of Illinois is the perfect place to cultivate and continue your interest in sports, whether it’s on the field or court, or in the crowd cheering your Illini on.

Krush become one of the premier student sections in the nation.

Illinois is more than studying. Illinois is home to top tier athletes from all across the globe and some of the most storied programs

in collegiate history. However, your sports involvement doesn’t end with just cheering on star basketball players Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn. By choosing Illinois, you have given yourself the opportunity

to continue your personal athletic desires or find a new path in the sports world. @gourdiereport gourdie2@dailyillini.com

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Friday, August 21, 2020

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RYAN ASH THE DAILY ILLINI

A group of international students enjoys bubble tea on Oct. 19. Due to the pandemic, everyone is going to be spending a lot more time indoors or social distancing; while this can make socializing hard, you can still make the most of your semester by forming friendships with your neighbors and roommates, playing video games or online games, joining RSOs or just by getting creative.

Pandemic complicates social life navigation BY: JARED EBANKS ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Home to a vibrant and social campus environment, the University offers numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a true social college experience. While students are attracted to the number of bars and offcampus Greek life parties, this coming fall semester poses a number of challenges in the way of enjoying such an atmosphere.

Given the measures the University has implemented to keep us all safe this semester, the number of nights spent drinking at Lion with your friends will

most certainly decrease. In addition to new and varying capacity limits within housing and businesses, some of us may be waiting in line half or most of the night just to get in.

A lot of the times when we envision our own true college experience, it can be filled with the misleading thematic tones of modern TV and film. While the choice to go out and party each night is entirely your own, the limitations set upon us this semester may sway you to delve into the many other facets of campus.

One of the very first social events officially

Remarkable Value.

put on by the University is Quad Day; however, due to COVID-19, Quad Day will be held virtually this year.

This is where you get your first real taste of what the atmosphere on campus feels like; bodies quickly hustling past each other on the quad. While the spirit of social interaction will be mixed this year, new groups will be created and shared with those open to them.

A way to break down the awkward wall between you and your new roommate could be to search online for Registered Student Organizations that meet both of your interests. Most

Unbeatable Locations.

meetings will be held virtually, giving you the opportunity to pick from a wider variety of options. Many of these student groups will have their organization’s page on social media with up-to-date information on meeting times.

There are a number of RSOs on campus, ranging from simple hobbies to gaining real-world experience within your major.

Tailoring your RSO interests around the improvement of knowledge toward your specialization could do wonders in the long run.

Many of these RSOs work with organizations within the University to pro-

vide rigorous yet fun work that builds upon what’s being taught in the online classroom.

All of us are going to be spending a lot of time indoors this semester.

There will most likely be strict guidelines on who can come into your housing unit as well, so how will you make the most out of the semester?

Go to your first floor meeting. They may seem unimportant and optional, however, they provide you with the opportunity to see firsthand who lives on your floor. Push yourself to go talk to some of your floormates. You’re bound

to spend a lot of time in the dorms and making close friends with your neighbors will allow you all to dictate how social you are this year.

The RAs on your floor will also do their due diligence to curb your boredom with most likely virtual dorm events. The dorms are only space; get creative, and rotate nightly activities from video game tournaments to cards. Some of your favorite memories maybe within your dorm room surrounded by laughs and friends. jaredde2@dailyillini.com

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Students eat and socialize inside the Bangkok Thai restaurant on Dec. 7. Popular bars and restaurants on campus include: Bangkok Thai, Fat Sandwich, Insomnia Cookies, Maize, Red Herring’s cafe, Cracked, DP Dough, KAM’s and The Red Lion.

Campustown boasts popular hangouts BY: ANDREW PROZOROVSKY OPINIONS EDITOR

To the uninitiated, Campustown can seem vast, and becoming familiar with the popular hangouts can be a daunting task. In a family where both parents and both siblings are alumni of the University, I was fortunately privy to this wisdom as an incoming student. Knowing the best local businesses on campus can enhance your college experience, help create noteworthy memories with friends or dates and can alleviate some of the stress as a new Illini. Or, during the time of COVID-19, perhaps this list can double as the top places to avoid on campus if you aren’t willing to be in a crowd.

The hottest local restaurant on campus is undoubtedly Bangkok Thai. Located

centrally on Green Street, Bangkok Thai almost always boasts a crowd. It offers a diverse menu of authentic Thai food, each item at a reasonable price for an impressively-sized portion. Bangkok Thai’s only flaw is that it will drain your wallet quickly to feed your obsession with it as you frequent it.

Perhaps after your Bangkok Thai dinner date, if it’s going well, you may want to extend it by getting dessert at the close-by Paris Super Crepes (although their crepes are both sweet and savory, I prefer them sweet). Paris Super Crepes is not directly on Green Street, but just off of it. Not only does the business serve students and locals fantastic crepes, but their inviting atmosphere and selection of board games provide a trendy place for students to

gather.

This list would be remiss without mentioning campus bars. The University is known for its lively nightlife.

On campus, the ChampaignUrbana area has eight bars, each tailored to a different crowd. For new students who are 19 or more years old, Red Lion and KAM’s are where the party is at. Get there early or face a steeper cover charge and longer lines.

After a successful night out, most crave a late night bite to eat. Long lines can be found at the Green Street Taco Bell and McDonald’s, but for a place that is open late, popular and has great drunk-food, walk the extra block to get to Fat Sandwich and its neighbor, Insomnia Cookies.

For new students practicing veganism, fortunately

the University has the most vegan-friendly campus I have ever visited.

Some popular local businesses compliment their ordinary menu with vegan options, such as Cracked (breakfast food!) or DP Dough (calzones!). However, the best vegan meals can be found at the eateries whose niche is vegan-only.

Red Herring’s cafe can be found on campus and features a changing menu that, depending on the week, spotlights a different international cuisine.

The Dancing Dog also serves phenomenal vegan entrees and desserts, its only downside being its location in downtown Urbana, meaning a short ride by car, bus or bike is necessary to get there.

There isn’t nearly enough space to cover all of the great

local restaurants, but these businesses deserve an honorable shoutout. Maize serves tasty Mexican food and is located on the western edge of Campustown. Sakanaya is on the pricey end, but its ramen and sushi are worth the splurge on a special occasion. Sushi Ichiban, next to Ragstock and Panda Express, is good for a quick and cheap sushi dining experience.

Although there are seemingly an endless supply of restaurants and bars on Green Street to explore, students do not spend all of their time gorging themselves and drinking shamelessly.

When in need of a place to study, Grainger Library, the UGL or the Illini Union are always packed. Not great for social distancing, but great to feed off of the social energy of the crowd. And if the weather

is nice, one can expect there will always be people on the Main Quad.

Ultimately, the places you will spend the most time at depends on who you are and which social circles you run in. But even if you feel obligated to spend most of your time hitting the gym or the books, these Campustown classics are well-deserving of at least one visit.

Twenty years ago, Green Street looked completely different — different businesses and more of a rural, smalltown vibe — and regardless of whether or not you like the increasing commercialization, you cannot deny we Illini have been graced with so many wonderful spots on campus. atp4@dailyillini.com

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The door to the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment office located in the National Soybean Research Laboratory sits closed on Jan. 24, 2019. The ISEE can be contacted at sustainability@illinois.edu or through their website https://sustainability.illinois.edu/.

COVID-19 to change future of environmental clubs BY: JILLIAN LITTLE BUZZ EDITOR

With conflicting measures proposed by government officials and universities, COVID-19 will most likely make the college experience more complicated than ever before. An essential aspect of college is the professional clubs that students can join, and with the limited socialization that the fall semester will allow, this can make it harder for some clubs to adapt.

Joe Edwards, a fourthyear Ph.D. student in Liberal Arts and Sciences, is the current chairperson of the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC). The organization is responsible

for promoting campus sustainability as well as allocating the revenue generated through the Cleaner Energy Technologies and Sustainable Campus Environment fees, which every university student pays.

“If someone has an idea for a sustainability project they’d like to do on campus, they’ll write a proposal to us,” Edwards said. “To date, we’ve awarded close to $20 million in the SSC’s history.”

Like many environmental clubs on campus, SSC is trying to navigate the changing times that COVID-19 has presented.

“Before COVID-19, we had regular and voting meetings to discuss new

organizational changes and different events we want to put on,” Edwards said. “In the organization’s past, our focus was more on the fee allocation process, but lately, we’ve been trying to reach out to more students and get our name out there.”

SSC works alongside the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (ISEE) to promote different events on campus, including their involvement in the environmental Quad Day last year and events during Earth Week.

However, when COVID-19 hit, it made it difficult for the organization to go on during the spring semester.

“We still met over Zoom,

but it wasn’t the same,” Edwards said. “It’s a little harder to communicate and have a collaborative discussion over the internet, but we were still able to get our tasks done.”

Once being involved with Student For Environmental Concerns on campus, Edwards realized that the virtual format could influence the way that environmental activist groups run as well.

“The point of those types of organizations is to be in an area with a collaborative spirit and be around people with the same energy,” Edwards said. “I don’t know how well environmental organizing will persist in a distant format,

707 S. Fourth St. Champaign, IL

although I’m optimistic.”

There are also clubs like Red Bison Ecology Restoration and the Illini Fermentation Club that rely on going places around Southern Illinois to do conversation work and other outside activities. With an increase in safety measures brought on by social-distancing, each group’s scope of personal protective equipment could change.

Despite these complications, SSC is hopeful for the future of environmental clubs on campus and the fall semester. They plan to host a workshop about SSC and how students can apply for funds in early September and want to work with the ISEE and other RSOs to

organize a career fair.

“A sustainability career fair is harder to do than engineering, because a lot of these positions are as not well-funded,” Edwards said. “In a way, it would probably be better to do one virtually anyways.”

It’s just a matter of getting more people involved, whether that be in-person or virtually. For more information regarding SSC or any other environmental organizations on campus, stay up to date with the ISEE’s website. jel3@dailyillini.com

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Build your own community by getting involved BY: SALEM ISAF INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The first and most important advice that I always give students who are about to begin college is to make sure you are as involved as you possibly can be throughout your time on campus. Normally, the perfect day to take a look at all of the possible student organizations would be Quad Day, which would take place a couple days before the start of classes and would allow every campus RSO a space on the Quad to advertise.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quad Day will not be held this year.

Despite the lack of a physical Quad Day, I still highly recommend using other campus resources to figure out what on-campus opportunities are available to you this year. Many clubs and organizations will still function at some kind of capacity throughout the year, and most, if not all, had some kind of online presence before the pandemic, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to connect with these clubs now that they are expanding online.

The major reason that I suggest joining clubs is to tie yourself to the campus.

Even if you aren’t a new student and have been here at school for up to three years, you can still benefit from joining clubs and building your connections on campus. This is not to say that you should be joining in order to get references for a future job but to connect with your fellow students.

I think this process is especially important for freshmen because they have the least possible connections to the campus since their collegiate career just began. To make the place feel more like home, getting involved in things you enjoy or want to learn about can help keep you active in

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Students inspect the list of RSOs that are present during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Even with the absence of Quad Day this year, many clubs and organizations will still function at some kind of capacity throughout the year, so students should reach out and join clubs — not only building connections for a future job, but to connect with their fellow students.

the community and also aid you in meeting like-minded individuals.

Being a part of a team gives you achievements, but most importantly it gives you teammates. Intramu-

ral and club sports give you common goals to bond over, but it is the human connection that will give you support when you are struggling the most. Basii l ljoining i o things helps cally,

you meet people, and meeting people leads to friendships and friendships help to make your time spent on campus meaningful and worthwhile. As someone who came to the cam-

pus not knowing a single soul, joining teams and clubs helped me to expand my circle of people that I could turn to in times of stress and joy. Gaining people that you can count on is

really what allows you to make this campus a community for yourself. isaf2@dailyillini.com

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Follow these dining hall tips, tricks BY: ANDREW PROZOROVSKY OPINIONS EDITOR

College is the first time an incoming student will be completely responsible for his or herself, no longer under the supervision of his or her parents or guardians.

Many students, spending at least one year in University housing, naturally understand this means organizing his or her own diet. These dietary choices are delimited, though, by the daily menu of the dining halls and the inventory of places accepting cafe credits.

Fortunately, there are, depending on how you count, nine dining halls on campus available to those in University housing, which can create some amount of option paralysis.

The below tips and tricks serve to help the naive student navigate the dining options in order to structure the ideal diet in the eyes of the individual.

On the western side of campus, the lone dining hall is the Ike. The Ike stands as an example of

the trade-offs that exist in every dining hall. Those who eat at the Ike will find that it has more options than any one dining hall but is often more congested and plagued by longer lines (especially during popular meal times). But Ike does have an especially delicious dessert section. Conversely, Busey-Evans dining hall is much smaller but enjoys a quieter atmosphere.

Although the Ike is currently the biggest dining hall on campus, the title may soon be usurped

by ISR’s new dining hall, whose grand opening is this August.

The eastern side of campus is far more exciting and diverse than its counterpart, given the numerous dining halls agglomerated there.

PAR is the favorite to students who opt not to eat at the Ike, mainly for its reliable stir-fry station and “Late-Night PAR.” LateNight PAR is dinner served at PAR’s dining hall from 8 p.m. to midnight, making it the latest dining hall open.

Furthermore, PAR Late-

Night generally consists of comfort foods, which keep students returning. PAR also has a wide variety of options throughout the day and is one of the bigger and newer dining halls on campus.

Just across the street, one can find FAR’s dining hall.

What is unique about FAR’s dining hall is its obsession with themed nights. Monday and Wednesday nights are “FAR Out Pizza,” where one can have a custom pizza made. Every Tuesday night features breakfast for dinner, where one can have a custom omelet made, and every Thursday night specializes in soul food. For these reasons, most students squeeze in a trip to FAR’s dining hall at least once a week, as there is something for everyone.

Nearby is LAR’s dining hall, which tailors to those with special kosher needs.

But LAR contains a second dining hall: the less popular, hidden gem of campus that is Field of Greens.

Field of Greens advertises as dining for vegans and vegetarians, but it is

the best food on campus.

It has the freshest fruits, avocado toast and a glorious panini station. Additionally, Field of Greens is open from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. without respite and always has a stir-fry station open as well as the only smoothie bar that can be found in a dining hall. You can always ask to have a custom smoothie made!

But Field of Greens transforms on Monday nights into “Dish,” where dining hall workers take your order and serve you like a sit-down restaurant.

Usually Dish has a pretty rigid and restricted menu, so don’t expect amazing variety, but the quality of food and service is worth it.

Finally, a few bits of wisdom from experience with the dining halls. First, be sure to mix it up often.

Even if you enjoy a certain food, eating it every day because it’s easy will make you enjoy your week and the food itself less.

Stir-fry gets boring if you eat it every day.

Second, each meal plan includes a number of cafe

credits. These are great for procuring snacks and quick to-go food, but be sure to conserve your credits so you’re not out of them halfway through the week.

Third, find a consistent time to eat. The week can get stressful, but don’t forgo meals because it doesn’t feel like there is time. Maybe it is necessary to schedule time specifically during the week for eating, but make sure you are making healthy eating choices not just in portion size or food quality but in habits as well.

Lastly, go outside of your comfort zone. As you begin adulthood, it’s time to adjust your eating habits for the better. No one is here to meal plan for you or to push you to try new foods; you’ll have to do that yourself.

Although these guidelines apply to a normal school year, 2020 is indefatigably dedicated to being abnormal. Therefore, the necessary COVID-19 caveats must be addressed, although few know what to expect.

Eight bullet points are included on the University’s COVID-19 page regarding University dining, which outlines the anomalous procedures for dining this semester. Menus may be changed, dining hours altered and meals may be take-out only in some circumstances. This fundamentally alters the university dining experience, but fingers crossed that the temporary change doesn’t have to exist for long.

The University dining halls vary greatly, thankfully, which is a privilege many colleges do not enjoy.

To pay the university back (aside from tuition), be patient and kind with dining staff and make good choices. If you adhere to these guidelines, hopefully you’ll exit your freshman year having avoided the dreaded “Freshman 15.”

Andrew is a junior in LAS. atp4@dailyillini.com

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Students place their used utensils and plates on the conveyor belt for cleaning after their meals at the Ikenberry Dining Hall on April 20, 2018. The University dining halls vary greatly — from “FAR Out Pizza” and Late-Night PAR to Field of Greens and “Dish” — so there are plenty of options for students to take advantage of.

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Students enter the PAR dining hall for a late night meal on May 1, 2018.

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Student Life Guide: RSOs

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Friday, August 21, 2020

3B

Dive headfirst into fun, alluring campus activities If it’s a hobby of yours, there’s probably a club for it

BY MEGHAN LYONS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

If you have ever been on any of the tours at the University for prospective students, you are well aware of the general spiel the guides like to give: “There are so many clubs at UIUC, there is even a squirrel watching club!”

And then your parents will laugh, and then they will continuously ask you out of irony: “Ha — you should join the squirrel watching club.”

Sorry, Dad, but that is actually just a marketing ploy every college campus with a squirrel population likes to sell in order to get your kid to enroll. Aside from the squirrel watching club, the student tour guides are right about the fact that there are so many clubs on campus. Here is a rule that I’ve come up with to find out if there is a certain RSO on campus: If a hobby exists—there is more than likely a club for it here on campus. Here are a few interesting clubs to get you started.

Underwater Hockey Club

Field hockey… ice hockey… underwater hockey?

Yes, there is a club for the sport, underwater hockey.

Underwater hockey consists of wearing a scuba mask, flippers and welding a small, plastic, or wooden stick. It is pretty much exactly what you think, hockey underwater. This club holds its practices at the ARC indoor pool. You can find out more by clicking here.

Outdoor Adventure Club

If you are a person who is interested in the outdoors, you are probably aware that Illinois can be boring for hiking. The Outdoor Adventure Club is the club to join if you want to get away from Illinois and go on an adventure to other places on the weekends or extended breaks. OAC drives all across the United States, from Arizona to Massachusetts. Activities involve canoeing, hiking and camping. Although the club may not be active this semester due to COVID, you can fill out an interest form here.

Gluten Free Illini Club

ten Free Illini club! Here, students can gather and share their own experiences on how to live gluten-free on campus. The club helps you find dining options around campus. You can contact glutenfreeillini@gmail. com for more information.

Kendo Club

If you aren’t familiar with Kendo, Kendo is basically the Japanese form of fencing. The semi-contact sport involves the use of bamboo swords called shinai and armor called bogu. In tournaments, points are scored by hitting a specific body part of your opponent and calling it out. Unlike most sports, Kendo is more than about winning. Practitioners view it as a great way to train a healthy body and mind. The UIUC Kendo Club is full of kendo enthusiasts who come together to build upon their skills and find camaraderie through practice. The club’s email is kendo.naginata.uiuc@ gmail.com There are so many more clubs to be found. If you want to find more, you can search up your interests by clicking the link below. https://union.illinois.edu/get-involved/rsohandbook/u-of-i-connecKENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI tions A student looks at an RSO’s table as he passes by during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. If you’re

Are you a student who is gluten-free and is looking for a community based on a gluten-free lifestyle? Then be sure to check out the Glu- mslyons2@dailyillini.com

looking for fun and interesting clubs on campus, start by checking these out some of these: Underwater Hockey Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Gluten Free Illini Club and Kendo Club.

Become a student ambassador

BY AVA TRAVERSO ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

A representative for the Medlife RSO speaks with a prospective member during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. If you find yourself wanting to join an on-campus pre-health organization but don’t know where to start, consider these three options: Phi Delta Epsilon or Phi Chi if you’re looking for a pre-medical fraternity; or Alpha Epsilon Delta if you are looking for something along the pre-health route without a specific interest in medicine.

Find perfect pre-med RSO for you

BY SHIVALI SHUKLA ASSISTANT SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

From national fraternities to small, local philanthropic organizations, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to finding the perfect on-campus pre-health organization for you. If you’re looking for a pre-medical fraternity, you might want to rush Phi Delta Epsilon or Phi Chi. If you aren’t necessarily interested in medicine but are still looking for something along the pre-health route, Alpha Epsilon Delta might be the match for you.

If the idea of joining a professional fraternity isn’t appealing to you, you might consider one of the hundreds of other organizations on campus that will allow you to explore your pre-professional interests. Simply searching for “pre-dental club” or “pre-vet club” in the RSO database will turn up the exact result you’re looking for. Many organizations, however, are not limited to only students interested in a single profession. Some offer service trips to provide medical care abroad, such as Medlife or Global Medical Training. Others encourage you to engage with local volunteer efforts, like Illini Medical Screening Society. You can likely search any of your interests or pre-professional goals and find what you’re looking for — and if not, you can start it yourself. That’s what I did.

In the middle of my sophomore year, I wanted to find out if Doctors Without Borders had a student chapter

on campus. When I realized they didn’t, I went ahead and contacted the international organization to find out how to get involved, and they soon connected me with another student who was interested in doing the same thing. Together, we created the university’s student chapter of Doctors Without Borders, and we haven’t looked back since. So you too can start from scratch and create the RSO that aligns with everything you’re looking for.

Every RSO will have to adapt this semester, perhaps indefinitely, to ensure the safety of all of their members. It’s likely that each club will be utilizing unique methods to recruit members and keep them engaged. Doctors Without Borders will be hosting virtual and outdoor events and encouraging membership via a weekly e-newsletter, social media posts and various department newsletters. You might find other prehealth organizations posting on your class Facebook page or some of your professors advertising clubs your class might like. If you’re still struggling to find a place you fit into, you can try talking to your advisor about RSOs they might suggest for your interests and goals.

Many times, even if your professional goals don’t completely align with the title of the RSO you’re thinking of joining, you can still get the same thing out of it. Doctors Without Borders, for example, is not limited solely to those of us who want to be doctors. Planned events are always coinciding with the

With Quad Day canceled and RSO interactions being limited due to the risk of COVID-19, returning and new students have to get creative when it comes to becoming more involved on campus. Though it may seem impossible to join new clubs without the signup access that Quad Day provides, there are student roles that are beneficial and pandemic-friendly. Many students may not be aware of this but every department likely has an organization for student ambassadors.

A student ambassador serves as a positive role model for the department and a good influence on other students in the major.

It is also a great addition to a resume that shows leadership experience and excellent communication skills with others.

I have been serving as a student ambassador for the department of natural resources and environmental sciences within the College of ACES for the past year and found the experience to be incredibly rewarding and educational. Pre-pandemic, my duties included attending freshman tours, answering emails from prospective students and speaking

with visiting faculty members regarding my experiences within the department. I also found the role to be a great way to form stronger relationships with faculty members and professors and network with other students.

During the pandemic, my role has been adapted to be similar but safer. What was once in-person visits with first-year students has evolved into group Zoom calls and email threads. What was once significant college-wide events will now become smaller, more intimate gatherings with department personnel. Though it may sound different than before, I know I will still be able to form positive, lasting relationships and leave a good impact on the program. It may not be the way I expected it to go, but I am still excited to usher in a new class of NRES students.

If you are wondering how you can become an ambassador for your major, there are a few steps you have to take before you can be granted ambassador status.

Though it is likely different for every department, you can most likely contact the program’s department recruiter or student advisor for information on how to get involved. For me,

my department’s undergraduate recruiter is the one who is in charge of our department.

Then, you will probably have to fill out an application of some kind. The questions on my application mainly consisted of ones like: “Why do you want to be an ambassador?” and “Why do you think you should be chosen to represent the department?” Overall, they’re straightforward questions to help the program director get a sense of who you are as a student.

I then had an interview with the person in charge, which provided a similar line of questioning. To prep for the interview portion, if there is one in your case, be honest with yourself about why you want to do it and what you can bring to the department. Do you have a high GPA? Are you an executive member of any clubs? Are you on any sports teams? Whatever it is, make sure to let your interviewer know.

They will likely be looking for a diverse set of ambassadors, so anything that can set you apart from the pack is an excellent addition to your application.

interests of our members, whether they’re pre-PA, prevet, pre-PT, etc. For the most part, clubs usually want to engage as many people as possible. So as long as you’re communicating what you’re interested in, there will likely be some events planned relatavat2@illinois.edu ed to what you’re looking for.

That’s not to say that you can just join the Pre-Dental club and expect to visit a new veterinary clinic every week; you should still try to be realistic about what you’re joining.

The goal of pre-health and pre-professional clubs on campus is to unite students who have similar goals with other like-minded students and professionals in their field of interest. There’s usually some networking involved, and specifically for some of those pre-health RSOs, you can maybe expect to take part in some volunteering, philanthropy, social events, fundraisers, conferences, field trips and other events to help you explore the path you’re looking to take. You can also find other students who have been down the same road and help you figure out what courses to sign up for, advisors you can talk to and suggest other things you might want to be involved in. Joining a pre-health organization is all about joining a community of people who know exactly what you’re going through as you traverse the plains of your pre-profession.

And who knows? They might end up sticking with you every BRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI step of the way.

Students enrolled in a Statistics class listen attentively during a lecture at Lincoln Hall Theater sshukl5@dailyillini.com

on Dec. 3. Becoming a student ambassador can be a great addition to your resume, and you would act as a positive role model for the department, gaining leadership experience and communication skills.

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Friday, August 21, 2020

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I wish I knew this before joining a sorority to fill, and that is completely unacceptable. In addition, it isn’t just the racial diversity that is lacking. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and disabled members are just as underrepresented.

BY: MEGHAN LYONS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Hey. Ex-sorority girl here.

I wish that I didn’t feel the need to write this article.

After two long years of being part of a sorority, I have finally made the decision to leave mine. While I have made some great friends within my sorority and remain in touch with them still as I am typing out this article, I can say that dropping my sorority was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The pros of being in a sorority were existent, but they were far outweighed by the cons. People are saying that sororities and fraternities are dying out. The pandemic isn’t making things any easier for Greek life. But as sad as that is, I clearly see why.

I came from a family that encouraged me to join Greek life, so naturally, I developed an interest. My brother was in an “upper-tier” fraternity here at school. When I was a freshman, I was on the fence about going through recruitment. I wanted to make friends. I wasn’t cool in high school, so I never really partied before college. Greek life seemed like the only way to go to social events and branch out. But still, a part of me was unsure. Whenever I asked others what being in a sorority was like, all I heard was the usual crap about meeting your “perfect sisters” and running home to the house you love and blah blah blah, among other sunshine-and-rainbows sisterhood nonsense. But nobody ever told me about all the god-awful and outdated flaws sororities have. Usually, I was just told that every house was different, and you can’t generalize. Bottom tier house, top tier house, they all have the same flaws — some more so than others. I wish somebody had told me the following things before going into Greek life so I knew that it wasn’t right for me.

A sorority is no place for non-conformists

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Representatives of the Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority give a potential new member information during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Before joining a sorority, it’s important to think about the more undesirable aspects of Greek life, such as: unnecessary fines, double standards, lack of diversity and the need for conformity.

ing how out of touch sororities are with current times.

Unlike fraternities who basically are free to do whatever they want, sorority members have to follow silly and blatantly sexist rules. During recruitment, girls are required to wear a full face of makeup and act a certain way. In addition, there are a lot of rules about what girls can have in their rooms during recruitment. A friend of mine was forced to take down a picture of her with two other guys. Having one boy in a picture is okay, of course, but one girl with two guys? Absolutely unacceptable for a girl, because apparently, PNM’s (potential The incredible double new members) don’t want to standards see something like that. Why It is absolutely astound- can’t sororities be like fra-

Unnecessary Fines

If you didn’t already know, being in a sorority at UI is really, really expensive. During my time in my sorority, we were sometimes given out fines. You might ask, for what exactly? Pretty much anything, really. Can’t make a chapter meeting or philanthropy event and don’t have a valid excuse? That is a fine right there. Don’t have a certain clothing item in time for recruitment? Boom. Another $10 charge. Of course, with the pandemic, fines might be done away with. But if you are somebody who doesn’t have money to blow, then maybe this isn’t for you.

ternities? In fact, it would be safer that way instead of having girls go to fraternities for the parties.

And don’t get me started on the letters. You wanna wear your letters out to class? Don’t look like a slob.

Want to wear your letters while going out and having a fun time? Nope. Can’t do that, because we can’t let the public know that girls drink — and it’s trashy. And don’t you dare get pictured in your letters while going out and put it on Instagram, or else we will kick you out and the entire sorority will be put on probation. Oh wait, but fraternity guys can — they’re boys. Boys drink. That’s fine.

The frightening lack of diversity

If you are somebody who hates conforming, you are not going to have a good time. This is something that I should have gotten right from the get-go. I won’t lie, I am a pretty eccentric and polarizing person. I do things my own way. I’m very independent. I hate having to rely on others and being told what to do. A sorority is the complete opposite from that: you have to conform.

You are told what to do. You don’t wanna stand out, or you will be signaled out. If not, you are going to be on the outside looking in, just like I was — an outcast. It was high school all over again.

Sororities are struggling, and they are going to struggle more than ever in our rapidly changing society. If you are still looking to go through recruitment even after reading this, I hope maybe things are different and your experience is a positive one. Just remember, college is a time to find yourself. I wish I focused on my hobbies from the start.

You don’t have much time to experiment with your interests. If you want to join that club you are afraid of joining (underwater hockey, Dungeons and Dragons — whatever, you name it), do it. Do it, do it, do it, do it. Because as a junior, I really, really, really regret not doing the things I wanted to do from the start just because I felt too invalidated. Fuel your intellect and fuel your passions. Don’t waste your time being something you are not, because otherwise, it will just suck your soul bone dry.

You would think that in 2020, sororities would be at least somewhat more diverse. From what I’ve observed in all sororities (this isn’t just exclusive to my former sorority), this definitely isn’t the case. Typically, how it works is that during recruitment, they really like to sell the fact that sororities are “all-inclusive.” Sure, there is the occasional African American girl, but that ratio is more like one African American girl for every 50 white girls, or maybe higher.

And usually, those girls start to feel excluded and go on to drop the sorority. This isn’t just exclusive to sororities, it is rampant in fraternities too. It seems like sororities and fraternities like to treat diversity as more of a quota mslyons2@dailyillini.com

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Friday, August 21, 2020

5B

A year without Quad Day: Remain involved

BY SAMANTHA BOYLE MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING

DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

RSOs advertise their clubs to prospective members during Quad Day in August 2016. If you’re thinking of starting your own RSO on campus, follow these tips and procedures: Find people with a common interest; think of a creative group name; create a constitution and designate group roles; share information about your group; schedule meeting times on a consistent basis, and look for funding from various sources.

Start your own RSO on campus achievable in a short period Writing out all of the rules of time, as long as your sales and procedures of the group Staying active and involved pitch is effective. is an important step toward on campus is one of the many becoming a serious organizaimportant aspects of your col- Think of a creative group tion. This will allow the group lege experience. RSOs, short name to have a clear and smooth for registered student orgaYou want to stand out, structure, which helps avoid nizations, are one of the ways don’t you? Finding a name any conflicts or problems to find people with common for your group might be the within the group. The school interests, learn new hobbies, most important step in the also requires groups to comcontribute to the Champaign- process of becoming an RSO, ply with federal and state Urbana community or just as it needs to encapsulate the nondiscrimination and equal fill some free time. The Uni- purpose and rationale behind opportunity laws, which versity has over 1,800 RSOs the group’s existence while should also be featured in on campus, though there is also being catchy and easy the group’s constitution. The always room for more if the to remember. The Universi- group also needs a hierarchy thing you’re looking for some- ty states names for organiza- and positions, which should how doesn’t exist yet. Here tions can “not be in conflict clearly be stated in the group’s are some of the procedures with an existing Registered rules. and tips for starting your own Organization, not be the RSO on campus. same as a nationally regis- Share information about your tered organization or society group Find people with a common unless it is a local chapter of Use social media or post fliinterest that organization, not be an ers around campus to spread Per University require- acronym only, not include the the message about your group. ments, the group must con- words ‘University,’ ‘Univer- Getting your message across sist of at least five individuals, sity of Illinois,’ or any abbre- to thousands of students may who can be Illinois students, viations thereof except in the be difficult, though there are faculty, staff and their spous- form ‘at the University of Illi- Facebook pages and other es. With such a large student nois at Urbana-Champaign’ social media groups that conpopulation, finding a mere which may follow the organi- sist of thousands of students, five people with a shared zation’s particular name and which may be the easiest way interest should be relatively be in good taste.” to spread and share informaeasy and simple. Using social tion about your group. media or other means of com- Create a constitution and munication make this task designate group roles Schedule meeting times on a

BY JACKSON JANES

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Everyone likes consistency. Create a scheduled meeting time, at the same time every week, every month or however often you choose to meet. Having a standard meeting time makes it much easier for students to block off a chunk of time to devote to the group, which allows the group to achieve and maintain membership participation and attendance.

Look for funding from various sources

Usually, this paper you’re reading would have content filled with how to navigate the annual Quad Day. Where hundreds of registered student organizations table on the Main Quad and try to get your attention. Where you can find what interests you and sign your name and email on hundreds of different papers. Of course, with COVID-19 still in full force, Quad Day cannot happen in the same way. However, that does not mean you can’t get any similar experiences and find a group of people who have similar interests as you.

We are lucky now to have all the technology we do because the Internet and social media can make our lives a lot easier when most things are being moved online. If you are still looking forward to joining an RSO, club or sports team, you can look them up online or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if they are active on those sites.

Many RSOs will have some sort of adjusted schedule or compromised system to where everyone can still meet somehow. You can browse a list of RSOs online to find ones you are interested in and email any executive members of the RSOs to find out what their plans are. Browsing this list of RSOs is a tip many seasoned students would give new students before attending Quad Day if it would be the regular in-person setup.

Samantha is a senior in Media.

During this time, it is sjboyle2@dailyillini.com

Decide on a membership fee or some other way to fund the group’s existence.

Apply for funding for sponsored programs from the Student Organization Resource Fee (SORF) or the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

For more information regarding registering your group, visit: union.illinois. edu/get-involved/office-ofregistered-organizations/ KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI registering-finances-reservations Students walk along the paths on the Main Quad while learning janes6@dailyillini.com

about various RSOs during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Due to COVID-19, Quad Day cannot happen in the same way as it has in years past.

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consistent basis

important to be flexible and adaptable. Of course, nothing will be the same or how it was before the pandemic, but it is important that we try to make the most of it and make ourselves happy while still being safe.

Usually, I would tell students to go to Quad Day with a friend or new roommate just so you aren’t there alone.

Again, we must compromise with this in order to stay healthy. If you have a roommate, browse the list of RSOs together or get a group FaceTime or Zoom call together and discuss which RSOs you might be interested in.

For the full effect, you can even go to the Quad with your laptop and phone and check out the RSOs, that way you will still have the feeling of being on the Quad while “meeting” people from all kinds of RSOs. We are going through a lot of extreme changes at the moment, and there’s no doubt that COVID-19 completely alters the college experience. However, if you are flexible and adaptable, you can find ways that will still allow you to gain experiences worth your time. It is sad to see that new students won’t get to experience Quad Day in the same way students in the past have, but we truly are all in this together, and it is possible to still have a good experience making the best out of our current situation.

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Live each day like an Illini: Find, join perfect RSO BY: SHANA OLIVERO VIDEO EDITOR

The time has come.

The past 18 years of your life have built up to this moment. You are finally an Illini. Now is the time to branch out and focus on what you really love to do.

But what if you don’t want to leave behind everything you loved in high school?

School dances, after school practices, social gatherings at a friend’s house, or tournaments and games on the weekend? Lucky for you, the RSOs on campus have all of that and more.

The recreational and professional organizations on campus will provide you with greater networking opportunities, professional experiences and a lifetime full of memories. The first step is to experience all of this is to join one.

College campuses are filled with organizations and events that you never even knew existed. There are countless opportunities for professional and social activities. This is an area that is certainly one of the University’s strongest aspects. RSOs, which stands for Registered Student Organizations, are created and run by students with similar passions to one another. The University of Illinois currently has over 1,600 RSOs on campus, and there are more being added each year. Whatever your

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

Students in the Orange Krush fan section cheer for the Illini basketball team during their match against Iowa on March 8 at State Farm Center. Now that you’ve become an Illini, it’s important to branch out and focus on what you really love to do.

passion is, I can assure you there is an RSO for it. The trickiest part of joining the perfect RSO for you is finding it.

How to Navigate the

Perfect RSO

Typically, at the beginning of each school year, the University holds its traditional Quad Day, where hundreds of booths are placed around the quad

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

with students encouraging one another to join their club. With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, the virtual Quad Day could be to your advantage. Quad Day usually only lasts a few hours, with hundreds of booths, and it is nearly impossible to venture out and speak with every organization you may be interested in. My advice to you this year is, do your research. Narrow it down to an area you are looking for in an organization and have a general field or activity you know you want to try out. On the other hand, leave room to be openminded. There are RSOs on this campus that you would have never thought existed, let alone thought of joining back in high school.

This could be where you find a passion that suits you perfectly, it could even change your career path in life. Allow yourself to join something new. Step out of your comfort zone because you never know what could be waiting for you on the other side.

One of the many perks of being an Illini is the myriad of opportunities that are presented to us just by being an Illinois student. Make the most of every single day you are lucky enough to be an Illini! There are countless kids your age that also dreamed of going to school here that did not get accepted. You are about to spend the next few years surrounded by some of the brightest peers and successful professors. This

campus has been suited to help students succeed and enjoy their time in Champaign-Urbana. Make the effort to join an organization that you are passionate about, don’t skip meetings just because you feel like it, go the extra mile and sign up to do extra work, apply for an exec board position and enjoy the company of those around you. There will never be another time in your life when you live on a campus where all of your friends and the best resources to help you succeed are within a few miles of each other. Start this year off right, join an RSO and live each day to the fullest, because you are an Illini. solive7@dailyillini.com

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Friday, August 21, 2020

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Look out for engineering RSOs this semester

BY ROHIT JAMMU ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

The fall semester of each school year at the University is always filled with excitement and bustling energy.

For freshmen moving into their new dorm rooms, getting accustomed to various dining hall timings is a new challenge. For sophomores, juniors and seniors, it’s the rush of moving into new apartments, getting groceries to get started off for the semester and so much more.

One of the first large-scale events for incoming freshmen to experience is Quad Day. As COVID-19 has affected everything else in our lives, though, Quad Day has been moved to a virtual platform.

For Quad Day, several registered student organizations (RSOs) will share with anyone they can what their organizations offer. If you can think of it, there is probably an RSO for it, from creative writing, molecular and cellular biology and all the way up to squirrel watching on the Main Quad. As an engineer-

ing major myself, I found it hard to navigate through all the various options of engineering-centered RSOs. So, here are some engineering centered-RSOs that I familiarized myself with.

Engineering Open House

Engineering Open House is a student-organized yearly event that features two whole days of competitions and exhibits to showcase the talent of various engineering students. EOH brings students, faculty and even corporate sponsors together to feature what is arguably the largest event of its kind in the country to showcase staggering innovation.

Society of Engineering Mechanics

While the Society for Engineering Mechanics is an organization that primarily supports engineering mechanics as a major, they are open to students from different engineering majors as well. SEM offers students hands-on experience in developing var-

ious fun projects with other students within the organization, as well as some face to face experience from different faculty members in the University.

Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering

WECE was founded in 2002 to promote, support and inspire women in electrical and computer engineering.

The organization itself serves as a source of support for its members on social, technical, and professional fronts. The WECE has seven different committees, each with their own head, so you’re guaranteed to find a place of support.

WECE also hosts a number of social events such as the Fall Banquet and Spring Semi-Formal.

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Students learn about different RSOs and organizations to join during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. There are a plethora of RSOs on campus, but looking for clubs within your department can grant you experience and skills relevant to your studies.

serves as a means for students to further their professional and educational development.

IEEE is also open to students of all majors. They help with recruitment activities, setting up tech talks, info sessions and much more. IEEE Institute for Electrical and is a great place for students Electronics Engineers to receive resume feedback IEEE is an organization as well. focused on the propagation of theoretical and practical Engineers Without Borders, aspects of electrical, elec- University of Illinois Chapter tronics, communications and Engineers without borders computer engineering. IEEE is an international organiza-

tion with over 12,000 members with 450 projects in 45 different countries. The Illinois chapter of Engineers without Borders is one of the largest student chapters in the country. EWB is committed to helping communities to meet their basic human needs. The University’s chapter of EWB has three main international project locations in Ecuador, Guatemala and Malawi, with over 150 active members. Although engineering is a significant

and dominating aspect, you don’t have to be an engineer to contribute.

These are just a few of the engineering RSOs that intrigued me. Although there won’t be a Quad Day this year, the virtual event substitute is bound to be amazing. And beyond Quad Day, you can always look up all the organizations on the international student and scholar services website. rjammu2@dailyillini.com

RSOs offer students leadership opportunities, expansive skillset BY: ELIZABETH SAYASANE FEATURES EDITOR

The goal of college for many students is to gain the knowledge and experience they need to be successful in their future professions. While lectures and homework will give you some of these skills, you have a lot to gain by participating in things outside of the classroom (or in Zoom meetings).

Getting involved in some of the hundreds of registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus will help you excel academically, socially and professionally. However, it is not advisable to simply join as many organizations as you can find. You want to be strategic in how you choose what to participate in.

The key is finding a balance

between things you enjoy and things that will help you grow. You can find RSOs for almost any interest, whether that is literature, fitness, creative writing or video games.

Joining one of these organizations will be great to help you destress and find friends who enjoy the same things as you. To balance out that involvement, you may want to join a professional society directed toward your field of study.

You could also join one of the many RSOs that provides you with practical experience in what you may want to do in the future, such as the Illinois Trial Team or one of the student-run consulting groups on campus. This will help you figure out exactly what you would like to do in the future

BRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI

Members of the Illinois Student Government sit together after being interviewed at the ISG Complex on Oct. 12, 2019. When choosing what RSOs to join, it’s important to be strategic about finding a balance between what you like and what will help you learn.

while also helping you bolster the experience section of your resume.

Be strategic with what you choose to participate in. The right combination of extracurricular activities can change

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your entire college experience for the better. No matter what you get involved in, however, make sure you approach it with commitment.

Some groups only meet once a week for casual gath-

erings. Others have large time commitments and may even require travel. Make sure you understand that commitment ahead of time, so you can be an active member. One of the greatest benefits of RSO involvement is the wide variety of experiences you can gain as long as you take it upon yourself to do so. While you could be a casual member who pops in and out of meetings, you could instead become a leader within the group. Different positions within the organization will teach you different skills and responsibilities. As a secretary, you will strengthen your communication and organization skills. If you are a marketing or recruitment leader, you can work with extending the group

outside of its current members and help develop it into something bigger. As president, you will develop your public speaking skills as you lead meetings.

You will become a strong leader as you determine the direction of your RSO. All of these positions have their value, depending on what you want to accomplish.

What is most important is that you work to become an active member of whatever organization you join. Attend meetings as much as you can.

Make meaningful contributions while you are there. You will leave campus with a much more expansive set of skills that will help you succeed. eis3@dailyillini.com

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RSOs can help keep your mental health in check

BY CAROLINA GARIBAY ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

As the first day of classes approaches for University students, so might growing stress about how to navigate the upcoming semester. Students will have a majority of their courses online, and without in-person classes to provide a sense of structure and accountability, staying motivated can be difficult. This change might bring upon a lot of stress, and care for mental health is even more critical during these times. Luckily, the University has organizations for those focused on their mental health.

SKY at UIUC

SKY at UIUC is a local chapter of a national branch that focuses on helping students live enjoyable and stress-free lives on campus despite all of the stressors that college inevitably brings.

A mrita Kataruka, a fourth-year doctoral student in Engineering and president of SKY at UIUC, said that the organization’s goal is to create a happier and stress-free campus.

“The primary motto of our RSO is to make life a celebration and not just something we have to put up with,” Kataruka said.

Kataruka joined SKY at UIUC after attending the organization’s Happiness Retreat, a free training program where students, faculty and staff can gain stress-management and leadership skills as well as learn yoga, breathing and meditation practices. This semester, the Happiness Retreat and other yoga and empowerment workshops will occur online via Zoom.

“Our programs enhance the clarity of mind, shift attitudes and behaviors and develop leaders and communities that are resilient, responsible and inspired,” said Kataruka.

Students who join the orga-

nization will have access to different workshops, gain practical advice and join the umbrella organization of SKY Campus Happiness that reaches other universities nationally.

To join SKY at UIUC, students can attend the Happiness Retreat, the weekly yoga sessions or subscribe to the SKY at UIUC newsletter by emailing skyatuiuc@gmail.com.

Active Minds UIUC

For those looking for a community that supports people who experience mental illness and want to make real change on campus, Active Minds UIUC could be a great fit.

Rashmi Ghonasgi, junior in LAS, is the vice president of communications for Active Minds.

“The purpose of our chapter is to enact change on our campus surrounding mental health policy and resources, decrease the overall stigma of mental health on campus and be a voice for those who have lost their battle to mental illness,” said Ghonasgi. “Students who join Active Minds will be able to participate in different volunteer, fundraising and community outreach activities.”

They also have the opportunity to join the Projects Committee, which “works specifically towards campus-wide policy change and administrative outreach,” said Ghonasgi. One of the Committee’s many accomplishments included a mental health section on syllabi that some teachers are implementing.

Students will still be able to participate in some of the organization’s usual activities, like general weekly meetings on Zoom, movie nights online and outdoor events on the quad where members can practice social distancing.

Ghonasgi said that Active Minds is a low-stress orga-

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Representatives from RSOs promote their organizations during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Due to the added stress of attending college during the midst of a pandemic, be sure to take care of your mental health; three University organizations that focus on mental health are SKY at UIUC, Active Minds UIUC and Positive Illini.

nization and that members can participate in any way that they want or can. The RSO’s focus is to bring awareness to mental health, and Active Minds offers many ways for students to be involved in this goal.

“Mental health is a very important yet chronically understated and underestimated facet of student life,” said Ghonasgi to prospective members. “While it may be difficult to contribute a significant amount of time to our RSO, we would

love to have you be a part of it in whatever manner possible.”

For more information about Active Minds, students can send an email to activemindsuiuc@gmail. com.

Positive Illini

If you’re looking to increase or maintain positivity in college, consider joining Positive Illini.

“The main goal of Positive Illini is to spread not only positivity and a positive mindset to others,

but to equip them with the knowledge and strategies to practice a more positive life every day,” said Camillus Pawlica, senior in ACES and president of Positive Illini.

At meetings, members listen to presentations on a different topic focused on maintaining mental health and positive attitudes. Positive Illini also participates in volunteer activities to engage with the community. Pawlica said they still plan to meet this semester as best they can.

“Our goal is to maintain our community environment as much as possible and provide a positive experience as close as it was before COVID by continuing our programs virtually,” said Pawlica. Positive Illini will still be meeting weekly via Zoom and collaborate with local volunteer partners as best they can to accommodate social distancing. garibay5@dailyillini.com

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Friday, August 21, 2020

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Don’t overcommit: Be intentional with your time

BY ETHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Time flies fast at college.

When you’re considering an RSO, make sure the hours you spend on it every week are pushing you toward the person you want to be.

Your goals don’t have to be professionally focused, though. Career development RSOs are fantastic resources, but if you’re attending an organization just to fill out your resume, it’s probably not worth it.

Think about the potential outcomes. Will the RSO give you a chance to build a network of on-campus friends?

Are there certain skills — jobfocused specifics or general things like communication, leadership and teamwork — that you can develop through this club?

Also, will you have fun?

Every RSO has some sort of draw; otherwise, it wouldn’t exist. Talk to members, current or former, to see what they get out of the club. You may just find your campus crew.

Overcommitment is the classic quandary of the college freshman. At Quad Day, passionate RSO leaders give persuasive pitches for their organizations to fresh-faced passersby, and underclassmen eat it up.

Some freshmen will end up with a great balance of fun and fulfilling organizations that will last them their four years and beyond. Others end up on dozens of RSO email lists, including several they’ve never attended, or find themselves stretched beyond their schedule’s limits.

I was a resident adviser at University Housing for two years. The most common concerns of freshmen and sophomores were a desire to “get involved” or finding themselves overinvolved.

Though the virtual medium may make it easier to avoid too many commitments, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you ride out an RSO for the year.

Does it fit with my schedule?

This is a basic but essenWill it help me reach my tial step. You don’t want to goals? be sprinting out of an in-per-

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

A representative for Illinois Business Consulting speaks with prospective members during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018. Before picking an RSO or multiple to commit to for the semester, be sure to consider if it will help you reach your goals and if it fits with your schedule.

son class or hopping off the Zoom call early to make an RSO meeting.

The virtual class environment may grant an unprecedented amount of flexibility to attend organizations.

That said, many RSOs have certain attendance recommendations or requirements.

Before you pay any dues or throw your name in for an official position, ensure that you can attend a solid number of weekly meetings that’ll keep you in the loop.

Regular attendance is the lifeblood of any student organization. Even if the week-to-

week roster differs, having a space to enjoy in activities with like-minded peers is hard to beat, and those connections may prove priceless during the pandemic.

I’m on the fence about joining. Should I give it a shot first?

Yes! During a busy freshman year, you may want to keep your organization list down to one, two, maybe three core commitments.

This allows you to build connections and experience without getting buried in extracurricular duties.

If you’re having trouble boiling down your list, take time in your first couple weeks to attend the first few meetings of your potential organizations. There’s nothing wrong with a quick RSO trial run. Try to talk with members and get a feel for the semester’s schedule and activities. Ask plenty of questions; the leaders will be happy to respond.

If you’ve answered in the affirmative for the previous questions and your trial run goes well, consider making it an official part of your college week.

If the RSO’s objectives don’t fit your own, or other groups fit your vision better, it’s OK to back out. Be gracious. Send a quick note to the executive board or any recruiter. Let them know you won’t be attending for whatever reason.

It doesn’t have to be an overwrought apology note or anything like that — we’re all students, we understand.

College life already has enough challenges, especially this year. An RSO shouldn’t become one.

What now?

Once you have an extracurricular schedule you’re satisfied with, plant your roots.

You’ll have the most fun and get the most out of groups that you find a role within. You may end up being an RSO leader or even just a regular attendee. Either way, you can rack up experiences to remember forever, and connections that may last a lifetime.

Incidentally, RSOs that you have the most fun with tend to be the best resume boosters. If you’re making moves in an organization that advances your personal goals, you’ll have a collection of RSO stories to draw on for interviews that exhibit plenty of personal flair.

So go forth and be intentional with your time. Talk with members and see if their group fits your personal goals and academic schedule. Take trial runs if you need them, and watch yourself maximize your college experience.

Ethan Simmons is a Senior in Media ecsimmon@dailyillini.com

Three RSOs give students opportunities to stay fit on campus

BY GABBY HAJDUK SPORTS EDITOR

By now, you’ve probably heard of the ‘freshman 15,’ the phrase people use to reference freshmen gaining a lot of weight when they start college.

The buffet-style dining halls and any possible food option on campus make it really easy to put on a few extra pounds during your time at college.

One way to still enjoy all those food options in a healthy way is to become more active at school. Some people just enjoy working out at the ARC or CRCE or just going on a run around campus, but there are plenty of RSOs to join if you’re looking for a more fun way to stay active.

Illini CHAARG

CHAARG is a health and fitness community that is located on campuses nationwide, including an Illinois affiliate. It’s a workout group for women, specifically, and aims to help women empower themselves and find the fun part of working out and staying fit in college. CHAARG incorporates all different kinds of workouts, from boxing to Zumba to weightlifting, which helps you figure out what works best for you.

A lot of women can be insecure when working out or going to a big gym, so this is a great alternative to the typical ARC and CRCE options.

To contact CHAARG, visit:

http://www.chaarg.com/illi- lege students an opportunity ni/ or (773) 870-9697 to be flexible with their limited time and energy.

Illini Cycling Contact Illini Cycling Club Illini Cycling Club is just as by visiting: http://illinicyclingit sounds, a bike-riding club at club.org/index.html or llinithe University of Illinois. The CyclingClub@gmail.com club, which was founded back in 1989, prides itself on being Illinois Climbing Club accessible for all members and Rock climbing is one of the levels of skill, ranging from most intense bodyweight casual to competitive riding. workouts I’ve ever done but The club hosts multiple weekly also the most fun. The rock rides, club meetings and skills climbing club at Illinois does camps. The club does not have not require any prior experia strict policy on how many ence, so it is great for students rides or meetings you must looking to try out a new way of attend, making it very easy for staying healthy. Some membusy college students to still bers, however, are very experifeel connected to a fun club. enced, so don’t hesitate to join The rides, which vary in dis- if you do have climbing expetance and pace, also give col- rience. There are dues for the

DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

An instructor leads a BeamWork class as part of CHAARG activities on Aug. 23, 2017. BeamWork helps develop strength of mind and body.

club, but they help cover the cost of equipment and the club trip to Jackson Falls. There are frequent meetings but are not required, and most members spend a lot of their time climbing the wall at the ARC. For more information, vis-

it: http://www.illinoisclimbingclub.com/about.html or https://www.facebook.com/ groups/24435742766/ ghajduk2@dailyillini.com

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