The Daily Illini International Guide 2016

WELKOM MIRË SE VINI ‫ ابحرم‬ՈՂՋՈՒՅՆ SWAGATA DOBRO DOŠLI ДОБРЕ ДОШЪЛ KYO TZO PA EIT BENVINGUTS ULIHELISDI 欢迎你来 DOBRODOŠLI VÍTEJTE VELKOMMEN WELKOM WELCOME BONVENON TERE TULEMAST TERVETULOA WELKOM BIENVENUE MOBRDZANDIT WILLKOMMEN ΚΑΛΩΣ ΗΛΘΑΤΕ BIENVÉNI E KOMO MAI स्वागत हे TUAJ LOS ÜDVÖZLET VELKOMIN SELAMAT DATANG BENVENUTI ようこそ ҚОШ КЕЛДІҢІЗДЕР 환영합니다 BI XÊR HATÎ ຍິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບ GRATUS LAIPNI LŪDZAM VEIKI ATVYKĘ WËLLKOM ДОБРЕДОЈДЕ TONGA SOA SELAMAT DATANG SWAGATHAM MERĦBA HAERE MAI MIAWEZON ТАВТАЙ МОРИЛОГТУН नमस्ते VELKOMMEN ‫دیدمآ شوخ‬ ‫ ای‬WITAJCIE BEM-VINDOS ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ AFIO MAI ДОБРОДОШЛИ VITAJTE DOBRODOŠLI SOO DHAWAW BIENVENIDOS WILUJENG SUMPING KARIBUNI VÄLKOMMEN MABUHAY MAEVA வாருங்கள் సుస్వాగతం ยินดีต้อนรับ ཕེབས་པར་དགའ་བསུ་ཞུ། HOŞ GELDINIZ ЛАСКАВО ПРОСИМО ‫ديدمآ شوخ‬ XUSH KELIBSIZ HOANNGHÊNH CROESO MERHBE WAMUKELEKILE Campus involvement key to success

Cultural Greek life unites members

Local sports rivalries thrill fans

PAGE 5C

PAGE 12C

PAGE 16C

Monday, August 29, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

2

Vineyard Chinese Christian Fellowship Friday, 6-8:30 PM The Vineyard Church (1500 N. Lincoln Ave, Urbana)

International clubs There are Registered Student Organizations, RSOs, on campus for nearly every activity and idea imaginable. The International Student Organizations, or internationally-focused clubs, seek to connect students of similar backgrounds and interests. These organizations host events and can provide a smaller campus community for students who may be far from home. The International Student and Scholar Services webpage lists the organizations below and their contact information.

supplements@dailyillini.com

Each week we will serve a free simple meal, followed by a time of worship, small group discussion, and minister to one another through prayers and encouragement. facebook.com/vccfurbana

THE CAREER CENTER The Career Center offers career and professional development guidance for international students looking to stand out and become competitive in an ever-changing job market.

UIUC International Clubs African Students Organization Asha For Education Asian American Association Association of Peruvian Students Baltic Club Bangladeshi Student Association Chai-Town Acappella CSSA: Chinese Student and Scholars Association CU Internationals Deeper Roots in Christ Dharma International Student Organization Ecuadorian Students Association French-American Student Association Gah Rahk Mah Dahng Hong Kong Student Association Indian Graduate Student Association Indian Student Association Indonesian Student Club International Friendship Link International Illini

International Student Connections (ISC) Japan Intercultural Network Korean Cultural Center Korean Student Association Luso Brazilian Association Malaysian Students Association (MASA) Mi Pueblo Student Spanish Conversation Group Muslim Student Association Myanmar Student Association Pakistani Student Association Philippine Student Association Puerto Rican Association Rainbow International (International LGBT group) Sri Lankan Society Taiwanese American Student Club TIA: Taiwan Intercultural Association TSA: Taiwanese Student Association Vietnamese Student Association

Visit The Career Center today and take advantage of all we have to offer you: • Career Certificate International Students (CC-I) Program • INTLconnect newsletter • OPT/CPT options for F1 students • Job search and internship preparation

Learn more at careercenter.illinois.edu/intlconnect.

the

careercenter AT ILLINOIS

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

Students from the Vietnamese Students Association perform at Quad Day on Aug. 21.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

3

A welcome from campus leaders

Collin Schumock

Samantha Rothman PANHELLENIC COUNCIL PRESIDENT

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT

ENGINEERING COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Neil Bhide

Masaki Sugimoto

Dear Class of 2020: Ni hao! Annyeong! Namaste!

Hello and welcome to the University of Illinois! Welcome to four of the best years of your life. The University of Illinois has about 10,000 international students, who make up over 22 percent of the student body. This rich diversity is what allows UIUC to achieve a vision of having a local, national and global impact through transformational learning experiences and groundbreaking scholarship.

You join a legacy of global leadership at a world-class, land-grant university. Be proud to be a part of this history.

I applaud you for your courage in coming here. I can only imagine how nervous some of you must be. I remember being homesick as a freshman, and I only live three hours from Champaign! But I promise, you have made the right choice. This is a place where you will grow so much, encounter new and different ideas and worldviews and discover yourself. It can seem scary and overwhelming at times, but I'll let you in on a little secret ... everyone here is always more than willing to help. Don't be afraid to go to office hours and introduce yourself to your professors, or stop by your adviser's office, or utilize any of the rich resources on this campus. Now that you are here you are an Illini!

Again, welcome to the University of Illinois! I hope to meet some of you over the next year and I wish you the very best.

Oskee Wow-Wow!

Welcome to the University of Illinois!

My name is Samantha Rothman and I am the president of Panhellenic Council at the University of Illinois. In my years at Illinois, I’ve learned it is one of the most special places in this world. There are countless opportunities on this campus to not only turn Champaign-Urbana into a home, but also make lasting bonds that will forever give Illinois a distinct place in your heart. Regardless of your involvements during your time here, there are a plethora of possibilities to explore, and my advice is to take advantage of every single one of them. Congratulations on joining one of the greatest collegiate families and traditions in the world, and I cannot wait for you all to fall in love with Illinois the same way I have.

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the start of many great things to come! My name is Ronald Lewis and I have the honor of serving as your student body president for the University of Illinois. Several of you have travelled great distances, left friends, family and your comfort zone to be here today. The majority of our campus will never fully understand the sacrifices that you have made to be here. So it is my pleasure to welcome you all to a new beginning and an opportunity of a lifetime.

Although it may be a challenge to adapt to the new community and environment, you can be assured that you will not be alone. There are many resources on campus to make sure that all of your needs are met to make your transition to the U.S. as smooth as possible. From academic programs and registered student organizations to counseling services, it is a priority to us that your experience of what it means to be an Illini is just as good if not better than anyone else’s on campus.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of assistance in any way. Let’s work together to make an impact and make this year a great one! I can be reached at rtlewis2@illinois.edu. Go Illini!

Hello Illini! Welcome to the University of Illinois!

Wherever you are from in the world, I hope you fi nd your home here in the cornfields of Champaign-Urbana. My name is Neil Bhide and I am this year’s president of the Engineering Council.

I am very lucky to be surrounded by a large amount of international students in the College of Engineering who bring their own stories and ideas to the classroom.

Having the opportunity to experience the global mindset as an undergrad has made my experience at Illinois that much better. One of Engineering Council’s goals is to improve international students’ experiences with events that help them acclimate to life here in America. It is important to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Again, welcome to Illinois and I hope you embrace everything that central Illinois has to offer.

Welcome to the University of Illinois!

I hope you fi nd our very first international student guide helpful. My last three years at Illinois have been fantastic. I’ve met many mentors, learned so much and made lasting friendships. I hope that everyone else experiences the same type of joy I have at the University.

The years ahead will be sure to offer you countless opportunities to learn and grow as people.

Just know that The Daily Illini is here to serve you. We are here to give you the latest news on campus. No matter who you are, please know that your voice matters. It is important that you as a reader, know that. Speak out against what you think is wrong in the world.

If you have any critiques of this guide, our coverage overall or just have questions about The Daily Illini, don’t hesitate to email me at editor@dailyillini.com.

STUDENT TRUSTEE

Ron Lewis

THE DAILY ILLINI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JACOB SINGLETON THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, August 29, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

4

Gillespie Properties KEEPING YOUR NEWS FEED HOT AND FRESH SINCE 1871

Contact us at: 217-384-9444 or visit our website gillespieapts.com

HEY YOU! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Find your next home at UIUC

Apartments near Engineering Campus!

Religious Services

YOUR FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC

FACEBOOK.COM/DAILYILLINI

WPGU 107.1

University Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod A Congregat ion of St udents in the Hear t of Campus Life

Welcome Back Students!

Divine Services

Su nday 10 : 30 a m 604 E. Chalmers 344-1558

WPGU.COM

@WPGU1071 º freshman & transfer student approved º spacious suites º on-site dining hall

º 2 blocks from the Quad º fun resident events º all-inclusive rates

welcome to campus!

FREE LAUNDRY for residents

ILLINI TOWER STUDENT VILLAGE

409 East Chalmers Street | Located near the Quad lease online illinitower.net call 217.717.4904

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

5

Getting involved with clubs and on-campus employment helps international students, like Holiday Tang (above), feel at home in Champaign-Urbana.

RYAN FANG THE DAILY ILLINI

UIUC provides place for transformation HOLIDAY TANG Staff Writer

I traveled from China on Aug. 14, 2015, to U of I alone. I felt exhausted, but eager. It is still hard to believe that a year has passed already, but it is even harder to believe how much I have learned and grown as an Illini.

Because I was in a completely new place with no connections to anyone, my first priority was to make friends. Thanks to my extroverted personality and positive attitude, I was able to open myself up to a lot of different people.

I really enjoy the friendships I have built with a diverse group of people, and the experience is truly mind-opening. Beyond the help and care we offer to each other during tough times, I have been able to listen to different voices and encounter different cultures.

Other than my amazing American friends, I have created a good relationship with a Brazilian family and a Mexican family.

I experienced some culture shock when a mother of a Brazilian friend kissed me on

my neck when she was saying goodbye, but I was also grateful for such a sweet memory she left for me. I was flattered when a friend of mine invited me over to their family dinner on Thanksgiving.

I am proud that throughout the first year I was brave enough to step out of my comfort zone to meet different people. My goal is to continue doing that because of the joy I receive from a sincere friendship. And when you are willing to open up to others, the cultural exploration is more of a fascinating process than a culture shock.

Apart from my social life, I was able to balance well between my academic life, my job as a dining worker and my involvement in RSOs. I was hesitant when I was applying for a job and signing up for different organizations because I didn’t know if there would be too much pressure on my academics. I eventually decided to test my limits because I constantly recalled the famous quote, “If you risk nothing, you are risking everything”.

So I took on the challenges, and as expected, my life became chaotic when my working hours and RSO-meetings flowed into my academic schedule. To combat this, I followed a YouTube channel with a focus on efficiency

in college. As I got more acquainted with using online calendars, checklists and other time management skills, I was able to handle the workload despite the pressure.

In class, beyond getting the grades I wanted, I was able to connect with some of my professors and TAs on a personal level. Much of this happened simply because I showed up to their office hours with a sincere interest in the material. I’ve learned that they can be more than just academic resources and I can learn from their valuable experiences and inspirational life stories as well.

At work, I did two simple things that turned out to be magical in helping me adjust: I talked and I smiled.

I talked to all of my co-workers and supervisors and found out that they were interesting and kind people. I smiled at all the people I met every single day. Later on, people started to open the conversation and my supervisors came to my assistance with a trustworthy smile.

My involvement in RSOs on campus gave me a sense of fulfillment and an enlightening joy that I cherish. In the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, I was able to meet and maintain a brotherhood with a group of respectful and promising gentlemen.

At the Daily Illini, I am constantly feeling refreshed by the ideas presented by my colleagues, and I am grateful that I can continue my passion: writing.

I enjoyed the journey and survived the hardships, but it was the pressure from the schedule that brought out the passion, determination and endurance inside me. I am also satisfied with my grades more than my oncampus engagement.

Thanks to my courage and the wonderful experience of my freshman year, I’ve gladly come to a moment of realization. The University is more than a place for transforming one into a knowledgeable individual; it also transforms you into an adventurer who dares to live life to its fullest and who dares to confront one’s fears to explore and grow.

I am going to keep taking risks in the continuous process of challenging myself. This year, I am taking on a new role as a Multicultural Advocate in Pennsylvania Residence Hall to help foster a welcoming and respectful community where different identities are celebrated. I am an Illini, I am from China and the challenge continues.

Holiday is a sophomore in LAS. stang29@illinois.edu

Monday, August 29, 2016

6

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

SIGN UP FOR OUR newsletter and get headline news sent straight to your email!

dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

7

Monday, August 29, 2016

International students see classroom differences

BY AMINAH KOSHUL STAFF WRITER

Although starting college and moving to campus can be a daunting prospect for all freshman, few people find the experience as new and unfamiliar as international students.

Often there are customary aspects of American campus culture that may stand out to foreign students.

Classroom settings at the University are

inclined to call for much less discipline. Junyi Tang, senior in LAS, commented about how calling professors by their first name is common in America, but wouldn’t be deemed acceptable in China.

Virupaksh Agrawal, junior in Engineering, expressed similar views. He noted how language directed at the instructor in India would always be more formal than in America.

Agrawal said that perhaps one factor con-

HANNAH AUTEN THE DAILY ILLINI

International students at the University notice cultural differences in education.

International Student Night High Caliber Training Center and Indoor Range International Student Night - Every Friday @ 4:00 p.m.

1414 Triumph Dr., Urbana, IL 61802 217-344-4282 www.highcalibertrainingcenter.com

tributing to different levels of classroom discipline was the values taught by each respective culture.

“There are social systems in India that have been in place for centuries without challenge,” he said, “The US, on the other hand, was formed on the basis of rebellion.”

Andy Wu, senior in lAS, spoke in a similar way about his experience as a student in China. To him, classroom settings in China were less engaging, which perhaps could be attributed to East Asian cultures placing a strong emphasis on respect for the elderly as well as knowledge.

“We were required to stand up at the beginning of the class and formally greet our instructors,” he recalled.

In addition, Tang spoke about the college admission process in addition to campus culture in both countries. America has a more holistic approach that balances academics and extracurricular activities, whereas Chinese universities require a single entrance exam.

“A standardized test to determine college acceptances is held once every year,” he explained.

He said that the need for such clear cut and rigorous exam practices was related to the sheer size of a population of over a billion people. The entrance exam placed everyone on equal footing and gave each student a chance to go to college.

Tang recalled his demanding schedule in China, in which school hours lasted from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. In contrast, the freedom and flexibility at the University made for a much less stressful academic career.

Similarly, Agrawal spoke about how the “partial autonomy” of college — the flexibility of classes and required attendance — was different from his experience as a student in India.

Both Wu and Tang also explained how the social setting in China differed from America.

The drinking age there is 18 and often times drinking laws aren’t strictly enforced. Checking ID isn’t as common a practice as it is in America, where drinking or even entering a bar at night requires identification.

Moreover, campus towns allow for more mobility than campuses in China, where students are often segregated by major. At the University, students of all majors will take general education credits together and participate in extracurricular activities as one campus.

In Wu’s parting advice for his fellow international students, he urged them to become a greater part of the campus community and integrate with other foreign as well as domestic students to gain a better understanding of their surroundings and reap the full benefits of studying in America.

akoshu2@dailyillini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

SandwicheS, SaladS, crepeS, OmeletteS artiSan BreadS and paStrieS catering availaBle!

116 N. Neil St. | 217.359.4500 pekarabakery.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

8

Debunking stereotypes about international students on campus MINJU PARK Opinions columnist

In

one of my large lecture classes, my professor asked for all the international students to raise their hands in order to demonstrate the diversity that is present at our University.

Immediately, nearly half of the students’ hands went up and their peers glanced around the room with surprised expressions on their faces.

It also quickly became clear how many of the international students sit among one another rather than dispersing and intermixing with students from the U.S. “I’d say most of the students stay in their comfort zone and only step out when needed,” said Lucy Xi Lu, a senior majoring in actuarial science and economics, whose hometown is Beijing.

“People live in their circles with peo-

ple from similar backgrounds,” Lu said.

This separation could be in part caused by stereotypes that some mistakenly have toward international students, such as the idea that every international student has a plethora of wealth at their disposal. These misconceptions often lead to ill feelings or a sense of distance toward international students.

But this stereotype could not be further from the truth.

While some international students come from wealthy families, many struggle to pay off the debt of costly tuitions for students that hail from outside of the U.S. “In my opinion, ‘extremely wealthy’ is not accurate,” Lu said. “You probably notice an international student driving a fancy sport car more than you notice an international student serving you food in the dining hall.”

According to the Research and Advisory Services group at World Education Services, which surveyed 1,600 international students in 2012, only about

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

One common stereotype on campus is that all international students drive luxury cars.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

9

49 percent of respondents were categointernational students, it’s difficult to see rized into the “high financial resourcwhy they invest so much into going to es” group, which the study determined university in the United States. by the amount of financial aid students While the cost of education for interwould be seeking to support their college national students is much higher than attending a university in their home educations. country, they believe that the payoff This means that less than half of the from an overseas education helps to international students that were surveyed were “wealthy,” but somehow the obtain success in their careers. popular stereotype has established a In addition, the extreme competition to misconception that the majority of inter- get into universities in their home counnational students are extremely affluent. tries drives students away to different You can see the countries. misconception in “In many countries, action in University the family values education so much that dining halls, where the parents will sell many international their house, and take students work to earn out loans to send their money to put toward children abroad for their tuition, books better education,” Lu and housing costs. said.

The University The wealthy interemploys many students, which allowing national students LUCY XI LU them to pay for parts sometimes seen on SENIOR IN LAS of their tuition withcampus only repreout sacrificing their sent a fraction of the educational perforreality that many mance by providing students with fairinternational students face, and it’s income work without leaving campus. important to recognize their struggles It’s important to remember that the instead of dismissing an entire demographic because of the surface appearwealthy international students that we ances of a few. see on our campus are only the top one percent of the general population.

Minju is a sophomore in LAS. With all the expenses and hard work that go into providing education for mpark78@dailyillini.com

“The family values education so much that the parents will sell their house, and take out loans to send their children abroad.”

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District Welcome Back to Campus!

UI students and employees never pay a cash fare to ride MTD’s buses. Just use your iCard! MTD’s high-frequency service operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day and takes you anywhere you need or want to go. Whether it’s a quick trip around campus or to shopping or a movie, MTD’s easy-to-use service will get you where you need to go.

Visit cumtd.com to learn about apps through the MTD App Garage, plan your trip, subscribe to MyRIDE, check bus departure times, and much more! Learn everything you need to ride MTD’s bus service in the ‘How to Ride’ section. cumtd.com 217.384.8188

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Many people wrongly stereotype international students as being wealthy.

FALL

GOLF MEMBERSHIP

SPECIAL University of Illinois Golf Course 800 Hartwell Drive Savoy, IL 61874 www.uofigolf.com| 217•359•5613

GET A FALL PASS TO PLAY

UNLIMITED GOLF ONLY $200 PASS GOOD UNTIL DECEMBER 31st Offer valid only for current students aged 16+

Monday, August 29, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

10

ILLINI ACROSS THE GLOBE Top 5 home countries of international Illinois students CHINA — 5546

TURKEY — 108

IRAN — 123

INDIA — 1253

USA — 31,969

TAIWAN — 302

Total students: 43,893 Total International Students: 11,924 Source: Division of Information Management On-Campus Fall 2016 Statistical Abstract of First Day of Enrollment

,33

10

,03 10

9,0

6,8 2

7 5,9 69

5,2 1

22 4,8

4,5

29

8000 6000

Undeclared & Other 17%

2 7,6

00 8,3 03

10000

32 9,5 19

7

12000

Fields international students are enrolled in

9

International student enrollment over last 10 years at UIUC

4000 2000 0 16 20 15 20 14 20 13 20 12 20 11 20 10 20 09 20 08 20 07 20 06 20 Source: Division of Information Management On-Campus Fall 2016 Statistical Abstract of First Day Enrollment

STEM 44%*

Intensive English 5%

Fine & Applied Arts 6% Social Sciences 8%

20% Business & Management Source: Open Doors 2015 Report on International Educational Exchange

*percentages are rounded to whole numbers

MICHELLE TAM THE DAILY ILLINI

The Daily Illini  |  www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

11

How does UIUC compare to the Big Ten? Comparing international student populations University of Illinois 11,223 international students

25% of 44,087 population

University of Minnesota 6,984 international students

13% of 50,678 population

Purdue University 10,230 international students

25% of 39,409 population

University of Wisconsin 5,977 international students

13% of 43,389 population

Michigan State University 8,146 international students

16% of 50,543 population

Rutgers University 5,324 international students

11% of 48,378 population

Penn State University 7,728 international students

18% of 40,742 population

University of Maryland 5,138 international students

13% of 37,610 population

University of Michigan 7,423 international students

17% of 42,716 population

University of Iowa 4,360 international students

13% of 32,150 population

Ohio State University 7,121 international students

12% of 58,663 population

Northwestern University 4,329 international students

20% of 20,955 population

Indiana University 7,009 international students

15% of 46,416 population

University of Nebraska 2,926 international students

11% of 25,006 population MEGAN JONES THE DAILY ILLINI

SOURCE: Open Doors Data State Fact Sheets 2015

Nationally, more international students are male at 56.3%

Nationally, the most students come from

SOUTH KOREA CHINA

INDIA

International students contributed

$30.8 billion

to the U.S. economy in 2014-2015.

2014-2015

Source: Source: Division of Information Management On-Campus Fall 2016 Statistical Abstract of First Day Enrollment

MICHELLE TAM THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, August 29, 2016

12

TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER Catch up TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER LOL! TWITTER with the TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER D.I 24/7 TWITTER on TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER @dailyillini TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER tweet!TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Cultural fraternities, sororities diversify Greek life

BY BROOKS BERISH ASSISTANT SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR

In

addition to the traditional Greek system on campus, there is a significant presence of cultural fraternities and sororities.

Most of these cultural fraternities are not part of the Interfraternity Council, and most of the sororities are not affiliated with the National Panhellenic Council. Instead, they are included under the United Greek Council, which currently has about 21 culturally-focused fraternities and sororities under its belt.

This does not include the Black Greek Council, which is in charge of the Black Greek system here on campus.

“We are considered a social fraternity, but our goal is to let other people know about our culture,” said Jacob Park, a junior in LAS and current member of Lambda Phi Epsilon.

Lambda Phi Epsilon is an Asian-Interest fraternity, and like most of the other cultural fraternities and sororities, it is not exclusively focused on one culture.

Instead, it encourages the inclusion of

other cultures because it makes the cultural education process more meaningful.

Although there are many of these fraternities and sororities, they typically have a much smaller membership base.

“Typical Panhellenic sororities are 100 to 200 members, but AKDPhi has an active house of 12,” said Jenny Tan, junior in Media and active member of Alpha Kappa Delta Phi. Despite its small size, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi is the only internationally recognized Asian-Interest sorority with 52 chapters and over 6,000 sisters. It does not have a house on this campus so members have to find places to meet, but the fraternities they affiliate with the most have houses.

“I think because we are much smaller, you actually get more responsibility,“ said Hitomi Hayashi, sophomore in Education and also a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority. “You get positions. You have to be responsible for something in order for the organization

WALK TO WALK TO CAMPUS! CAMPUS!

• Walk to U of I Engineering Campus — Aparments & Houses only 1-4 blocks away!

•Walk to U of I Engineering Campus – Apartments & Apartment, Houses only 1 to 4 • Laundry in blocks away!

Furnished, Internet •Laundry in Apartment, Furnished, Internet • 1, 2, 3 Bedroom Apartments •1,2,3 Bedroom Apartments

217-344-0394 217-344-0394

www.advproperties.com advantageproperties.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEOKWON PARK

Lambda Phi Epsilon holds a basketball game as a rush event at the Activities and Recreation Center.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

to run. One of my sisters was on the exec board her first semester, so that’s pretty amazing.”

With less competition for leadership opportunities, most members have a good chance of being able to hold at least one position. Additionally, the smaller number of members, and the fact that many of them are of the same cultural back-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEOKWON PARK

A current Lambda Phi Epsilon member wears a jersey with the fraternity letters during the rush event.

13 ground, makes for a closer, more tightly knit group of people.

These Greek organizations also do things a little differently than the more traditional ones.

“We have five pillars, and one of them is Asian-awareness, so we really try to participate in the cultural community around campus and try to make our presence known as an Asian-Interest sorority,” Tan said.

The Asian-Interest fraternities and sororities affiliate themselves with organizations that focus on spreading cultures and learning about other cultures.

For example, Alpha Delta Lambda Phi works with the Asian-Pacific American Coalition on setting up cultural and social events. They also have a close tie with the Asian American Cultural Center, which also promotes cross-cultural education.

“We have a lot of events where we spread Asian cultures or learn about different cultures,” Hayashi said. “We are very close with the other cultural fraternities (and) sororities.”

Since the main focus of these cultural Greek organizations is to educate others about their culture, they reach out to other cultural organizations.

Alpha Delta Lambda Phi has a strong relationship with the Asian-Interest fraternities and with some of the Latin fraternities and sororities as well.

“The events we host on each campus enrich our cultural awareness and help

to educate others,” Ji Won Shin, sophomore in LAS and member of Kappa Phi Lambda, another Asian-Interest sorority, wrote in an email. “The events we attend, hosted by other organizations, in turn, enhance our appreciation of other cultures.”

To join these organizations, the AsianInterest fraternities and sororities have a rush schedule similar to that of the traditional fraternities on campus. They have two weeks of rush events, Monday through Friday, starting on Aug. 22.

There is usually an event every day, but most of the students rushing are normally only required to go to at least three of them. Following the events, the rushes have an interview and then they receive, or do not receive, a bid.

“I went the second week because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it, so I talked to the sisters first before going to the event,” Hayashi said.

Many of these cultural fraternities and sororities have booths on Quad Day, and many of them have their own webpage, so prospective members can reach out to them.

“They’re really welcoming — that’s one of the main reasons I joined,” Hayashi said. “If you’re looking for a sorority or frat to join and if you’re not sure, I think you should definitely come check it out because you never know.”

berish2@dailyillini.com

4.1/5

Monday, August 29, 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEOKWON PARK

Members of the cultural fraternity meet potential members at rush events, including pickup basketball games.

Monday, August 29, 2016

14

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

LEASING NOW!

Amenities • Pet-friendly • Private bathroom for each bed space • Conveniently located near County Market & Caribou Coffee • Fitness center onsite • Onsite parking and Garage parking • Theater room • Furnished apartments • FREE tanning bed • Bicycle/scooter storage • W/D in every apartment

STUDIOS, 1 BEDROOM, 2 BEDROOM, & 3 BEDROOM

AVAILABILITY URBAN-CHIC LOFT STYLE APARMENTS | BURNHAM310.COM | 217.239.2310

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

15

Transition to college life eased by campus groups, resources ARJUN SUBRAMANIAN Contributing Columnist

International students have to make many interesting academic and social transitions when they first come to college.

I am an international student who was born in Tokyo, lived in Singapore through my middle and high school years and served in the Singapore military for two years before going to college. I am currently a senior in systems engineering and design with a minor in business.

Socially, international and local students have different experiences and cultural backgrounds, so we all have to learn to embrace each other’s values. During my time at the University, I made friends with people from India, Malaysia, Poland, Israel and more by visiting Round Tables and meeting people from my groups and classes.

My multicultural background did not make this too difficult, and I think that my friends and I learned to accept one another for who we are and really learn about each other's values so that we could enjoy each other’s company.

For the last three years, I was fortunate enough to be a part of several clubs at the University, including CUBE consulting for a year and the Black Lives Matter movement for a

semester, just to name a couple.

CUBE Consulting made me learn about professional working ethics such as how to work on a team, resolve conflict and voice my concerns. The Black Lives Matter movement taught me a little bit about what liberal values are in America and how to be globally aware about what is going on in the world.

I think that sometimes we focus too much on our own world. By joining clubs and looking for other people's experiences, you can get a lot closer to people and understand where they come from. The best part of these experiences is that you are exposed to what goes on politically, economically and socially in different countries.

At the same time, when meeting a lot of people with different values, we may make mistakes through cultural misunderstanding.

The most important thing, however, is to learn from these mistakes and move on.

In terms of academics, I feel that there are so many different systems in the world with so many different learning environments that it may be difficult to adjust to American learning. For me, I studied in a school which provided International Baccalaureate courses, which are much more theoretical than engineering at Illinois.

Engineering at Illinois has a very systematic curriculum with lots of problem-solving, rather than theory, which is why I think it is excellent for real world applications. As a

student adjusting to the engineering curriculum, I went to my TA’s office hours, and used Center for Academic Resource in Engineering, CARE) resources at Grainger Library.

The CARE resources make tough problems less intimidating because they use peer mentoring. Office hours provided by professors and TAs are much more professional environments. However, there you can learn what the professor expects in exams.

Another aspect of engineering which really was an academic culture shock was the amount of technology we are exposed to. Initially, the programs such as Autodesk Inventor, Matlab and Objective-C seemed quite intimidating to me, but once I put in the effort, I realized that it wasn't as hard as it seemed.

I also utilized Engineering Council for any academic struggles I had in classes early on so that I could work with an adviser in order to get the best grade possible. If you put in the time and effort, there are great resources all throughout campus that really make you understand basic concepts in whatever field you go into.

As I enter my last year at the University, my best advice to any international student is to enthusiastically look for opportunities and don’t be intimidated by the small stuff.

If you follow this advice, you will surely gain the tools and connections to excel.

2016

Arjun is a senior in Engineering.

MICHELLE TAM THE DAILY ILLINI

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS

GET A FALL PASS TO PLAY

UNLIMITED GOLF ONLY $200

PASS GOOD UNTIL DECEMBER 31st Offer valid only for current students aged 16+

University of Illinois Golf Course 800 Hartwell Drive Savoy, IL 61874 www.uofigolf.com 217•359•5613

Monday, August 29, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

16

Sports rivalries present in the Champaign-Urbana area STEVEN COHN Staff writer

Go to Cly’s on a Wednesday night and you’ll find a DJ battle. Walk to the Main Quad in between classes and you’ll see freshmen racing against the clock as they hustle to class. Watch students as they log on to the University Housing application the moment it goes live in hopes of obtaining a dorm in the Ikenberry Commons. In short, this university — and this country — loves competition and rivalries, especially in sports. Luckily, The Daily Illini is here keep you up-to-date on what to expect in regards to rivalries in collegiate and professional sports.

secohn2@dailyillini.com

College

Baseball

Basketball

Football

Hockey

The University is a member of the Big Ten conference — one of the nation’s top athletic conferences — for its NCAA sports. The Illini have struggled recently in their mostprofitable sports, but a strong 2017 recruiting class by men’s basketball coach John Groce as well as the arrival of new football coach and former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith has fans excited about the future.

However, be on the lookout for whenever Ohio State, Michiganor Northwestern shows up on the schedule; Illinois is always looking to stick it to its Big Ten foes. In college, sports, rivalries and tradition mean everything.

Three Major League Baseball (MLB) teams — the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals — are going to take the cake by being nearly everyone’s favorite teams in this area.

However, with the best record in the league and a championship drought dating back to 1908, no team in baseball is more popular than the Cubs right now. Let it be known, though, that the White Sox have taken the past two BP Crosstown Cups, beating the Cubbies in their season series the past two years.

With an estimated 400 million fans watching basketball around the world, many of its superstars are known on a first name basis – LeBron, Kobe, KD, Melo and more.

In the C-U, however, only one name (Michael Jordan) and one team (the Chicago Bulls) matters.

Nearing two decades without a championship and a new roster with Dwayne Wade, Rajon Rondo and Olympian Jimmy Butler, the Bulls’ rivalries with LeBron James’ defending-champion Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be alive and well along with the games against the New York Knicks, which feature former Bulls’ Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose.

Don’t be surprised to see Stephen Curry jerseys around campus; everyone wants to shoot like the twotime National Basketball Association MVP.

If some students you come across don’t seem too excited for the National Football League (NFL) season this year, they are probably St. Louis Rams fans. The Rams returned to Los Angeles for this season after 20 years playing in St. Louis. Many Rams fans have turned to cheering for the in-state Chicago Bears as well as the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bears and Colts don’t have much of a rivalry, albeit the Colts beat the Bears in the Super Bowl in 2007. The Bears’ big rivalry comes twice per season with the Green Bay Packers, but as they are stuck in a long playoff drought, don’t expect much from the Bears this season.

The Chicago Blackhawks, led by reigning-MVP Patrick Kane, have established themselves as the National Hockey League’s (NHL) premier organization over the past handful of years, winning three Stanley Cup championships since 2010.

The St. Louis Blues upset the Blackhawks, in the 2016 playoffs but this rivalry has grown over the years into must-watch television.

Anticipate the Blackhawks to have championship expectations in 2017, as well as a large amount of red and white sweaters around campus in support.

90

$

Order your yearbook online at

illioyearbook.com or call 217-337-8314

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

17

Are YOU interested in writing, designing, broadcasting, marketing, advertising, photography, and more?

wants YOU!

Come to

Illini Media Info Night on Tuesday 8/30 & Wednesday 8/31 in Greg Hall 112, 7 pm

See what we’re all about and find your place at Illini Media

Daily Illini Independent student newspaper

Buzz

Online entertainment magazine

Illio Yearbook at the University of Illinois

Technograph Quarterly engineering magazine

WPGU-FM 107.1 Commercial radio station

Monday, August 29, 2016

18

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Make Your Move NOW ! Places of worship at UI

BY VIVIENNE HENNING

ASSISTANT DAYTIME EDITOR

• 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes • Beautiful, clean, and spacious • 24-hour maintenance staffing • Luxurious amenities • Affordable prices • Online account access Make your move to Royse and Brinkmeyer NOW. Love where you live!

Royse & Brinkmeyer Apartments 211 W. Springfield Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 www.roysebrinkmeyer.com (217) 352-1129

TANG DYNASTY Authentic Chinese Cuisine

11am - 10pm | 217•384•0888 140 Lincoln Square | Urbana, IL 61801

www.urbanatangdynasty.com

New and returning students are settling into their fall semester routines as syllabus week comes to a close. Religion is a part of daily life for many students, and the University provides a wide variety of different centers of all affiliations and denominations.

As of last year, there are at least 50 different places of worship and cultural associations on campus. For those of the Jewish or Interdenominational faith, there are up to five different places of worship. The larger known of the Interdenominational faith is the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, located on Sixth and Green.

Those practicing Judaism have five options on campus, including the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation and the Sinai Temple off of Duncan and Windsor, southwest of Campus.

Non-denominational Christians and Interfaith students have four churches on campus.

There is the Covenant Fellowship Church and the Twin City Bible Church for Non-denominational Christians. For Interfaith students, there is the University YMCA right off of Wright and Chalmers.

Muslim students can look to the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center on Lincoln and Western, as well as the Muslim American Society and Muslim Students Association here on campus.

Presbyterian Illini have McKinley Presbyterian Church and Foundation as their largest place of worship, while Roman Catholic students have St. John’s Catholic Newman Center on Sixth and Armory as their more popular church.

United Methodist students can attend the Wesley United Method Church on Green and Matthews, while Zen Buddhists have the Prarie Zen Center off of Green and Prospect.

Orthodox Christians have the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and there is a Quak-

er Student Group as well. Unitarian Universalists meet at both the Channing-Murray Foundation off of Oregon and Mathews and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign on Green Street near Lincoln Square.

There is a University Lutheran Church on Chalmers and Sixth for Lutheran students, as well as the St. Andrew’s/Lutheran Campus Center on Wright and Chalmers. First Mennonite Church is located on the corner of Lincoln and Springfield. The Indian Christian Fellowship holds a variety of events to celebrate their culture.The Baha’i faith can be practiced with the Baha’i Association at UIUC and the Church of Christ has an Illini for Christ group on campus. Additionally, there is a Latter-day Saints Student Association for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Those who are a part of the Assembly of God can practice at the Excel Campus Ministry and there is a University Baptist Church and Baptist Housing Ministry on Daniel and Fourth.Episcopal and Anglican students have a place of worship at the Chapel of Saint John the Divine on Wright and Armory, while there is also a Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church for Christians Reformed.

There is an Illini Life Christian Fellowship as well on campus for students with the Collegiate Church Network. Additionally, there is a UCC Campus Ministry for the United Church of Christ on Daniel and Sixth.

Disciples of Christ have two places of worship: the Disciples of Christ Community Church near Urbana Middle School and UniPlace Christian Church on the corner of Wright and Springfield.

University of Illinois is not only a place of high quality education, but also spirituality.

This is a campus where students from all walks of life can come together.

vhenni2@dailyillini.com

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Students receive ashes on the Main Quad on Ash Wednesday, February 10, to commemorate the start of Lent.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Everywhere you are.

Monday, August 29, 2016

19

Class of 2017 University of Illinois

at Urbana Champaign

Senior Portrait Session To reschedule visit illioyearbook.com/seniorportraits, email us at illio@illinimedia.com or call our office at 217-337-8314.

9/12/16 - 10/1/16 Monday — Friday: 9am–7pm Saturday: 10am–4pm

FIND THE DAILY ILLINI in

over 150 locations

throughout Champaign-Urbana!

Conveniently sized to fit on any desk from Altgeld Hall to Newman Hall.

We keep you current on campus news, sports, and everything there is to do in Champaign-Urbana.

Grainger Library FAR Illini Union Bookstore Beckman McKinley Swanlund ISR Campus Rec Center Armory House YMCA Krannert Center LAR Greg Hall Levis Faculty Center Ikenberry Building Illini Union Ice Arena Atkins Tennis Center Krannert Art Museum ARC PAR

Location: University YMCA 1001 S. Wright St. Wahl Room - 2nd floor by the stairs

$10 for 8-10 poses including cap & gown shots Dress professionally for your sitting — dress shirts, ties, dresses, blouses, dress pants Photos are taken by Thornton Studios 1-800-883-9449.

Monday, August 29, 2016

20

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com