Dairy plays such an important role in fueling active minds and bodies. Now, dairy can also help you earn a college scholarship. Simply take a picture of your best milk mustache for the chance to win. Make sure a dairy product (milk, cheese, yogurt) is visible along with your mustache. Upload your photo to Instagram, tag @azmilkproducers and use the hashtag #ampscholarshipcontest and tell us what team you want to win football tickets to by using #asu #nau #uofa.
2015 FRESHMAN GUIDE
Bleed Maroon and Gold: ASU traditions you should know
What to expect from your first ASU football game
ASU for Newbs: Answers to your most basic questions
Register for classes like an upperclassman
Dorm laundry tips for when mom can’t help
School Sprawl: Getting around from campus to campus
Stay safe on and around campus
LIVING
20 Hey Roomie! Finding the right roommate and ditching the bad ones 21 Don’t Waste Away: Avoiding the pitfalls of college
Make your way through the sweltering school year unscathed 23 Out of the Box: What we can learn from the students we stereotype
Eating healthy, when your options are limited
Pimp Your Dorm: All you need to make your dorm feel like home 27 What do you really need to get by in the dorms? 28 Why college is more of a struggle than high school
30 Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Don’t make our freshman year mistakes 32 The Freshman Timeline: All you need to know about staying on track this year GETTING
33 ASU Programming and Activities Board has all you need to keep entertained your first year 35 Is Greek Life for you?
36 Have fun without the peer pressure
Welcome to Arizona State University, freshman Sun Devils! You might be new here, but College Times has all you need to know about being a newb at ASU inside this issue. Here, the ASU marching band heads into Sun Devil Stadium before a game. Learn all about what to expect from your first football game on P. 10.
32.7% of the ASU freshman class graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class.
ASU 101 the basics Living planning getting social
$1 Billion
ASU awarded more than $1 billion dollars in all financial aid for the 2012-2013 school year.
1113 is the average SAT composite score, which is both math and critical reading, of an average ASU freshman class.
3.4 is the average GPA of an ASU freshman class.
500 is the number of classrooms on all four campuses, but that number may increase.
1885
is the year ASU was founded. The full date is Feburary 26, 1885. Don’t be the person that doesn’t know what the year on your sweatshirt means.
1,100 is the number of clubs and organizations at ASU.
81,424 is the number of solar panels on campus.
2015 FRESHMAN GUIDE
Well, hello there, baby Sun Devils!
We know—we’ve been there. The first couple of weeks at school can be truly terrifying. But luckily for you, we’re on your side.
We went through all of the experiences, questions and rules we thought were most important for freshies to know and outlined them for you here, in your Freshman Guide. From your first football game to deciding whether or not to go Greek, we have your answers. We will admit though—it benefits us, too. The quicker you assimilate, the sooner you know not to linger in the middle of the sidewalks.
And once you feel comfortable as a full-blown Sun Devil, graduate on over to our biweekly publication. College Times covers entertainment, sports and every other aspect of your college life at Arizona State University, as well as the Maricopa Community Colleges throughout the Valley. So whenever you need your fix of smart, relevant and interesting articles, we have you covered.
Pick us up on racks throughout ASU or anywhere the coolest people congregate in the Valley. One tip to get you started? We have some of the hottest giveaways and coolest contests on our social media platforms, so be sure to hit us up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Good luck and fork ‘em, Devils!
photography: Sam Nalven | Cover models: Alesha Bush, Sparky Cover design: Nicole La Cour
Maria Portillo • College Times
Tempe Campus
ASU 101 the
One University, Many Campuses
“One university in many places,” is a phrase you’ll hear often, and since ASU has one main campus with four “branch” campuses, it fits pretty well. ASU has a presence in almost all parts of metro Phoenix, with over 76,000 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled for the 2015-2016 school year. So which campus will be your home? Read more about the personality of each location in this guide.
TEMPE CAMPUS
ASU 101 the basics Living planning getting social
The Tempe campus, aka the main campus, is the most crowded location and, depending whom you ask, the most fun. Filled with sunkissed sorority girls and frat boys, engineering geniuses and brilliant art students, this energetic campus offers a place for everyone. Tempe is ASU’s original college town, with scenic views that include Tempe Beach Park, Sun Devil Stadium and Mill Avenue. Home to over eight colleges, the Tempe campus offers the largest variety of classes, from education and sustainability to engineering. When you are not hiking “A” Mountain or rowing in Tempe Town Lake, you can enjoy all the food, nightlife and people on Mill Avenue, a cultural center in the heart of Tempe, mere steps away from campus.
Downtown Campus
West Campus
Polytechnic Campus
DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
The Downtown campus is located in the heart of Phoenix and is home to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the College of Health Solutions and, soon, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. There are two types of students you will see: the alternative, glasses-wearing, laptopwielding folks and the overtly confident tennis shoe-sporting, gallon-ofwater-drinking yoga pant enthusiasts. Surrounded by an urban backdrop, this campus offers an array of ethnic food for more experienced taste buds, as well as chain favorites for those just starting to broaden their horizons.
POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS
The Polytechnic campus looks like it came out of a college movie scene. It might be the prettiest campus, and the curriculum and amenities offered look toogood-to-be-true, too. This high-tech facility is perfect for project-based learning. Thousands of square feet of laboratory space make way for flight simulators, a semiconductor fabrication lab, a state-of-the-art gold simulator and a consumer behavior research lab. This is a place where your professors know you by name. Plus, smaller class sizes mean you’ll have the chance to get to know other students in an intimate atmosphere. This is also one of the quieter campuses, so if you just want to hunker down without the rest of the “college experience,” this might be the campus for you.
WEST CAMPUS
The West campus is the home of liberal arts degrees with a feel that matches its focus. This campus has the feel of a private liberal arts school with the resources of a large university—the best of both worlds! With similar intimacy to the Polytechnic campus, the 9,000 student West campus offers degree programs from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and the W.P. Carey School of Business. The ideal melding of arts and sciences, this campus is a little quiet, but if you’re not out for the raucous party scene of the Tempe campus, West might be a great option to fulfill your academic potential.
Why ASU is more than just a party school
Lily Lieberman • College Times
and degrees in emerging fields, ASU is continually ranked as a high-achieving school.
With the unofficial motto “turn up or transfer,” Sun Devils are known across the country and even overseas for, ahem, making the most of their college experience. However, ASU is also nationally recognized for the diverse awards and accolades it has received.
The university ranks fifth on a list of the top universities favored by employers for job recruiting, according to a survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal. ASU is one of the top schools with majors that best prepare students “to land jobs that are satisfying, well-paid and have growth potential.”
ASU is ranked 25th among all public U.S. universities. U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU second on the list of schools that are making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty and student life.
As a leader in student entrepreneurship, community partnerships
ASU also has nationally recognized colleges like Barrett Honors College, W.P. Carey School of Business and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The latter two recently hired Jeff Cunningham, the former publisher of Forbes and founder of Dire ctorship Magazine, as a faculty member teaching entrepreneurship and the business of news media. Cronkite NewsWatch, an award-winning 30-minute newscast produced by advanced broadcast students, consistently wins national awards. In 2013, it was named “Best Newscast” at the national Emmy Foundation’s 2013 College Television Awards.
ASU is also ranked number two in the nation for the best online graduate business programs. Sun Devils truly embody the old work hard, play hard adage.
Bleed Maroon and Gold: ASU traditions you should know
Ana Anguiano
• College Times
Arizona State University is the home of maroon and gold Sun Devils that defy nature by flourishing in the desert. It’s a funny school with even weirder alumni, but if you want to fit in, there are several cool and quirky traditions you should know about.
MAKING A PITCHFORK WITH YOUR HAND
That’s right, people. The official hand signal for ASU is a pitchfork and nothing else, no matter what anyone else tells you. Their minds are in the gutter because obviously, hand signals mean nothing. Still, it’s pretty important to execute it
ASU 101 the basics Living planning getting social
correctly. Put your thumb on your ring finger, make a peace sign, pretend it’s a trident and hush anyone who says otherwise.
PAINTING THE “A”
“A” Mountain, aka Hayden Butte, is a great source of pride for ASU students and Tempe residents. The letter shines in the distance on Mill Avenue and the mountain is always covered in hikers. But you are made to invest in the “A” as a freshman, when they bus students from all four campuses to paint the “A” white. It all comes full circle when the seniors paint it gold before the first football game of the year. It’s a nice tradition, but it will make you rage
when other teams sneak up and paint it (defile it!) any other color.
SPARKY DOES PUSHUPS
ASU football games have a laundry list of traditions that anyone can easily follow along with simply by observing the rest of the student section. However, one of the best ASU traditions that never ceases to entertain us is when Sparky does pushups. We really do love Sparky but seeing him do numerous pushups in hot August afternoons with limited ventilation is astounding.
PAT’S RUN
One of the coolest traditions that takes place at ASU is Pat’s Run,
An ASU student throws up a pitchfork after making his mark during the backto-school whitewash of the “A” on Hayden Butte in Tempe.
named for former football player Pat Tillman, who gave up his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals to fight in the Marines post-9/11. Every spring, runners from all over the country come to Tempe to honor Tillman and raise money for Tillman Military Scholars. The run is 4.2 miles and it ends on the 42-yard line in Sun Devil Stadium, numbers symbolic of Tillman’s #42 jersey. The community comes together to remember a local legend and to support one another, which is all you can ask of a tradition.
What to expect from your first ASU football game
Lily Lieberman • College Times
Here’s a breakdown of everything you should know before you hit the stands.
GETTING YOUR TICKETS
Ticket sales open up online super early—like 6 a.m. early—a few days before the game. You’ll want to wake up before the masses to snag a good section. Make sure you buy
a seating arrangement in the name of school spirit. Therefore comfortable shoes are a must, as is hydrating.
TRADITIONS
THE HEAT
The desert sun is not kind during football season. Lather up with SPF or suffer the consequences.
THE BUZZ WEARS OFF
the tickets with the people you want to sit with. But if you do get separated, it’s no biggie. Sun Devils are in their friendliest state at the games. Fans will chat you up during time outs.
STANDING THE WHOLE TIME
This is no time for leisure, my friend. Apparently those things we sane people like to sit on (aka bleachers) were made so that you could stand on top of them, which is a perfect waste of ASU student section cheering on the Sun Devils.
Tailgating is a rite of passage for the collegiate masses. Avoiding the halftime hangover is pretty impossible with the dry heat and standing room only. The end of the second quarter is the time for a water break. Hydration keeps the headache from creeping up.
EARLY WAKE UP CALLS
Games may not start until the afternoon, but the excitement begins at 8 a.m. It’s easier than waking up for early classes when the whole school is involved.
Everyone jingles their keys and yells guttural noises until the ball is kicked at every kickoff. Why? Google tells us it’s because the team is about to make a “key” play. As far as chanting goes, you may want to look those up before you get there. Yelling with your fellow Devils really is a bonding experience.
If you aren’t wearing maroon or gold, you can’t sit with us. Buy at least one piece of fan wear. Wearing blue is hard to live down. You WILL be ostracized.
EVERYONE IS A FAN
You may not follow the Sun Devils off-season or know the name of the quarterback, but as soon as game day comes around, you are the team’s biggest fan. You will scream. You will cry. You might even lose your voice. Just don’t lose your cool if we lose.
Students mosey to class on ASU’s
ASU for Newbs: Answers to your most basic questions
Jorge Salazar • College Times
As a freshman, you’ll hear terms between upperclassmen that will initially leave a question mark floating over your head. Have no fear! We’re here to answer some popular newbie questions, to make sure you’re properly prepared to take on ASU.
“WHAT IS BLACKBOARD?”
This online portal is used by almost all ASU courses to turn in assignments, take tests and (quite possibly, the worst part of college) submit discussion board posts. While it is easy to use, just ask any upperclassmen and they will let you know that Blackboard crashes are an expected nightmare. Heed our advice and don’t leave class work until the last minute.
“WHAT’S
A BLUE BOOK?”
Blue Books are thin, blue-covered books filled with lined paper. They are available at the bookstore and are used by many professors for in-class assignments and exams. They’re usually used for essays which is why you should stock up if you’re using them for multiple classes.
“WHAT’S A CLICKER?
They lied: Professor’s aware most students are browsing their Facebook page instead of paying attention to class. And regardless of what you’ve heard, many still take attendance. In order to test you, many ASU professors have started using the clicker system. Students must carry electronic clickers with them to class, which they will be prompted to use at certain moments during the lecture. This can be reflected in your grade as either attendance or participation points, so make sure you’re not ditching.
ASU 101 planning getting social
“WHAT’S AN MIP?”
This one’s more of a warning. MIP stands for a Minor in Possession of Alcohol violation. We get that you’ll want to make the most of your newfound freedom, but ASU has a three-tier system when dealing with code of conduct violators, which means you’ll be facing the Office of Student Life Student Rights and Responsibilities, University Housing and ASU Police. And that’s a lot scarier than just your parents breathing down your neck.
Tempe campus
Register for classes like an upperclassman
Jorge Salazar
• College Times
Here are some tips to make sure you pick the right schedule to get your college career off to a great start.
the basics Living planning getting social
DO IT EARLY
Procrastinating on scheduling your classes ends up pretty much the same as when you put off your
homework assignments. Waiting until the last minute very rarely results in your best work. One thing to take into consideration is that classes fill up fast. If you take too long, you might miss your chance at a spot in that elective you had your eye on.
REVIEW YOUR MAJOR MAP
If you haven’t been able
to snag an appointment with your advisor before class registration starts, hope is not lost. One of the great things about the resources available through your My ASU portal (my.asu. edu) is that your major map is easily accessible online. It will let you know what classes are needed, so picking is no longer a guessing game.
MIX IT UP
While you want to make sure you start on the right track with the recommended courses on your major map, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Make sure to sign up for a class that interests you outside
of your major and seems relatively easy. This class can become a breath of fresh air when the more stressful periods of your first semester start. You’ll be glad you chose something that serves as an escape from the hubbub.
DON’T OVERBOOK
College classes are, more often than not, exponentially more work than what you’ve experienced in high school, and don’t forget you’ll hopefully be juggling school with extracurricular activities and a social life. Too much on your plate can have negative effects, not only on your stress levels, but also on your GPA.
Dorm laundry tips for when mom can’t help
Claire Cleveland
• College Times
You are going to be sharing a laundry room with two washers and two dryers with the 50 to 100 other people on your floor, so be cool and follow our guidelines for a painless laundry experience.
BUY HIGH EFFICIENCY LAUNDRY DETERGENT AND USE SPARINGLY
Most of the washers and dryers on ASU campus are high efficiency (part of ASU’s environmentallyconscious initiatives), so they save energy and water, which means they use HE detergent. If you use too much detergent, it can leave your clothes sudsy and the washer doesn’t fully rinse itself out, so then the next person has to deal with it.
CLEAN MORE THAN JUST CLOTHES
Clean up after yourself. Empty the lint tray (Yes, that is a thing that should be done every load. Your clothes will not dry if it is full.) and put your dryer sheets in the trash.
SET A TIMER AND RETRIEVE YOUR CLOTHES PROMPTLY
There are a lot of people living on your floor who also need to have clean clothes and bed linens, so get your laundry as soon as it’s done. Having to move other people’s underwear is uncomfortable to say the least, and it leaves you vulnerable to having your clothes stolen or “misplaced.”
the basics Living planning getting social
LINT ROLL YOUR CLOTHES
Have you ever been swimming and what feels like a creepy eel slides across your hand, but when you pull it out of the water only you realize it is a very long, very dark, tangled hair clump gripping your hand for dear life? It is easy to fix. Lint roll your clothes before you take them off and put them in the hamper to avoid getting hair in the washer.
PRE-RINSE ANY EXCEPTIONALLY DIRTY ITEMS
Whether it’s grossness from a party or mud from a hike, pre-rinse your super dank and dirty clothes before putting them in the community washer. No one should have to open a washer that still has the smell of puke in it.
The Valley Metro Light Rail connects ASU’s Downtown and Tempe campuses.
School Sprawl: Getting around from campus to campus
Ana Anguiano • College Times
Arizona State University is the largest university in the U.S. with over 76,000 students. Your major will also decide your campus, which is unfortunate for students that want to take classes in Tempe or Downtown Phoenix but live at West or Polytechnic. There are a variety of ways to get around, but in a sprawling city like Phoenix, you have to find the right transportation that will suit your route, schedule and budget.
YOUR OWN CAR
This option is by far the most expensive form of transportation there is. The price for a simple ASU parking pass ranges from $210 to $780, and that doesn’t take into account how difficult it is to find a spot during the day.
ASU CAMPUS SHUTTLES
If you just want to get from one campus to another, by far the best option is the campus shuttles. They do not come as often as you might like, but they are straight shots between campuses and they are only
available to ASU students. The gold route goes between Polytechinic and Tempe while the Maroon route goes from West to Downtown Phoenix to Tempe.
LIGHT RAIL
If you commute mainly between Tempe and Downtown Phoenix and it’s going to be your main form of transportation, you should consider purchasing a U-Pass, which gives you unlimited access from August 16 to May 15, 2015. It doesn’t come cheap at $200, but it eventually becomes more cost effective than $4 everyday.
CITY BUSES
The Valley Metro busses can get you almost everywhere you need to go, but they are anything but speedy. They are great for getting you closer to off-campus spots like internships and friends’ houses, but if you want to make it anywhere punctually, you have to give yourself plenty of buffer time. Depending on where you go, you might also need to make several bus changes. Use the city bus as a last resort.
Courtesy Valley Metro
Stay safe on and around campus
Claire Cleveland • College Times
Be smart, be safe and take these tips into consideration.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED
Keep your head up and focus on what’s around you. This goes for the daytime, too. If you pay attention to your surroundings you will be better equipped to avoid unwanted confrontations.
TRAVEL IN GROUPS
If you can avoid traveling alone on campus at night, do it. ASU becomes pretty desolate at night, and wouldn’t you rather have a friend to walk with than be alone in those creepy walkways? Your combined presence is more of a deterrent for anyone looking to start trouble.
DON’T LET STRANGERS INTO YOUR RESIDENCE HALL
There is a reason that you need a key card and a key to get through the residential buildings on campus. It keeps students inside safe from those who may want
to wander in. You will hear stories of individuals causing problems in residential buildings, so don’t be the one who let them in.
the basics Living planning getting social
DON’T BE A DAREDEVIL ON YOUR BIKE OR LONGBOARD
This advice will become much more apparent when you finally start attending school and try to walk around the Tempe campus. Be courteous and either take another route or go slow enough that people who are walking can see you coming before it’s too late.
DON’T GET CRAZY DRUNK AT A PARTY
We recognize that you want to have fun, and for possibly the first time in your life, you are finally free from your parents’ rules, but getting blackout drunk and trying to find your way back to your dorm is flat out dangerous. Even if your dorm is only a few streets away from wherever you’re partying, it puts you at risk of being hit by a car. Don’t be that person. Be responsible.
Living
Hey, Roomie!
Finding the right roommate and ditching the bad ones
Lily Lieberman • College Times
What happens after you’ve picked the perfect college? It’s time to find a roommate!
This is where online roommate matchmaking service RoomSurf comes into play. Since you’ll most likely be sharing a 10 by 10 room with this rando for the next nine months, we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you sort out the nutcases from the cool kids. And who knows, maybe they’ll end up being a friend that lasts a lifetime.
STEP 1: SIGN UP WITH FACEBOOK
Pick the perfect profile picture. Your Facebook pro pic is your RoomSurf picture when you first make the account, but you can upload another and
change it if you want. Make yourself look attractive by using something classy, yet intriguing. Let people know your interests. Prom pictures are alright, party pics are definite no-nos and selfies should be avoided. Don’t attempt to put up a front and be something you’re not.
STEP 2: TAKE THE SURVEY
Roomsurf matches you on five different levels: cleanliness, personality, habits, gender and personal beliefs. Each section allows you to not only describe the way you live, but pick how you’d like your roommate to live as well. For instance, you keep a messy house but want a friend that will keep his/hers neat and tidy? Not a problem.
The personal beliefs section gets tricky. It’s tempting to pick the beliefs
that most closely match our own, but don’t. Since you’re losing the randomness of being stuck with an unknown roommate, you’re also missing out on the chance to get to know a different type of person. If you don’t like who you’re matched up with or you change your mind about what you value, you can always retake the survey and explore other matches.
STEP 3: START SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT ROOMMATE
There are plenty of fish in the sea, so don’t settle until you find the one. It’s time to go back to Facebook and make the first move by adding your potential roomie as a friend and sending him or her a personal message. Don’t try to act cool. They obviously know you already stalked the heck out of them. All
you have to do is make it personal.
STEP
4: MOVE IN
Organize who will be bring what things to the mix like furniture, appliances and more. Set specific boundaries up front. Take turns taking out the trash, cleaning the toilet and vacuuming to maintain roomie harmony.
STEP 5: DITCH ‘EM IF NEEDED
If you find out once you move in that you can’t stand the sight of your roommate’s face, look for alternatives. You can break your lease, but at a huge financial penalty. Your best option is to have someone else take over your lease, saving the apartment complex and your wallet the financial burden. The roommate from hell is their problem now! Suckerrrrr.
Don’t Waste Away: Avoiding the pitfalls of college
Jorge Salazar • College Times
For many freshman students, college is the first taste of freedom. You are no longer forced to clean your room, check in every couple of hours or abide by a curfew. You are no longer a child and the world will hear you roar.
As the hero of your own story, you’d be wise to take some Spider-Man-approved advice: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
As a college student, you fail or succeed based on your own decisions and actions. And with a plethora of awesome possibilities at your reach, there are also more than a few pitfalls that can plague even the most prepared young adult.
Nobody is waking you up to get ready for class anymore (unless your dorm furnished you with an awesome roommate). It’s easy to convince yourself that playing hooky is a harmless privilege of your newly-acquired independence. The thing is, it’s always the class you miss that gets you in the end. Avoid classes in the morning if you feel like you might
abuse the snooze button.
We won’t bore you with a lecture about the dangers of alcohol. It’s going to be around and only you can control how you react toward it. There are more than enough things to do in Tempe and Phoenix that don’t require you being a #hotmess.
Do you know what you won’t find at a narcotics anonymous meeting? An addict that never tried drugs. Aside from the health risks associated with drugs, the last thing you need is for a drug charge to pop up on a background check when you’re trying to land that post-college job.
There’s always that one fellow freshman that makes you feel like you’re probably being lazy as you settle into college life. While there may seem to be a lot of checkpoints you need to hit before you get to your desired college destination, remember that slow and steady wins the race. Manya-freshman will overlook their own happiness in the hopes of getting a head start and end up feeling the effects during the first round of midterms.
Make your way through the sweltering school year unscathed
Claire Cleveland • College Times
Arizona is a desert. While you think you understand that, think again.
Unlike living at home, where the water is plentiful and purchased by your parents, here you have take some responsibility to insure you have access to water all the time.
BRING A WATER BOTTLE... ALWAYS
It is easy to forget to drink enough water, especially when everything is new and you are on your own for the first time. Get a nice, durable water bottle that fits in your favorite bag, otherwise you will be kicking yourself when you wake up with a concussion from passing out.
SAVE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES FOR EARLY MORNING AND LATE EVENING
Early and late school year temps will be in the high eighties and oftentimes they easily climb over 100 degrees, so deciding to take a mid-afternoon jog is just asking for trouble. Go to
the pool or stay in the air conditioning.
WALK THROUGH BUILDINGS ON YOUR WAY TO CLASS
This one seems silly, we know, but when it’s 110 degrees out, A/C will be your saving grace. Plan your walks between classes by going through buildings or the shadiest walkways.
DRESS SMART
Just think before you go outside. Wear lighter colors that come in light fabrics and cover your arms. If you’re prone to burning in the sun, you can’t afford to skip this one. Comfortable shoes are great, but even better are ones that keep your feet cool and won’t melt to the sidewalk. Yes, that happens here. Leave those cheap black flip-flops at home.
WEAR SUNSCREEN, HATS AND SUNGLASSES
Is your skin fair as snow? Buy a cute hat and invest in some SPF 45+ sunscreen. Sunglasses and hats are a great way to protect yourself from the heat on and around campus. And besides, who doesn’t love to accessorize?
Out of the Box: What we can learn from the students we stereotype
Ana Anguiano • College Times
It’s only human to want to shove people into boxes with neat little labels. And while we know that it’s wrong and superficial, we also admire some of the stereotypical things different “types” of students on campus. Let’s delve in, shall we?
SORORITY GIRLS
Sorority girls have jampacked calendars, which means they can manage time with the best of them. Plus, they have shopping down to a science. They can also network their faces off. From day one they are thrown into new situations where they have to put their best foot forward and hope
to make a good impression.
HIPSTERS
They tend to buy local and pride themselves in spending their dollars at Arizona businesses, which we totally commend. They are all about microbreweries with limited special edition mini kegs.
They also really care about food and cooking. Hipsters are foodies at heart and like to take care of themselves through diet rather than exercise.
ATHLETES
Living planning getting social
Depending on your interest in sports, you might think student athletes are either over-or under-hyped, but we can’t argue with their impressive amounts
of sheer willpower. They sacrifice a typical college career to follow their dreams and train with their teammates.
They also manage to be extremely capable under high amounts of stress and harsh conditions. Have you ever tried training in the desert? It sounds awful.
NERDS
Pretty much everyone could fall into this category, but we want to praise the
stereotypical nerds that hang back on the outskirts of student life and do their own thing. Their incredibly refined tastes in a myriad of subjects expose them to different cultures and points of view.
They are known for being not only funny but having that great dry wit and sarcasm that usually results in fierce friendships that are deeply rooted in lengthy conversations.
Freshmen: GET EDUCATED
Arizona is #1 ranked for best gun laws in America— and firearms are the linchpin of freedom —something you may not have learned in all your schooling! No education is complete without hands-on experience in safe firearms use, and the role of guns and the Second Amendment in preserving peace and freedom for all. Arizona is the right place for it!
TrainMeAZ exists to help guide you through this fun and exciting aspect of liberty in America. Learn about it yourself ! Go to our website, select a store, trainer or range, and get an education in the nation’s No. 2 participant sports—the shooting sports! Learn. Stay safe. Bring a friend! Better yet, bring a teacher !
Eating healthy, when your options are limited
Claire Cleveland
• College Times
College isn’t just a wave of Hot Pockets and Top Ramen. Your options as 2015’s incoming freshman class are better than any class that came before. You’re only limited by your wallet, and even then there are some economic ways to get around spending bookoo bucks on quality food.
DRESS UP THE STAPLES WITH VEGGIES
Even if you’re going to eat Top Ramen, you don’t have to use that super gross powdered flavor packet. Buy the packets for the noodles and cook as usual, then sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and the spices of your choice. (Try adding Sriracha for a kick!) Top it all off with fresh vegetables like carrots, green onions and broccoli to make sure you’re getting your fiber and vitamins. It’s scurvy repellant!
Yum. Fruits and veggies prevent scurvy!
HIT UP THE ASU FARMERS MARKET
Part of ASU’s green initiative was to add a farmers market, where local farmers and specialty food items are able to sell their products to students on-the-cheap. Some stands even have ready-to-eat items like super healthy frozen meals you can just pop in the microwave or dorm oven. For more information about dates and locations, visit eoss.asu. edu/farmersmarket.
Sure, there will be pizza and mashed potato offerings, but they’re kind of nasty anyway. Head to the salad bar for real nutrition. That doesn’t mean you have to eat plain lettuce and carrots. Grab some chicken, chop it up and toss it in with bacon bits, lettuce, cheese and the dressing of your choice.
THE 80/20 RULE
If you eat healthy 80 percent of the time, there’s no harm in indulging in whatever greasy, salty, sweet or carb-filled catastrophe you choose to jam down your gullet. If you want to eat healthy all week and indulge over the weekend, do it! Stock your mini fridge with healthy foods from the MU market, grocery store or farmers market and feed from that all week. Come the weekend, all bets are off.
Because 108 blood donors saved her life...
Because 108 blood donors saved her life...
Because
Because 108 blood donors saved her life...
Amanda earned her Nursing degree from Arizona State University
Amanda earned her Nursing degree from Arizona State University
Amanda earned her Nursing degree from Arizona State University
Amanda earned her Nursing degree from Arizona State University
Because 26 blood donors saved his life...
Because 26 blood donors saved his life...
Because 26 blood donors saved his life...
to study Equine Science at Central Arizona College
Keegan
https://orgsync.com/97710/chapter
Because 150 blood donors saved their lives...
Because 150
Donate blood at any United Blood Services’ blood drive on the ASU campus and you will receive a voucher for a free Whataburger! Donated by Whataburger Because
https://orgsync.com/97710/chapter
https://orgsync.com/97710/chapter
Donate blood at any United Blood Services’ blood drive on the ASU campus and you will receive a voucher for a free Whataburger! Donated by Whataburger
Donate blood at any United Blood Services’ blood drive on the ASU campus and you will receive a voucher for a free Whataburger!
Donate blood at any United Blood Services’ blood drive on the ASU campus and you will receive a voucher for a free Whataburger!
Donated by Whataburger
Donated by Whataburger
Keegan is able to study Equine Science at Central Arizona College Make your blood donation appointment today. Use the QR Code or go to BloodHero.com,
Joshua & Jordan are Marcos de Niza High School Class of 2016
Because 150 blood donors saved their lives... Joshua & Jordan are Marcos de Niza High School Class of 2016
Because 27 blood donors saved her life...
Because 27 blood donors saved her life... Brianna is able to study Secondary Education Northern Arizona University
Brianna is able to study Secondary Education Northern Arizona University
PRINTABLE WALL MURALS
Head to your local copy center and hand them a flash drive. Ask them for the photo to be printed separately as one engineer print—these babies make up to 36” x 90” murals. Double-sided tape will hold the picture up.
SUCCULENTS
The only living thing most college students have is the mold growing inside their mini fridge. Don’t let that be you. Buy cacti! They don’t need direct sunlight and watering is super minimal. Place colorful glass pebbles or rocks around the cactus plants to add some flair.
CANOPY
Removable command hooks allow you to drape gauzy curtains around your bed for some privacy from your mouthbreathing roommate. You can also use this method to hide the mess in your closet. Add a few tapestries and your room is instantly transformed into a cozy hideaway.
Pimp Your Dorm
All you need to make your dorm feel like home
Living in cramped quarters with another person you probably just met is not the most comfortable way to start freshman year. Dorm rooms can feel impermanent and stuffy when you first move in. Amp up your dorm
room with these cool ideas and make it feel a bit more homey. (FYI, you should skip the bottle of Crystal in the fridge—this isn’t ASU Cribs, and your RA definitely won’t put up with that.)
BATTERY OPERATED CANDLES
Dorms have regulations against bringing fire into a building with 500 teenagers. Go figure. Leave the candles at grandma’s and grab some battery-operated candles. They have the same pretty effect as candles without the open flame. Homework mood lighting, anyone?
PRINT YOUR INSTAGRAMS
Companies like Social Print Studio allow you to print all of your best #nofilters in a wide variety of sizes and medias that are easy to hang up in your wall. Whether it is a collage of your high school memories or a cluster that keeps getting bigger as you add college memories, you’ll love having real copies of your pretty pics.
RUGS
Cover the floor with clashing patterned rugs. It’s a way easier cleanup method for when you inevitably spill something. You can just throw it in the laundry and recall the previous stain underneath. Let’s be real—dorm carpet is so not cute.
LOFT YOUR BED
Bed, Bath and Beyond is the best place for cheap and easy lofting materials. Although some dorms don’t support this, it’s a fantastic space saver. Once the bed is lofted, pull your desk and chair underneath the bed to create a workspace that feels more like an office. Or pop a plush beanbag on the floor (so ‘90s!) and set up the ultimate sports watching wo/man cave.
Lily Lieberman • College Times
What do you really need to get by in the dorms?
Ana Anguiano
• College Times
We get it. Back to school shopping is a special moment for students and their families, but you probably don’t need a lot of the junk you think you do.
MUST HAVES
EXTRA TOILETRIES
Shopping for deodorant is the pits. Go bulk with boring toiletries so you’re not stuck paying three times as much at the nearest convenience store.
EXTRA UNDERPANTS
We don’t want to come off like your mother, but underwear should be important to you. You can never have enough. You will thank us on those days when the only clean clothing items you own are fresh undies.
DISINFECTING WIPES
Disinfecting wipes really come in handy because you can clean anything with them (except your body).
Surfaces are gross, and
Living planning getting social
when it’s easy to clean, you are more likely to do it.
MICROWAVE
Having a magic box to heat up water for tea, popcorn for movies, and soup for the days you feel ill is essential.
LEAVE IT BEHIND
REAL DISHES
Unless your dorm has a functional kitchen with plenty of storage room, you only really need a bowl, fork, spoon, knife, mug, cup and plate.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
The first day of school brings out a weird need to buy pencils and paper and binders, but try to leave all your other random school supplies at home.
WHAT TO SPLURGE ON
MATTRESS TOPPER
Beds in dorm rooms are used as chairs, dinner tables and study areas. Do yourself a favor and make your bed a really great place to be.
FRIDGE
You might not have a kitchen, but after a long day walking across campus in the summer you will be glad to have at least a cold drink.
WATER FILTER
Drinking water is the most important thing ever in Arizona, and if you care about the taste, a filtered pitcher is a must.
Why college is more of a struggle than high school
Christina Caldwell • College Times
It’s an unforgiving world post-high school, and many successful high school students struggle once they get to college. They were able to coast before, never studying for tests and making up lost points with extra credit from tissue and canned food drives, but that doesn’t happen at university.
Your grade will be a true reflection of your knowledge and effort. If you’re not willing to put in the time, don’t expect your professor to give you a second thought.
Your high school mentality won’t help you succeed in college, but these tips will.
YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE SYLLABUS
In high school, syllabi mostly just covered whether or not you’ll need a protractor or science goggles for that specific class. In college, the syllabus is everything. It will cover what activities will make up what portion of your grade, test dates, paper due dates and more. Professors may or may not remind you of upcoming
dates, but if they don’t, you can’t blame them. You had the information all along.
To keep on top of things, write down all deadlines and test dates in your Google calendar. Set a reminder for a week before the due date and on the due date. That way you’ll never forget to study or bring your essay to class.
YOU NEED TO STUDY EARLY AND OFTEN
You should begin studying as soon as you learn the material if you really want to ace a test.
Create flash cards for new terms, do practice problems for new math concepts and implement the philosophical arguments you’ve learned in everyday life. Studying in college is about much more than just being able to regurgitate information. You’re learning the skills and concepts that you’ll use in your future career, so pay attention and buckle down.
YOU NEED TO TAKE COPIOUS NOTES
Some professors will hand out an outline or put notes up on the chalkboard. Others will just lecture ad nauseam and expect you to write down what they
say. Either way, try to stay focused and take your own notes because they might say something that will resurface on a test. Odds are you’re going to have to make your own study guide, so pay close attention.
YOU’LL NEED TO GO TO OFFICE HOURS
As we mentioned, your grade in college is an actual reflection of your effort and knowledge. If you don’t understand a concept, go to your professor’s office hours. They’re more likely to want to help you if you’re putting in the effort from the get go. If you come running to them at the end of the semester saying you need to raise your grade from a D to an A, good luck.
YOU’LL HAVE TO SEEK HELP FOR THE FUNDAMENTALS
Are you overwhelmed in your statistics class? Do you not remember how to do basic long division? There’s no shame in it. Rather than struggling through your classes by not remembering the basics, fess up early at the Student Services Center. ASU’s Student Services Centers offer peer tutoring that can help you master the fundamentals before you move onto the more complicated materials a class is tossing your way.
YOU’LL BE EXPECTED TO HANDLE THINGS LIKE AN ADULT
Don’t attempt to cry your way to an A. It’s off-putting for professors that deal with students that know how to handle their emotions, and it won’t win you any favors. If you failed a test, it’s your fault. Do better on the next one if you have a desired grade in mind.
When to ask for help
College changes everything, and eventually you’ll start feeling like the adult you’re meant to be. But during your freshman year and throughout your college career, there will be mentors to help you along the way. If you’re struggling, tell someone! Here’s when you should seek help.
Your grades are slipping
With all of the resources at your fingertips, there’s no reason for your grades to suffer. You can get tutoring help from fellow students at the Student Success Center, get a better grasp on subjects at your professor’s office hours or resolve emotional concerns at ASU Counseling Services.
You don’t know what classes to take
Your respective major map should give you a good idea of what classes you should be taking, but if you’re totally lost, be sure to make an appointment with an advisor at your school. They can clear up any questions you have about coursework, what classes to take for your future career development and more.
You’re feeling depressed
Depression is about more than just feeling sad. It’s a chemical imbalance, and separating from your family and friends to go to college might trigger that imbalance. Seek the help of ASU Counseling Services if you feel any overwhelming feelings that inhibit your ability to function in college.
You feel out of place
With hundreds of clubs and social activities on campus, there’s no need to feel lonely. Attend a club fair and find people with which you have something in common. Visit eoss. asu.edu/clubs for more info.
You’re thinking about switching majors
This decision can put a big impact on your college career. If you’ve already done coursework for your major, those credits might count as electives in your new major. Check with your school’s advisor about how to make the most effective switch.
planning getting social
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
Don’t make our freshman year mistakes
College Times Staff
Odds are you’ve already heard a lot about the “college experience.” And yeah, all of those parties, opportunities and new friends are great, but the learning curve on life in college will quickly harsh your good time.
We’ve compiled a list of things we wish we knew as frosh. Heed this advice and Godspeed, newbie.
PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TELL YOU TO NETWORK. DON’T BLOW IT OFF
In college you’ll meet countless people that will help you with your future career. Trying to make connections postgraduation is an uphill battle. Take advantage of your school’s opportunities to meet people in the industry and fellow students. You’ll have more opportunities now than you ever will again.
PICK AN ACTIVITY THAT SUITS YOUR
PERSONALITY—NOT WHAT’S “COOL”
Yeah, we tried Greek Life. If you know you have little in common with the types of people in your club, fraternity, sorority, or other extracurricular activity, don’t bother. You won’t enjoy it and you won’t make any friends.
IF YOU GOT A BAD GRADE, IT’S YOUR FAULT
Professors don’t have it out for students. They won’t intentionally give you bad grades. If you got a bad mark, that doesn’t mean it’s time to head to office hours and beg them to reconsider. It’s simply time to study more. Accept it and buckle down.
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR DARS REPORT
The DARS report, available on Blackboard, tells you how many credits you’ve earned and how many you need to obtain your degree. If you drop or re-take a class, sometimes it still shows up as a credit. Before you know it, you’ll
be three credits shy of a degree the last three weeks of your senior year.
IF YOU’RE AN OUT OF STATE STUDENT, STOCK UP ON FREQUENT FLIER MILES AND HOTEL REWARDS
Students coming in from out of state have to consider the amount of traveling their college career will involve. You can save a ton of money by booking hotels with reward programs for multiple stays. Frequent flier miles add up fast.
THE DINING HALL IS ONLY GOOD WHEN PARENTS ARE AROUND
Don’t be fooled by the grand display the first week of school. The dining hall has to feed everyone, so they aren’t always on top of their game. Look forward to family week for the good stuff.
GIVE THE “ODD” FRIEND A CHANCE
Always befriend the kids who are oddly ambitious or a bit on the weird
side. They see college as a stepping stone and usually go on to lead really interesting lives.
PEOPLE FROM THE MIDWEST ALWAYS KNOW WHERE THE PARTY’S AT
If we had to pinpoint two things people from the Midwest love, it’s fleece sweatshirts and parties. They always know where the party is and they make friends faster than anyone, especially if the other person is from the Midwest.
THE DORM ROOM WON’T CLEAN ITSELF
Pick up your things and don’t be a slob. Disinfecting wipes are your best friend. They’ll cleanse your dorm of bacteria that’s looming to make you sick. Put your clothes away if you don’t want your roommate to loathe your existence.
YOU’LL LEARN MORE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Living on your own presents many challenges. Learning how to pay bills
and grocery shop is one thing, but keeping yourself healthy and safe is another. View every situation as a valuable life lesson. It’s time to see what you are really made of!
CRUISE RATEMYPROFESSOR.COM WHEN CHOOSING CLASSES
Good professors make all of the difference. Aside from the letter grade, a brilliant or truly original professor can impart knowledge that will stick with you for life. Read the reviews and choose a teacher wisely.
ROOMIES GONNA MACK
Eventually your roommate will be getting it on with someone five feet from your bed. Create a notification system signaling serious intimacy occurring in the room. (Example: Scrunchie on the door = “Heavy makeout sesh. Come in at your own will.” Post-it on the door = “More than just kissing. Don’t come in, pervert.”)
NEVER PASS UP FREE FOOD
You will be broke and starving. Despite your parents’ generous donations, you will somehow find yourself penniless. Learn to love pizza and hit up any and all school social events with free grub.
ALWAYS BRING GIRLS TO A PARTY
If you are a guy going to house parties, make sure you bring girls. This doesn’t have to be your girlfriend or a girl you are pursuing (actually, it would be better if that was not the case), but it is a good idea to try and create a two-girls-
to-one-guy ratio in your caravan. Reason: If you don’t, some “badass” at the door will likely make you pay cover.
DON’T COME OFF AS SMART IN YOUR FIRST LAB
In those prerequisite lab classes we all hate, there is going to be an eclectic mix of students. The first day is mostly just a “meet the teacher” kind of day. Don’t say much that day. If you are talking during the entire class, people will assume you know what you’re talking about. Then, as a result, the dumb kid will want to be your partner.
WALK THROUGH BUILDINGS FOR A/C
Walking through campus in the hot months really sucks. To beat the heat, walk through buildings on the way to your across-campus classes. This way, you can enjoy A/C most of the way.
YOU WON’T KEEP ALL OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS AND LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS
Sure, you will probably keep in touch with a handful of your high school friends, but you won’t hold onto all of them. Also, high school relationships rarely continue to work, and are even less likely to work when you don’t go to the same school.
The Freshman Timeline: All you need to know about staying on track this year
Lily Liberman • College Times
Freshman year is fun, but it can also be stressful. There are plenty of guides to getting into college but virtually none on what to do when you get there. How do I drop a class? When should I look for housing for sophomore year? Here’s what you should be doing throughout your freshman year to keep on track and even get ahead of the game.
Dropping classes (August)
Sometimes you take the class and realize it’s just not for you. The process is simple, but many classes will already be filled so you may not get your first choice.
Books (August)
Wait to buy most of your books until after the first class. Oftentimes professors tell you that you won’t need items on their syllabus. Always check for cheaper options online.
Write a resume (October)
It’s never too early to start writing a resume. The Student Services office for each college has staff that can help you score an internship or job your freshman year.
Find a mentor (January)
Look around for a friendly, local professional in your field of interest and shoot them an email. Tell them you are a college student that would love to learn more about the world of (fill in the blank). Suggest a quick lunch date at their convenience. Networking is key.
Greek Life (August)
Think you want to be in a fraternity or sorority? Stay informed by going to the first meeting, where you’ll receive information on upcoming rush events.
Join a club (September)
Clubs promote themselves hard to new members, and unlike high school, they’re very inclusive. Participation is usually as much or as little as you want to put in. Get out of your comfort zone and try
Meet with advisor (November)
Advisors will tell you which classes are easiest, when you should take them and guide you through your college career. Be sure to double check their work, though! Advisors are stretched thin and often give blanket advice. Make sure their advice works for you.
Apply for internships over summer (February)
Deadlines for summer internships are usually in early March. Hop on the train early and send a cover letter, resume and references to companies you may be interested in interning for. This kind of experience looks incredible on your resume.
Housing for next year (March)
Begin the search for your new apartment or house around this time. Student luxury apartments are enticing but make sure you read the lease from top to bottom before you sign anything.
getting social getting social
Get with the program!
ASU Programming and Activities Board has all you need to keep entertained your first year
Claire Cleveland • College Times
The ASU Programming and Activities Board is a student led group that plans and coordinates ASU events to promote Sun Devil spirit, pride and tradition. We chatted with Sarah Harrison, former PAB Tempe president, to find out more about what the organization does for the student body.
COLLEGE
TIMES: WHAT DOES THE PAB DO AND HOW DOES IT AID THE ASU CAMPUS?
Harrison: PAB supports the ASU community by planning and implement[ing] universitywide programs and activities that promote Sun Devil spirit, pride and tradition. Events range from open mic nights to large scale concerts. PAB also provides students an opportunity to develop leadership skills, meet other Sun Devils and create lifelong college memories.
WHAT EVENTS DOES THE PAB PLAN YEARLY?
PAB plans the following events each year: Homecoming, which includes signature events on all four campuses, i.e. Lantern Walk and Homecoming Parade; Devils On Mill, a pre-game tailgate three hours before football home games on Mill Avenue and Sixth Street; [and] Devilpalooza, a
large scale event that takes place during the spring semester and features a concert, carnival rides, art exhibit and food. Additional events are planned throughout the year based on current staff programming.
WHAT CAN INCOMING FRESHMEN EXPECT FROM THE PAB?
Incoming students have an opportunity to attend and enjoy student-led and student-planned university events. Students can expect to attend events and build friendships, make connections and make the most of their freshman experience.
HOW CAN INCOMING FRESHMEN GET INVOLVED WITH THE PAB?
Incoming freshman can learn about getting involved at New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome. PAB staff members will be available to provide information about the organization, events and opportunities to lead. PAB’s general application process begins in the spring
Fall 2015 Events
(Dis)Orientation
Taking place at the Downtown Campus, this compilation of “Saturday Night Live”-like sketches will show the reallife issues and joys of Sun Devil life including living with roommates, newfound freedom and preparing for college-level courses.
Sheraton Hotel, 340 N. Third Street, Phoenix, students.asu.edu/ fallwelcome, Monday, August 17, 2 p.m., free
semester. There are also opportunities throughout the year when positions become available for students to apply for vacant openings. The best way for a new student to get involved is to attend PAB events and keep a look out for what we have going on.
WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING EVENT THAT THE PAB PUTS ON?
Devilpalooza is a unique event, in that all PAB members on all four campuses have an opportunity to host. This event is typically held in February. We are able to reach more students [because] each year the event rotates to each campus. With all of the work that goes into putting on a large scale event, Devilpalooza is the perfect event for us to combine different elements of planning. There are featured bands and artists, as well as carnival activities that include, rides, games, food and so much more. It is a great time for the Sun Devils community to get together and enjoy a free event.
Rock the Rec!
Are you a fitness junky?
Want to figure out how to stave off the freshmen 15? Head over the Sun Devil Fitness Complex to find out all that it has to offer, including intramural and club sports, group fitness classes and a rooftop pool!
Sun Devil Fitness Complex, 350 N. First Avenue, Phoenix, students.asu.edu/ fallwelcome, Monday, August 17, 8 p.m., free
Fall Welcome Concert
If you’re only going to attend one welcome event this fall, make sure it is this one. Some of the hottest musical acts across the country will make an appearance and you don’t want be left with serious FOMO.
Wells Fargo Arena, Tuesday, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, students.asu.edu/ fallwelcome, August 18, 7 p.m., free with reservation
RHA Tiki Luau
Get to know your fellow baby Sun Devils at this annual event that sees more than 8,000 students in attendance. Cool off on the water slides before you heat back up next to the fire dancers!
Sun Devil Fitness Complex Fields, 400 E. Apache Boulevard, Tempe, students. asu.edu/fallwelcome, Monday, August 19, 8 p.m., free
Sun Devil Shindig
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life and MU After Dark, this giant carnival will allow you to introduce yourself to a bunch of new friends while enjoying the athletic tournaments, carnival games and giveaways!
Memorial Union & Sun
Devil Fitness Center, Tempe, students.asu. edu/fallwelcome, Friday August 21, 8 p.m., free
Whitewash the “A”
One of the longest and most beloved traditions at ASU, students whitewash the “A” to signify a fresh new start to the school year and have been doing so since the 1930s. Prepare for the heat and a bit of a hike though!
The Arizona Diamondbacks welcome ASU freshmen while taking on the St. Louis Cardinals. The first 2,000 tickets are free if you text ASUDPC15 to 76925. Show them your confirmation code at the
box office to claim your tickets.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, https:// asuevents.asu.edu/ night-diamondbacks, Thursday, August 28, 6:40 pm, prices vary
Devils on Mill: Cal Poly
Get ready to put your Sun Devil pride on display! Home football games are preceded by this free event that offers ASU students food, free ASU gear, music and plenty of activities for everyone!
Between Forest and Mill on Sixth Street, Tempe, eoss.asu.edu/pab/ devilsonmill, Saturday, September 12, times vary, free
Family Weekend
Perfectly timed for you to have found your routine, the weather to cool a bit
and any lingering homesick feelings to wane, this weekend invites your whole family to join in on your Sun Devil life.
Locations vary, eoss. asu.edu/familyweekend, Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, times vary, free
Summer Ends Music Festival
Kanye West. Hozier. Big Sean. Brandon Flowers. Cold War Kids. This is the biggest music festival Tempe has seen in awhile and you’ll want to be part of the action.
Tempe Beach Park, 30 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27, times vary, $55-$135
Is Greek Life for you?
Christina Caldwell • College Times
If you decide to go Greek during your freshman year (aka, join a fraternity or sorority), you’ll hear plenty of people bash your decision. They’ll say you’re paying for friends, that you only care about the party aspect of college or that you’re prone to following the crowd.
In reality, being Greek is much more than that. You’ll instantly make hundreds of your new closest friends. You might be paying dues to be part of the group, but those who join fraternities and sororities make friends that last a lifetime. Besides, dues go toward the killer dances, themed nights and activities you do as a group, helping the organization
bond and become stronger.
If you like to be social, going Greek is where it’s at, but that doesn’t mean Greeks only want to party. In fact, you have to maintain a certain GPA. So don’t deem Greeks as “just a pretty face.” They have the brains and the grades to back it up.
So is Greek Life for you? Maybe, maybe not. With 57 academic and social fraternities on campus, odds are you can find one that’s a good match. Make sure you’re totally prepared before you delve into the world of the Greeks.
ATTEND AN ORIENTATION MEETING
Greek recruitment begins pretty much as soon as school starts. You’ll notice members of Greek Life
wearing their letters and colors, and encouraging new meat to rush.
Two organizations reign over Greek Life at ASU. For sororities, it’s the ASU Panhellenic Council. For fraternities, it’s the Interfraternity Council. Both host orientation events for students interested in becoming Greek.
These informational meetings will show you the positives of being involved in these organizations, including sisterhood/ brotherhood, opportunities for advancement in the work world, successful people who have been Greek and more.
On the flip side, what they won’t tell you is that Greek Life can take a good amount of time away from your studies and will cost
a lot of money for dues, attire and parties. Weigh the positives and negatives and decide what works best for you.
GO THROUGH RUSH
Rush for fraternities and sororities happens in different ways. For fraternities, the process is much more relaxed. Men will be directed to meet with each house for a series of recruitment events, after which the frat will decide whether or not you’ll make a good fit. You’re expected to be cool, smart and put together. Fraternities also have an “open recruitment” policy, which means they can add members throughout the year as they see fit, so even if you decide it’s not the
right time to rush now, you can do so later.
For sororities, recruits will attend the Adelphi Walk-Around event, where you’ll go from house to house to get a feel for the kind of ladies that reside there.
After the Walk-Around, you’ll go through four formal recruitment sessions, where you’ll be expected to dress to the nines and put on your best face to impress as many sororities with your shining smile as possible. Once you’re through the final recruitment session, each sorority will decide whether or not you’ll make a good fit in their institution.
The final step is “bid day,” where the sororities that want you will give you their “bid,” meaning they would like to invite you to join. If you have more than one sorority on your list, you get to decide between them. If there’s only one on your list, you can always decide not to join all together. It’s important to choose the right sorority because you’re going to be spending the next four (or more!) years with these girls.
ACCEPT YOUR BID
Once you accept your bid, welcome to Greek Life! Each fraternity and sorority has their own orientation process, but you shouldn’t worry too much about hazing. ASU
Have fun without the peer pressure
Ana
Being away from home is sometimes too much for students to handle. You can ask any ASU senior and they will know plenty of students who let their partying get the best of their education.
The best way to avoid peer pressure is to surround yourself
with friends that won’t push you into doing something you don’t want to do. Saying no is hard, especially if you were raised to be polite and want to make friends, but saying no is oftentimes the best solution.
Over 80 percent of college students have at least one alcoholic drink over a two week time period in the United States,
has a super strict antihazing policy that bans any organization from campus that encourages torture during the initiation of its recruits. The school has dropped the hammer on a handful of frats in recent years, and it won’t hold back in doing it again. You’ll learn the traditions and history of your Greek institution, and you might even be quizzed on it before you’re officially initiated. You could even go through a borderline religious initiation ceremony. (Side note: Some social fraternities and sororities have religious affiliations, but that doesn’t mean they discriminate when it comes to recruits. If you end up in a “Christian” sorority, it doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to pray in future events.)
If for some reason you decide being Greek isn’t right for you, there’s no harm in dropping out. Members might hold it against you, but if you can’t afford to continue, personally or financially, it’s sometimes a good option. Your real friends in the organization will stick with you no matter what, and there are countless opportunities to make friends in clubs, classes and extracurriculars outside of Greek Life.
For more information on sorority orientation, visit asu. mycampusdirector.com/register. For fraternity recruitment, visit eoss.asu.edu/fsl/join/fraternity
according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That statistic alone isn’t as alarming as it should be, but of these college students, 40 percent of them are binge drinking (having four or more drinks) on occasion, which is higher than the rate of their non-college peers. Being away from home also makes all the consequences for
your actions much worse. Instead of going down a path that can be dangerous, offer to be the DD or take a friend you trust with you.
If you don’t feel safe or comfortable in a situation, the best way to avoid it is by leaving. Straight up ghosting is actually the best plan of action. If you’re at a party and things are getting too weird, just leave. Don’t say your goodbyes or try to round up your friends. This isn’t about feeling guilty or letting your parents down —it’s about doing what is best for you. You have to set boundaries, and if people can’t respect them, what is the point of being their friend? There are thousands of students at ASU and you can easily find friends that won’t push you when you stand your ground.
