The Alestle Vol. 77, No. 29

HELP DESK

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

To anyone reading this year’s edition of the Survival Guide, welcome! I’m Dylan Hembrough, editor-in-chief of The Alestle. I will be at SIUE for quite a while, since I’ll be entering pharmacy school this fall, so

HELP DESK

Pages 2-3

SPORTS

Pages 6-7

BIOGRAPHIES

Page 4

Dan Mahony

James T. Minor

Denise Cobb

Miriam Roccia

Bill Retzlaff

Jessica Harris

David Goodwin

Andrew Gavin

Ben Lowder

Barrett Larkin

INDEX

Page 5

— 5 —

Gender-Sexuality Alliance

Honors Student Association

Interfraternity Council

Intervarsity

Muslim Student Association

Student Fitness Center

Vadalabene Center

Early Childhood Center

— 11 —

Metcalf Theater Freshman Dorms

MEMOIRS

Page 12

Brandi Spann: Know How to Enjoy Yourself

TRAVEL

Page 8

— 8 —

Campus Map

Student Success Center

Morris University Center

CULINARY

Special Section

Breakfast Sushi Pasta Tex-Mex

Chinese Ice Cream Boba

TRAVEL Pages 9-11

— 9 —

Campus Map

National Pan-Hellenic Council

New Horizons

Panhellenic Council

Pre-Health Hub

Queer Faculty and Staff Association

Red Storm

Residence Housing Association Rotaract Club

Student Veterans of America Web Radio — 4 —

I plan on sticking around at the paper for the foreseeable future.

The Alestle is the award-winning independent newspaper of SIUE, written by students, for students. Named after the Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville campuses, we cover news, events and general happenings on these campuses and the surrounding communities.

The Alestle is a great environment for anyone interested in writing, reporting, editing, photography, design or journalism in general. We’re all learning — so bear with us — but we take pride in the product we create from our little broom closet every week.

Because we are the voice of the students, we welcome any and all feedback and constructive criticism. When stories are published, we send out accuracy

Rendleman Hall

Lovejoy Library

— 10 —

Peck Hall

Alumni Hall

Founders Hall

Dunham Hall

Science East and West

Art and Design

Engineering Building

reports for sources to fill out. These allow sources to “grade” the reporter on how well they were represented in the story.

In addition, anyone may write and submit a letter to the editor. This is your opportunity to voice your opinions on local issues or controversies, and even to offer praise to or criticize The Alestle and stories published therein.

We have a relatively young staff at the moment, full of students eager to provide the most accurate version of the truth as quickly as possible to our readers. Over the last year, we have ironed out most everything we sought to address. We have lots of exciting things planned for the coming year, and I hope to see more students, faculty,

Michal Kate Castleman: Embrace Your Newfound Freedom

Sam Muren: College Lets You Live Your Passions

RELIGION

Page 13

— 13 —

Mosques

Churches Synagogues

ENCYCLOPEDIA

Pages 14-15

— 14 —

School of Business

School of Nursing

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Education, Health and Human Behavior School of Engineering

— 15 —

School of Pharmacy

— 24 —

Textbook Rental

Meal Plan

Course Registration How to Use CougarNet

staff and administrators picking up their copies of The Alestle every Thursday.

The Survival Guide is meant primarily for incoming freshmen and transfer students, but many people can learn something new by flipping through these pages. We have decided to theme this year’s edition around libraries. After all, both libraries and universities are centers of learning. We’re also revamping the Survival Guide this year to include more relevant information. This will include a special Metro East Eats insert to guide you around the area’s food scene.

Whether this is your first time stepping foot on campus or the place you’ve called home for several years now, The Alestle would like to wish you luck this year!

BRANDI SPANN Opinion Editor

A guide to ...and how to file them

While it would be ideal that no discrimination occurs at SIUE, it is an unfortunate reality at any institution. Here is a breakdown of different reports at the university, what they are for and how to file them.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS AND TITLE IX COORDINATION

Title IX is the law that prohibits discrimination based on sex at schools that receive federal funds. As of August of 2021, Title IX includes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Equal Opportunity and Access complaints are filed for instances of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment based on age, race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status.

There is a PDF form on the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination’s website for reporting the above instances. The website asks for information about the person filing the complaint, the basis of the complaint, who is being accused, details of the complaint, witnesses, supporting materials and what solution the complainant seeks.

If email is preferred, it needs to include information that addresses each section of the form. There are also staff available to

help people complete the form. This form can be mailed to or dropped off at the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination, which is located in Rendleman Hall.

Instances of sexual assault, misconduct, relationship violence and stalking can be reported through the Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Incident Report. This form asks for information about the person filing (though it can be anonymous), the date, time and location of the incident, names of the individuals involved and other details of the incident.

Further information can be found in SIUE’s Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Policy and Procedures.

The above reports can also be started by contacting Director for Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination Mary Zabriskie at mzabris@siue.edu.

BIAS INCIDENTS

Bias incidents are verbal, written, physical or psychological threats made on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, atypical heredity or cellular blood trait and military service or veteran status.

They can be reported through the Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website. This form will ask for information about the submitter (though it can be anonymous), involved parties, description of the incident, if the police have responded, supporting documentation like photos, videos or emails and how the submitter would like to receive follow-up communication.

These reports go to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and the person filing should receive an email confirmation. A member of BIRT will contact the submitter to provide resources and forward the incident to a relevant office like university police or Title IX.

DISABILITY ACCESS RESPONSE TOOL

Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) has a form on their website to report barriers to access on campus. This can be used to report incidents like a blocked accessible parking spot, an automatic door malfunctioning, among other issues that may be difficult for individuals with disabilities on campus.

This form will ask for the date, time and location of the incident, description of the barrier or issue and other additional information.

Mental health resources in the area

The mental health of students is of the utmost importance, and there are many different resources at and around SIUE.

COUNSELING

SERVICES

Through Counseling Services, SIUE provides students with easy access to both in-person and remote counseling. The counselors are also able to refer students struggling with more specific issues to specialists in the area.

Students can also refer someone they know to counseling services through filing a Care Report. This will let counselors know if someone needs help, but for emergencies, calling 911 is always suggested.

Counselors are equipped to deal with numerous mental health-related issues, but are not currently equipped to handle: autism spectrum disorder, clinical depression, substance use disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders and learning disorders such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.

To schedule an appointment with Counseling Services, call their office during office hours at 618-650-2842, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

access

Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student

Support, better known as ACCESS, is also helpful in providing services to students to help handle different issues regarding learning, such as offering a longer testing time or a quiet space to test in.

VIRTUAL

SIUE has recently partnered with Path and BetterMynd to allow students to access counseling resources virtually.

OFF-CAMPUS

Off-campus, places such as Centerstone, a facility located in Alton, offer various methods of therapy and counseling, as well as military services, addiction recovery, primary care and help with housing for those with mental illnesses.

How to change your name in university systems

There are many reasons a student may want to change their name at SIUE, even if it isn’t legally changed. It’s valuable for trans students, or even students in general who don’t want to be referred to by their legal name.

There are two ways to complete a name change request.

VIA EMAIL

Using an SIUE email address, students have to email servicecenter@siue.edu with their legal name and preferred name.

VIA FORM

Students can come into the service center at Rendleman Hall 1309 to fill out the form in-person. Students can

PARKING RULES

also find the name change form available online on the Registrar’s website under student forms and email, fax or mail the form to the service center.

Questions can be directed to the service center at Rendleman Hall 1309 or 650-2081.

If there are any issues, Assistant Registrar for Student Services and Registration Heather Yeager should be contacted at hdehner@siue.edu.

Before the name change is finalized, if you want your professors to call you by something other than your legal name, it’s a good idea to let them know during attendance. If that isn’t an option, you can also come up to them after class or email them to let them know what name you go by.

PARKING INFO

Parking rules are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week on all residential lots. Failure to abide by the parking regulations will result in a citation.

Non-residential lots are available for parking after 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, after 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and all day on weekends.

Flowbird is an app students can use to manage their accounts and make payments at parking meters.

PAYING FOR CITATIONS

Students are able to pay the citation with a credit card by logging into the SIUE parking portal using their SIUE e-ID and password. Once logged in, students can search for the citation by the printed number on the ticket or their license plate number.

The portal also includes an appeal process for parking citations, where students can appeal their citation with a $5 online payment. A $10 late fee is added when a fine is not paid within 14 days.

The parking services office in Rendleman Hall is an in-person option for students to pay their parking fees.

PAY-BY-SPACE PARKING

Single-space parking on campus has a 30 minute limit with a payment of $0.75 per half hour.

Pay-by-space parking is available in Lots A, B, C, E, F and VC which are $1.50 per hour. Rendleman Hall’s lot C has a daily time limit of two hours.

To pay, remember your parking number and visit one of the kiosks located nearby. An indoor kiosk is located in the Mor-

ris University Center for parking renewal throughout the day. Parking services will leave citations on cars that have exceeded their time.

Students must pay for numbered spaces regardless of permit status.

RED PASS: Year: $158, Semester: $95 Lots: P4-12

After 3 p.m.: F, P1-3

BROWN PASS: Year: $216, Semester: $129 Lots: P4-12, F

After 3 p.m.: P1-3

YELLOW PASS (RESIDENTIAL): Year: $187, Semester: $114 Lots: P4-12 and residential lots

After 3 p.m.: F, P1-3

GREEN PASS (FACULTY/STAFF ONLY

UNLESS WON BY LOTTERY): Year: $216, Semester: $129 Lots: P1-12, A, E After 3 p.m.: F

BLUE PASS (FACULTY/STAFF ONLY): Year: $174, Semester: $102 Lots: P1-12

After 3 p.m.: F

ORANGE PASS (FACULTY/STAFF ONLY): Year: $216, Semester: $129 Lots: P1-12, A, D, E, G

After 3 p.m.: F

COMMUTER SILVER PASS: Year: $187, Semester: $114 Lots: P4-12

After 3 p.m.: A, E, F, P1-3

RESIDENTIAL SILVER PASS: Year: $206, Semester: $123 Lots: P4-12 and residential lots

After 3 p.m.: A, E, F, P1-3

How to Survive Your Freshman Year

Sam Muren Brandi Spann

4

BIOGRAPHIES

At SIUE, there are several key figures you should know. These are the leaders who help make decisions that affect campus life. Mahony, Minor, Cobb, Roccia, Retzlaff and Harris all belong to university administration. Goodwin, Gavin and Lowder lead entities within or adjacent to the university. Larkin is the newly-elected student president, serving until April 2025.

Dan Mahony

President of the SIU System

Mahony became the 10th president of the SIU system in 2020 after a unanimous vote of approval by the Board of Trustees. His biography on the Board of Trustees website describes his leadership style as “student-focused, transparent and data-driven.” Mahony has degrees in accounting and sports management.

Vice Chancellor

for Anti-Racism,

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Harris is the first vice chancellor for this position, which was created in 2021. Harris leads the Division of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, supervises the Title IX office and the Hub, among other areas of the university. She helps lead the Bias Incident Response Team and the Anti-Racism Task Force.

Minor is the 10th chancellor of SIUE. He assumed the role in March 2022. Each year, the Office of the Chancellor creates an annual report which covers each school as well as other important areas such as diversity and inclusion. Minor also leads the Chancellor’s Council and is at the top of the university leadership chain.

David Goodwin Chief of Police

Goodwin became chief of police in December 2023. Goodwin said the main focuses of the police are collaboration, trust-building and service. Goodwin said he hopes to foster an inclusive environment at SIUE and promote positive relationships between the police and the campus population.

As provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Cobb serves as the chief academic officer of the university. Her office helps guide curriculum changes, new program development, academic policies and other academic areas. Faculty hiring and retention are another large part of Cobb’s work at SIUE.

Director of Athletics

Gavin became the 9th director of Athletics in April 2023. One of his primary goals in his position is to increase student interest and enthusiasm in SIUE sports. Gavin has presided over the opening of Eddieville, an area filled with attractions for game-goers, and is working with Red Storm to drum up student support.

Wednesday, 05.29.24

Roccia took the position of interim vice chancellor for student affairs after former vice chancellor Jeffrey Waple stepped down at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. The office exists to improve the SIUE student experience through activities. It also provides services such as ACCESS and Campus Recreation.

Retzlaff was made interim vice chancellor for administration on Oct. 17, 2022. His office works with many departments that are necessary for university function. Some of the other responsibilities include planning and budgeting, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Parking Services and the SIUE Police.

Lowder has taken on the duty of promoting humanity’s sacred connection between the Earth and each other, in accordance with the Center’s mission statement. According to Lowder, the Fuller Dome, where the Center is located, is a place of peace meant to foster a sense of connection between anyone within its walls.

Larkin was elected student president in April 2024. Along with Vice President Lucia Knapp, Larkin plans to prioritize student academics, mental health and community during his one-year term. Larkin has previously worked with student organizations, a record he will be leaning on as he works to connect the student body.

James T. Minor Chancellor

Denise Cobb

Provost

Miriam Roccia

Bill Retzlaff

Jessica Harris

Andrew Gavin

Gender-Sexuality Alliance

The Gender-Sexuality Alliance is an organization aimed at cultivating diversity and inclusivity on campus. According to President Collin Buchanan, the GSA plans to combat homophobia and transphobia this year by ensuring students are aware that they exist as a support system. The GSA is open to both LGBTQ+ students and allies.

Honors Student Association

The Honors Student Association is built on the pillars of harmony, selflessness and advancement, according to its page on GetInvolved. The HSA consists of several committees members can join to promote these pillars.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council, or IFC, is composed of seven executive members and a delegate from each member fraternity, according to its webpage. Fraternity delegates are charged with the responsibility of voicing their fraternity’s concerns and promoting the interests of fraternities as a whole.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council represents the Divine Nine, a group of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Eight of those organizations are present at SIUE, with a voting delegate from each and five executive members making up the council.

New Horizons

New Horizons was formed to promote awareness of disabilities among the campus community.

New Horizons has hosted events to discuss disabilities such as epilepsy and diabetes, and has also hosted a blood drive.

Red Storm

The SIUE Red Storm is a student-led support group for Athletics. Members receive official merchandise, complimentary food at some home games and other perks. Red Storm is working closely with Athletics to get students excited about sporting events at SIUE.

InterVarsity

InterVarsity is an interdenominational Christian organization that “longs to see students and faculty transformed,” according to its website. Members of InterVarsity bond over their shared faith and spread the word of God to the campus community.

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council represents SIUE sororities and serves as a common link between them. PHC also promotes the Circle of Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing educational resources to girls and women around the world.

Residence Housing Association

The Residence Housing Association represents roughly 3,000 students, according to their webpage. Anyone living in Woodland, Bluff, Prairie or Evergreen Hall, or Cougar Village, falls under their purview. RHA works on the student experience via “creative programming and policy influence.”

Rotaract Club

Rotaract Club is the college level of Rotary International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community service. Rotaract also raises funds for donations to organizations such as the End It Movement, which works to combat human trafficking.

Pre-Health Hub

The Pre-Health Hub serves to educate students on various careers in the health care industry, including nursing, pharmacy, dentists, therapists and psychologists. PHH also hosts several community service events.

Muslim Student Association

The Muslim Student Association is led by two co-presidents: Mubashir Hasan Ansari and Yassine Ndiaye. According to Ndiaye, MSA is about “building a safe space for Muslim students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.” The organization hopes to promote awareness of Islam among the campus community.

QFSA

Queer Faculty and Staff Association

The Queer Faculty and Staff Association exists to foster community between LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, as well as to serve as a liaison between them and university administration. QFSA is also heavily involved with the Safe Zone Scholarship.

Student Veterans of America

SIUE’s chapter of Student Veterans of America works to advocate for the university’s student veterans. SVA provides a community to those who have served in the armed forces.

Web Radio

The Web Radio is music by students for students. Listening to the scheduled radio shows is the most direct way to hear student voices on the radio. Use the TuneIn app or website to access the 24-hour stream. Openings are available for you to host your own radio show. The Web Radio studio recently got a new record player.

The SIUE Cougars play in the Ohio Valley Conference and compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 level. SIUE’s mascot is Eddie the Cougar, and school colors are red and white.

Men’s Teams

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Golf

• Soccer

• Track/Field

• Wrestling

Women’s Teams

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Soccer

• Softball

• Tennis

• Track and Field

• Volleyball

COLLEGE CLUB SPORTS at SIUE are extracurricular sports teams that are organized and managed by students but with the support and oversight of the university. Despite not being a part of the varsity sports program, they still give students the opportunity to engage in athletics and compete against other colleges and universities. SIUE has a diverse range of club sports open to currently enrolled SIUE students, regardless of their level of experience or skill in the sport.

For more information on how to join or start a club, contact the SIUE Club Sports Office at 618-650-3245

CLUB

INTRAMURALS at SIUE are organized recreational sports for students, faculty and alumni. The IM Sports program allows SIUE students to compete with other SIUE students in different sports each semester of the academic year. Fees to join a team vary, depending on the sport. However, if you live on-campus in an SIUE residence hall and create a team of at least 75 percent residence hall students, the $25 team registration fee will be waived as part of the “U-Play, We Pay” program.

INTRAMURAL

To register and join a team, download the IMLeagues app to create an account using your SIUE email

Players to Watch

Ignacio Abeal Pou, an incoming senior forward, is a must-watch player for men’s soccer this upcoming fall season.

In 2023, SIUE entered the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 tournament unbeaten at 16-0-3, marking its fourteenth NCAA Tournament appearance. The Cougars put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell to the University of Memphis 1-2 in the first round.

On the home side, the Cougars dominated the Ohio Valley Conference men’s soccer championship 1-0 against the University of the Incarnate World.

After scoring twice in the semifinal match, Abeal Pou was the sole scorer in the final round of the tournament.

Abeal Pou actively seeks opportunities and challenges. With a team-high of 23 shots on goal, he takes chances without hesitation. His performance in the OVC championship highlights just how important taking chances is.

Abeal Pou ended his second year for the Cougars as the third-highest scorer on the team with 14 points, following graduate student Pavel Dashin (19) and incoming senior Stephan Moreira (17).

Abeal Pou comes to Edwardsville from A Coruña, Spain, and prior to SIUE he played for Jefferson College. During this time he was third on the team with nine points on two goals and five assists. He also earned second team All-Region honors.

In his first season as a Cougar, he appeared in 15 of SIUE’s 16 games. During the first game of the 2022 season, Abeal Pou made his mark by scoring the first goal of the game.

Abeal Pou is continuing to build momentum and is a key push for the Cougars’ success this season.

WOMEN’s Tennis

Amelia Gorman

Gorman, an incoming junior, has proven herself in her past two years on the SIUE women’s tennis team and is a definite player to keep an eye on this spring.

The Cougars saw significant success this past spring. The team secured the Ohio Valley Conference championship title and concluded their OVC season with a final overall record of 18-3. The championship victory marks their first since 2017 and third in overall program history.

Gorman was a standout of the season, leading the Cougars in singles with a 27-4 record and a 24-4 mark in doubles. For the second year in a row, Gorman was selected to the Ohio Valley Conference second team.

Gorman was named OVC Player of the Week following her strong performances on March 4 and 7. SIUE conquered Alcorn State University 7-0 with Gorman winning in straight sets. Despite the team’s 3-4 loss against the University of New Orleans, Gorman dominated her singles matches.

Gorman also received four OVC Doubles Team of the Week awards, twice with incoming sophomore Stefaniya Anikina and twice with incoming junior Margaux Guibal Britt.

Gorman comes to SIUE from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She completed her high school career with an 80-11 overall singles record and was a three-star recruit ranked as high as No. 153 for the class of 2022 by Tennis Recruiting.

In her first year as a Cougar, she clinched the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year title after her 22-7 record in singles. In fact, in her first week playing for the team, she was honored as OVC Player of the Week.

Gorman is about halfway through her athletic career; she began strong and is sure to finish strong.

Women’s basketball Ava Stoller

basketball player to watch beginning in early November.

Facing adversity with injuries to key players this past season, the women’s basketball team is currently navigating the rebuilding stage. The Cougars finished eleventh in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 5-26 overall record.

One positive takeaway was the play by Stoller. She has made an immediate impact at SIUE, wand her statistics alone demonstrate her value to the team.

For her first season with the Cougars, Stoller was the fourth-leading scorer and had the second-most assists. She started in 26 games and averaged 29.2 minutes played per game. Stoller also led the team with an average of five rebounds per game.

Stoller was not only impressive statistically, but her play style was also noteworthy. When she was on the court, there were moments when she would impressively take over the game.

During the neck-and-neck game on January 13, Stoller recorded her first collegiate double-double, scoring 11 points while securing a season-high of 12 rebounds against Morehead State University. The newcomer averaged 11.5 points over the two games that week — earning OVC Freshman of the Week honors.

This kind of breakout season is what gives fans and the team hope for the future.

Stoller comes to Edwardsville from St. Petersburg, Florida, where she concluded her high school career with 1,451 points in 66 games played. She was a key player for the Green Devils, averaging 25.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

In her first year as a Cougar, Ava Stoller has made her mark in women’s basketball. Her journey is just beginning and is far from over.

Amelia

Ava Stoller, an incoming sophomore point guard, is an SIUE women’s

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

1. Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is home to the Career Development Center, the Offce for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS), Counseling and Health Services, as well as the offces for International Student and Scholar Services. The SSC offers services such as academic advising, retention and student services, learning support services and programs such as Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR), Veteran Services, and Student Government Offces.

There are meeting rooms, study rooms, a student lounge and a computer lab. This lounge is a popular study spot, containing lots of seating options

and outlets. The lounge was created consciously in collaboration with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for sustainability and minimum environmental impact. The building’s bathrooms are all wheelchair accessible. However, there are no gender-neutral bathrooms. There are drink and snack vending machines on both foors, as well as a newly added vending machine containing medicine and health products located on the lower level.

2. Morris University Center

Lower Level The lower level of the MUC contains the majority of SIUE’s Dining Services.

The main level of the MUC has a few more dining options: Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s. Another option is Union Station, which is reminiscent of a gas station with its snack and drink options. Next to Union Station is the MUC 16 16 16 14 15

Boss Burgers, Sammiches, Entrees, Garden Patch, Chick-fl-A and a Grab N’ Go station can be found in the main Center Court area. On the other side of the dining area, Paavo’s Pizza and Cocina are also available.

As of the Fall 2023 semester, Textbook Service is on the lower level of the MUC. The Alestle’s offce is also located on this level.

Main Level

Welcome Desk, where the campus’s main “lost and found” is located. The Welcome Desk is able to answer any questions visitors may have. Across from the Welcome Desk is the Cougar Store, where MUC guests are able to purchase SIUE merchandise, as well as class materials for students.

The Kimmel Student Involvement Center, or Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, is responsible for any student involvement on campus.

The main level of the MUC has one gender neutral bathroom, as well as a wellness room for anyone who may need it. They are both located by the women’s restroom near Starbucks.

The Meridian Ballroom is anoth-

Summer 2024

If you’re wondering what to eat, look no further than this special guide

Metro East Eats is regular feature where we review different “eats” in the area surrounding SIUE.

This is a collection of our recent favorites from breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Breakfast

Sushi

Pasta

Tex-Mex

Chinese

Ice Cream

Boba

page 2

page 3

page 4

page 5

page 6

page 7

page 8

For more options, scan this QR code to see our complete online guide:

Graphic by T. Weltzin

Header by T. Weltzin

Belleville Pancake House is well worth the wait, price

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

Just a few minutes from downtown Belleville, the Belleville Pancake House serves up delicious food for a great price.

After a long wait at the front, we were seated in a single booth facing the wall. It wasn’t my first choice for seating, but for a small local restaurant, it was understandable. It was quite busy and it seemed to be a little understaffed, so it took us a while to even get our menu.

Belleville Pancake House is known for their pancake flavors such as apple cinnamon, cheesecake and banana pecan.

After 23 minutes, we were finally able to order. The staff were friendly, despite the

fast-paced environment.

I ordered the egg sampler with two over-easy eggs, hash browns and buttermilk pancakes for a total of $9.99. The eggs were cooked perfectly with a nice, runny yolk. The hash browns were crisped nice on the outside with a soft potato on the inside, and with a little salt, it was delicious.

The buttermilk pancakes were the perfect level of fluffy and airy and seemed to almost melt in my mouth. They had the right amount of butter on them and the syrup was light and sweet.

Although there may be a little bit of a wait, the Belleville Pancake House is definitely worth it in terms of the quality and originality of their food.

Golden Oak Pancake House was absolutely golden

MICHAL KATE CASTLEMAN

online

editor

Serving fan-favorite breakfast items, Golden Oak Pancake House in Edwardsvillle provides a warm, friendly setting for your morning.

The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with many breakfast and morning themed decorations. There was indoor and outdoor seating available.

My boyfriend and I went to Golden Oak together, and we chose to eat indoors. I chose the French toast combo, which featured French toast, eggs, ba-

con and sausage links. I also ordered hash browns on the side.

The French toast combo was incredible, as were the sides. The price of my meal was around $17, mainly because I ordered a side. I would consider the restaurant affordable for an occasional breakfast outing, but not for regular dining.

The service was great, and the food was perfect. I do wish sides were not so much of an additional charge as I wanted a small cup of fruit, but it was $4.99.

If you’re looking for a local restaurant to go to for breakfast, I would definitely

Edwardsville’s Sgt. Pepper’s Cafe serves up

cheap food fast

Red

GRACE GENTEMANN former reporter

In downtown Edwardsville, you will find a Beatles-themed restaurant named Sgt. Pepper’s Cafe which offers a range of affordable options. I went with a large group of people and expected more of a crowd, but it was rather empty. With such a large group, I thought service would be slow. However, we were served rather quickly and the waitress swiftly attended to our needs.

There were many affordable options food-wise, with some dishes being only

$4.99. That being said, the food was nothing too incredible. I had ordered a sausage and feta omelet, which was fine. I also ordered a side of biscuits and gravy that I personally disliked because it was too soggy and I prefer a thicker gravy. I feel as though the food does leave you a little unfulfilled food wise, but with the low prices, it can be excused.

Other than that, I feel as if there was nothing that necessarily stood out to me, and I feel that there are many other options breakfast-wise that could do the same job, if not better.

Apple: Ahidden breakfast gem for college students

TY HICKS former reporter

I was pleasantly surprised at Maryville’s Red Apple Family restaurant’s variety of breakfast options, and their quick and affordable meals.

Despite the place being pretty packed during breakfast hours, there was no trouble seating me as soon as I walked in the door.

The dim light that filters through the blinds onto the cool brown hardwood floors gives of a very comfortable and snug atmosphere.

After looking through the variety of what you would expect to be served for breakfast, I went with a specialty cherry pancake stack that came with

three medium sized pancakes, costing me $9.95, along with a side of ham costing me $4.15.

The ham was perfectly juicy and paired great with the pancakes, which were cooked to a golden brown, perfectly crisp and hot. The whipped cream and cherries were a great balance for them, though I was disappointed to discover that the cherries were not fresh, but came from a canned pie filling.

After my order was taken, I only had to wait 12 minutes for my food to arrive.

I definitely have plans to visit there again in the future and try some more of their delicious pancakes, as well as even more breakfast options at an affordable price.

I Michal Kate Castleman / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

Fresh, flavorful, cheap makes Kyoto sushi a steal

illustrator

If any of the places on this list deserve to say that sushi is their specialty, Kyoto is the place. When those who like sushi think of it, they usually think of delicious seafood served in a delightful atmosphere.

Even from the road, Kyoto’s atmosphere is hard to miss. It stands out against the Edwardsville backdrop of trees and other small businesses with aesthetically pleasing architecture and a bright moon-like sign featuring something akin to an abstract koi fish.

Inside Kyoto, you are immediately greeted by a beautiful raised sculpture of a tree and a fish tank not far behind it. While Kyoto doesn’t have koi fish, they have very healthy-looking goldfish.

Aside from their aquatic tank, the seating has low light that adds to the atmosphere. Their booths are separated with dark patterned screens, providing a more private dining experience. If one is more inclined towards open seating, Kyoto has various tables set up like a traditional restaurant along with a hibachi grill. All in all, I spent maybe 30 minutes in Kyoto. The waiter was very attentive and the food itself tasted fresh. I ordered the classic California roll, but they had many other options, including specialty rolls and a sushi bar. The California roll has a combination taste of sweet and salty, complete with the refreshing crunch of cucumber and the scrumptious addition of crab meat. For a price of only $8 per roll, not counting the SIUE student discount, I will definitely be going back.

Delmar Loop’s Blue Ocean octopus rolls roll over competition

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

When you eat seafood, at a restaurant you’re not just paying for the seafood. You pay for the atmosphere, and few seafood restaurants I have been to nail the environment like Blue Ocean.

Blue Ocean is located on St. Louis’s Delmar Loop, and it’s easy to miss. Small on the outside, Blue Ocean makes tremendous use of the space it has to create a comfy and inviting atmosphere inside.

With 40 roll options on the menu, I had a hard time choosing which fishy food I wanted to order. I settled on the spicy octopus roll as I had eaten octopus before and remembered liking the chewy cuisine.

While my friends and I waited for our food, we talked and joked around with the bartender, who invited us to sit at the bar. Our food came out fairly quickly, and the presentation was immaculate. I had eight octopus rolls, each with a little orange dollop of sauce.

I was a little apprehensive — as raw seafood is very much an acquired taste — but I absolutely loved my dish. No ingredient overpowered the others, all blending well into a unique taste. My only complaint was with the spicy sauce, but I won’t dock any points for that because I’m not a fan of spicy condiments to begin with.

Blue Ocean was a wonderful experience and a place I would go back to in a heartbeat.

Seven Belleville serves sushi, spectacular service

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

Seven Belleville offers more than a tasty menu with its exceptional service and weekly events that highlight the talent of local musicians.

Upon arrival, we were immediately welcomed by most of the staff. Seven has a variety of seating options: the bar, restaurant and outdoors. With the nice weather, we decided to sit outside.

Our server was extremely kind, friendly and bubbly, which made me feel like I was at a family dinner rather than a restaurant. She was accommodating and helped with any questions we had.

I am not a fan of sushi or seafood, so I went out of my comfort zone and or-

dered the crab rangoon roll for $8.95. Inside is a snow crab mix and cream cheese that’s rolled with seaweed and rice — all deep-fried and topped with eel sauce and scallions.

I never liked sushi until I took my first bite. It tasted just like crab rangoon, with a creamy chewy inside and a harder crunchy shell. The eel sauce was sweet and contrasted well with the savory inside.

Aside from an authentic sushi menu, Seven features a delicious and constantly-developing American cuisine menu. Additionally, Seven has an expansive and ever-changing drink menu, with over 50 interesting bottled beers and craft beers, a wide variety of wines, handcrafted cocktails and martinis.

T. WELTZIN

I T. Weltzin / The Alestle

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

I Dylan Hembrough / The Alestle

Header by T. Weltzin

Sugo’s Spaghetteria is perfect for broke college students

CHLOE WOLFE lifestyles editor

Sugo’s in Edwardsville offers cheap pasta with the vibes of an expensive restaurant.

Every time I’ve been to Sugo’s the service has been excellent and efficient.

As soon as you walk in the door, you are seated. Each table gets free water and bread to go along with your meal.

The lighting in the restaurant is dim and candles are on all of the tables, setting a great ambiance for the restaurant.

For my meal, I ordered a half order of chicken fettuccine alfredo which only cost me $9.75. I don’t usually eat a lot, so it was enough to take home leftovers. The pasta was delicious, just not the best I’ve ever had. I feel like there’s not much you can do with cheese and pasta, but I still enjoy it.

From the time I ordered my food to when it was placed in front of me, I only waited about 10 minutes.

Sugo’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Edwardsville and the perfect place for a dinner with friends or a date night.

Ravanelli’s vibe and flavor make a great dining experience

JANA HAMADE former copy editor

Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse and Wine Bar located in Collinsville, presented us with a warm, rustic interior that featured a wide variety of wines, and even huge Italian cakes on display. The restaurant is extremely spacious and includes a bar which is separate from the large seating area.

Our service was excellent and extremely quick, and the menu had a large selection to choose from. I ordered the rigatoni pasta that was also offered to me baked with added cheese, which I did not opt for. We missed the lunch menu by a couple of minutes, unknowingly, which included several menu items for a lower price.

To our pleasant surprise, each main course is also served with a house salad and your choice of dressing, as well as a soup of your choosing. The salad was generous and filling, and the tortellini soup was delicious. The pasta itself used the same sauce as the marinara paired with our garlic bread appetizer, which was slightly too thick and sweet for the pasta in this case. The pasta was cooked well, but I did find myself having to add lots of salt and pepper to balance the flavors out.

Everything waiters brought out also looked delicious, and the person I was eating with chose a sandwich and fries which they enjoyed. Overall, Ravanelli’s tastes like home-cooked food at a good price, as well as great atmosphere and service.

Zia’s Restaurant is the Walgreens of the pasta industry

T. WELTZIN illustrator

While described as being “on the corner of happy and healthy”, operating on a corner is the only thing Walgreen’s slogan has in common with Zia’s in St. Louis.. Inside, Zia’s has a welcoming atmosphere. Furnished with faux at-home appliances, the restaurant is seemingly attempting to replicate the feeling of grandma’s kitchen. However, these homey add-ons did little to the atmosphere, the restaurant still very much felt like a chain with the mismatched ceiling fan and skylight combo. Apart from the strange

vibes, the seating area had, the food was overall decent.

I ordered the cannelloni and was pleased to receive literal loaves of dipping bread, as my main dish was incredibly saucy. The combination of white and red sauce was better than the pork noodles themselves, with a light savory taste that complimented their bread wonderfully. The noodles were filled with grainy meat that did not taste similar to the sauce in any aspect, though the sauce made up most of the meal. Garnished with a layer of unappealing cheese, this dish was not worth the $19 I spent on it. For the price you’re paying at Zia’s, I would recommend trying another one of their dishes besides pasta.

Cleveland Heath takes mac and cheese to a new level

Located in downtown Edwardsville, Cleveland Heath offers a warm and casual atmosphere with upscale dishes and excellent staff. The restaurant is known for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonally based menu.

The staff were quick and friendly, and even suggested their favorites on the menu — but I already knew what I wanted.

I ordered a side of macaroni and cheese which consisted of a warm blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese on top of classic macaroni pasta. There were also

bread crumbs generously sprinkled on top which added a nice crunch in comparison to the creamy cheese.

Cleveland Heath’s menu changes seasonally so the dishes offered changed based on what is in season, and in the past the restaurant has served other pasta dishes.

Although an $8 plate of macaroni and cheese may seem expensive for a side, the dish comes with plenty for a quick lunch.

However, despite the macaroni and cheese’s delicious taste, it did not wow me enough to choose it over a more affordable grocery store option.

I Chloe Wolfe / The Alestle

I T. Weltzin / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

Chava’s fried bean tacos are fresh, authentic and filling

NICOLE BOYD former opinion editor

Fried tacos are hard to come by in Edwardsville. That’s why I was so excited to try Chava’s tacos fritos con frijoles, or fried tacos with beans. They didn’t disappoint.

The meal came with two tacos filled with refried beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and a sprinkle of cheese, served with a side of rice. It came out to be around $9.

The tacos were absolutely delicious.

They weren’t too oily or soft, although I would have preferred them to be just a bit crispier.

The beans and toppings had great flavor, albeit a little lacking in spice. I could even see the marks where toothpicks held the shells together to be fried all the way at the top, to get as much filling in as possible.

In addition to the tacos, Chava’s chips and salsa are notably good. Their salsa is made with large chunks of tomatoes and cilantro, which I personally really like.

La Casa is great food but can be very

ELIZABETH DONALD former copy editor

La Casa Mexicana in Edwardsville has a wide menu of the kind of restaurant Mexican food we’ve all come to love, but you might pick a less busy time to go.

We visited La Casa Mexicana on a Sunday at lunchtime, and the servers were speeding about at a high pace. No one could argue they weren’t working hard, but it was pretty difficult to flag them down for soda and chip refills.

And we needed those refills, as both the mild queso and guacamole we ordered as appetizers were delicious and flavorful. I usually require a chunky, chewable guac and my husband prefers very spicy queso and salsa, but these were terrific enough that we were happy outside our usual preferences.

busy on the weekend

We both ordered beef chimichangas, which come with a platter of rice, beans and a square of sweet cornbread. Again we ran into the crowd issue – the server misheard my husband and brought us both the lunch plates when my husband ordered the full size. We didn’t mention it, though, because the place was so busy and the servers so rushed that it seemed futile. The chimichanga was delicious, though the lunch size will be a bit small for husband-sized appetites, and if you want guacamole on your chimichanga you’ll need to order it special.

Entrees start at $12 and some items run as high as $20, so it’s not quite as cheap as a college student budget might prefer.

I’d definitely recommend it as solid mid-range Mexican fare – but not on a Sunday.

El Maguey is a great spot if you have nowhere else to be

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

El Maguey in Edwardsville serves as a popular dinner spot for SIUE students, and with popularity comes longer wait times.

Once seated, I ordered a lunch special that came with one taco, one cheese quesadilla and a side of Mexican rice. My server took my order by ear and didn’t write it down. So when the time came for me to eat, there was bound to be some error.

When my food arrived, I was mistakenly given a steak quesadilla. They apologized and returned to the kitchen after I kindly corrected them. Once they came back, they gave me the same steak quesadilla — only this time, it was drenched in a thick layer of queso. The server returned to the kitchen again, and meanwhile, my taco

and fried rice had been sitting on the table, untouched. Finally, after about 15 minutes, I had my plain cheese quesadilla.

Because I had to take a photo of the full meal for this review, I had to wait that full 15 minutes before I could touch the rice, and when I did, it was cold. Despite this, it tasted delicious — a blend of tangy and savory flavors topped with tomato and onion. The taco, thankfully, was still warm. The crunch of the taco shell and lettuce perfectly balances with the juicy, sweet beef. There was nothing too special about the quesadilla, and I wish I would’ve taken the steak quesadilla in the first place and given it to a family member at home.

For a total of $12.12 including tip, El Maguey is a great place to get a meal with friends, if only you have nowhere else to be afterward.

Taqueria Maya offers classics and experimental dishes

Taqueria Maya in Alton offers the classics, but I went for something different this time: birria ramen.

To clarify, I’ve been to Taqueria Maya a few times, so I can also vouch for some of the classics. For example, they make a pretty good taco. This time I mixed it up and went for a very different option, and I was not left disappointed.

Before the birria ramen, I ordered some guacamole with my chips, which was pretty enjoyable. It had a nice, fresh taste to it.

The texture of the birria ramen was impeccable. The meat had just the right level of tenderness, and so did the noodles. The hard-boiled eggs added a nice touch, though generally I feel soft boiling is better for the sake of ramen.

I think the broth could have been a bit more flavorful, but I’m not disappointed. It had a nice savoriness to it, but was altogether very mild; I hoped for a bit more spice.

I spent about $15 on the ramen and $5 on the guacamole, which isn’t a bad price for either. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve had at Taqueria Maya, but I’d still recommend it for those trying to mix it up.

File photo / The Alestle

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

Header by T. Weltzin

China King is the king of all Chinese restaurants

MATTHEW WOLDEN copy editor

China King, located in Edwardsville, provides quick service for the food you selected while also providing a good portion of food for a fair price.

I ordered my food for takeout before going to the restaurant. What surprised me was that it only took 10 minutes for the employees to prepare the food. My food ready for me to grab upon my entrance into the restaurant.

As I was in a bit of a hurry, I didn’t

get too much time to evaluate the atmosphere, especially with how quickly I was able to go to the cashier, pay and leave.

I ordered General Tso’s Chicken with an egg roll. The dish was served with a sweet sauce alongside fried rice. As someone who had never tried an egg roll before, I found it pretty good. However, I thought the chicken was a bit too sweet and overpowering for my palate. The fried rice, on the other hand, was great. It mixed incredibly well with the sauce. Overall, it is a great restaurant to grab food quickly and go about your day.

Corner 17 a bustling location and great food, worth the wait

lifestyles editor

Despite the long wait, Corner 17 is the perfect place after a long day of shopping in University City — just make sure you check in on their website.

Before my friends and I even got there, we made the rookie mistake of not checking in. When we did finally go to check in on the website, the wait time was a whopping 120 minutes. Luckily, there were a ton of things to do in the area.

Since we got there around 7:15 p.m., not much was open, so we opted to spend our time in Vintage Vinyl.

As we were heading back to the car to drop our purchases off, we received a message saying that the hostess would

soon be calling our name and we needed to be there before we lost our spot. We did not end up waiting the whole predicted two hours — it was only an hour and 20 minutes.

Corner 17 is a loud and bustling restaurant so do be warned, but the service is good and quick. You even get to watch the noodle puller do their job through a glass window.

I ordered the sesame chicken as well as the chicken stir-fried noodles to share with the table, which was $30 before a tip. The food was delicious and gorgeous and made for excellent leftovers.

This food is on the more expensive side, but, with the atmosphere, the taste, the service and location, I think it’s worth it. Just make sure to check in first!

Asia Garden offers authentic Chinese hibachi & sushi fusion

CIARA FOLKERTS

reporter

Collinsville’s Asia Garden shines as a hidden gem, offering patrons an enticing array of delectable dishes catering to every palate.

Being a picky eater, I was surprised by the variety of choices and affordable prices that Asia Garden had to offer, including hibachi, sushi, ramen and even boba drinks.

I ordered their special Volcano roll that was filled with crab meat, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese. It was topped

with baked spicy crab meat and drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce, for the price of $13.95.

The sushi dish was beautifully displayed and lived up to its name, as it was served in a circular ring, resembling a volcano.

The dish erupted with flavor and provided a perfect blend of sweet with a hint of spice.

Although I was hesitant about the spicy crab meat, it was the best part of the dish. It highlighted the fresh and bold taste, marking it as one of the best sushi

88 China is Granite City’s hidden hole-in-the-wall gem right off of Nameoki Road, and with how tasty it was, I was surprised it wasn’t busier.

88 China is located in a plaza with various stores, making it easy to miss with its nondescript facade. The inside is a clean, beautiful little nook.

The cashier let me take my time looking at the menu. I decided to go with the lobster lo mein and a shrimp egg roll. I went with my girlfriend, who ordered shrimp lo mein, a shrimp egg roll of her own and crab rangoon for both of us.

For two people, it was just less than

$40. I thought that was a lot at first, even after seeing the portion sizes, but I vastly underestimated how filling the meal would be. The price I initially thought was a little steep became a bargain.

The food itself was among the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. It was all freshly made and delivered to us just a few minutes after we ordered. The noodles in my lobster lo mein were the perfect texture, and the lobster bits added a nice flavoring to the overall tapestry of flavor that was this meal.

We asked for take-out containers and took our food home with us. I had lobster lo mein leftovers that night, and it still tasted pretty fresh. 88 China scores high on the reheatability index.

I Ciara Folkerts / The Alestle

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

I Dylan Hembrough / The Alestle

88 China: Perfect leftovers at a reasonable price

I Matthew Wolden / The Alestle

CHLOE WOLFE

I Chloe Wolfe / The Alestle

Header by T. Weltzin

Annie’s is perfectly close to campus, there’s a discount too

CHLOE WOLFE lifestyles editor

Annie’s Frozen Custard is perfect to sit inside or just get drive-through ice cream. The fact that they also offer a discount to SIUE students is another perk.

Annie’s is one of the first food experiences I had in Edwardsville and every single time I’ve gone has been great.

This time I ordered one of their featured sundaes: the brownie supreme, which has fudge, crushed nuts and obviously

brownie bits. After the discount, I only paid $6.78, which is a pretty decent price for how much I got.

My favorite part about Annie’s is how quick they are no matter how busy the shop is. Before I could even finish paying, my ice cream was ready.

The first bite made me skeptical because it was basically just a bite of peanuts, but once I mixed it myself, it tasted better.

Overall, the sundae was great as was the experience. I definitely recommend this to other students in search of a sweet treat.

City Scoops provides solid ice cream at a convenient cost

BRUCE DARNELL former managing editor

Being less than 10 minutes away from campus, City Scoops is a great stop for anyone craving quick and good ice cream. I had salted caramel ice cream, which was about $6 for two scoops in a cup. There were many options, but I chose to go with something simple. The store is located in the same space as Imo’s Pizza, so you could hypothetically get pizza and ice cream if you were really starving. The walls

were painted in black and white, and there were multiple cow paintings placed around. Party games were also on the tables, such as Connect Four and Jenga.

The ice cream was pretty good for what I paid for, though since it was very simple, it would be difficult to mess up. There are many options on their menu, ranging from the type of ice cream to toppings to method of eating — cones, cups and a few more. I’d definitely recommend City Scoops if you’re hungering for ice cream in the hot summer weather.

Northside Dairy Haven serves up low-cost sweetness

ELIZABETH DONALD former copy editor

In a region where frozen custard is king, there are still a few places to get good old-fashioned ice cream in bizarre combinations, and Northside Dairy Haven has a long tradition of serving it up.

At the north end of Edwardsville’s Main Street – thus the name – you can find the roadside food stand that goes back to 1961 with a snarky comment on the message board and a lot of cars lined up for the small drive-through. While the diner-type charco-burgers and pulled pork get a lot of attention, the ice cream is what makes it special.

Northside Dairy Haven makes its ice cream fresh every day, including the orange sherbet that made them famous. Concretes, shakes, sundaes and twisted cones are just part of the offerings, and they have a wide variety of combinations for the weirdest tastes.

While I’m always partial to the turtle sundae with extra hot fudge and pecans,

for the purposes of Metro-East Eats I opted for their newest experiment: the Cherry Bomb, a twisted ice cream cone dipped in chocolate shell and then in cherry shell.

A word to the wise: order small. My husband’s large cone is close to the size of his head. I ordered the small and it still took me a while to scarf it down. The chocolate-cherry dip mix worked well, but the chocolate kind of overpowers the cherry, more than you might expect. For a cherry aficionado, you might order it alone, or perhaps get the more bland vanilla ice cream instead of my preferred chocolate.

The prices make them very college-student friendly: my small cone was a grand $1.95 plus 60 cents for the dip. The large is $2.95 and the concretes are $4.45, so you won’t need to break the bank here.

Food is made to order, so don’t mistake it for fast food; it was a good 25 minutes from order to eating when we were there on a Friday. It was absolutely worth it.

Alton’s Pink Cow dutifully delivers a delectable dairy delight

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

I’ll admit that I had trouble finding parking at The Pink Cow in Alton, but it was all uphill from there.

With an extensive menu chock-full of ice cream flavors I’d never even heard of, choosing my dairy delicacy was a daunting task. I settled on a vanilla and cookie dough mix, which was remarkably cheap. My girlfriend and I both bought ourselves a treat for no more than $5.50 after tax.

I took my cone to the seating area, a

series of pink tables, which I thought was a nice touch. I could only describe the atmosphere as, well, the Earth’s atmosphere, since it was outside. Jokes aside, I got to watch downtown Alton while munching on ice cream.

As for the ice cream itself, the texture was just right, and the taste was enough to make me seriously consider buying another. The vanilla and cookie dough flavors had been blended, but they were still distinct enough that you could taste them both. It made for a unique experience I haven’t had at a chain ice cream shop.

I Chloe Wolfe / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

I File photo / The Alestle

I Dylan Hembrough / The Alestle

Header by T. Weltzin

Yummy’s Donut Palace has boba fit for monarchs

illustrator

Quick service, impeccable boba and large donuts don’t excuse the less-thaninviting atmosphere.

Yummy’s Donut Palace in Edwardsville lives up to the name, as not only is the boba taste worthy of the title, but the prices reflect the restaurant’s name.

Two donuts and two small boba drinks were roughly $20. I am not a boba connoisseur, so $20 is a bit too much for two small drinks and two pastries for me.

Despite the price, Yummy’s has a variety of flavors that you can mix and match. I had never tried boba before, so I went for a safe choice of coconut milk tea with jelly coffee boba. I was pleasantly surprised and I instantly understood why others enjoy the trendy drink so much.

As for the cafe itself, it had a graband-go vibe to it. While there were tables inside, the cold lighting and unprofessionally-painted walls made the atmosphere grim. However, the store owner was very nice. Next time, I’ll take a table outside.

Best Boba Tea: Quick service, warm atmosphere

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

Located in west Belleville, Best Boba Tea offers a wide variety of boba tea, lemonades and rolled ice cream.

One thing to note is the confusing business hours. The hours listed on the physical door are listed as 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., whereas their website says 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I went on a Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to be safe.

The restaurant had a minimalistic interior with pink walls and greenery, and I was warmly greeted by the staff.

Because it was Valentine’s Day, I went with the pink strawberry boba. However, I was told that the boba was not done cooking, so I had to choose between the only

available options: mango popping boba or rainbow jelly. I’m not a fan of either, but ultimately went with the rainbow jelly for a total of $6.65.

My boba was capped with a pink seal, and the server even went to the back to get me a pink straw to match.

The drink itself tasted like melted strawberry ice cream; it was delicious and not too sweet. Unfortunately, the rainbow jelly threw me off and I wish I had just asked for no inclusions.

Overall, it’s a fun drink, but I would only get it on occasion due to the price. However, if you are an avid boba drinker, then this is the place to go. Best Boba Tea delivers quick service with a welcoming atmosphere. Just make sure you catch them at a time when the boba is ready.

Bubblecup Tea Zone is the perfect spot for boba beginners

MICHAL KATE CASTLELMAN online editor

Bubblecup Tea Zone in St. Louis thoroughly impressed me with its large menu, amazing boba and a calm atmosphere.

The store was small, with a few seating options, as well as a photo-op with a couch and a grass wall. The employees were kind and patient with me as I scanned their menu. They offered milk teas, fruit teas, flavored slush and creative snow.

As someone who is new to boba tea, I was grateful for the kindness of the employees at Bubblecup Tea Zone, who were willing to teach me about the many flavors and teas they offered.

I opted for the traditional strawberry milk tea and added boba pearls for an extra $0.50.

At first, I was uneasy about the milk tea, but I am so glad I tried it because I truly loved it. It was so sweet. I especially loved the boba pearls at the bottom.

For pricing, Bubblecup Tea Zone prices are affordable. Some drinks are cheaper than your average Starbucks order. My order was less than $7 before the tip, which is a good price considering the drink was a bit larger than a medium coffee.

I would recommend Bubblecup Tea Zone, especially if you are trying boba for the first time. The options are endless and the environment was welcoming.

Refreshing and sweet, Honey Bee Tea is open late

BRANDI SPANN opinion editor

Honey Bee Tea in St. Louis is the perfect spot to stop for some late-night boba. They’re open until 9 p.m.

I ordered three different drinks for my friends and I, starting with the fresh peach fruit tea. True to its name, the drink was incredibly refreshing. It had fresh fruit slices submerged in the tea. It was a mellow tea, but not too sweet. The Okinawa milk tea with toasted crème brûlée was slightly unmixed, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed by giving the drink a whirl with my straw. It tasted like vanilla — not sweet, but strong. The

tapioca was fantastic and most definitely freshly made. The crème brûlée tasted like whipped vanilla pudding.

The fresh mango green tea with strawberry popping boba had a subtle hint of mango. It was not too sweet and not too overwhelming. It would be the perfect revitalizing drink for studying or relaxing.

There were only a few popping boba flavors, and the drinks were priced between $6 to $9 each.

Located conveniently beside the bustling Brentwood Plaza, stop by World Market, Target or Trader Joe’s after ordering your drink.

Header by T. Weltzin

I Michal Kate Castleman / The Alestle

T. WELTZIN

I T. Weltzin / The Alestle

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

I Brandi Spann / The Alestle

Future Health Science Building!

er space that can be reserved through Event Services. The space is normally for larger events on campus. It is located by the Goshen Lounge at the center of the main level. There is also the Cougar Store, which sells SIUE apparel and merchandise.

Upper Level

Military and Veteran Services is located on the upper level of the MUC, as well as Event Services and the Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development Hub.

Conference rooms and other meeting spaces are available on the upper level per reservation through Event Services.

The Cougar Cupboard is a food pantry for any staff, faculty or student at SIUE. According to their website, the Cougar Cupboard takes donations and is open Monday through Thursday.

3. Rendleman Hall

Rendleman Hall is where you’ll fnd the Bursar, Financial Aid, Information Technology Services, Parking Services and Student Employment, among other offces. The building is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

4. Lovejoy Library

Lovejoy Library is home to many study spaces, sleeping spots and the MakerLab, which allows the SIUE community access to equipment such as a 3D printer or a programmable embroidery sewing machine. When it comes to study spaces, students can reserve study rooms, use collaborative spaces found throughout the library or fnd a quiet corner to get some

work done. Lovejoy also has treadmills and bike desks throughout the second and third foors. Nap pods, bean bags and the third-foor meditation room are available for students who may need to take a break.

The MakerLab is located on the frst foor of the library and is full of specialized equipment for students to design and create projects. Students are able to use the MakerLab for more than just academic projects, as personal projects are allowed and encouraged. All of the equipment is free to use, but students may have to purchase additional supplies, such as the correct size mugs or buttons. Students are able to purchase certain items at the Maker Lab or circulation desk of Lovejoy Library.

A few of the pieces in the Maker Lab include a 3D Doodle Pen, a Dremel Engraver, a soldering iron kit, a T-shirt heat-

press, a laminator and Glowforge Plus, which is a laser engraver and cutter.

The MakerLab is open for reservations Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students must make reservations during those hours to use a certain piece of equipment. Bill Weidler, the contact person for the MakerLab, is available to provide instruction on how to use the equipment.

To see a full list of available equipment and tools, as well as past projects made using the MakerLab, visit Lovejoy Library on the SIUE website and search MakerLab.

A newer addition to the library is the Wiggle Rooms located on the second foor. They are enclosed boxes similar to phone booths and have a wireless phone charger, whiteboard, stool and plug-in. They are soundproof for students who are in a Zoom class or giving a virtual presentation.

Students can check out both research and pleasure reads at Lovejoy Library or ask for research help through the live chat on the websites. The librarians are able to help students with citations, fnding articles or other research questions that may arise. The library also provides access to Kanopy, which is a streaming service for academic or educational documentaries. s is located in the basement of Lovejoy Library for students who may need assistance with Blackboard, Zoom, Cougarnet, or many other technological problems

For more information on Lovejoy Library, visit its website. Lovejoy Library workers also post updates and announcements on their social media, @siuelibrary on Instagram or SIUE Lovejoy Library on Facebook.

5. Peck Hall

Peck Hall is where the College of Peck Hall is where the College of Arts and Sciences offce is located. Peck Hall holds classes for the Department of Political Science, Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, Department of History, Criminal Justice Studies, Department of Sociology, Department of Social Work, Department of Anthropology, Department of English Language and Literature, Department of Philosophy and more. With numerous departments located in this building, it is no wonder most students take at least one class here.

Along with the departments already located within Peck Hall, there are enormous classrooms big enough to hold large amounts of students. This building hosts other subjects as well due to its plethora of classrooms.

When you get out of class and need to study, you can fnd many tables, desks or couches in the building to sit and study at. You can also choose to grab something from a vending machine in the common areas to enjoy while studying.

There are male, female and gender-neutral bathrooms on each foor of the building to provide for everyone’s needs.

6. Founders Hall

Founders Hall is connected to Alumni Hall. It has general classrooms and is home to the offce for the Reserve Offcers’ Training Corps.

7. Alumni Hall

Alumni Hall is connected to Founders Hall and similarly, it has plenty of general classrooms. Psychology, the School of Nursing, art education, geography, public administration and policy analysis, aerospace studies and applied communication studies each have their offces in Alumni Hall.

8. Dunham Hall

Basement

The basement contains rooms for a variety of uses. There are practice rooms for music majors to practice their respective instruments in a quiet area. There are also lockers nearby for instruments.

Mass Communication’s audio editing lab can also be found next to WSIE 88.7 “The Sound”. WSIE is a volunteer-based radio station where students can learn skills for any radio station. No prior experience is required.

TRAVEL

First foor

The entrance to the Dunham Hall Theater can be found on the frst foor as well as the Box Offce to purchase tickets. Next to the Box Offce are the departments of Mass Communication and Theater and Dance.

The TV production studio, a classroom with a full TV studio setup complete with a studio foor and control room, can also be found on this foor. The mass communication’s video editing computer lab is nearby.

The Scene Shop and costume room are always full of theater set pieces and colorful costumes for classes and productions.

Down the hall, the Department of Music has a jazz room, band room and choir room.

Second

foor

The second foor contains two dance studios; one for modern and ballet dances and the other for jazz and tap dances. Sevral other classrooms and offces can be found on the second foor including the Department of Music.

Dunham Hall is also home to the Suzuki Strings Program. This program was the frst university-based program dedicated to teaching children string instruments.

9. Science East & Science West

Both Science Lab East and Science Lab West have an entrance that faces the Engineering Building and are near Dunham. Right beside Science West is Science East, and on the frst foor of Science West, there is a bridge that leads directly to the Science East building. It is decorated with plants on each side and has a great view of the outdoors.

On each foor there is at least one map that shows you everything that exists within the building. The map also shows you which foor you are on and highlights the rooms on that foor.

There are also multiple signs on the ceilings and walls within the building to guide students.

Science Lab East has at least four stairwells, Science Lab West has three stairwells and both buildings have two elevators.

There are graduate student and teacher’s assistant offces, laboratories and the lab coordinator’s offce. If there are QR codes on the classroom doors, students can scan them to check the schedule of the classroom.

On each foor, there is an offce where students can fnd different professors by looking at a list that holds names of professors, email addresses and locations of their specifc offces.

Both buildings offer a lot of seating space, including long benches that are placed against the wall out of the way for students passing by. Students can fnd displays of wildlife taxidermy throughout the building. Bulletin boards scattered throughout the building have information such as clubs to sign up for, scholarship opportunities, tutoring op-

portunities and more.

Vending machines for beverages in these buildings contain healthy drinks like water, Propel and Gatorade. The vending machines for food include typical snacks, like chips and candy. Each foor has a spacious lobby area for students with tall tables to sit at and comfortable couches. The bathrooms all carry menstrual products, and there are water fountains by most of the restrooms. Science East is where students can fnd gender-neutral bathrooms.

In Science East, there is tutoring for Math, Statistics and Physics. This is also where you can fnd another offce for Information Technology Services.

10. Art & Design Buildings

The Art and Design buildings are separated into the East and West buildings, connected by a walkway. These buildings primarily serve a range of art students, across a span of media. Both buildings include fully equipped studios, classrooms and a primary exhibition gallery.

There is student art on display yearround, as well as frequent exhibitions and showcases of student, staff and work of local artists. Both buildings have a combined 13 studios, featuring a range of diverse specializations such as drawing to metal work. In regards to services, the buildings offer vending machines on the second foor of the east wing, a computer lab and bathrooms on both foors of each building. These buildings do not have gender neutral or all-gender bathrooms.

11. Engineering Building

The Engineering Building is home to much more than classrooms. It contains labs for mechanical engineering, equipped with different types of electronic equipment. It also has rooms designated for designing and building projects. Simply walking around the building and peering into classrooms may show you some of the projects or equipment stored in the building.

Apart from the items used, there are also areas to sit around and study. The main study area of the Engineering Building contains whiteboards in case you are working with a group on a specifc project.

There are male and female restrooms on each foor as well as a single family restroom located in the basement.

12. Student Fitness Center

Connected to the Vadalabene Center, the SFC consists of multiple rooms for weightlifting, courts for basketball and club activities, such as a foot or roller rink to practice hockey, rooms for recreational activities and even a pool.

Activities related to clubs can be discussed at the front desk of the building near the entrance of the weight room and courts, while equipment such

05.29.24

as basketballs or weightlifting belts can be checked out from the equipment issue desk on the way to the locker rooms.

The primary uses for the SFC have been basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickle ball on two of the primary courts, as well as the general ftness and cardio room and weight room.

With professional equipment from machines to weight racks, the SFC weight room offers methods for a wide variety of ftness such as crossft and powerlifting.

The SFC also offers many services such as nutrition counseling, ftness assessments, club membership contacts, personal training and coaching, an indoor track, climbing walls and camping equipment available to rent.

The facility is also home to one of the many dining options on campus, Freshens. Freshens is unique among SIUE’s dining options with its trademark smoothies.

13. Vadalabene Center

SIUE offers three dorm halls for Connected to the Student Fitness Center, the Sam M. Vadalabene Center is a multipurpose sports facility that serves education, health, recreation and wellness. The VC is home to SIUE men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling, which take place in the First Community Arena. In addition to the arena, the Vadalabene Center houses several classrooms and athletic offces. The VC features a rock-climbing gym and an indoor pool with shower rooms, each including a dry sauna.

14. Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center accepts children from ages two to fve, and their rates vary depending on age, the amount of days and the time of day. Children do not need to be potty-trained to attend.

The Early Childhood Center uses the Reggio Emilia Approach, meaning the children get to choose what they learn, to an extent, and are given the space to express themselves. So, a lot of the projects that the children have produced are results from their own fndings and desires of exploration.

According to the center, sometimes the children will go on walks and bring back items like tadpoles or rocks, and the center will keep them for the children and give them a new home.

Various projects are displayed to show work that is currently being learned.

Each classroom has a fsh tank that is nature-based in the center of every classroom. Their projects are often eco-friendly and sustainable. Each classroom also has a loft for children to calm themselves and relax if needed. Another perk is the classrooms involve a bathroom for children in each one.

The center also serves breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Each child has their own cubby for their personal items too.

The Early Childhood Center has an indoor playground that one class uses at a time, as well as an outdoor playground for all of the children. This is where the garden and bike shed are located, where the children can ride their tricycle or plant food. Children can grow food and take some home with them at the end of the day.

The children of SIUE can look forward to an environment that teaches them to be self-suffcient and to have a healthy relationship with nature.

15. Metcalf Theater

Opened in 1984, the Metcalf Theater was named after James Metcalf, who was the budget director at SIUE. He is most notable as the father of Emmy award-winning actress Laurie Metcalf, who was raised in Edwardsville. The Metcalf Theater is a

black box theater, meaning the audience and stage confguration can shift from show to show using stock risers and customized scenery. The Metcalf hosts several student productions throughout the year, as well as one mainstage show and a Shakespeare performance during the summer.

16. Freshman Dorms SIUE offers three dorm halls for freshmen: Woodland Hall, Prairie Hall and Bluff Hall.

The halls are all very similar to each other in layout and design. However, there are specifc differences.

Prairie and Bluff both have sand volleyball courts available outside for residents. Occupying the space between Prairie and Woodland is a whole disc golf course. The course consists of nine baskets.

Bluff Hall houses the SIUE E-Sports Arena for gaming students to play their favorite games. Each hall has areas for their residents to gather for

community events. Prairie and Woodland are located very close to each other. Bluff is further away from these two, but is closer to the Student Fitness Center.

These are just the dorms available to freshmen. After the frst year, students are open to more apartment-styled living spaces. Evergreen Hall is the closest of these options. There is also Cougar Village though that is a short drive or bus ride away.

54th Street

6660 Edwardsville Crossing Drive

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

American Kolache

6189 Bennett Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Annie’s Frozen Custard

11 Illini Drive, Glen Carbon Discount: 10% off always

50% off every frst Monday of month during the school year

Bann Thai

4 Club Centre Court, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

ACCEPTS COUGAR BUCKS

Bella Milano

1063 South State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount: 20% off

Buffalo Wild Wings

249 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off food purchases

Café Birdie

120 South Main Street, Edwardsville Discount: 25% off frst pastry Wednesday & Thursday

CBD Botanicals

1051 Century Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% discount

Chick-fl-A

2319 Troy Road, Edwardsville Discount: Free original chicken sandwich OR 8-count nuggets w/ purchase of a large fry and drink

China King

1063 South State Route 157

Edwardsville

Discount: 5% off (Pick up Only)

City Scoops Creamery

1100 Illinois Interstate 157, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Cold Stone Creamery

2100 Troy Road, Suite 101, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Crazy Bowls & Wraps 6679 Edwardsville Crossing Drive

Edwardsville Discount: 20% off on Tuesday

Culver’s 6724 Old Troy Road, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Dairy Queen Edwardsville

400 South Buchanan St., Edwardsville Discount: 15% off daily, 50% off frst and last Tuesday of each month

Denny’s 27 Junction Drive, Glen Carbon Discount: 20% off

Edison’s Entertainment Complex 2477 South State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

2392 S State Route 157, Glen Carbon Discount: 10% off

Wear SIUE gear for additional 5% off Monday - Thursday show Cougar Card for $1 wings

Firehouse Subs

2208 Troy Road, Edwardsville Discount: 15% off

Global Brew Tap House

2329 Plum St., Edwardsville Discount: 10% off on all food and golf

Goshen Coffee

6120 Shoger Drive, Suite A

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Heroic Adventures

1005 Century Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Hotshots

2511 Illinois State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

1933 House of Bourbon

1001 Enclave Blvd, Suite D

Edwardsville

Discount 10% off dine-in

25% off carry-out

Imo’s Pizza 1100 South State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount 10% off

Jersey Mike’s 1990 Troy Road, Unit A, Edwardsville Discount 10% off daily OR a regular sub, bag of chips, and 22 oz drink for $10.99

Kyoto Sushi Steakhouse 441 South State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

La Casa Mexicana 201 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off (alcoholic beverages not included)

La Fonda 2310 Troy Road, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Moe’s Southwest Grill 2329 Plum St., #100, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Nothing Bundt Cake 6151 Trace Parkway Drive, Suite C Edwardsville Discount 10% off

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery 115 East Clay St., Collinsville Discount 10% off

Oriental Spoon 229 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Papa John’s 3592 South State Route 159

Glen Carbon Discount: Large 1 topping for $8, carry-out only

Papa Murphy’s 207 Harvard Drive, Suite 159 Edwardsville Discount: $3 off

Penn Station East Coast Subs 231 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Poke Munch 1063 Illinois Interstate 157, Suite 11

Edwardsville Discount 10% off

Quiznos 1053 Century Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Sonic 1017 Plummer Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off non-discounted items

Source Juicery 220 N Main St., Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Subway 4 Club Centre Shopping Center Suite J, Edwardsville 108 South Buchanan St., Unit C

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Teaspoons Cafe 2125 Illinois Interstate 157, Edwardsville Discount: 15% off

Texas Roadhouse 6640 Edwardsville Crossing Drive Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

The Cup 1057 Century Drive, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off BOGO frst Monday of the month

The Pasta House Co 1097 South State Route 157

Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

Wasabi Sushi Bar

100 South Buchanan St., Edwardsville Discount: 15% off w/ Cougar Card ACCEPTS COUGAR BUCKS

Waxing The City 2329 Plum St., Edwardsville Discount: 30% Mondays & Tuesdays

Wing Stop

2100 Troy Road, Edwardsville Discount: 10% off

MEMOIRS

Don’t just find your passions in college; live and indulge them

SAM MUREN managing editor

After finishing my freshman year here at SIUE, I am happy to say that college has already allowed me to live out some of my dreams.

Going into college, I was looking to find an opportunity to finally live my dream of studying journalism and broadcasting. I wanted to gain some experience in the industry I’ve longed to be a part of since I was in middle school.

SIUE has allowed me to dabble in my dream field and also help me discover new things I’ve come to enjoy. My job here at The Alestle has been the high-

Know

BRANDI SPANN opinion editor

light of my first year. I have gotten a nice introduction to the industry I wish to work in for the rest of my life.

Through college, I have met other people who share my passion. Whether it’s peers or instructors, I have made acquaintances with many fellow journalism fanatics.

Not only have I done work related to my future career, but I have met many new people I now call friends. While I loved my hometown, after a while, the same small circle grew tiresome, especially for someone who loves to socialize with new faces.

College has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to meet new people, some of whom I may not have expected

to befriend. I cherish these new relationships as much as the ones I left at home.

Along with my new job and new friends, I found my passion for independence. Going to college has allowed me to really become my own person. I have always been a family guy, and pending time with the ones closest to me is my favorite thing to do.

However, this new stage in my life has shown me how much I enjoy going out and learning what it is like to be an adult. It was slightly frightening at first, but after some time I have found that I love doing what I like and whenever I’d like.

College — and specifically SIUE — has treated me very

well. My key advice for those joining us here is to find and follow your passions. Not everyone

SIUE has allowed me to dabble in my

Sam Muren Managing Editor

knows their true desires going in, but you should use this time of your life to discover them.

Meet new people and try new things. I tried to think of things I enjoyed throughout my life up through high school, and

then I searched to see if SIUE offered something similar or better. Your first year at college can be intimidating — especially the first week. Finding a passion and sharing it with like-minded people can make college that much easier — and even more enjoyable.

how to enjoy yourself, then learn everything you possibly can

healthy balance between work and life. Be a person first, a college student second.

High school taught you how to learn. Your university years will teach you how to be a person.

During my freshman year, I spent a lot of time in my dorm room. I worked at a boba shop — Tastea — on the weekends, and I would microwave frozen butternut squash ravioli for dinners. I found that developing your passions — whether that be coding, crocheting, reading, drawing or tennis — is what nurtures a

Try not to feel discouraged if you don’t make any friends right away. Don’t be embarrassed to do things by yourself. Eating, studying or reading alone in the Morris University Center will not make people look at you strangely.

Stay in contact with friends and family from home. When you aren’t home all the time, maintaining these relationships is important and fulfilling. Try not to feel bad about saying no to things, and don’t convince yourself that you’re missing out on something if you need a night in.

After some time, I have found an incredible circle of friends and acquaintances on campus. You will start to notice familiar faces everywhere and, eventually, those random “hellos” on the quad will become the most difficult “goodbyes.”

I came to college without a declared major. This made advising appointments intimidating,

because I wasn’t sure how to decide what to try. I did not declare my major until sophomore year, and I do not regret this at all. Seriously, take your time and be patient with yourself as you grow into your skin during the first few semesters.

a semester ahead and spent a semester abroad during sophomore year — which is something I recommend unendingly to anyone who is interested.

care of your hygiene, get 8-10 hours of sleep, clean your room and find your own way to keep track of assignments and readings for your classes.

You have space in your schedule to take a class or two on meteorology, music history, feminism, sign language and whatever else may be of interest to you. You need 120 credit hours for a bachelor’s degree. Consider picking up a minor and filling those credits.

“ Most importantly, spend the next few years falling in love

Brandi Spann Opinion Editor

Taking the 12 credit hours per semester minimum is fine, but I have found that taking between 15-19 credit hours per semester helped me to stay on track. I have two minors, and I still got

I studied literature in Dublin, Ireland, through SIUE’s partnership with Cultural Experiences Abroad. On a weekend trip to Belfast, I got my ears pierced, and it turned out that the piercer was Irish poet Seamus Heaney’s niece! Seven countries and a few authentic Italian pizzas later, I’ve returned home and found this campus to be a special place in the world that I get the privilege of knowing so well. Campus is a village, and I think it’s beautiful that we all share these sidewalks and doorways with each other. Find yourself a routine. Take

Never skip a class just because you want to. Email your professor if you’re going to be gone. You will be far more comfortable in your courses if you have a genuine, well-intentioned and communicative rapport with your professors and lecturers. If you’re able, take every opportunity to go into town. The main street and public library are gorgeous. They often have events or markets going on, especially in the fall. I love getting coffee and wandering around the bookstores.

Talk to the people in your classes. Invite acquaintances to go to campus events. Talk to your roommates and suitemates. Get dinner with them. The first day will not be hard, just different.

Most importantly, spend the next few years falling in love with yourself.

Embracing newfound freedom as a freshman in college

MICHAL KATE CASTLEMAN

When I arrived at SIUE, I fully believed I had everything figured out for the next four years. However, I found out that I had no idea what was coming next. I have learned that discovering the unknown is the most beautiful part of the college experience.

From the moment I registered for my college courses with my adviser, to packing away my things for the big move to my freshman dorm room and even as I arrived at my first lecture, one thing was certain: I would walk across the stage in 2026 with a degree in biological sciences. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to become a veterinarian.

Nearly two years later, I am

almost finished with my degree in journalism. I had been told time and time again that my degree plans would change — and as much as I tried to hold onto obtaining a STEM degree —

“ As scary as it may sound, walk up to other freshmen and

Michal Kate Castleman Online Editor

journalism was where I was supposed to be.

I was worried about what people may think of my decision,

but at the end of the day, I knew I was happier studying journalism than I was studying biology. As it turns out, people don’t care what you change your major to. It is a normal process college students go through in college. Don’t force yourself to study for a degree you are not passionate about.

As a freshman, you have already seen change occur in your lives quickly; freshmen have finished high school and are most likely moving away from home, or at least obtaining the independence of an adult. As cliche as it sounds, embrace all of the changes your college experience brings. Every major life change leads you to growing as a person.

As scary as it may sound, walk up to other freshmen and talk to them, or find an extroverted person in your hall to

walk up to people with you. Trust me, everyone is as terrified as you are. I walked up to a few girls at the freshman parade and found out we all lived in the same hall! I am forever grateful for their friendship in such a nerve-wracking period of my life.

During my freshman year, I realized that taking time for myself was essential. It became overwhelming to constantly balance the new extracurriculars, jobs, classes and friendships. Oftentimes, I would find myself driving alone to a store or walking around campus just to clear my mind. It was these times that my newfound independence sank in. I had the ability to go wherever I needed and take space for myself. This was absolutely necessary for my mental health and helped me

keep in touch with myself during such a busy time. Overall, college has allowed me to learn more about myself than I ever have before. The independence I have found has given me room to grow as a person. You have the ability to try new interests, find new social circles and discover what kind of individual you want to be.

online editor

Wednesday, 05.29.24

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

SIUE is home to many different students with many different religious beliefs. Here is a list of some of the mosques, churches and synagouges in the Metro East area. These are some of the most convenient locations for SIUE students some of which are right here on campus.

Northwest Islamic Center of St. Louis — St. Louis

The Northwest Islamic Center of St. Louis offers a variety of community events led by Imam Muhammad Huzaifa Hamirani, such as “Being Muslim,” a class for concerts to Islam, and “Sands of Time,” a class on the history of Islamic prophets. The imam also leads a “Quran 4 Everyone” class advertised as a “comfortable, non-judgemental environment.”

Masjid Bilal ibn Rabaah — St. Louis

The Masjid Bilal ibn Rabaah, named after an early follower of the Prophet Muhammad, was one of the first mosques established in St. Louis. They offer several services, including funeral services and free health clinics. This mosque is also a member of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis.

Daar-Ul-Islam — Ballwin, MO

Daar-Ul-Islam is the other member of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. It is the larger of the two mosques and hosts weekend madrassa, an educational service, and Muslim Youth of St. Louis, a youth group.

Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center — St. Louis, MO

The Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center recently hosted a Weekend Ramadan Marketplace, as well as several community iftar dinners during the holy month. In addition, Al-Mu’minun promotes various donation drives, including a clothing drive during the winter and a toy drive for kids in need.

Belleville Masjid and Islamic Education Center — Belleville, IL

In recent months, the Belleville Masjid and Islamic Education Center has promoted events geared toward raising awareness for Palestine amidst the war in Gaza. For example, proceeds from an Eid Carnival were sent to Gaza.

Masjid Al-Ghuraba — Glen Carbon

This mosque is located much closer to the SIUE campus than the larger St. Louis mosques, so it may be more convenient for college students.

Fuller Dome — Edwardsville

While the Fuller Dome on campus is not a mosque, its doors are open to the public for people of all faiths. Many practicing Muslims on campus utilize the Dome for their daily prayers.

Muslim Student Association

As mentioned on page 5, SIUE’s Muslim Student Association provides community among Muslim students and promotes awareness of the Islamic faith.

Newsong Fellowship — Edwardsville Newsong Fellowship Church is a non-denominational church located in northern Edwardsville. The church is led by Lead Pastor Dave Romoser, and Newsong offers community-focused worship. They have service every Sunday at 10 a.m. in their “living room,” most commonly known as a sanctuary.

Calvary Baptist — Edwardsville

Calvary Baptist Church is led by three pastors — Rob Schneider, Brian Bond and Mike Brockmeier. There are many ways to get involved at the church and grow in their community. On Sundays, they have Bible study classes at 9 a.m. and a worship service close to 10 a.m.

Center Grove Presbyterian — Edwardsville Center Grove is the most local Presbyterian church to SIUE. Wes James is the lead pastor of the church. Center Grove is connected to SIUE with its Campus Outreach program led by Pastor Ryan Diehl. They have Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.

St. Boniface Catholic — Edwardsville

St. Boniface is one of the local Catholic churches. It is led by Reverend Jeffrey Goeckner, who is also the president of the nearby Father McGivney High School located in Glen Carbon. The church offers many services, including three Sunday Mass services at 8:15, 10:15 a.m. and one at 5:15 p.m. Some of the mass services are in Spanish too!

Metro Community — Edwardsville

This church is one of two locations, with the other in Vandalia, IL. According to their website, Metro is a casual and more modern church that offers community outreaches and connections. Seth Conerly is the lead pastor. They have services on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 and 10 a.m.

On-Campus Groups — SIUE

There are multiple groups on campus that are a great option for students looking to practice their faith. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship offers weekly Bible studies and activities for SIUE Christian students. Cougar Catholic is a group of SIUE Catholic students who express their faith together. There is a Wednesday mass at the MUC, and Sunday the group travels to Mother of Perpetual Help Church for mass at 10:30 a.m. There is also Cru, another Christian group open to SIUE students for communal gatherings.

Central Reform Congregation — St. Louis

Their mission statement highlights their goal of maintaining a “vibrant urban Jewish community dedicated to supporting one another in holy ways, pursuing justice and lifelong learning, and providing a shelter of peace.” They offer online programs via livestreams, volunteer programs, support groups, Torah study groups and much more.

Bais Abraham Congregation — University City, MO

The congregation is Orthodox shul, but welcomes other branches of Judaism into the congregation. They host frequent Shabbat, stream in-person services live and host events such as women’s groups and candle lightings. The congregation’s mission statement says, “Bais Abraham is a community with open arms. If you are interested in visiting for a Shabbat, we would love to host you and give you a taste of our unique community.”

Chabad of Greater St. Louis — St. Louis

The congregation’s mission says, “Chabad is guided by the idea that there should be a place whose doors are open to every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. A place where questions are embraced and Judaism is celebrated meaningfully and joyfully.” The congregation has programs such as writing seminars, ethics and law classes and courses on inclusion.

Traditional Congregation — Creve Coeur, MO

They host weekday minyan and Shabbat and work closely with the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. “Whether you are interested in Traditional for our warm and caring environment, our inviting and non-judgmental spirit, or our enriching social and educational programming,” their mission statement says: “We are excited to have you!”

Young Israel of St. Louis — St. Louis

The congregation is an Orthodox synagogue affiliated with the National Council of Young Israel. They host weekly candle lightings, Shabbat and book club meetings. Additionally, the Women’s Division arranges various social and educational activities and participates in numerous charitable initiatives.

United Hebrew Congregation — St. Louis

The congregation’s mission is to “welcome people at all stages of life. No matter where you are on your own journey, there is a place for you at United Hebrew.” The congregation provides social events, community service opportunities, worship and youth and family programs.

School of Business: Students can learn the ‘art of the deal’

SAM MUREN managing editor

As with most college degrees, students must take lower-level courses and other prerequisites to work their way into a specific element of business.

Once they get through those introductory level courses, the School of Business offers many avenues of the business world to choose from. Students can choose a degree that best suits their skill set in the field of business.

Students who are interested in dealing with finances may enjoy the accounting program. Earning a degree in accounting could lead students to working with personal or business finances. Those who are skilled at filing and examining taxes will find this path suitable as well.

Every business requires some form of management. Any incoming student

Those

who thinks they are management material should look into the School of Business. There are endless opportunities of what you can manage or how to manage, all of which can be learned in the management program.

Even if you don’t want to be in charge, there is still a spot for anyone who is interested in a research field. Businesses depend on research to not only survive, but thrive. Those with the passion to research trends and data should consider the School of Business.

SIUE offers specific business resources too. There are executive education programs and small business development centers for those who wish to be entrepreneurs.

The School of Business is housed in Founders and Alumni Hall. Janice Joplin is the current interim dean.

who enjoy helping others should consider the School of Nursing

MATTHEW WOLDEN copy editor

The School of Nursing offers numerous opportunities and provides many resources for students.

The first year as a nursing student consists of general education courses as well as some prerequisite courses for classes specifically needed to be a nursing major. After freshman year, coursework becomes predominantly nursing-focused. Similarly with other majors, students following this path can face challenges. Fortunately, the School of Nursing has resources in place for these students. Within the department, there are individuals who can provide students with help in different aspects of nursing courses, offering tutoring and lab assistance. However, tutoring and assistance isn’t just limited to the School of Nursing. Help is also provided through the Student Success Center and Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support, known as ACCESS.

Outside of the School of Nursing, there are also clubs and organizations that

provide a deeper look into health professions. Obviously, there is no substitute to the actual classes you take, but more experience can always be beneficial. You may even find yourself considering a specific medical field to go into through these experiences. There are clubs such as PreHealth Club or organizations such as the Student Nurse Association that you can be a part of.

The School of Nursing isn’t strictly set to the path of nursing. There are a vast amount of fields related to nursing that you may venture into once you gain enough experience. The School of Nursing provides opportunities at SIUE. You can become a doctor, go into anesthesiology, or more.

With all that said, it is important to know that this major won’t be easy. Succeeding in nursing requires compassionate, patient and dedicated students. Every student in the program is rooting for their peers to succeed. The resources are all there; use them to your advantage and ask for help. Use the tools provided to help you so that you can one day help others.

CAS: A wide variety of arts and sciences available to study

SAM MUREN managing editor

The College of Arts and Sciences at SIUE offers a diverse range of programs, providing students with pathways to almost any career imaginable.

Students who don’t identify with a specific school at SIUE will likely find their place in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Those that are not interested in the medical sciences should look to CAS for an alternative.

Biology, physics and chemistry are three departments in CAS that appeal to scientific thinkers. Both have varying paths and degrees. They are big umbrella groups that can lead to a variety of jobs.

If the sciences aren’t for you, then

consider a department that focuses on civil function. Learn about political science or criminal justice. The history of past civilizations may be an option for some if today’s history is not as captivating.

CAS is also the area to indulge in the arts. Majors like music, English language and literature, theater and dance, art and design or philosophy are all options for creative minds.

There are endless options in CAS. Even choices you might not expect like mathematics, environmental sciences and mass communications call this school home.

The programs within the College of Arts and Sciences are taught all throughout campus in buildings such as Dunham Hall, Art and Design and Peck Hall. The current dean is Kevin Leonard.

EHHB is the place to learn about the human mind and body

SAM MUREN managing editor

Any student who enjoys learning about humans or helping educate humans should look into the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.

The education department focuses on teaching humans. There are many options to choose from if education is your main interest.

There are administrative positions that help run institutions of learning. This can range from principal to superintendent, or those who wish to work in higher education.

Administrative positions are not for everyone though. Just teaching is also another fitting career for those who wish to help others learn. EHHB allows students to find what type of teaching most interests them.

Teaching isn’t the only field taught in EHHB. Students who love healthy habits will love the health program. There, you can learn the science of exercising and nutrition.

In addition to learning about the health and learning habits of humans, EHHB can teach students how people think. The human behavior department can teach students how to better understand the psychology of humans. Each of these developed skills is focused on people. You can even learn specialized elements of these in athletics. Whether it is sports psychology or sports health, there needs to be sports administrators and teachers too.

The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior is located in Founders Hall, and the current dean is Robin Hughes.

School of Engineering provides great opportunities for students

CAMELA SHARP reporter

The Engineering Building is well known for both the beauty of its stature and the great opportunities within.

The initial attraction towards the Engineering Building is the beauty of the building itself, but it has more to offer. There are a multitude of programs for undergraduates, graduate students, doctoral students and international students.

Here, students can study computer science, civil engineering, construction management, industrial engineering, electrical and computer engineering and mechanical and mechatronics engineering. This is also where students can approach the Engineering and Technology and the Environment Resources Training Center.

There are more programs offered, like land surveying and manufacturing engineering, transportation engineering, en-

vironmental engineering/water resources engineering specialization, geotechnical engineering and structural engineering.

Students have won multiple awards from their steel bridge building, solar car challenges and their concrete canoe competitions. Many of these competitions resulted in first or second place prizes.

A lot more hands-on work is completed within the Fowler Student Design Center, where the students work on their senior projects, club projects, competitive projects and more.

The School of Engineering also offers pre-college opportunities like summer camps, where skills are taught through a variety of interactive activities. K-12 students can get involved with botball events and a special event titled “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.” There are also opportunities for pre-college students to study abroad as well.

School of Pharmacy: Today’s students, tomorrow’s pharmacist

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

The School of Pharmacy is one of the younger colleges on campus, but it has quickly proven its worth to the nation.

According to its website, the first class of pharmacists to graduate from SIUE did so in 2009. Every year since then, approximately 80 new pharmacists graduate from SIUE to enter the working world.

The School of Pharmacy boasts a 94 percent pass rate on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. This puts SIUE above all other Illinois pharmacy schools, including the University of Illinois Chicago.

The School of Pharmacy also reports that approximately 90 percent of graduates secure a job in the pharmacy industry within one year of graduation, with roughly a third of them working through a residency or fellowship program.

The entire pharmacy curriculum, including pre-pharmacy classes, runs for six years. Though six years of school may seem daunting, graduates of the School of Pharmacy earn a PharmD, or doctor of pharmacy degree.

In addition, students can even choose from several concurrent degree programs, including a Master of Business Administration or Master of Science in pharmaceutical science degree. These programs allow students to expand their job opportunities

post-graduation.

Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to join the Conditional Entry Program during their two years of undergraduate studies. According to the School of Pharmacy’s website, the Conditional Entry Program is an “early assurance program” that students can interview for.

Being accepted into the program is contingent on good academic standing. Students who have been accepted into the program are also assigned to advisers who specifically deal with this program. Through semesterly meetings and communication about the curriculum, these advisers ensure that pre-pharmacy students are prepared for graduate school on time.

The Conditional Entry Program is not the only avenue into the School of Pharmacy, however. Non-CEP students also interview and are admitted on a “competitive basis,” according to the website. Additionally, losing CEP status does not preclude a student from entering pharmacy school.

Though pharmacy classes are currently held in Science Lab East, SIUE is in the process of constructing the Health Science Building to offer updated facilities and labs for students. Completion is estimated in 2025, after which students in the pharmacy program — as well as other programs — will be able to use these new resources.

CHECKOUT

You got res? Making sense of the 60/40 meal plan

FRANCESCA BOSTON

former lifestyles editor

SIUE meal plans can be confusing if you are unsure of the process. The 60/40 plan is required for all first-year students living in a first-year residence hall, but all students are able to use Cougar Bucks around campus. Some upper-class students also choose to buy a meal plan when living on campus.

Students will use their student ID card for both dining dollars and Cougar Bucks. The meal plan is referred to as the 60/40 plan because 60 percent of the cost of a meal plan is used

to pay for the operational cost of Dining Services, and students can use the remaining 40 percent to pay for food at campus dining.

When students use their meal plan at the dining hall, they are charged 40 percent of the retail cost.

For example, if the retail price of something is $6.00, students paying with their dining dollars will only be charged $2.40.

There are three plans that can be bought: Plan A, which costs $1,945 a semester, Plan B, which costs $2,305 a semester, and Plan C, which costs $2,685 a semester. Which plan you buy

depends on how often you plan on eating at Dining Services, but there are students with Plan A who can get to the end of the year and still have money left over.

Students are able to use their dining dollars at all the dining services in the MUC, including Starbucks. Union Station also takes dining dollars but doesn’t take 60 percent off purchases, since it is a convenience

store model.

Students are able to check the daily menu for Entrées on the Nutrislice app. As part of the 60/40, which is also referred to as “res” in the dining hall, any remaining balance at the end of the fall semester rolls over to the spring semester, and the final remaining balance will be credited to the student’s account. Students will get back the full amount left on the card, as the 60 per-

cent was taken out at the start of the semester.

Students are able to check their balance at the bottom of each receipt they are given when they check out, or use GET, an online site and app where students can manage their card, check balance and see spending history.

Cougar Bucks are uploaded to your campus card through GET, either online, on the app or by cash or check in the Bursar’s Office in Rendleman Hall. Students can use their Cougar Bucks in the dining hall, Cougar Store, Union Station, for dorm laundry and at certain off-campus restaurants.

How to register for your very first classes explained

Using Learning Support Services to improve your work

MAKIAH LEWIS guest writer

The multifaceted approach of Learning Support Services extends beyond classroom instruction. The services of the Tutoring Resource Center at SIUE are free and available to any student. If a student needs help in a class, this center provides tutors. Students can schedule appointments via their website for Zoom sessions or in-person appointments. Walk-in appointments are also an option.

The list of classes that the Tutoring Resource Center offers assistance for can be found on its webpage.

The Supplemental Instruc-

tion program focuses on courses known for their academic challenges. The program organizes regular, peer-led, group study sessions outside of class. Rather than singling out students, Supplemental Instruction identifies courses with higher rates of D or F grades and withdrawals, ensuring targeted assistance where it is needed most.

Supplemental Instruction Program Coordinator Rachel Garrett said there is a full-time supervisor in the program who oversees two graduate assistants and 56 “leaders.”

“SI is important because we increase student success and retention with broad strokes in many courses on campus,” Garrett said. “SI leaders are students

who have taken the class at SIUE and earned a good grade. We hire them to hold study sessions for students currently in the class.”

Supplemental Instruction is voluntary for students in courses that feature it.

The Writing Center provides personalized assistance to help students overcome challenges in the writing process. It focuses on refining skills and addressing specific areas where support is needed. While its services do not include editing, proofreading or paper evaluations, it offers oneon-one sessions and e-Tutoring to guide students in improving their writing.

To schedule an appointment, students can visit their website.

For online tutoring, stu-

dents should be prepared to discuss their concerns with the tutor during a 30-minute video session. For e-tutoring, students should attach their paper as a Word document and include specific instructions or questions. After their appointment, they will receive feedback from the tutor via email along with their paper.

“Since I’ve struggled with writing skills, the Writing Center has been a game-changer for me,” public health major Nikiyah Tipton said. “[The tutors’] guidance has significantly boosted my confidence in tackling assignments. I have even told my friends about the center, and they have said that their skills in writing have improved drastically.”

“Plus, having options like online tutoring has been super convenient for my busy schedule,” Tipton added. Another student, Tyrese Hughes, added that even though he felt like he was already advanced in writing, the Writing Center helped him with proofreading his work before he submitted it.

“Every student here at SIUE should take advantage of the Writing Center. It feels great to have someone proofread your papers and give you some additional tips on how to make them even better,” Hughes said. “I advise all students here [to] utilize the Writing Center. I promise it’s worth it.”