The DA's Freshmen Survival Guide by The Daily Athenaeum

FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE the daily athenaeum - west virginia university’s student newspaper

wednesday, may 25 2011

A GUIDE FOR NEW MOUNTAINEERS TIPS TO HELP MAKE YOUR TRANSITION TO WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY EASIER University 101 class being revamped for incoming freshmen and transfer students. ON PAGE 4 Alternative modes of transportation for the Morgantown and campus community. ON PAGE 9 Letters from President James P. Clements & new SGA President Jason Bailey. ON PAGES 17, 19 Suggestions for how to stay entertained in Morgantown during the week. ON PAGE 31

A guide on how to request football tickets for this season. ON PAGE 42

Fall season schedules for Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Football. ON PAGES 44, 45, 46

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2 | Freshman survival Guide

Table of Contents NEWS Pages 3 - 22 OPINION Pages 3, 17, 19, 24, 27 A&E Pages 29 - 36 SPORTS Pages 37 - 49

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

WELCOME incoming students! From the DA Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief/Managing Edi tor: Erin Fitzwilliams City Editor: Charles Young Opinion Editor: Omar Ghabra Sports Editor: Michael Carvelli

Wednesday May 25, 2011 A&E Editor: Jamie Carbone Art Director: Matt Sunday Copy Desk Chief: Alex Koscevic Business Manager: Kyle Hess Campus Calendar Editor: Jamie Carbone Web Editor: Alec Berry General Manager: Alan Waters

WEBSITE www.thedaonline.com

@dailyathenaeum

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Freshman Survival Guide | 3

Welcome incoming students The Daily Athenaeum is West Virginia University’s official campus newspaper. Commonly referred to as The DA, this publication is one of the largest newspapers in the state of West Virginia. It is also routinely ranked as one of the nation’s top college newspapers. Our main goals are to keep WVU’s students, faculty and broader community informed, and to provide a medium through which members of the WVU family can debate important issues and contribute to the public discourse. This Freshman Survival Guide is a special edition of The Daily Athenaeum, designed to help prepare incoming freshman for their transition to college. The following pages include information we wish we had known as freshman, as well as some advice from current students, the

president of the SGA and University President James P. Clements. The articles and columns featured in this Survival Guide are a sample of what we strive to deliver for students on a daily basis. During the fall and spring semesters, the Daily Athenaeum is produced Monday through Friday. During the summer, we publish one paper per week, each Wednesday. We were recently named the third best all-around daily college newspaper in the nation by the Society of Professional Journalists, and we are regularly ranked near to top of the Princeton Review’s annual college newspaper rankings. Our News section covers groups such as the Student Government Association, Morgantown City Council and the Board of Governors, as well as clubs, events and anything of in-

terest to WVU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Our Opinion section contains columns written by a diverse group of columnists who offer input on various issues that affect students both on a local and a national level. This section also provides all members of the WVU community with the opportunity to voice their opinions by contributing guest columns and letters to the editor. The Arts & Entertainment section covers everything you’ll need to unwind, refuel and relax during the school semester. Check out profiles of local eateries, coffee shops or find out about the local music scene and where to go see the latest movies. The Sports section includes anything related to WVU sports. This section is always one of the most popular, and it includes

schedules of games, player profiles and game recaps. Additionally, there is a campus calendar page which lists WVU and community events, daily. This page also includes Sudoku and crossword puzzles, as well as comic strips for your enjoyment. Our website, www.thedaonline.com, includes all the daily articles and the PDFs of the day’s newspaper. We post breaking news during the day and include extra content not published in the print edition. You can also check out our website on WVU’s official iPhone app, iWVU. You have the ability to flip through past editions of the DA, as well. To keep up with the latest news, follow us on Twitter @ dailyathenaeum or find us on Facebook. As a student publication, we

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are always learning and seeking new talent who can help us in our daily operations. If you’re interested in becoming a writer, send us an email at da-editor@mail.wvu. edu listing the position you are interested in, and we will send you an application. You can also stop by our on-campus headquarters at 284 Prospect St., which is between Boreman and Arnold Halls. Although it is hard work, working at The Daily Athenaeum is also a lot of fun, and it provides students with real-world experience in journalism. If you have any additional questions, you can reach us by phone at 304-293-5092 or email us at danewsroom@mail. wvu.edu. We look forward to serving you on campus this fall.

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4 | Freshman survival guide

University 101 course being revamped for fall semester By Joel Morales staff writer

The West Virginia University Faculty Senate approved the addition of a new first-year experience course to replace University 101 beginning in the Fall semester. WVUe 191 is a revamped version of University 101, which will be more major-specific. The course will incorporate information such as resume writing, job placement and conducting a job search. One version of the course will be available to the WVU College of Business & Economics, some schools in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism and the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. “These schools decided to incorporate the learning goals of the first-year experience course into the actual first course of the major,” said Joe Seiaman, assistant dean of Undergraduate

Programs in the B&E. A more generic version will be offered to students who are not in these schools or enter the University as undeclared, said Elizabeth Dooley, associate provost for Undergraduate Academics Affairs. Resident faculty leaders and their teams, which consist of resident hall coordinators and graduate resident assistants, will teach this course. “When you experience West Virginia University, we want you to know we are an academically rigorous institution and we’re going to help you acquire the necessary skills you need to be successful,” Dooley said. A coalition of faculty members, resident faculty leaders and assistant associate deans reviewed the University 101 curriculum and decided to alter the course. “Students change, universities change and faculty members at times change,” Dooley said. “We have new ideas and

new thoughts. It’s healthy for the University.” Dooley and Seiaman agreed this new course will be more beneficial to students. “We’re helping students find their sense of purpose and helping to support them while making the transition from high school to a new environment,” Dooley said. WVUe 191 will be building a sense of community from the moment students arrive on campus, she said. “That Mountaineer brand is exciting. That branding makes you feel like you’re part of that Mountaineer community,” Dooley said. The reinvention of the course has been a long time coming, Seiaman said. “Those of us who have taught the old University 101 course have recognized for some time that we really did need to reinvent this course so we can help students become more successful,” Seiaman said. Seiaman and Dooley both said they are very excited by the steps WVU has taken to move in the right direction and agree this course will improve the students’ experience during their freshman year. “The collaboration across campus and the creation of this new course speaks volumes of where we’re headed,” Dooley said. joel.morales@mail.wvu.edu

Wednesday May 25, 2011

WVU proposes tuition increase By Emily Spickler Staff Writer

The proposed budget for West Virginia University’s 2012 fiscal year includes an increase in tuition for all students. Narvel Weese, vice president of Administration and Finance, presented the proposal during the last Board of Governors meeting. The pending budget plans an increase of student tuition by approximately 4.9 percent. Tuition for West Virginia residents will increase by $268 and $844 for nonresidents. “We wanted it out there so students would have an idea and so they would know about the possible tuition increase,” said Carolyn Long, BOG chair. WVU is trying to increase next year’s tuition in order to fund the new School of Public Health and support increases in salaries considered to be “critical to retention and recruitment of high quality faculty and staff,” Weese said. The proposed budget includes $4.2 million in new state funds with $3 million designated to fund salary increases and $1 million to the new school. “Faculty and non-classified staff increases are needed to compete for talent and expertise on the national level and to reward employees

who continue to demonstrate outstanding performance,” Weese said. “Staff increases will be focused on fully funding the classified staff schedule and providing increases for those employees whose salaries are currently capped because of their placement on that schedule.” The proposed budget includes an increase in salaries for faculty and staff by approximately 3 percent. Pennsylvania State University’s undergraduate in-state tuition is $15,250, and University of Pittsburgh’s is $14,936. WVU’s current undergraduate in-state tuition is $5,406. “Compared to our peers, we’re a good value,” said Becky Lofstead, assistant vice president of University Communications. WVU wants to make sure everyone has access to the University, said Lofstead. “Last year, we did not raise tuition for in-state tuition,” she said. “The university has stayed fairly modest in their increases.” According to Lofstead, scholarship support for students will also be increased to balance the weight of the increase. “The University is always trying to keep costs down for students and parents,” she said. The budget will be finalized and formally presented to the BOG in June. emily.spickler@mail.wvu.edu

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 5

Clements agrees to 5-year contract By Joel Morales staff writer

West Virginia University President James P. Clements has agreed to a new five-year contract which will increase his salary $200,000 by next summer. The new contract, which was approved by the Higher Education Policy Commission last Friday, gives Clements a pay raise from $450,000 to $550,000 starting in June 30, 2011. Starting in June 30, 2012, Clements will make $650,000 per year through the remaining four years of his contract. He will also be eligible for a percentage increase received by non-classified employees and additional increases based on a yearly review, the contract states. “I’m very honored and thankful to the board for their belief in me and the direction of the

University,” Clements said. “I didn’t negotiate. I took what they offered.” Clements could also make additional incentives if parts of the University’s 2020 strategic plan are completed. Those specific incentives will be in the finalized contract within the next 180 days and that money will come from private funds. “His performance over the last two years has been exemplary,” said WVU Board of Governors Chairwoman Carolyn Long. “Stability is very important to the University, especially when he has that kind of leadership, so it was important to us to get him a contract that we thought was fair.” In addition, Clements’ new agreement states that he can serve as a paid member of a board of directors or consultant to a public or private corporate

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or associational body. His contract in 2009 stated that he could not do so. Clements can also become a professor at the University during or after the contract is up. If Clements is fired without cause by the WVU Board of Governors, he would be entitled to reassignment within the University. Long said an effort was made to increase Clements’ salary to compete with WVU’s peer institutions, most land-grant universities with similarly sized health facilities, athletic departments and research components. One of those peers, the University of Kentucky pays President Lee Todd $587,703 per year for total cost of employment. Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, a former WVU President, earns more than $1.8 million for total cost of

employment. “People that I’ve talked with are absolutely thrilled that he was staying and that he would be here another five years at least,” Long said. “It felt like it was really the right thing to do for the University.” In the last two years, the University has made a lot of progress, Clements said. Those changes include a $23 million investment in recreational field construction and the plans for a new student health and wellness center. “Enrollment rate is at an alltime high, research is at an alltime high, fund-raising budgets jumped last year. We hired a couple of new leaders at the University and launched the strategic plan,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of good things.” The University has been able to accomplish these changes

while keeping tuition low, Clements said. He said the University’s peer institutions pay more than $3,100 per student in average tuition. Clements said the University plans to increase faculty and staff salaries this year, as well. “(Clements) has found that money within the University by doing some adjustments and being very proactive and watching how we spend our money,” Long said. Clements said he looks forward to the upcoming years and watching WVU reach its full potential. “We are going to continue to focus on high quality education. We are really trying to drive the research enterprise and continue to serve the wonderful citizens of West Virginia,” Clem-

see clements on PAGE 6

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6 | freshman survival guide

Davis College interim dean named, search continues By Gina Dabaldo Correspondent

The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design has relaunched its search for a new dean. The college previously held interviews for three finalists, who had an opportunity to speak to faculty, students and staff at WVU, but none of the candidates were selected. Dr. Rudolph P. Almasy has been appointed as the interim dean of the college, effective July 1. “I am excited to accept this appointment and help the Davis College get through this interim year”, Almasy said. “I do hope to begin some efforts at strategic planning, which prepare a new dean to begin acting on the University’s Strategic Planning Document 2020.” Almasy will serve while the newly re-formed search committee, lead by Dean of the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Robert Jones, relaunches a search for the new dean. “There was a strong senti-

ment to look outside the (Davis) College,” said Provost Michelle Wheatly, who appointed Almasy. Wheatly said Almasy was capable to serve as interim dean of the Davis College because of his previous experience as an interim dean of the Eberly college. “As an interim dean and someone not affiliated with the Davis College until now, I need to gather information and talk to many individuals to determine the College’s next directions, especially in continuing its successes in funded research,” Almasy said. “The Davis College, central to WVU’s land-grant mission, is one of the University’s most important colleges, doing great things with the resources and staff it has,” Almasy said. “It appears to be a college very student-centered, and that is something to celebrate”. Almasy will be taking over for Cameron Hackney, who served as dean for the past 11 years. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

Wednesday May 25, 2011

WVU B&E college ranked in Businessweek’s top 100 By Lydia Nuzum Staff Writer

West Virginia University’s School of Business & Economics has been recognized as an outstanding school of business by Bloomberg Businessweek, ranking 90th in the publication’s “Top 100 Business Schools.” Each year Bloomberg Businessweek compiles a list of the best undergraduate business schools in the country based on surveys and academic components. “I think with a reputable magazine like Businessweek, when you get that recognition, it’s important,” said Jose Sartarelli, dean of the WVU College of Business & Economics. “It’s very much in line with what we want to accomplish.” The B&E is hosting a celebration at 1:30 p.m. today in the entrance of the building. Businessweek considered factors such as composite standardized test scores and the starting salary of graduates when making their evaluation, Sartarelli said. He said WVU’s school of business graduates usually go on to be very successful. WVU currently implements a two-year program, admitting students to the business school during their junior year, Sartarelli said, and he wants to implement a four year program at WVU to further enhance the job

Matt Sunday/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

The West Virginia University College of Business & Economics. placement opportunities for its graduates. “The best way to measure whether a school is good or not is by the quality of students we graduate and what they accomplish in the workplace,” Sartarelli said. Geoff Gloeckler, staff editor for Businessweek, said the list initially started with 139 schools in their evaluation, but 26 were eliminated due to a lack of participation from their students. Gloeckler said Businessweek asked seniors from each school to complete an evaluation, which included questions concerning classroom facilities, career services and internships. Recruiters from participating schools were also asked to complete a survey evaluating the quality of students each school graduates, he said.

Businessweek ranked each school based on a variety of criteria, including median starting salary, student surveys, recruiter surveys, ACT and SAT composite scores, academic quality and student-to-faculty ratio. “I feel comfortable saying all the schools who participated meet a certain standard,” Gloeckler said. “They all meet a specific standard in terms of the quality of education they provide.” Gloeckler said WVU had been considered for the list previously but had been left out of the top 100 because of a lack of student participation. He said WVU has a good chance of continuing to rise in the ranking in coming years. “WVU is moving in the right direction,” Goeckler said. Printed versions of the list are available, and an online version of the list can be viewed by going to www.businessweek.com. lydia.nuzum@mail.wvu.edu

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clements

Continued from page 5 ents said. Clements was hired in June 2009 after serving as the provost at Towson University. His original two-year contract was set to end on June 30. At the BOG’s Feb. 4 meeting, the new contract was finalized and sent to HEPC for approval. joel.morales@mail.wvu.edu

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 7

Dining hall meal plans include off-campus, healthy options by erin fitzwilliams editor-in-chief

Morgantown offers West Virginia University students a variety of on-oroff campus dining opportunities beyond dorm food. The off-campus dining plan offers students who live offcampus the opportunity to have prepaid meals on or off-campus. On-campus locations like Burger King, Quiznos or Chickfil-A in the Mountainlair all offer the plan for some of their breakfast and dinner meals. WVU Currently offers five meal plans ranging from 10 to 19 meals per week. The Mountaineer Plan, which costs $1,829 per semester, offers 19 meals per week and about 300 meals per semester. The Select 15 Plan, which costs $1,708 per semester, offers up to 15 meals per week. The Select 10 Plan, the cheapest plan, offers 10 meals per week for $1,540 per semester. Meals Plus money is included with each plan and is redeemable at many on-campus locations which include Burger King or the Lyon’s Den, located in Towers. Lyon’s Den is a convenience store-type location, which is open on nights during the week, offers made-to-order food and other necessities for dorm-living students. For those looking for near unlimited dining options, two other plans are available. The Blue Plan allows for 209 visits and it also comes with $100 in Meals Plus, for $2,043 for the semester. The Gold Plan provides up to 229 meals per semester and comes with $100 in Meals Plus money, available for $2,116 per semester. All meal plans are redeemable at the many campus dormitory cafeterias, and many of the restaurants in the Mountainlair. The Healthy U option is a campus-wide dining initiative that offers a menu based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Signs noting Healthy U meal

options are posted in the dining hall locations. If a student has a dietary concern, such as a gluten-free diet or diabetic-friendly meal, they can call ahead for a special menu. For weekly dining hall menus visit http://diningservices.wvu.edu/ to view options and Healthy U alternatives. Downtown Morgantown offers many different restaurants such as D.P. Dough, Casa D’Amici, Chico’s Fat, Jimmy John’s, Tailpipes, Subway or Pita Pit, which cater to students and offer late hours to accommodate nocturnal student habits. Visit dubvmenus.com to see many of Morgantown’s restaurants, some of which offer online ordering, delivery and take-out.

zz Brew ‘n Gold Cafe (Towers) zz Burger King (Mountainlair) zz Cafe Evansdale (Towers) zz Cavanaugh’s (Health Sciences Center) zz Chick-fil-A (Mountainlair) zz Eliza’s (Downtown Library) zz Fieldcrest (Fieldcrest) zz Freshens (Mountainlair) zz Grab ‘n Go (Summit Hall) zz Hatfields (Mountainlair) zz JAC’s (Mountainlair) zz Lyon’s Den (Towers) zz Quizno’s (Mountainlair) zz Sbarro (Mountainlair) zz Sports Cafe (Student Rec Center) ( W VU zz Starbucks Bookstore) zz Summit Cafe (Summit Hall) zz Tazikis Mediterraniean cafe (Mountainlair) zz Terrace Room (Stalnaker Hall) zz Waterfront Cafe (Waterfront)

erin.fitzwilliams@mail.wvu.edu

List of campus dining zz Arnold’s American Diner (Arnold Hall) & Bytes zz B i t s (Engineering) zz Boreman Bistro (Boreman South)

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8 | freshman survival guide

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Mountainline offers students a ride home By Amy Rogers Correspondent

Students without cars at West Virginia University might consider getting home during holiday breaks to be a problem. However, WVU has already taken steps to accommodate this need by providing transport to areas such as upstate New Jersey and New York, Philadelphia, Hagerstown, Md, Pittsburgh, and Allentown, Pa. as well as to other locations along the Eastern Seaboard. Provided by the WVU Transportation Department, working alongside the WVU Parents Club, round-trip tickets can save compared to buying oneway tickets. Out-of-town charter bus services are offered during Thanksgiving break, Christmas break and spring break. Students are shuttled to the most popular destination’s by

charter bus where they can either get picked up there by a parent, relative, or friend or take another bus to reach the final destination. For those students needing to travel to Pittsburgh or the Pittsburgh Airport, twice-daily shuttle services are offered through Transportation services. Students are dropped off to the Greyhound bus station in Pittsburgh or at the Pittsburgh Airport. During holiday times, an extra bus service is offered to accommodate the increased demand for transport to Pittsburgh. “The charter bus system is the most stable student routing solution because the routes travel from Morgantown directly to the highest demanded areas,” said Hugh Kierig, Director of the Department of Transportation and Parking. The shuttle bus leaves Mor-

gantown and takes students directly to the most popular transport hubs. The Pittsburgh Grey Line route also transports students to destinations such as Clarksburg, W.Va., Fairmont, W.Va., and Waynesburg, W.Va. “On average, the Thanksgiving shuttle is the largest volume in demand from students wanting to use this service,” said Dave Barnett, Charter and Shuttle Bus Services. Students may want to reserve shuttle services for Thanksgiving break well in advance, he said. Use the AMTRK Connection to connect from the drop-off location to reach more cities by train. The Greyhound Connection will also take students to Philadelphia, New York City , Chicago, Atlanta, DC, and more. Megabus Connections take students to New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, DC, State

College, Pa., Harrisburgh, Pa., Erie, Pa., Buffalo, NY., Ohio, and Michigan. Pittsburgh Port Authority System takes students to Heinz Field and PNC Park, but can also take students to other locations within Pittsburgh. For a small fee, students can choose to upgrade to a business class seat on the charter bus services. Added amenities for the upgrade include a secured assigned seat, reclining seat backs, drop-down trays, and free power ports for electronics and free Internet service. Other services that can be purchased for charter bus rides include ordering lunch or a newspaper. Meals must be purchased 24-hours in advance and will be waiting for the student when they get on the bus. One small bag under 25lbs. can be taken on the bus for each rider. Oversized or extra luggage can be transported as well

for an extra fee. For sports teams or larger groups, individual private charter buses can be scheduled for one-stop transportation needs. Charter bus services can be reserved for special needs or long distance travel covering 48 US States. “Since the University provides more than adequate shuttle services for getting around Morgantown as well as a means of going to out of state regions, there shouldn’t be any need for students of any year to have a vehicle at WVU,” said Barnett. “The bus routes are a very reliable means of transportation.” For more information on which bus routes to use, visit http://www.busride.org/. To find out more information about bus trips, please visit http://parentsclub.wvu.edu/ schedules. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 9

Alternate transportation options for students By Amy Rogers Correspondent

Morgantown is known for limited parking and high parking fees. To help ease traffic congestion, West Virginia University prefers incoming freshman students to leave their cars at home. Various forms of alternate transport are readily available for all students including the PRT, the Mountain Line Transit bus system, Zipcar, Zimride, free shuttle services between the WVU Coliseum and Engineering PRT as well as numerous bicycle racks located around campus. “Freshmen don’t need a car on campus. They can use the PRT, bus system, rent a car, carpool or bike,” said Hugh Kierig, AICP and director of the Department of Transportation and Parking in Morgantown. PRT Personal Rapid Transit, or The PRT, is an 8.2 mile monorail system that transports individual train cars carrying students between the Downtown campus, Evansdale campus, and the Health Sciences campus. Students ride the PRT for free with a simple swipe of the Student ID card. Forgot your card at home? Not to worry, the PRT also allows the option of paying $0.50 per ride as well. The PRT system has been in operation for over 35 years now. Over this time, some renovations are needed. A $92.8 million Master plan has been developed in the recent years to make the necessary changes. “There is some major preventative maintenance construction happening this summer,” Kierig said. “One thing to note is that the PRT will be getting a new onboard computer systems for the fleet of train cars.” Kierig said all of these changes would be installed over a period of a year. Another positive change for the PRT will be it’s new propulsion system. The downtime during PRT breakdowns can’t be completely eliminated but they should be noticeably less and shorter when they do occur, Kierig said. Mountain Line Transit WVU Students ride for free on the Mountain Line bus system. All that is needed is a swipe from the Student ID card when boarding the bus. There is

the option of paying $0.50 cents if a student forgets their ID. The Blue and Gold connector is the most popular route connecting the Towers dormitories to the Life Sciences building on Grant Street every 20 minutes. There is also a late night bus system that runs Thursday – Saturday from 8 p.m.-3:30 a.m. connecting the Mountainlair to Towers and the Valley View area. Also offered from the Mountain Line Transit are routes to the Morgantown Mall and Granville Shopping center to provide students without cars to access to getting groceries or leisurely mall shopping. Zipcar For students that need to use a car for a short period of time can rent one by the hour with the new Zipcar Program. This rental service is new to WVU this fall. Students pay a small hourly fee to rent a car, usually between $7-9/hr. To obtain a car, students must first be pre-approved by applying for membership on the WeGo section of the WVU Transportation website. Once approved, students will receive a Zipcar membership card. Students can then retrieve the rental car from Towers. Students then simply wave their personal membership card in front of the ID on the car, the car recognizes the time frame in which the student is authorized to use the car, and the doors automatically unlock. Zimride Zimride is a new Carpool matching program that has been in effect at WVU for the past two years. Program managers match students with similar travel needs. Students gain mutual advantages from registering with Zimride. This online carpool matching tool allows students with cars and students without cars that are heading in the same direction over holidays or weeks to get matched up to save on the cost of commuting home. Zimride software matches up students with similar commutes. There is also a Facebook page to allow users of this program to collaborate with others. Students who wish to use this program must also register on the WeGo section of the Transportation website.

Matt Sunday/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

The Beechurst Station for the PRT is shown here near Downtown Campus’ Brooks, Armstrong and Hodges halls.

Coliseum Shuttles For those students living in Morgantown who do have a car, trying to find a parking spot downtown can be an extremely frustrating experience. To eliminate this frustration, students can park for free at the WVU Coliseum and take a shuttle directly to the Engineering PRT station. “I strongly push towards students not bringing cars to the University, but if they choose to bring a car, using the Coliseum shuttle system is a great idea,” said Dave Barnett, Charter and Shuttle Bus services. “Beechurst is heavily traveled and we just want to provide a safe, free parking solution with a safe route from the parking lot to the PRT station,” said Barnett. Although taking a car to college may seem like an important need, living in a clustered college town like Morgantown can actually become more of a hassle than a convenience. Save yourself the trouble and take advantage of the free services provided by WVU. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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10 | Freshman survival guide

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Campus info stations scroll Online program tracks Foursquare, Twitter updates students degree, academic progress

by erin fitzwilliams editor-in-chief

Students can now view West Virginia University Twitter and Foursquare updates on Mountainlair information stations due to an upgrade in new software for the stations. The new software has gone live in the Mountainlair and on channel seven in residence and dining halls. The upgraded system will have more videos played and a rolling ticker. “Students are able to engage with the screens,” said Spencer Graham, interactive video manager. “In the future (Info stations) will have WVU trivia in a game format, where students can participate.” The new technology, called the X20 Media software, will give students a more interactive role for the stations by running live check-ins on Foursquare and “WVU”

by erin fitzwilliams editor-in-chief

file photo

A screen displays information about WVU activities and organizations in the Mountainlair. The information screens now post Foursquare and Twitter updates. hashtags on Twitter. The system will have 12 different “playlists” that loop information for the various schools, he said. All screens across campus will eventually be upgraded with the software by the end of February, Graham said.

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He said, for example, the College of Business and Economics school has 40 percent generic WVU trivia and information, and 60 percent is the school’s own design materials. Jennifer Gillum, who is with information station database and networking, said the upgrade has given developers more capability of adding different visual effects. The types of video that can be played has been expanded for file types such as .avi or .mp4. “I think students will like it,” Gillum said. “The screens will have live Foursquare updates, so students can be the mayor of the Mountainlair and play games.” A team has been formed made up of Graham, Gillum and George Cicci, professional technologist at WVU, to monitor the system. “We have experienced zero issues with rolling out the new software,” Graham said. Graham said the software was purchased four years ago during former-President David C. Hardesty’s term. WVU was among the first to use the upgraded software, he said. The budget for the new software will end up being cost-efficient in the long run, Graham said. erin.fitzwilliams@mail.wvu.edu

West Virginia University unveiled a new program in January which will make it easier for students to check on progress toward a major. DegreeWorks, an online system accessible from the MIX homepage, will enable undergraduate students to monitor progress toward their degree(s). A student can consider other majors, view the different classes required and what classes can or cannot be used for a different major, said Steve Robinson, WVU registrar. The program will help advisers because they will be able to see all of the classes students have taken and what they need to take. “It’s not meant to replace advisers,” he said. “But it’s a tool for students.” Kurt Morton, associate registrar for technology, said students can use the system to check their GPA and calculate how anticipated grades for their classes will effect their overall GPA. Morton said majors and minors will also be part of the system in a “block” type schedule. He said any issues with the system can be overridden by an advisor only. “Viewing DegreeWorks will allow students to see if everything is correct, and go to their adviser if there are any issues,” Morton said. A green check mark will display for an objective or class that has been completed, while an empty red box means it has not been completed. A tilde means the objective is in progress. Robinson said the database of classes included begins with the 2008 WVU course catalog and will be added to as needed. Although current four-year seniors’ classes for freshmen will be different, Robinson said if an issue with a class is shown with the program, advisers are able to manually apply the classes to the right objectives. Only undergraduate pro-

grams will be offered at first, Robinson said. “Graduate programs are so broad and often fitted for the individual,” he said. “We’re going to focus on the undergraduates and see if any issues arise with them.” Robinson said he does not foresee any potential problems that could be created by the system. WHen the system opens it will not be the finalized version, Robinson said. More features will be online in the coming weeks. WVU bought DegreeWorks two years ago and a team has been creating the system with WVU curriculum and specific requirements for each undergraduate major on campus, he said. Robinson said DegreeWorks has been piloted for advisers in the College of Business & Economics and the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Feedback has been positive, he said. erin.fitzwilliams@mail.wvu.edu

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The Daily Athenaeum is hiring writers for all sections for the 2011-12 school year. The Daily Athenaeum is taking applications for writers and other staff positions. Applications are available at 284 Prospect St. or by request at DA-Editor@mail. wvu.edu. The campus newspaper publishes five days a week and reaches 15,000 readers across West Virginia University and Morgantown.

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Each day, staff and editors collaborate to produce original content of interest to the local community and the students, staff and faculty at WVU. The paper, which began in 1887, is only as good as the staff it has – and we want you to come and join this rich tradition of student journalism. All writer positions are open for the 2011- 12 academic year and are paid stu-

freshman survival guide | 11 dent positions. They are: News Writer A&E Writer Sports Writer Opinion Columnist The Daily Athenaeum is also searching for a Multimedia Editor with experience in editing videos and social media. This editor also uploads videos and slideshows to The DA’s YouTube account, and link to Facebook and Twitter.

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12 | freshman survival guide

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Mountie Bounty, PRT entry among WVU ID uses By Gina DaBaldo Correspondent

The West Virginia University Student ID could be considered one of the most important tools a student can have. The WVU ID, known as the Mountaineer Card, is used for meal plans and transportation, such as the PRT or the Mountain Line Transit Authority. “I use my ID multiple times a day. I don’t know what I would do without it,” said Kiana Hayes, a sophomore prepsychology major. Alexis Morrell, a sophomore pre-biology major, said she finds it helpful using her WVU ID as a bus pass. “I use it mostly for transportation, specifically the bus. I use my ID pretty much every weekday during the school year”, Morrell said. The card is given to students at orientation. It remains active

The PRT runs daily and carries students to and from the Downtown, Evansdale, and Medical Campuses. while students are registered at the University. “What I like about the ID is that it is all you need to get into most places around the University”, said Ian Grimley, a junior journalism major. Since its inception, the Mountaineer Card has acquired many other functions. It is also used as a library card,

to gain access to WVUp All Night sporting events, laundry services, Student Health, computer labs and vending machines throughout campus. Mountaineer Cards are also commonly used as recording attendance and accessing entry into the dorms after-hours. Another valuable feature of the ID is a debit system, known

File Photo

as Mountie Bounty. This service allows students to place funds on their cards online or at stations located at the Mountainlair or any dorm. Mountie Bounty is accepted several places throughout campus, but is primarily used for laundry and additional meal options. “I can put money on it and use it places. I mostly use that

for laundry in the dorms instead of worrying about finding quarters’,” Hayes said. Another great perk to the student ID is the many businesses in Morgantown that give discounts to students. A few businesses that accept student ID’s as a discount include Qdoba, Eat ‘n Park, Hollywood Theaters and Carmike Cinemas. If the Mountaineer Card is lost, broken or stolen, it can be replaced by contacting Card Services at 304-293-CARD or by visiting their offices at the Mountainlair or Bennett Tower. The fee to replace a card is $20. It is also never a good idea to loan out this card due to personal information stored on it. They are non-transferable and should be carried by the student at all times. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE | 13

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14 | Freshman Survival guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Career services help WVU students find jobs By Steven Young Correspondent

The Career Services Center at West Virginia University is located in the Mountainlair, above the WVU Book Store, and offers many different programs for all students, not just graduating seniors. With programs covering everything from helping you choose your major to teaching you how to write a resume and look for a job, the Career Services Center has something for every student. “I don’t think as many students use it as they should. I think the seniors and juniors should get over there more often to take advantage of it,“ said Omar Wazir, former Student Government Association Governor. The Career Services Center offers programs to all

WVU students, like individual career planning sessions with a Career Services Counselor, who can help you explore the options or helping you find resources to change your major. Career Services also has a wide array of services for students nearing graduation seeking jobs or grad school. Working on your resume is something that is an ongoing process in college, and Career Services is here to help. They offer help with corrections and classes in resume writing. “I took them my resume and had them do all the corrections,” Wazir said. “I thought it was a pretty big help.” Career Services will also help with putting together job applications and resumes. “They were very helpful with getting my resume to

the right place on time” said Lara Smith, a junior engineering major. Another part of Careers Services is MountaineerTRAK, an Internet program students can use to manage multiple resumes, look up and view jobs, sign up for an on-campus interview, and register for career fairs. MountaineerTRAK is an extremely useful program and is there to be taken advantage of. There is also a series of seminars available though MountaineerTRAK running all year long, covering everything from the “Job Search Process (when, where, how)” to seminars on “Job Offer/ Benefits Review.” The schedule for these events can be found on the Career Services File Photo web page. West Virginia University’s Career Services offers regular career fairs throughout the academic year. Some of the career fairs offer advice on resumes and job applications, while danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu others invite employers for students to participate in on-site interviews.

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Freshman Survival guide | 15

SGA to focus on retention rates, election codes by joel morales staff writer

West Virginia University’s Student Government Association president and vice president-elect have the task of restoring the image of the organization. Jason Bailey, president-elect and Megan Callaghan, vice president-elect, led the Fusion Party to the first full ticket sweep since April 2005. They will focus on the SGA Constitution, Elections Code, student retention, and the new health and wellness facility for their new term. “We saw throughout this whole entire process that students lost a lot of trust in SGA, so one of our first immediate goals is to restore the integrity of SGA and what we stand for and can do for students,” Bailey said.

Bailey and Callaghan plan to reform the Elections Code, changing how elections are held and asking students their opinions about how the elections should be run. “I think we should hold the elections the way the revote was, in secure locations,” Callaghan said. “I don’t think we should annoy the student body like we did this year ever again.” Following this, Bailey will focus his efforts on improving student retention rates. “Right now, the retention rate is about 58 percent from freshman year up until graduation,” Bailey said. “That’s pretty far behind our peer institutions.” Ohio State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Pittsburgh’s retention rates are all more than 88 percent. Bailey said SGA will try to

increase these rates by implementing target programs into first year experience courses, which target freshmen and have both academic and social programs. Bailey and Callaghan will also try to boost student involvement in the University including dorm life, club and intramural sports and student organizations. “When students get involved, that’s when they’re going to feel the connection with their fellow peers, and that’s when they’re going to stay at the University,” he said. They are also pushing students to go through exit interviews, which used to be conducted, to find why students decide to leave WVU. Callaghan said they will be focusing her efforts on gathering more student input on the new health and wellness

Study abroad offers travel opportunities By Rebeccah Griffith Staff Writer

West Virginia University offers a variety of opportunities for incoming students, and one of the best options is the Study Abroad program. The Office of International Programs at WVU provides students with the opportunity to travel abroad while enrolled in the university as usual. OIP’s mission is to establish WVU as a global university and expose students to the life-changing cultural experience of studying abroad. Many students find themselves interested in studying abroad, but the prospect of making a travel decision and encountering a new culture can seem daunting. OIP provides a wealth of guidance and options regarding traveling abroad. While many students choose to take part in WVU’s exchange program or Mountaineer Programs Abroad, others may be interested in a shorter stay and become involved in a facultyled program. With all of these options, the study abroad programs at WVU have a destination and a chance for everyone. The Office of International Programs houses several dif-

ferent programs that involve studying abroad, including the Exchange Program and Faculty-Led Programs. The Exchange Program is the best known of the study abroad opportunities and involves “swapping” places with a student at a partner university. “The WVU Exchange Program is a great way to experience a new country. Not only do you experience new opportunities to explore a foreign language, but you also get the chance to immerse yourself into a culture that can’t be accomplished through a vacation,” said Ethan Kirk, junior computer science major. Students continue to pay tuition at WVU while their housing and meals fees are paid either to WVU or the partner university. These programs generally persist for a semester or an entire school year, and the variety of possible locations is changing every year. Current exchange partners range from the countries of Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong and dozens more. The university also sponsors Mountaineer Programs Abroad, WVU programs that take place overseas—an option that frequently involves classes taught in English and is super-

vised by WVU. Many students may want to study abroad, but don’t have the desire to stay away from home for an entire semester or year—for these students, the OIP offers other options such as Faculty-Led Programs. Faculty-Led Programs are study abroad opportunities that operate for a briefer period of time, such as a few weeks or just over a break. These are often subject-specific courses that are taught in conjunction with a class at the university or by WVU professors overseas. Faculty-Led programs available this fall include Ceramics in China and The WVU Semester in Strasbourg program, an interdisciplinary study in France, and the options will only continue to expand. The opportunity to study abroad is one that is unmatched and that every capable student should consider taking advantage of. “These programs are beneficial because they give students a chance to expand their horizons , to acquire real-world experience that’s unparalleled to classroom teachings,” said international studies graduate Megan Ciarolla. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

facility. “I want to make sure students are getting everything they need,” she said. Callaghan wants the facility to be a “one-stop shop” where students are not forced to go to different places. She is also advocating for a student-centered urgent care unit. She said most universities spend around $30 to $50 million to build a facility like this. WVU has allotted itself $18.8 million so far. Callaghan said WVU needs closer to $30 million. “One thing President Clements said many times during his speech at the club sports facility ground-breaking was that he told everybody they were going to do this once, so let’s do it right. I think that’s the way we feel about this facility,” Bailey said. With the entire administration elected from the Fu-

sion Party, Bailey said SGA will be able to accomplish many things. “They will use their relationships with each other to further not only their goals and objectives, but those of each other also,” Bailey said. Normally, having no opposition on the board would be a problem, Bailey said. Fusion’s ticket is organized in a way that has a variety of student opinions. “There are disagreements within our ticket. There are people who have different views of different people in our ticket,” Bailey said. “That’s why we did it the way we did. We didn’t want to put a ticket together with 17 people who think the same way we do, because that’s not representative of the student body.” joel.morales@mail.wvu.edu

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16 | Freshman Survival guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Contact your roommate before moving in together Tony Dobies Sports writer

Coming into my freshman year, I was one of only three people from my high school who went to West Virginia University. The other two were my friends, but they were both female, so obviously rooming with them in the dorms was out of the question. For that reason, I was placed with a roommate. I was lucky to get someone I got along with and who was respectful in my first year at school. The next year, I made the decision to live in the dorms once again, but instead of the Evansdale Residential Complex, I moved downtown to Boreman South. My roommate my sophomore year was the opposite of the one

from freshman year. He was lazy, drank a little too much and wore too little clothes to the point that it was awkward to be in the same room with him. After a semester, that roommate left, and I was left with two rooms all to myself. It was all too comfortable, until another guy knocked on my door about a month later that ruined the last two months of my semester. This roommate was apparently kicked out of Towers for verbal abuse and moved into my room. He thought he would only stay a few days until he explained the situation, but that never happened. With him staying, I had to deal with the ultimate bad roommate situation. One Friday afternoon, I went to grab a bite to eat and came back to my room to find 20 guys prepping for their late-night festivities. Not only that, but he smoked

pot – a smell I can’t stand. After pleading with the Resident Assistant to check the situation out, he told me it was a situation I had to work out with my roommate – remember, the same guy who was kicked out of his previous room for verbal abuse. Looking back, it was a situation I would love to forget, but am kind of glad I went through. It was terrible at the time, but I learned so much from it. I learned to fend for myself, deal with and avoid less-than-perfect situations. If you’re starting to worry about your roommate for this year, though, don’t. It’s not worth your worries this early in the process. The best thing to do is find out who your roommate really is. All of you should have the contact information of the person you will be sharing a room with next year in your STAR account at http://star.wvu.edu (use your

MIX email username and password to login). Do some preemptive stalking – not the creepy kind but the good, informational type. Check for your roommate on Facebook and Google. Find out a little bit about them before you talk to them. Most companies hiring are going to do the same thing to gauge the person before interviewing them. This situation should be no different. Email your roommate, get his or her contact information, and make sure you call them. Don’t just talk through e-mail. It might be uncomfortable for you, but you don’t really get to know someone that way. Talk to them about your interests, your pet peeves and what you will bring to the room. If it’s not too much of a hassle and you live within an hour’s drive, make that drive and have lunch with your roommate.

Getting the awkward personal meeting over with before you move in will be a good thing. But really, just get to know the person before you make an ultimate judgment. If the situation doesn’t look like it’s going to be perfect, set up a plan for yourself to deal with it. When you move in, you will be given a paper that you and your roommate will fill out called a roommate contract. Take that seriously. Be open because this is the only chance you’ll get at setting boundaries. If you and your roommate don’t get along right off the bat, don’t let it be the end all. It’s always awkward for everyone in the first few days. If the situation doesn’t change, don’t live with it like I did. Tell your RA, and make a change to where you’re comfortable. There’s nothing worse than

see dobies on PAGE 18

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 17

Welcome to WVU, from President Clements Welcome to all of our new WVU students! We are so excited to welcome you to the Mountaineer family. When you arrive on campus this fall, take a look around at the great things your fellow students are doing. We have thousands of students who, each day, nurture new ideas, master new challenges, identify new strengths and start making their mark on the world.

•Nick Rubenstein, who is majoring in chemistry, biology and biochemistry, and who finds time away from the lab to lead WVU’s Interfraternity Council and perform a variety of community service activities, including a program designed to interest young children in college.

•Amy Burt, a mining engineering and agribusiness management and rural deWe have students like: velopment student who is interning this summer at Patriot •Scott Cushing, who con- Coal, and who recently won ducts physics research with a a scholarship from a national faculty mentor, won the Gold- engineering honor society. water Scholarship – the nation’s highest undergraduate •John Elias and Stephen honor for students in STEM Redmond from WVU’s Dafields – and most recently vis College of Agriculture, earned a grant from the Na- Natural Resources and Detional Science Foundation’s sign, who won first place in Graduate Research Fellow- the 2011 West Virginia Stateship Program. wide Collegiate Business Plan Competition for their pro•Hayley Leight, a biology posal to create a fresh fruits student who will spend a year and vegetables direct marketteaching English in Indonesia ing company. as a winner of the prestigious A university is often known Fulbright Scholarship. by the quality of its students.

We have so much to be proud of, and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish during your first year at WVU. Make the most of this year – it will go by all too fast. Study hard. Make academics your number one priority. Get involved in clubs and organizations. They will leave memories you cherish for a lifetime. Get to know your professors. They are some of the greatest minds in the world, and they can be lifelong mentors and role models. Be a good friend to your fellow students. Take good care of each other. Dream big. Home runs aren’t hit by aiming for the infield – I want you to aim for the fence. You made a good choice to attend West Virginia University – and we made a good choice by picking you. I wish you all the best! Let’s Go Mountaineers!! file photo

James P. Clements, Ph.D. President, WVU

President James P. Clements speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Evansdale recreation fields.

Adapting to college life can be challenging for anyone jeremiah yates columnist

Adapting to college life can be a challenge for anyone. But a transition from teenage high school graduate to adult college student can be made with minimal stress. The key is being able to balance partying with schoolwork. The politically correct advice to give is to warn of the dangers of wild parties and to just stay in your dorm and study. While it is recommended to study hard, college is also the time in everyone’s life when they must get out and have fun. I know, President James Clements knows and you can bet the Morgantown police department knows the majority of college students are going to have wild parties, where underage drinking takes place.

Matt Sunday/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

On May 1, President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden. West Virginia University students took to the streets in celebration. Not that the West Virginia University and Morgantown city authorities encourage wild behavior; they just want the students to moderate themselves and be safe. When things get out of hand, students usually get hurt and/ or arrested. It’s best to party only on the weekends, or at least on the days when there is no class until noon. Missing class because of late night parties can

be any college student’s demise. Use partying as a reward for the hard work done throughout the week. Never overindulge in the party life. Stay on task throughout the week, which means going to every class and keeping up with all assignments given to you. Then, let loose on Fridays and Saturdays. The occasional Thursday night is a good time as well, just remember to put schoolwork

first. There are multiple attractions throughout Morgantown, enough to satisfy all partygoers. Every weekend the streets are packed full until the early morning. Restaurants stay open till around 4 a.m. in order to carry out the high demand of late night munchies. Although Morgantown festivities are a lot of fun, they are easily the number one reason for many students’ failure. Several friends of mine have attended WVU and never made it past two semesters. Their tale of partying and skipping class is all too familiar here in Morgantown. They focused solely on having a good time and not getting an education, which is the only reason to attend college. Trust me, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to go out every night of the week partying, but that sort of lifestyle returns no rewards in later life.

Most of my friends who have dropped out of college have since seen the error of their ways, but are now not able to return to school, many of them blew multiple chances. Always keep in mind the reason for college – to obtain an education. If schoolwork is kept in order and priorities are in place, then weekends can be spent having fun. A good way to approach responsibilities is to write all of them down in a daily planner. It may sound simple and obvious, but many students refuse to use them. If all responsibilities are managed properly, school can be a breeze. Most students who dropout or fail do so because they were unorganized and uncommitted. Take charge of your education early on and the rest will be cake. If not, it will seem like a stressful game of catch-up for the entire semester.

18 | freshman survival guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Tips to survive your first days at WVU

dobies

Continued from page 16 feeling not at home in your home away from home. In addition, don’t just get to know your roommate once your at school, meet the people in the rooms next to you and the people on your floor. If the situation does go sour with your roommate, you need to have somewhere to go to catch your breath. But don’t panic if you have a nasty roommate. Take the correct steps to remove yourself from the situation. Don’t fret if I’ve scared you with my stories though, I haven’t heard many others as bad as mine.

– I had no idea what to do or where to go. tony dobies So, to help you get through your first day of classes withsports writer out a hitch in your youthful giddy up, here is your survival After spending six years at guide. West Virginia University as an undergraduate and gradFind your classes before uate student, I can still re- the first day of school member back to both freshAfter I moved in my man move-in day and my freshman year, my parents first day of classes. wouldn’t leave without makAs a bashful freshman ing sure I was truly prepared from good ol’ Youngwood, for classes on Monday. We rode the PRT DownPa., I knew two people on campus and had to learn town for the first time, walked things the hard way. around campus and found the My first day was confus- location of each of my classes. ing, hectic and intimidating When it came time for me

to actually go to class, I wasn’t stuck with a map in my face, tripping over my shoes on Monday. If you don’t have time to find your classes, print off a campus map, and have fun with that. Get to class 15 minutes early Don’t be the last person in the class. There are no bells or whistles if you walk in late, but there are first impressions – and you don’t want to make a bad one. If you’re early, you can pick a seat you feel comfortable in

(for me that’s always near the back row, so I don’t have to actively participate as much) and sit through the normal first-day routine of awkward introductions and syllabus rundowns without worry. Remember to eat lunch This is one thing I failed to do on my first day. It was so hectic, and I was so nervous that I forgot to eat. Then, it came to my late afternoon class and my stomach was basically screaming. There are spots all over campus to grab a bite,

see survive on PAGE 20

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 19

SGA President welcomes freshmen My fellow Mountaineers,

advantage of them. You have the chance to join clubs and organizations, volunteer in the community of Morgantown, study abroad, receive prominent internships and network with some of the greatest alumni in the world. WVU has hundreds of student organizations centered around virtually every possible interest, and these can be the highlight of your experience at WVU. Taking advantage of every opportunity possible will not only improve your time on campus, but it will aid in your ability to succeed post-graduation.

As you begin your time at WVU, you will soon find that being a Mountaineer is truly a lifestyle and culture unlike any other. You will begin to identify yourself not only with one of the greatest Universities in the country, but also with the great state of West Virginia. You are bound to face obstacles throughout your time here, especially during your freshman year and transition to college life, but, nonetheless, you will have the best experiences and opportunities of your life. As someone who is getting ready to start my fifth year Have fun. at WVU, I have some critical pieces of advice that may Although I firmly believe aid in your ability to succeed academics must be your numwhile having the best time ber-one priority to succeed, possible: I also believe you must take time for yourself, enjoy your Make new friends. free time and experience all Many students are going WVU has to offer. through exactly what you are Whether it is going to sportexperiencing. Whether you ing events, taking advantage are a long way from home, of the world class arts and want a fresh start or simply entertainment that comes to want a new group of friends, WVU, attending WVUp Allyour freshman year is the per- Night in the Mountainlair fect start. during weekends or checking Don’t just stick with the out the Morgantown nightlife friends you may have come scene, you need time to relax to WVU with but make new and temporarily relieve your ones as well, whether they are brain from the tons of inforin your dorm, in your classes mation it will be absorbing or sitting next to you while during your years of learning. you’re reading this. Having I guarantee that your time friends where you live, where at WVU will be the best time you learn and where you relax of your life. It certainly has will enhance your time that been the best of mine. If you much more. manage your time correctly, you will become part of the Go to class and study. newest class of graduates Every person came to WVU from West Virginia University for different reasons, but you in 2015. all chose to go to college for We want to see you walkthe same reason: to get a ing across that stage on gradhigher education and finish uation day, but ultimately it is with a degree in hand. up to you to make it happen. The Student Government If you don’t go to class and put your academics as your Association is here for you. top priority, you won’t see We believe in you and you that day. Having to leave the can always come to us with University early due to aca- any problems, questions or demic troubles will cause you suggestions about any aspect to miss out on the other op- of your life here at WVU. portunities WVU has to offer. Welcome to campus, good luck, and Let’s Go Get involved. Mountaineers!! WVU has more opportuniJason Bailey ties than you could ever imagine, but it is your responsibilStudent Body President ity to seek them out and take West Virginia University

FILE Photo

SGA President Jason Bailey, left, speaks alongside Vice President Megan Callaghan, at an SGA debate during the campaign, held in the Mountainlair. The Fusion Party they led became the first full-ticket elected since 2006.

Mallory Bracken/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

The presidential and vice-presidental candidates, Jason Bailey (center) and Megan Callaghan (right), embrace while the Student Government Association results are announced Thursday afternoon in the Mountainlair. Their ticket, the Fusion party, won the election on every position.

For more information about Student Government Association, visit their website at http://sga.wvu.edu/

20 | freshman survival guide

survive

Continued from page 18 whether you want to sit down or run. My personal favorites are Chick-fil-A or Taziki’s in the Mountainlair. Use your meal plan, too. Basically free food is good food to me. Give yourself extra time if riding the PRT to class On the first day of classes, the PRT stations will be overflowing. Considering the PRT is not the most consistent form of transportation, I would leave yourself a good hour in between leaving your dorm room and getting to class if you live in Towers. Make sure if you’re heading to a class Downtown, you are going to the Beechurst Station, as well. Both the Beechurst and Walnut Stations are Downtown stops, but the Beechurst Station is the right one if you’re heading to class.

losing your WVU ID card and not being able to ride the PRT to class, use your meal plan for lunch or sign into classes that use a fancy ID card swiper. Losing my room key was always a fear of mine. In true freshman style, try out one of those fashionable lanyard key rings. If you’ve ever wanted to be noticed as a freshman, that’s the route to take – but at least you won’t lose your keys. Print out your class schedule before Sunday On Sundays, the STAR system, where you can find your semester schedules, is usually down for a certain amount of time. Make sure you print off your schedule before then, because it could cause a major panic before classes begin.

Don’t buy your books early If you were caught in the craze of early book buying, I’m sorry. Remember your student You’ll probably spend ID, room keys most of your first weekend The worst thing that could on campus standing in a line happen on your first day is waiting to get a back-break-

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM ingly heavy cardboard box filled with books. From my experience, some of the books that are required in classes aren’t actually needed, so wait and see what your professors say and buy from there. Leave your laptop, books in your dorm I wasn’t quite sure what to bring to class with me the first day. I didn’t know if college was truly like it is in the movies where everyone sits with their fancy Macs in a row. So to be safe, I brought my laptop and all of my books on my first day of classes. My recommendation: Bring a notebook and a pencil, and you should be fine. The books and laptops can be used later, but the first day will be more of an introduction in most cases. anthony.dobies@mail.wvu.edu

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Advising center is useful aid to students by Rebeccah Griffith staff writer

Coming to campus from a high school setting can be a confusing situation, especially when it comes to figuring out classes. The Advising Center can help sort out any problems students may have with their classes as well as being the go-to department for planning your career at WVU. This office of the university assists students in scheduling, deciding on majors, class conflicts and any general advice a student may need. The university employs a system using General Education Curriculum credits, or GECs. Students must take appropriate classes to fill these, specific to their major. This process can be a major ordeal without the help of an advisor, but their assistance can make this a swift exchange, and the same goes for any

other problems one may have with classes. Taking advantage of the Advising Center’s services and careful planning can prevent scheduling conflicts and keep students on a structured timeline for graduation. In addition to scheduling assistance, the Advising Center can also help students plan broader parts of their educational careers by sending them to department advisors at the appropriate time. “I think it’s beneficial for students to take advantage of the fact that the Advising Center is specific to different departments,” said sophomore chemistry major Yousef Issa. What he means by this is the advising center branches off into separate divisions based on department, such as the English or Engineering departments. This allows for students to be advised by major-specific advisors rather than general education advisors, which helps by providing students with more knowledgeable guidance. Without using the matriculation plans provided at the Advising Center, students will find it difficult to enter their department and plan for their progress through their major. “The Advising Center is a very helpful place to go if you are confused about anything involving classes. Everyone is there to help. When I was a freshman, the people at the Advising office put me on the right track,” said junior English major Michael Secret. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by a class or having major conflict with a professor, the Advising Center can help you find solutions and assist you in working toward them. Freshman are required to attend an advising workshop as well as completing an online tutorial in order to streamline the advising process and ensure that students know what to expect and what is expected of them at the Advising Center.

see advising on PAGE 21

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 21

Don’t add stress to your semester: Follow these tips tomas engle columnist

While a new year already contains the promise of a fresh start for everyone, it is especially true of college freshmen. Unfortunately for many, the fall semester is one of making mistakes, and the spring semester carries with it the burden of learning from them. With that in mind, here are several ways for college freshmen (and other college students) to make the most of their Spring semester. The biggest sword over most students' heads is academics. This is doubly true for those freshmen on academic probation who need to straighten up and fly right or face the prospect of going home. When guidance counselors and professors give estimates for the amount of time you should study per credit hour to stay on top of material, they aren't kid-

advising

Continued from page 20 These brief exercises teach students the details of advising at WVU, and prevent mixups like missed advising appointments or scheduling in

ding. The rule of thumb is usually two hours of study per credit hour, every week. So, someone taking 16 credit hours would need to study for 32 hours a week to give themselves a fighting chance in their classes. To most, that sounds intimidating and conjures up images of a life in the deep quiet reading rooms in the downtown library, poring over textbooks, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Hopefully, you have chosen a major that you have a natural interest in, so even if you are a freshman slogging through your GECs, you do have an end goal in sight. If you are in a major you do not enjoy but continue in the hope of a bigger paycheck after graduation, stop now. Even though this may seem like a good decision now, you will regret it in the end. In order to get the bigger paycheck, you need to be in the top percentage of your field. Those who are up there know their field like the back of their hand because they enjoy learn-

ing every facet of it. To them, learning is enjoyable, and you will always be at a disadvantage to them, so go to the major where learning comes to you in the most natural way. Despite the possible image of low pay in that field, you will now be one of those in the top percentage. And the best part will be that work will not feel like work. So, you have a major you enjoy, but two hours of study per credit hour every week still seems daunting. Unlike the web ads that promise "one easy step to getting a flat stomach," there really are some surprisingly simple ways to achieve those two hours of study per credit hour, and thankfully, none involve getting malware or phishing viruses in return. One of the most important study habits is simply doing the homework. Just think of it as studying you get graded on. Not only do you know what the tests and quizzes will contain, but you can boost your grade at the same time.

the wrong department. It may seem like a simple task to schedule classes and choose your path through college, but these are big decisions that affect the rest of your life and can become confusing quickly. Taking advantage of all

the resources at the Advising Center is key to a successful path through the halls of WVU and will be endlessly helpful in making important choices that may define your time at the university.

Even in the worst-case scenario of doing poorly on all your homework, you still have all the correct answers now on the graded homework to do well on the tests and quizzes. This leads us to the next, most important, tip: As soon as you don't understand something, find a way to understand it. Most of the time, professors are more than happy to help you understand a concept and will be impressed that you are taking the extra time to actually learn something instead of cramming. The trick is to do this as soon as questions arise. Don't wait until right before finals. They will not be pleased or impressed with your timing. In the off-chance that your teacher is not helpful or you still have trouble understanding the concept, go onto (YouTube) and look up "Khan Academy" or go to www.khanacademy.org. It is a free service started by Salman Khan, who in 2004 wanted to help a younger relative with her math and tutored her via Yahoo. From there, re-

quests from other family members and friends of theirs poured in enough that he quit his job in finance in 2009 to commit to Khan Academy on a full-time basis. So, while Khan's three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology give Khan Academy a heavy dose of math and finance, there are also tutorials on biology, chemistry and even dissections of current financial events to help those outside the industry understand them better as they unfold. Fittingly enough, Khan is a perfect example of going into the field of study you love most. He loves math, science and finance so much he wants to reach out to others and help them understand for free, which is way bigger than any paycheck. The most important thing to remember is that you are in control of your own destiny. Even though life is unpredictable and sometimes brings circumstances that we can not control, whether you succeed or fail depends on the choices you make.

danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

Matt Sunday/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

The West Virginia University Mountaineer statue is located between the Mountainlair and the WVU Bookstore on the Downtown Campus. The statue is holding the traditional musket and holding a coonskin cap.

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22 | FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

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PHOTOS BY MATT SUNDAY/ THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

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West Virginia University

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

Student Conduct Code and Academic Dishonesty Information May 2011 Dear WVU Student: Welcome to West Virginia University! You have made a great choice in selecting WVU. At WVU you belong to a community of scholars. In our community, there are standards for appropriate behavior. The West Virginia University Student Conduct Code explains what is expected within our living and learning community. The Code is not designed to be punitive or adversarial. The purpose of the Code is to set expectations for behavior both on and off campus. Many student leaders, faculty, and staff collaborated to ensure that this Student Code clarifies your rights and responsibilities as a West Virginia University student. The Code is student centered. To read the Code please visit this website: http://studentlife.wvu.edu/studentconduct.html. Should you have any questions regarding the University Student Conduct Code, please contact the Office of Student Conduct. The staff may be reached by visiting Room 84 Boreman North on the Downtown Campus or by calling 304-293-8111. Sincerely, G. Corey Farris Interim Dean of Students

FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE | 23

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

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26 | FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

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WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Freshman survival guide | 27

Good sleep schedule vital for success in college brandon muncy Columnist

First off, welcome freshman class. You waded through high school drama, senioritis, standardized tests and the systematic dismantling of your adolescence to become one of approximately 28,000 faces in the crowd. Congrats, you’re in bureaucratic hell! Cynicism aside, it’s easy to get offtrack while in your pursuit of higher education. The most important thing you can do to get good grades and stay on track is to attend class. It’s a pretty common-sense approach. Attending classes gives you a chance to learn the material in a much more effective way than going at it on your own ,and it allows you to form relationships with professors and meet new people. Statistically speaking, better attendance correlates with higher grades, and the daily grind of getting five hours of sleep a night is usually going to manifest itself in your at-

tendance of those dastardly early morning classes. I know everything I just said is obvious, but you likely have not yet faced the monotony of going to 8:30 a.m. classes every day while staying up until 3 a.m. every night. Forming bad sleep habits is one of the biggest temptations a college student will face. That, and partying. This is West Virginia University, after all. The truth is, it’s not the class’ s early time that keeps you from going; it’s the lack of sleep. Going to bed early and getting between eight and nine hours of sleep a night is going to have to be a mainstay habit during your collegiate experience. Even if you manage to stay up all night and attend all your morning classes every day, you’ll feel like utter crap in doing so. Being sleep deprived will leave you devoid of energy, affect your work ethic and leave you with a general feeling of apathy towards your academics. Who wants to spend $16,000 on a year of college just to flunk out because you decided that going to morning classes wasn’t worth your time?

To further drive the point home, many classes have attendance policies that deduct entire letter grades for missing a certain amount of classes. This is especially true in English 101 and 102. It’s extremely frustrating to lose a letter grade because of an attendance policy. In addition to missing the daily material in the class you skipped, you also put yourself at risk of developing the habit of not going to class. The more you miss class, the harder it becomes to make yourself attend. Before you know it, you forgot about an exam and you’re emailing your professor some excuse you both know is a total lie. As someone who tried the “stay up all night” method, I can tell you that your GPA will assuredly suffer. Maybe just marginally, maybe greatly, but it will undoubtedly be affected by sleep deprivation. Since adopting more healthy sleeping patterns and habits, my GPA has gone up substantially. I have more energy and care much more about doing the things necessary to get good grades. It sounds simple enough to implement, but maintaining

SEND US YOUR LETTERS AND GUEST COLUMNS We want your opinion on the University’s most important issues. Email your letters and guest columns to daperspectives@mail.wvu.edu. Letters and guest columns should be limited to 300 and 500 words, respectively. Include a name and title with your submission.

a healthy sleep schedule requires discipline. If sleep deprivation wasn’t a problem, I wouldn’t be writing an article about it. Going to sleep at 10 p.m. so you will be prepared for your 8:30 a.m. algebra class can be tough when the alternative is staying up for the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the Colbert Report. Ultimately, the path to a

successful freshman year and subsequent years is building good habits early on and sticking to them. One of the top priorities should be establishing a firm, healthy sleep schedule. Doing so will go a long way in keeping your class attendance high and by extension, your GPA. Good luck and enjoy college.

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28 | freshman survival guide

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Taking courses in a variety of disciplines can be rewarding Sam Viggiano columnist

Shocking, isn’t it? Since grade school guidance counselors, teachers and parents have closely observed their students and carefully, even systematically, led their sheep into their potential flocks. Aptitude tests examined logical and emotional skills sets, thereby determining a range of career options for students. I remember being asked my freshman year of high school what I wanted to do or be when I grew up. If I had known then, perhaps I would not have switched my major after two years of college to not only save my education, but study what I want to study. As freshman, you are stand-

ing on the threshold of your house – your future. Your past experiences, family and high school friends are behind you now. These are the outside influences that walked you to the door of your future. College is the hallway you stand in and it leads to many rooms – your potential futures. But how does one choose a room, especially if one already has plans on living there without further examination. Excessive focus on one’s major or school work is detrimental to all freshman and students alike. I am neither advocating going out and partying every night nor never doing your homework. I simply believe that taking advantage of the opportunity to find one’s self and embrace a liberal arts education are keys to a successful freshman year, and college career overall. It is fantastic to have some

idea of what one wants to do with one’s life. I wish congratulations to those who have figured it out. But for those who have “made the decision,” you may find yourself becoming burnt out and overworked by the end of your freshman year. By the end of your sophomore year, you might possibly question whether or not the major is right for you. West Virginia University has the privilege to offer courses from beginning to advanced studies in all course work, from elementary math and piano to advanced physics and how to make wine. So why not try it all? GECs are required classes possibly unrelated to one’s major, which must be completed prior to graduation. Typically, GECs seem to be one’s least important classes – until your life is changed by them. By taking a wide variety of

courses outside of one’s major, the overall focus on one’s school work and career development is greatly improved. Not only are GECs advantageous breaks from one’s intense studies, thus allowing the brain to think different or potentially access the “other side,” but a single class can change the course of one’s school work forever. Having studied music education for two years, I found myself appreciating the profession of being a music teacher but knowing this job was possibly not my best fit. Knowing that I wanted to stay in music, I released myself from the major restrictions imposed on me since my freshman year and discovered that I wanted to learn about, teach and research the voice. By taking an introduction to linguistics class (LING#101) I was empowered and inspired to con-

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tinue my course study in a minor in speech pathology and audiology. I knew I loved music, and I wanted to continue studying it, but with outside focus in medical studies of the voice through the ears, nose and throat. This combination, a BA degree in music and a minor in speech pathology and audiology, could lead me to further study subjects such as voice science, vocal pedagogy or speech pathology at a master’s degree level. But I am not the only student who knew that solely focusing on one’s major without an open mind would affect the course of their studies and health. Judy Grahack, a former psychology major, found herself overwhelmed as a psychology student. After taking two art history courses, Judy found inspiration in mental rehabilitation through art. Art therapy, much like music or physical therapy, aids in the rehabilitation of people who have experienced trauma. Coursework outside of one’s major is an inspirational tool that can rekindle or re-inspire the mind to focus on one’s future. So relax. You should not be overwhelmed with the required course work of your freshman year. Take the time to explore possible career options and have fun. The possibility of being inspired by a GEC or outside course could cause someone to reevaluate their lives. It takes an open mind and flexible schedule to evaluate the best next steps to one’s education. FIRST PRE SB YTE RIAN C� � RC� Morgantown

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Don’t forget your friends or family Jamie Carbone A&E Editor

When coming to college, freshmen are going to be exposed to a lot of new and interesting things, from living on their own for the first time to being able to eat ice cream for breakfast without stern looks from mom. One of the great things freshmen are sure to encounter is going to be new friends. They might meet because they have a class together, they might room together or maybe they both really enjoy the film “Space Jam.” Regardless, new friends will be made during your first year and, while these new friends are sure to be great additions to your life, you shouldn’t forget about your friends and family who supported you before you left home. The occasional phone call, text message or video chat can go a long way to keeping your relationship strong. Even something as simple as posting a link to their Facebook wall lets them know that, in some way, you were thinking of them. Time and time again, high school friendships have crumbled to simply being the occasional birthday wish without the proper care. It is your duty to make sure your friend knows how important they are to you. The same goes for parents. Call your mom or dad when you have good news, such as a high test score or you think you’ve met the person of your dreams. Let them feel like they are still part of your life like they were before you moved out. Plus, it helps to call your parents about something other than asking to borrow money, which can get old fast. Remember, though, it takes two to have a relationship. If you feel like you are the one doing all the work to keep things going, maybe take a step back and decide if continuing the friendship is the right thing to do. You don’t want to waste your time on caring about

someone who may not feel the same way about you. Of course, students shouldn’t go in the complete opposite direction either. Staying in your dorm all night on Skype with your best friend is no way to live your life if you do it every day of the week. What students really need to do is find a comfortable balance between both their old friends and their new ones. If your roommate invites you out to eat with some friends, take the offer and tell your friend that you’ll text them when you’re free. Don’t ignore your mother’s phone call just because you have a lot of studying to do, explain the situation to her. Odds are, she will understand. If you do respond to a pal from home while you’re out with your new chums, make sure that you don’t spend your whole time texting. Being out with friends without paying attention to them is just as bad, if not worse, than not coming out at all. Remember, we live in an age of technology. We are able to talk to people across the world face-to-face, thanks to the power of computers. Something as simple as an email can go a long way to keep the friendships you cherish alive. Most important of all is that you go out and be social. Turn of ESPN and log off of “World of Warcraft” and meet your fellow students. Your future spouse may be in your Psychology 101 class and your next best friend may be that big guy sitting one table over. For many, this will be your first time without the folks watching your every move. That doesn’t mean live recklessly, but that does mean it is time to live your life. In twenty years when you have a house and kids, you don’t want to wonder what your life could’ve been if you’d done things differently. Do them the way you want now. You probably still shouldn’t friend your parents on Facebook, though. jamie.carbone@mail.wvu.edu

Freshman Survival Guide | 29

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30 | Freshman Survival Guide

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Cheap ways to keep entertained in Morgantown Jamie Carbone A&E Editor

When it comes to hanging out with friends in Morgantown, it can get expensive. Going to see a movie can cost a lot of money if you do it every weekend, and even a restaurant like Applebee’s can be expensive when you’re a fulltime student without a source of income. Thankfully, in our modern age of technology, there are plenty of ways to work around that. When it comes to films, it will

almost always be cheaper to stay in with a rental than head out to either theatre located in Morgantown. Thanks to services like Redbox and Blockbuster’s rental kiosks, students will only have to spend a dollar a day to rent new releases on DVD. A Blockbuster store is also within walking distance for students on the Evansdale campus, allowing them a greater selection for the same price they would pay at a theatre. Still, the best source of cheap entertainment is Netflix. It has a variety of plans for students to access, be it the digital-only service for $7.99 a month or spending $19.99 a month, which gives

users access to their digital services as well as having access to three DVDs that may not be offered digitally at that time. The digital service is one of the great things to happen to home movie rental. It allows students to watch their favorite movies and TV shows not only on their computer, but also on many phones and gaming systems that are out right now. Netflix can be used not only when hanging out with your friends, but also when you’re bored during that wait between classes. Hulu Plus also allows television fans to access whole seasons of programs such as “The Office” or “Modern Family,” for

a similar price, although this comes without the benefit of DVDs. The standard Hulu is also a great way to catch up on that episode of “Parks and Recreation” that you missed this week. For those who would rather go out and have a lavish meal with their friends instead of stare at a screen for two hours, there is a cheaper equivalent to that as well – meal plan. While it may not sound very interesting, a meal plan will allow students to enjoy the company of one another without having to spend any money at that moment. Granted, you do have to spend money when

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you purchase a meal plan but, considering most dorms don’t have a proper kitchen and how expensive it will be to dine out night after night, it is a wise investment. The various dining halls located around campus will easily allow friends to come together, especially if they happen to live in the same dormitory. The Mountainlair’s dining options may be more open when it comes to seating, but it gives students plenty of opportunity to meet others in a non-threatening environment. Plenty of friendships can start over a shared interest in Burger King. Some out there may prefer to have a mutual love of video games be their foundation, there is a cheaper answer than buying a brand new $60 game for your Playstation 3. Services such as Gamefly act similar to Netflix and, while it is more expensive, it works just as well for getting your videogame fix. Redbox will also soon be offering video games as well for $2 a night, a much cheaper investment, especially for those games that could be either amazing or awful. Finally, Blockbuster is still an option. While it does offer typical rental prices, it also has a special deal allowing customers can sign up for where they can keep a game out for however long they want and exchange it for another when they are finished, all for a monthly fee. Finally, there will always be the outdoors to take advantage of. Regardless of the season, there is something for everyone to go out and do. During the fall, the leaves become a lovely color, during the winter there will always be a hill that can be sled down and spring and summer allows for students to take advantage of all the parks located across town. Even better, bring a bike with you. Not only will you get to see parts of Morgantown many students don’t know about, but you will get a work out while doing it. So, for those who want to have a good time but don’t have the cash for it, don’t forget there is always a more frugal Plan B to take advantage of. jamie.carbone@mail.wvu.edu

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

WVUp All Night free weekend alternative Christina Gutierrez A&E WRITER

Morgantown nightlife is nothing short of that – alive. It is no secret that on any given night the downtown streets will be flooded with thrill-seeking and, eventually, hungry students. Of all the incredible services offered to West Virginia University students, WVUp All Night is one of the best events available. While some students choose to stop for pizza on High Street or have some sandwiches delivered to their dorms. The more knowledgeable and money-conscience ones take advantage of the free food in the Mountainlair. The cuisine is provided by WVU Dining Services on the three nights of the weekend. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday messy, munchie, snack food is out in the main dining room from 10 p.m. to midnight. After midnight on Friday and Saturday, breakfast food is

what attracts a huge line in the Mountainlair “Not only is it free, but it always hits the spot after a night of partying,” said senior Kellie McDonald. McDonald admits that the free food has been a highlight to many of her weekends in the past three years. It is one of the things that will stick with her. Former WVU student Mike Stahurski speaks fondly of those crazy nights and free food during his time at WVU. “I think I went at least twice a week, every week, for my entire time there,” he said about how he spent many of his weekend nights at school. Although the food provided to students seems to be the most popular choice, there’s more than just food at WVUp All Night. Besides food, each week different forms of entertainment are offered. There are usually different types of interactive challenges where students will compete over trivia or feats of strength which offer prizes to students who participate, with

winners earning even more. On special weekends, such as parents’ weekend, there are additional types of free entertainment. In 2008, for example, there were several kinds of professional photography stations and caricaturists, and, in the past, events such as “Mountaineer Idol” have taken place during WVUp All Night. It has also been customary for the last nights of WVUp All Night in the semester to have more than just the usual nachos and eggs. For many years, the last night has been seen as a sort of celebration of another successful year. On those nights, foods such as cheeseburgers and fajitas have been added, as well as a sundae bar. So whether it’s the free junk food and soda that attracts you or interactive activities, WVUp All Night is another perk for WVU students to take advantage of, especially those who are looking to save a buck. christina.gutierrez@mail.wvu.edu

FreshmAn Survival Guide | 31

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Satisfaction is an important part of college Alec Berry Web Editor

When it comes to motivation, personal satisfaction is the key, trick and toughest thing to come across. Why? Because the “personal” element drives our expectations

higher. We only want the very best when it comes to our narratives. Thoughts of mansions, fame, love and money may do it for some, but even those who strive for job security and friendship set a high standard. How? It is still comfort, only different by the details. Satisfaction is the key. When achieved, we are finally happy

with our existence. It can come in different sets – sometimes overall, other times a day-byday case. But, it always matters. Even when not ours, satisfaction matters. Maybe even more than when we actually possess it. The need of it pushes us forward. For the incoming freshmen, college is something entirely new. While it may sound cliche, that doesn’t stop it from being the truth. High school, not to totally belittle the institution, really requires little of us. You show up, sleep in math class, eat a bad lunch and then leave to think nothing of what you “learned.” It is a formula to follow, and the only aesthetic it carries is a mixture of social experiences and stereotypes. College shares the social aesthetic, but the work required is much more than what is expected in high school. Ok, not entirely different. If you wanted, you could just attend class and do nothing else and be fine. On the freshman level, at least. But, that personal satisfaction idea is what really matters. College is the chance to finally shape your own life. Parents kept you on a leash early

on, and the later years of teenage sanctum still fell under some sense of home rule. You could not really be yourself as you were held to outside expectations, but, in college, you are away and the master of your domain. With this comes fear, though. When you goof up, you can be saved in college. You are still protected as your parents sit just one phone call away. Trouble, as long as it is not murder or something outlandish, will not derail your life at this stage of development. And really, college is when you should mess up so that you can study your mess ups. Get them out of the way now, and never repeat them again. You do want to consider the future, though. Where high school makes time feel slow, college does the opposite. Four years may seem like a lot, but really it is little when you consider your real life is just on the horizon. The real life is something you want to make sure you don’t mess up. Again, if you wanted, you could just scrape by at WVU for that first year. Most will do that, and respect towards them. They live how they wish. But others start to look at

themselves, though, harder than ever, and they will come to ask something. “How satisfied am I?” Then, the gears click, and they realize this is it. Life can be as you have always wanted it. Starting right here, right now. Then you begin to work harder, and just going to class seems like lazy behavior. It is important to find that source of motivation, that goal, and to apply it to your everyday. That is the trick to surviving college, or more specifically, your freshmen year; focusing on what will satisfy you and bring happiness and then working to make it so. As typed, there remains little time, but college is all about what you make it. Let your motivations become you. Let it be your heartbeat. You are not living in a manufactured world anymore. You are living in your world. Push it. Do things on your own. Do not rely on the professor or your class schedule. Teach yourself. Read, question, build, write, explore and something else corny. Yeah, corny. Maybe this entire piece reads that way, or maybe it isn’t far off. alexander.berry@mail.wvu.edu

When choosing a cell phone, some are better than others JAKE POTTS A&E WRITER

%(1($7+ 7+( 0(75232/,7$1 7+($75(

23(1 0 7+ 30 )5, 6$7 30 681 &/26('

College is all about making new friends. From life in the dorms to acquaintances made in classrooms, there is no way to explain how many people you will truly meet during your time spent at West Virginia University. Personally, I came to college with one group but left with an new bunch. Some of the best friends I made over the year were people I chose to sit by in classes or people who shared the same Bore-

man South tower as myself. There are many ways to keep in touch with the people you come across, such as Facebook or Twitter, but the most important way to keep in touch with them outside of the dorms or classroom is with your cell phone. Having good service during your college experience is one of the major keys to a successful social life. If you have solid reception throughout the Morgantown area, you’ll never be behind on the hottest parties or social events, which can bring you closer to the people you’ll meet. Also, everyone knows a call or two a day to mom is very much appreciated.

There are a few major cell phone companies that have a great success rate in the Morgantown area and some that don’t quite keep up with the pack. My roommate, Dillon, and I argued constantly on which cell phone service was more successful, but as painful as it was, I always knew his argument was better and his choice in carrier was wiser than my own. You see, Dillon was an AT&T fanatic and carried the iPhone 4. Solid choice, Dillon. Solid choice. AT&T’s service throughout the areas around Morgantown

see phone on PAGE 34

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34 | FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Morgantown music scene has a lot to offer Mackenzie Mays a&e Writer

Morgantown has a thriving, cutting-edge music scene and offers plenty of venues and opportunities for students to check out local talent. 123 Pleasant Street is at the center of local and visiting acts, hosting big names like The Davisson Brothers and Gang Gang Dance, while at the

same time acting as the go-to spot for local favorites. 123 Pleasant Street has set the standard for other local venues with its balanced setting of upbeat dance club and laid-back venue. The venue sometimes allows ages 18 and older, though it can also be exclusively for ages 21 and older, depending on the night. Other areas like The Blue Moose Cafe and Black Bear Burritos act as restaurants during the day and venues through the night, offering

a unique atmosphere that is only found in college towns like Morgantown. Art gallery-inspired coffee house The Blue Moose Cafe attracts easy listening genres of all musicians and acts. The cafe also serves as many college students’ home away from home, providing a relaxed alternative to the typical club scene. The Blue Moose Cafe and so.zo cereal bar often host open mic nights, allowing the community to explore and discover what underground tal-

ent the town has to offer. Morgantown has something to offer mainstream music lovers also, attracting big names and headliners to the WVU Coliseum. National acts like The Fray, Drake and The All American Rejects have performed here. WVU students receive discounted prices, and sometimes free admission, to all concerts with a valid WVU ID. FallFest, a free concert held at the start of each school year, always provides an impressive lineup, with recent perfor-

mances by Kanye West, Ludacris, Dashboard Confessional and Maroon 5. The surrounding area is also perfect for music lovers, with DC and Pittsburgh always attracting big shows. For those who appreciate music further than the DJ’s house music played at the local nightclubs, Morgantown has something to offer everyone – locals performing their originals on the street or your favorite big-time band. mackenzie.mays@mail.wvu.edu

MATT SUNDAY/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Rapper Drake as he performs at WVU. Drake has visited WVU twice in the past year.

MATT SUNDAY/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Maroon 5 performing at 2010’s FallFest. Previous guests include Third Eye Blind and the Black Eyed Peas.

phone

Continued from page 32 is remarkable, reaching everynook and cranny with ease and 3G. Granted, AT&T drops a call every now and again, but for the most part the choice of service is the best available. I had been a Verizon supporter since my high school days, so the choice to stay with the company was more or less due to the ease of not having to cancel and start new contracts. Although Verizon doesn’t

have a tower in the Morgantown region, the phones run off the U.S. Cellular towers throughout the area, and calls and texts are a breeze. Unfortunately, the towers don’t offer 3G coverage for Verizon users so internet use, unless you’re running off a WiFi connection, is significantly awful. However, I didn’t experience any dropped calls or any other troubles of that sort. Not that I can recall, anyway. Another major carrier that I have seen be quite successful throughout the area is Sprint. Although I don’t have any direct experience with the com-

pany, a handful of my friends chose that carrier and I’ve heard no complaints. And, with a dealer located on High Street, you can’t beat it the convenience. Cell phones are a major part of the college experience. From staying connected with friends and family at home, to keeping in touch with friends you make on the way, those little lifesavers are an important choice to make for your upcoming freshman year. Make sure you make the right one. jakob.potts@mail.wvu.edu

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Freshman Survival Guide | 33

Outdoor activities can fight off Freshmen 15 Mackenzie Mays a&e Writer

West Virginia University students should have no trouble avoiding the “freshman 15.” Morgantown has a lot of outdoor activities and free exercise opportunities to help keep the calories in check. A favorite student summertime attraction is “Blue Hole,” a simple swimming area with a 70-foot bridge along the Big Sandy River. The quick 30-minute drive between a dirt road and a 50foot cliff is a great getaway for adventurous students with a need for one last small vacation before the school year.

The spot is always packed with picnics and tailgates and serves as the college community’s unofficial mini-beach spot. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and students at WVU make the most of it. While Downtown Morgantown is constantly busy and a little hectic, it’s easy to find some peace and quiet if you look hard enough. Morgantown is equipped with newly developed pedestrian walking and recreational trails system. Together, The Caperton and Deckers Creek trails span 33 paved miles for locals to enjoy. However, the best view is from another local favorite getaway: Coopers Rock. Located 13 miles east of Morgantown, Coopers Rock State

Forest is the best way to appreciate state beauty, with vast scenic overlooks of the Cheat River and Cheat Canyon. While most go to Coopers Rock to enjoy the overlook, the state forest offers several hiking trails, climbing activities and campgrounds. For those who aren’t outdoorsy and don’t have the time to venture off campus, it’s easy to stay in shape with the Student Recreation Center – one of the best student facilities in the country. Students have free access to the Rec any time with their WVU ID. Their ID also allows them to ride the bus and PRT to the rec for free. The 17,000-square-foot center offers a variety of exercise equipment, along with several

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Bike riding is a great way to fight off weight and see beautiful parts of West Virginia. basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, a running/ walking track and a 50-foot climbing wall. The Rec Center also offers free personal training and exercise classes like Zumba. Despite the many obstacles going to college puts in the way

of staying healthy, Morgantown offers both indoor and outdoor ways to stay active for those who want to and enjoy the features they have at their disposal. It is up to the students to use them. mackenzie.mays@mail.wvu.edu

Vintage Video & Games offers cheap entertainment for students Jamie Carbone A&E Editor

Located on Morgantown’s High Street, past Dollar Tree but before Pleasant Street, is Vintage Videos & Games, a used video game and movie store. It is a place where students can shop for inexpensive forms of entertainment. Vintage Videos & Games has been buying, selling and trading used games and movies for over 14 years. The front window display is recognizable by its showcase of both retro and recent games and systems. The inside is full of rows and rows of movie cases, and posters cover the back wall. The front counter is devoted to older video games, from the Nintendo Entertainment System to the more recent Nintendo DS. Behind the counter sits the video game consoles themselves as well as a TV that shows old movies to entertain both employees and customers as they go about the store. Newer, more popular movies, such as “Tron: Legacy” will be several dollars cheaper than you would find at Wal-Mart or

Target. Older, lesser known movies, including VHS tapes, go for much less. While movies are the store’s biggest seller, video games are a close second. Vintage Video sells all kinds of entertainment systems, from newer ones like the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 to the Atari 2600 and ColecoVision. “People collect a lot of retro systems,” said Kevin Riggleman, owner of the store, which opened in 1997. They also have plenty of controllers for sale, from Dreamcast to Guitar Hero guitars on display for customers to browse. Regardless of how obscure or unique a product may be, Vintage Video will buy it off your hands and put it on the shelves. While the store offers everything from original Gameboy to the Sega Gensis, the Nintendo and the Super Nintendo sell the most cartridges. “When the Wii puts something out for download, we get calls asking for the original,” Riggleman said. Vintage Video refurbishes anything that they buy, from cleaning and testing cartridges to checking discs for scratches and resurfacing them if needed. The store allows customers

to try out a game in-store before they buy it to make sure it works. “We guarantee everything we sell here for 30 days,” said Andrew Mayer, who has worked at the store for years. Another service the store offers is repairs, replacing parts in broken PS2’s and resurfacing scratched discs for a fee, depending on how bad the problem. When a customer brings in a movie or game, they can either sell it or trade it in for store credit. The store will buy anything if it is in decent condition, from old anime tapes to just released video games and put them back on the racks for other customers to enjoy. Casey Nassif, a sophomore biology major at West Virginia Universtiy, frequents Vintage Videos & Games once a month to check out what is available. “All the DVDs and video games I’ve bought there have been in good working condition,” Nassif, who describes himself as a “casual gamer,” said. If Nassif can’t find a game he is looking for online, he said he will go to Vintage Videos to see if they have it instead of going to other used game stores in the area. Vintage Videos and Games

is open Monday through Fri- do their shopping during the day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. week. and closed on the weekends, jamie.carbone@mail.wvu.edu so video game fans should

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

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Be ready for a new era of WVU athletics michael carvelli sports editor

First off, I would like to welcome all of you to West Virginia University. In your next four years here, you will witness the continued outstanding athletic tradition that this school has to offer. The 2011-12 school year will represent the beginning of a new era of Mountaineer sports for many reasons. Obviously, things will be changing significantly with the football team starting this season. With a revamped offense led by junior quarterback Geno Smith and new offensive coordinator and head-coach-inwaiting Dana Holgorsen, the Mountaineer football team is preparing for a 2011 season surrounded by more hype than almost any other season in recent memory. Since Holgorsen and his offensive staff were hired, there has been an unbelievable amount of talk and excitement surrounding next season, and for many seasons to come for Mountaineer football. WVU has already been included as a team that is not only a front-runner to win the Big East Conference, but has been mentioned by some people as a darkhorse to make it to the National Championship Game. But, it’s not just the football team that has new, young coaches helping bring their respective programs to new heights next year. In her first season as the head volleyball coach, Jill Kramer saw her team improve rapidly. Despite coming up just short of an appearance in the Big East tournament, the volleyball team got off to its best start in nearly 20 years. The Mountaineers also picked up two huge victories in Kramer’s first year at the helm, beating Marshall for the first time in 10 years and beat Pitt for just the second time in program history. The WVU tennis team and first-year head coach Tina Samara also made big strides last year in setting up a good foundation for future success over the next couple seasons.

Although they finished with a record of 8-14, Samara’s team will be returning a lot of key players for next year, as well as a very good recruiting class. There will be one new head coach leading a team when next season starts. Jason Butts spent five seasons as a WVU assistant gymnastics coach and was named the Southeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year twice before being promoted at the end of April, after former head coach Linda Burdette-Good retired. But Butts will have some big shoes to fill, as Burdette-Good left the WVU gymnastics program after spending 37 years as the head coach and ending her career with 644 wins, the most of any West Virginia head coach in any sport. All of these new coaches have brought and will continue to bring new success to their programs, and could help take the teams they coach to a level yet to be seen at this University. While those sports will have young leaders on the sideline, a lot of other teams will have young leaders on the field next season. It will truly be a new era for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams when the beginning of the 2011-12 season rolls around. The men’s team lost six players, including leaders like Joe Mazzulla, John Flowers and Casey Mitchell – as well as Dalton Pepper, who had a chance to start for the Mountaineers next season before deciding to transfer to Temple. With all of those players gone and just four scholarship players returning, head coach Bob Huggins will have to turn to his young and talented recruiting class to find players who will be expected to make big contributions next year. The Mountaineers’ eightplayer class is currently ranked No. 25, according to ESPN, and includes players like point guard Jabarie Hinds. With such a young team, Hinds and players like Aaron Brown and Keaton Miles could not only see a lot of playing time as freshmen, but might even get the chance to start for WVU Much like the men’s team, the West Virginia women’s basketball team and head coach Mike Carey will also have to rely on

a lot of younger, inexperienced players to replace a big and very successful senior class. The women’s team’s class of five seniors left WVU as the winningest class in program history. To replace them, the Mountaineers will look to junior center Aysa Bussie and sophomore point guard Brooke Hampton to take over as the leaders of the team. But, also like the men’s team, Carey’s team will have a very good, nationally-ranked recruiting class. The Mountaineers class, which is ranked No. 28 by ESPN, currently has five players committed to come to Morgantown, including point guard Linda Stepney and forward Averee Fields. Both Stepney and Fields are ranked in ESPN’s top 100 high school players in the country. Fresh off of winning the Big East championship, the West Virginia women’s soccer team is ready to defend its crown in the fall. But if head coach Nikki IzzoBrown wants to see her team repeat that success this season and take home a third conference championship when the Mountaineers host the Big East tournament at the end of the season, it will have to happen without players like Megan Mischler and Ashtin Larkin, who were big contributors last season. Luckily for the Mountaineers, they have players like Bri Rodriguez, Blake Miller and a lot of other players who were a huge part of the team’s success last year. The men’s soccer team, led by head coach Marlon LeBlanc, made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament last year with a team that was led mostly by sophomores and graduated just three seniors. With a talented recruiting class, as well as all of its goalscorers back, the Mountaineers are looking for another great season in 2011. While those teams have jobs to do on the field, you, as students, have a job to do as well. Go out and support all of these teams. Being a Mountaineer fan isn’t just about going to the games, it’s about this one-of-a-kind, unique experience, and there are a few things you should know before you make your

way to your first football game this fall ... zz Firstly, as a student, you are going to be a part of one of the loudest, rowdiest and most feared student sections in the country. And you better be ready to pull your weight. That means you can’t just sit there and watch the games – get up and be as loud as you possibly can. Help show people across the nation why the Mountaineer Maniacs help make Milan Puskar Stadium and the Coliseum two of the toughest places to play in the Big East. zz Stay for the whole game. As a student, I can honestly say it’s an amazing feeling to hear an entire crowd of people sing along to “Country Roads” at the end of a game, and knowing that you’re taking part in a pretty big tradition at this school makes it even better.

zz Lastly, don’t just support the football and basketball teams. Of course, those are the two biggest teams that everybody cares about the most, but going to soccer games and baseball games and some of the other great sports WVU has to offer is an experience that is great as well, especially for a freshman. It’s another good opportunity to get out there and meet new people and get accustomed to what goes on here in Morgantown. Once again, welcome to West Virginia University, and be ready for what should be an outstanding year for Mountaineer athletics. So get out there and watch it. Have fun, be loud, but above all else, be responsible and enjoy your first year. james.carvelli@mail.wvu.edu

For complete coverage of the Mountaineers, read The Daily Athenaeum online at www.thedaonline.com

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Mountaineer Maniacs give students chance to cheer on all teams

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

Club sports provide options for all students

By 2013, Club Sports Federation wants to have more than 50 club teams WVU OFFERS THE FOLLOWING CLUB SPORTS

john Terry sports WRITER

West Virginia University students cheer during a football game.

by michael carvelli sports editor

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The Mountaineer Maniacs are the largest, and probably the most recognizable, student organization at West Virginia University. The Mountaineer Maniacs are the official student cheering section at WVU, and they have been officially identified as such for 12 years now. “What’s great is that it does so much more than it sounds like it does,” Staffileno said. “It’s more than just a fan club.” One of those things the Maniacs have been known to do is allow students to go on trips to watch WVU play away games, and most importantly, they can do it without paying a ton of money. “I went to Cincinnati the year before last and my ticket – at face value – would have been 60 dollars, but the trip was only 25 dollars, and we got a bus ride there and back,” Staffileno said. The Mountaineer Maniacs have three payment options to choose from. The lowest is “Basic,” which costs $20, and give students a tshirt, 20 percent off on apparel at The Book Exchange, invites to watch parties and second priority on trips. “Gold Gridiron” members pay $30, and get everything a basic membership offers plus guaranteed football tickets. But Staffileno said the best

FILE PHOTO

deal was the “True Blue” membership, which costs $35 and gives you everything the first to give, and also allows you to sign up for trips a day before anyone else. Last year, the Mountaineer Maniacs’ biggest road trip for a football game was when they made the trip down to Baton Rouge, La. This year, Staffileno said the Maniacs could be taking students on up to four trips for football season. He said the Maniacs will definitely be making the trip to the Maryland and Cincinnati games and, depending on ticket availability and when the games are, they could also go to Syracuse and Rutgers to watch the Mountaineers play. “When the Syracuse game got moved to a Friday, it kind of pulled that away a little bit, it’s just tougher to do,” Staffileno said. “Hopefully we can do the trip to Rutgers. That’s the only one we’re really not sure about. “That will probably be an overnight trip with maybe a little visit to New York City. I feel like that would get a lot of popularity, and a lot of people would want to go on that.” While a lot of things are done give students the chance to watch the football and basketball teams play, Staffileno said this year, the organization will be putting more emphasis on

see maniacs on PAGE 39

freshman survival guide | 39

Just a small percentage of the incoming freshmen at West Virginia University will be on a varsity athletic team, but that doesn’t mean the ones who aren’t can’t be athletes. That’s where club sports come into play. With 38 different club sport teams at WVU, Club Sports Federation President Jared Fabian said there is something for everyone. And the number of club sports teams continues to grow, too. Fabian said the number of teams has increased every year since the Club Sports Federation was founded. “By the end of the school year in 2013, our goal is to have more than 50 teams,” he said. There will be something different about club sports at West Virginia University this upcoming year, as the University will have completed some of the $8.4 million state-ofthe-art recreational fields project in three different areas around Morgantown. Construction of the artificial turf field, tennis courts and walking track across from the Evansdale Residential Complex, as well as the new turf rugby field and lighted baseball and softball fields at Mylan Park, will be done by the fall, according to Fabian. The fields at the Medical Center location will both need

maniacs

Continued from page 38 getting students out in larger numbers to some of the other Olympic sports, like soccer, baseball and volleyball. SGA Athletic Councilman Steve Orlowski is the Director of Olympic Sports for the Mountaineer Maniacs, and Staffileno said he has a lot of good ideas to help raise awareness for the “smaller sports.” “I’m really going to let him

SUBMITTED

The West Virginia men’s snowboarding club standing on the podium at Nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho after winning third place in halfpipe. to be resurfaced, and lights must be moved from the center of the field. He said the location should be ready by Fall 2011. “The new facilities are going to help us get kids involved because there will be more attention on club sports,” Fabian said. “I expect participation to increase more than it has in the past years. Students are going to be able to see all the activities go on, and they will want to become a part of it.” The new recreational fields will provide West Virginia club sport teams the ability to host tournaments and games in Morgantown, something Fabian said a lot of the teams haven’t been able to do in the past. In fact, Fabian said the rugby teams are the only teams that have hosted tournaments before. “I want to have five to seven tournaments,” Fabian said. “These new facilities will help us put on tournaments. Host-

ing tournaments will help us raise more money.” The Club Sports Federation is responsible for dividing funds between the 38 teams. The federation will receive $100,000 from the University this year, after receiving $75,000 last year. The money is allocated based on the number of members and estimated budget. In past years, a team’s community service was taken into consideration, but that is now mandatory for all club sports teams. Fabian said it still isn’t enough, and most teams must charge dues. The amount varies based on the team’s budget. Fabian, who is also involved with the baseball team, said it charged its members $250 last year. “Fund-raising is also a huge source,” Fabian said. “All our teams fund-raise.”

take the torch on Olympic sports,” Staffileno said. “I trust him a lot and I’m just going to sit back and let him do what he wants to do.” Those Olympic sports, where there aren’t as many people there, are a great opportunity for students – especially freshmen – to get acquainted with other people and do one of the things that make the Mountaineer Maniacs such a great organization for students, build new relationships and make new friends. “If you’re not at the games,

you’re missing out on being with the majority of the student body at WVU,” Staffileno said. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people who could become your best friend while you’re in school.” Incoming freshmen can sign up to join the Mountaineer Maniacs at their New Student Orientation Day, and Staffileno encourages all students to follow the group on Twitter, at twitter.com/WVUMANIACS.

john.terry@mail.wvu.edu

james.carvelli@mail.wvu.edu

MEN’S Baseball Crew Fencing Field Hockey Golf Ice Hockey Lacrosse Paintball Rugby Soccer Tae Kwon Do Triathalon Volleyball

WOMEN’S Cheerleading Dance Equestrian Lacrosse Rugby Soccer Softball Volleyball

CO-ED Archery Billiards Boxing Cycling Frisbee Skiing Snowboard Swimming Table Tennis

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40 | FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

Wednesday May 25, 2011

Student Rec Center a great way stay fit BASKETBALL COURTS

OUTSIDE

MACHINES

TREADMILLS

CLIMBING WALL

FREE WEIGHTS

file photos of The Daily Athenaeum

by michael carvelli sports editor

Located in the center of the Evansdale Campus, the West Virginia University Student Recreation Center has been a huge success since it opened in 2001. Th e st at e - o f- t h e - a r t, 177,000-square-foot facility is located just a short walk away from Towers. Rec Center Director Dave Taylor says much of that success is thanks to the variety of activities students can do while there. “The Rec Center is a facility that has a lot of choices under one roof,” Taylor said. “A lot of our students will come out to play basketball or go out on the track, and there are a lot of students who are dedicated to the weight and fitness at the Rec Center.” The Rec Center has six basketball courts – which are also used for badminton and volleyball – a 50-foot rock climbing wall, a three-lane, elevated track and an aquatic center, which includes a six-lane, 25yard lap and fitness pool, a hot tub and a whirlpool. Overlooking the aquatic

center is the cardio and weight training areas. This is a 17,000-square-foot area that offers a variety of equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines and free weights. The Rec Center also has a squash court and three racquetball courts. With the large variety of things for students to do, another thing that has been able to keep the Rec Center popular across campus is the classes offered there, including Zumba, yoga, spinning and karate. There are more than 50 classes offered at the Rec Center at all times of the day, making it perfect for students who have to balance their time to exercise with class and work. “The group exercise classes are usually taught in the evenings when students aren’t in class,” Taylor said. “It’s a positive that we open at six in the morning and close at midnight on Monday through Thursday. “That makes it so that we can fit just anybody’s schedule as far as classes go.” Even with all of these great things the WVU Rec Center has to offer, Taylor says there is one

thing that really makes this stand out compared to a lot of the other gyms in the area. Everything is free for students. To gain entry into the Rec Center, all students need to do is swipe their Student ID card. Taylor said at one time they did charge for classes, but that changed five years ago when they decided it would be best for the students. “We realized the attendance in those classes was not what we were expecting,” he said. “We are concerned about the health and wellness of our students, and once we opened up those classes, our attendance skyrocketed.” And, when it comes down to it, it’s all about being able to do what you like to be able to stay in shape. “For a lot of students, this is an opportunity to continue on a wellness path,” Taylor said. “The earlier in our lives that we get on a wellness path, the better off it’s going to be later in life. “Hopefully we can help get students establish these excellent health habits.” james.carvelli@mail.wvu.edu

Wednesday May 25, 2011

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FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE | 41

42 | FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

A quick guide to requesting football tickets

FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE | 43

For complete coverage of the Mountaineers, read The Daily Athenaeum online at www.thedaonline.com Check The DA Sports Blog all summer long for a college football preview, including previews of each team in the Big East, preseason top 25 teams and information on the WVU football team.

FILE PHOTO

One of the entrances at Milan Puskar Stadium students go through to get into West Virginia University football games. FILE PHOTO

Pictured above is the entrance of Milan Puskar Stadium, where fans in the Touchdown Terrace part of the stadium enter to get to their seats. The stadium is commonly called the loudest and rowdiest stadium in the Big East Conference.

by tony dobies sports writer

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West Virginia University students have the opportunity to sit in one of the largest student sections in the country for football games. There are 11,000 seats reserved for students at Milan Puskar Stadium, which are mainly in the upper deck. That will not change this year, according to WVU’s Director of Sports Marketing Matt Wells. Wells said the University makes 12,500 student tickets available to deal with no-shows and will continue to divvy out tickets in the same way as in previous years, through a merit and seniority-based process. “For the most part, the students understand it and the system works,” Wells said. “Things have gone well.” This is The Daily Athenaeum Sports section’s helpful guide to requesting tickets for football games and other Mountaineer sporting events. Student tickets to a WVU football game are requested online at www.WVUgame. com. Click on the tab labeled

“Student Tickets” and follow the link to the student ticketing website. To enter the site, students will use their MIX username. The password is the last six digits of the student’s ID number. “The best thing to do is familiarize themselves with the system and understand how it works,” Wells said. To be safe, log in at least once before the season nears to be sure there are no problems with the username or password. Click on “Request Ticket.” If the tickets for the game are highlighted in yellow, they are available to be requested. The first home football game is Sunday, Sept. 4 against Marshall at 3:30 p.m. Student ticket requests begin Monday, Aug. 29, at 12:01 a.m. Students will have two days to sign up for a ticket. When requesting a ticket for the first time, only one ticket can be requested. Students do have a choice between “lower level,” “upper level” or “Maniacs.” All Mountaineer Maniacs sit in the upper section of Milan

Puskar Stadium. This is where the bulk of the student seats are available, but there are a limited number of tickets for the lower level. There is also a “Senior Spirit” section for those students. Once a ticket is requested, an email will be sent to the student’s MIX account verifying the ticket reservation. If the tickets requested exceeds the tickets available, the tickets will be awarded on a loyalty-based lottery. For each football game a student goes to, he or she receives points by validating his or her ticket. Only 20 percent of the seniority loyalty points are carried over from the 2009-10 school year, though. This is to allow a fair chance for freshmen to receive tickets in a lottery. “It’s important for freshmen to know the more games they attend, the better their chances are of receiving a ticket that go into lottery,” Wells said. “It doesn’t guarantee you anything, but the more points you have by attending some of the

see tickets on PAGE 43

tickets

Continued from page 42 early season games that aren’t in as high demand, the better chances there are to get a ticket to some of the more highly thought-of games.” In an NBA Draft-type lottery, the more games a student has gone to, the more entries that student will have in the lottery. Wells said a lottery situation happens several times in a season. “You’re in a system where there is more demand than there is supply,” Wells said. “Any time you have more people who want tickets than the number of tickets available, the people who don’t receive a ticket are going to be upset.” When tickets are handed out, an email will be sent to the student’s MIX email account telling him or her to print out the ticket. Go back to www.WVUGAME.com, and sign in using the username described earlier, but this time click on “Claim Ticket.” You have two days to claim and print your ticket, and all unclaimed tickets will be taken away. The ticket is used to enter the

game, along with a valid WVU ID card. The student entrance is along the east side of the Milan Puskar Stadium. No other photo ID is accepted, so a student must bring his or her WVU ID card to enter the stadium. Gates open 90 minutes prior to games. The student gates will be labeled “Maniacs/upper deck” and “lower deck/senior spirit.” Lines usually begin to form two hours before the start time, but that varies based on the relevance and the time of the game. Because all student seating is general admission, there are no assigned seats. Once a student chooses a seat, game festivities, including the band’s pre-game performance and the football team’s entrance, begin 15 minutes before the start time. If a student decides not to go to the game and does not cancel the ticket, he or she will lose loyalty points. Tickets for other sports are less complicated. For those athletic events, students just need to swipe their WVU ID card at the gate to enter. anthony.dobies@mail.wvu.edu

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

44 | freshman survival guide

Wednesday May 25, 2011

2011 WEST VIRGINIA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 25 Dec. 1

OPPONENT MARSHALL NORFOLK STATE at Maryland LSU BOWLING GREEN CONNECTICUT at Syracuse at Rutgers LOUISVILLE at Cincinnati PITTSBURGH at South Florida

TIME 3:30 p.m. TBA Noon TBA TBA TBA 8 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

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Wednesday May 25, 2011

freshman survival guide | 45

2011 WEST VIRGINIA FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES MEN’S SOCCER

DATE Aug. 26 Aug. 28 Sep. 2 Sep. 4 Sep. 9 Sep. 11 Sep. 16 Sep. 18 Sep. 24 Sep. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 26 Oct. 29

OPPONENT vs. Virginia at Maryland BINGHAMTON OLD DOMINION at UC-Santa Barbara at Cal Poly RICHMOND DUQUESNE USF at James Madison at Cincinnati GEORGETOWN at Pittsburgh at Marquette CONNECTICUT PROVIDENCE at Seton Hall at Notre Dame

TIME 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 12 p.m.

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46 | freshman survival guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Wednesday May 25, 2011

2011 WEST VIRGINIA FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES WOMEN’S SOCCER DATE Aug. 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 26 Aug. 28 Sep. 1 Sep. 4 Sep. 11 Sep. 15 Sep. 18 Sep. 23 Sep. 25 Sep. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 7 Oct. 9 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 21

OPPONENT at Virginia PURDUE at Penn State vs. George Mason OHIO STATE MARSHALL HIGH POINT at USF MARQUETTE SETON HALL RUTGERS at Georgetown at Villanova ST. JOHN’S SYRACUSE at Providence at Connecticut at Pittsburgh

TIME 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m.

file photos of the daily athenaeum

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

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FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE | 47

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WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

Sunnyside Up is working with the Morgantown Police and Fire Departments and West Virginia University to eliminate malicious fires on streets and in dumpsters. While some people think this is a way to celebrate, students can face expulsion and thousands of dollars in fines for setting fires. Please be responsible. We will be watching. When you come to West Virginia University we want you to celebrate and enjoy living in a great city, however, setting fires can injure and maim. One gallon of gasoline has the explosive power of twenty sticks of dynamite.

WELCOME TO A GREAT UNIVERSITY & A GREAT CITY A Public Service Message from

Sunnyside Up-Campus Neighborhoods Revitalization Corporation

Building Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best College Neighborhood For more information: www.sunnysideupwv.org