Campus Life by The Emporia Gazette

CAMPUS LIFE 2021 T E G

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 2

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Welcome

S A NEW member of the Wrangler family and new resident to the Emporia community, I’m honored to serve this institution and be able to engage with our employees, students and greater community. On behalf of the staff and faculty, I welcome everyone to campus as we look forward to the energy and electricity the students and a new semester brings.

COVID-19 College leadership continues to monitor the Delta variant of Covid-19. For the semester start, we are requiring masks to be worn Caron Daugherty in all indoor spaces on our campuses. As well, the College is hosting a #VaxToNormal vaccination clinic August 26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The follow-up clinic for the second Pfizer shot is scheduled September 16 at the same time. As a public institution, we share a commitment to provide safeguards not only for our employees and students but also for our greater community.

Improved Facilities With the wrap-up of our highly successful “Inspiring Wranglers” campaign and the completion of renovations on the main campus, we’re enjoying these new spaces and upgrading other learning areas. In addition, the Hospitality/Culinary Arts program is beginning the process of American Culinary Federation (ACF) accreditation, which will provide our students with additional opportunities as they graduate and enter the culinary industry.

Student Success Our most recent report shows our placement rate at 98%. Of the 245 graduates contacted, 239 respondents are employed or continuing their education after graduation. That’s a number that’s indicative of the drive of our students. In other success news, our June 2021 Practical Nursing graduates had a 100% success rate on the NCLEX. We are proud of our students’ achievements and how our institution continues to fulfill its mission in our community.

Preparing for our HLC Visit A team of peer reviewers from FHTC’s accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), will visit campus on September 13-14, 2021, as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation. Over the past year, we have been working on the report that we provide to HLC. This report identifies how we fulfill our mission, prove integrity in our operations, support teaching and learning, and serve as stewards of our resources and planning. We look forward to a successful visit and the reaffirmation of accreditation of the college. Drop in and say hi. We look forward to seeing you on campus and at any of our locations – main, welding, downtown, adult education, or Garnett. Best wishes to the students and faculty for a successful academic year! Caron

Dr. Caron Daugherty President, Flint Hills Technical College

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Page 3

Together Forward

HERE IS A REAL BUZZ of excitement on the Emporia State University campus this month as we welcome returning students and meet those who are brand new. We always enjoy this month as we see students hanging out in the Memorial Union, renewing friendships across campus or chilling in hammocks around Kellogg Circle.

For fall 2021, all of us — students, faculty and staff — look forward to gatherings across campus like study and hobby groups, club meetings and cheering for our ESU athletes. We have six Friday Nights of special activities to enjoy beginning Aug. 27 — both on-campus and in downtown Emporia. This busyness of fall is especially welcome after 18 months of quiet and distance on our campus thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize, however, that the best way to continue moving forward with a traditional college experience requires following healthcare guidelines to control COVID-19. Right now, this means wearing masks in all buildings on campus and encouraging everyone who can to be fully vaccinated. As we embrace the start of the 2021-22 academic year, we join the campus and Emporia community to move Together Forward. With Hornet Pride,

Allison D. Garrett Allison D. Garrett

President Emporia State University COURTESY EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 4

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

FOLLOW FORM AND FUNCTION WHEN OUTFITTING YOUR DORM ROOM College campuses are a home away from home for much of the year for students who go away to school. According to Azusa Pacific University, many universities, APU included, require students to live on campus during their freshman and sophomore years. Doing so provides many students opportunities to fully immerse themselves in their school communities and enjoy a little independence at the same time. Dorm rooms afford students a chance to impart their own unique touches on their living spaces. A dorm room need not be drab. In fact, with a little creativity and some design tips, a dorm room become a space to be proud of. ✦✦Coordinate your vision. Once you meet your roommate, discuss how you see the dorm room evolving. Choosing a color palette is a great place to start. If you can’t agree on bedding patterns, work with a color scheme so your side of the room and your roommate’s will coordinate. ✦✦Invest in high-quality linens and bedding. Focus your attention on making the one area of the room where you’ll spend most of your time as comfortable and attractive as it can be. Look for high thread counts on sheets and pillowcases. HGTV recommends a duvet cover that can be swapped out to change the look of your bed when

the mood strikes. Throw pillows and a throw blanket are ideal for lounging in style, and they can be arranged to make a traditional XL twin bed look like a daybed or chaise. ✦✦Opt for multi-use furniture. If your dorm room only has the basics and you can add a few pieces, maximize space and function with items that serve multiple purposes. Storage ottomans can keep belongings organized and also serve as extra seating for guests. A mirror behind your desk can serve as a vanity for getting ready when the shared bathroom is occupied. ✦✦Set aside a kitchen area. While you may not be cooking a four-course meal inside your dorm room — and most schools limit which types of cooking can take place in dorm rooms — set up a kitchen station with some essentials. According to the storage and organizational company Spacewise, a rolling utility cart equipped with a coffee maker, small microwave, mini fridge, and some cube storage containers is the perfect place to have snacks and beverages at the ready. ✦✦Maximize storage. Shelves over a bed, underbed storage, bedskirt organizers, closet caddies, and additional organizational gadgets can keep rooms tidy and functional. Dorm rooms can be customized with some simple additions to make these spaces feel more like home.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Page 5

Page 6

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

SERIES OF FRIDAY NIGHTS OPENS FALL SEMESTER AT EMPORIA STATE Emporia State University

After 18 months of college life adjusted for a global pandemic, Emporia State is welcoming students with a series of events that hearken back to an earlier time of campus experiences. “We have heard from returning and new students about what their lives have been like going to school during a pandemic,” said Dr. Shelly Gehrke, ESU associate vice president for enrollment management and academic success. “Above all, they told us that they really miss live, campus events.” Introducing Friday Nights — six consecutive Fridays of events on campus or in the Emporia community. AUG. 27 — free community concert on the Kellogg Circle lawn featuring the Lucas Parker Band and Travis Marvin. SEPT. 3 — First Friday Art Walk in downtown Emporia SEPT. 10 — Late Night Tailgate SEPT. 17 — Hypnotist David Hall SEPT. 24 — Carnival in Kellogg Circle

OCT. 1 — Glow ESU with Glow Bazooka Ball and Glow Walk/Run Many of the events are organized by the ESU Union Activities Council, a student-led group that is charged with bringing speakers and other entertainment to campus throughout the academic year. And events already planned for the Emporia community were a natural fit — the Halfway to Everywhere music festival and No Coast Film Festival. “We are so excited to showcase great events already happening in Emporia to our students,” said Lydia Barnhart, ESU director of admissions. Community members, in return, are invited to the concert Aug. 27 on the Kellogg

Circle lawn. The event, emceed by Tagan Trahoon of Emporia’s Radio Station, opens at 7 p.m. with a DJ and music followed by Lucas Parker Band at 8 p.m. and Marvin at 9 p.m. Based in Lawrence, the Lucas Parker Band recently finished its Bread & Butter Tour 2021 after playing shows in Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas and Kansas. Headliner Travis Marvin is an independent country artist who has performed on the main stage of Country Stampede. Marvin’s most recent shows include a concert at the NHRA Finals at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, and a free community show in his hometown of Ottawa. “The annual Welcome Back Block Party organized by Emporia Main Street is always so much fun for our students,” said Barnhart. “We hope the Emporia community will come to our campus for Friday’s concert.” The First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 3 is a long-standing Emporia tradition where downtown businesses showcase local artists. On the First Friday, the public is invited to visit the artists and the businesses.

Venues on Sept. 3 include Chi Em Eats, Emporia Arts Center, Gravel City Roasters, Lyon County History Center, Mulready’s Pub, The Pressroom, Trox Gallery + Gifts, Varigated Productions and Vault Meats + Cheeses. Presenting artists include Don Meyer, Rox Davis, Leon Morrow, Jeff Quintana, Tim Mohn, Onalee Nicklin, Gabe Morrow and Kelseigh Figgs. For more information: https://emporiafirstfriday.com/. A highlight of the September Art Walk is the Halfway to Everywhere Pre Party, which launches the Halfway to Everywhere Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 4. The festival presents musicians on multiple stages in downtown Emporia plus vendor booths. General admission free. VIP tickets — that included shaded seating — cost $150. For more information: http://www.ksfreeforarts.org/halfway-to-everywhere For more information about Friday Nights: emporia.edu/fridaynights.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Page 7

Page 8

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

HOW-TO ESTABLISH A WELL-ROUNDED SCHOOL RÉSUMÉ

A quality education is priceless. Lessons learned in the classroom are vital to students’ long-term success, serving as a foundation as young adults transition from the role of student to professional. An academic résumé is a great vehicle for young people to illustrate how wellrounded their educational experiences have been. Such résumés also give college admissions departments a snapshot of students’ accomplishments, hobbies and extracurricular activities. In fact, the National Society of High School Scholars says there are certain criteria that colleges and trade schools look for in students — and things graduate schools may look for in university students who hope to do postgraduate work. Recognizing these attributes can help students better prioritize their time as they look to build strong résumés GRADE POINT AVERAGE: The NSHSS says some colleges will recalculate students’ GPAs based only on core subjects, such as math, language arts, social studies, science, and foreign languages. It is essential to do well in these core subjects.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES: Many schools weigh honors or AP classes more heavily toward GPA or acceptance requirements due to their rigor. AP courses often translate directly into college credits, which can make them even more valuable to high school students. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Schools and even future employers look at more than just test scores and GPAs. In a competitive admissions climate, colleges will weigh the entire picture of a student. Someone who was heavily involved in sports, clubs and peer-run groups like scouting organizations may find that such participation is what sets them apart from other applicants. Pick extracurricular activities that align with passions rather than just ones that will look good on a résumé. According to Christine Chu, a premier college counselor at IvyWise, a New York-based education consulting company, students who demonstrate grit, authenticity and integrity stand out. WELL-CRAFTED ESSAY WRITING: Essays give students an opportunity to tell their unique

stories in ways a résumé cannot. An essay should be highly personal and thoughtful, and also present students as a real person. Students should write essays even when they are optional, as the essay can be a window into what makes applicants tick. It is important for students to continually hone their essay-writing skills, which they can ul-

timately utilize to make a strong impression with university admissions departments. DEPTH, NOT BREADTH, OF EXPERIENCE: Students should focus their passions on a few select activities over widespread participation in many different ones. Activities that carry over into academic focus and a future major may be especially valuable.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Page 9

TIPS FOR DORM ROOM AND CAMPUS SAFETY Life on a college campus can be exciting, especially for freshmen enjoying their first taste of life away from home. As exciting as campus life can be, it also can be a bit nerve-wracking for students who have never before had to fend for themselves. Administrators and security personnel work to make school environments as safe as possible, but incidents can happen on any campus. A recent report from Campus Safety and Security, there were 38,100 reported criminal offenses, including burglary and identity theft, on college campuses in the United States in 2017. Students need not live in fear on campus, but embracing various safety measures can make life at school that much safer. ✦✦Hide or lock up valuables. You never know what may catch the eye of a thief. Devices and cash are near the top of lists of most commonly stolen possessions, but a desperate student may steal notes

or even expensive textbooks if he or she is struggling. Always close doors and lock dorm rooms when leaving. Keep valuables out of sight at school. Consider buying a dorm room safe and lock your locker at all times. ✦✦Prepare for emergencies. Research the school’s policies on emergency preparedness. Some have text alert systems for emergency situations

like adverse weather conditions, while others have clear guidelines on what students should do if they feel threatened in any way. Participate in fire drills and learn the nearest exits and protocols for emergency evacuations. ✦✦Utilize the buddy system. Most campuses are safe to move around, but it can’t hurt to schedule certain classes, particularly if they take place after dark, with a friend so you can walk to and from classes together. Security experts say that elevators and stairwells are common places for assailants to target victims. If you ever feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. ✦✦Install window alarms. Many retailers sell battery-operated window alarms that can be adhered to windows. The alarms will activate if the window is opened or the glass breaks. These alarms can provide extra security even if your dorm room isn’t on the ground floor.

✦✦Be alert when ridesharing. The safety resource Safety.com says rideshare crimes are on the rise. Always identify your driver and vehicle before getting in and ask the driver to identify your name, as he or she will have it and your destination. Wait for the ride in a safe place, and try to avoid riding alone. ✦✦Maintain personal health. Be sure to visit the doctor and stay current on necessary vaccinations, such as the one for meningococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk for meningococcal disease in college students is slightly higher than the risk in other teens and young adults who are not attending college. Other communicative diseases can spread more easily on campus as well. Campus and dorm safety is multifaceted. Informed students can reduce their risk of being involved in accidents or being targeted by criminals.

Page 10

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

HOW STUDENTS CAN TRANSITION TO LIFE ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS Much has been made of the challenges that have faced students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning and shortened school days was difficult for many families, forcing students to adapt to virtual school on the fly as their parents adjusted to working from home full-time while doing their best to keep kids engaged in their studies and occupied when school let out each day. Given those challenges, it’s no wonder so many families are looking forward to what figures to be a more normal school year in 2021-22. But that return will pose its own unique challenges as well. Some students may be a little anxious as they prepare to return to campus this fall. That transition could be especially difficult for incoming college freshmen,

who must overcome any pandemic-related concerns about returning to campus while also making the transition to life on a college campus. The following are some ways to make that transition go smoothly. ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY. The Health, Counseling and Disability Access Services at the University of Missouri-St. Louis urges students to take advantage of opportunities to engage in their new communities as early as possible. The HCDAS notes that first-year experiences are designed to help students connect with their new life on campus and make new friends. All incoming freshmen are facing the same set of unique circumstances as the 2021-22 school year begins. That includes the adjustment from remote learning with lim-

ited social contact with peers to a return to more traditional academic and social settings. Navigating that transition alongside other incoming freshmen can make it a little easier to handle. PLAN AHEAD. Parents and their college-bound children can prepare for the coming school year by learning about oncampus policies over the summer. Will masks be mandated? Will classrooms remain socially distanced? Are vaccinations required to attend class in person? The sooner families learn these policies, the sooner they can begin planning for life on campus. Parents also can look into on-campus resources designed to help students readjust to being back among their peers. Knowing where to go for help should students need it can ensure any

issues that arise are addressed promptly. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR CONCERNS. Opening up about any concerns they may have can help students as they emerge from the pandemic. Many parents were concerned about returning to the office in person, and they can share those concerns and the ultimate outcomes of their returns with students concerned about moving onto a college campus. Parents are urged to periodically check in with college students about any anxieties they may have about being on campus. Returning to full-time, in-person learning after the pandemic may be especially challenging for incoming college freshmen. Such students can work with their parents over the summer to conquer their fears and prepare for the coming school year.

THE THREAT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS The moment young people arrive on college campuses and begin their lives as college students marks a significant milestone. College provides many young people with their first taste of independence, and that newfound freedom can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it’s coupled with academic challenges that are much more rigorous than they were in high school. According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 80 percent of college students feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities as a student. NAMI data also indicates that 50 percent of college students rate their mental health as below average or poor. Anxiety and depression are two mental health issues that affect many college students as they try to juggle the various demands associated with being students. Anyone who suspects they or a student they know is experiencing either of these issues should reach out to a mental health professional immediately.

Depression Depression among college students may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 survey conducted by the Healthy Minds Network in collaboration with the American College Health Association found that the rate of depression among college students has increased since the onset of the pan-

demic. Though students typically have constant feelings of stress or irritability, tension are some symptoms associated readily available access to mental health irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or with anxiety. professionals on campus, that access has been compromised during the pandemic as students, counselors and educators learn and work remotely. College mental health counselors were available via video conferencing during the pandemic, but students may not be aware of that, while others might be uncomfortable discussing their mental health in dorm rooms or apartments they share with fellow students. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of motivation, sleeplessness, trouble concentrating, changes in appetite and body weight, and loss of interest in social activities.

Anxiety A 2017 report from Penn State University’s Center for Collegiate Mental Health found that anxiety is one of the two most common reasons college students seek mental health services (the other is depression). In fact, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 13 percent of college students have been diagnosed with a mental health condition linked to anxiety. Anxiety among college students can be triggered by social and/or academic pressures. Being in constant fear, experiencing frequent headaches, exhibiting shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating,

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Did you know? It’s easy to underestimate the level of know-how required to be an automotive mechanic, and just how essential the job is. There are an estimated 30,000 parts on the average car, and data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers indicates around 74,705,000 cars were produced in 2018. Auto mechanics are in high demand. Although high schools may offer adequate training to prepare individuals for a job in automotive mechanics, most mechanics are now expected to have completed an associate degree or certificate program in automotive training to keep up with ever-evolving vehicle technology. Students can enroll in a vocational education program, receive a certificate and then go on to employee training. Upon completion of that training, students can become master mechanics. Training and schooling typically takes two years. Salary.com reports that the average automotive mechanic salary in the United States was $38,551 as of December 2018.

Page 11

Page 12

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS V

Tuesday, August 24, 2021