Summer/Fall 2013 - The Independent Collegian

Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919 Fall 2013

UT 101 A studentto-student guide to life at the University of Toledo

Seven annual events you’ll want to be sure to watch for / 4

Your guide to UT campus trivia, quirks and traditions / 16

A new Rocket’s guide to University of Toledo athletics / 12

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Welcome to UT! A letter from the IC staff New students, No matter where you’re at — just graduated from high school, took a few years off to get prepared for college, or coming back to finish a degree — we hope you’re ready for what’s next. If you do your time at the University of Toledo right, it could be the most exciting, fulfilling and mind-blowing experience of your life.

While you’re getting settled figuring things out, you may feel a little dazzled, or a little unsure of yourself. Your first year of college, while exciting, is also complicated, confusing and a little terrifying.

But don’t worry too much: the staff here at The Independent Collegian, UT’s student newspaper, wants to help you out.

During the academic year, we print a weekly edition every Wednesday that we distribute for free from stands across campus and in local businesses around Toledo. But what you’re holding in your hand right now is different. “UT 101” is a special edition for new students, filled with advice from upperclassmen who have been in your shoes.

We’ve tried to fill this issue with things you should know, things that made our freshman years easier, or things we wish someone had told us as freshmen. More importantly, we tried to add information that isn’t available anywhere else. You know, the kind of stuff you can only get from a real student who’s been through this.

As you begin to figure out this college thing, we hope our guide speaks to you in some way. But remember — the best parts of the journey are the ones you figure out by yourself.

Good luck, The IC staff

IC file photo

One of UT’s most recognizable landmarks is the Bell Tower on top of University Hall. It has 156 steps and is 206 feet tall. Completed in 1931, University Hall was the first building constructed on the Bancroft campus.

A letter from the Student Government president Welcome New Rockets!

Whether this is your first college experience or you are returning to continue your higher education journey, I can confidently speak on behalf of not only Student Government but of all faculty, staff, and current students in saying welcome to the University of Toledo!

These next few years are going to be one of the biggest times of growth in your life. You will learn so much academically and about yourself as a person that you will leave this university as a different, wellrounded individual. That said, it is up to you to make the most of your college experience. The University of Toledo offers many ways for you to grow yourself both in and out of the classroom, such as the new internship program that will help connect you

with real world experiences, student organizations which can provide you opportunities that will broaden your talents, the new developments around campus that can encourage your social life, and many more! These opportunities are all here but it is up to you to go out and use them to your best advantage.

From my own experience, I decided to get involved in Student Government my freshman year after I spoke with the then-vice president at my orientation. Even though I had never been involved in Student Government in high school or know more than one person in the organization, I decided to become a full member through the Freshman Leaders program. Since that first meeting, Student Government has given me so much more than I could have ever anticipated. I was

Emily Kramp

able to meet Lauren Jencen, who is the current vice president of Student Government, at that first meeting after I told her I liked her coat. She and I have not only become great partners in this organization, but I consider her to be one of my best friends. I was able to get a job in a pediatric clinic last summer after meeting Dr. Jacobs, who is the president of the University of Toledo. Also, Lauren and I have both been on CNN because of the fellow students we have met through this organization. (You can YouTube it if you don’t believe me. Just search “UToledo students share thoughts on 2010 elections CNN” and look at around 2 minutes in.) Now, I get the honor to serve my university and all students as the Student Government president, which is something I could have never imagined when I was a freshman who decided to go to a meeting because I didn’t have any homework on that Monday night.

My story is one of many of what proud Rockets have been able to accomplish during their years here at Toledo. I can’t stress enough how important it is to seize every opportunity that you face as a college student. Get out there and meet as many Rockets as you can! Get involved in your campus! Embrace any challenges because they will make you grow as a person. Doing all of these actions will make sure that you get the most of your college experience here at the University of Toledo. If any of you feel like you need guidance or support, the doors to the Student Government are always open. We have meetings every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. in the Student Union Room 2592 where we love to hear what is going on in students’ lives. I hope to see you there!

Go Rockets!

Emily Kramp Student Government President

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Seven UT events you won’t want to miss Here’s a list of some of the oldest and biggest annual events on campus

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1. Music Fest

Music Fest is a free outdoor concert put on by the University of Toledo around the time of the Rockets’ first home football game. It is an all-day event, usually held on campus in September and open to the UT and Toledo community. Last year’s lineup included Tyler Hilton, Gloriana and Bowling for Soup.

2. BG vs. UT football game

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Every year, the Rockets go head-to- head against archrival Bowling Green State University in a game known as The Black Swamp Showdown. The winner of this annual competition gets bragging rights, and also becomes temporary owner of The Battle of 1-75 trophy. UT has defeated the Falcons for the last three years, and the teams are scheduled to face off again on Saturday, Oct. 26, at BG’s Doyt Perry Stadium.

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3 3. Homecoming

Even though there’s no dance, our university still holds a homecoming celebration. It’s a time filled with traditions, events and concerts, and culminates with the annual Homecoming Parade and game. Various organizations around campus build floats that represent that year’s homecoming theme. The 2013 UT Homecoming theme is “Rocket to the Moon, Stars and Beyond! Ninety years and still shining.” This year’s parade will take place on Saturday Oct. 5 at 11 a.m., and the Rockets will face Western Michigan in a conference game.

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4. Relay for Life

Like many communities across the country, UT hosts its own Relay for Life, usually in No5 vember. Over 12 hours, students and community members walk to raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. Last 6. ROCKethon year, over 60 groups of over 800 people gathered at the Recreation Center to walk around UT’s ROCKethon, formerly Dance Marathon, is a tradition that began at Penn State and has spread to universities across the nation. Students the track and participate in activities and spend several hours learning dances and playing games to raise funds for games. the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit that works to fund associated children’s’ hospitals. UT students began participating in 2002 and 5. The BIG Event For this service project, UT students come to- raised over $18,000 for Toledo Mercy Children’s Hospital. Last year, over 700 students attended the event, which raised almost $74,000. gether for one day to clean up the residential areas in Toledo, Bancroft Hills and Secor Gardens in order to show their appreciation to the 7. Songfest Sororities and fraternities have gathered every year since 1937 to persurrounding community. It began 1982, is usually held in March and has been called the form in UT’s Songfest. The competition, usually held in April, features groups singing and dancing live with props and costumes as they vie for largest student-run service project in the nathe top spot. But winning isn’t everything — the money raised by each tion. The number of volunteers climbed to group goes toward a different charity each year. about 1,500 for last year’s event.

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A survival guide for UT commuter students Life may not be as easy when you live on the other side of Toledo (or even out of town), but there are ways to reduce the hassles.

It can feel strange as a firstyear commuter student. You experience all the pressure and responsibility of being a college student, but you are in the minority of your freshman group, over half of whom are in a residence hall. But look at the bigger picture — the most recent figures from the university tell us that less than a quarter of the entire undergraduate population is living on-campus.

For you first-timers, here are a few tips from someone who’s commuted her entire college career. Follow these suggestions and you just might survive your first year driving around UT.

Don’t be afraid to pack a lunch It’s fun to spend money at places on campus to eat — that is, until you’re broke. A commuter meal plan can help, but Rocket Dollars only go so far, and the plan itself isn’t affordable for everyone. Bringing a packed lunch to school may make you feel like a kindergartner again, but it’s better than being poor (and honestly, it’s not weird — a lot of upperclassmen do it). Just buy a sexy lunchbox if you need to feel more like an adult. Don’t want to carry around your food? There’s a commuter lounge located in Student Union Room 2521 with a microwave and refrigerator.

Amanda Eggert

Also, you can ask around your department if there’s a faculty fridge or kitchen you can use.

Get to classes early, especially on test days You’re a commuter student, so you’re going to deal with traffic every day. Depending on construction or accidents, your 10-minute drive could turn into 30. Many professors have strict late policies that affect your grade, so try to be at your class at least 15 minutes early. And even though you’re going to go to all your classes because every class is important (right, Mom and Dad?), this advice is twice as important for exams. If you don’t show up on time, you could be in for some difficulties — like the instructor not allowing you to take the test. And hey, if you’re

early, the extra time you have before a test can be spent reviewing the material you should have studied last night if you hadn’t been busy watching Netflix.

Keep an extra set of clothes in your vehicle It’s a sunny morning, but the afternoon brings a torrential downpour that you have to walk through to get to class. It’s the day of a formal presentation you were supposed to dress up for, but you’re wearing sweatpants.

Your really cute lab partner asks if you want to shoot some hoops at the Rec Center together, but you’re wearing jeans. Instead of wasting gas and spiking your stress levels by speeding home, keep some clothes and shoes in See Commuting / 7

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Commuting from page 6

your trunk or back seat. It’s not something you may think of as essential, but having clothing options with you on campus can actually make your life much easier.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to turn your car into a closet — keep a few items handy, like an extra sweatshirt, some athletic gear and an emergency multi-purpose outfit. You’ll thank yourself later.

between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — then you’ll need about 40 minutes). On the main campus, freshman commuters can park in lots 3, 4, 5, 18, 20 and the East Ramp parking structure.

Don’t drive more than necessary

As a commuter, you have easier access to your vehicle than freshmen who live on campus. So naturally, you may feel the need to drive your car back and forth a lot.

But resist that urge — leave your Be prepared for car in its spot and stay on campus parking woes in between classes. First, parking sucks (see the above entry for deParking sucks and it’s been that tails) and you don’t want to deal way at every university, everywith that multiple times a day. Secwhere, for the history of forever.

And on top of that, the majority of ond, why waste gas? It’s not getting any cheaper. And third, you UT’s students are commuters; our shouldn’t fill the lots fill up fast. air with any more Don’t be surParking lots fill up fossil fuels than prised when you show up five fast, so give yourself necessary. Instead driving around minutes before extra time. Lots of it. of between classes, class and every bring a bike or spot is full. So, if skateboard with you, or grab a seat you want to get to class on time, on the campus bus. Or, if you’re give yourself at least 20 minutes to totally desperate, you could walk find a spot and walk to your destination (unless you’re trying to park or something.

Know where your clases are before your first day It’s your first day of college, and you’re nervous but excited as you slide into a seat for your first class, Psych 1010. But suddenly, the instructor begins talking about the thermodynamics of a hyperbolic parabola, and you’re forced to leave and search for the right class (which you’re already late for). You could have avoided this if you’d found the correct classroom before school started.

Of course, this advice is universal, but it’s very important to commuters — those living in dorms have plenty of time to explore campus once they move in. Sometime before the first day, take a trip to campus and physically visit the buildings and rooms in which each of your classes are being held. And if you take a friend, you can turn the day into a cool scavenger hunt.

Enjoy your time on campus and use it wisely It’s inevitable — at some point, your schedule will have a gap in time that will leave you with

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Where to go Maybe you have a big break in between classes, or you’re waiting for a fun on-campus event that starts later at night. Either way, you may want to lounge around, study quietly, or even take a nap, but the couch in Field House isn’t cutting it. Well, you’re in luck — there are lounge areas all around campus. n The Trimble Lounge. It’s a hot spot for commuters, located on the second floor of the Student Union. There are comfy chairs, as well as theater-style seating in front of a bay of televisions. n The commuter office. It’s in Student Union Room 2521 and has a lounge area to relax and do homework. The commuter office is in the same place as the commuter student lounge. n The library. Did you know the library is open 24/7 during the week? There are plenty of study rooms and quiet areas between the six floors. Computers and laptops are available to use as well. n Student group offices. Besides all the opportunities to meet new friends and grow as a person, many student organizations also offer members a physical space to hang out. It’s just an added bonus to getting involved.

hours to kill on campus. But when there’s a big break, don’t just sit outside your next class and Instagram your Starbucks cup. Use it as an opportunity to get familiar with the university; if you’re going to be here for four years, you might as well enjoy your surroundings. Be social — if you know you’ve got a break after class, invite the nice person who sits next to you in lecture to grab a bite or play Frisbee in

Centennial Mall. And if you’re in a “loner” mood, why not explore campus? (For some ideas on where to explore, check out our “Campus quirks and superstitions” guide on page 16.) The more time you spend on campus, the more opportunities you’ll find to make friends and have fun.

Amanda Eggert is an Independent Collegian staff reporter and commuter student.

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Advice from recent grads

What makes a successful college experience?

“First, make sure you start off strong and stay focused because it is so much harder to work yourself out of a hole. Second, have fun and take full advantage of the activities the university has to offer.”

Tion Taylor B.A. in law and social thought

“College is a once in a lifetime experience, so live it that way!

Try something new, get involved with student organizations, attend campus events, and meet people. These college years will go by a lot faster than you think, so make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Christina Muha B.S. in nursing

“The experiences you gain from the next four years will shape your outlook on so many things you will see later in life.

The most important thing for you to do is continue to network and build valuable connections. The people you encounter and the knowledge they can offer you is priceless.

Making friends will really make your transition from your previous chapter a lot smoother.”

“You should have fun in college, but when your advisors tell you to work hard, they are not simply passing on a cliché. Whether you plan to attend graduate school, go straight into the workforce or if you haven’t yet chosen a major, be excellent in all you do. The people looking for employees will be able to pick from the best — be among them.”

Landyn Jordan B.S. in psychology

Zachary Dehm B.A. in philosophy and religious studies

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How to be the

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roommate from hell

By Jessica Liner Arts & Life Editor

So you’ve finally arrived. You’re moving into your dorm, and it’s time to experience your first taste of freedom. But you won’t embark on this journey alone — you’ll have a brandnew best friend to go through it with you. We’re talking about your roommate of course.

Here are 10 ways to make sure your time living together is a year to remember.

1. Express yourself. Those per- nightly reminder that you’re going sonal habits Mom used to yell at the extra mile to keep yourself you for? Let ’em all hang out! neat and clean.

Chew with your mouth open, and 4. Live it up. This is college; keep your speech somewhere there is no “quiet time.” If at 3 around the volume level of New a.m., you decide to realize your York’s subway sound system. Now potential for impersonating that you’re out on your own, it’s Ke$ha, that’s fine. If it’s Tuesday time to do what feels good. night and you just got a box set 2. Get to know your roomie’s of the Bourne series, feel free to family. Really, really well. Don’t be play it as loud as you can until shy — if you play your cards right, you’ve soaked up all of that acyou might get invited over for tion-y goodness. But don’t be Thanksgiving. Send emails or write selfish — make sure you play it letters to your loud enough that roomie’s mothyour roommate Sharing is caring! er, telling her can enjoy your That means your about your asshenanigans, too.

5. Keep your pirations to beroommate’s stuff is come a chemisfriends close and yours too. Got a date your roomie try teacher who closer. but your clothes are You can think of produces excellent meth, or dirty? Just go ahead roommates as preasking her for assigned friends so and borrow your advice about that you don’t have roomie’s new shirt. your positive to worry about meeting new people STD test. And if Why would they at college. Feel free there are sibmind? lings, Facebook to immediately friend them imshare your innermediately so you can establish trust most secrets, your conspiracy theand discover your roomie’s past. ories or the details of your latest There’s absolutely no way they’ll bowel movement. And remember find this creepy — they’ll just be that whenever your roommate inglad you care. vites others over, those people are 3. Practice good hygiene. Just part of your inner circle, too. This because you share a bathroom goes double for your roomie’s significant other. doesn’t mean you can’t gargle 6. Remember that sharing is your Scope at 5:30 in the morncaring. You’re living together ing. Who wants a roommate with now, which means your roomhalitosis? Don’t be afraid to bormate’s stuff is yours, too. When row your roomie’s deodorant, eiyou have a hot date but all your ther. And always keep your toeclothes are dirty, just borrow that nails neatly trimmed. Leave the new shirt your roomie bought trimmings wherever; preferably yesterday. And when your roommate’s bed. It’ll be a

Vertigo Entertainment

Learning how to live with another person can be hard, but lucky for you, there are some great role models in popular culture. In this image from “The Roommate,” Leighton Meester’s character spends some not-at-all-creepy quality time with her roomie.

you’re hungry after a long day of skipping classes, help yourself to your roommate’s snacks. Don’t worry about asking permission — what are friends for?

7. Don’t be afraid of conflict.

You are who you are. Emphasize that when you come up against anyone of opposite beliefs, even if they’re your roommate. Whatever religion, philosophy, hobby or political party you support, don’t be afraid to try and convert others to your way of thinking (because it’s the RIGHT way). Roommate’s a hippie? That Mitt Romney shrine would look great on your dresser.

Roomie hates rap? Paste pictures of Lil Wayne all over the ceiling.

Hey — it’s just self-expression!

8. Mark your territory. When you’re laundry builds up, let it flow. Feel free to leave trash

around your room, as well as the common area. Heck, decorate the room with old McDonald’s cups, leftover burger wrappers and empty soda cans. And don’t forget: no matter how much stuff you have, there’s plenty of extra room under your roommate’s bed.

9. Lighten things up with a practical joke. Who doesn’t love a good joke? Change your roommate’s desktop or phone picture to something hilarious, like a clown, feces, horse genitalia, pig genitalia, dolphin genitalia, or, of course, your own genitalia. Dip tampons in ketchup and leave them in the middle of the room.

And when your roommate is on the phone, be sure to make puking noises in the background, moan loudly, or make comments

like, “Remember that time we got real high?” Trust us, your roommate’s grandma will think it’s hilarious.

10. Don’t let your roomie get stressed out. Exam week? Time to party! When your roommate is hitting the books, it’s time to crank the music loud and invite a few people over. Make random animal noises, see how many people you can fit into the room, start dancing on tables — whatever it takes to distract your roommate from the nightly grind of studies.

Follow our advice, and by the end of the semester you’ll have gone through about a hundred roommates — which means about a hundred new friends. And each one is sure to remember you forever!

Bob Taylor / IC

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The new Rocket’s guide to UT athletics

By Jay Skebba

Dan Miller / UT

Sports Editor

Top: Members of the Toledo football team run onto the field before last year’s game against Bowling Green, which the Rockets won 27-15. Above: The UT athletic program’s recent history includes having an athlete in the Olympics — soccer player Natalia Gaitan, right, who represented her home country of Colombia in the 2012 games in London.

New to University of Toledo athletics?

Here’s a quick rundown of things any Rocket fan should know.

Football The Rocket football team has developed a knack for knocking off the so-called “big boys” in the last decade or so. Since 2000, Toledo has beaten 10 teams from BCS conferences (10-18 overall). They’ve

beaten at least one team from a BCS league in nine of the last 12 years, including victories over Minnesota, Penn State, Kansas, Michigan and No. 9 Pittsburgh.

Last season, UT took down No. 21 Cincinnati and improved to 5-1 all time against ranked opponents at home.

From 1969 through ’71, Toledo rattled off 35 consecutive wins in football under head coaches Frank Lauterbur (1969-70) and John Murphy (1971), which is still See Athletics / 13

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From top, UT women’s basketball players Ana Capotosto, Andola Dortch, Inma Zanoguera, Riley McCormick, Lecretia Smith and Yolanda Richardson make their way through a tunnel of fans before a game against St. Bonaventure in 2012. Fans extend all the way around the court each game to greet the Rockets, who have led the league in home attendance 23 years in a row. Under head coach Tricia Cullop, they’ve had only 10 losses on their home court.

Athletics from page 12

the fifth-longest streak in NCAA football history. The Rockets won three straight Tangerine Bowls during the streak, beating Davidson, William & Mary and Richmond by a combined score of 124-48. Toledo was ranked as high as No. 12 in the AP poll and No. 13 in the coaches poll during the run.

Soccer The Toledo women’s soccer team sent one its athletes to the Summer Olympics in 2012 — defender and team captain Natalia Gaitan. Gaitan represented and captained her home country of Colombia prior to her senior season at UT. She also competed in the 2011 FIFA World Cup.

Men’s Basketball The UT men’s basketball team will come back after NCAA sanctions banned the team from postseason play last year. The penalties, which also restricted practice times and limited the number of regular-season games, were imposed partly because of a poor team GPA — earned before any members of the existing team had played for UT, or before current head coach Tod Kowalczyk came on board.

Despite the hardships, the team earned a 1513 (10-6) record and managed to capture the MAC West (though the conference refused to officially recognize the achievement).

The team’s history includes ending Indiana’s 33-game winning streak with a 59-57

victory in the first game of the 1976-77 season, which was also the first game ever played at Savage Arena. Bobby Knight and the Hoosiers were coming off an undefeated season and a national championship.

Women’s Basketball

Women’s basketball has blossomed bigtime at Toledo under head coach Tricia Cullop, who took over in the 2008-09 season. The Rockets have captured two MAC Championships (2010-11 and 2012-13) and won the 2011 WNIT, the first MAC team to do so.

UT has led the league in home attendance 23 years in a row and finished 20th in the country last year. Many people credit fan support with helping the Rockets win home games; they’ve lost only 10 times on their home floor under Cullop.

Cross country

The Toledo women’s cross country program has not only climbed to the top of the MAC, but they have started to become a factor on the national level as well.

The Rockets have won the last three conference championships in dominant fashion (their score of 24 points in 2012 was the lowest score in league history) and were ranked as high as 15th in the country last year, the highest ranking in MAC history for any of its teams.

Five runners since 2000 have claimed individual league champion honors, including Ari Fisher in 2010 and 2011.

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Should I join?

Students discuss how being involved on campus has affected their college experience

By Danielle Gamble Editor-in-Chief

Throughout their university careers, students are faced with an important question: should I get involved in a student group?

Junior Clayton Notestine believes the answer is “Yes.” He’s a political science major, a Student Government senator and president of BASH (The Benevolent Adventurers’ Strategic Headquarters), one of the largest student organizations at the University of Toledo.

“No matter how busy you are, whether you’re a liberal arts student or an honors student or a pharmacy major, you’re going to have some free time,” he said.

And Notestine is not alone. He’s one of the thousands of students involved in a student organization at UT, a school that boasts over 250 groups.

About two weeks into his freshman year, Notestine decided he should become a senator for Student Government.

“I thought, why wait?” he said.

After attending two regular SG meetings, Notestine filled out his paperwork, went through the interview process and became a Senator-At-Large, a position that comes with all the regular senatorial privileges and responsibilities.

Even though he describes his experience as “a baptism through fire,” it worked out in the end — something he said happens alot when students first join an on-campus group.

“It may seem very hard at first,” he said.

“But even though it’s a very steep learning curve, it’s a very short learning curve.”

Knowledge that can lead to a job Alex Scheer, a junior majoring in trumpet performance, said he learned a lot from his student group of choice: UT’s Firebolts.

He’s the captain and one of the founders of the Firebolts Quidditch team, a registered club sport here and at universities across the country.

“I didn’t have to start Quidditch,” he said.

“I did it because it’s something I wanted to do, something I cared about, and now it’s going to open up a few more doors that I might not have had if I hadn’t been a part of it.”

One of those doors led to his position as Ohio representative for the International Quidditch Association, a job he said he wouldn’t have gotten if he hadn’t used the skills he learned from his time as captain.

Ic File photo

Members of the UT Quidditch team, the Firebolts, hug members of the the Bowling Green Marauders after a game. The Quidditch team is one of more than 250 student organizations on campus.

“Employers are looking for people who can get up and be assertive,” he said. “I can use this as a very strong resume booster. I can show people that I’m networking, I have good communication skills, good leadership skills, people can count on me. I can start something and see it through.”

Notestine said those who can say they were involved in student groups have the leg up when it comes to getting a job.

“Obviously, it’s going to be enticing to devote a bunch of time to your studies. But you’re going to have employers who aren’t just looking at your grades; they’re going to want to see if you have anything else.”

Not only is it a plug on your resume, he said — the opportunities offered to student organization members give them realworld experience that students need before

they get into the real world.

“You’re going to develop skills that you’ll never be able to develop in the classroom,” he said. “It’s one thing to go into the theory of communication, or write a story or go to class. It’s another to actually spend days writing emails, actually working with professors and administrators on campus and actually talking to students.”

Making friends More than the skills he’s learned, Scheer said he cherishes the friendships he’s found on his team.

“There are now so many people I can call friends because of Quidditch,” he said.

“Those friends have friends who have connections, and if they’re a good enough

friend, they’re going to help you out.”

Scheer, who is also became a member of the Sigma Theta Epsilon fraternity while attending Ohio Northern University, said getting involved made his college career matter.

“If you’re part of a student organization, you meet so many different people with so many different backgrounds. But at the end of the day you realize that you’re all there together with a common goal.”

That’s why Louis Koepke, a 2012 alum with a degree in history, said he became a member of the Rocket Marching Band his freshman year. He played music all through high school, and he signed up as soon as he could because he “knew I’d meet friends right away.”

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Fun Fact:

The Glass Bowl can hold a little over 26,000 people.

Cannon at football games Whether you go to football games or not, as long as you’re outside on campus, you’ll be able to tell when the Rockets score by the “boom” of a cannon. The tradition dates to 1953 and was started by the men of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

The cannon, which is at the northeast corner of the stadium, is fired at the beginning of every home game, at the end of each quarter and after every Rocket score.

The Fountain The Toledo Edison Memorial Fountain was built as a result of a gift by Toledo

Edison Co. in 1979 to mark the 100th anniversary of Thomas Edison’s invention of the lightbulb. It was built the following year, when Centennial Mall was constructed. The fountain also spent four years as a Fun Fact:

The Collegiate Gothic structural design for University Hall set the standard for all other buildings to be constructed on the University of Toledo’s Bancroft Campus. flower bed when rusted pipes forced it to shut down and the $50,000 repair cost was too high. It was restored as a fountain in 1997 after a

fundraising effort by Student Government president Kevin Hopkins, Toledo Edison and many others.

Echo point outside Ottawa East (pictured at bottom left) Between the Ottawa East dining hall and the railroad tracks, there’s a special sec-

tion of sidewalk surrounded by a circle of knee-high brick. If you stand precisely in the center (marked by the seams of the sidewalk) and speak at a regular volume, you’re voice will sound like you’re standing in a large echoing chamber. However, only you will be able to hear the reverberations.

Fun Fact:

UT’s 16th and current president, Lloyd Jacobs, was appointed in 2006 when UT merged with the former Medical University of Ohio, which he headed for about three years.

The curse of the University Seal The University of Toledo’s Seal was placed in the middle of Centennial Mall and dedicated on October 23, 1995, by the Student Alumni Council. Superstition states that if you step on the seal, you will fail your next exam; this was started

by Omicron Delta Kappa to discourage people from standing on the dais.

Fun Fact:

The Collegiate Gothic structural design for University Hall set the standard for all other campus buildings to be constructed on UT’s main campus.

Spirit Rock The Spirit Rock on the Flatlands area of Main Campus was donated to the univer-

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Fun Fact:

On the top four corners of the Bell Tower are four gargoyles who are said to guard the university.

Centennial Mall sidewalks During the Blizzard of 1978, the area in the middle of campus, which used to be a faculty parking lot and Army barracks, was completely covered by snow.

Graduate students in the university’s geography desity in 1997. The rock has been painted hundreds of times, but it’s traditional to wait until after dark. It replaced a spirit rock that was donated to UT in 1968 and located between Carlson Library and the StuFun Fact:

The Bell Tower atop University Hall has 156 steps and is 206 feet tall. Finished in 1931, U Hall was the first building built on the Bancroft campus. dent Union. That rock was moved to make room for an expansion of the Student Union and is now by the pond on the Scott Park campus.

Rocky the Rocket and Rocksy the Rocket Rocky became UT’s mascot the 1966-67 school year.

The tradition was started by the Spirits and Traditions committee, a part of Student Government, with various students being chosen to dress up for games. Then in fall 1968, the first official Rocky the Rocket emerged in a costume made by the theater department seamstress. The costume was essentially a wastebasket with a pointed rocket top made of papier-mâché. Over the years Rocky’s costume has changed many times, including an authentic spacesuit, helmet, and boots

donated to the university by the NASA Space Center in 1977. The latest Rocky, which was unveiled in fall of 2008, maintains the futuristic space concept but is depicted more as a cartoon Fun Fact:

There are almost 300 trees in the 9.7 acres of the Centennial Mall area. superhero. Then, in 2011, at UT’s Music Fest, Rocksy, the female version of the 2008 Rocky, was introduced.

17

partment photographed the paths on the snow made by students walking to class. The design of the sidewalks in Centennial Mall was then constructed using the layout of those paths.

Fun Fact:

President Henry J. Doermann, the father of the Bell Tower and the university’s structural design, went against the objections of many Toledoans who felt the design was extravagant and too costly.

Falcons in the Bell Tower Though the Bowling Green Falcons are archrivals to the Rockets, another type of falcon has made its home at UT. In 2006, a mating pair of Peregrine falcons nested in the bell tower, making it one of about 36 nesting sites across Ohio.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife monitors the falcons and bands the young falcons just before they leave the nest.

Compiled by Danielle Gamble. Sources: UT and Blue Crew. Photos: The IC and UT.

18 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013

Ways to get around UT and the Toledo area TARTA (Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority) Terminal: 1127 W. Central Ave. Phone: 419-243-RIDE (7433) Cost: $1; passes available.

TARTA is the transit system that services Toledo and many surrounding communities.

It can be used to go to anywhere in Toledo and has a dedicated stop at the Transportation Center on main campus. You can also use TARTA to get to surrounding communities such as Perrysburg, Maumee, Rossford, Ottawa Hills and Spencer Township. The fare is $1 or one token; passes are available for $10 per week or $40 per month. Check tarta. com for more information. TARTA buses are equipped with bike racks.

Black and White Cab Phone: 419-536-8294 Service Hours: 24/7 Cost: Varies based on distance.

Black & White Cab Co. is a taxi service serving the Toledo area. It offers a Designated Driver service.

The Independent Collegian is looking for dynamic business leaders! We are now hiring: • Advertising sales representatives to help local businesses reach UT students through our pages. • An ad designer to help us look our best.

University of Toledo Transit Services Phone: 419-530-1026 Cost: Free for students.

UT bus service is provided at no cost to UT students. To ride, just show your Rocket ID. Buses run to the Health Science Campus, Scott Park Campus, Toledo Museum of Art, Westfield Franklin Park Mall, Walmart and various apartment complexes.

Night Watch (Escort Service) Phone: 419-530-3024 Cost: Free.

Equipped with two-way radios and in constant contact with the police dispatcher, two-person teams of escorts will provide assistance to people requesting an escort from one UT location to another late at night.

Night Watch operates from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday when school is in session. To request an escort, call 419-530-3024.

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Understanding your bill

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What do all those items on your UT bill mean? Here’s a breakdown.

Tuition: Every student at colleges everywhere pays tuition — it’s the overall fee to attend the school. Tuition rates vary depending if you live in or out of state, or depending on your status as a part-time or full-time student. If you exceed 16 credit hours, you will have to pay per extra credit hour, and each hour is worth several hundred dollars.

General Fee: This supports activities sponsored by Student Government, campus activities and campus athletic events. This money also goes towards the upkeep of the Student Union building, intramural sports, transportation services and other student organizations who require funding. The money is allocated at the end of each academic year by a general fee committee, made up of students and approved by upper administrators.

Special Service Fee: It’s a mandatory semester fee that covers processing of official academic transcript requests made through Rocket Solution Central and the Office of the registrar. The fee also goes toward the processing of graduation applications.

Lab Fee: Despite the name, lab fees are not just for science classes. A lab fee can be applied to almost any specialized class, and are requested to cover equipment and materials used in a class.

Tech Fee: It’s used to fix or buy technology and supplies in labs, classrooms and computer labs for whatever college designated on your bill.

Library Information Resource Fee: This money goes toward Electronic Library resources.

Parking Permit (Optional): You can request a parking permit on your myUT portal, and the system will assign you a permit type based on several factors, including your year in school and your commuting status. Your permit information will automatically update as your student status changes. While you don’t necessarily have to purchase a parking permit, you will be ticketed if you park on campus without one.

Health Insurance: All students registered for six or more on-campus credit hours are required by UT to have health insurance. You will automatically be issued a bill to be a beneficiary of UT’s plan, but you can waive the fee if you have comparable health insurance or are covered by your parents’ plan.

Payments: Anytime you make a payment on your bill, the amount you paid and the way you paid it will appear.

Similarly, any loans or scholarships you receive will also be listed.

What about those optional fees?

Student Legal Services

Any student who has paid the $10-per-semester legal services fee is eligible for free counsel from Student Legal Services.

The Student Legal Services program was initiated in 1995 to provide quality legal counsel to students. The program assists students with a wide variety of legal issues including, but not limited to: n Traffic citations. n Criminal matters. n Landlord-tenant issues. n Debt collection or consumer issues. n Insurance issues.

The cost of hiring a private attorney in the Toledo area can range from $100 to $500 per hour, so even if you don’t think you’re likely to need legal services, $10 per semester may be a small price to pay for security.

Student Legal Services is located in Room 1533 of the Student Union.

Green Fund

The UT Student Green Fund (SGF) serves to finance student-proposed and executed projects that promote sustainability, renewable energy, efficiency, waste reduction, and educational initiatives such as conferences, workshops, public classes and internships.

The SGF is a student-conceived, student-created, and student-led program. It is a self-replenishing pool of money collected from students that is used to finance student-backed projects that serve to support the SGF’s mission to make UT a greener, more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus.

During the fall semester of 2011, several students met to outline their collective goal to implement a voluntary, $5 per semester fee intended to dramatically increase the speed at which students and student organizations could receive funding to make impactful, eco-friendly changes to the campus.

Projects funded by the SGF may range from campus-wide sustainability initiatives such as free high-quality water bottles and filtered water refill stations to cut down on plastic waste, providing capital for senior capstone projects or research and internship stipends, and possibly implementing more renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power, lowering the utility cost and carbon footprint associated with every UT community member.

Compiled by Danielle Gamble.

20 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013

No, you’re not crazy Everybody needs a little help sometimes.

We asked UT counselors to share their advice for incoming students.

By Michael Gammo Staff Reporter

Commencing your college career is a major milestone in a person’s life and can be an exhilarating period of new experiences. However, the exciting transition from life at home to life at college means new levels of responsibility and independence that can feel overwhelming.

“One of the biggest issues we see, especially with incoming students, is adjusting to college life and coping with the transition from high school to college,” said Dr. Stanley Edwards, director of the UT Counseling Center in Rocket Hall, which provides free counseling services to students.

Dr. Jason Levine, director of the psychology department’s clinic in University Hall, said it’s possible to adapt and overcome stress without needing to see a counselor, but people often need extra support.

How to tell if you should seek help Here are a few ways to tell if a problem you’re experiencing is out of the ordinary, according to Levine. n Is the problem persistent? n Do you feel this way multiple times during the week? n Is the problem beginning to impair your life or activities?

Don’t ignore problems

If there is an issue that is adversely affecting your life, it should be addressed rather than ignored.

“Signs of emotional distress are not limited to just feelings, but can also manifest themselves as psychosomatic symptoms such as changes in appetite, fatigue or exhaustion, headaches, muscle pain or tension, stomach pain, and feelings of panic or racing heart,” said Stephanie McGuire Wise, one of five full-time counselors at the Counseling Center. “And once a problem is causing physical problems, it is very serious.”

McGuire Wise said students should be aware of their normal patterns and routines to see if there are noticeable deviations that have occurred, and if those deviations are negatively affecting them.

Changes in eating and sleeping and studying patterns can be the result of emotional issues, and can cause lower-than-normal performance.

While most college students often find themselves not getting much rest, radical changes in sleep patterns are not the norm. For some people, stress can result in trouble falling or staying asleep.

Counselors can help students resolve sleep issues before they become a serious detriment.

“After ruling out any medical basis for a sleep disorder, we can treat students using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for sleep to teach behavioral strategies and changes in routine that help with falling asleep and staying asleep,” Levine said.

See Health / 21

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Health from page 20

Some students try to cope with stress by using drugs or alcohol, but ultimately this approach proves unsuccessful because the underlying issues haven’t been addressed, only masked.

Anyone who believes they may have a problem with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco can seek help from the counseling center or psychology clinic to work through the issue. Privacy and confidentiality are always guaranteed to students and issues discussed with counselors or therapists have no effect on academic standings.

Stay on top of things A huge issue that students face in college is proper time management and creating practical schedules. Being able to organize your time efficiently while still making room for relaxation is very important, especially for first-year students.

The counseling center can help with student organization, planning, and time management skills by working one-on-one with students. The center also hosts workshops that teach time management, and study skills.

“Two of the biggest tips that can help new students and that we always recommend are to go to class and to get to know your academic adviser,” McGuire Wise said. “Keeping up with work and proper scheduling are keys to success at college.”

Resources

Main Campus Medical Center Location: On the southwest side of campus, between the Law Building and Rocket Hall.

Clinic hours for students: Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Who can go: Students who are registered for at least one semester-hour.

To make appointments: Call 419-530-3451.

University Counseling Center Location: Rocket Hall Room 1810.

Who can go: The Counseling Center provides free services for any currently enrolled UT student.

Services offered: The Counseling Center has five full-time counselors. Both individual and group sessions are available.

How to get started: Seeing a counselor at the center starts with a screening. Screening times are at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday. During your initial appointment, you will be able to discuss your concerns with a counselor who will begin to determine what services might be helpful for you.

To make an appointment: Call 419-530-2426.

UT Psychology Clinic Location: University Hall Room 1380 Who can go: The University of Toledo Psychology Clinic provides mental services to both students and the greater Toledo community. There is a fee, but the clinic uses a sliding fee scale.

Services offered: The clinic is staffed by doctoral students under the supervision of faculty members who are licensed clinical psychologists. Services include therapy, assessment, testing, consultation and community outreach.

To make an appointment: Call 419-530-3390.

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UT’s Medical amnesty Policy What is it and what does it mean for you?

It’s a an inevitable fact of college — there’s a good chance that even as a freshman, you’re going to have an opportunity to drink underage or try illegal drugs.

And even if you’re not aching to do a keg stand or roll a blunt, what about your new free-spirited friend, or your wild roommate?

If a “good time” turns dangerous, don’t be afraid to call for help. Since 2010, the University of Toledo’s medical amnesty policy has protected students who find themselves or a friend in an emergency from having the incident affect the students’ academic records or lead to disciplinary action.

That’s right — if you call for help for yourself, another student or a friend experiencing an alcohol- or drug-related emergency, neither the person who calls nor the person in distress will face any punishment from UT. Here are some answers to further questions you might have.

Who does this policy apply to?

“UT students who initiate and seek assistance and/or medical treatment on behalf of themselves, another student or a friend.”

Who should I contact to report a problem under medical amnesty?

Just react the same way you would in any other emergency situation — call 911 first. Then, the policy suggests you next inform “the UT Police Department… and University officials.”

Does this only apply if I’m on campus?

The policy states students who are “on the UT campuses and satellite grounds” are under its protection. If you are functioning as a representative of the university, it

Does the incident really not go on my record at all?

It doesn’t go on your permanent record, but the university will keep Are there other punishments I tabs on you until you graduate. might face?

“Although a record of the inciThe policy states that if a student dent will be filed and used as a priconduct officer decides the amnesty or record should subsequent alcopolicy is applicable to your situahol or other drug violations occur, tion, you “will not be subject to dis- it will not be reflected in the stuciplinary action dent’s academic trannor required scripts and the file alcohol and other If you seek help for will be maintained in drug sanctions accordance with stuyourself, another under the UT dent conduct records student or a friend management. In casStudent Codes of Conduct, Resies in which amnesty experiencing an dence Life or is applied, the realcohol- or drugGreek Life.” cords will be used for However, if related emergency, internal use only and your circumwill be destroyed upnone of you will stances are more on graduation.” complex, like if face punishment you get arrested What if this from UT. by city police, happens more there’s nothing than once? the university can do.

“If the student is involved in any subsequent alcohol and/or drug Are my parents going to find out? abuse incidents, the situations will Yes — it’s part of the policy. be evaluated by a student conduct “Even though disciplinary action or student affairs officer to see if may be waived, The University of the student qualifies for medical Toledo requires that the office of amnesty. Typically those situations student conduct or student affairs will be handled through the regular notify the parents or guardian of judicial process and will be considthe student affected.” ered for sanctioning purposes. The availability of medical amnesty for What happens after? students with repetitive or severe The university will contact you violations will be determined on a and set up a time for you to be evalcase-by-case basis.” uated by a student affairs or student conduct officer. Then, they decide Are there other situations where whether or not you need additional this policy could help me out? counseling or help. You could be Not really; that’s not how it works. “subject to referral for assessment, “The medical amnesty policy apcounseling, and possible treatment.” plies to medical emergencies related to alcohol and drug use. It does not What if I just blow off the followapply to other prohibited behavior up process? such as disorderly conduct (includPlease follow through. If you ing physical or verbal abuse), propdon’t comply with the entire proerty damage, or distribution of illiccess, you could face much tougher it substances.” penalties.

— Danielle Gamble applies as well — even if you’re part of group while outside of Toledo, or even Ohio.

22 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Ic File photo

Clayton Notestine and Katherine Saine are pictured during a Student Government meeting. Notestine got involved with SG as a freshman and said being part of the organization has helped him tremendously.

Involved from page 14

“It’s always good to have kind of a support group with people you can always come to, or have lunch with, or hang out with while you’re at college,” Koepke said. “Otherwise, it becomes a chore to go to class everyday and go home.”

Rocket pride Despite his heavy involvement in campus life, Notestine said he briefly flirted with the idea of transferring to another university for “a change of pace.”

“If I wasn’t involved in something fun like BASH, I probably would have transferred somewhere else,” he said. “But I met so many people who are nothing like anyone else I’ve ever met. It gave me a reason to want to stay.”

Notestine, who fondly refers to BASH as a “geeky fraternity,” said this UT group has “a much more diverse and eclectic bunch of people” than organizations he’s seen at other schools.

“I mean, UT does provide a good education and a lot of resources, but at the very face level of that, every university in the country is competing to provide that,” Notestine said. “Yeah, it gives me a good academic degree and teaches me professionalism, but then again, so does Ohio State and dozens and dozens of other universities across the country. What separates one university from another is the actual people attending there and the atmosphere and culture.”

After years of watching some friends stay at UT and some go, Notestine also believes getting involved on campus plays a key role in student life.

“The thing that usually distinguishes those who are staying and those who are leaving or dropping out is whether or not you’re involved on campus.”

Samantha Watson, a senior majoring in communication and president of UT’s Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA), agrees. She said student groups encourage members to care about their school, which makes them better students.

“If you’re not proud of where you’re learning, you lose a little bit of the desire to learn,” Watson said. “Being proud of where you are really helps to encourage you to do more and to be involved and more importantly, to give back.”

Time management

Koepke said being a UT band member gave him a sense of pride and an opportunity to meet several friends.

“For me, marching band was time to relax from classes,” he said. “You get to meet up with people who become your friends because you work so much together, and at the same time you get to get a sense of accomplishment.”

But he was also a part of another student group, BASH, and he also had a job, like 70 percent of college undergraduates, according to a U.S. census report.

See Involved / 24

23

24 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013

Members of the UT marching band perform at a football scrimmage.

Involved

Ic File photo

Participants were found to improve in all of the 11 areas they were evaluated on, infrom page 23 cluding academic performance, interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and even Despite how much he enjoyed marching, the values the participant held.

Koepke said it was too hard to balance “Even if you’re only devoting 5 or 10 perschool, work and membership in two stucent of your academic year to student orgs,” dent groups, and he dropped band his juNotestine said, “that’s enough.” nior year.

Koepke agreed — he said students don’t But even though he had to cut back on have to be totally devoted to an organization his on-campus involvement, Koepke said he to learn from the experience. He’s expecting was pleased with what he got out of his time to come back to UT in the fall to pursue a in band, and he “learned a lot about time degree in computer science engineering management.” technology, and he said one of his first With leadership roles in two large student moves will be to get involved again in organization, Notestine adBASH. mits that being involved “Sign up for everything.

“As long as your takes time. But both groups heart is in it and Even if you don’t end up offer him different things, you’re willing to parliking everything, you all of which are valuable. ticipate and do what “I think every freshman, can learn about it.” the group needs of when you first get into colyou and you’re open ALEX SCHEER to that, I think that’s lege, you should do at least Junior, trumpet performance two organizations. You enough to get someshould do one that’s more thing out of being inprofessional and will develop you profesvolved,” he said. “If you’re inclined to be a sionally, and the other so you don’t go inleader in a student org, I’d say go for it. But sane and can take your mind off work.” not everyone’s like that.”

Notestine suggested that students who are afraid of becoming overcommitted should When to make your move still attempt “at least some type of volunteer or service organization.”

Even if they’re sold on the idea of getStudies suggest that taking time to get inting involved on campus, students must volved in a student group is worth it. In 2000, also decide when to take the plunge. Noa study conducted by the Higher Education testine suggested students should do it Research Institute found that service learning fairly early. or community service has “significant posiSee Involved / 25 tive effects” on undergrad performance.

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Involved

“The earlier you find an organization, the more things you can find to stay in from page 24 school,” Koepke said.

But Watson said she thinks when stu“Take a few weeks to get settled,” Notesdents get involved in a group before they tine said, “but as soon as you get the know what they want to do, it “may dischance, join a student organization, betract you from school, which is the reacause that’s what’s going to make you actu- son we’re all here.” She was a biology ally like the university.” major for her first year of college, and Scheer agreed that students should make didn’t change her major until her sophosure they’re ready for a commitment bemore year. After that, she spent another fore choosing a group, though he said stuyear deciding her concentration. dents should sign up for more than just “I know if I would have joined an orone group. ganization my fresh“Sign up for every“What separates one uni- men year, I would have thing,” he said. “Even been lost, because I was versity from another is if you don’t end up in the wrong major in liking everything, you the actual people attendthe wrong time,” she can learn about it.” said. ing there and the atmoWatson offered a In the end, Watson sphere and culture.” different philosophy. said there just isn’t one Besides PRSSA, she’s a single philosophy that Clayton notestine member of Lambda Pi Junior, political science works for every Eta, an honors society student. for communication ma“Everyone’s differjors. But she didn’t join either group until ent,” she said. “Joining organizations earher third year at UT. ly and joining a lot wouldn’t have “After I figured out what I wanted, I worked for me, but it may have worked decided to get to know more students for someone else, and different organizawho were interested in what I was intertions work for different people. It really ested in.” depends on who you are and what orgaKoepke said he strongly disagreed with nizations UT has and whether or not waiting more than a few months before you’re willing to put that first step getting involved on campus. forward.”

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26 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

Fun & Games

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.

Solutions appear on page 30. Š StatePoint Media

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28 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013 Campus life is busy and bursting with opportunities — cool hangouts, fun events and concerts, and free food around almost every corner. If you’re on the lookout for fun, you can find a great experience without stepping one foot off campus. But for those in for an adventure, or who find themselves getting a little stir-crazy, the city of Toledo offers a ton of options for a night or even entire day filled with excitement.

This guide is designed to help new students who would like to experience what makes this area great as well as Toledo natives who would like to learn new things about their hometown.

0 = Enjoy for free $ = Expect to spend at least $5, but no more than $12 $$ = Expect to spend at least $13, but no more than $20 $$$ = Expect to spend over $20

Huntington Center 500 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, OH 43604 419-255-3300 Cash: $$-$$$ For even more concert and show options, students should check out the Huntington Center downtown. Not only do they host several big name music groups and a variety of shows throughout the year, but the Toledo Walleye — an ECHL ice hockey team — call the center home.

Visit www.huntingtoncentertoledo.com to find out more information about the type of entertain-

ment offered, as well as www.toledowalleye.com to check out the hockey schedule and ticket prices.

Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St. Toledo, OH 43560 419-725-HENS Cash: $-$$ Going to watch a Mud Hens game is another of those childhood memories that many Toledo natives

remember fondly. Located downtown, Fifth Third Field (shown below), is a beautiful minor league stadium full of all the things that make America’s

Photo courtesy of toledomuseum.org

Photo courtesy of milb.com

pastime a blast to watch: stadium hot dogs, cheery mascots, and plenty of junk food. Ticket prices vary, with some going for as low as $9. Whether you are looking for something fun to do with visiting family members, or simply trying to procrastinate during finals week, going to see the Hens play will always do the trick.

Westfield Shopping Center 5001 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43623 419-473-3317 Cash: Up to you Toledo-born students will remember Westfield Shopping Center as Franklin Park Mall — a place to go and eat under a giant glass cube while waiting to sit on Santa’s lap or get new school clothes. While the glass cube on the roof may be long gone, but this mall remains a common place to shop, eat, or see a movie (where you can take advantage of either $7 discounted student tickets or $5 tickets on Tuesdays). Don’t have a car? Students can travel to the mall for free courtesy of UT Transit Services Monday through Friday from 5 to 9:20 p.m.

Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43604 419-255-8000 Cash: $ While this location might seem dull if one is forced to visit for an Art History class, visiting by choice is much more enjoyable. The Toledo Museum of Art (pictured above) is an expansive museum and a great place to study some of the world’s greatest paintings, sculptures, and display pieces.

The best part: the only thing you have to pay for is parking. The museum is also a great place for classical music fans, as its Peristyle concert hall is home to the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Keeping with the museum’s efforts to make culture and art accessible to everyone, they offer student

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

restaurants like Biaggi’s or Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi. For a more budget-friendly experience, you can watch a movie on Tuesdays for a $5 admission and enjoy eateries like Max & Ermas and Bob Evans.

for seats, and the Toledo Opera offers $10 student rush tickets starting 30 minutes before the show.

Visit www.valentine theatre.com for show times and ticket prices. rush tickets for $5 starting an hour before the show.

Wildwood Metropark 5100 W. Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43615 419-407-9700 Cash: 0 Another thing Toledo prides itself in is its impressive Metropark system. Wildwood Metropark, located about five minutes from campus, is the crowning jewel of those parks, boast-

Valentine Theatre 410 Adams St. Toledo, OH 43604 419-242-ARTS Cash: $ For those looking for more romantic date ideas, Valentine Theatre (shown below) offers an assorted schedule of plays and classic movies are a great choice. While the tickets for some shows can be pricey, the classic movie nights run only $5

Photo courtesy of valentinetheatre.com

ing a dizzying array of trails for bikers or joggers.

Wildwood is the perfect place for an afternoon workout or an ultimate Frisbee game with your friends. There is even a six-mile bike trail connecting the university, the park and other Toledo locations like Westfield Shopping Center.

Uncle John’s Pancake House 3131 Secor Road Toledo, OH 43606-1514 419-536-9442 Cash: $ This old-fashioned favorite combines two things every college student loves — breakfast food and low prices. If you go there on Wednesday, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes for only $1.99.

And besides the food, the décor is kind of fun — the entire restaurant is filled with fun artifacts and pictures that pay homage to pop culture and to Toledo. If you can bear to look up from bites of delicious pancakes smothered in butter and syrup, you might even spot some Rockets memorabilia on the wall.

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Photo courtesy of toledozoo.org

Levis Commons 3201 Levis Commons Boulevard Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-931-8888 Cash: Up to you Westfield Shopping Center is not the only option for shopping or seeing a movie.

Levis Commons is a little bit of a drive from campus, but the peaceful outside mall boasts an atmosphere and selection of businesses that make it perfect for an important date night or a snazzy day out with friends. Highlights of Levis Commons (shown below) include several boutiques and an assortment of nicer

Photo courtesy of leviscommons.com

Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way Toledo, OH 43709 419-385-4040 Cash: $$-$$$ Another one of the city’s draws is the Toledo Zoo. It’s recognized as one of the top zoos in the country and boasts a wide variety of animal exhibits as well as activities for visitors of all ages.

And once the animals go inside for the winter, the fun doesn’t end. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Lights before Christmas, a gigantic Christmas light display spanning the entire zoo. In February, guests can come in for Frozentoesen — a festival full of various indoor events, as well as the main outside attraction of watching local ice carvers transform frozen cubes into temporary works of art. Visit toledozoo.org for more info.

— Blake Bacho, assistant sports editor of The Independent Collegian, is a native of the Toledo area.

30 | The Independent Collegian | Fall Semester 2013 Sudoku solutions

About this publication

Puzzles appear on page 27.

UT 101 is a special edition produced by The Independent Collegian, the University of Toledo’s student newspaper.

Editor: Danielle Gamble Contributors: Blake Bacho, Amanda Eggert, Michael Gammo, Jessica Liner, Jay Skebba Cover model: Wesley S. Forney Advertising sales: Lucas Wall Graphic design: Adrielle Henry Summer distribution: Lindsay Mahaney Fall distribution: Jennah Romansky Adviser: Erik Gable

About The Independent Collegian UT’s student newspaper was founded as The UniversiTeaser in 1919. For much of its life, the paper was simply called The Collegian and was funded in part by UT. But in 2000, facing attempts by thenpresident Vik Kapoor to exercise more control over the paper — including trying to install his own hand-picked candidate for editor-in-chief — the paper began the move toward organizational independence.

Kapoor was forced to resign that spring, and in the fall, The Independent Collegian was born. With help from members of the faculty, board of trustees and local press, The Collegian severed legal and financial ties to the university and eventually moved off-campus.

Although the IC now leases space in Carlson Library, it is still run independently by the Collegian Media Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. The IC is committed to remaining a strong, independent voice for the UT community.

2801 W. Bancroft St. Mail Stop 530 Carlson Library Suite 1057 419-530-7788 IndependentCollegian.com

Join our team!

From writing to photography ... from advertising sales to graphic design ... The Independent Collegian is looking for talented students to work with us! To learn more about job and internship opportunities at the IC, email jobs@independentcollegian.com or stop by our office in Carlson Library Suite 1057.

Fall Semester 2013 | The Independent Collegian |

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