The Kent Stater - August 26, 2015

The

Kent Stater

WEEKEND

ELCOME

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

@kentwired KentWired.com Page A1

5 THINGS YOU MISSED THIS SUMMER Credit hour cap The Kent State Board of Trustees voted at its June meeting to increase the credit hour cap from 16 credit hours to 18 credit hours, changing the range of a full-time student from 11-16 credit hours to 12-18. However, university officials expect to lose more than $3 million by increasing the threshold.

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Tuition freeze

Summit Street Improvement Project The two-year Summit Street Improvement Project will improve traffic and safety conditions by adding turn lanes, medians and sidewalks to the roadway, but it will also cause several disruptions for drivers and pedestrians throughout the duration of construction.

Kent State’s tuition for in-state undergraduate students will not increase for the next two years as a result of Ohio’s new state budget, which mandated universities put a freeze on their tuition charge. This year, however, tuition will increase for out-of-state students by three percent per semester, and the graduate student rate will increase by two percent per semester.

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Changes in the HUB Wow Bao, a bao restaurant from Chicago, is replacing Nathan’s and Arthur Treacher’s, and Jump! Asian Express has closed as well, but Dining Services has not yet announced what will take its place.

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New contract for campus workers Kent State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 153 reached an agreement in early June, preventing a potential strike from campus workers, including custodians and Dining Services employees.

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The Kent Stater

From the editor: About this issue

Emily Mills // Editor emills11@kent.edu @emilymills818 (330) 672-0885

Welcome to the Kent Stater’s Orientation Issue! This paper is meant to introduce you to Kent State University and catch you up on what’s happened over the last few months, whether you’re a new freshman, a returning upperclassmen or a member of the Kent community.

Section A explains what you missed this summer. While most Kent State students were spending their days marathoning Netflix, sleeping, vacationing or spending time with friends, the staff of the Summer Kent Stater was hard at work reporting on the campus and the city of Kent. The credit hour cap was increased, tuition was frozen for the next two years and Summit Street is going to become pretty annoying to drive on for the next two years.

Section B explains life in Kent.

We’ll tell you about some great restaurants and shops downtown, as well as where you can get a tattoo or a cup of coffee. The city has

really transformed into a college town over the last few years, and it’s a great place for students to go hang out when you want to get offcampus.

Section C explains life on campus. Want to learn more about the more than 350 student organizations on campus? Considering going Greek? Don’t know where to eat on campus? Worried about getting along with your roommate?

We’ll help you figure it out.

Section D is all about Kent State sports. We have 16 Division 1 teams, and you get into games free with your Flashcard. Support your fellow Flashes and head out to a football game, field hockey match or any other game; we’ll let you know what the teams will look like this year. Section D also has a few opinion pieces from our editors about the college experience, so if you want to hear from some seasoned vets about how to make it through college, head on over to the last section.

The

I hope this issue introduces you to the things that make Kent State and the city of Kent great, as well as serves as a guide to the upcoming semester, whether it’s your first or your last.

We’ll be keeping you up-to-date on news throughout the semester on KentWired.com, as well as in our print editions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. TV2 programming is available throughout the day, and Black Squirrel Radio is available online.

Summer

Kent

Stater 240 FRANKLIN HALL KENT STATE UNIVERSITY KENT, OHIO 44242 Newsroom 330-672-2584 EDITOR

Emily Mills emills11@kent.edu

MANAGING EDITOR

Jimmy Miller jmill231@kent.edu

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ray Padilla rpadill2@kent.edu

PHOTO EDITOR

MaKayla Brown mbrow138@kent.edu

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Emily Mills

Elizabeth Randolph erandol3@kent.edu

SENIOR REPORTER

Matt Merchant mmercha1@kent.edu

PHOTOGRAPHER

Sarah Pompeii spompeii@kent.edu

COPY/WEB EDITORS

Toni Hunt thunt7@kent.edu

Chiamaka Onwuama-Uwagba conwuama@kent.edu Dara Sander dsander@kent.edu ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

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STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kevin Dilley kdilley@kent.edu (330) 672 0887

ADVERTISING MANAGER

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PRODUCTION MANAGER

Katie Barnes-Evans kbarnes6@kent.edu (330) 672 0886

ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK

Lorie Bednar lbednar@kent.edu (330) 672 2572

BUSINESS OFFICER

Norma Young njyoung@kent.edu (330) 672 0884

STATER ADVISER

Jenna Watson/Ada Marcantonio / Summer Kent Stater Aerial image of Campus Center Drive and Summit Street taken April 28, 2014. Illustration by Ada Marcantonio.

Mitch McKenney mmckenne@kent.edu (330) 672 3665

Two-year Summit Street Improvement Project will affect driving conditions, parking lots Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter The two-year Summit Street Improvement Project will improve traffic and safety conditions by adding turn lanes, medians and sidewalks to the roadway, but it will also cause several disruptions for drivers and pedestrians throughout the duration of construction.

The project will cause parts of Summit Street to become oneway for a majority of the two-year timeframe and will cost about $15 million, with the Ohio Department of Transportation paying for 80 percent and the city of Kent and Kent State splitting the remaining 20 percent.

“The overall project is meant to relieve traffic congestion (and) improve vehicular and pedestrian safety to the corridor,” said James Bowling, superintendent of engineering and deputy service director for the city.

Project contractor Kim Moore Construction Company will begin construction in early fall, Bowling said.

The entire project is expected to be finished sometime in late 2017. However, the completion date could be pushed back due to weather, according to the university website.

Driving on Summit Street

The project, which will be broken up into phases, will focus on the one-mile stretch of Summit Street between Loop Road and Lincoln Street.

Two roundabouts will be added: one at the entrance to Risman Plaza and the Kent Student Center parking lot, which will eliminate one intersection at Risman Plaza, and one at Ted Boyd Drive that will replace the existing intersection.

Michael Bruder, executive director of facilities planning and design, said phase one will take place between Fraternity Circle and Loop Road, and phase two will take place between Fraternity Circle and Lincoln Street.

During each phase, traffic will be restricted to a one-way eastbound lane in the construction zone.

Bruder said State Route 261 is the detour. From 261, drivers will turn right on South Water Street, which is State Route 43, then turn right onto East Summit Street. From there, drivers can

New state budget calls for tuition freeze Austin Bennett Administration Reporter Kent State’s tuition for in-state undergraduate students will not change for the next two years as a result of Ohio’s new state budget, which mandates universities put a freeze on their tuition charge.

As the rising cost of attending college and student debt became issues nationally, the budget, which went into effect July 1, restricts tuition increases for in-state undergraduates at state-

turn left onto South Lincoln Street, which is the endpoint for the construction.

“We are encouraging people to carpool, ride their bikes and take the buses,” Bruder said.

Turn lanes will be added at the Lincoln Street, Morris Road and Loop Road intersections, according to a Kent State website about the project. A left turn lane will also be added from Summit Street to Terrace Drive.

Parking

Because Campus Center Drive is being shifted to align with the Student Green, parking spots in the Campus Center lots will be lost.

Katherine Manning, director of planning for PARTA, said they don’t know how many spots will be lost from that lot, but previous reports have said it could cut hundreds of spots.

“At that point, we’re going to be losing spaces in that commuter lot,” said Parking Services Manager Larry Emling in an April 2014 interview. “We’ll probably lose a couple hundred spaces.

And that could unfortunately, realistically, be a permanent loss.”

In addition, the construction company will be using the front parking lot of the Recreation and Wellness Center as a staging area for offices, causing the lot to be closed for the duration of the project.

Emling said about 50 parking spots were added behind the Student Recreation and Wellness Center to make up for the loss in the front lot. He said another parking lot was also added where the Ceramics building was, which will add about 30 parking spots.

“For this year, it will be pretty much an even exchange,” Manning said, “but when everything is built, those 50 spaces will go back, in so in a couple years there will actually be a net gain of about 50 spaces (at the Rec).”

Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority

When Summit Street becomes one-way, PARTA is planning to minimize its number of bus routes.

“We are going to go down to an abbreviated schedule, but we don’t have that fully approved from Kent State yet,” said Manning.

Manning said they are planning to have two or three bus routes compared to the four main ones they have now.

funded two- and four-year schools.

Affordability and accessibility have been a very high priority for Gov. John Kasich, according to Jeff Robinson, director of communications for the Department of Education.

“The fact that we are continuing to put money into higher education in the budget shows that dedication to making higher ed more accessible and more affordable for students,” Robinson said.

Many states, such as Louisiana and Wisconsin, are cutting state funding for higher education, but Ohio is increasing its funding over the next two years.

There will be a four-and-a-half percent increase in the 2016 fiscal year and another four percent increase in fiscal year 2017.

Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities are also tasked with finding a way to cut cost for all students by five percent. This plan must be submitted to the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents

by Oct. 15.

“The university administration will be working on a plan for

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However, the service cut will not start until Summit Street becomes one-way late this year or early next year, so service in the fall will not be affected.

“We are planning to run our service as usual starting fall semester,” Manning said. “There won’t be any detours starting the fall semester in August.”

In addition, new bus stops with shelters and lighting will be added during the project.

Pedestrian safety

According to the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study, Summit Street is the most dangerous corridor for pedestrians in the city of Kent and the most congested stretch of road in Portage and Summit counties.

“In the last three years, 23 percent of all pedestrian accidents citywide were in this one-mile stretch of road,” Bowling said.

Three pedestrian crossings will be added at areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic, including the Schwartz Center, the Student Green and the Presbyterian Church.

The project will add a protected pedestrian actuated crossing system for the Risman Plaza roundabout.

Sidewalks will be added where there currently are not any, so there will be sidewalks along both sides of the one-mile stretch of Summit once the project is complete.

In addition, new lighting will be added to the street and sidewalk, and bike lanes will be added throughout the length of the project.

Boulevard

Summit Street will become a boulevard from Morris Road to East Campus Center Drive to improve the flow of traffic and make pedestrian crossings safer, according to the university website.

This means an 18-foot-wide median with trees and grass will be added to the middle of Summit Street, Bowling said.

“We’re going to make Summit Street a nice boulevard,” Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said. “It’s going to be pedestrian-friendly, bicycle-friendly and also vehicle-friendly.”

Emily Mills contributed reporting cgraff1@kent.edu

a five percent reduction in the student cost of earning a degree,” said Lisa J. Reifsnyder, Kent State senior associate vice president for finance and administration. “A plan will be finalized prior to that date.”

While tuition is frozen for in-state undergraduate students, tuition will increase for out-of-state students by three percent per semester, and the graduate student rate will increase by two percent per semester.

The Kent State Board of Trustees set these tuition rates at the June meeting. Kent State will face a $3.1 million loss this year, as the university also opted to eliminate the 16-credit-hour cap at the meeting. The cap now sits at 18 credit hours.

“The financial impact of this change will be covered through cost-cutting measures that will be developed over the next several months,” Reifsnyder said. abenne13@kent.edu

The Kent Stater

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The Kent Stater

KENT STATE’S ADMINISTRATION CALLS THE SHOTS

Emily Mills Editor

Kent State’s administration can be confusing to incoming freshmen, but it’s important to understand who is making the decisions that will directly affect you while you’re a student.

Alfreda Brown, vice president of diversity, equity Sarah Pompeii and inclusion Brown is the university's Beverly Warren, president first vice president of diverThe head of Kent State since sity, which began when she July 2014, President Warren is took the position in 2009. the face of the university and is responsible for a variety of roles, including fundraising and community relations.

Shay Little, interim vice president of student affairs Little began her job earlier this month and oversees the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Center for Student Involvement, Kent Student Center, Recreational Services, Residence Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Conduct, Student Ombuds, University Dining Services, Kent State University Bookstore and University Health Services.

Edward Mahon, vice president of information services and chief information officer Mahon has been at Kent State since 2004, and he oversees the university's division in charge of devices and connectivity.

Todd Diacon, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs Diacon has overseen everything academic, including colleges, schools, departments and regional campuses, since April 2012.

Paul DiCorleto, vice president for research and sponsored programs DiCorleto was announced as the head of the research division, which helps faculty secure funding for research, in June, and he began at the university on Aug. 17, replacing former VP Grant McGimpsey.

Jeff McLain, vice president of Joel Nielsen, athletic director institutional advancement and Nielsen has been the head of executive director of the KSU Kent State's 16 men's and womFoundation en's sports since March 2010.

McLain was announced as the university's new head of fundraising and alumni relations in April and began his job in May.

Gregg Floyd, senior vice president for finance and administration Although Floyd, who has been the head of the Division of Business and Finance since 2008, has announced his plans for retirement, he will remain in his position until a replacement is selected.

Iris Harvey, vice president of university relations Harvey is the university's chief marketing and communications officer.

Charlene Reed, secretary to the board of trustees and senior assistant to the president Reed is the communicator between the president and the Board of Trustees, as well as between the university and other outside organizations.

Willis Walker, vice president of general counsel and interim vice president of human resources Walker has been at the university in the Office of General Counsel, the university's legal entity, since 1999 and was named vice president of human resources in 2015, replacing former vice president Joseph Vitale. emills11@kent.edu

Photos courtesy of Kent State University

Board of Trustees increases 16-credit hour cap to 18

Brittany Anderson, Jimmy Miller and Emily Mills Administration Reporter, Managing Editor and Editor

Kent State’s Board of Trustees voted to push the threshold of the credit hour cap from 16 to 18 credit hours and not raise undergraduate in-state tuition, at its June meeting.

Previously, full-time students were those taking between 11 and 16 credit hours. Starting this fall, full-time students are those taking between 12 to 18 credit hours. This eliminates the $456 per-credit-hour fee for the 17th and 18th credit hours.

“I’m here to celebrate with you, that I think it’s the right thing to do for Kent State,” said Kent State President Beverly Warren. “We reflected on students’ comments about how much the overload fee was a detriment to your progress, and so I’m celebrating with you.”

According to a university press release, this will lead to a loss of $3.1 million a year for the university. Trustees said they would put costcutting measures in place to make up this lost revenue.

Professors who teach one-credit hour music classes are hopeful for a rise in enrollment after the raising of the cap.

“By increasing the cap by even one credit hour, it benefits our music students to the fullest extent and allows students who have that extra hour to explore other opportunities that maybe they didn’t have before,” said Jenna Bice, academic adviser for the College of the Arts.

“Students can explore the opportunity of getting a minor in some of these artistic classes that are only one credit hour. They get the chance of seeing what else they can get out of Kent,” Bice said. “It is a huge impact and relief to the music school, and we are excited for next semester.”

Ensembles offered through the School of Music that are one-hour credits include men’s and women’s chorus, band, orchestra and piano.

“It really affected music because we have so many ensembles that rely on not just music majors but non-music majors, especially marching band and gospel choir,” said Denise Seachrist, the interim dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State Stark. “The credit cap at 16 really killed the concept of double majors in

Ceramics building torn down to move art programs under one roof

Tiffany Meade / Submitted photo The Kent State Ceramics Studio was torn down so all of the arts programs can be housed under one roof in the Center for Visuals Arts, which will be completed in spring 2016.

Nathan’s, Jump! close in HUB, Wow Bao to open in fall Alyse Rohloff International Reporter Wow Bao will be the newest eatery in the Student Center’s HUB this fall, replacing Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Arthur Treacher’s.

“I think it’s going to take a little while because of people not know-

ing what bao is,” said Deborah White, general manager of Dining Services.

“But once they get it, once they eat it, it’s going to go like crazy.”

Dining Services also closed Jump!

Asian Express, but it has not yet announced what will take its place. resident district manager of dining services, Richard Roldan said an eatery that serves Mexican food is being considered.

“Jump has had its day and its popularity,” Roldan said.

“I think it’s not keeping up with the trends, so that’s why we’re looking to change that.”

Wow Bao serves food similar to traditional Asian cuisine, including bao, which is steamed bread filled with different ingredients from breakfast foods, vegetables, meat or dessert.

Wow Bao will also serve potstickers, rice bowls, soup, salad and breakfast.

the School of Music.”

Students that added the 17th and 18th credit hour would have had to pay a $456 per-credithour fee. Musically diverse students will be able to discover a variety of musical ensembles hassle-free, and increasing the credit cap enables music majors to do just that, Seachrist said.

“When I was the director of the School of Music, I went to the provost on a couple of occasions with John Crawford, the dean of the College of the Arts, to talk about how detrimental this was to students,” Seachrist said. “I am so glad to see that credit cap go away.”

Students are now enrolling in music ensembles, such as gospel choir.

“I love having more people in the choir because we are able to project that energy and fill each section,” junior theatre studies major Dara Sherman said. “I would not have taken gospel choir this coming semester because I’d be taking all my major and minor classes.”

Gospel choir is one of the many ensembles that suffered a decline in enrollment when the credit cap was first introduced.

“Particularly in some of our ensembles, such

as gospel choir for example, enrollment declined dramatically from Spring 2012 to Fall 2012,” said Dana Brown, associate professor and undergraduate coordinator. Enrollment fell from 61 to 44 from Spring 2012 to Fall 2012, which is when the credit hour cap was implemented.

Students in the School of Music who are excited to see the changes in enrollment in onecredit hour classes.

Erica Cope, a vocal performance major, is a member of the outreach recruitment committee in the band. Since the credit cap increase, 40 more people are signed up for band this year than last year.

“It’s awesome because (students) are realizing that they have all the classes that they need to take and are making use of the extra two (credit hours) and deciding to take things they’ve always been interested in and never had the chance to take,” Cope said. “So many freshmen have also come up to the choir tables and expressed their interest at DKS this year, so we are looking to grow.”

Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter

that was all going to take place.”

Bruder said ceramics classes will take place in Van Deusen Hall in the fall, but summer ceramics classes were canceled due to the construction.

Meade started a petition to try to stop the building from being torn down, but it never received enough signatures to be presented to stop the demolition.

“There is a very close bond between art students where we become more of a family than a class,” Meade said. “I think a lot of that is attributed to the amount of time we spend working and creating together in that environment on a daily basis.”

Meade said the ceramics building had a wood fire kiln that makes different finishes on ceramic artwork that electric kilns cannot do. Bruder said they will not be replacing the wood fire kiln because it is a potential fire hazard.

“It smelled like earth, dirt, mud and dust,” said Kent State alumna Emily Haft. “It smelled like things you wanted to get your hands in and get on your smock.”

She said the building was a home away from home for students.

“Walking into the ceramics lab was a very comforting thing,” Haft said. “It felt like walking into a sanctuary, a home full of family members.”

The Kent State Ceramics Building was torn down include, which will move the ceramics program into the Center for the Visual Arts.

The center, which is currently under construction, will bring all of Kent State’s art programs together under one roof.

“Part of the larger Center for the Visual Arts project is combining the art programs that are scattered across campus into one facility,” said University Architect Michael Bruder. “They were in six buildings in different locations on campus, and getting them all into one building is really a positive thing for the faculty and students to be able to interact.”

The $33.5 million Center for the Visual Arts, scheduled to be complete in spring 2016, will be located in Van Deusen Hall and the Art Annex (former Heating Plant).

Ceramics students said they feel as if they have lost their home on campus.

“We knew it was going to happen at some point, but we didn’t know it was going (to) affect us directly,” senior ceramics major Tiffany Meade said. “We knew the university was expanding, and they were putting in this great new facility, but we didn’t realize how quickly

The decision to remove Nathan’s and Arthur Treacher ’s was made because the student demand for these locations decreased, said Toni Hunt, marketing associate for Dining Services.

White said Wow Bao is very popular in Chicago. Kent State is one of only two universities in the nation to have Wow Bao on its campus; the other is the University of Vermont.

When looking into what food to bring to campus, Dining Services work hard to serve what is popular with students, Roldan said.

“We look at the trends and what’s trending nationally,” he said. “Then we do surveys twice a year with the students.”

Dining Services also has a panel of students that gives their opinion and taste tests food. Roldan said the top three restaurant choices from students

bander22@kent.edu, jmill231@kent.edu and emills11@kent.edu

were Mexican, Asian and Italian.

“It’s nice, it’s fresh, it’s the trend,” he said. “It’s the Asian food that’s more authentic and actually has great flavors.”

Junior communication studies major George McClellan said he is excited to see the Asian restaurant introduced in the HUB. “I had Wow Bao in Chicago when I visited, and it was really good, so I’m excited,” McClellan said. “It was surprisingly authentic, I would say. It was a good American twist on it, but it really stuck to the core beliefs of Asian cuisine.”

McClellan said students might be reluctant to try Wow Bao, but he said once they do, they will enjoy it.

“I don’t know how many students will go out of their comfort zone to try it,” McClellan said. “I think there will be some hesitancy. But if the food is as

cgraff1@kent.edu good as the Chicago brands, I feel like word will spread fast.”

arohloff@kent.edu

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater People eat lunch in the Student Center’s HUB while Wow Bao is under construction on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015. Wow Bao will be the newest eatery in the HUB this fall, replacing Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Arthur Treacher’s.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page A5

The Kent Stater

KENT STATE BY THE NUMBERS 100 50 COUNTRIES STATES REPRESENTED

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REPRESENTED 3,000

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

AVERAGE GPA

3.31

22K UNDERGRAD STUDENTS 6.2K STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPIUS 6K GRAD STUDENTS 2K FACULTY MEMBERS

OUT OF 4.0

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9 Women’s 7 Men’s

Ф Ω ∑

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23 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

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33

Chapters

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350+ See all organizations on PAGE C4

and photographers.

You don’t have to be a journalism major to apply.

Send an email to editorin-chief Hannah Armenta (harmenta@kent.edu) or managing editor Emily Mills (emills11@kent.edu) for more information

We want you!

INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR STUDENT MEDIA? We’re looking for reporters, copy editors, designers

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The Kent Stater

KENT STATE, UNION REACH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Matthew Merchant / Summer Kent Stater Members of AFSCME, a worker union on campus, and United Students Against Sweatshops, a student group supporting the union, picket outside the M.A.C. Center on May 1, 2015, as President Beverly Warren is inaugurated inside. The Board of Trustees and AFSCME reched a contract agreement in June.

Emily Mills Editor Kent State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 153 reached an agreement Thursday, June 4, preventing a potential strike from campus workers, including custodians and Dining Services employees.

Both the Board of Trustees and the union approved the report from James Mancini, a fact-finder appointed by the State Employment Relations Board. Fact-finders are hired when two negotiating parties cannot come to an agreement on their own.

The new contract will give employees a two-percent pay raise over the next three years. In addition, a retroactive pay grade will

be implemented in regards to pay from Oct. 1, 2014 to present.

Those employees in pay grades one through three will receive an additional one-percent pay increase, which comes out to an additional 15 cents.

The Board of Trustees approved the report unanimously.

AFSCME regional director Robert Thompson said more than 300 people, which is roughly 80 percent of AFSCME’s local members, showed up for the vote.

He said he could not comment on the approval breakdown of the vote. Thompson also said now that the fact-finder’s report has been accepted, new language will be added to the contract.

“That could take a short time or it could take a long time,” he said. “We’ll try to get this done in the next two to three weeks at

the most.”

The previous contract, representing 384 employees, including Dining Services employees and custodians, expired Sept. 30, 2014.

United Students Against Sweatshops, a campus organization that supports AFSCME, said they would support AFSCME employees if they went on strike. USAS protested several times throughout the spring semester, including after the Board of Trustees meeting in March and President Beverly Warren’s inauguration. The university filed a restraining order against the union and its supporters in April to prevent protests at graduation. emills11@kent.edu

Construction set to begin in July on downtown memorial park Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter A small park will be built between Bricco’s and Bar 145 in downtown Kent to honor late economic development director Dan Smith, who was instrumental in the transformation and revitalization of the city’s business and entertainment district. “‘No’ wasn’t in Dan’s vocabulary,” said Lori Wemhoff, executive director of the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. “Dan’s drive and sense of humor made him not only a great person to work with, but a friend. I truly miss him.”

Smith died of glioblastoma brain cancer last July. Kent City Council approved the Dan Smith Community Park last October, and fundraising began in March.

The Burbick Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, led the fundraising efforts. The foundation’s goal was to raise $250,000.

The Dan Smith Community Park is projected to open later this fall.

Currently, about $257,000 has been donated for the park.

Donors include the City of Kent, The Burbick Foundation, Hometown Bank, AMETEK, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Portage Community Bank, Main Street Kent and Kent State. The university’s donation of $20,000 pushed the donations over the $250,000 goal.

“I had no reservations whatsoever that the goal of $250,000 would be met,” Wemhoff said. “That’s how much Dan meant to people.”

Many of the components that will be in the park are hobbies and passions of Smith’s, said Michelle Hartman, vice president of The Burbick Foundation.

“We wanted to have elements that were important to Dan that will be represented in the park,” she said.

Ron Burbick, president of The Burbick Foundation, said there will be a stage because Smith loved music and was in a local band called the Flip Flops. Connect Four and cornhole will be included because he enjoyed playing games with his daughters. There will also be a playground area with a train and slide.

“He loved model trains,” Burbick said. “He loved rock and roll and played in a rock and roll band, and he was just there for anyone who needed him.”

Hartman said the centerpiece of the park will be a railroad spike that Smith drove into a pail of dirt before he died.

Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said the park is a place for students, community members and families to gather and relax in a space honoring a vital player in Kent’s transformation.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place in July, and the park is projected to be finished by late fall.

Photo courtesy of Dan Smith Community Park website

MaKayla Brown / Kent Wired A group of people participate in a free yoga session on what will be Dan Smith Community Park during College Town Kent Summer Tour, on Satcgraff1@kent.edu urday, July 11, 2015. College Town Kent Summer Tour raised money for the park in downtown Kent.

Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs splits into two separate divisions Emily Mills Editor The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, an entity that oversees student life at Kent State, split into the Office of Enrollment Management and the Division of Student Affairs at the beginning of this month.

President Beverly Warren made the split, announcing her decision in a campus-wide email sent out Friday, May 8.

“This administrative structure positions enrollment management as a vital part of our student success plan — a plan that covers the student-success spectrum from recruitment to graduation,” Warren said in the email.

David Garcia, formerly the associate vice president for enrollment management, is the senior associate vice president for strategic enrollment management in the Office of Enrollment Management.

This office, which will include Student Financial Aid, Admissions, the Career Services Center and the University Registrar, will now report to the Office of the Provost. It previously reported to the Office of the President.

Shay Little, former associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, became Kent State’s interim vice president for student affairs Aug. 1.

The Division of Student Affairs, which will continue to report to the president, oversees the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Center for Student Involvement, Kent Student Center, Recreational Services, Residence Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Conduct, Student Ombuds, University Dining Services, Kent State University Bookstore and University Health Services.

Little’s position was previously known as the vice president of enrollment management and student affairs. Little replaces current Vice President Greg Jarvie, who retired at the end of July.

The university will launch a nationwide search this summer for a permanent vice president for student affairs.

Jen Kulics will serve as interim associate vice president and dean of students, and Pat Dennison will serve as interim student ombuds. Cesquinn Curtis will serve as executive director, administration, for the Division of Student Affairs.

Little said the new Division of Student Affairs will be better equipped to focus on students, including students at the

regional campuses.

“I think it will allow units in the future Division of Student Affairs to focus on student life and student services and how we enhance those things at Kent State,” she said. “The president has emphasized everyone should have a student-first philosophy, and that’s part of our DNA. We’re here for students, and we want them to be successful.”

Little said no offices have physically moving; it is simply a change in reporting and oversight. Therefore, students will not notice major changes in the division in the fall.

“Students should go about their business the same way they always have,” she said. “If you have a roommate issue, you should talk to Residence Services. Students on campus day to day won’t see big changes.”

However, she said the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs has long been a part of Kent State, and many are confused about the split.

“The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs has been organized this way for many years at Kent State,” she said. emills11@kent.edu

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page A7

Page A8 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

Future commencement ceremonies Kent State moves forward with rebranding process could take place at Dix Stadium Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Kent State graduates decorated their caps for the 250th commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of the Arts on Saturday, May 9, 2015.

Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter Kent State is considering having future commencement ceremonies outdoors at Dix Stadium.

Lashonda Taylor, director of university ceremonies, events and special programs, said her office is currently in the research phase

Blackstone LaunchPad prepares for future student entrepreneurs Brittany Anderson Academics Reporter

With more than 1,000 students utilizing the service of Blackstone LaunchPad, future Kent State students with ideas will have an easy and accessible resource to get help bringing those ideas and plans to fruition.

“We are currently talking to a lot of freshman students through DKS,” said Julie Messing, entrepreneur initiatives and executive director. “It’s a chance to reach out to all 4,000 freshman and their parents to see what ideas they have.”

Advisers at Blackstone are preparing for the upcoming school year while mentoring their current local student entrepreneurs,

of the project with a decision expected in early 2017.

She said feedback from student groups and faculty has been mostly positive.

The ceremony would be held at the stadium for all main campus students, Taylor said. cgraff1@kent.edu like junior environmental conservation biology major Michael George.

“I found out about Blackstone my freshman year, and I had multiple ideas,” George said. “Blackstone even has so many idea competitions and ways to grow students ideas that are useful.”

The Elevator Pitch is a yearly event that allows student entrepreneurs to network and share quick ideas with each other while on an elevator with a limited time to pitch an idea.

This year’s Elevator Pitch event will take place during the second week of October.

“We are always here for anyone who has any type of idea,” said Zach Mikrut, a senior marketing manager. “We can help you build on that idea, whether is just thought of yesterday or thoroughly thought and planned out.”

As a collaborative unit, Blackstone services the entire Kent campus.

“If you have a dream or idea that you feel like you could do but don’t know how, Blackstone can really help you take the first steps and give you that needed push,” George said.

“It’s a very personal experience talking to Blackstone advisers, and you could be one of the many success stories seen through Blackstone.” bander22@kent.edu

Representatives from 160over90, an outside branding firm Kent State hired to help shape strategic visioning, introduced concept art at the June Board of Trustees meeting for what they dubbed a “bridge campaign,” or a short-term, transitional marketing campaign to draw in next year’s set of freshmen.

The campaign will launch Sept. 1 and is meant to begin the process of changing the university’s image before a grand launch of a new brand in January. While the future January brand is the one that’s intended to shape Kent State’s national image, the bridge campaign will also test how marketing might work in cities such as Chicago or Detroit.

“If I were to go to New Orleans, what would be our brand?”

Trustee Margot Copeland asked during the conversation about expanding the national brand.

The representatives briefly described the rationale behind each creative choice in the concept, and then the Board saw initial brand art to reflect the rationale. 160over90 also brought slides with mock advertisements on billboards and digital banners.

While Kent State has used the motto “You Belong Here” in the past, some of the bridge campaign headlines read, “Where are you headed?” or “Who do you want to be?” Other mocks included the phrase, “Seeing is believing, believing is seeing,” which representatives said reflects the 80 percent of students who apply to Kent State after visiting. One eye-shaped logo also helped push the idea that those who see clearly see with 20/20 vision, hinting at the year the recruits would be set to graduate.

The campaign follows 160over90’s two months of interviewing with students, faculty and staff to find the best ways to represent Kent State. The agency unveiled a potential new vision statement at a town hall meeting in May, which read, “(To be) a community of change agents, whose collective commitment to learning sparks epic thinking, meaningful voice, and invaluable outcomes to shape our society’s future.”

Warren said she anticipates the Board will see concept art of January’s final marketing campaign at the Dec. 7 Board meeting. jmill231@kent.edu

Alex Ledet / Summer Kent Stater Amber Aiken works on a patient at the Universty Chiropractic and Wellness Center on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. The center opened in January with the help of Blackstone LaunchPad.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page A9

The Kent Stater

New buildings added to campus Emily Mills Editor

College of Architecture and Environmental Design Building

Several new buildings are under construction on campus this year, including new homes for the School of Art, the College of Details: The College of ArchiArchitecture and Environmental Design, the Division of Institutional Advancement and several of the university’s science programs. tecture and Environmental Design is currently split up into Allerton Apartments several locations across campus, Details: Allerton Apartments, which has housed married stu- including Taylor Hall and the dents with families and international students since the 1960s, are M.A.C. Center Annex. The new being torn down due to the high cost of maintaining the build- building will house all parts ings. The announcement of the decision to shutter the complex of the architecture program, was made in late 2010, and various buildings closed in July 2011, including classrooms, offices, July 2012 and June 2015. studios and research space. The Timeline: The final four buildings - Units A, B, C and D - are 107,000-square-foot building is being torn down this month after residents’ leases expire. located on the Lefton Esplanade Update: The university is looking into turning the green space extension. into athletic fields. Currently, there are no other on-campus family Cost: $47.8 million housing options available.

Timeline: Construction began on the new building last OctoCenter for the Visual Arts ber with a projected completion Details: The Center for the Visual Arts will bring the School of date in 2016.

Art under one roof for the first time since 1960. The 115,000-squareUpdate: Architecture firm foot building is made up of what was formerly Van Deusen Hall Weiss/Manfredi is designing and the Art Annex/former Heating Plant, which are being con- the four-story building to carry nected to create the center. The square footage is made up of 77,000 a platinum-level Leadership square feet of renovation and 38,000 square feet of new construc- in Energy and Environmental tion.

Design certification and will Cost: $33.5 million include a green roof, rain garTimeline: Construction began in the spring of 2014 and is sched- den and LED lighting. uled to be completed this December.

Update: The Ceramics Building was torn down this summer in preparation for the move into the Center for the Visual Arts, and Institutional the College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technol- Advancement Building ogy, which was previously housed in Van Deusen Hall, moved Details: The Institutional into the Aeronautics and Technology Building at the end of the Advancement Building, locatspring semester. ed at the corner of Lincoln and

Brittany Anderson Academics Reporter

Leah Klafczynski / Summer Kent Stater Bob West watches a John Ford film on TV after physical therapy in April 2014.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Construction workers build the new College of Architecture and Environmental Design Building on August 20, 2015. The building will be done in 2016.

Summit streets, will house the university’s Division of Institutional Advancement, which oversees the university’s private fundraising activities, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Kent State University Alumni Association. The building will house the division, as well as the Kent State University Foundation, a nonprofit organization that manages private gifts to the university, and the university’s Phone Center, as well as conference rooms and event space for the community.

Cost: $20 million

Integrated Sciences Building; Smith, Williams and Cunningham Halls

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Workers construct the Institutional Advancement Building on August 20, 2015. The building will be done late this year.

Details: The Board of Trustees approved the construction of a $37.55 million, 57,000 -squarefoot Integrated Sciences Building connecting Smith, Williams and Cunningham halls on the campus’ Science Mall. The building will house research and teaching space for the chemistry, biology and physics departments. The three halls, which were built in the 1960s, will also see $57.2 million in renovations, including updating heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and making restrooms compliant with the Amer-

Stark Sciences Building will incorporate green technology Austin Bennett Administration Reporter Kent State Stark’s Sciences Building will open this August and provide biology and nursing students with new opportunities for hands-on learning and research.

The 41,140 square-foot building will support and house teaching and research laboratories for biology, physics, geology and nursing department. The construction includes a 5,250-square-foot renovation of Main Hall’s East Wing to accommodate the chemistry program.

This $17 million project is expected to achieve LEED®Gold certification.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED®, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

“This building is unlike anything else on campus,” said Brian Gardner, senior facilities manager.

The science and nursing building, the seventh major building on the campus, will have a wind turbine, solar water heating system, green roof and a rain garden, Gardner said.

The rain garden system takes the greywater, or rainwater after it hits the building, off the building and filters it down through the garden to naturally cleanse the water. Every drop of water that hits the building goes through the rain garden.

The complex has two forms of sustainability: the wind turbine and solar water heater. Both generate data onto a website that students can access.

The Dominion Foundation awarded Kent State Stark a grant of $28,000 for the vertical wind turbine, which will partially provide power for the building.

The solar water heating system uses glycol and solar energy to heat the water used in the building. The water in this system recently reached temperatures as high as 180 degrees.

Along with the green technology, the Science Building will feature a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The National Science Foundation awarded assistant biology professor Matthew Lehnert a grant of $161,039 for the SEM. The old microscopes in the building have the magnification abilities up to 1,000 times, the SEM is capable of magnifying up to 300,000 times.

Timeline: Construction on the 34,400-squarefoot building began last fall. The building is projected to be finished in November, with the building opening at the beginning of the Spring 2016 Semester.

Update: The project is a partnership between the university and the Portage County Port Authority, which acquired the property through bonds issued in 2013 and has been leasing it to the university since December 2013.

icans with Disabilities Act. Cost: $94.75 million Timeline: Work has already begun in Smith, Williams and Cunningham halls, and construction will begin later this year on the Integrated Sciences Building with a projected completion date sometime in 2017, with classes slated to begin in the building in Fall 2017.

Update: The Joint Project Oversight Committee approved adding a 13,500-square-foot unfinished basement space for future research growth. emills11@kent.edu

“This allows us to see something from the micro-scale down to the nano-scale.

We can now see things like viruses and bacteria,” Lehnert said.

The SEM also allows remote access during lectures. The professors can display and control the SEM in the classroom.

“The new classrooms give us a lot more space to work with,” said Kristen Reiter, senior anthropology major. “With everyone getting their own area, there won’t be as much sharing.”

The opening celebration is scheduled for Aug. 27. abenne13@kent.edu

Austin Bennett / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State Stark Science Building is nearly finished as of June 18, 2015. It covers 41,140 square-feet and is slated to open fall 2015.

Kent State Stark becomes first regional campus to partner with international university Alyse Rohloff International Reporter Kent State’s Stark campus will host 11 international students and one faculty member from Shenzhen Polytechnic in Shenzhen, China, during the fall semester, becoming the university’s first regional campus to partner with an international university.

The students, who are business English majors, will take 12 credit hours of English as a second language courses while learning about the American business model and American culture.

“Our mission for global studies and multicultural studies, we would like to make those two programs grow a little bit more,” said Aloysius Kasturiarachi, assistant dean of the Stark campus. “So this is a part of our mission and strategy plan, have more of a global presence...This program seems to be both.”

Discussions of the program began when a former college acquaintance of Bei Cai, associate professor of communication studies at the Stark campus, reached out to her about a partnership with Shenzhen Polytechnic.

“In China, when you want a partnership, it is critical you have strong relationship and people who are on the ground, who are committed to making this a success,” Cai said. “We really have the right connection, we have the right relationship.

We have the people in the program and pushing for this kind of program."

Stark’s administration faced an issue with finding housing for the Chinese students; since Stark is a regional campus, there are no on-campus residence halls.

Campus officials created a contract with a nearby hotel to house students for the semester and provide them with transportation to campus, Kasturiarachi said.

Former JMC professor Bob West passes away at 89

“We’ve taken a non-residential campus, and we’re somehow making it so that these international students will be pretty comfortable when they come here," Kasturiarachi said.

Stark plans to continue this program in future semesters. Cai said Shenzhen Polytechnic will begin recruiting students for the spring semester this August. Kent State Stark is also interested in sending Stark students to Shenzhen Polytechnic, Kasturiarachi said.

“I really hope that in the future, they become another location for our partner university students to study,” said Sarah Malcolm, director of international partnerships, marketing and communications for the Office of Global Education. “We have several students every year who want to come and study English, or they would like to come and study other things, but the cost of attending the Kent campus is just simply too high. So having another option that is a lower cost alternative but with a high quality education is an important part of doing it at the Stark campus.”

Cai said the university wants to get the international students involved in many different ways, from short day trips around Cleveland and Pittsburgh area to peer mentorship programs.

“I want them to see our classroom interaction. I want them to see how faculty and students interact,” said Cai. “For them to see how we are actually relating to each other, how we actually communicate to each other, that’s definitely a very valuable experience for them…So hopefully this is going to be two-way learning.

They learn about us, and our students have a chance to learn about them because very, very seldom do we have an opportunity to be in interaction with people from foreign countries, especially at a regional campus like Stark.” arohloff@kent.edu

For nearly four decades, Bob West shared a lifetime of knowledge in film and broadcast with Kent State students.

West, a former professor in Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication died Saturday, June 20, of pneumonia, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Traci West was married to Bob for nearly 18 years. They shared a love of film, culture, religion and more throughout the years.

“We could talk about anything and everything,” she said. “In the early years of our marriage, we could hardly go anywhere without him being recognized by someone. Students would always come up to him and tell him that he was the best professor who taught them things that their major didn’t.

“The hardest thing for him to bear when he got sicker was that he could not teach anymore.” Traci said. “Teaching was his calling,.”

Bob graduated from Kent State in 1950 with a Bachelor's in broadcast journalism. He went on to spend most of his career in radio in the ClevelandAkron area, where he showcased music from the 1950s and ‘60s. He returned to teach at Kent State in 1976.

“He was a teacher’s teacher,” retired JMC professor Ben Whaley said. “Summing up Bob West in short is hard. The man was a warrior from WWII, a poet, playwright, minister, radio personality, bookstore owner, filmmaker, husband and professor.”

West was extremely patient, dedicated and lived to educate others, Whaley said.

“Bob taught until he was physically unable to enter the classroom,” Whaley said. “If it had to do with radio, he knew all about it, and if it had to do with film, he knew what mattered.”

The School of JMC Director Thor Wasbotten worked with West toward the end West's career at Kent State.

“Bob was a tremendous asset and representative of Kent State University,” Wasbotten said.

“Anytime you can have an impact on students and a university for over four decades, something has gone right.”

“Faculty lovingly nicknamed him ‘Jurassic Bob’ because he had knowledge of a century in film,” retired professor Barb Hipsman-Springer said. “He respected and raised students’ intelligence and always had his door open to talk.”

Along with his wife, Bob West is survived by his three children. bander22@kent.edu

Leah Klafczynski / Summer Kent Stater West watches his nurse prepare a stomach tube for enteral feeding.

Page A10 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

COLLEGE TOWN KENT SUMMER TOUR

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Top left: The College Town Kent Summer Tour raised money for the Dan Smith Community Park on Saturday, July 11, 2015.

Top right: Free cups and other merchandise were handed out during the event.

Bottom: A Dave’s Cosmic Subs employee hands out free samples during the event.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Top: Charlie, age 6, tries on props before she goes in the photo booth outside of Gracy Iane during College Town Kent Summer Tour on Saturday, July 11, 2015. College Town Kent Summer Tour featured games, events, food and drinks to support the Dan Smith Community Park.

Middle: One-and-a-half-year-old English bulldog Tank walks around with his owners Renee Beal and Seth Beal during the summer tour.

Bottom: Chloe Mcintyr (upper right), age 15, and Alex (bottom right), age 2, doodle with chalk on the sidewalk in front of Carnaby Street Style.

HERITAGE FEST MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Top: Iris Isadora performs in Dave's Cosmic Subs during Kent Blues Fest on Friday, July 17, 2015.

Middle: Austin Walkin’ Cane performs at Pufferbelly during Blues Fest.

Bottom: The Zydeco Kings Duo performs at Water Street Tavern during the event.

KENT BLUES FEST

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Top: People walk around downtown Kent at Heritage Festival on July 4, 2015.

Bottom left: A little girl gets her face painted from a face paint and sand art vendor at the festival.

Bottom right: Cherie and Kim of Pieces and Parts work at Heritage Festival for the first time.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page A11

The Kent Stater

Kent State holds meeting to determine university airport’s future Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter Kent State held a final meeting Tuesday, July 28 to present drafts for a new master plan for the Kent State University Airport and receive feedback from community members.

The meeting opened with a review of the options available for the future of the airport.

A master plan was completed in 2004 and updated in 2006 that recommended the airport be decommissioned and closed. In that scenario, Kent State would use a nearby airport for any necessary operations.

A new master plan is being created because university officials and airport staff believe the airport should not be closed. In addition, officials from the Federal Aviation Administration felt closing the airport would conflict with earlier assurances that the airport would remain open and in public use, according to a website about the master plan.

The FAA requires an airport master plan to receive federal funding for the maintenance and improvement of the airport facilities. According to a website about the master plan, the last significant improvements made at the airport were 10 years ago, and many of the facilities are more than 80 years old or were intended to be temporary structures.

Alex Ledet / Summer Kent Stater A view of the Kent State Airfield during the annual Aviation Heritage Festival on Sept. 13, 2014.

In addition, the FAA changed the layout requirements for runways, taxiways, aprons and other airport facilities in Oct. 2012, so the Kent State airport has to make changes to be in compliance with these new guidelines.

There were four scenarios presented at the meeting. The option that was selected was titled Tow Gown Alternative 2-A, and it will be submitted to the FAA for review.

Changes will include improving facilities such as runways to meet the FAA’s new design guidelines and potentially building a new terminal or academic building.

Aileen Maguire Meyer, planning department manager of C&S Companies said picnic tables or a dog area might be added for people in the community.

During the community feedback session, people expressed mixed feelings about the airport.

Some people said they wanted the airport to be moved completely because the noise level is too high.

“Lets get out and move the airport to a new and good location,” said Roy Howarter, a community member.

Alan Narvy, another community member, said the airport is focusing too much on Kent State students instead of the residents

Faculty Senate approves changes to midterm grade policy Jessa Schroeder Health and Wellness Reporter Kent State’s Faculty Senate approved during its July meeting to provide midterm grades to all students enrolled in lower-division courses and to extend the midterm grading period to begin the fourth week and end the seventh week of each full-semester course.

The purpose of the revision is to give students frequent feedback on their current standing and academic performance.

University College Dean Eboni Pringle said providing midterm grades to students earlier will allow students to make adjustments in their academic behavior before it is too late.

“Many of us know that by the time you hit the eighth week of the term, the only option at that point is to withdraw from the course,” Pringle said.

Professors are not required to give freshmen taking higher-level courses a midterm grade according to the new policy, Pringle said.

“Freshmen should get midterm grades, regardless of what class they’re taking, and I would see that as a problem with this system,” said David Smeltzer, associate journalism professor.

Members brought up discussion about the possibility of extending the Early Alert System instead, which allows instructors to identify students who are showing patterns of academic difficulty early on in their courses.

“We went with the expansion of the midterm grades versus Early Alert because it provides a grading option for students to allow them to actually understand how they are doing in the course, whereas Early Alert just adds the opportunity for staff discussion on performance issues,” Pringle said.

Because some classes administer midterm exams later on in the course, Pringle said the policy still allows five-eight or six-nine weeks window; while the goal, however, is for professors to move reporting earlier.

Pringle said by the time students reach junior and senior status, they should be able to determine what their course progress is without receiving an official reminder.

Some professors said they were worried about adding more tasks to their schedule by having to keep track of midterm grades for more classes.

“My concern is the workload,” said Darci Kracht, an associate math professor. “When you have hundreds of students, you don’t really want to keep changing the grade every time you give a quiz, but for me, the advantage to the student outweighs the increase in workload.

“If we had a better interface for entering the grades, that would make a huge difference,” Kracht added.

Pringle said university employees are attempting to make the system more efficient and hope to create a better interface that would allow for an upload of a spreadsheet by this fall.

Associate philosophy professor Deb Smith said she would like to see data collection on current freshmen and sophomore withdrawal rates.

“Because there is a concern that it could increase withdrawals, I would really like to see us collect some data now on them to see how they are impacted,” she said. “If we implement this, we could revisit in another year or two.”

The Senate agreed to add an amendment to conduct a collection of data over a two-year period to oversee how the plan affects student success.

surrounding the airport.

Though many present were not in favor of airport improvements, some community members spoke positively about the master plan.

“I love Kent State University Airport,” community member Paul Conner said. “I am an aircraft owner. I am able to operate my business there. If they get it safer, then that's the right way to go.”

Some said they enjoyed watching the planes everyday and supported the education program that was there.

Kent State University is one of the few universities in the nation that own and maintain its own airport.

Meyer said the funding for this project will come from funds like grants and university funding, not from the community.

The plan would happen over a 20-year timeline if it gets passed by the FAA. The airport, which Kent State has owned since 1942, is the home of the Aeronautics and Flight Training Programs. cgraff1@kent.edu

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens new exhibit to honor Alternative Press Magazine Jenna Kuczkowski Entertainment Reporter Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened a new exhibit Tuesday in honor of Alternative Press’ 30th anniversary this year as a music magazine.

Alternative Press, a Clevelandbased alternative rock magazine, was created by Mike Shea in 1985 when he was 19. Since then, the magazine has Jenna Kuczkowski / Summer Kent Stater become a nationally read magazine, David Boyd, lead singer of the band New Politics, performs at leading to the creation of the Alterna- the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum during the 30th anniversary event for Alternative Press Magazine on July 21, 2015. tive Press Music Awards, which are Wednesday at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena.

“I think what kept AP successful was that we adapted,”Shea said in a previous KentWired article.

“We never really grew older with our readership. We kept changing to whatever our readers’ music tastes were, within this alternative, rock kind of world.”

The exhibit was opened in the special exhibitions gallery and features numerous items of AP memorabilia, including the original computer used to create AP and other pieces of history showcasing AP’s evolution into what it is today.

“When you go in there, there’s going to be a desk with a bunch of X-ACTO knife marks in it, and that’s where we used to cut up the first few issues of AP,” Shea said before the exhibit’s opening.

“It’s just kind of weird that it’s in this museum now. I don’t think we ever thought we’d be in here (the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and I don’t think any of the staff ever imagined their stuff being in here, much less being interviewed for videos in here.”

The exhibit also displays a wall displaying past AP covers as well as digital archives of every magazine Video interviews with longtime staff AP members, known as “AP Lifers,” also play in the exhibit.

“They kind of give up their life for a while when they’re here, so that’s why a lot of our staff are younger, and they work long hours, and they go to shows and they live and breathe this AP community and everything we’re doing, and one of the reasons were around is because we’ve got 30 years of those kinds of people working here,” Shea said.

The exhibit opening was followed by performances from rock bands Vinyl Theatre and New Politics.

The exhibit will be at the Rock Hall until January 2016. jkuczkow@kent.edu

jschro11@kent.edu

Trustees approve student green policy change Catherine Wilcher Student Life Reporter A new policy encourages Kent State students to fill out a major event form to reserve a space on the student green beginning this fall.

Kent State’s Board of Trustees updated the policies for Risman Plaza and the Student Green.

Student organizations, protesters and others hosting events need to get approval to use student green and Risman Plaza.

“We want students to take advantage of the space, but we have to be very sensitive in regards to the academic buildings surrounding the green,” said Shay Little, interim vice presiGraham Smith / Summer Kent Stater dent for student affairs.

The Student Green, located in front of the Autumn Kramer [left] and Dana Rathke [right] relax on the grass near Risman Plaza and watch Plaid Brixx perform during Blastoff on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014.

Emily Mills contributed reporting.

campus, was constructed in 2012 to add further beauty to campus and to support the needs of students.

Little said the policy is to clean up language and control noise on campus to avoid classroom interruptions.

“In the trustees meeting, we basically took the old policy that involved Risman Plaza and added the Student Green,” said Ann Day, student center building manager.

The old policy permitted amplified noise and encouraged students to fill out an event form for events hosted on Risman Plaza and Manchester Field. Even with the policy changes, students are encouraged to use the Student green freely.

“In the policy, Risman Plaza and Student Green are made to be free speech locations,” Day said.

Brian Cannon, executive director of Undergraduate Student Government, said the policy shouldn’t surprise people because it’s been a sort of an unspoken courtesy rule.

“This policy isn’t new to me; it has always been like this,” Cannon said.

Day said she’d prefer if students submitted the usage requests a week in advance. The major event form is located in the Student Center. Students should complete the form to request an area on the Student Green. cwilcher@kent.edu

Page A12 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

The

Kent Stater

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Page B1

LIFE IN KENT

FEATURES B5 Kent City Hall

Kent’s City Hall torn down to make room for student apartments

B7 Local Deals

Daily Deals at local restaurants to let you know where to get the most for your money every day

B5 College St. Change

Demolition of College St. houses will begin this semester to make room for new police station

On the cover: Places in Kent

Don’t know where to shop or eat downtown? We’ve got you covered with our guide to stores, restaurants, coffeeshops and tattoo parlors

Page B2 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

SO WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN KENT? Elizabeth Randolph and Emily Mills Social Media Manager and Editor

Downtown Kent has seen many changes over the last several years as it has come into its own as a college town. What was once known as a place for bars and Halloween has transformed into a hotspot for food, shopping and entertainment. While some think that Kent State students can’t truly experience downtown until they are 21, there are many things to do and places to go downtown during a student’s freshman year. Go to pages 4 an 6 for the rest of the list.

Editor’s Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every restaurant, shop, tattoo parlor and coffee shop in Kent. Any omissions are on the part of the editing staff and are not intentional.

erandol3@kent.edu and emills11@kent.edu

Food

Euro Gyro

Best known for bar-type food such While living on campus, it may be difficult to find exactly what you want as wings, burgers and pizza 107 S. Depeyster St. Kent, Ohio to eat. Even though there are a variety of places to go to eat on campus, many 44240 (330) 678-4976 students head downtown for either eurogyro.com something familiar from home or a Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. Mondaycompletely new experience.

Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.

Bar 145 Thursday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 Voted “Best Burger” in the Kent a.m. Sunday Stater’s Best of Kent awards Variety of burgers with the option to build your own 100 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968-6201 bar145kent.com/home Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayThursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater

Belleria

Sit-down Italian restaurant in Acorn Alley 2 135 E. Erie St., Suite 202, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-6000 belleriakent.weebly.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayThursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Sunday

Brewhouse Pub

Voted “Best Place to Have Fun Under 21” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Because it’s 18+, it’s a good option for younger students looking to go out; includes a dance floor, DJ, arcade, pool tables, karaoke nights and local comedians and bands 244 N. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-2774 facebook.com/brewhouse. pub?sk=wall Hours: Varies

Katie Welles / Summer Kent Stater Above: Mike's Place offers a menu item called the "Pat O'Brian Omelette" which was crafted specifically for Kent State students with hangovers.

Mr. Zub’s

Bricco

Voted “Best Restaurant” and “Best Place for a First Date” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Upscale dining with fairly reasonable prices 210 S. Depeyster St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-1335 briccokent.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. MondayThursday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday

Buffalo Wild Wings

Good option for those looking for familiar wings, chicken and burgers 176 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-9464 buffalowildwings.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. SundayWednesday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. ThursdaySaturday

Dave’s Cosmic Subs

Funky sandwich shop with locations throughout Northeast Ohio 215 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 346-0620 davescosmicsubs.com/Home.html Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Melanie Nesteruk / Summer Kent Stater

Franklin Square Deli

Voted “Best Sandwich Shop” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Homey environment with highquality food 108 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-2942 franklinsquaredeli.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. MondayWednesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday

Fresco Mexican Grill & Salsa Bar

Similar to Chipotle, but you should go for the chip and salsa bar 100 E. Erie St. Suite 112, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-2588 getfresco.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. MondaySaturday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday

Guaca-Mole’s

Voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Authentic Mexican food and drinks specials for students over 21 1888 S.R. 59, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-0710 facebook.com/pages/Guaca-moles-Mexican-Grill-Cantina/148441931856485 Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondaySunday

Guys Pizza

Voted “Best Pizza” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Small but cozy atmosphere with online ordering available 146 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-5368 guyspizzaco.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. MondayWednesday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. Thursday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday

Insomnia Cookies

Voted “Best Dessert” and “Best Late-Night Delivery” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Perfect for a late-night snack since it delivers to campus 295 S. Water St. #112, Kent, Ohio 44240 (877) 632-6654 insomniacookies.com Hours: 12 p.m. - 3 a.m. MondaySunday

Laziza

Upscale Mediterranean cuisine 195 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-7000 yourlaziza.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondaySaturday, closed Sunday

Main Street Continental Grill

Kristi R. Garabrandt / Summer Kent Stater

Voted “Best Ethnic Food” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Serves Mediterranean staples, as well as classics such as burgers and hot dogs 911 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-0800 mymainstreetgrill.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayWednesday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday

Mike’s Place

Voted “Best Place to Cure a Hangover” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Huge menu offers anything you could ever want to eat in a really quirky space 1700 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6501 mikesplacerestaurant.com Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayThursday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday

Jennifer Klingberg / Summer Kent Stater The classic oven-pressed Cuban is a favorite at Franklin Square Deli.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Right: Seasoned truffle fries served at Bar 145 on July 29, 2015.

Located next door to Water Street Tavern, offers a variety of sandwiches with online and app ordering available 132 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 474-0800 mrzubs.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. MondayWednesday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. ThursdaySaturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday

Newdle Bar

Sushi, noodles and rice bowls 295 S. Water. St. #116, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968-6134 newdlebar-kent.com Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday

Panini’s Bar and Grill

With locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Panini’s sandwiches are most likely a familiar food staple for many new students 295 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968-6204 paninisgrill.com/locations/kent/ Hours: 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. MondaySunday

Pita Pit

Sandwiches made with pitas can be a healthier option for students on a budget 154 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 346-0334 pitapitusa.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. MondayWednesday, 10 a.m. - 4 a.m. ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Sunday

Popped!

A specialty popcorn shop in Acorn Alley with flavors such as Caramel, Cheddar and Black Squirrel Crunch 175 E. Erie St. #201, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-1893 shoppopped.com Hours: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. MondayThursday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. FridaySaturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Pufferbelly Restaurant

A family-style restaurant located in an old railroad depot station 152 Franklin Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-1771 pufferbellyltd.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. SundayMonday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. TuesdayThursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. FridaySaturday

Ray’s Place

Voted “Best Drink Selection,” “Best Place for a Blind Date” and “Best Place to Take Your Parents” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Casual atmosphere, good food and a great place for a 21st birthday 135 Franklin Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-2233 raysplacekent.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. MondaySaturday, 12 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Sunday

Rise & Shine Cafe

If you’re willing to wake up early, a great spot for breakfast or brunch 135 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-8800 riseshinecafe.com Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday

Taco Tontos

Voted “Best Vegetarian/Vegan Food” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options in addition to typical Mexican-American cuisine 123 Franklin Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-0223 tacotontos.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayThursday, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. FridaySaturday, closed Sunday

Twisted Meltz

Sandwiches named after Kent celebrities, including Drew Carey, Josh Cribbs, Joe Walsh, Julian Edelman, Steve Harvey and Dri Archer 164 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968-4104 twistedmeltz.com Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m.

- 9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. 10 p.m.

Wild Goats Cafe

Voted “Best Breakfast” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Serves breakfast all day, and every Wednesday after 3 p.m. is “Buck Buck Brinner Wednesday,” featuring eight breakfast items at a dollar a piece 319 W. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-2326 wildgoatscafe.com Hours: 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. MondaySaturday, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sunday

Yogurt Vi

Frozen yogurt with health-conscious dessert options 295 S. Water St. #120, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-1162 yogurtvi.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. MondayThursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page B3

Page B4 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Tattoos

So what is there to do in Kent?

If you’re looking for a permanent way to commemorate your freshman year, Kent offers several options for tattoo shops.

Whether it is a roommate bond or something you had been Elizabeth Randolph and Emily Mills planning for a while but your Social Media Manager and Editor parents wouldn’t let you get in high school, finding the perfect place for a first, second or even fifth tattoo is important.

Downtown Kent has several tattoo parlors that are just minutes away from campus with reasonable prices for a college student’s budget.

continued

Defiance Tattoos

100 E. Main St., Kent.

(330) 678-0109 Hours: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday, closed Sunday

College students basically have coffee running through their veins, and luckily, Kent has several coffee options downtown for students to get their fix. There are a number of locally-owned coffee shops that offer unique drinks, but don’t worry; if you need your Starbucks or Dunkin’ to get you going, we have that, too.

Voted “Best Coffee Shop” in the Kent Stater’s Best of Kent awards Laid-back atmosphere with the convenience of a drive-thru, and for the over-21 crowd, now serving alcohol 135 S. Erie St., Kent.

(330) 673-5522 Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday

707 S. Water St., Kent.

(330) 822-8282 Hours: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Sunday

Smokin’ Tattooz

Coffeeshops

Tree City Coffee and Pastry

Crucible Tattoo

Voted “Best Tattoo/Piercing MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Parlor” in the Kent Stater’s Best Owner Jay Miller works on fine arts major and apprentice Eliza Miller's of Kent awards arm piece at Crucible Tattoos on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Eliza first got 163 E. Main St., Kent. the piece when she started her apprenticeship there.

(330) 677-2322 Hours: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Friday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday

The Kent Stater

Scribbles Coffee Company

Quirky and cozy with lots of couches and books 237 N. Water St., Kent.

(330) 346-0337 Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Monday - Thursday, Friday MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday Beth Budzar, who has been working at Scribbles Coffee Co. in Kent for 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 7 10 years, pours ice into an iced coffee for a customer at Scribbles on a.m. - 7 p.m.

Aug. 21, 2015.

Bent Tree Coffee Roasters

South Water Studios

Because it’s a roaster as well as a coffeeshop, it provides coffee for locations throughout Kent, including in the Student Center 313 N. Water St., Kent.

(330) 474-7255 Hours: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

850 S. Water St., Kent.

(330) 346-0656 Hours: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Friday - Saturday, closed Sun- Owner Jay Miller works on fine arts major and apprentice Eliza Miller's arm piece at Crucible Tattoos on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. day - Monday MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Tattoo artist Justin Evans tattoos Lee Vojack at Smokin' Tattooz located on 100 E. Main St. on Aug. 27, 2014.

Starbucks Coffee Company

A good option for a chain coffee shop with pastries 436 E. Main St., Kent.

(330) 677-2168 Hours: 5:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Dunkin’ Donuts

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Senior entrepreneurship major Cass Lampe (left) and graduate student neuroscience major Moad Aldabbagh (right) hang out in Scribbles on Aug. 21, 2015.

Another good option if you’re looking for donuts or a chain coffeeshop 527 E. Main St., Kent.

(330) 968-3245 Hours: 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Sunday

Nearly 30 churches and religious communities in Kent Emily Mills Editor Leaving your home church for the first time can be a big change, and finding a new church to attend while at college can be intimidating. However, Kent and the surrounding areas offer several churches and religious communities students can select from.

15. Kent United Church of Christ 1400 E. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-9534 kentucc.org

16. Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 5. Faith Lutheran Church 931 E. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6633 faithlutheran-kent.org

6. Faith United Methodist Church

Sarah Pompeii/ Summer Kent Stater The Masjed of Kent located at 325 Crain Ave.

1. Baha’i Community of Kent 422 Earl Ave. Kent, Ohio 44240

2. Christ Episcopal Church 118 S. Mantua St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-4604 christchurchkent.org

3. Christian Life Center

1235 Tallmadge Rd. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-7597 brimfieldfaith.com

7. First Christian Church

335 W. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6634 firstchristiankent.org/info

8. First Freedom Baptist Church 2171 Tallmadge Rd. Brimfield, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-0997 ffbcbrimfield.org/index.html

1972 E. Summit St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-9234 kentchristianlifecenter.org/index.php?id=2

9. Free Methodist Church

4. Church of Christ

10. Grace Baptist Church

319 Depeyster St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-5132 kentchurchofchrist.info

1360 Fairchild Ave. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-5391

5915 Rhodes Rd. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-9019 graceinkent.org

11. Holy Cross Anglican Church 1046 Lake St Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 298-0373 holycrossanglican-church.com

12. Kent Friends Meeting 1435 E. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 leym.quaker.org/kent/

13. Kent Hindu Community 1100 Birchwood Cir. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-9460 Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater H20 Church is a Student organization and church of Christain worship. It is located at 499 S. Marigold Lane.

14. Kent Presbyterian Church 1456 E. Summit St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-0661

1625 Athena Dr. Kent, Ohio 44240

17. North Point Apostolic Church 3544 Verner Rd. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-1501 northpointapostolic.com

18. Riverwood Community Chapel 1407 Fairchild Ave. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-7000 riverwoodchapel.org

19. St. Patrick Catholic Church 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-5849 stpatrickkent.org

20. Trinity Lutheran Church 600 S. Water St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-5445 trinitykent.org

21. Union Baptist Church 240 Dodge St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-9100

22. Unitarian Universalist Church 228 Gougler Ave. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-4247 kentuu.org

Craig Zombar / Summer Kent Stater The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent hosted a Freedom to Marry event on Friday, July 3, 2015.

26. Victory Baptist Temple 4167 SR 43 Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6079

27. Water Street Church of the Brethren

1541 S. Water. St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-4905 brethren.org/church/28378-Water-Stre.html

23. United Methodist Church of Kent 1435 E. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-5879 kentmethodist.org

24. University Center Newman Parish 1424 Horning Rd. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-7780 kentnewmancenterparish.org

25. University Church of the Nazarene 1972 E. Summit St. Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6000

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater St. Patrick Catholic Church is located at 313 N. Depeyster St.

emills11@kent.edu

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page B5

The Kent Stater

City Hall torn down to make way for new student appartments Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter Kent’s City Hall and City Hall Annex, which housed city offices and a business incubator, were torn down June 17 to make way for a new 340-unit apartment complex.

“It was kind of sad,” Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said. “I’ve had 18 years on city council, and I’ve moved from the old police station where it used to be city hall. It’s kind of sentimental for me being one of the older representatives on council.”

The offices that were housed in the buildings are currently spread throughout Kent in different locations. For example, the Kent Health Department is now temporarily housed in the Kent State Michael Schwartz Center.

“Right now, we are looking at options of where to go,” Fiala said. “Our main concern is to get the police station built and get them moved into a new facility, and then we’re going to look at our options.”

A student apartment complex, 345 Flats, will be built on the property. It will feature around 180 beds and offer studio apartments up through four-bedroom units.

Employees said they are still getting used to the changes in location.

Police dept. changes budget plans for new station Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter Budget plans for the new police station have increased to reach the requirements needed for an updated facility.

The initial budget for the new police station was $10.5 million dollars and it was raised to approximately $14 million dollars at the City Hall meeting last week.

“It will be today’s standard state-of-the-art facility compared to what we used to have,” said mayor Jerry Fiala. “It’s going to be quite an improvement.“

Safety tips and tricks for Kent State students Matt Merchant Senior Reporter

On their own for the first time, away from parents and family in an unfamiliar place and surrounded by strangers — and hopefully soon-to-be friends — incoming students always ask, “Is this a safe school?”

In a single semester, students will meet new people, attend parties (oncampus or off) and have fun at least once, guaranteed.

But students also should be safe, and the university often promotes safety awareness. Incoming students should feel comfortable in an academic environment.

In the Dorms

With 25 residence hall locations on campus, the Department of Residence Services covers much of campus and student life. The dorms are where students often spend a large amount of time both studying and participating in social activities.

Each residence hall, unlike most academic buildings, is locked 24 hours a day with access available only to those students with a key card. Access cards, similar to hotel door keys, are given only to students living in the oncampus housing. Students will have access to their own door, the main door to the residence hall and the door to their hallway or elevator.

“Any person who doesn’t live in the residence hall is considered a guest,” said Jill Church, director of Residence Services. “If you don’t live there, you must be escorted.” There is no limit to the number of guests each student can have at one time, but Church said she knows students sometimes have big families or study groups in the halls.

Residence Services encourages students to lock his or her door at all times. Even if it’s convenient to leave it unlocked to walk down the hall, Church said it’s important for students to keep safety in mind.

Each residence hall floor is staffed by a resident assistant ( RA) who patrols the halls and interacts with students living in his or her designated area. For the 2015-2016 academic year, nearly 150 RAs will be hired.

Security Aides

Besides the RAs, Residence Services offers a Security Aide program. For the 2015-2016 academic year, the university plans to hire 40 to 50 students to be employed as aides.

“The presence of security aides in the halls is intended to serve as a deterrent to crime and other problems,” according to the university housing website.

Each individual security aide is required to complete 100 hours of training each year. Aides are required to have training with the University Police Department, the fire safety department on campus and instruction about the general resources avail-

“At the beginning, it was difficult,” said Justin Smith, Kent’s chief public health sanitarian, “but everyone that repeats coming here, like the funeral directors, figured it out.”

The buildings were demolished because it would have been too expensive to repair them. The city received $2.4 million for the buildings, which was double the buildings’ appraised value.

“It was a wise move based upon the money offered to sell the buildings,” said law director James Silver. “The repairs that the buildings would have needed beginning this year (were costly), and the benefits there will be to downtown businesses with people living in the downtown area.”

Some of the sale money has been used for relocating, Fiala said, but the majority will be used to construct a new city hall building.

Fiala said he took four bricks from the demolition to put old history back into the new building.

“I kind of like to take history with me when we go,” he said.

There are no current plans for where the new city hall will be located, but it will incorporate all of the offices that were previously split up between the two buildings.

The new building will be located on the southeast corner of Haymaker and Depeyster Street.

“We had to honor some leases until the end of August,” said Fiala. “So somewhere after August after the students have moved out…we’ll start demolishing the properties.”

Fiala said they hope to have the land ready for the new building development by November.

He also said the current police station isn’t safe for prisoners or staff.

“The building itself does not meet current fire code, building and zoning regulations, and it’s not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Lt. Michael Lewis of Kent Police Department. “It’s just become more costly to maintain this building than it would be to create a new building that we could move into.”

Lewis said their police department makes about 2,000 arrests each year and they don’t have the facility to accommodate the prisoners.

Photo courtesy of Mike Sever and the Record-Courier

“The new city hall is going to be a one-stop shop,” Fiala said.

“We’re going to target that concept.”

The City Hall Annex housed the offices for the city manager, mayor, city council, law director and civil service. City Hall housed the budget department, counselor’s chambers and the health department. cgraff1@kent.edu “Adults, males, females and juveniles need to be separated by sight, sound and touch,” said Lewis. “That's very, very difficult by our existing facility. We don’t meet the needs of all of our prisoners.”

Regulations say the cells need to provide natural lighting that the current jail does not provide.

Currently, there are three jail cells that are side by side and one that is separate and used for a prisoner that needs to be removed from the main area. The jail has only one shower in the common jail area that cannot always be utilized when they have men and women in the cells.

“The cells are too small and the square footage isn’t right, and they need to be larger,” said Sgt. Jason Short. “We can’t have bar doors anymore because it’s a suicide risk.”

Lewis said they have had a number of suicide attempts in the jail and there have been deaths in the past from hangings due to the construction of the cells. cgraff1@kent.edu

able to students.

The Student Security staff also provides an escort service for students who want to be escorted on campus from one point to another instead of walking alone across campus.

Security escorts, who carry two-way radios to communicate with university police, are Rachael Le Goubin / Summer Kent Stater available 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Police officers from Kent State, Kent City, and Brimfield were stationed in around Downtown Kent for the annual Halloween festivities Saturday, Wednesday, and 8 p.m. Oct. 26, 2013. Some officers were on duty until as early as 7 a.m. to make sure rowdy partygoers did not get out of hand. to 4 a.m. on the weekwith a friend or a group just to be of individuals associated with the uni- Lab Safety ends, Thursday through Saturday.

The campus security page on the safe.” She recommends students lock versity community.”

The university safety department The city, with assistance from also maintains all Material Safety university website offers several tuto- their doors, and keep items stored in rial videos, including how to fill out vehicles or lockers properly secured Residence Service, enforces all fire Data Sheets in on-campus laboratocodes on university property. RAs are ries. MSDSs are reported to the state an incident report and file a mainte- and out of sight.

Students should write down the trained to inspect fire safety equip- government to ensure the university nance request. serial number from their laptops in ment in the residence halls, including is in compliance with state laws. Labcase they get stolen, as well. Knoles fire extinguishers, pull alarms and oratory safety tips, including proceA.L.I.C.E. Training All incoming students are now said the department can run that info smoke detectors. If a fire alarm is trig- dures for a chemical spill or hazardrequired to complete A.L.I.C.E. train- through a national database and track gered on campus, the city fire depart- ous waste disposal, are available on ment responds. ing during his or her First Year Expe- it down, even if it leaves the state. the university’s Compliance and Risk University police are also linked to In years past, the most common Management website. rience course. A.L.I.C.E. training sessions, which in years past have been the Flash ALERTS system. Knoles said cause of fires on campus relate to optional, were implemented following she recommends all students sign up extension cords.

Sexual Assault for the free text messaging service and Fire drills are conducted once per a lockdown on campus in 2014.

In 2013, the university created the semester, typically during the first Office of Sexual and Relationship VioA.L.I.C.E., an acronym for “Alert, also encourages parents to sign up.

“In case of a large incident on cam- month, and should be announced 24 lence Support Services, or SRVSS, to Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate,” is a national crisis training pro- pus, it’s easier and quicker if parents hours in advance. When an alarm has provide resources for those affected by gram designed to teach people com- know their child is safe instead of call- been activated, automated instruc- violent relationships. tions typically direct occupants of the mon sense techniques to use during ing us,” she said.

Each academic year, the SRVSS Knoles also recommended students building to the nearest exit. active shooter situations. office, in collaboration with the WomAs a matter of safety, the university en’s Center, also sponsors or hosts Returning students who have not use the security aide escorts, who the completed A.L.I.C.E. training can department ensures are trained prop- lists several tips for students to utilize awareness and educational events like attend a workshop during the Spring erly in “verbal judo” and non-physical during a fire situation: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, Take Back techniques for disarming potentially 1. If possible, and if it’s safe to do the Night, One Billion Rising and the 2016 semester. so, attempt to extinguish small fires. Clothesline Project.

Church said students are generally violent situations.

If students encounter a criminal or Then report the incident immediately more aware of their surroundings.

In 2014, the SRVSS office began “We don’t want students to be fearful violent situation on campus, they can to university police. If a student can- a campus-wide program call Green on campus,” she said. “We want them use the campus Blue Light phone sys- not extinguish a small fire, activate the Dot. Designed to prevent assaults, to be safe in their academic environ- tem. These devices, scattered across nearest fire alarm pull station. the program aims to teach bystander the campus, are linked directly to 2. Do not use elevators. Instead, strategies — moments of trouble that ment.” police dispatchers. If students dial use the nearest stairway and follow could be prevented by taking action to Campus Police 911 on their phones, those calls will designated signs for exit routes. Do prevent an assault from occurring. For The Kent State University Police be channeled directly to university not run. more information, students can attend Department is fully accredited and police officers.

3. Close doors behind you and one of three workshops SRVSS is hosthas been the recipient of numerous “Stay on the line,” Knoles said. turn off lights when you leave a room. ing during the Fall 2015 semester. national awards in recent years.

“Even if it’s a misdial, dispatchers will 4. Help any physically disabled According to its website, the call back and continue to call to make individuals in your area.

Safety Threatline “award-winning” department is “one sure the person is safe on the line.”

Kent State offers an anonymous 5. Move at least 75 feet away from of the first nationally accredited law hotline for students to leave voicemail the building. enforcement agencies in Ohio,” by the Fire Safety 6. Do not re-enter a building with messages who want to report any kind Kent State’s Fire Prevention Office an alarm until told to do so by a uni- of harassment, physical harm, suspiCommission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and works directly with the City of Kent versity official, fire marshal or police cious behavior or individuals on camonly the second university police force Fire Department to “ensure the safety officer. pus or report information related to to be accredited in the nation. criminal activity.

Taxi Service With 32 full time officers on staff, Campus Security escort services Students can call (330) 672-SAFE Downtown Kent offers plenty of (7233) 24 hours a day or submit an including two K-9 units (if students (330) 672-7004 bars and restaurants to have a night online form on the Department of haven’t met Coco or Dexter, the two University Police (non-emergency) on the town, and students will proba- Public Safety website. police canines, it is highly recom- (330) 672-2212 bly make friends who will invite their mended). The department also works University Police (emergency) to a house party. Have fun, but be safe Other Safety Sevices with 4 to 6 auxiliary student officers 911 All students, both incoming and and don’t do anything illegal. each semester.

Fire Prevention Office Area taxi services are available returning, can register for Flash Community Resource Officer Tricia (330) 672-0831 — for a fee — if students do not feel ALERTS through the university’s Knoles said the number one crime on comfortable or are unable to get home website. This free text messaging syscampus is theft. Consistently during Safety Threatline (330) 672-SAFE (7233) safely. Local companies like Porter’s tem will send out period alerts relatrecent years, the department has seen Taxi and 1 Fast Transport, as well as ed to fire alarms, building closings, the crime of opportunity in areas like Porters Taxi (330) 328-9029 (Call for rates) national services like Uber and Lyft, threats on campus and severe weather residence halls and the Student Recrealerts such as tornado warnings. are only a phone call away. ation and Wellness Center.

1 Fast Transport Taxi “Be aware of your surroundings,” (330) 474-9411 mmercha1@kent.edu Knoles said. “In the evening, walk (Rates $3 per person, $10 minimum)

Page B6 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

Places that accept FlashCash Jimmy Miller Managing Editor jmill231@kent.edu

On-Campus Locations:

• On Point Restaurant (Akron) • CVS Pharmacy (Kent) • Convenient Marketplace (Ravenna) • Dave’s Cosmic Subs (Kent)

• All Dining Services Locations

• Denny’s (Stark Campus)

• All Food Court Merchants

• Discount Drug Mart (Kent)

• Campus Vending Machines

• Domino’s Pizza (Kent)

• Copiers and printers on campus

• Dunkin’ Donuts (Kent)

• The Tech Spot

• Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant (Kent)

• University Libraries

• Eldorado’s Pizza Pie (Kent)

• Food 4 Thought Cafe (213 White Hall)

• EMPIRE (Kent)

• KSU Golf Course

• Europe Gyro (Kent)

• DeWeese Health Center

• Famous Hair (Kent)

• Recreational Services

• Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Kent)

• Starbucks at the Library

• Flynn’s Tire and Auto Service (Kent)

• Parking Services

• Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar (Kent)

• Schwebel Room

• Gaming Grounds (Kent)

• University Bookstores

• Georgio’s Oven Fresh Pizza (Kent)

• Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas

• Giant Eagle (Stow)

• The Kent Cafe (Tuscarawas)

• Guy s Pizza (Kent)

Off-Campus locations:

• Hungry Howie’s Pizza (Kent)

• Acme (Stow)

• Insomnia Cookies (Kent)

• Acme #7 (Kent)

• On Tap Grill and Bar (Stow)

• Arby’s (Kent)

• The Pita Pit (Kent)

• Azur Tan (Munroe Falls)

• Papa John’s Pizza (Kent)

• Bistro on Main (Kent)

• Paninis Bar and Grill (Kent)

• Belleria Pizza and Italian Restaurant (Kent)

• Penn Station (Kent)

• Buffalo Wild Wings (Kent)

• Pizza Hut (Kent and Brimfield)

• Burger King (Kent)

• Portage Cyclery (Ravenna)

• Campus BP (Kent)

• Pufferbelly Ltd. (Kent)

• Campus Book and Supply (Kent)

• Pulp Juice & Smoothie Bar (Kent)

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (Kent)

• Ramella’s Pizza (Kent)

• Circle K (E. Main St. only)

• Robeks (Stow)

• Jimmy Johns (Kent)

• Rockne’s Pub (Kent)

• Kent Rapid Wash (Kent)

• RSVP (Stow)

• Sunoco West (Kent)

• Sheetz (Kent, Ravenna, North Canton)

• KSU Golf Course (Kent)

• Save-A-Lot (Kent)

• Little Caesar’s Pizza (Kent)

• Subway (Kent)

• Marathon Quick Stop (Kent)

• The Fairways at Twin Lakes

• Mike’s Place (Kent)

• Twisted Meltz (Kent)

• Mr. Hero (Kent)

• Wendy’s (Kent, Brimfield)

• Mr. Zub’s Deli (Kent)

• UniversiTees (Kent)

• Old Carolina BBQ (Stow)

So what is there to do in Kent?

Elizabeth Randolph and Emily Mills Social Media Manager and Editor

Shopping

Although Kent doesn’t have a mall, there are a variety of local shops in Kent selling everything from books to musical instruments to clothes to yoga mats. Skip a couple of Chipotle burritos to save some money and explore what these downtown shops have to offer.

blue: A Goodwill Boutique

Kent Natural Foods Co-op

Get textbooks and Kent State apparel for cheaper than at the university bookstore 112 S. Lincoln St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-1400 campusbookonline.com/kent/home.aspx Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday

Large selection of used books, buys and sells books, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs and records 124 E. Main St. Suite 3, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-4499 w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / L a s t - E x i t Books/155861637773651?sk=info Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday (doesn’t buy books on Sundays)

Campus Book and Supply

Carnaby Street Style

Affordable European-inspired clothing 100 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-2992 carnabystreetstyle.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

City Bank Antiques

Antiques including furniture, watches, jewelry and pottery 115 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-1479 citybankantiques.com Hours: Varies

The Dragonfly

Embroidery on T-shirts, bags and other fabrics; good for getting Greek letters 164 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677- 1088 thedragonflyshop.com Hours: Varies

The Empire of Magical Thought

Henna, tarot readings, crystals and more 135 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968-4946 empirekent.com Hours: Varies

The Exchange

Your go-to stop for old video games, CDs, DVDs or records 407 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-4470 theexchange.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday

The Fashion School Store

Figleaf Boutique

Trendy women’s clothes and accessories 138 E. Main St. #101, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-1906 figleafboutique.com/Default.asp Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday

Gracylane

Local boutique with designer brands, including Vera Bradley and Alex and Ani 100 E. Erie St. Suite , Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-6700 collegetownkent.com/shop/gracy-lane/ Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

International Home Markets

Sells a variety of international foods, including Asian, Indo-Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern, to help international students feel at home 154 E. Main St. Suite D, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 474-5750 homemarketsksu.wordpress.com Hours: 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 3:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Kent Central Gateway Footwear

Men’s and women’s shoes, including boots, sandals, and athletic and dress shoes 201 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 968- 4544 kcgfootwear.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater One Love Yoga owner Tim Huth and yoga instructor Erin Cornell do a standing yoga pose on the counter of the store on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.

The place to go if you need a new bike or the one you have needs fixed 115 Lake St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-0600 kentcycle.com Hours:10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.

- 6 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday

Upscale clothing with retail prices 118 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-2525 goodwillakron.org/shop/blue Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Student-designed garments sold in a lab for fashion students 201 E. Erie St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-2419 fashionschool.kent.edu/fsstore Hours: Varies

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Emma Peterson (far right), a graduate student from Kent State and a worker at FSSTORE, helps customers at The Fashion School Store on Thursday, July 30, 2015.

Kent Cycle

continued

Local, organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, bread and other food items 151 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-2878 kentnaturalfoods.org Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday

Last Exit Books

McKay Bricker Framing and Black Squirrel Gifts

Variety of gifts related to Kent and Kent State, as well as a picture frame store 141 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-5058 mckaybricker.com Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday

Off the Wagon

Eclectic, random novelty and gag gifts that are perfect for that one person you don’t know what to get 152 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 474-1330 offthewagonshop.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday

One Love Yoga and Boutique

A place for a workout, shopping and a smoothie 295 S. Water St. Suite 108, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 842-7228 oneloveyogakent.com Hours: 8 a.m. - 9 .m. Monday/Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday

Silver & Scents

Sells Peruvian art, textiles, jewelry and crystals 154 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 474-5751 Hours: varies

Standing Rock Jewelers

The place to go if you’re looking for new jewelry or need your existing pieces, including watches, repaired 164 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 474-5755 standingrock-jewelers.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday

UniversiTees

Wide array of Kent State apparel and gifts, including 2 for $22 T-shirts 100 E. Erie St., Suite 118, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-3131 universitees.com/index.cfm Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Wild Earth Outfitters

Hiking, camping and traveling gear 175 E. Erie St. #101, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 677-1948 wildearthoutfitters.com Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

Woodsy’s Music

Sells musical instruments and sheet music, as well as offers lessons to learn new instruments 135 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio 44240 330-673-1525 woodsysmusic.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday

The Works

Unique items including jewelry, clothing and home decor 130 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 673-6373 Hours: varies

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Woodsy's repairman Everette Beeman plays a baratone Taylor guitar in a room at Woodsy's on Friday, Aug. 21 2015.

DAILY DEALS

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page B7

The Kent Stater

Emily Mills Editor

We know you probably don’t have a lot of money, so we found restaurants in Kent that have different food and drink specials for each day of the week.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Every Sunday and Monday afternoon after 4 p.m., Franklin Square Deli has a special for half a sub and a drink for $3.99 This sub, which was made on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. has salami , provolone and pepperoni,

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Sushi chef Arte Hong puts together a plate of à la carte sushi at Newdle Bar on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015 during its half-off sushi special day.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Every Monday, Panini's has $5 Martini Night. This chocolate raspberry martini was made on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Newdle Bar's special is for sushi on Tuesdays. This restaurant and bar offers half-off any sushi every Tuesday. This à la carte plate of sushi was put together by sushi chef Arte Hong on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Enjoy half-off sushi every Thursaday night from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at 157 Lounge, a trendy sushi bar and club.

This sushi creation was made on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater Wednesday nights are $5 burger nights at Bar 145. This burger, which was made on Wedenesday, July 29 2015, has bourbon sauce with lettuce, tomatoes and spinach,

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater The Jillets perform at Water Street Tavern on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. On Fridays, Water Street Tavern offers free live music.

Page B8 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page B9

Page B10 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

The

Kent Stater

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

FEATURES C9 Roommates

Worried you won’t get along with your roommate? We have t ips for getting along

C11 Kent State Holidays

Learn about Kent State’s holidays that aren’t on a normal calendar

C4 Student Organizations

Check out our list of the more than 350 student organizations at Kent State

On the cover: Hidden in Kent Discover Kent State’s hidden gems and secret spots

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Page C1

LIFE AT KSU

Page C2 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

USG acts as voice for Kent State student body Emily Mills Editor

Kent State’s Undergraduate Student Government is students’ representation in the administration at Kent State, but many students don’t understand what USG actually does.

“Undergraduate Student Government advocates and acts as a voice for the student body,” said Executive Director Brian Cannon. “We are here to serve and help make the student experience better at Kent State University with the services that we provide.”

USG, which was created in 1924, is made up of 25 representatives who are elected in the spring semester to serve one-year terms; there is one executive director, eight directors covering varying aspects of student life and 16 senators representing the colleges, commuters, residence halls and exploratory majors. These representatives are elected by members of the Kent State student body each March.

The senators of off-campus and commuter housing, University College and residence halls and the three senators-at-large are appointed by old and new USG members through interviews, said Kevin Otubu, vice chairman and director of programming.

“USG is the voice for our undergraduate students,” Otubu said. “We are the governing body that works in close liaison between the university, and the city for our students.”

USG provides allocations, or funding, for students and student organizations to host programs or events and attend conferences. In turn, USG receives its funding from students’ general activity fees.

USG is probably most well-known for the events it hosts throughout the year, including Blastoff, Flashfest, Study-A-Thons during finals

weeks, Safety Week before spring break, concerts and comedy shows.

Kevin Hart came to campus last December to perform a comedy show, and band Capital Cities, most well-known for its hit “Safe and Sound,” came to campus in April 2014 to perform at Flashfest. In 2011, USG brought singer Bruno Mars for Flashfest.

Students are able to submit suggestions for which acts they would like to see perform on campus.

“We make concerts affordable and reachable by (bringing) high-profile artists (to campus),” Otubu said. “Fill out who you'd like to come perform at Kent on the Kent State USG website so my team and I can see what the students would like and try our best to bring them.”

Students who are interested in getting involved with USG can join its street team, which helps pass out fliers before events and spreads information about USG, “It's a fun and interactive way to meet and talk to other people,” Otubu said.

Students can also come to USG’s public meetings, and they can apply to join the allocations and programming board at the end of the academic year.

“Never think it is too early to get involved or ask questions,” said Katie McKee, USG’s director of communications. “We are here to help you have the best four years as a Kent State undergraduate student.”

Students can like USG on Facebook or follow the page on Twitter, where they do giveaways including meet and greets and tickets to concerts.

USG will be at BlastOff on Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., where they will have performers and giving away prizes, including iPads and Beats headphones, Otubu said. emills11@kent.edu

Advisers keep students on track to graduate Chiamaka Uwagba Copy/Web Editor

Kent State helps freshmen students start off on the right path by providing advisers at the beginning of their freshmen year that will stay with them throughout their time at the university.

All students are required to meet their adviser every semester to help them figure out what classes they should be taking, as well as discuss any academic issues they might be having, said Steven Antalvari, director of University Advising.

“The adviser will help guide the student in making decisions about their major, career, internships, transition to college, engaging in college and ultimately life after KSU,” Antalvari said.

Students who visit their adviser are likely to stay on track and graduate on time, Antalvari said.

This is accomplished through Kent State’s “Got 15” campaign, which encourages students to take at least 15 credit hours each semester so students can try to graduate in four years.

By having the same adviser for the length of students’ college careers, it allows them to cre-

Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

Graduate students have several options to get involved

ate relationships with their advisers, who understand each student’s needs and goals. Advisers also often send out internship and career information that caters to their students.

Junior chemistry major Mariah Hill said this information from advisers can provide students with a chance to network, which helps expand career opportunities.

“It is also important because a person might have to take additional courses due to minor setback,” Hill said.

The only time an adviser changes is if the student’s course or campus changes, or if an adviser leaves his or her position.

Students are responsible for actually registering for classes, but their advisers help them decide what classes to take each semester.

Freshmen are not able to make any changes to their schedules until after the first day of class, which is Aug. 31.

“We do that because you haven’t started yet,” MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Antalvari said. “We want you to get into the habChristine Bruno, a former Kent State student who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, prepares for an it of contacting us when you have a question.” conwuama@kent.edu

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Academic adviser H. Bate Agbor-Baiyee discusses scheduling with a student during an advising appointment on the fifth floor of the UniversiyLibrary on Nov. 13, 2014.

How to use

Jenna Watson / Summer Kent Stater Senior entrepreneurship major Kevin Otubu reacts as he becomes the director of programming for United Student Government as results of the elections are streamed in the student center, Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

interview with CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America, in Rockwell Hall on June 25, 2015.

Alyse Rohloff International Reporter Kent State has more than 6,000 graduate students this year in its more than 50 graduate programs.

To help with the high cost of tuition, graduate students can participate in assistantships, which are programs that help pay for the student’s tuition.

Kent State offers three different types of assistantships: administrative, teaching and research.

Graduate students can get involved on-campus in many different ways. One of the largest graduate student organizations is the Graduate Student Senate.

According to the Division of Graduate Studies, Graduate Student Senate is made up of representatives from different campus departments with graduate programs and seeks to improve graduate student experiences and research on campus.

Graduate Student Senate also hosts a graduate symposium, which has been held for about 30 years, said Kyle Reynolds, assistant director of Graduate Student Services. Graduate students host the program and present their research each year. This year, this symposium will be held on April 22, 2016.

Graduate Student Senate also hosts an event call GradFest, which is held a couple times a semester.

“It’s just an event where graduate students can connect and unwind,” Reynolds said. “It’s usually at a local restaurant or establishment in downtown Kent. It’s an opportunity for graduate students to meet one another and share their experiences.”

Graduate students can also get involved by participating in the Graduate Studies’ graduate socials. These socials are held in the Cartwright Hall atrium twice a semester. Students can connect and build relationships at these socials, Reynolds said.

When it comes to being a new graduate student, making connections is one of the best things students can do, Reynold said.

“Really communicate well with your faculty and really work with them to make this as good of an experience as you can,” Reynolds said. “Also step outside your department and get involved and see what other opportunities are out there to connect with other graduate students.”

Graduate student orientation will be August 25 and 26 for new graduate students. Graduate Studies expects this to be its largest orientation with more than 1,000 new graduate students. arohloff@kent.edu

TechHelp

From using a laptop for typing a paper to operating an iPad for some Netflix-watching, you’re going to use technology often in your collegiate career.

Sometimes, however, technology fails. Maybe you need to install hardware for your computer, or try to figure out why your computer isn’t charging anymore. By using one or more of the options Informational Services’ TechHelp provides, you’ll be able to get FlashLine assistance, download free software the university provides (including Microsoft Office), remove viruses and spyware, repair mobile devices or iPads, work with data recovery or further troubleshoot your problems.

Online, you can log into Support.kent.edu to narrow down the issues with the program’s 24/7 technology support. You can also call the program’s support phone number at 330-672-HELP (4357), or you can visit the Service and Repair Center at the Tri-Towers Rotunda or the College of Business. TechHelp also provides a Tech2You program that brings a representative to most residence halls for basic troubleshooting questions throughout the semester, and the library offers a Technology Help Desk.

The university also offers approximately 30 workshops throughout the semester to help educate students on anything from Microsoft Word and Excel to protecting your digital identity.

Classes often require pre-registration. jmill231@kent.edu One of the the Technology Help Desks is located in Tri-Towers.

Sarah Pompeii / Summer Kent Stater

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page C3

Page C4 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

Student Organizations

Academic • Accounting Association

• KentLingua

• AIGA

• Leadership Makes a Difference

• All the CEO Ladies

• Management of Information Systems Association

• Alpha Eta Rho

• Medical Technology Club

• Alpha Rho Chi

• MISA

• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

• Mortar Board

• American Association of Petroleum Geologists

• National Society of Collegiate Scholars

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

• National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association

• American Institute of Architecture Students • American Marketing Association • American Medical Student Association • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Student Chapter

• Orchestra Association • Organization of Athletic Training Students • OSA Student Chapter • Oscar Ritchie Scholars Guild

• Anthropology Student Organization

• Paralegal Organization

• Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists

• Peer Mentor Program

• Beta Alpha Psi • Biology Club • Business Leadership Club • Business Professional’s Roundtable • Ceramics Club • Clarinet Association, Kent State University • Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) Student Chapter • Collegiate Business Association • Collegiate DECA • Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization • Communication Society • Construction Management Student Organization • Criminology Student Organization • Delta Sigma Pi • Digital Scientists • Doctoral Management Student Association • Environmental Conservation Group • EPIC • Expanding the Whedonverse • Fashion Graduate Organization (FGO) • Financial Mangement Association • Flying Club • FocalPoint • Franklin Advertising Association • French Club

• Pharmacy Club • Phi Alpha Theta, Psi Chapter • Philosophy Club • Pi Sigma Epsilon • Political Science Graduate Student Association • Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club • Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

• Silver Eagles Drill Team

• Undergraduate Student Government

International • Chinese Students and Scholars Association • International Mentors

• Rotaract

• Russian Club

• Saxophone Society

• Students for Global Study

• Scientista

• Turkish Student Association

• Scientista Graduate Student Organization • Sigma Gamma Epsilon • Society for Human Resource Management • Society of Information Display • Society of Physics Students

• Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

• LDS Institute

• Chinese and American Friends East (CAFE) • Fellowship of Christian Athletes

• Lutheran Student Fellowship • Muslim Student Association, MSA • Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

• H2O Church

• The Impact Movement

• Hillel

• The Light in Kent HOP

• Identity Project

• The Navigators

• International Students Christian Fellowship

• United Christian Ministries • Young Life

• SPIE Student Chapter • Sport, Event and Recreation Management • STEM Scholars • Student Affiliates in School Psychology • Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society

• Trombone and Euphonium Society • Undergraduate Mathematics Club • Undergraduate Student Sociological Collective • United Print Alliance • Women in Aviation KATIE WELLES | SUMMER KENT STATER Rumbi Mupinga (center) and fellow members of the Barefeet Foot Tribe practice a traditional African dance, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in the Music and Speech Center. They practice a series of different dances and songs for two hours, twice a week.

• World Music Society

• African Student Association

• Give, Live GOOD

• Saudi Student Association

• African-Centered Book Study

• International Communication Society

• Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA)

• Barefeet Dance Tribe

• Japanese Culture Exchange Circle

• Sri Lankan Students’ Organization

• Brazilian Student Organization

• Make Art Digital Design

• The Black Theatre Association

• Chinese Culture Club

• Native American Student Association

• Voices of Testimony

• Dunya Jeane Student Organization

mmercha1@kent.edu

• Writers’ Workshop

• Pokemon League

• Flash Harmony

• POW

• Freshman Advisory Council

• Pre-Dental Student Association

• History Club

• PRIDE! Kent

• Humanist Society

• Prodigy Fashion Organization

• I’m That KSU Girl

• Psychology Club

• International Justice Mission

• Recycled Knowledge

• Authentik Movement

• ISF Kent State

• Roundtable

• Bird Club

• Jazz Society

• Stage Management Forum

• Black Squirrel Improv Troupe

• Kent State Invisible Children

• Stand for the Silent

• Body Acceptance Movement

• KLUG

• Bronies and Pegasisters

• KSU Ceramics Club

• Student Dance Education Organization

• Coalition for a Humane and New Global Economy (CHANGE)

• Legacy Dance Team

• Comedy Club

• Magic: The Gathering

• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

• Magical Arts Society

• Council of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID) Club

• MS Paint Adventures Society

• The League of Extraordinary Tabletops

• DJs, Kent State

• Music Community

• The Winchester Society

• Duel Academy,

• Musical Theatre Student Organization (MTSO)

• Trans*Fusion

• Anime Society

beginners while her co-president Paul Dilyard, a senior digital science major, works with the more advanced students. Students can bring his or her own laptop or desktop computer to meetings, or use equipment provided.

HacKSU isn’t just about learning, either. The group travels to neighboring states to compete against other schools, including well-established computer science programs like the University of Pennsylvania and Michigan State. Each year the groups participates in up to eight different hackathons.

“There aren’t many schools doing computer related clubs well,” Bonatesta said. “Other schools are looking to use (HacKSU) as a model for how to make it work.”

The groups also partners with Major League Hacking to host its own hackathon, Kent Hack Enough. Bonatesta said they usually make it a party-like theme, with water pong and an open bar where Red Bull is served. Meetings are typically held in the Honors College, but Bonatesta said they are currently looking for a new location in order to accommodate more people.

• Omani Student Organization

• Women of all Textures

Special Interest

• American Foundry Society (KSU-AFS)

ALEX LEDET / SUMMER KENT STATER The Kent State Robotics Team working on their robot for the Kent Hack Enough, a two-day long event held

by Hack KSU on the fourth floor in the Library. October 24, 2014.

• Nepalese Student Association

• Film Society

• 4 the Love of Paws

There’s a group of computer hackers that meet each week on campus. Unlike the stereotypical malicious hackers found in movies, these are students learning from each other.

Want to learn how to make an app? What about learning how to write Python or HTML coding? Need help creating a website or giving your personal blog an update?

“HacKSU teaches students from all over campus how to be creative with technology,” said Robin Bonatesta, a senior double major in computer science and fashion merchandising, “Things you wouldn’t necessarily learn in classes.”

At the beginning of each academic year, roughly 75 students show up for the Tuesday meetings at 7 p.m. By the end of semester, roughly half still show up. But that’s fine with Bonatesta. She said she usually works with the

• Late Night Christian Fellowship

• Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS)

• Cultural Diversity Association

Matt Merchant Senior Reporter

• Catholic Student Association

• Cru

Cultural

• B.E.L.L.A.S

Learning to code outside classroom

Religious

• Association of International Students—AISEHHS

• Robotics Club

• The Society of Collegiate Leadership and Achievement (SCLA)

• Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Beta Chapter

• Interhall Council

• Indian Association,

• Graduate Management Association

• Jewelry and Metals Co-Op

• Fighting Flashes

• Public Relations Student Society of America

• Textiles Club

• Interior Design Student Collaborative

• Hungry For Health

• Amigos de las Americas

• Precision Flight Team

• Gerontology Club

• Institute of Management Accountants

Government

• Veterans Club

• Phi Delta Epsilon

• TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Society

• IIDA Student Chapter

Military • Ashley WhiteHot 5K

• Geological Society

• hacKSU

LEAH KLAFCZYNSKI | SUMMER KENT STATER ROTC cadets approach the finish line at The WhiteHot 5K race across the Kent State campus that honors former fallen ROTC soldier Ashley White, who was killed in Afghanistan in October of 2011. The money raised from the race goes into a scholarship fund bearing Ashley’s name that benefits ROTC Cadets at Kent.

• Art Club • ASL Club • Association for Conflict Resolution

• Electronic Dance Music Club • English Club • Environmental Society • Exquisite Inc., Modeling Troupe

• LifeShare Club

• Modista Fashion Group

• Ohio Student Association • Photo Club • POETREE

• Student Dietetic Association • Student Friends of the Library • Student Peace Alliance • The Kent Clarks • The KREW

• Transforum Theater • Zeta Eta Theta Zeta • [Your Favorite Idea]

The Kent Stater

Media • A Magazine

• Black Squirrel Radio • Fusion Magazine • Her Campus Kent State • Independent Films • KentWired.com

• National Association of Black Journalists • The Burr • The Kent Stater • TV2 KSU • Uhuru Magazine

• Luna Negra

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page C5

Political

• Black United Students

• Pre-Law Club

• Club for Feminists

• Ready for Hillary

• College Democrats

• Students for Sensible Drug Policy

• College Republicans • Model United Nations • NAACP

• URGE • Young Americans for Liberty

• Political Science Club

ANDREA NOALL / SUMMER KENT STATER Each year, Black United Students march across campus and celebrate the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks the 13th anniversary of celebrating MLK and “Honoring the Dream” on Thursday.

Jan. 22. 2015.

• Kent State Marine Conservation Club

• Arabic Student Association

• May 4 Task Force

• Chapter 2

• National Art Education Association (NAEA) Student Chapter

• Dead Gaffers Society • Fashion Student Organization • Focus on the Future • Hebrew Club • Imagineers GRAHAM SMITH / SUMMER KENT STATER Beachbody coach and fitness instructor Jessie Perry leads members of Kent CHAARG in an outdoor PiYo Session on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014 outside Tri Towers. Kent CHAARG is a new all girls fitness organization lead

by CHAARG ambasador and nutrition major Madison Jordan.

Sports & Recreational • Bass Fishing Club, Kent State

• Golden Reflections

• Running Club, Kent State

• Camping Club, Kent State

• Kayak Club, Kent State

• CHAARG

• Kent State Men’s Lacrosse

• SAAC- Student Athlete Advisory Committee

• Chess Club, KSU

• Kent State Tennis Club

• Dynamic Lyricists

• League of Legends, Kent State

• Evil Geniuses for a Better Tomorrow

• Longboarding Club, Kent State University

• Explorers, Kent State

• Men’s Rugby Club

• Fluidity Crew

• Paintball Club

Service • Alpha Phi Omega

• American Red Cross Club • Arnold Air Society • Books to Prisoners • Circle K International • Coalition for the homeless, • Commuter and Off Campus Student Organization • Distinguished Undergraduates

• Student Recreation Council • Tennis Club • Troupers, KSU • Women’s Club Soccer • Women’s Rugby

• Habitat for Humanity, Kent State Chapter • Knitting for Those in Need • Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids

Educational

• Air Traffic Control Organization, Kent State University (KAO)

Gaining perpective on current events with historic perspective Matt Merchant Senior Reporter

The events of May 4, 1970 are engrained in the history of Kent State. Five years after the four students were killed on campus by members of the National Guard, the May 4 Task Force was created.

“The goal of the Task Force is to remember the people who lost their lives in order to make the world a better place,” said Task Force President Alan Dufner, a junior double philosophy and physics major. “From May 4 to Black Live Matter campaigns, even to Bernie Sanders, it’s important to recognize that people are working to raise awareness.”

Every Thursday at 7 p.m., students can attend

• Student Ambassadors

• Students for Professional Nursing

• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

• Students of Scholarship (S.O.S.)

• Alpha Psi Omega

• Lambda Pi Eta

• Tau Beta Sigma

• Chi Sigma Iota- Chapter Kappa Sigma Upsilon

• National Residence Hall Honorary

• Delta Pi Upsilon

• National Society of Leadership and Success

• FLASHanthropy

• Recess Club

• Global Brigades

• Reggie’s Angels

To rush or not to rush: Kent State Greek Life Emily Mills Editor

Greek life is often one of the first things people think of when they think of college, but deciding whether or not to become a part of a fraternity or a sorority can be a difficult decision with several factors to consider.

Kent State has 34 social Greek organizations: 19 fraternities, seven sororities, seven culturally based organizations and one co-ed organization.

The number of students joining Greek life has skyrocketed over the last few years. In 2012, only 400 students went through the sorority recruitment process.

The last two years have seen at least 700 students each year go through the process.

This past year, 1,916 students were involved in Greek life, assistant director of greek affairs Meredith Bielaska said she anticipates this year’s number will be over 2,000, with about 700 students going through the sorority recruitment process.

Recruitment Kent State’s sorority recruitment is a formal pro-

cess, while the fraternity recruitment is less formal, Bielaska said.

Before the official recruitment process begins, sororities host several information nights for students who might be interested in joining. If students want to take part in the actual recruitment process, they have to pay a $40 fee. Many of the chapters also have a GPA requirement between 2.3 and 2.75.

The recruitment process, which begins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, is made up of several rounds, including the first round, when students can meet the different chapters and talk to the 80 sorority recruitment counselors, who are students who have disassociated from their chapters to discuss Greek life with potential new members.

After meeting the chapters, students rank their preferred chapters. Round two includes a tour of the chapter houses, and the preference round includes a formal tea, where chapters’ values and rituals are discussed.

The final part of the recruitment process is Bid Day, when new members are invited to join the chapters.

• To Write Love on Her Arms • UNICEF KSU

• Eta Sigma Delta

• Alpha Lambda Delta

• Golden Key International Honour Society

• World Change Coalition Sophomore special education major Hayven Snode, a member of Phi Mu, said joining a sorority helped her connect to campus as a commuter student.

“You find your home away from home,” she said.

“You’ll never have to worry about not having something to do or someone to do it with. I love knowing that I don’t have to worry about eating alone or sitting in class alone because usually a sister is right there with you.”

She said students do not have to end up becoming new members to make new friends.

“Even if you don’t even join a sorority or fraternity, just going through the recruitment process will help you find a ton of friends,” she said.

The only rule for fraternity recruitment is chapters cannot give bids until the third week of school, so this year, bids will not be sent out until after Sept.

18, Bielaska said. Members are also required to have a 2.7 GPA. The chapters host many different recruitment events, including IFC (Interfraternity Council) Takes Over Tri-Towers, which is Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. during Welcome Weekend.

The culturally based organizations can have a delayed membership process; some do not take freshmen, while others require a number of service hours before applying to join. Students who are interested in these chapters should contact them directly to find out the application process, Bielaska said.

Bielaska said students should look into several different chapters and find which one fits them best.

“This is membership for life,” she said. “Explore what’s out there; it’s like trying on clothes.”

Acceptance About 60 to 65 percent of women who go through the recruitment process end up becoming active members. It has to be a mutual match between the chapter and the new member, Bielaska said.

Bielaska said the number also might seem low because many students who receive a bid don’t complete the new member process for a variety of reasons, including cost and time.

The new member classes are typically between 70 and 75 students.

For fraternities, Bielaska estimated the acceptance rate is somewhere between 70 to 80 percent.

Cost One of the biggest factors to weigh in deciding whether or not to join Greek life is cost. Financial aid and loans cannot be applied to joining Greek life, and

• United States Green Building Council

the organization’s meeting in the resource room on the first floor of the library. With roughly 10-15 regular members attending, as well as the occasional alumna or alumnus from the 1970s, Dufner said meetings are pretty casual. All students are welcome and can expect to hear the opinions of older students and guest speakers — but it’s expected that even guests and new attendees participate in the discussions.

Unlike other student groups, Dufner said the Task Force is not an activist organization. They promote activism amongst students, and advocate for discussion on topics related to peaceful protest and social awareness. At meetings, discussion on current events are always linked to the events of 1970. Education about non-violent protests, supporting survivors of the 1970 shooting and promoting events are top priorities of the organization.

Each spring the university hosts the May 4 commemoration ceremony organized by the Task Force. In 2015, President Beverly Warren became the first university president to attend and speak at the events.

• Partners in Health (PIH) Engage

• Flash-A-Thon

• Students Striving for the Enhancement of Technical Theatre

• Regenerative Medicine Club

• Students for King Kennedy Community Center

• R.E.A.C.H.-Recognizing Educational Achievement Collaboration & Hope

• Students for Justice in Palestine

• Orchestral Percussion Club

• Operation Smile

• Public Health Student Alliance

• Student Liberty Alliance

• OCMEA

• Alpha Kappa Delta

• Peace Corps Organization

• Student Education Association

• Neuroscience Journal Club

• Relay for Life Committee • Students Against Sexual Assault

• Socialist Collective, Kent State

mmercha1@kent.edu

Honorary • Phi Sigma Iota • Pi Mu Epsilon • Psi Chi

• Kappa Kappa Psi - Beta Psi

the university does not provide funding for Greek life. For this reason, much of the chapters’ funding comes from member dues, which can be steep for a new college student who has already spent a lot on tuition, textbooks and dorm decorations.

Sororities can be up to $500 a semester, fraternities can be between $200 and $300 a semester and the culturally based organizations can be anywhere between $200 and $2000 a semester, and these costs have to be paid up front.

However, Bielaska said students should not let the high costs scare them away.

Time Management and Stereotypes Between meetings, events and volunteer work,

Greek life requires a large amount of a student’s time.

“Fraternity and sorority life is work,” Bielaska said. “It’s a significant time commitment.”

Students have to take part in new member meetings every week, which can last a few hours, and attend the chapter’s events throughout the semester, including working on its philanthropy, events to raise money for its national cause.

Many students think Greek life is a nonstop party, but Bielaska said that is not the case.

She said the chapters are values-based, and while they are social, the values are more important than the social aspect.

“We live those values every day,” she said. “The social aspect is a benefit, not a value. You do the work in order to get to play. These are not just drinking clubs. They’re socially-based organizations around values.”

The goal of becoming a member is to learn about the chapter and what it stands for and work to make it a better organization.

Those who don’t work to improve the chapter as a whole are often looked down on, Bielaska said.

“They’re losing out on the best piece of the organization,” she said. “The rest of the people in the organization really do kind of resent them because they’re not pulling their weight.”

In addition, Kent State has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing, and an investigation will take place if there are any reports of hazing, which can result in a hearing and disciplinary action.

Bielaska said overall, joining a fraternity or sorority can help the campus feel more manageable, help students make friends and give students a sense of purpose they might have lost in the transition from high school to college. emills11@kent.edu

• Rho Lambda • Sigma Alpha Lambda • Sigma Tau Delta • Tau Sigma National Honor Society

Greek Life

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPI) Alpha Phi Fraternity Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. Alpha Sigma Phi Alpha Tau Omega Alpha Xi Delta Chi Omega, Lambda Phi Delta Gamma Delta Lambda Phi Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc-Epsilon Mu Chapter Delta Tau Delta Delta Upsilon Delta Zeta Interfraternity Council Junior Panhellenic Council Kappa Sigma Lambda Chi Alpha Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Order of Omega Panhellenic Council Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Phi Iota Alpha Phi Kappa Tau Phi Mu Phi Sigma Kappa Phi Sigma Pi Co-Ed National Honor Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Sigma Nu Fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon Sigma Sigma Sigma Tau Kappa Epsilon Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Page C6 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

Parking Services prepares lots for fall

Commuters catch the PARTA bus at the Student Center to head back home on April 28, 2014.

Aanchal Bakshi / Summer Kent Stater

Five tips for Kent commuters Austin Bennett Administration Reporter

A campus of more than 22,000 undergraduate students can be intimidating for incoming students. Kent’s classes, sporting events and student organizations bring a diverse group of students together, including commuting students.

The college experience of a commuter is different than those who live in one of the university’s 25 residence halls. Even though commuting students do not live on campus, there are many opportunities to connect in campus-life.

If you are commuting to Kent this semester, these five tips will help you make the most out of your time on campus.

1. Research parking If you didn’t know, every student who wants to park on Kent State’s campus must buy a parking pass. Finding a parking spot can be tricky, however. Throughout the 70 lots across campus, there are only approximately 7,000 spaces available for students, all of which fill quickly. Also, it is helpful to find out which buildings your classes are in to find a spot close. For example, it is a 1.8-mile walk from the Summit East Lot to Franklin Hall.

2. Give yourself enough time On-campus students can get away with oversleeping, grabbing their books and running to class—commuters can’t. There are no shortcuts when it comes to traveling to school, finding a parking spot and making it to class. Plan your day with enough wiggle room for a traffic jam or full parking lot.

3. Get involved on campus While the large campus may be overwhelming, Kent State has many ways to get involved with more than: · 300 clubs and organizations, · 1,000 programs, activities and on-campus events · 20 sororities and fraternities 4. Connect with students and professors Use the resources around you. Students who live on campus may be able to help you find out everything happening throughout the year. They will also be able to help you find your way around the new campus. Also, talk to your professors. Along with helping you in class, they can usually help you find internships.

5. Explore downtown Whether you want retail therapy, a haircut or even a bite to eat, there’s a lot to experience within a short walk from the campus.

Pail Csizmadia / Summer Kent Stater Parking Services' Adam Nowicki issuing a parking ticket for a vehicle parked in the wrong lot, Monday, March 10, 2014.

Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter

Kent State’s Parking Services is adding parking spaces and updating lots to prepare for the upcoming fall semester.

Parking Services Manager Larry Emling said 50 spaces have been added behind the Student Recreation and Wellness Center because the front lot will be used by a construction company for the Summit Street Improvement Project.

In addition, the R-6 Manchester and Fletcher lot near the Eastway Center, the C-Science lot near the Aeronautics and Technology Building and the R-15 lot behind Cartwright Hall are being redone.

Emling said the last time these lots were updated was about 15 years ago, which is about the lifespan of a parking lot.

“We blacked out lines, so everything was bleeding through, so people really didn’t know where they were parking,” Emling said.

“It was kind of confusing.”

Emling said although the Cartwright lot was recently redone, abenne13@kent.edu water got under the new surface, so the lot will need extra maintenance to repair the issue.

Cody Prelec, a senior aeronautics major who works for Parking Services, said maintaining the lots and repainting line helps with flow and space availability.

“During the peak hours, it is difficult to find a parking spot in the lot that a parking pass corresponds, but other times it is not an issue,” he said.

Junior applied engineering major Jonathan Murphy, a parking facilities attendant, said Parking Services was having issues with the Campus Center lot because the lines were fading in a no parking zone, leading to students parking illegally without realizing it.

“There are certain lots where it may make it clearer just because the lines will be clearer to see so people can park correctly,” he said.

Most of Parking Services’ funding comes from on-campus parking passes, Emling said, which will be paying for these projects. He said it costs about $500 a space during a repaving project.

Emling said all lots will be completed in time for the start of fall classes.

Maintaining healthy habits in college

cgraff1@kent.edu

Several medical services options available to students Jessa Schroeder and Emily Mills Health and Wellness Reporter and Editor

Students who need medical services while at Kent State have a variety of options to get the care they need.

University Health Services

Jenna Wastson / Summer Kent Stater Chefs Andrew Eith and Timothy Wright prepare grilled fish tacos with mango slaw for a food demonstration introducing Kent State's new "mindful" menu items. Photo courtesy of Kent State Dining Services.

Jessa Schroeder Health and Wellness Reporter On top of the stress of homework, work, bills and social life, college students might put their health on the back burner. While it’s not cheap to shop at Whole Foods or purchase a gym membership every month, other options for being healthy are still attainable and affordable for college students.

It’s important to keep a routine or schedule. Getting the proper amount of sleep is a great start to keeping students’ health in check.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “during sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development.”

Regular exercise is also important, whether it is at the gym, walking to class or taking a bike ride with a friend.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends participating in moderate cardio for 30 minutes five times per week.

Senior psychology student Amber Singer said she sets an alarm a bit earlier in the morning before beginning her day.

“Set your alarm for a half an hour early and force yourself to get up,” she said. “Even just a half an hour walk and good stretch helps.”

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Stu-

dents don’t need to shop at high-end supermarkets. Sign up for a local grocery store’s savings card or try out the variety of lesspricey brands.

Singer said meal prepping is an important part of her weekly routine, and she tries to plan for every three days.

“It’s hard to eat unhealthy when your meals for the week are all prepared and ready to grab and go,” she said. “There are plenty of ideas and tips on just how to prep meals on Pinterest.”

It’s also necessary to keep a healthy stress level, especially while in school. Not many people like stress but a minimal to moderate level is actually constructive for your everyday life.

According to researchers and psychologists, “learning to identify and manage individual reactions to stress, people can develop healthier outlooks as well as improve performance on cognitive tests, at work and in athletics.”

However, too much stress “strains your heart, robs you of memory and mental clarity and raises your risk of chronic disease,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

It is crucial that students give their bodies and minds time to rest. This idea goes back to the emphasis on the importance of a good night’s sleep, regular exercise and a balanced diet.

By sustaining a well-rounded lifestyle in college, students can better prevent sickness and disease as well as improve their mental and physical state. jschro11@kent.edu

Kent State’s University Health Services provides students with primary medical care issued by board-certified physicians and nurses for sick students. The center offers checkups, pills prescriptions and administers immunizations. Many health care needs can be met, including serious and less serious concerns, such as headaches, fevers, respiratory illnesses, sore throats, abdominal pains, nausea/vomiting, sprains/strains, open wounds, skin rashes, urinary symptoms and chronic medical conditions and concerns.

Psychological services are also offered. The department is run by licensed psychologists that provide mental health counseling to students with a variety of concerns, including academic difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, questions regarding sexuality, feelings of loneliness, lack of self-confidence, interpersonal difficulties and eating disorders.

All services are located in the Deweese Health Center at 1500 Eastway Drive.

To schedule an appointment with Health Services call (330) 6722322, and for Psychological Services, call (330) 672-2487.

Counseling and Human Development Center

Kent State’s Counseling and Human Development Center is available for free to students, faculty and staff who are seeking help related to a variety of mental health issues, including adjustment issues, relationships, depression, time management and family and roommate issues.

The counselors are graduate and doctoral students in Kent State’s counseling program. The center, which sees more than 1,000 patients annually, is located at 325 White Hall. To schedule an appointment, call 330-672-2208.

Local hospitals

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (formerly Robinson Memorial Hospital) is located in Ravenna, a 15-minute drive from campus. Although farther from campus, Akron City Hospital and Akron General Hospital are also available to students for a wider variety of medical treatment options, and St. Thomas Hospital, also in Akron, is available for behavioral health concerns. jschro11@kent.edu and emills11@kent.edu

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center: Phone: (330) 297-0811 Address: 6847 N Chestnut St, Ravenna, OH 44266

Akron General Hospital: Phone: (330) 344-6000 Address: 1 Akron General Ave, Akron, OH 44307

Akron City Hospital: Phone: (330) 375-3000 Address: 525 E Market St, Akron, OH 44304

St. Thomas Hospital: Phone: (330) 375-3000 Address: 444 N Main St, Akron, OH 44310

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page C7

Page C8 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

Barnes and Noble College offers new services at university bookstore Brittany Anderson Academics Reporter After the recent merger with Barnes and Noble, the university bookstore will have a variety of new and innovative ways to make the process of getting textbooks more affordable and feasible to students.

“We want to be (the) students’ support system,” said Patrick Duff, general manager at the bookstore. “We are working to provide better services and are very involved with helping students have a successful college career.”

Duff comes to Kent with over 30 years of experience with Barnes and Noble College.

“There is a significant difference between Barnes and Noble and Barnes and Noble College Booksellers. You will see general books, textbooks and monthly events going on here in the bookstore,” Duff said.

About 30 percent of titles students will see in the bookstore can be b ought digitally through the Yuzu digital platform.

“I am very excited about this opportunity and with the transition, we get to nationally look at and compare pricing,” Duff said.

Rentals are one of the most cost-efficient ways to buy textbooks, Duff said.

Duff said downloading the Barnes and Noble College app will enable students to save up to 80 percent on textbooks.

Kent State has launched the Faculty Enlight program through Barnes and Noble, which is a tool for professors to easily send the bookstore their booklists. Faculty will be able to look at what books their peers are using and their booklist will be saved to their course file.

“We currently have only 50 percent of the booklist, so we strongly recommend students prepare early and get their books ahead of time,” Duff said.

Coming this spring, registration integration will allow students to quickly see all the books for their classes on one page.

Students will also see a change in the merchandise selection at the bookstore. Under Armour is now the premiere sideline article that students will see at the games.

“All of our promotion is across Barnes and Noble wide,” said Nicole Dech, the bookstore department manager. “So much is going on at the bookstore now to provide better services for students and we can’t wait to see what is next.”

Students can expect to enter a bookstore with a friendly feel.

“The previous bookstore had more art supplies and stuff while this one has more of a generalized feel,” Collin Alberts, 24, studying environmental and conservation biology, said. “It feels like Barnes and Noble, while it's retaining most of what the university bookstore is about.” bander22@kent.edu

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State University Bookstore promotes their event for the month of July on July 16, 2015.

Top apps to download before coming to Kent State

Students use Rate My Professors to help schedule classes Chelsea Graff Construction Reporter

When frantically scheduling for next semester’s classes at 12:01 a.m. as hundreds of other students try to get into a class with 20 open seats, it can be difficult to decide which professor will provide students with the best classroom experience.

One option available to students is using Rate My Professors, a website founded in 1999 made up of user-generated ratings about college professors and universities across the country.

According to its website, Rate My Professors has more than 15 million ratings, 1.4 million professors and 7,000 schools. The website also says more than 4 million students visit Rate My Professors each month.

“Choosing the best courses and professors is a rite of passage for every student, and connecting with peers on the site has become a key way for millions of students to navigate this process,” the site says. “The site does what students have been doing forever – checking in with each other – their friends, their brothers, their sisters, their classmates – to figure out who's a great professor and who's one you might want to avoid.”

The website allows students to rate their professors on four criteria: helpfulness, clarity, easiness and hotness, as well as an overall quality grade.

“I actually use it all of the time,” senior economics major Seth Becker said. “Each semester, when it’s time to schedule classes, I check it to make sure I’m not going to pick a professor that may not work with me well.”

However, not all professors think the website is a good resource.

“I think that we all gather here to learn and gather here to gain knowledge, and I think that it is absolutely inappropriate,” said Maryann Raghanti, associate professor of anthropology.

Raghanti said someone told her about the website, so she looked herself up to see if she had students rating her, and she did – users had given her an overall quality rating of 4.5 out of 5 and had also awarded a “chili pepper” for hotness.

“I don’t honestly think that it is extremely accurate,” Becker said. “You could have students that didn’t like the professor for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the class didn’t.

You should check with other students if you're

really concerned and not fully rely on the website.”

The website also allows students to anonymously expand on their ratings by giving a brief description of their experiences with the professor.

Kristen Steigerwald, a senior integrated health studies major, said because multiple students post ratings and comments, it gives a more accurate depiction of the professor.

“The only reason I think it’s accurate is because most of the time, more than one person posts about a professor,” she said. “So you're not just basing it off one person’s experience or opinion, and usually what they say on there is true after I take the class. “ Raghanti said she teaches hundreds of students each year but only has about 30 ratings on the website. She said she believes only students at the extreme ends of the spectrum – those who loved and those who hated the professor – are rating professors; those who had an average experience aren’t getting on the site.

“My recollection is that there are just a handful for each of the faculty in my department whereas each of the faculty has thousands of students,” she said. “So you have a very small sampling fraction, and whenever you have that you have a huge amount of error. So people are either logging in because they really love that professor or they really hate that professor. You don’t have the majority viewpoint.”

The site features a “Professors Strike Back” feature, which allows professors to post either comments or videos in response to students’ ratings.

For example, Karl Idsvoog, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, posted a video titled, “Eats children for lunch, not breakfast,” in response to harsh comments from students and an overall quality rating of 2.7.

Jennifer Kulics, interim associate vice president and dean of students, said students should also ask peers, talk to their academic department and check syllabi to form opinions about their professors.

“Rate My Professors, to me, is like any other social media platform,” she said. “It offers opinions, I would say individual insight and perspectives, but cannot prove that it’s factual.” cgraff1@kent.edu

Brittany Anderson Academics Reporter Incoming freshmen will need to use up-to-date mobile applications to help aid them to a successful college career. From storing your documents to checking your GPA on-the-go, these five apps will help you most in your college experience.

Green Dot to increase training in violence prevention

bander22@kent.edu 1.

Blackboard Mobile Learn: This is an application universities use all across the country that enables students to keep up with their courses. By signing into the app through Kent State, students will be able to freely look at multiple course objectives including their grades, assignments and post on classroom discussions.

2.

Barnes and Noble College: After Kent State partnered with Barnes and Noble on May 18, students will be able to rent their textbooks online and will never have to worry about missing another due date. By downloading this app, students will receive notifications on when their books are due and receive the quickest Flash Sale discount promotions. Tracking your books is made easy on the site and once students are notified that their items are ready for pickup, the University Bookstore has set up a speedy in-store pick up station.

Brittany Anderson Academics Reporter The Office of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services drives the nationwide Green Dot Bystander Program to Kent State, with hopes of doubling the amount of people trained in violence prevention.

In its first year, the Green Dot program had more than 350 faculty, staff and students go through full training, and more than 1,000 people went through an overview talk about Green Dot. SRVSS would like to see these numbers spread rapidly across Kent’s campus to ensure that everyone can be a proactive bystander.

“We went over every day scenarios like being at a party and seeing someone slip something in someone’s cup, and what to do if you don’t want to get totally involved. You could always call the police,” said senior Erin Faltinsky, a visual communication design major.

Faltinsky learned about Green Dot through her gender and communications class, where SRVSS team did a workshop on how to be aware

3. G o o g l e D r i v e : A t some point in students’ college career, they will be required to work in groups. Students at Kent State need to be able to quickly access documents and work together on the project even when they are not in the same area together. With Google Drive, students can easily share files and folders with their partners. Group members that have shared permission to edit the PDFs, photos, videos and documents can all work on the files at the same time on their own documents.

4.

Kent State Mobile: A host of helpful apps all in one spot for students to view their student and possible staff life. The student section of the app has tons of resources that keep Kent students on track to graduate and quickly displays items including their banner ID, students programs, their GPA, different term grades, class schedule and even has a TV channel guide section.

The other part of the app enables students to look at their account balances, past pay stubs and Flash Cash balances.

of and prevent violence. She is now officially trained to help other people with the bystander program.

“Green Dot is impacting Kent State so much because most of us go to parties and are drinking and it is important that we know what to do in situations where we need to protect ourselves and others,” Faltinsky said.

“To me, Green Dot is whenever you see a situation where someone could be harmed or sexually assaulted, you step in and don’t just stand by and watch it go down,” senior political science major Drew Canfield said.

Many people have come across a situation where they had to make a decision whether or not to intervene. The point when they decide to act on a red situation is when they’ve made a Green Dot stand against violence.

“I saw a girl literally being carried by a man leaving the club one night out with my friends,” Canfield said. “I went over to them and asked if she was okay or needed help and if she knew the guy. They had known each other for a while, but it was just shocking to see a grown man carrying a woman and everyone turned a blind eye.”

Sexual assault response coordinator Jennifer O’Connell said the ultimate goal of the program is to change the culture of the campus, and getting everyone to know they have a role to play.

“What Green Dot can do is teach you some of your options, is there something you can do to maybe not get directly involved but indirectly to deescalate the situation to prevent that red dot from occurring?” O’Connell said. bander22@kent.edu

5.

Evernote: An application for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch that students can use to write notes, checklists and organizing research all synced within the devices. Evernote users get to freely write, organize and collaborate work with others.

Alyssa Keown/ Summer Kent Stater SRVSS Director Jennifer O'Connell (left) presents “connection cards” to Suzy D’Enbeau (right), an assistant communication studies professor, who reads them to her class on March 5, 2015. Suzy’s class is being trained to be Green Dot certified.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page C9

The Kent Stater

How to deal with roommate conflicts Church said it helps students create their identity as part of the class.

Living with other people has the potential to create problems, whether it’s because a student has never shared a room or simply trying to live with a relative stranger, said Jacquelyn Bleak, program manager for Student Mediation Services.

“For many people, it’s their first time living with someone other than their family,” Bleak said. “As we’re all aware, we have different dynamics with our family, different patterns that we find ourselves in. When we’re suddenly faced with a situation in which we have to break those patterns, or try something new and different, it can be challenging.”

When students move in, they are given the opportunity to sit down with their roommates and their resident assistants to talk over key items including cleaning, sharing and visitors and create a roommate agreement.

Church said it is best to be honest with roommates to prevent future conflicts.

“I think my biggest advice would be to acknowledge that it’s never always going to be perfect,” she said. “So expect there to be Mel Melcon / Tribune News Service things to navigate. One way to navigate those well is to really take Carolina Saguero, 18, left, of South Los Angeles, a freshman at Cal State the roommate agreement seriously when they first move in. Being Northridge, is photographed inside her dorm room that she shares with honest about how you like to receive information is helpful too.”

Marlissa Frey, 18, right, of Santa Clarita, also a freshman, on August 26, However, conflict is almost inevitable when living with anoth2013. Next to Frey is her friend Ricky Escalante, 18, who was visiting. er person.

Brianna Libby, a sophomore nursing major, had an issue with Dara Sander her roommate about when they could have visitors over.

Copy/Web Editor Libby said it made her unable to study, but they were able to For all incoming freshmen and returning students living in communicate and resolve their issue to prevent future arguments.

“I would just leave,” she said. “We compromised. We knew the residence halls, learning how to get along and resolve conflicts with roommates is an important part of the college dorm how to work it out.”

When conflict does arise, it is best to do what Libby did and experience.

Jill Church, director of Residence Services, said living with communicate face-to-face about it, Bleak said.

Trying to communicate via text message or social media roommates helps students connect to the university. “(It) is important for that first and second year to help students removes non-verbal communication from the situation, and things meet other students, to help students learn the campus, to help can quickly be taken out of context, creating even more issues.

“When you’re texting and you’re upset, it’s really difficult to students get engaged with activities on campus and become part be able to process a problem effectively,” she said. “So if you’re of the Kent State community,” she said.

Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus communicating via Instagram or texting, you’re missing a lot of unless they have attempted 60 credit hours, are 20 years old, have opportunity to really hear what the other person is saying.”

Bleak said it is always better to talk to roommates about issues lived in university housing for four semesters or live with their rather than keeping things inside or becoming passive-aggressive. parent or guardian within 50 miles of the university.

“A lot of times, folks, will avoid, avoid, avoid, because they’re Because a majority of the freshman class does live on campus,

uncomfortable processing conflict, and then it becomes too much and then they explode, and then there’s a roommate change,” she said. “It could have all been avoided, if they would have just talked in the first place.”

If a conflict becomes too large, RAs are there to help resolve the situation.

“If somebody feels themselves getting upset to the point that they’re not able to be civil, or they’re just not sure what words to use or how to approach somebody,” Church said, “that’s where you want to pull somebody in and at least brainstorm some ideas of how to approach (the roommate).”

Maria Espenschied, a junior fine arts major, said she had the help of an RA with her roommate conflict during her sophomore year.

She said she and her two roommates had a problem with timing. Some of them would stay up and come in late, while others would wake up early.

“There were moments we got really frustrated with each other,” she said. “At first, we got a little snippy with each other, and then we kind of got a little passive-aggressive.”

They got an RA involved to help meditate the situation. Espenschied said she was skeptical about the RA helping, but she was proven wrong.

“She (the RA) listened to both sides of our stories and she helped us work out a plan,” Espenschied said. “It took a little bit of getting used to, but we eventually got into the rhythm of things, and we ended up working it out so that we could stay friends.”

After her experience, Espenschied said she recommends roommates set guidelines at the beginning of the year to prevent any future arguments.

“It may seem weird…but you’re going to want them,” she said.

Most students will experience some sort of conflict with their roommates, but it’s important to talk about the issue and overcome it, Bleak said.

“Experiencing conflict is a part of life,” she said. “Where there are human beings, there will be conflicts and challenges. So if you’re willing to sit down face-to-face and talk about that, you’re going to be much more likely able to solve it and then hopefully preserve the relationship as well.”

Students who are seeking help with roommate issues can call Student Mediation Services at (330) 672-0355. dsander@kent.edu

Should you study abroad for a summer or a semester?

Alyse Rohloff International Reporter

Kent State students have the opportunity to study abroad at Kent State’s Florence, Italy, campus for either a summer or a semester, and there are several elements to consider in deciding how long they want to study abroad.

Time

The Florence Summer Institute is a 30-day program that leaves at the beginning of June and returns at the beginning of July.

“A con is you’re going to want more time at the end of the trip,” said Sara Schempp, a senior integrated language arts major who participated in the summer institute.

For a semester in Florence, students start class the same day classes start at Kent State’s main campus. According to the Office of Global Education, the Fall 2015 semester will start August 31 and end December 13.

“I could never image just going to Italy for a month. My month shot by. I felt like it was (a) month when I finally felt comfortable there," said Brian Castelucci, a senior fashion merchandising major who spent his Fall 2014 semester in Florence.

Cost

For the Florence Summer Institute, students pay for the cost of six or seven credits based on the cost of in-state or out-of-state tuition. Students must also pay for their flight, housing and program fee. The average total cost ranges from about $6,000 to $9,000.

Students pay normal tuition fees when taking a semester-long trip, which range from $5,000 to $9,000 depending if students are in-state or outof state. Students must also pay the program fee, airfare, international health insurance, housing and a field trip fee. This can range from $14,000 to $18,000 depending on in-state or out-of-state.

These prices do not include a student’s personal money for food, travel and other expenses.

Castelucci, who was able to have his parents financially support the rest of his trip, spent around $8,000 of his own money on personal expenses; this included groceries, eating out,

traveling and shopping.

“In order to save money, you need to have a budget and stick with that budget,” said Ediz Kaykayoglu, assistant director of education abroad for the Office of Global Education. “Because if you can do that, then that way you will be able to save enough money in your pocket,”

Travel

For both programs, students are given free reign to travel as they please. Students typically have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to travel, Castelucci and Schempp said.

“It was very rushed (to travel out of the country), so I just wanted to see as much of Italy as I could,” Schempp said.

Schempp used her four weekends to take guided tours of Siena, Venice and Cinque Terre, as well as visit family in Rome.

“It was really cool because you met people (from) different colleges that spoke English and took these tours as well, but they were in a different location of Florence,” she said. “So I kind of just made friends every time I went on the bus to go.

It was great.”

Castelucci used his 15 weekends to visit more than 20 different cities, from London to Dublin to the Amalfi Coast.

“I feel like I could live there for my whole life and not see everything,” Castelucci said. “I wish I had more time.”

Classes

During the summer institute, students can take six or seven credit hours.

Schempp took two communications classes, including The Genius of Florence, which takes students around the city to learn its culture.

“When you’re in Florence, you can actually go out and see things instead of being in the

Kent State welcomes 3,000 international students this fall

Alyse Rohloff International Reporter

Kent State is planning to host about 3,000 international students this fall, with about 30 percent coming from China and 42 percent coming from Saudi Arabia. About 45 percent of international students have a major that is in the College of Arts and Sciences, while about 17 percent are in the College of Business.

International students are housed in the International Village Experience located in Clark Hall.

Some international organizations that students can get involved in include Chinese Student Association, Association for Saudi Arabian Students, Brazilian Student Organization and others. Student can also get

involved in Kent State International Mentors.

Trips are organized for international students for the fall.

Some of the trips include a visit to Washington, D.C., the Cleveland Art Museum, Cedar Point and a Cleveland Cavaliers game.

“Get involved and be open,” said Gyorgyi Mihalyi-Jewell, international student adviser.

“A lot of times, they talk to their own peers, so they don’t get to practice the language. It is hard to get out of their comfort zone because they are in the new country, but at the same time (if) they do it, it would make their lives much easier.”

International student orientation will take place Aug. 24. arohloff@kent.edu

Alyssa Keown / Summer Kent Stater Missy Hendrix, a public health major, passes a book to students Baraa Iskandar and Abdullah Almotairi at the Kent State International Student Mentor’s meeting on March 3, 2015. Members of the organization can leave a message in their language in the journal to share with the group.

Raymar Chamber / Submitted Photo Upward Bound students in Florence.

classroom,” Schempp said. “So you go places, and they ask you questions about what you’re seeing, and you take notes…. They more so wanted you to see everything and participate when you are at the locations.”

Students traveling for a semester take 12 or more credits. They are able to take classes for their major, if they are offered, or some offered Kent Core classes.

Experience

Whether short-term or long-term, students agree that the experience they get from studying abroad is one of the best.

“I almost didn’t go because I didn’t want to like leave my friends and I didn’t want to leave Kent,” Castelucci said. “My parents were like, ‘If you don’t go, we’re not paying for the rest of your college.’ It was the best thing they’ve ever done for me.”

Though studying abroad isn’t easy for everyone, the investment is worth it, Kaykayoglu said.

“We’re here to help,” Kaykayoglu said.

“We’re here to make sure we can actually prepare them, send them and then make them successful students." arohloff@kent.edu

International students required to buy health insurance to attend KSU Alyse Rohloff International Reporter

All international students are required to purchase a health insurance plan from Kent State or one that is comparable in coverage.

According to the Kent State’s policy registrar, the purpose of the mandatory effect is “to ensure reliable access for international students in the United States health care services.”

The plan will cost $1,990 for a full year (from August 20 to August 19 the following year) and $821 for the fall semester.

This cost will be billed to international students by August 21.

“We have had students themselves that have prompted the conversation because even though you are told to have health insurance, it doesn’t mean you are going to do it,” said Desnee Stevens, assistant director of international student and scholar services for the Office of Global Education. “They didn’t realize that healthcare in this country is very expensive.”

Stevens said the policy was implemented to avoid the risk of students not being able to afford outside care or health insurance plans that do not cover all medical elements students might need.

“We found that many times, the insurance plans they purchase really are not good coverage, so they can experience a bit of sticker shock if they have to use the healthcare system,” said Angela DeJulius, director of University Health Services. “They don’t realize maybe that they may have purchased a health insurance plan, but it may not cover prescriptions, or it may not cover mental health or pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.”

Students are able to apply for the hard waiver program, in which students can receive health care from another provider.

To be eligible for this program, the student must provide proof of full sponsorship by a government agency including health insurance or provide proof of health insurance provided by a

United States employer.

Students who have purchased the university health plan said it is beneficial.

Junior public health major Joud Roufael, an Syrian international student, made the switch to the university plan because “it’s more convenient and the one back home is actually more expensive to do international.”

When Roufael had to have appendix removal surgery, he only had to pay about two percent of the $20,000 surgery himself out-of-pocket through the plan.

This policy had been discussed in the past but became solidified as other universities around the state and nation changed their student health insurance policies.

“Mandatory health insurance has been, for a lot of universities, it’s just a thing,” Stevens said. “This is what it is whether you’re a domestic, whether you’re international, there is mandatory health insurance. Kent State is basically just following the same process as every other university or most.”

One of the biggest influences was President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act which provided health insurance to nearly 10 million Americans who were previously uninsured.

“I think the Affordable Care Act really strengthened our feeling that this was the right thing to do because with the Affordable Care Act, everybody in the country is expected to have health insurance,” DeJulius said. “It didn’t seem right, if we’re concerned about our domestic students, that they have adequate coverage, we need to do the same for the international students.

It’s not fair to leave them exposed.”

This policy will help international students receive the help they might need without leaving them with a huge price tag, DeJulius said. arohloff@kent.edu

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The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page C11

The Kent Stater

Five student holidays worth staying on campus for Neville Hardman Activities Reporter

4. Welcome Weekend/BlastOff

1. Halloween

BlastOff takes place on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the student green. Lined with tables, students can check out various campus organizations to get involved. The event ends with a laser light show from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. sponsored

by Undergraduate Student Government.

Parties line College Ave. and University Dr. as the sidewalks flood with costumed students. Ashton Wade, a junior American Sign Language major, said her first Kent Halloween was cut short because someone she went out with got drunk too quickly.

“We all went out, and an hour into going to the parties, (my friend’s) roommate was getting sick, so we had to take her back,” Wade said. “She was still vomiting like crazy because she couldn’t walk straight.”

She said she didn’t go back out in order to take care of her friend.

“Don’t overdo it, especially within the first hour,” Wade said.

“If you’re going to pregame, pregame, but don’t get plastered.”

Being careful will also be in your best interest because of the law: Last year, more than 40 people were arrested throughout the night.

2. Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming is Saturday, Oct. 3. The Flashes will battle the Miami University RedHawks at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium. The preceding 15th annual Bowman Cup 5K race begins at 8 a.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The Kent State Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater Alumni Association serves breakfast from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the A crowd of students gather in a dance circle at Evan Evolution’s perforGraham Smith / Summer Kent Stater mance for BlastOff on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014.

Alumni Hospitality Tent outside of the Williamson Alumni Center.

The Homecoming parade begins at 11 a.m., and the march starts at 3. Fake St. Patrick’s Day Last year, St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Tuesday, so students celthe corner of Midway and Theatre Drive, going until Main Street to Franklin Avenue. Couples gather in Risman Plaza at 12 p.m. for ebrated on Saturday, March 14, for “Fake Patty’s Day” all day long.

This year, the actual holiday takes place on a Thursday. a Kiss on the K. Couples are set to kiss at 12:30 p.m.

Black United Students also hosts an annual comedy show at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

MaKalya Brown / Summer Kent Stater Rae Sremmurd performs at FlashFest in the M.A.C. Center on April 23, 2015. Flash Fest was hosted by Undergraduate Student Government.

5. FlashFest

Alex Ledet / Summer Kent Stater Marvin Logan, former executive director of Undergraduate Student Government, and other USG members wave at onlookers during the Homecoming Parade on Oct. 18, 2014.

Center for Undergraduate Excellence:

It’s pretty hard to miss the library — after all, it’s the tallest building in Portage County — however, it’s not the only place to take some books and a laptop for studying. Completed last year and now stocked with a Starbucks, this building has tons of little nooks for studying, alongside the possibility of being tutored.

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater Vohn Murphy outside of Water Street Tavern in downtown Kent on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2015.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater The Center for Undergraduate Excellence, or CUE, is located off the Esplande between Lake and Olson halls.

FlashFest wraps up the spring semester by bringing musical guests to campus. The event is put on by Undergraduate Student Government. Last year, Rae Sremmurd, Jeremih and The Chainsmokers performed in the M.A.C. Center. Two years ago, Capital Cities and Ab-Soul performed on the student green. nhardma1@kent.edu

Kent State’s Hidden Treasures Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

In your first few days at Kent State, it’s almost a given that you’ll have to go on a variety of tours, informative sessions and listen to guest speakers talk about the university.

However, there are some parts of Kent State that aren’t commonly referred to. You might hear about Rosie’s Diner or the library, but maybe you won’t hear about the Food 4 Thought Cafe 2 in Bowman Hall. This list is to help outline some of Kent State’s “hidden treasures,” and to guide you to see some really cool things the university offers.

Keep in mind this list isn’t all-inclusive, as what one person treasures is certainly different than what another person will value.

With that said, here are a few spots/events you’ll definitely want to check out:

Food 4 Thought Cafe:

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Senior nutrition major Alicia Gibson makes a fruit smoothie at the Food 4 Thought Cafe in Bowman Hall on Aug. 19, 2015.

The original food vendor, titled a “Cyber Cafe,” resides in White Hall, and a second location is up in the main lobby at Bowman Hall. However, keep in mind neither of these places accept meal plan options.

Jazzman’s Cafe:

Most people know about the Student Center and Eastway locations, but there’s also a Jazzman’s in OscarRitchie Hall that accepts meal plan as payment.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Rob Camp, who just graduated from Kent State with a Ph.D. in biology, hangs out in Jazzman's Café in the Student Center on Aug. 19, 2015.

Alex Ledet / Summer Kent Stater Marc Metzker makes a putt at the inaugural Frisbee Golf Tournament on the new disc golf course on Sept. 21, 2014.

Disc golf course:

$5 Movie Monday (not pictured):

The Kent Plaza Theatre continues to offer its $5 Movie Monday program, where moviegoers can purchase a ticket for any movie on Mondays for $5. With each ticket, buyers also receive a complimentary small popcorn.

Ice skating (not pictured):

You’ll hear all about the free-to-use Student Recreation and Wellness Center, but what you might miss amidst the weight lifting, basketball courts and racquetball areas is the outdoor disc golf course, an 18-hole challenge that winds around some areas in Kent.

With your FlashCard, you can check out some of the discs free of charge at the Pro Shop in the Rec Center.

The Ice Arena hosts a weekly College Skate Night on Wednes- Canoeing and kayaking: day nights from 10 p.m. to midnight starting later in the semester Since 2010, the city and the university have collaborated on with only a $3 charge attached with the events. The Ice Arena does what they deem “Crooked River Adventures,” a program that’ll offer weekly themes as well, so students can dress up accordingly cost you between $23 to $25 to take part in. if they wish, or just wear whatever they’d like. jmill231@kent.edu

Page C12 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

The

Kent Stater

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Page D1

SPORTS OPINION

FEATURES D2 Volleyball Identity

Don Gromala is coaching a talented, young team but is looking for a new identity on offense in one of volleyball’s most intriguing conferences.

D5 Football Features

Coach Paul Haynes talks about the future of his football program on the heels of a disappointing 2-9 season.

D7 Life Lessons

On the cover: Field Hockey

Kent State students discuss college life lessons, things to know as a freshman and appreciating your school.

A year removed from its first NCAA Tournament win, the field hockey team continues to build a perennial contender despite losing six seniors.

One year later Emily Mills Editor

The Kent State football team painted the rock Thursday, Aug. 20, in memory of Jason Bitsko, a member of the football team who was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment on Aug. 20 of last year.

More than 50 football players, coaches, relatives and friends gathered; just before noon Thursday to paint “54,” Bitsko’s number, and “stay focused.” The phrase was included in the last tweet Bitsko sent and has become a memorial hashtag for him.

The Portage County Coroner ruled in December 2014 that Bitsko died of an enlarged heart, medically known as cardiomegaly.

Teammate Chris Humphrey said in August 2014 that Bitsko “had a big heart, both literally and hypothetically.”

Bitsko was a junior marketing major and a right tackle for the Golden Flashes. He was set to begin as starting center last fall.

Bitsko is survived by his parents, Randy and Pam Bitsko, and his siblings, Ryan and Caitlin. emills11@kent.edu

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Kent State football players trace Jason Bitsko’s football number, 54, on the rock on Aug. 20, 2015. Bitsko was a starting center on the football team and passed away Aug. 20, 2014.

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Kent State football kicker April Goss (left) hugs Jason Bitsko’s father, Randy Bitsko (right), after the Kent State football team painted the rock. Goss wrote “stay focued” on the rock in honor of Jason’s last tweet, which read, “There are 86,400 seconds in a day. Make sure you use one of those to thank God for everything you have #stayfocused.”

Page D2 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

YOUNG VOLLEYBALL TEAM TO BE BATTLE-TESTED EARLY Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

Growing up in the Mid-American Conference is no small task for incoming Kent State recruits, but coach Don Gromala said he’s already told his team that everyone will need to serve their roles for the Flashes to be successful.

The team features just three seniors and four juniors, but Gromala is fully prepared to offer his underclassmen starting roles, especially as he’s recruited with the mindset that most of his young players will see the court right away. Just last season, Gromala frequently played then-freshmen outside hitter Kelsey Bittinger, setter Brittney Jakscht and libero Challen Geraghty.

This transition won’t be an easy one for the Flashes, Gromala said, but it’ll be made effectively, especially after the team assembled for some spring indoor and sand volleyball tournaments and summer workouts.

“What I’ve heard from our support staff is that, especially in the weight room, it was probably one of our best offseasons...our goal is always to get better throughout an event or tournament or season, and we definitely did that (in the offseason),” Gromala said. “It’s going to be a small adjustment period for (the players), but I think we’re headed in a really good direction for the season.”

Following Kent State’s second-round exit in the Mid-American Conference Tournament in 2014, Gromala said the conference title is more up for grabs than ever in his four-year tenure with the team: Despite Ohio University’s pure dominance in the regular

season — 23-4 overall, and a perfect 16-0 in the conference — the Bobcats dropped their semifinal tournament bout with Western Michigan, the No. 5 seed who went on to win the conference title.

The year prior, No. 7 Eastern Michigan stunned the entire field of competitors by making the conference championship game before the Bobcats stomped the Eagles in straight sets.

“I think the last two conference tournaments are a good snapshot of what the MAC is all about,” Gromala said. “I think that the teams that have most recently been struggling have gotten better.

From top to bottom, the conference is more competitive.”

Almost a perennial tradition at this point, Gromala said he expects the Bobcats to be one of the favorites to win the conference, taking into account they retained their star setter Abby Gilleland and their libero Meredith Ashy; however, Gromala added every team lost a big asset to their success from the year prior, as Ohio lost outside hitter Kelly Lamberti, so coaches will have to make changes around their new-look teams.

The Flashes will be no exception, especially after graduating their biggest offensive and defensive threats, Liz Reikow, a 6’6” middle blocker, and outside hitter Tinuke Aderemi-Ibitola, who led the team in kills. Gromala admits there’s no replacing that talent, particularly with Reikow’s size and ability up front at the net, but he hopes his roster’s depth will make up for it.

“She was definitely a unique player with how mobile she was with someone at her height,” Gromala said. “That’s going to be our biggest challenge as a program is how to make up for (the block) defensively because other teams had to work around. Last

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater Kent State's volleyball team cheers each other on during the game against MAC opponent Ohio University on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.

year, the defense was the key to our victories...but we’ve got a lot of versatility, which is good. We’re not going to be a team that’s going to have one hitter that we set 60 percent of the balls to and hope she carries us.”

Gromala said the offense will be quicker this season, and the team will toy with defense schemes they couldn’t or didn’t need to implement last season, such as a 6-2 zone. Gromala also said who will play where on the court is still up in the air, but he expects Geraghty, Bittinger and senior middle blocker Bridget Wilhelm to all be starters come the team’s opener at the Maryland Invitational.

The Flashes don’t play a conference opponent until September 25, a home contest with the Miami RedHawks, but Gromala said the early slate of 15 non-conference matches will help the team prepare for conference play. Gromala said the Flashes have scheduled opponents similar to the strength of their own conference in years past, but this year’s onslaught of non-conference foes feature some teams that have been nationally ranked or made the NCAA Tournament in the last few seasons.

“Now this is our first non-conference segment where we’re going to stretch ourselves a little bit, and push ourselves and challenge ourselves,” Gromala said. “We’re playing a handful of teams that could finish, nationwide, in the top 100, top 50, top 25. The better teams you’ll play against, the better you’ll be.”

The Flashes play their first home matches at the Golden Flashes Classic, and are scheduled to take on Indiana State on Sept. 5. jmill231@kent.edu

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater Former Kent State outside hitter Tinuke Aderemi-Ibitola blocks a spike from Ohio Universities Abby Gilleland during their MAC conference game in the M.A.C. Center on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.

Most successful Kent State teams throughout the past 15 years Shayla Pierce Sports Reporter

Men’s Basketball: The Kent State basketball team recorded six conference championships and four conference tournament championships within the last 15 years. In 2002, the team, a No. 10 seed, made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA March Madness tournament.

Baseball: The Kent State baseball team racked up seven conference championships along with 10 conference tournament championships since 2000. The 2012 team made a run in the College World Series where they would go to lose to Arkansas in the third game of a three-game series to end the run.

Football: The Kent State football squad made an appearance in the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl game, where they would fall short to Arkansas State in a 17-13 game. The Flashes finished with an 11-2 record.

Field Hockey: The Kent State field hockey team has won four conference tournaments in the past 15 years while also adding 10 conference championships. The team made school history by achieving its first ever win in a NCAA Tournament game in 2014, a 2-1 win over Delaware.

Track & Field: Throwing star Matthias Tayala, who set two school records for Kent State, is a five- time Mid-American Conference champion, and qualified for four national championships. In 2014, Tayla was the Division I National Champion in the hammer throw event.

Gymnastics: The Kent gymnastics team has won four MAC championships, including the title last winter. The team has also made 11 team NCAA appearances.

Rachael Le Goubin / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State men's basketball team celebrates a close victory over the University of Miami of Ohio on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 in the M.A.C. Center. Chris Ortiz made a dunk with 42 seconds left in the game and the Flashes were able to hold off Miami for the reamining seconds. The Final score was 61-60 keeping Kent State in first place for the MAC.

spierc17@kent.edu

Alex Ledet / Summer Kent Stater Junior forward Marquiez Lawrence goes for the net during a game against Toledo in the M.A.C. Center on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015. The Flashes beat the Rockets, 67-60.

Dawn Lu / Summer Kent Stater Former Kent State redshirt defender Alyssa Meier attempts to keep possession of the ball at the game against Miami University on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.

Erin McLaughlin / Summer Kent Stater MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Kent State's Jenna Hellstrom Kent State President Beverly Warren cheers alongside Kent States jumps to kick the ball before womens Basketball team on their bench during their game against Toledo's Gabby Epelman during a Eastern Michigan University in the MAC Center on Feb. 4, 2015. game Friday, Oct. 24, 2014.

Dawn Lu / Summer Kent Stater Kent State senior Mack McGuire wrestles his opponent Leighton Gaul of Northern Iowa on Sunday Feb. 8, 2015.

The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page D3

Page D4 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

How to be a good KSU fan Jimmy Miller Managing Editor When the Ohio State Buckeyes won the College Football Playoff National Championship in January, national media outlets picked up stories about students setting fires and tearing down a goal post in Columbus.

I figured I’d come clean with that first before telling you to follow the Buckeyes’ model of being a student fan.

I’m not recommending we burn down The HUB if (when) the Flashes beat the Akron Zips in a few months, because burning stuff is pretty much the worst idea you could have, but

The Kent Stater

there is something to learn from the school spirit the Buckeye fans exhibited throughout last season. Even though the team lost a home game to an unranked opponent early on and lost two starting quarterbacks to injury, those students backed that team to the exciting end, as I’m sure many of you who come from Ohio can attest.

And you see this kind of school spirit all over the place. In high school, there was probably a good chance you watched some of the biggest college games of the season on national television. If you’ve ever filled out an NCAA March Madness bracket, you’ve watched schools like Duke or Kentucky and saw their school spirit.

Those are prime examples of how students just like you and I can back a team from our school.

It’s not really like that here, because we usually lack the bright lights of national television coverage and packed stadiums on football Saturdays, but there are definitely easy ways to make your collegiate experience with Kent State a memorable one in the stands.

There’s no one true formula to becoming a good fan, but the solution always starts with the students.

Freshmen in particular can breathe

new life into a school, and with the beginning of this fall comes the start of a few sports. Here’s my three-step recommendation on how to help make the school spirit shine at Kent State (Hint — it’s a fairly easy and obvious process) 1. Go to the games Well, this probably seems painstakingly obvious, but it’s really proven to be an issue at Kent State (and other Mid-American Conference schools like Akron). The most perplexing part of this lack of attendance is the fact that games are free, and by going to these games and swiping your FlashCard, you’re accumulating FlashPerks points in the process, which could help you win prizes by the end of the year.

With the 16 total sports Kent State participates in, it’s relatively simple to find an athletic event nearly every day.

Ask some friends and head out to the games, even if you go to treat it like a social event--you may find you’re a bigger Kent State supporter than you originally thought.

2. Follow the team on the road The teams need you. Take volleyball, for instance, a team that went 9-3 in the M.A.C. Center but a disappointing 4-7 away from Kent. As the reporter who covered that beat, I know all

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater Sophomore biology major and band member George Bagay plays clarinet at the Kent State men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

the players talked about after a long road stretch was how exciting it was to get back home to see their own students. I can also tell you that as a spectator, it makes a difference when the visiting school brings a decent crowd to their opponent’s home venue.

Showing that the team matters to you is one of the best ways to boost those players’ confidences, and another great way to see what other campuses look like. Also, even if you can’t go to the games, use the watch live and/or live stats function on kentstatesports. com under the respective sport you’re trying to follow. The more people that follow our teams the better, because it allows students to understand the implications of each game that the team hosts at home, or gives them a good idea of who to watch for on the field/court.

3. Don’t be such a downer It’d be asinine to always compare our teams to the schools I mentioned before the list started. Our football program went 2-9 last season, while the Buckeyes won a national championship—and defeated Kent State 66-0 in the process—plus our student body is significantly smaller than Ohio State’s. However, students do still have plenty to cheer about: The field

hockey program featured in this edition of the Stater went to the NCAA Tournament last season, both golf programs and the gymnastics team won the conference championship, the men’s basketball team won a share of the regular season conference title and even the football team, despite its losses, defeated Akron en route to winning the Wagon Wheel Challenge.

And in some sports, our programs perpetually compete on a national level. Our track and field, gymnastics and wrestling programs all sent players to compete on a national level, and a few found great success, most notably thrower Matthias Tayala, who finished first in the nation in the hammer throw. And in the last 15 years, our baseball team went to the College World Series (2013), our basketball team made it to the Elite Eight (2002) and our football program made its first bowl game appearance (2013).

So instead of ragging on your own university, maybe give supporting its teams a try—Kent State has turned out varying levels of success over the years, but you can always count on something exciting to happen. jmill231@kent.edu

MaKayla Brown / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State band holds up a Kent Stater issue which reads, "Bash the Bulls! Flashes!" at the Kent State men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

Field hockey pressing conference dominance to next level Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

Field hockey coach Kathleen Wiler knows the Mid-American Conference well.

Wiler, entering her 10th season in charge of the Flashes’ program, boasts a 53-23 conference record in her tenure with the team. It also seems the team hasn’t missed a beat in conference dominance, owning six of the last seven regular-season Mid-American Conference titles. Wiler has also won the conference outright twice by taking the conference tournament, the first of which came in 2008. Wiler also came within a double-overtime goal of posting an undefeated conference record in 2013, but the Flashes dropped their season-ending game.

Wiler also coached in the conference as an assistant for eight seasons, serving some time with the Flashes and then more with Miami.

But even with the previous success, Wiler’s past seasons are unparalleled to what the Flashes did last year: The Flashes went to the NCAA Tournament and won their first matchup, a 2-1 decision over the University of Delaware. The win marked the first tournament win in school history, and the Flashes hope to build on that promise in 2015.

The team does have some ground to make up regarding its offense, as graduates Hannah Faulkner and Julia Hofmann, who both combined for 30 goals throughout 22 games. However, the team does return all but two of the eight remaining players who scored last season. If the Flashes approach the offense with the next scorer up mentality, junior midfielder/forward Madison Thompson will pace the offense, as she finished third on the team in 2014 in goals with eight.

But a necessary stalwart of the team will continue to be the defense, which held opponents to 2.45 goals per game last season and a .181 shot percentage. The team returns goalkeeper Andrea Rinehart, who finished with five season shutouts and 119 saves. Rinehart also logged the most minutes played on the team last year with 1,554.

The Flashes open their season Saturday at home versus Virginia Commonwealth University, and similar to last season’s slate of non-conference games, the schedule includes opponents from the Big Ten Conference. The Flashes seek redemption versus Michigan and Michigan State, both teams that were ranked in the top 25 last season, and both teams the Flashes dropped one-goal games to.

The Flashes will head to Central Michigan on Oct. 4 for the conference opener. In all, the Flashes will host just five home games this season, and only two of which are conference games. The team Erin McLaughlin / Summer Kent Stater closes out the regular season at Ball State on Nov. 1.

Kent State junior Madison Thompson tries to steal the ball from Michigan State's Alli Helwig during a match Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Kent State lost 4-3 in overtime.

jmill231@kent.edu

Intramurals available to you Shayla Pierce Sports Reporter

Erin McLaughlin / Summer Kent Stater Kent State field hockey teammates celebrate after winning the MAC championship game against Ohio University Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. The Flashes won, 2-0.

Kent State offers a wide variety of options for intramural sports throughout the school year, with the fall leagues starting soon after move-in.

The fall semester will hold five different leagues including flag football, outdoor soccer, softball, sand volleyball and indoor volleyball.

The intramural program will also host four tournaments throughout the semester, which include disc golf, badminton, ultimate Frisbee and a holiday basketball tournament.

“It’s a great way to get to know more people, especially for those who are new on campus,” said Phelan Fletcher, recreation program coordinator.

Kent State Intramurals had approximately 2,646 students who participated throughout the last school year.

“It’s just a great way to have fun with other people,” said Tyler Weaver, a sophomore generation education and health and human services major.

Ashley Slepko, a senior special education major at Kent State, started playing intramurals her freshman year and has stuck with the same teammates throughout. Slepko says it is a great way to stay involved.

“It’s a good way to stay active while still being with your friends,” Slepko said. “It gives you a break from work and homework.”

It is possible for students to do more than one league at a time, but it does require students to schedule accordingly.

“You can set it up however you want, you could have one sport on one night and then have another on a different night,” said Weaver, whereas Slepko says she tries to have two or three games on the same night.

The intramural department offers two ways to set up your team’s schedule.

Students can sign up for the desired league in the Pro Shop of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, where they will pay their fee and set up an IMLeagues account, or students can download an app called Rec*it where they will be able to accomplish sign up and creating a team.

The first deadline to sign up for intramurals will be Wednesday, Sept. 16. spierc17@kent.edu

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page D5

The Kent Stater

Football program looks for execution, not change in style

Senior wide reciever Josh Boyle completes a pass in the end zone scoring one of the two touchdowns at the game against the Univeristy of Massachusetts Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014.

Jimmy Miller Managing Editor Most might think coach Paul Haynes and his coaching staff went into panic mode at the end of their 2-9 2014 campaign, but the fact of the matter is, Haynes said his team isn’t changing much.

“We don’t really need to change the way we practice, we just need to execute better,” Haynes said. “A lot of last year’s games came down to (how) we didn’t execute (the plays correctly).”

And he might have a point: Despite the abysmal record, and excluding the daunting 66-0 loss to Ohio State in Columbus, the Flashes only lost their games by a deficit averaging just over 12 points. What’s more, Haynes’ team didn’t lose a conference game by more than 10 points, and lost by just one score (a touchdown or field goal) three times throughout the entire season.

Granted, Haynes isn’t making excuses for

his program, either — in the end, two wins isn’t going to get the Flashes atop the conference or to its second bowl game in program history — but for his team, consistency is going to be key.

The roster boasts 14 fourth-year or fifth-year seniors, and a number of players who picked up preseason accolades. Senior safety Jordan Italiano was named the country’s “Smartest Player in College Football” by NFL.com, touting his 3.97 GPA in pre-medical biochemistry and his 195 career tackles. Junior safety Nate Holley also picked up honors with his nomination to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, an award for the best defensive back in the country, where he joins 41 other players. Senior punter Anthony Melchiori was also added to the Ray Guy Award Watch List for the fourth consecutive year. Holley, Italiano, Melchiori and seniors Nate Terhune (defensive lineman) and Matt Dellinger (linebacker) were

all named to the Phil Steele’s 2015 Preseason AllMid-American Conference team.

Offensively, the Flashes expect junior quarterback Colin Reardon to take the helm of the offense once again. Injuries rattled Reardon at the tail end of last season, but he managed to set the Kent State single-season record for most completed passes at 228. He finished with 12 touchdown passes and tacked on two more with his running game.

Despite the returning talent, the 2015 Media Poll selected the Flashes to finish last in the MidAmerican Conference East Division, while rival Akron is tied with Ohio for second, only to preseason favorite Bowling Green.

Rankings mean little to nothing to Haynes, who said his team isn’t too concerned about the poll or what outsiders think the Flashes are capable of this season.

“I don’t think we sit there and use that as a chip on our shoulder so to speak,” Haynes said.

“We’ve got to focus on us, and not worry about preseason rankings.”

The Flashes open their season Sept. 4 at Illinois, and play an interesting medley of non-conference opponents before their conference opener Oct. 3 versus Miami. The Flashes will host both Delaware State and Marshall University, a team that finished 23rd in the AP Top 25 Poll last season. Additionally, they’ll travel to Minnesota to take on the Gophers, a squad that finished 8-5 overall, 5-3 in the Big Ten Conference.

“We’ve been in this position before,” Haynes said of the early slate of games, referencing how his team played Ohio State last year. “We remind (our players) to just stay focused...and we can make (wins) happen.” jmill231@kent.edu

Kent State safety named NFL’s smartest college football player of the year Shayla Pierce Sports Reporter

Photo courtesy of David Dermer Jordan Italiano was named NFL’s smartest player in college football this year.

Jordan Italiano, a senior safety for the Kent State football team, was named “smartest player in college football” in NFL.com’s 15 for ’15 series released earlier this summer.

On a pre-medical/biochemistry track, Italiano managed to keep a 3.978 GPA going into his fourth year at Kent State.

After being ranked fifth in the 14 for ‘14 series, Italiano said he was pretty excited to move all the way up to the top spot.

Italiano said it is all about the balance between football and school, which is not always easy. With his GPA accomplishments, Italiano enters his senior season with 195 tackles, five forced fumbles and four intercepted passes in his career.

“There is so much time we put into football over the season, and then to try and manage all of your time to finish your homework and study for tests is the most difficult part,” Italiano said.

With a set schedule for football, Italiano plans his days accordingly, figuring out what needs to get accomplished for that day.

“He has come in with the type of work ethic that you rarely see, it is very unique,” said Talea Drummer, assistant athletic director for student athlete success. “He is one of those students you knew hewas smart and you knew he wanted to work hard.”

For two consecutive years, Italiano made the Academic All-America teams, only one of three Mid-American Conference players to do so.

Alongside those honors, Italiano also earned the Leo Strang Award this year for having the highest cumulative team GPA as an upperclassman. He was also named to both Athlon and Phil Steele's Preseason All-MAC Second Team.

“He is a guy that has been consistent over such a long period of time,” said Jeff Burrow, the safeties coach, who has a hard time believing Italiano wouldn’t make the Capital One Academic All-America team, for a third year in a row.

Burrow also said he tells his student-athletes that to be successful, they’ll miss out on some of their college experience. Burrow said he encourages his young athletes to use Italiano as an example.

“He has given up a lot. He chose to push those aside for something better,” Burrow said. “He works today the same way he worked when he came in as a true freshman.”

Italiano said his parents stayed on him about schoolwork, which helped him manage both football and his academics at Kent State.

“As I was raised my parents just always made sure I did well academically, and I think it just carried over to when I was in college,” Italiano said. spierc17@kent.edu

NFL player Julian Edelman announced as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal

Emily Mills Editor

New England Patriots player Julian Edelman, a former Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback, will return as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in Kent State’s Homecoming ceremonies Oct. 3.

“It’s exciting to get back to the alma mater (and) see everyone on campus,” Edelman said in a video the Kent State University Alumni Association posted on YouTube. “October 3. Do not be late. Don’t miss it. Go Flashes.”

Edelman is wearing a yellow Kent State T-shirt and mouths “number one” at the end of the video.

Edelman played on Kent State’s football team from 2006 to 2008 and was a three-year starting quarterback, as well as a captain on the 2008

team, according to a Kent State press release.

He holds Kent State’s single-season record for total yards at 3,190.

The New England Patriots selected Edelman in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. As a wide receiver, he has caught 197 passes over the last two seasons, and he helped the team secure a Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks this February.

Edelman, who will be inducted into the Kent State Varsity “K” Athletics Hall of Fame, will take part in a meet and greet Oct. 3 at 10:15 a.m. at the Alumni Hospitality Tent by the Williamson Alumni Center. The Homecoming Parade steps off at 11 a.m., and he will attend the 3:30 p.m. football game against the Miami University RedHawks. emills11@kent.edu

Photo courtesy of Brian Cassella / Tribune News Service New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) returns a punt against Chicago Bears punter Pat O’Donnell (16) in the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Page D6 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater

HOME SPORTS CALENDAR SUNDAY

30

MONDAY

31

06

07

13 Men’s Golf:

14 Women’s Golf:

• Gopher Invitational: Windsong Farm Golf Course, Independence, Minnesota

• Minnesota Invitational: Minneapolis, Minnesota

TUESDAY

01

WEDNESDAY

02

08

09

15

16

Soccer: • 1 p.m. vs. Canisius College

September FRIDAY

THURSDAY

03

SATURDAY

04 Volleyball:

05 Volleyball:

10

11

12

17

18 Cross Country:

19

25

26 Football:

Rachel Le Goubin / Summer Kent Stater Junior wide receiver Nick Holley gets tackled by the Jaguars' Desmond LaVelle at the game against Southern Alabama on Saturday, Sept.

6, 2014.

Cross Country: • Time TBA Tommy Evans Invitational: Akron, Ohio

• 5 p.m. vs. Indiana State University

• 11 a.m. vs. University of Albany 5 p.m. vs. Oakland University

Football: • 6 p.m. vs. Delaware State University

• Time TBA Virginia Texh Alumni Invite: Blacksburg, Virginia

Soccer: • 1 p.m. vs. Cleveland State University

20

21 Men’s Golf:

22

28

29

• Inverness Intercollegiate: Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio Women’s Golf: • Mercedes Benz Intercollegiate: Knoxville, Tennessee

27

Field Hockey: • 12 p.m. vs. Longwood University

Soccer: • 4:30 p.m. vs. University Louisville

23

Soccer: • 1 p.m. vs. Bryant University

30

04

11

18

Soccer: • 1 p.m. vs. Eastern Michigan University

05 Men’s Golf:

06

12

13

Volleyball: • 7 p.m. vs. Ohio University

07

08

• Cleveland State Invitational: Barrington Country Club, Aurora, Ohio

Erin McLaughlin / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State volleyball team reacts after scoring a point against Western Michigan during a game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014.

19

Women’s Golf: • Besty Rawls Longhorn Invitational: Austin, Texas

Volleyball: • 7 p.m. vs. Miami University

• Time TBA vs. Marshall University Volleyball: • 7 p.m. vs. Bowling Green State University

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater The Kent State women’s soccer team celebrates senior midfielder Madison Helterbran’s goal against MAC rivals University of Akron on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014.

01

Graham Smith / Summer Kent Stater Sophomore forward Shannon Talbot fights a defender for the ball in Kent State’s 6-1 victory over MAC opponents Ball State at MurphyMellis Field on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. Kent took a total of 32 shots versus just 6 from Ball State.

Women’s Golf: • Jim West Challenge: Boerne, Texas Soccer: • 1 p.m. vs. Northern Illinois University

24

October

02

03

09 Men’s Golf:

10

16 Men’s Golf:

17 Volleyball:

Cross Country: • 2 p.m.

All-Ohio Championship: Cedarville, Ohio Soccer: • 4 p.m. vs. Western Michigan University (home)

Football: • 3:30 p.m. vs. Miami University

• Bank Of Tennessee: The Ridges Golf and Country Club, Jonesborough, Tennessee

14

15

• U.S. Collegiate: Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, Georgia Volleyball: • 7 p.m. vs. University of Toledo Soccer: • 4 p.m. vs. Bowling Green State University Field Hockey: • 1 p.m. vs. Miami University

20

21

22

23

Field Hockey: • 1 p.m. vs. Ohio University

• 7 p.m. vs. Ball State University

Cross Country: • Time TBA Princeton Invite: Princeton, New Jersey

24 Football:

• Time TBA vs. Bowling Green State University

Cross Country: • Time TBA Cedarville Open: Cedarville, Ohio

25

26

27

Field Hockey: • 2 p.m. vs. Ohio State University

28

29

Soccer: • 3 p.m. vs. Ohio University

30

31 Cross Country:

• Time TBA MAC Championships: Akron, Ohio

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page D7

The Kent Stater

The

Kent Stater

Opinion

SUBMISSIONS

The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily en­dorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor (email them to emills11@kent.edu) and guest columns. Submissions become pro­­perty of the Stater and are subject to editing without notice.

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor: Emily Mills Managing Editor: Jimmy Miller Design Director: Ray Padilla Copy/Web Editor: Toni Hunt Copy/Web Editor: Dara Sander Copy/Web Editor: Chiamaka Uwagba

THE OPINION PAGE IS AN OUTLET FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S VARIED OPINIONS.

LOCATION DOESN’T MATTER, BUT YOUR ATTITUDE DOES Jimmy Miller Managing Editor

Perhaps my biggest frustration about interacting with people is unnecessary cynicism.

Lately, it seems that a lot of my conversations with people revolve around how college is going. As a junior that went home for the summer, I had a chance to go out and reunite with some of the people I loved in high school, and so catching up with them about school is always a great icebreaker; however, I found a select few of them had run into irritation that stemmed back to what they deemed “a bad college.”

Sorry, but that’s not how it works.

Similar to what I told people about Stow-Munroe Falls High School, my alma mater, it doesn’t matter if you don’t like the cafeteria food or you think the carpets are gross or you think a teacher is simply piss poor — what truly matters is how you turn that around into an experience you will later look upon fondly.

Now, don’t get me wrong: Some schools just aren’t for everybody. In my limited amount of college visits, I learned some universities that touted “top-notch” journalism programs actually had a few rooms and computers and made a daily newspaper from those. I was looking for a more modern school that stressed the online component. But the reason those schools could say they had great student media productions was because the stu-

What I wish I knew my freshman year

Emily Mills Editor

College is a completely different experience than high school, and it can be rough transitioning to this adult world, where you’re responsible for making sure you have a clean shirt to wear everyday (or at least one that doesn’t smell too bad) feeding yourself and making yourself go to class.

I’ll be a senior this year, and in my three years at Kent State, I’ve learned a few things about this campus and college in general.

You’re going to be meeting a ton of people in the next few days. You might find your lifelong best friend, but don’t feel obligated to become besties with every single person you meet.

Parking is ridiculous on campus. Parking Services sells three passes for every two spots on campus, so there will never be enough spots for everyone. Park where you’re supposed to, and if you don’t, I guarantee you will get a ticket within 10 minutes of getting out of your car. (It’s OK though; the first ticket is waived.)

There are other places to eat besides the HUB in the Student Center. There’s Prentice, Eastway, Rosie’s – you’re going to have a ton of meal plan money left over at the end of the semester, so go spend it.

Don’t buy your books from the bookstore. There are so many other cheaper options: Amazon, Chegg and off-campus bookstores are just a few. Always rent books if you can; it’ll save you money, and you’re probably never going to look at them after the class is over (if you even crack them open at all during the semester).

There are more than 350 student organizations on campus, so jmill231@kent.edu no one should ever say, “I don’t feel like I fit in here.” There is literally a group for anyone and anything, and if there’s not, it’s fairly simple to get it approved. At the same time, though, don’t feel obligated to join every group you hear about. Pick a few you’re really interested in and see if they’re a good fit.

I’ll sound like a mom for a minute: do your homework, get enough sleep and go to class. You (or your parents, or the federal government through financial aid) is dropping some serious money to go here, so get your money’s worth.

At the same time, don’t use “I’m too busy” as an excuse not to do things. We’re all too busy – we’re college students juggling classes, homework, jobs, relationships and a social life. Time management is difficult to learn, but you’ll learn quickly how to divide up your time. Go explore downtown and find a cool new restaurant or coffeeshop. (I’m looking at you, Taco Tontos and with finances or guidance counselors helping them when feeling Tree City.)

Everyone always says college is the best four years of your lost in school and getting good grades while still being involved life, but that isn’t necessarily true. We’re only in our late teens or in multiple school activities. But, as you all know, going away early twenties; we still have a lot of living left to do, and I’m sure to college is about being on your own, although Kent State does we all have some great years ahead of us. offer services to help assist with hard times.

But still, you’re going to be living here the next four years or Don't worry; we've all been through the same eye-opening longer, and that’s a serious investment, both in time and money. moments. I experienced roommate tension my freshman year.

Get involved, try things you wouldn’t normally do and make Complications between the two of us only led to me learning some awesome memories of your freshman year. more about myself. It also taught me to be patient and considAnd please, for the love of God, don’t wear your lanyard erate of others’ viewpoints. At the time, I did not realize the around your neck. insight I gained, but when I look back, I am very appreciative of emills11@kent.edu that experience. Incoming students will feel the same.

Going away to college not only teaches you valuable life skills; it also teaches you how to network and market yourself.

Kent State’s Career Services can prepare for your future career with training for interviews, tweaking your resume and applying for positions.

College opens your horizon to multiple life experiences you probably didn’t imagine when enrolling, but when you graduate you will be able to look back and see the wisdom you’ve accumulated in your time at Kent State University.

Chiamaka Uwagba Copy/Web Editor thunt7@kent.edu dents behind them drove the content to be great, even despite old computers or small, dingy rooms.

Likewise, your college experience will be defined by what you do with it, not by what you think is wrong or right about Kent State.

Stuff goes wrong at every school at every corner of the United States. Chances are high you’re going to get flustered at some point because of an assignment’s difficulty, or because you think a professor is terrible. You’re not always going to like the meal you pick up from campus food services, although I might recommend you try a Munchie’s wrap at one point or another.

Even the people you deal with here are going to make you really mad eventually, perhaps even your roommate or a new best friend.

I don’t write this to be like the inspirational speaker I’m sure you’ll hear from it your first few days of college — in fact, I’m actually writing this to urge you to shut up about how much you “hate Kent State.” Those of us who are crafting our own experiences are tired of hearing you rag on the university because you got a parking ticket or because you failed an exam.

Let me also add that I’m not telling you to take no issue with the university — a student body that interacts and collaborates to solve problems is a happy student body, and one that’s headed on the right path to understanding how the real world works.

However, spending time complaining about meaningless nothings soils your own college experience, and pretty much does you no good. Maybe spending a little bit of time reflecting on your complaints will make you realize that a lot of what you have an issue with is something within your own control.

Your years at Kent State are in your hands, so make something you’re proud of.

Coming to college clueless, leaving with wisdom Toni Hunt Copy/Web Editor Your initial thoughts of college usually consists of class work, Greek life and college parties, but as the semester flies by, you begin to realize that those thoughts are minute compared to the many lessons that you learn at a university.

Kent State’s incoming freshman class is one of the largest in Kent State history. That large number of students proves that everyone is eager for this new experience. The new experience unravels when you step foot on the university’s campus and gets presented with financial aid issues, roommate quarrels, time management problems or even just not knowing how to get to your next class from your residence hall.

How do you deal with this all? You learn through the actual experience. Many students are used to their parents dealing

Kent State shows optimism despite Akron's recent cuts Austin Bennett Administration Reporter As the state continues to decrease funding for higher education, colleges and universities face difficult decisions to maintain affordability.

In May, the University of Akron’s President Scott Scarborough said many of Ohio’s state universities are likely to disappear over the next 50 years.

Scarborough’s vision is to join Ohio State, Miami University and the University of Cincinnati as the top four public universities in the state.

In response, the presidents of Cleveland State University, Kent State University, Youngstown State University and the Northeast Ohio Medical University wrote a joint letter to tell Scarborough he was wrong.

"Our view of the future of public higher education in Ohio is much more optimistic, and is based on the remarkable contributions of all of our region's public universities,” the letter states, according to The Plain Dealer.

"We believe Northeast Ohio's future competitiveness requires the individual and collective resources of all of our public universities," the presidents wrote. "We are setting our sights on a future that includes not just a few elite universities, but many public universities that are innovative, entrepreneurial and productive."

On July 10, weeks after Scarborough made the bold prediction, the University of Akron announced the elimination of 215 faculty positions and the baseball program. The university also cut ties with E.J. Thomas Hall.

“The most painful, but necessary, reduction is the abolishment of filled positions. We are working hard to make sure that our colleagues whose positions are being eliminated are shown the respect and courtesy they deserve. We owe them our thanks for

An international student at Kent State University

their service to this great University,” said Scarborough, in a letter to the faculty, staff and students.

These massive cuts came as a result of the university facing a $60 million deficit.

“There have to be more coming,” said State Rep. Greta Johnson, an alumna of the University of Akron. “I don’t know how you can run in the red for that long without scaling back. I don’t know where those cuts will be, but I am quite certain there will be additional cuts.”

The University of Akron is in the process of balancing its financial situation over the next few years, according to Lawrence Burns, vice president for advancement.

While the university cut $40 million, it still faces the ramifications of overbuilding and a declining enrollment.

“We did a lot of building in the last 10 to 15 years and now we’re paying the price for it,” said William Rich, faculty senate chairman at the University of Akron.

Burns said all of Ohio’s public universities should be concerned with the declining number of graduating seniors.

“I don’t think any university can feel confident that they won’t have to make cuts,” said State Rep. Emilia Sykes, a Kent State University alumna.

Although fewer students are enrolling in universities than in years past in northeast Ohio, Kent State University boasts an alltime high in student enrollment.

Kent State Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Gregg Floyd said the university’s success is measured in three areas: the time it takes students to complete degrees, the GPAs of the student body and the student retention rate.

“The indicators on all three areas are favorable for Kent State,” Floyd said.

One thing we all have in common is that they all must balance a budget.

Universities must find ways to make the numbers work with the cost of living steadily increasing and state funding decreasing.

As an international student from Nigeria, my first semester at Kent State was a little scary.

Learning a new culture and how things work around campus was a little sketchy. There were times when I felt really homesick and like I didn’t fit in. I came in contact with different types of people from different countries and different states across the U.S. It was a little challenging communicating with other people because of the accent barriers or slang words I have never heard of. But all I had to do was ask what it meant, and they were willing to explain, and with time I learned some of the American slang.

Some of the things I found difficult my freshman year were making friends and communicating with my professors. During some lectures, I found it difficult to understand my professors because they spoke too fast. But again, all I had to do was tell them to slow down a little, and they understood and respected my wishes.

I survived my freshman year by joining organizations like the Kent African Student Association (KASA) and attending events like African Night. I interacted with other students from African countries, and I saw that Kent State has a place for everyone. I learned the American curriculum by visiting my adviser whenever I had questions about my classes. I also made sure I didn’t overload myself with classes until I mastered the way things work at Kent State.

It is important to have a social life in order to have a fun time in college. It is OK to go to parties and experience how other cultures have fun and participate. I attended a few “American” parties, and it was definitely a different scenery, but I did it to experience new things and make friends.

The Office of Global Education is also very helpful. I visited them when I had questions about things that have to do with my stay in the U.S. as an international student, like making sure I sign my Form I-20 before I leave the country. That is a very important step you have to take if you want to be let back into the U.S. as a student.

Overall, it is important to ask questions, let your fellow students help and let professors help you too. Asking questions helped me understand things a little better, and with time, things will fall into place.

abenne13@kent.edu

conwuama@kent.edu

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The Kent Stater

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Page D9

The Kent Stater

Classifieds Those in the know Just Know…

For The Finest, Freshest Best Tasting Sandwiches, It’s Downtown To… FRANKLIN SQUARE DELI Selected #1 Sandwich Shop Last 3 years in a row and many other times too!

See us on Facebook and Find out for yourself!

THE LOFT —- KARAOKE WEDNESDAY 9pm to 1

Sign/graphic company seeks part-time, multipurpose person.

Apply in person at Advanced Display Systems 606 Mogadore Road Kent, OH 44240.

Servers, bartender, and catering servers needed at Hudson’s Restaurant, an award-winning casual dining restaurant. Email resume to apply@3foodies.com, 80 N. Main St. Hudson, 330-650-1955.

Cooks and Servers wanted for the Buffalo Wild Wings in Bainbridge (Next to Geauga Lake.) We are able to work around any type of schedules. Please come to the store to fill out an application and write that you saw this ad in The Kent Stater. 18865 Giles Rd, Aurora, OH 44202.

Looking for conscientious people for early evening office cleaning positions available. Call 330-2124506 Do you want to make money and have fun doing it? Come sell with us, no experience necessary, part time job with great pay! Call 330-298-9280 (extension 216), or send resume to Larinda @ weknowdish.com

Buckeye Residential Solutions We are now hiring part time employees to work direct care for individuals with developmental disabilities. No experience necessary, we offer all training and certifications upon hire including CPR and First Aid. All you need is a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. If you are interested in a job that is rewarding and fun, give us a call at 330235-9183, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, or just stop by our office at 422 W Highland Ave. Ravenna OH 44266. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such prefer- ence, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimi- nation based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwell- ings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information.

WANTED: PT concession help.

Ravenswood Golf Course. 10 minutes from campus. Call 330-2964103.

Kent 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.

Air, appliances, carpet, heat and water paid. No pets or Section 8. $630 and $810. 330-677-5577

Attendant for a woman with disability. Morning, weekend and weekend hours. Ability to drive a van is preferred. 330-678-7747

Two large 2-bedroom apartments. 330-626-7157

For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

www.KentWired.com

HOROSCOPE

By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday Personal breakthroughs highlight your year. Fame and fortune are available. Home reinvigorates. Take charge (after 10/13) to bring in the family bacon after (10/27).

Romance and partnership bloom after 3/8. Resolve beneficial terms after 3/23 to realize a dream.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8. Talk to an expert to get advice on a tricky job. Learn from someone disciplined. The truth may not agree with a supposition. Research, and follow instructions exactly. If you mess up, clean up and try again.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 9. You have what you need laying around the house. Tap into lost and forgotten abundance. You’ve never felt more certain about something. With study and a loved one’s backing, you can win. Think about it.

BLISS

Classified ads can be placed by fax at (330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ads@ksustudentmedia.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is an 8. You have an awesome aptitude for learning now. Apply discipline, and solutions spark. Provide leadership. Look at the scene from a different perspective.

Study. Discover startling revelations. Challenge authority with facts. Do the homework, and profit.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8. Discuss practical plans. Map out the steps and actions to take. Listen to the backstage story. Get a second opinion before publishing. Meet your deadlines.

Revisit a favorite place. Familiar comforts recharge your batteries.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 9. Put time and energy into networking.

Dedicated communications provide extra results. Share the load with similarly committed friends. A lucky break reveals a new direction. Map out the simplest route, and invite participation. Discover new resources.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 9. Gain a deeper understanding by listening to all considerations. Follow a strong recommendation. Go public with recent research. Your work’s paying off. Finish up old business, despite changes or temporary confusion.

Make a creative mess.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 9. Keeping your word increases your persuasive charm. Back it up with actions. Great abundance can be yours, if you work for it. Review the plan, beginning with the bottom line. Dig in, and get your hands dirty.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 9. Comfort someone who’s sad. Reaffirm a partnership. Take charge, and grasp the practical implications.

Jump in and do dishes or prepare food. Conversation opens new possibilities, but actions make them real. Do something good for someone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. Offer to help. What comes around goes around. Work together to make a positive change. Ask your community circles to help get the word out. Speak with exuberance. Clean up messes. Widen your circles in the process.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7. Do the work that nobody will see. Save money and trouble by speaking with a knowledgeable group.

Let people know what you need. Accept a generous offer.

Quantify results in practical terms. Write up conclusions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 7. Make an important connection through a conversation. Issue press releases and keep current with the news. Abundance is available. Be supportive. Travel with someone interesting. Reaffirm a commitment. Listening is more powerful than speaking.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8. A change at the top opens new opportunities. Exceed expectations. Face a difficult challenge, and expand to meet it. Familiarity comforts, but a new route thrills. Get family to help. Seek out experienced counsel.

DOT GAME

UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Are you looking for a wonderful home and future for your child?

We have been looking to share our love and lives with a child. Perhaps we are looking for each other.

Kent State Graduate Please call 1-888-34-ADOPT code: 91704

BREWSTER ROCKIT

SUDOKU

WONDERMARK CROSSWORD

Page D10 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Kent Stater