Mar 1 by MediaOCU

THE CAMPUS March 1, 2017 – Volume 110 Issue 46

American Spirit Dance Company prepares for Spring Show

embers of the American Spirit Dance Company are finishing preparations for their annual Spring Show, which promises fresh styles from new instructors. The Spring Show is a Broadway-style revue featuring different styles of dance in a variety of numbers. It is scheduled for 8 p.m. March 9-11 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. There is also a 2 p.m. performance March 11 at the same location. “In the long run, a show is absolutely necessary for anybody that wants to be a performer because a show will help people kick themselves up on their technique,” said Jo Rowan, chairman of Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment and director of the company. “Class is necessary because, if you don’t learn discipline, you can never be an employed performer for the rest of your life.” Professional dancing The company was founded in 1981 and produces two shows each year, Home for the Holidays and the Spring Show. Anyone can audition for the company at the beginning of the year, but dance performance majors are required to try out. “The American Spirit Dance Company is a separate company from your dance classes,” said Payton McAtee, dance performance senior. “You are basically given a contract with guidelines and important dates you are required to attend, like performances. This is a great learning opportunity for anyone who is wanting to be a part of a show or company after graduation because, once you sign a contract, you are held to those standards and have to pay the consequences if you break those guidelines.” Rowan has a system of “blippies,” which are essentially strikes on a dancer’s record. The first time they break a rule or guideline, they get a blippie, which requires the student to discuss the guideline that was broken with Rowan and agree on a way to avoid the situation in the future. The second blippie results in the student being removed from a dance, but still having to learn it on the side with a chance of being put back in. A third blippie could result in the student being permanently removed from the dance. “If you get three blippies, it’s like New York, if you’ve done three unprofessional things, people can fire you,” Rowan said. “But it’s not life and death the way it would be if you’re actually out of school and in New York.” The system is meant to prepare students and help them develop the discipline necessary to survive in the dance industry, Rowan said. “If you really are technically disciplined, you take care of your tool,” she said. “If you’re mentally sharp, and if you’re spiritually generous—you can do this profession until God calls you to his bosom.” The system is fair, McAtee said. “I don’t believe this set system is too harsh because, in the real world, if you broke contract and missed a rehearsal or performance, they would often times replace you the first time it occurred,” she said. Injury accommodations Students who get sick or injured are not penalized for missing a rehearsal or performance, Rowan said. She said a system of understudies and swings, along with a double-casting of each part,

ensure that a role always can be filled when someone is sick. A swing learns all or multiple parts to fill in if somebody is unable to perform. “Nobody in this school goes on stage sick or injured because we’ve always got backup,” Rowan said. “Sometimes the problem is trying to convince a young person that their entire life is ahead of them. We’re more concerned with their career than a show.” Tanner Pfleuger, dance performance senior, injured his back during the first weeks of rehearsals. He said the injury required him to withdraw from the show. “Although this was pretty difficult, I knew I had to take care of my injury. I wanted to have a long and fulfilling career,” he said. “They were more than willing to accommodate my situation. They ultimately want me to take care of my body, and sacrificing just one show in my college career will prove to be so miniscule in the grander scheme of some things.” For the first time during his time at OCU, Pfleuger will work on the costume crew as a dresser. “I have had many amazing and memorable experiences dancing in the show for the past three years. I always enjoy this one because it offers such variety in styles and is loved by audience members,” Pfleuger said. “It has challenged me in my dance abilities, pushing me out of my comfort zone.” Getting the show ready Preparations for the show include eight-hour rehearsal weeks during which dances are rehearsed in two-hour classes four times a week. This weekend is important in the preparation process. Friday through Sunday, dances are blocked on stage and finalized in studios. McAtee said she remembers having to work extra hard reviewing what she learned her freshman year to not forget anything she was taught. “I learned very quickly that you had to be very professional and review your dances to help make the show look the best it could be,” she said. The show is split up into two acts, each with about 13 dance numbers. Rowan choreographs two of the numbers. The first is Classical Gas, which she said includes dance moves meaningful to her throughout her career. The second is God Be With You, a Gospel number. “Gospel and spiritual both come from survival, suffering and hope-the beauty and joy of hope and salvation to rise above a situation that we’re in,” Rowan said. This year, a dinosaur joined the dance show. Roary the tyrannosaurus rex is featured in the number Rock and Roar, a Vegas-style

dance with long-legged athletic cavegirls, according to choreographers. The Spring Show also requires an entire crew of backstage workers, including a group of students who run lights. “For the lighting crew, I hand-select students to go through a 20-hour week training process,” Company Manager Carla Richards said. “If they’re certified, then they actually program and operate our lighting board, including 75 moving lights for every production that we do.” Preparing versatile performers Dance school officials focus on making sure each student is wellrounded, Rowan said, so they teach them to do costume design, lighting and stage management, along with a variety of dance styles. “You can be in this profession until you die, but you can’t be in this profession if you’re a one-trick pony. You have to be able to stay employed,” she said. “It’s not a short-lived career, but it’s a short-lived job. Your job gives you the next job, and your reputation is gold.” This Spring Show in particular is one to see, McAtee said. “It is a must-see this spring because of the new styles, like swing and contemporary ballet for example, that the ASDC hasn’t experimented with before,” she said. “Since we gained a lot of new faculty members this year, they have really brought a new, fresh look to the choreography in the show that I’m sure will be entertaining for all ages.” Booking tickets All seats are $21. For tickets, contact the ticket office at 405208-5227 or buy them online at okcu.edu/ticketoffice. “I think people get frightened of a university dance event like what we have because they’ve been bored in other situations,” Rowan said. “But our school produces people who aren’t just flitting around the stage. These are people who want to get work and paid, so they have to be interesting enough where people want to see us.” By Miguel Rios, editor-in-chief Top: Members of the American Spirit Dance Company jump during rehearsal of Got To Be Me, the final dance number of the Spring Show. Made up of two acts and about 26 numbers, the Broadway-style show features a variety of styles. Above: “Roary” the tyrannosaurus rex rehearses a kickline with cavegirl dancers in Rock and Roar. Julie Stanley, associate dance professor, choreographed the number, which features Roary being hatched out of a giant egg. Far left: Female dancers perform With You from the Broadway musical Ghost. The number explores the loss of a loved one and the struggles to move forward. Left: Anthony Giandiletti, Jr., dance freshman, and Thomas Olson and Barrett Cahalen, dance sophomores, rehearse “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” The Spring Show runs at 8 p.m. March 9-11 and at 2 p.m. March 11 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

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opinion Officials need to find simple, consistent housing draft method The housing draft has changed for the fourth consecutive year. Officials tried a lottery, a first-come first-served system and random scheduling in the past. Although there were pros and cons to each, they become irrelevant when the system is just going to be replaced anyway. The new system moves the housing draft completely online, something some students have been asking for since 2015, according to Student Publications archives. The new system is called StarRez. It’s accessible through the “Apply for New Housing” button on okcu.edu/ residencelife. Students can create an account but can’t sign up for new housing until March 14. See Page 3 for more on the new housing draft system. Except for being online now, the process for requesting a new room is basically the same.

But, the process to retain a room changed. Officials said last year they would make the transition online, but they also said retention wouldn’t be affected by the new system, according to Student Publications archives. Even though the system has moved online, the retention process has become more difficult. In the past, students needed only half of their roommates to stay to retain their dorms. Now officials are asking that dorms be at full capacity. This is not only frustrating and inconvenient, but it simply doesn’t make sense. Some students live in dorms where one person moved out at some point, leaving them with an empty room. Instead of matching someone to their room, housing officials are requiring those students to fill the empty room on their own before they ask to retain their dorm. Michael Burns, director of housing, said this is to accom-

Talk Back “How do you manage stress?”

modate the highest number of people. Housing officials only had a 50 percent success rate in matching roommates willing to live together a full year, he said. Asking up to three students to focus on finding one roommate without letting them retain their room otherwise doesn’t seem like it works to accommodate more people. Furthermore, if the housing department only has a 50 percent success rate in matching roommates, that’s something they should work on. This is hopefully the last change the housing draft will undergo in the near future. Change isn’t bad, but a different system for four consecutive years is just poor planning. Students will have to adjust to the online system this year, but, if it’s kept, it will potentially save a lot of time in the future.

“Spending time alone, reading the Bible and praying”

“I try to get out and exercise when I'm feeling stressed or anxious.“

John Vick religion freshman

Carly Youngberg English freshman

“I spend time with friends and try to get enough sleep.”

“Talk on the phone”

Suzy Newsom university studies freshman

Ernie Cottier mass communications freshman

“Put the songs of Lion King Original Broadway Cast on and lay in my bed in the dark”

“Cry”

Teddy Edgar music theater/vocal performance freshman

Turner Carson acting freshman

Critic recommends realistic, gut-wrenching film about 2008 real estate crisis Many times, the movies that impact us most are the ones that hit closest to home. Sure, we may enjoy the more fantastical and entertaining ones that dazzle our eyes and imaginations, but the movies that stick with us are the ones with characters or a story in which we see ourselves. It may not always be the cheeriest or the easiest thing to watch, but sometimes it’s essential that we do. Such is the case with the 2014 film 99 Homes, available for free with an Amazon Prime membership. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, 99 Homes takes place during the 2008 housing

crisis and follows Andrew Garfield’s character “Dennis Nash,” an out-of-work handyman who gets evicted from his home by real estate operator “Rick Car ver,” played by Michael Shannon. While initially hating Rick, Dennis eventually works for him out of desperation for work. Before long, Rick begins to groom Dennis to be a kind of successor to him, and things seem to be looking up. But, as Dennis starts taking on more responsibilities and getting his hands dirty in the shadier aspects of the business, he struggles with the morality of what he’s doing. First off, Garfield and

Danielle Petersen is a violin performance graduate from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing with her cat and watching films.

Shannon are great actors. Garfield gives an incredible performance only to be somehow bettered by Shannon’s. Garfield wears his emotions on his sleeve, especially as his character enters further into a moral grey area, while Shannon keeps his bubbling just below the surface. You can always tell what Dennis is thinking, but can almost never tell what Rick is, which

makes his character that much more menacing. Shannon consistently has delivered these types of standout performances and has come to be known as one of Hollywood’s most impressive character actors. The film isn’t the easiest to watch, filmed with an unflinching, gritty and raw look that puts the audience front and center to family

homes taken away and lives destroyed. Bahrani captures everything with a documentary style, which makes the pit in your stomach grow larger the more you watch. The scene where Dennis’s family gets evicted is gut-wrenching. And, with it coming so early in the film, you know you’re in for a lot worse. While one can’t be upset at the film for its unsettling sequences, since that’s clearly what they were going for, it still can sometimes feel like a chore to make it through the whole thing. For those looking for some escapist fun from everyday life, you may want to keep looking.

Though 99 Homes isn’t a feel-good movie, it’s one that you’ll be glad to have seen. Few movies can showcase this kind of raw emotion and do it well, but this film is one of them. The most haunting part of it all is when you realize this is exactly what happened to numerous families not too long ago. I do recommend blocking out a few hours if you decide to watch it—two for the movie and a couple more to give yourself time to process it all.

Columnist discusses leggings as pants, dressing for success I have never been on the “leggings count as pants” team. Everybody can wear what they want, that’s fine, but for me, on my body, leggings do not count as pants. They feel like I am wearing pajamas, and I just don’t feel put together or cute. In high school, I never wore sweatpants or leggings to school, ever. I k n ow I a m i n t h e minority. At OCU, I have

no friends who agree with me, male or female, that I know of. All of my female friends, as well as a few of my male friends, wear leggings all the time. And, unfortunately, so do I. Every single one of my classes has a dress code that requires me to wear clothes I can move in, and most of them have to be black. Black leggings are easy to come by, so that’s what I end

McAlyn Forbes is an acting sophomore from the beautiful mountains of Colorado. She loves petting any dog that she sees and reading in bed with tea.

up wearing. My goal is not to convince the world that leggings are bad. But, in 2012, researchers from Northwestern Uni-

versity published a study indicating that there is a possible connection between what one wears and one’s success. It is not proven

that what you wear makes you more or less successful, but the idea is thoughtprovoking. The study shows correlations between wearing something indicative of one’s career and levels of success. The study made me happy, because this is how I have felt my entire life. If I go to school in sweatpants and a T-shirt, I feel lazy and unmotivated. But when I put some effort into my outfit, I

feel ready to work. If leggings make you feel good, great! Keep on wearing them. But if you wake up and you feel lazy and/or unmotivated, try putting on an outfit that makes you feel ready. We all have that one shirt or pair of shoes that make us feel fierce. Maybe it’ll make a difference, or maybe I’m just nuts. But no matter what, I still feel better in jeans.

Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.

WEDNESDAY Wednesday at the Wesley from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Baseball vs. McPherson at 2 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium 5-on-5 basketball from 8-11 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center THURSDAY Chapel from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Stephanie Feeback's senior music theater recital from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in

Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center TheatreOCU's Stage II series presents: Clown Bar at 8 p.m. in the Black Box theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center FRIDAY Sooner Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament starting at 1 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center TheatreOCU presents: Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play at 7:30 p.m. in the CitySpace Theater in the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. TheatreOCU's Stage II series

presents: Clown Bar at 8 p.m. in the Black Box theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

in the CitySpace Theater in the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave.

presents: The Juniper Tree at 8 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Wanda L. Bass School of Music presents: The Juniper Tree at 8 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Cooper Baldwin's senior music composition recital from 4-5 p.m. in the medium rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.

SUNDAY Baseball vs. Peru State at 12 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium

SATURDAY Sooner Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament ending at 7 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

TheatreOCU presents: Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play at 7:30 p.m. in City Space Theater at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave.

Baseball vs. Peru State at 1 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium TheatreOCU presents: Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play at 1:30 p.m.

TheatreOCU's Stage II series presents: Clown Bar at 8 p.m. in the Black Box theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Wanda L. Bass School of Music

March 1, 2017, Volume 110, Number 46

Photographers: Courtney Beyer, McAlyn Forbes, Donovan Lawson, Kelsey Simmons, Ali Wonderly Staff Writers: Taylor Rey, Prisca Lynch, McAlyn Forbes, Nathan Moelling, Adrianna DelPercio Film Critics: Danielle Petersen, Mary McLain Videographer: Emily Haan

Embrace of the Serpent film screening at 2 p.m. in KerrMcGee auditorium in Meinders School of Business TheatreOCU's Stage II series presents: Clown Bar at 2 p.m. in

Wanda L. Bass School of Music presents: The Juniper Tree at 3 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Matt Flowers's senior music theater recital from 6-7 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center MONDAY Baseball vs. Roosevelt at 3 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium Brass chamber concert from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published Wednesday during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and exam periods.

THE CAMPUS Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White News Editor: Zoe Travers Lifestyles Editor: Madelyn Parker Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri Web Editor: Nicole Waltman

TheatreOCU presents: Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play at 1:30 p.m. in City Space Theater at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave.

the Black Box theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Ad/Marketing Director: Madison Clark Ad Representative: Jonathan May Circulation Director: Brianna Demuth Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

ters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

March 1, 2017

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lifestyles

Student organizes garage sale in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall Emily Wollenberg STAFF WRITER

Abigale Troutman, theater performance senior, is planning a garage sale in United Methodist Hall. It will begin noon March 26. “It’s the idea of recycling instead of buying new stuff every time,” Troutman said. “At the end of the year, there are those dumpsters, and everyone just throws their stuff away. So why not make a little money and help out some freshmen?” The garage sale will take place throughout Methodist Hall, outside and inside participating rooms. Students planning to sell

will set up their items either inside their rooms or in the hallways outside their rooms. Residents of Methodist and students from other dorms can attend the event and buy items. An RA will be stationed at the Methodist front desk from noon to 9 p.m. to let in students who don’t have access to the dorm, check student IDs and give directions to the participating rooms, said Kevin Culbertson, coordinator of housing operations. The participating rooms will be labeled so students will know where to find sales. Participating students should keep an eye on their belongings at all times and officials will not be responsible for any management of sales or stolen items,

At the end of the year, there are those dumpsters, and everyone just throws their stuff away. So why not make a little money and help out some freshmen?

Troutman said. Housing officials will provide fliers and pricing stickers for residents who plan to sell. The garage sale’s purpose is to help upperclassmen get rid of unwanted items before they move, Troutman said. She noticed the abundance of OCU sale Facebook pages where students post pictures

Abigale Troutman theater performance senior

and prices of items to sell. Troutman decided to create a dormwide “garage sale” to give students more chances to sell their belongings, she said. Marae Narvaez, acting sophomore, said she sees the garage sale as a more organized form of the Facebook sale pages. “We all use that buy/sell/ trade page, so this is just an

easier and more organized way to do this,” she said. “It’s kind of a come-and-go event, so I guess people will be coming in and out, but we all love cheap stuff, so it seems intriguing.” Culbertson said this type of event is easy to get approved, and he sees it being successful in the future. “I think this could be a great opportunity to prevent waste at the end of the school year,” he said. Culbertson also said there has been some discussion with getting Cokesbury involved in the future, since Methodist and Cokesbury house most of the upperclassman, particularly those graduating seniors who want to get rid of more stuff. There are guidelines to

follow, but the main rule is simply to keep things respectful, Culbertson said. “The goal is to make this event easy and laid back,” he said. Troutman said she hopes the event inspires other dorms to host their own “garage sales” in years to come. For more information, email Troutman at atroutman@my.okcu.edu or join the Facebook event page, Methodist Hall Garage Sale. All rules and procedures can be found on the Facebook page along with a Google Doc form to sign up to participate.

Housing draft process changes again, moves completely online Sage Tokach ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The housing draft, the process by which students pick their room assignments for next semester, will take place exclusively online this year. StarRez, the new draft system, allows students to create an online account that contains their personal information and living preferences. From there, they can choose meal plans, roommates and specific rooms. Since the website is new to OCU, every student wishing to live on campus next semester will need to create an account. From then on, students will log in each year and only alter the preferences they want to change. “We know it’s an adjustment, but hopefully we will use StarRez from now on,” said Michael Burns, director of housing and residence life. “The process is the same, except it’s all online, so students can apply when they want instead of scheduling a time to come down in person.” The housing draft operated under several different methods in past years. Until now, students had to sign up for a room in person at the housing office. In 2015, the draft operated on a first-come, firstserved basis, so students camped out in front of the housing office all night, waiting for it to open. In 2016, students were given random appointments on the same day as the rest of their graduating class, but many people had class conflicts and were forced to send a proxy

March 1, 2017

The process is still the same, except it’s all online, so students can apply when they want instead of scheduling a time to come down in person. Michael Burns director housing and residence life

to choose their room. This year’s draft will still take class year into consideration. Housing officials will send out an email March 14 with dates and times that StarRez will allow each class to begin choosing rooms, Burns said. Incoming seniors’ room options will open on the first day, followed by incoming juniors and sophomores. There will be no seating chart, so students will choose from a series of dropdown menus: first, the building, then the number of people in their room, and then the specific room number. Meghan Webb, theater for young audiences junior, said she has not yet figured out the new system. “I just created an account and am confused about how to move in

with someone else who wants to retain their room,” Webb said. “I like that you don’t have to go into the housing office, but I might have to if I can’t figure it out.” Students may choose to retain their current room via StarRez. But they can only choose that option if their room is at full capacity. If three people live in a quad, they must find a fourth person to retain it so as to accommodate the most people, Burns said. “Quads are the most popular, and when we tried to fill them last year, we only had a 50 percent success rate in matching people to their liking,” Burns said. “Of course, we’ll work with you if you need help, but we encourage students to try to find people to fill their rooms.” If a student does not have a full room, StarRez will take their preferences into account and list their closest potential roommates based on the preferences they select. “I live in a double by myself and was planning to renew it,” said Callie Michaud, design and production junior. “I didn’t know it had to be a full room. It’s annoying because I was already kicked out of my quad when all my roommates left.” Students can create their StarRez account anytime via the housing application on the residence life website. The room retention option will close March 10.

news

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Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Belt for the win!

Avery Carlson, acting freshman, performs with Alpha Phi during Spring Sing on Feb. 22 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Other participating organizations were Alpha Chi Omega, FIJI, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, and Phi Mu. Above: Leo Snow, vocal performance freshman, and Nic Rhodes, economics/finance junior, sing an arrangement of Summer Nights from Grease as part of Lambda Chi Alpha's Spring Sing performance, which was an homage to struggling juniors. Lambda Chi Alpha won first place in the competition, followed by Alpha Chi Omega and FIJI. Kappa Sigma won the audience favorite award.

Changing faces:

New Arts, Sciences dean selected from within the university Nathan Moelling STAFF WRITER

Dr. Amy Cataldi is the new dean of Petree College of Arts and Sciences. Cataldi was named to the post Feb. 14 after serving as an interim dean since Spring 2015. Cataldi became the interim dean after Dr. Mark Davies, Wimberly professor of social and ethological ethics, stepped down from the post. Cataldi has been at OCU for more than 15 years, during which time she served as an adjunct professor, a visiting instructor and then a tenured professor in the psychology department. After this, she became the department’s chairwoman. Three years ago, Cataldi transitioned into administration and served as the associate dean until becoming interim dean. Before arriving at OCU, Cataldi was involved in research and testing for the Oklahoma City school system. “I pursued the dean position because I can see the forward momentum of the Petree College of Arts and Sciences, and I absolutely want to be a part of that,” Cataldi said. “The obvious combination of intellect, creativity, dedication, and spirit in every

The Petree College has a long and vibrant history as an integral part of every OCU student's education and as a meaningful contributor to the campus culture. Amy Cataldi Petree College of Arts and Sciences dean

member of the Petree tribe—faculty, staff and students—makes this position an enviable one.” The process for choosing a new dean began with a 10-person search committee, some of whom were chosen by faculty and some by the provost. After the formation of the committee, a job ad for the dean position was posted in hopes of attracting potential interviewees from across the nation. Out of 40 respondents who were chosen, seven were given Skype interviews, then three of the seven were chosen for an all-day personal interview. Cataldi was one of the three and came out of the process as the chosen candidate.

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“She has a really good understanding of what arts and sciences are and is passionate for promoting them,” said Dr. Laurie Kauffman, associate professor of biology and chairwoman of the search committee. “She had a great vision for the arts and sciences and many have been impressed with her work as interim dean.” To some students of Petree, Cataldi is a familiar face to head the dean position. “I think Dean Cataldi was a great pick,” said Tommy Grossnicklaus, political science senior. “She was already in the position and showed she was willing to compete to keep it. I have had nothing but great experiences with her.” Cataldi said the acquisition of this position means a lot to her. “I am ecstatic and humbled,” she said. “The Petree College has a long and vibrant history as an integral part of every OCU student’s education and as a meaningful contributor to the campus culture. To play any role in that legacy is an honor.”

English professor privately leaves mid-year to accept job closer to home McAlyn Forbes STAFF WRITER

Dr. Amrita Sen, English professor, left OCU after the end of the fall semester to accept a job in Calcutta, India. Dr. Tracy Floreani, English professor, said English faculty knew Sen was leaving about midway through the fall semester. “She was pretty quiet about it because she didn’t want a lot of attention, like a going away party or something,” Floreani said. Sen, originally from India, returned because of family and for a teaching position she was offered. “Because of the way that the system works at the school in India, she needed to start there in January,” Floreani said. Officials did not schedule Sen to teach any spring classes because they knew she would leave before enrollment opened

in October. Sen taught world literature, specializing in early British literature and Shakespeare. Because of her departure, the English department is understaffed in that area. Two to four sections are usually offered per semester, but, this semester, there was only one. From now on, Dr. Karen Youmans, Honors Program director and associate director of Amrita Sen English, will teach the courses. English Some students had positive feelings about professor Sen, but did not know she was gone since she wanted to keep things private. Callie Dewees and Mercedes Arndt, acting sophomores, took mythologies and the Harry Potter liberal arts seminar, respectively.

They were both taught by Sen, and said they were shocked that she left. “I thought she was a very interesting woman, and she cared a lot about what she taught,” Dewees said. Arndt said Sen required her students to actively pay attention in her class. “I just really appreciated her subtle sense of humor. You really had to be present in the room to catch it,” Arndt said. Patience Williams, English senior, said she also admired Sen because of all she accomplished in her life so far. “Seeing a woman of color teaching such a diverse background of literature was really nice,” Williams said.

University appoints new volleyball coach Jeremiah Rupp STAFF WRITER

University officials hired Jason Munoz as the new head coach of the volleyball team. The position became available in January after former coach Kyle Steele left the university for another coaching opportunity. Steele was the coach since 2014. He was the program’s third coach since 2006. The team achieved their highest ranking ever (11th) during Steele’s tenure. Before coming to OCU, Munoz coached at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford for three years and at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee for eight years. Originally from Odessa, Texas, Munoz graduated from Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City. Though he was athletic growing up, Munoz said he didn’t get into volleyball until college when friends from California taught him to play sand volleyball. Munoz worked next door to the volleyball coach at SWOSU and eventually was invited to play at some tournaments with the team. This led to the coach asking Munoz to be his graduate assistant, which Munoz accepted. Munoz said he wants to see his players succeed on and off the court. One of his goals for OCU’s team is to return to nationals. “I really want us to make a strong push at nationals,” he said. For this, Munoz is working on fundamentals in practice. 4

I really want us to make a strong push at nationals. Jason Munoz volleyball coach

He said he uses last season’s victories to psych up the team and improves their motivation by reminding them that he wants to return to nationals. Munoz also said he wants to see the team succeed in the classroom. There are limited opportunities to play volleyball after college, so he wants the team to be prepared for postgraduation life, he said. Encouraging academic success is an important part of being a coach, Athletic Director Jim Abbott said. “We want to continue to educate and graduate students, and we want to see them active socially on campus,” Abbott said. Holly Randall, junior middle blocker, said the team has been impressed with the new coach so far. “Jason has made a great first impression since starting with the team,” Randall said.

Elina Moon Student Publications

Relay for funds Sarah Cason, psychology senior, explains Kiss Away Cancer on Feb. 24 outside the caf in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Kiss Away Cancer is a fundraiser where students give 50 cents to write their names on paper lips to be displayed at Relay For Life on April 9. The money raised went in a boot to “Give Cancer the Boot.”

March 1, 2017

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Elina Moon Student Publications

Batter up! Senior infielder Jerame Littell prepares to hit the ball at the Feb. 26 game against Texas A&M at Jim Wade Stadium. Above: Junior right hand pitcher Craig Knoche pitches the ball at the Feb. 26 game against Texas A&M at Jim Wade Stadium. OCU won the game 3-1. Their next home game is at 2 p.m. today against McPherson at Jim Wade Stadium.

SGA committee plans new daily events for Stress Relief Week Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

Student Activities Council is organizing a Stress Relief Week to help students relax and keep calm while they study for upcoming midterm exams. Stress Relief Week will begin Monday March 6 and continue through March 9. There will be a different activity each day in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The activities are organized by SAC, the branch of Student Government Association that plans student activities. Paper, crayons and Play-Doh will be available Monday for students to play with outside the caf during lunch. Student volunteers will also be outside the caf at dinner to draw free 30-second caricatures of anyone who wants one. Stress relief dogs will be outside the caf Tuesday for students to pet and interact with during lunch and dinner. There will be a Midnight Breakfast 10 p.m. to midnight March 8 in the caf with donuts, cereal, eggs, and other breakfast foods available for students. “This semester, Midnight Breakfast was a big focus for us. We’ve

We want to give back to the students, and the best time to give back is during stressful times like finals and midterms. Shannon Beshears vice president SAC

got a bigger menu and fun games this year,” said Joanne Hoch, union commissioner of SAC. “My committee and I brainstorm ideas together, and we try to focus on what students like most about Stress Relief Week and what we can make better.” A movie will be screened 8 p.m. March 9 in the Student Lounge. Snacks and board games will be provided as well. Students can vote for a movie in a poll on the OCU Facebook page throughout the week. A stress relief wall will be set up March 10 outside the Student

Government Association offices. The wall will be covered in bubble wrap for students to come by and pop to relieve their midterm stress. “This is important from a student perspective, but also from a faculty perspective because it really helps our retention,” said Shannon Beshears, SAC vice president. “Little events are always fun to do, and we have the budget for it. We want to give back to the students, and the best time to give back to them is during stressful times like finals and midterms.” SAC members are still seeking students to join Student Activities Council this semester. They need students who are interested in volunteering and helping with the events like Stress Relief Week and Free Movie Night. “We want new ideas and diversity, and the more people we have, the more we can do. We wanted to put together goodie bags this year for Stress Relief Week, but we just didn’t have enough people.” Beshears said. For more information about joining SAC, email Beshears at sebeshears@my.okcu.edu.

Performance opportunities offered to students in all majors Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

Two performance majors created student-run, artistic groups on campus that are seeking new members. Valentino Valentin, acting senior, started a step group on campus during the fall semester. “Stepping, basically, is using your body as an instrument. There is a lot of footwork, but you’re creating tempos and beats with your body,” Valentin said. “The team focuses a lot on unity, and, when I was on a team before college, we performed a lot for the community. It was a way of giving back to kids in the community, and I wanted to bring that mission to OCU’s campus.” The step team is hosting auditions 7-8:30 p.m. today in the medium rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music C e n t e r. T h e y w i l l h a ve their first rehearsal Sunday. Students of all majors are encouraged to audition. No

previous dance training is required. “We focus on unity, since this is something that stems from African-American culture. I think this is a good opportunity to give diversity to OCU, and it’s another chance to learn about another culture outside of one’s own,” Valentin said. For students who would rather sing than dance, Brandon Stalling, music theater sophomore, started an allmale a capella group on campus that includes students of all majors. “I really liked that we had members that weren’t necessarily performance majors. It was so cool to get to meet and hear all these different people from across campus,” said Jonah White, music theater freshman. The a capella group began during fall semester as well. The members are taking a break for the semester, but they will have auditions again in the fall. “We are hoping to have

nine to 12 members, and we will be hosting the auditions in the fall so we can give the new freshmen an opportunity to be a part of the group,” Stalling said. Stalling was the leader of an all-male a capella group in high school for two years and wants to bring that sound to OCU, he said. “I’ve always loved allmale a capella groups, and most universities do have more than one a capella choir, so I wanted to bring that to OCU, and it’s not like we don’t have enough guys that sing,” Stalling said. For more information, or if students want to join but can’t attend auditions, email Valentin at vfvalentin@my.okcu.edu or Stalling at bgstalling@ my.okcu.edu.

Jimmy

Student offers on-campus tap classes Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER

Amanda Dolph, music theater junior, is teaching tap classes to students on campus. Dolph has a background in tap, beginning in her hometown of Havre, Montana. In high school, she went to workshops and summer study programs to advance her training. She attended the St. Louis Tap Festival and the Motor City Tap Festival in Detroit, and she completed the Tap City Pre-Professional Program in New York City. Recently, she studied with tap masters Robert L. Reed and Sam Weber. Dolph began teaching tap during her junior year of high March 1, 2017

school. She taught a variety of levels, offered private lessons and choreographed tap num- Amanda Dolph music theater bers for the junior musicals Chicago and Mary Poppins. “I love to teach tap, and I’ve been meaning to get back into it,” Dolph said. “I am happy to accommodate those who aren’t enrolled in a tap class, want to improve their skills or can’t fit a community dance center class into their schedule.” Classes are offered in beginning and intermediate levels in Studio A in Kirkpatrick Fine

Arts Center or the Clara E. Jones Administration Building. All students can take a class for $5. “As a B.A. music student, I am not allowed to take dance classes through OCU, even though it is very important to be a wellrounded performer in my career,” said Tootise West, music freshman. “So, that is why I am extremely thankful to Amanda Dolph for providing us students with more dance opportunities.” To join a class, find Dolph on Facebook or email her at agdolph@my.okcu. edu.

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King of Hearts Cole Cloutier, music theater sophomore, poses with his Kappa Sigma Fraternity brothers after winning the King of Hearts pageant Feb. 24 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Alpha Phi sorority hosted the pageant to support the Alpha Phi foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting women’s heart health. Left: Andrew Maguire, music theater freshman, sings My Heart Will Go On during the talent portion of the King of Hearts Pageant. Maguire was one of the five finalists who competed in the final competition, Minute to Win It, where they collected as much money from the audience as they could inside of one minute. He placed as second runner up. Above: Arash Allahyar, cell and molecular biology senior, explains his love of cooking and baking to the judging panel as his talent portion of the pageant. He provided the judges with samples of his baking, including Baklava. Allahyar was also one of the five finalists. The other categories of the pageant were swimwear, formal wear, and question and answer.

University Counseling Center provides free services for students Nicole Waltman WEB EDITOR

Many students are unaware of the services the University Counseling Center offer and the activities they host. The counseling center offers several campuswide activities. They have outreach once a month in Tom and Brenda McDaniel Center where they focus on a topic within the mental health realm and provide handouts and therapy dogs. They recently co-sponsored an Eating Disorder Awareness Week panel and hosted a mental health marathon. Officials said they want students to be aware of their services. The Counseling Center also has one-on-one counseling services for students. “We start out by offering six to eight sessions,” said Lori Finley, personal counselor. “If we feel like a student may benefit from more intensive care, then we may have a talk with them to assess other resources out in the community.” All sessions within the counseling center are free, Finley said.

I like the accessibility of using phone calls and emails to make appointments. I think that’s very thoughtful of schedules and anonymity. Gareth Forsberg acting freshman

Students can make appointments by walking in, calling the center at 405-208-7904 or by emailing Finley at lrfinley@okcu.edu. Students can also email Counseling Director Mindy Windholz at mbwindholz@okcu.edu. “I like the accessibility of using phone calls and emails to make appointments,” said Gareth Forsberg, acting freshman. “I think that’s very thoughtful of schedules and anonymity.” Appointments usually are scheduled within a week of the student

contacting the counseling center, Finley said. “Appointments are confidential,” she said. “We try to make it chill and relaxed so they feel comfortable.” The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located beside Walker Hall dorm. “Most of the time, we try to keep the counseling in office hours so we can assess if situations are crisis or not,” Finley said. “But we do have access to students on campus after hours if need be.” In case of an emergency after hours, students should call campus police, which is in direct contact with the counseling center, at 405-208-5911. Forsberg said the center could still be advertising themselves better. “I do wish the counseling center advertised themselves more on campus,” he said. “I didn’t even know it was them who provided the therapy dogs. I also didn’t know where the center was located until now.”

Law school to host roundtable about energy in Oklahoma Zoe Travers NEWS EDITOR

OCU School of Law will host an Energy Roundtable, which will address the future of oil and gas in Oklahoma. The discussion will take place 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. March 9 at the School of Law campus, 800 N. Harvey Ave. Speakers include Steve Dixon, CEO of Tapstone Energy; Mike Teague, Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment, and Dana Murphy, chairwoman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Jim Roth, OCU Law practitioner-in-residence and coorganizer of the roundtable, will moderate the panel. “Oklahoma has a lot of new opportunities that people have a lot of hope about,” Roth said. Roth is also the director and former corporation commissioner at Phillips Murrah P.C., an Oklahoma City law firm. Conversations at the roundtable will feature what energy law practitioners call the “major plays.” These plays include South Central Oklahoma Oil Province and the Sooner Trend Anadarko, mostly in Canadian and Kingfisher. These plays are largely focused on the search for oil-based

There’s going to be a lot of genuine, deep conversations surrounding change in administration at the federal level.

Jim Roth law practicioner in residence roundtable co-organizer

opportunities in Oklahoma. The discussions will largely involve what these plays mean for employment and revenue, Roth said. “There’s going to be a lot of genuine, deep conversations surrounding change in administration at the federal level, as well as the quick movement of technology,” Roth said. Roth encourages students to attend the discussion to learn more about Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry. “I think this is a great opportunity for students to ask questions of government, policy and energy leaders,” Roth said.

Abby Bryan, acting freshman, said she would like to attend the discussion for the opportunity to speak to government representatives about environmental issues, and she looks forward to the opportunity to discuss issues in the oil industry like fracking. “I want to go to one of these meetings and come back knowing I can make a change,” Bryan said. Bryan said she also wants to focus on the other ways students can make a difference in their community by becoming more informed on local issues. “I hope for a better future without pushback,” Bryan said. “I feel like all we’re getting right now is a hell of a lot of pushback.” Registration is free for OCU students, and lunch is provided. Roth encourages students to register to reserve a spot. Registration is available online at oculawenergyroundtable. eventbrite.com.

Business school to host Women in Leadership conference Chandler White COPY EDITOR

Meinders School of Business is preparing for the Women in Leadership Conference, and some students will get a chance to attend for free. The one-day event addresses issues about women in the workforce and positions of leadership. It will focus on furthering students’ professional development through leadership training, opportunities to network and speeches from leaders. “I think any opportunity that students have to grow and be enriched and to develop their own personal leadership strategies and ideals is positive,” said Levi Harrel, assistant director March 1, 2017

of student development. “And that’s exactly what this conference does.” The cost of attendance is $199, but, to encourage attendance, university officials and Meinders are offering opportunities to attend the conference for free. Student affairs officials are offering two scholarships that can be applied for through a general application. Meinders officials will offer 10 online contest opportunities for complimentary registration, utilizing social media as a medium. Students will be able to respond online for a chance at winning free registration, though it is not yet known how. This strategy is meant to orient the conference toward the millennial generation, said Melissa

I think any opportunity that students have to grow and be enriched and to develop their own personal leadership strategies and ideals is positive. Levi Harrel assistant director student development

Cory, director of communications and executive and professional education. The contests will begin March 20, the first of which will potentially involve Facebook and Instagram. This year’s theme for the conference is “Game-Changers,” featuring 10 speakers. One of the

speakers is Pamela Meyer, a certified fraud examiner whose TED Talk exceeded one million views, making it one the 20 most popular TED Talks of all time. The conference will consist mostly of hands-on, interactive sessions designed to prompt discussion among students. “A really important element of

the event itself is key, actionable, immediate takeaways that everybody can utilize and apply to their personal or professional life and career development,” Cory said. “It’s workshop-oriented, cuttingedge type content. Very interactive, personal and collaborative.” Cory is also one of the conference’s original founders who started the event in 2010. In its first year, 100 students and professionals attended the conference, and, in its eighth year, the conference continues to instruct and develop OCU students throughout the years. “While at the conference, I was reassured I could be very successful in a field other than the one I chose coming right out of college,” said Kaitlin Pontikes,

Meinders alumna. “It’s important for students to take opportunities to speak with professionals that are further down their career path and might give some insight.” The conference will be 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 at the Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. March 8, and the application deadline for the Student affairs scholarships is 5 p.m. March 10. Student affairs officials emailed students the application on Feb. 15 and Feb. 22, and it also can be received by contacting Harrel or student affairs.