The Campus Issue 13

THE CAMPUS

January 13, 2016 – Volume 110 Issue 13

SGA to address student concerns about food, recycling Alex German STAFF WRITER

Student Government Association officials are working to make changes to address student concerns including those to campus food service.

SGA officials said they want to address concerns about Sodexo, the university’s food service provider.

Chance Johnson, SGA president, said he does not want to eliminate Sodexo, but wants to amend a few rules in the contract between Sodexo and the university.

One of the concerns is students’ inability to take food out of the cafeteria. Other campuses our size are allowed to take caf food to go, Johnson said.

SGA officials also said they want to clarify the “exclusive rights” that Sodexo has to provide food on campus. Johnson said they want to clarify the clause and make it more consistent to allow for exceptions for smaller campus organizations.

One student said he hopes SGA officials reach a resolution with Sodexo soon.

“I think Sodexo needs to lighten up,” said Jacob Overling,

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I’m very pleased with the progress that the SGA made last semester.

Chance Johnson president Student Government Association

business administration sophomore. “The students pay for the meals. We should be entitled to some freedoms to make stressful college life easier.”

Campus recycling is another

SGA priority this semester.

“It is just not as effective as we would like to see,” Johnson said. “There is no set process.”

Our goal is to help facilities organize and simplify a process

for recycling on campus, Johnson said.

Students can hear more on these resolutions at State of the Students, an annual event hosted by Student Senate to update students on what the SGA officers worked on last semester and during the break in regards to allotment’s, appropriations, bill resolutions, and Student Activities Council events.

The State of the Students will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 in Room 100 in Sarkey’s Science and Mathematics Center.

Johnson said he hopes to continue making progress on

resolutions with SGA. “I am very pleased with the progress that the SGA made last semester, especially concerning recruitment, Stars Advantage and recycling,” Johnson said. “We hope to make more progress this semester.”

The first SGA meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.

Contributing: Emily Wiley, editor-in-chief.

Athletes bring home victories during Winter Break Maleyia Vaughn WEB EDITOR

While other students, faculty and staff rested during the break, coaches and athletes were bringing home victories.

The men’s and women’s wrestling and basketball teams competed during Winter Break.

Senior Runner Arya Bahreini, a member of the cross-country and track and field teams, also qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon.

Wrestling The men’s wrestling team took fifth place in the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals after a 24-12 victory over Life (Ga.) on Saturday. The men advanced to the consolation semifinals of the NWCA with a 29-12 win over Cumberland (Tenn.) on Friday.

The team is ranked seventh in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Prior to the NWCA National Duals, the team racked up a 3-1 record in the Wartburg Desert Duals on Dec. 21 in Las Vegas.

Senior Zach Skates took runner-up in the Midland Viking-Warrior Open on Jan. 2.

The men competed Tuesday

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Visit MediaOCU.com for more basketball and wrestling updates.

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against Central Baptist (Ark.).

Results were not available at presstime Monday.

The women’s wrestling team took second place in the NWCA National Duals after a dual against King (Tenn.), 27-19. It was the third time in four years the women took second.

The team advanced to the NWCA National Duals semifinals Friday after a 29-10 win against Lindenwood (Mo.). In the semifinals Saturday, the team defeated Cumberlands (Ky.), 23-20.

The team is ranked second in Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association.

The Stars will compete in the Ottawa Braves Open at 9 a.m.

Sunday in Ottawa, Kan. Basketball The men’s basketball team won their opening Sooner Athletic Conference game of the season against Bacone, 91-77, on Thursday. Sophomore Guard Terence Bonhomme had a team-

high 21 points and four steals during the game after being named SAC men’s basketball player of the week for Dec. 28- Jan. 3.

Prior to the SAC game, the team defeated Philander Smith (Ark.), but fell to Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) and West Texas A&M. The Stars competed against John Brown (Ark.) on Saturday, suffering a loss of 75-64.

Their next game is at 8 p.m.

Thursday at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City.

“I’m excited about the second semester. It’s a big semester for us,” Coach Vinay Patel said.

The women’s basketball team defeated Bacone, 91-59, on Thursday in the first game between the two schools. Prior to the game against Bacone, the women fell, 83-63, to Our Lady of the Lake on Jan. 2.

The Stars competed against John Brown (Ark.) in the NAIA Network Game of the Week

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Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Cheerleaders cheer on the women’s basketball team during their game against John Brown (Ark.) on Saturday in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The women won the game, 84-50, improving to 7-4 overall and 4-0 in Sooner Athletic Conference play. Their next game is at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mid-America Christian.

on Saturday, winning the game 84-50.

The team is ranked 15th in NAIA Division I women’s basketball and improved to 7-4 overall and 4-0 in SAC play. Their next game is at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mid-America Christian.

Cross-country Cross-country runner Bahreini took a U.S. Olympic Trials bid on Jan. 3 in the Jacksonville Bank Marathon. He completed the half marathon in 1 hour, 4 minutes, 26 seconds to beat the men’s qualifying standard of 1:5:00. He finished eighth place

in the 13.1-mile run.

“I was so happy to have qualified for the Olympic Trials,” Bahreini said. “It was one of my big goals that I wanted to accomplish in my running career.”

Students to host workshop highlighting study abroad experiences Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR

OCU is one of two universities in the United States participating in a global digital storytelling project.

Students will host a workshop through StoryA, a project within the digital storytelling movement, on Friday in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences.

The project includes 12 universities across the globe, with OCU and University of California, Berkeley being the only two from the U.S. The OCU workshop is for any student with experiences abroad.

StoryA was created to help people express the impact of their study abroad experiences on their lives. People share their abroad stories, with the goal of helping others experience different cultures.

“Biographies are always about famous people or people with money, but everyday people are just as interesting and important,”

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said Ashely Kinard, French and film production sophomore. “When people come home after being abroad, they do not always know who they can discuss their experiences with. We hope to provide an outlet and help them share their stories.”

StoryA started in Europe when an international group of scholars and teachers received a grant to study how youth experience living and learning in other countries.

They used the grant to create StoryAbroad (StoryA) as a way to share stories from various cultures.

When the facilitators wanted to expand their project, they turned to StoryCenter at UC Berkeley, where digital storytelling was founded.

Dr. Brooke Hessler, OCU professor of writing and composition, worked with StoryCenter and trained faculty from other institutions to teach digital storytelling. She has a connection with StoryCenter’s founder, who invited her and her OCU students to

When people come back from being abroad, they keep everything in a shoebox of memories.

participate in StoryA. To contribute to the project, students can create a two or three-minute video about their experiences while studying, traveling or living abroad.

Kinard and Anna Nguyen, marketing junior, are deputy facilitators of digital storytelling. They already created their videos and are helping other students do the same.

Video content includes Nguyen’s study abroad experience in London, Kinard’s work at a children’s camp in Budapest, and Arrash Allahyar, cell and molecular biology senior, speaking about his family’s tea farm in Iran. The group wants to help at least eight new travelers document their experiences at their next

Anna Nguyen marketing junior

workshop Friday.

At the workshop, participants will choose a moment from their abroad experience and write it down. Facilitators will be available to help with brainstorming, story arrangement, voice recording, and video editing in the recording software. The workshop is designed for eight to 12 students, and each participant will receive $50 if they finish their video.

“It is a place for your story and voice to be heard,” Nguyen said. “When people come back from being abroad, they keep everything in a shoebox of memories. Presenting their stories gives them the chance to reflect and feel fulfilled.”

Every student who creates a video through a workshop will get to share their story in some way.

Hessler said she plans to send 15 videos from OCU to add to selections from UC Berkeley. From there, five to 10 videos will be chosen to comprise America’s contribution to the official StoryA study. These selections will appear on StoryA’s YouTube channel. The videos from OCU students will be posted o n O C U ’s s t o r y a b r o a d channel.

St o r y A w i l l s h o w t h e videos chosen for the study at a conference in March at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, Hessler said. The project’s organizers will screen and study the stories with an international audience of academic facilitators.

Hessler said she plans to attend the conference and collaborate with Nguyen to create a related research project. Through social media, they want to find convenient

ways for people who made each video to connect with each other. By introducing students online, they want to facilitate a relationship where students feel comfortable discussing and sharing insights that arose in each others’ stories.

“I will send an email to the campus to recruit students with many different life experiences for the workshop,” Hessler said.

“Diversity is key. That way the project gives us a way to have deeper, more creative conversations and to learn what it means to live and work in a country that’s not our home nation.”

To par ticipate in the workshop or learn more about OCU’s participation in StoryA, email Hessler at bhessler@okcu.edu, Nguyen at amnguyen@my.okcu.edu, or Kinard at ankinard@ my.okcu.edu.

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Talk Back

Editors offer tips to keep New Year’s resolutions At the beginning of each year we look for ways to i m p rove o u r s e l ve s , o t h erwise known as the New Year’s Resolution. Chances are you have made a resolution before–and broken it before Valentine’s Day. It is difficult for students to keep resolutions when juggling classes, working, social life, and staying healthy.

Resolutions usually reflect short-term thinking.

In fact, only 8 percent of those who make resolutions achieve them, according to a University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology study.

The study suggested the reason many people don’t stick to their resolutions is they don’t have a plan to achieve these “goals” or they rush into an idea for the

sake of having a resolution.

The Today Show released a list of tips on how to keep your New Year’s Resolution on their website, today.com.

At the top of the list is be specific. Instead of resolving to be healthier, choose to drink less sugary sodas or go to the gym at least three times a week.

By being specific, we can better monitor resolutions, which also was recommended on the list.

Tracking how much you are or aren’t sticking to your resolutions will push you in the right direction.

If your resolution is to go to the gym, then mark the days you go to see how well you are keeping up with your goal.

Next, have external accountability.

Tell others about your

“What is your New Year’s resolution?”

resolution and ask them to hold you accountable.

We must also remember to treat ourselves, according to the list. But make sure these are healthy treats that don’t break the resolution.

Wrapping up the list, if you break your resolutions today, try again tomorrow. It is okay when things don’t go perfectly, but we must learn from our slip-ups and get back on track.

This year, let’s resolve to actually keep our New Year’s Resolutions all the way to December.

Happy New Year and welcome back, Stars!

“To maintain my high GPA”

“Get into grad school”

Sara Cason psychology junior

Kayley Humann biochemistry senior

“To get straight As”

“To eat breakfast every morning”

Brittany Russell nursing sophomore

Hailey Fortune acting junior

“To study for things more than an hour before they are due”

“Quit chewing tobacco”

Joseph Lyons music theater senior

Skylar Janisse liberal arts senior

Editor introduces student media’s new look We’ve probably all said it before, “new year, new me.”

The mantra became true for Student Publications this semester, as The Campus and MediaOCU.com underwent a transformations.

As your editor-in-chief, I oversaw these changes.

The publications were redesigned to better reflect the university’s visual identity and complement the overall OCU

brand.

New logos were created for The Campus, MediaOCU and Student Publications to have a modern design and cohesion between publications. All of the new logos feature the university’s star.

The editors also wanted to create more modern and visually appealing designs for students.

In the newspaper, this meant adding more open space, cleaner

Emily Wiley is a mass communications junior from Moore, Okla. She enjoys playing with her dog, Bullet, watching musicals and riding horses. !

lines and minimal but distinct color usage. For the website, it meant implementing a cleaner, minimalist theme.

The purpose of Student Pub-

lications is to inform, entertain and serve the university community, but we’re specifically focused on students and strive to serve as your published voice.

All of these changes to our products were made with you in mind.

The other editors and I hope you like what you see in this week’s edition and on MediaOCU.com. We would love to hear what you think of the changes and, as always, to learn what content you’d like to see from us.

To reach us, email stupub@ okcu.edu or stop by the News-

room in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. You are also welcome to tweet us @MediaOCU or comment on our Facebook Page, Media OCU. We are always open to suggestions about how we can better serve you.

I hope you enjoy your semester and the new look of your student media.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Critic finds film a ‘mash up to bring generations together’ Think about every sports movie you have ever seen.

They most likely ended in one of two ways.

The main character wins, or he loses but feels good about the outcome.

It can’t be easy to make a sports movie because there is a formula to be followed and an expected outcome, yet the creators still must find ways to be original, entertaining and surprising.

Movie No. 7 in the Rocky

franchise did exactly that.

Creed, written and directed

by Ryan Coogler, and cowritten by Aaron Covington, is the perfect sports movie.

It will live up to and exceed your every expectation.

“Adonis Johnson,” played

by Michael B. Jordan, is the illegitimate son of legendary heavyweight boxing champion “Apollo Creed.” Just like his father, Adonis has a strong passion for fighting.

After quitting his job and

Danielle Petersen is a music theater senior from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing the violin, playing with her cat and watching films.

leaving behind his adopted mother, played by Phylicia Rashad, Adonis takes off to seek training to become a great fighter just like his father.

The famous “Rocky

Balboa,” portrayed by the one and only Sylvester Stallone, eventually takes Adonis on as a pupil and prepares him for the fight of a lifetime. Adonis trains like no other, in hopes that he will

be able to make a name for himself and continue his father’s legacy.

I love this movie for the same reason I love Jurassic World. It is classic and fresh at the same time. Creed takes a classic franchise we grew up with and makes the content relevant to today. Yet the film still appeals to the nostalgia we crave.

Throughout the movie, one cannot help but chuckle at references to the previous

movies and how they still are relevant in a movie for modern times.

The modernization of the film is fantastic overall, with remixes of famous theme songs, a different type of crowd and a hiphop singing girlfriend. It is a perfect mash up to bring generations together.

I highly recommend this movie and can’t wait to go back and re-watch the original movies soon.

Evensong at 8 p.m. in the lower level of Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center

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

THURSDAY Involved Fair at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center Chapel with Rev. Dr. Charles Neff as speaker at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Women’s basketball vs. MidAmerica Christian at 6 p.m. at

Men’s basketball vs. Mid-America Christian at 8 p.m. at Mid-America Christian in Oklahoma City.

SATURDAY Women’s basketball vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God at 3 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

FRIDAY Study Abroad video blitz at 3 p.m. in Room 151 in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences

Men’s basketball vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God at 5 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity

Mid-America Christian in Oklahoma City.

Center SUNDAY Women’s wresting in the Ottawa Braves Open at 9 a.m. in Ottawa, Kan. MONDAY Martin Luther King Jr. day – No class, university closed

TUESDAY State of the Students at 7 p.m. in Room 100 in Sarkey’s Science and Mathematics Center Student Government Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the

JAN 21.

Chapel at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel JAN. 22 Final day to drop classes without transcript record

Columnist encourages students to ‘get out and vote’ This year is shaping up to be an important year. For me it’s the year I graduate college, get married and start grad school.

More importantly for the nation, this is a year we elect a new president. As voters we will determine the direction of this country for the next four years.

For many students this is the first time you have the opportunity to vote in a presidential election. In college especially, it can be daunting to carry out your civil duty of being an informed voter.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions that can help you be an informed voter and a good citizen even while at “Over Committed University.”

First, register to vote. You can’t vote if you aren’t registered.

If you are a resident of Oklahoma you can go to ok.gov/ elections and click on the link to find the registration form.

If you are from out of state search your state name and election board on a search engine.

If you are from Oklahoma, you have until Feb. 5 to register

John Hiller is a religion senior from Ringling, Okla.

He enjoys running, spending time with his fiance, Hannah, and sarcasm.

for the March 1 presidential primary and Oct. 14 to vote in the Nov. 4 general election.

Second, unless you plan to drive to your home voting precinct on election day, request an absentee ballot.

For Oklahoma residents, this

can be done also at ok.gov/elections. Deadlines in Oklahoma to request a ballot are Feb. 24 and Nov. 2 for the primary and general elections.

You can request to receive an absentee ballot for every election you are eligible to vote in

THE CAMPUS

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Photographers: Anna Anderson, Lauren Berlingeri, Donovan Lawson, Andrew Robling Staff Writers: Alex German, Prisca Lynch, Taylor Rey, Elina Moon Columnists: Tatum Nelson, Madelyn Parker Film Critic: Danielle Petersen

informed include newspapers and news apps such as CNN. I also enjoy listening to NPR to keep tabs on what’s going on.

From time to time this year I will write about things candidates do that effect students and our interests.

Last, get out and vote.

Registering, educating yourself on the candidates and forming opinions about them doesn’t count unless you actually vote.

We can make a difference in the nation that we inherit when we enter the real world.

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.

January 13, 2016, Volume 110, Number 13

Editor-in-Chief: Emily Wiley Web Editor: Maleyia Vaughn Lifestyles Editor: Sage Tokach Multimedia Editor: Miguel Rios Photo Editor: Ali Wonderly Copy Editor: John Hiller Community Manager: Sara Coleman

this year.

Don’t put off filling out your absentee ballot until the last possible moment because you will need to have an official notary witness you sign it and place it in the envelope. If you plan to drive home to vote put it in your calendar now and don’t schedule over it.

Third, stay up to date with news from the campaign trail and around the world. A good way to do this is to watch a local and national news broadcast each evening. Other ways to stay

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Circulation Director: Allie Glazner 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.

The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2016. All rights reserved.

January 13, 2016

news Library staff to host after-hours game night for students Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

The Dulaney-Browne Library will open its doors after hours for students to use the space to play games with their friends.

The library hosts a student game night at the beginning of each semester. This semester’s game night is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Jan. 22.

“We got the idea from one of our librarians because we wanted to have games in the library and to use it as a way to encourage students to complete a survey about library use” said Victoria Swinney, director of the library.

Games played in past years include Wii Sports, Just Dance, Yahtzee, card games,

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It’s most fun when students come in groups.

We have a lot of space students can use that they don’t get other places.

and Scrabble in four different languages. The librarians also bring homemade sweets and snacks for students who attend.

“It’s the most fun when students come in groups,” Swinney said. “We have a lot of space students can use that they don’t get other places.”

All students are encouraged to attend the free event.

The library has hosted game nights since 2012.

Victoria Swinney

director Dulaney-Browne Library

“I went last year and had a lot of fun,” said Abby McBroom, music education sophomore. “I met a lot of people and brought my friends to play games.”

For more information about game night or the library’s calendar, students can visit the library’s homepage at libguides. okcu.edu.

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Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Practice makes perfect

Sarah Lapaz, music theater junior, reviews her voice repertoire in the practice rooms in Wanda L. Bass Music Center in preparation for upcoming auditions. Auditions for the Mainstage production of “Evita” and OCUStripped’s “Curtains” will be Monday and Tuesday in the large rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.

App allows students to order food, goods from local businesses Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR

A new app provides students with a new way to order food or make extra money.

Postmates takes users’ locations to find nearby r e s t a u r a n t s . Cu s t o m e r s choose a restaurant and place an order through the app. Then, Postmates finds a local driver to pick up the order and deliver it to the customer. The app processes all payments via credit card, so no one exchanges physical money.

Typically, customers pay the regular price of the meal, plus a delivery fee and a tip for the driver. Since the business is new to this area, the app offers a referral code, as well as coupons and daily specials.

“I’ve gotten several referral codes from people,” said Arrash Allahyar, cell and molecular biology junior.

“I’ve gotten Jamba Juice shakes and foot-long subs from City Bites for free, so I only paid for the driver’s tip.”

Postmates launched the app in 38 cities so far. It relies on local citizens to drive and deliver orders. Some students already signed up.

“I was amazed at how easy it was to become a driver,” said Adrienne Pierce, acting sophomore. “I applied online, gave them my information and a picture of my driver’s license, and attended the two-hour training session.

That was it.”

After Postmates approves the driver’s application, they host a courier training session. During the session, facilitators present about

I was amazed at how easy it was to become a driver.

Adrienne Pierce acting sophomore

how the company works.

They also explain procedures for emergencies and problems that may come up, Pierce said. After the training, Pierce received a hot and cold bag for food transport and a Pex card that Postmates loads with the money she needs for each order.

Aside from the bag and card, drivers receive stickers, a shirt, a parking pass, and health and car insurance while on the job. If a driver gets in an accident

while delivering food through Postmates, their personal insurance covers what it can, and Postmates takes care of the rest, Pierce said.

Once someone becomes an authorized driver, they set their own hours, opening the app and accepting jobs whenever they have time.

Couriers have no minimal delivery requirement. They may work as much or as little as they want.

Each driver receives a rating from customer reviews

that they must maintain. The rating scale ranges from zero to five. After each delivery, drivers may also rate their customers and make any comments Postmates should consider when examining the customer’s rating.

Pierce accepted her first delivery through the app in December. She brought a McDonald’s cheeseburger and two large fries to a customer. The order itself cost $6. The customer also paid the $7 delivery fee and a $5 tip, so her order totaled $18.

“She ended up paying three times the amount that she could have paid by going to the McDonald’s down the street from her house,” Pierce said. “I’m not complaining, though. She tipped well and gave me a five rating.”

Some students want to remain on the consumer side

of the business and enjoy the convenience of the app.

“It’s not always worth the extra cost, especially if the order is something small like a Starbucks drink,” said Alanah Hosford, cell and molecular biology sophomore.

“But I appreciate that I can have food sent to me, should I desire it.”

In addition to food, Postmates delivers groceries and goods found at drugstores like Walgreens.

To find out more about Postmates or schedule a delivery, download the app or visit www.postmates. com. To become a driver, apply at www.postmates. com/apply.

Greek officers discuss semester goals Miguel Rios MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Shoot hoops

Junior Forward Amanda Ingram completes a layup against John Brown (Ark.) on Saturday in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The Stars defeated John Brown, 84-50. The next women’s basketball game is at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mid-America Christian in Oklahoma City.

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The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council elected new leadership positions for the next two semesters.

The councils oversee fraternity and sorority activities, make sure they are following the rules and facilitate fraternity rush and sorority recruitment.

Billy Speed, music theater sophomore, was elected IFC president.

IFC brings together all the fraternities on campus and is the mediator during the rush process and in disciplinary actions, he said.

“My main goal is to help unite the fraternities in a better way,” Speed said. “I want to start an all-Greek or at least all-fraternity philanthropy event and an all-fraternity social event in some way.”

Speed said he does not know yet if there will be a spring rush, a time for fraternities to recruit new members.

It depends on how many people sign up for rush, he said. But snap bids will be available if there is no spring rush.

Speed said he wants IFC to do more than enforce rules.

“I’m also seeing ways that IFC, beyond rush and judiciary things, can function to be more active to make a better experience for people at OCU,” he said.

IFC officers also plan to open a public Facebook page to better communicate with fraternities and potential new members.

C h a n d l e r Ha rd y, e c o nomics sophomore, was elected Panhellenic Council president.

Panhellenic is the governing body for all sororities on campus and oversees events like recruitment.

“My personal goal for Panhellenic is to have a community of women who strive to build each other up, even if they are not in their own house,” Hardy said.

Panhellenic Council has not yet discussed spring recruitment.

“I cannot wait to represent our Greek community at the national conference where we hope to receive awards for our outstanding Greek community,” Hardy said.

The new IFC and Panhellenic officers began their term at the beginning of the semester.

“We’re going to make the relations between the houses stronger than before and we hope that through events like rush we can bring together our Greek life and make it one of the best in the country,” Speed said.

Film institute opens semester with murder feature Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER

The Film Institute will host a series of international film screenings this semester.

B l o w - Up i s t h e f i r s t film showing this semest e r. T h e It a l i a n f i l m i s directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The film follows “Thomas,” a wealthy fashion photographer in “Swinging London” in the 1960s. After developing pictures he shot in a park, January 13, 2016

he believes he has photographed a murderer.

The screening is scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 24 in Kerr McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business. It is free to the public.

There is a handout given to the audience before the film is shown with background information and important points to know.

“After the screening of the film, the audience is invited to stay and discuss as a group,” said Harbour Winn, director for the center

The discussion is very rich since there are often viewers from the culture of the film who have very interesting cultural observations and explanations.

Harbour Winn director center for interpersonal learning through film and literature

of interpersonal studies through film and literature.

“The discussion is very rich since there are often viewers from the culture of the film

who have very interesting cultural observations and explanations.”

One student said he enjoys the conversations

that accompany the films.

“The program is valuable in that it deals with film that has some explicit purpose,” said Colin Earle, environmental studies senior. “It is a great medium for finding purposeful connection with generally abstract and subjective content. And also, the people in attendance are more often than not willing to engage in deep thought about the ideas presented in the film.”

The Film Institute is in its 34th year of operation.

Other showings for the semester include The Lunchbox on Feb. 7, About Elly on Feb. 21 and Leviathan on March 6.

The audience has a say in the selections for the next year’s films based on a suggested list and submitted requests. No two films selected are from the same country.

For more information visit www.okcu.edu/ film-lit.

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news Students find entertainment in professional basketball games Nicole Hacker STAFF WRITER

Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Give me a break Carsyn Wegman, Lana Meissner, Casey Burns, and Katy Lofton, nursing seniors, take a break between Monday classes to purchase books at The Bookstore in the lower level of Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. For hours of operation, visit “OKCU Campus Store” on Facebook.

“

Students have a wide range of activities to enjoy when not in class. While most students come to OCU for theater or music, many end up succumbing to Oklahoma life and going to a sporting event or two.

Options include football and basketball games at the bigger colleges in the area such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

The event of choice for most students–Oklahoma City Thunder games.

“I love Thunder games,” said Carleigh Wagner, theater production freshman. “They are loud and rowdy.”

The main complaint of the students is the tickets’ expense.

“The games are really fun, but I spend my money on junk

food and gas,” said Julia Cunningham, business administration freshman.

At times, OCU groups offer Thunder tickets through raffles or at Midnight Breakfast, hosted by Student Government Association.

If students want to avoid the luck of the draw, there are other ways to get affordably-priced tickets.

Many credible ticket sites give students the opportunity to see Thunder games at discount prices.

Whether it is planned in advance or last minute, Stubhub virtually guarantees tickets. The closer to the event the cheaper the tickets get because at Stubhub the motto is “help fans find fun.”

Ticketmaster is the site of choice for John McInturff, finance sophomore.

“I buy my tickets from Ticketmaster,” he said. “It is fast and convenient.”

Another credible, but not as affordable site, is the official NBA website, which sometimes offers specials with student identification.

“I usually search for OKC Thunder on nba.com and buy my tickets there,” said Kevin Chissoe, finance freshman.

The Thunder’s regular season is in full swing so there are ample opportunities for a fun evening at a potentially affordable price.

“The games are always fun and exciting,” said Jacob Overling, business administration senior. “You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy them.”

The next Thunder games are at 7 p.m. tonight and at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.

Two theater groups combine forces Nicole Hacker STAFF WRITER

Out of the Box theater has united with the Improv Troupe to give students an opportunity to showcase their talents in studentled productions.

The leaders from both groups decided it was best for them to work together starting this year.

“This year we took Improv under our wing so we can financially support them with our SGA budget as well as advertise with our shows,” said Matt Redmond, senior artistic director of Out of the Box. “It is working out so well.”

Leslie Marie Coffman, Improv president, agreed.

“It has been a wonderful success because we all advertise for each other,” she said. “This has been the best turn out for shows since I have been on the troupe.”

Out of the Box is a student-

It has been a wonderful success because we all advertise for each other.

led, student-produced and student-supported organization. It was created to allow students an outlet for creativity that is not structured by the Bass School of Music and TheatreOCU. OCU Improv is also a student-led and student-supported organization where students twist traditional themes with improvised lines.

The Improv troupe makes up entire shows on the spot.

The groups have practices in addition to their regular classes and rehearsals from 10:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday.

Since its creation in 2013,

Leslie Marie Coffman president Improv Troupe

Out of the Box has performed 12 times. The last was a production called After Miss Julie.

The next performances are scheduled for Feb. 26-27 on the fourth floor of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building. The cast will be chosen after TheatreOCU casts for the spring semester.

Student submissions for this semester’s shows opened Jan. 1.

For more information on Out of the Box or Improv, visit their website www.outoftheboxocu. wix.com/ootb.

Ali Wonderly Student Publications

Paige Konger, acting junior, and Casey Andrews, music theater sophomore, perform a song about Coca-Cola during the Improv Show on Nov. 13 in Clara E. Jones Administration Building. The troupe joined with Out of the Box theater to help promote each others’ performances. Submissions for future shows opened Jan. 1. The next performances are Feb. 26 and 27 in the admin building.

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Leadership program changes name, accepts applications Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR

The Blue Tie Ambassadors program has new leadership and a new name. Now, the organization is called Student Foundation.

“Historically, the program was called the Student Foundation,” said Marianne Hosler, coordinator of alumni relations.

“It’s also the name other universities use when referring to this organization, so we hope the change will make the name more recognizable on resumes.”

The organization has been on campus for 35 years. Members help prepare and execute university events such as graduation and matriculation. They perform tasks like setting up chairs, handing out programs, helping people find name tags, and conversing with university guests. Some events provide networking opportunities by allowing a few members of the group to interact with influential figures and various people from the

January 13, 2016

I love this organization because we get to work matriculation and graduation while being an ambassador for this university.

Spencer Gualdoni music theater junior

surrounding community.

Student Foundation members must maintain a 3.0 GPA and possess leadership qualities. New members are selected through an application process.

The group’s gender ratio does not matter, but Hosler said the numbers should be split evenly by class year. In total, the Student Foundation should include 30-40 members.

“I love this organization because we get to work matriculation

and graduation while being an ambassador for this university,” said Spencer Gualdoni, music theater junior. “We get to interact with the parents and students who attend these events.”

Though anyone can apply to be in the group, current members create a list of people they think would be good candidates. Students on the list receive the application email before it is released to everyone. Hosler plans to launch the application soon.

In the past, the Blue Tie Ambassador application was on paper. The new application will be completed digitally.

If a student wants to become a member of the Student Foundation and does not receive a link to the application, they can email Hosler at alumni@okcu.edu.

“It’s important to have people to help with these important university events,” Hosler said. “More than that, though, the Student Foundation gives students a chance to participate in these events in a different, interactive capacity.”

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