Fall 2016 First Impressions

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief

LIGHT UP THE LAKE: University of Miami Homecoming celebrations, which will take place Oct. 28-Nov. 5, feature a service project, pageant, concert, parade, football game and Hurricane Howl, which includes a ceremonial boat burning and fireworks display over Lake Osceola.

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WELCOME FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Dear New Canes, First impressions often set the tone for any new experience. As you will find out, the University of Miami is your window to a world of discovery and personal development. You are embarking upon a memorable journey that will shape your life in profound and enduring ways.

The next few years can become a cornerstone of your future, and I am certain you will always remember them fondly.

We are a vibrant and diverse institution that strives for a culture of belonging, a place where everyone matters. Our student body exemplifies a rich tradition of diversity, representing every state in the nation and many countries and nationalities throughout the globe. It is our interconnectedness that fosters inclusive and respectful interactions, while enriching all of our lives with a worldly perspective.

I challenge you to become an active participant in our community through campus service activities, volunteering in the greater Miami area, or engaging in research that could change the world. You will benefit greatly from this interaction surrounded by your peers, faculty, and the University as a whole.

I wish you positive experiences and unforgettable first impressions at the U. Welcome and GO ‘CANES!

Sincerely,

Dr. Julio Frenk President

Dear New Students, Welcome and congratulations on your decision to attend the University of Miami!

UM is an exciting place and I hope that you take advantage of the opportunities to make new friends, connect with faculty, learn from our outstanding speakers, and participate in numerous campus activities.

We live by the motto, “’Canes Care for ’Canes.” You are joining an amazing campus community filled with faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students who are committed to supporting your academic and personal success. Transition can be difficult but know that there is always someone who can help if you, or your friends, ever have any questions or difficulties.

College provides a variety of opportunities and challenges that will help you explore your capabilities and interests.

Remember to take an active role during your time at the U and make good choices that will help you be successful in the future.

My advice to you is to develop your skills and talents by maximizing your academic opportunities and tapping student organizations and other engaging activities, which will assist you in contributing to our community as an effective leader. A multitude of opportunities await you, and I cannot wait to see what you choose to explore, create, and/or change.

I look forward to formally welcoming and meeting you during Orientation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my staff. Best wishes and Go ’Canes!

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Whitely Vice President for Student Affairs

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

WELCOME

Hello, Fellow Canes, Welcome to the University of Miami and congratulations on taking the next big step in your life! You have truly chosen the greatest place to be, The U. Over the next several years, we will help you prepare for your future by providing the resources and opportunities to build a sound foundation. The first couple of weeks will be hectic. Stay calm and enjoy every second of it, from the lectures to making new friends, because your time here will go by quickly.

During your time at Miami, be sure to challenge yourself, try new things, take an interest in and find passion in your academics and extracurriculars, and most of all stay true to you. They say college is a place where you can redefine who you are, and it is, but remember your roots. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family over the summer before you arrive at your new home, where you will make even more friends and be a part of a larger family.

If you ever need anything during your time at the U, Student Government is here to help foster the best college experience. Please let us know if you have any ideas on improving the UM experience. You can visit our office in the Shalala Student Center, Suite 210A, email us at sgpresident@miami.edu, or call us at 305-284-3083.

We are a diverse school, across all fronts, where no two people are alike. We do not discriminate, rather, we celebrate our differences, and that will forever be a unique attribute of the the University of Miami.

We are more than just a Cane’ Nation, we are a ‘Cane Family, where no one is left behind and/or forgotten. From the moment you set foot on campus, to the years after you receive your diploma, you will forever be a Miami Hurricane!

Welcome Home,

Vikesh Patel Student Government President, 2016-2017

Dear Fellow Students, Congratulations on officially becoming a Cane and welcome to the University of Miami!

During the next few years, you will probably experience both the most fun and the most stressful times of your life. Whether your heart is set on a specific career or you are completely undecided, stay as open-minded as possible – you never know when or how you will stumble across your passion.

When you arrive on campus in August, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Between courses, social activities and extracurriculars, there’s a lot going on here, so think of The Miami Hurricane as your connection to the campus community. As the student-run newspaper, we are here to keep you informed about everything UM-related, both on and off campus, including current events and involvement opportunities.

Whether you pick up a print issue from our bright orange bins or check out stories through TMH’s web page and social media accounts, it is important to stay in the know when it comes to your community. Being aware of your surroundings will help you fully immerse yourself in UM and gain a deeper understanding of the values and direction of our university.

We are so excited for you to join the UM family and discover that it is great to be a Miami Hurricane!

Julie Harans Editor-in-Chief Elect The Miami Hurricane

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WELCOME FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE U 2-3 CAMPUS MAP 6 FRENK’S ROADMAP TO THE NEW CENTURY 7 ORIENTATION 9 ACADEMICS 13-15 SCHOOLS & COLLEGES 18-37

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 18

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 19-21

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 23

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION 26

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 27

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 28-29

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC 31

SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES 33

ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE 37 UM HISTORY 38-39 LENNAR HEALTH CENTER 40 CAMPUS LIFE 41-45

DIN IN G 41

RESIDENTIAL LIFE 43-45 THE POLITICAL YEAR 47-48 AFTER CLASS 49-55 SERVICES 56-67

CANE CARD & CANELINK 56

FIN AN CIALS 57

STUDENT SERVICES 59 HEALTH SERVICES 61

COUNSELING CENTER 63

SAFETY 65

TOPPEL CAREER CENTER 65

WELLNESS CENTER 67 STUDENT LIFE 68-87

STUDENT GOVERNMENT 68

ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS 73

GREEK LIFE 76

LGBTQ RESOURCES 77

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 81

COMMUTER STUDENTS 83

STUDY ABROAD 85

RELIGIOUS LIFE 87 LIFE IN MIAMI 89-93 SPORTS 95-103

FOOTBALL 95

BASKETBALL 97

BASEBALL 99

TEN N IS 99

SWIMMING AND DIVING 102

INTRAMURAL AND CLUB SPORTS 103

Founded 1929

An Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame Newspaper BUSINESS OFFICE: 305-284-4401 FAX: 305-284-4404 For advertising rates call 305-284-4401 or fax 305-284-4404.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nick Gangemi MANAGING EDITOR Julie Harans NEWS EDITOR Isabella Cueto ART DIRECTOR Emma Deardorff PHOTO EDITOR Hallee Meltzer COPY EDITOR Alyssa Bolt DESIGNER Amy Meltzer WRITERS Alexa Aguilar Israel Aragon Sophie Barros Chantel Batista Nadijah Campbell Bradley Canfield Isabella Rosa Cendan Jorge Chabo Emily Dabau Taylor Duckett Kayla Durango Caitlin Esty Ziwen Fang Elizabeth Gelbaugh Briana Gotay Emma Hanrahan Amanda Herrera Isaiah Kim-Martinez Julia Kohl Danielle Krueger Marcus Lim Hari Maggs Ritika Malkani Allison Margol Alexis McDonald Briana Nespral Erika Orstad Alicia Ortiz Olivia Osburn Madelyn Paquette Claire Pohl

Milena Raketic Sarah Schoening Krista Schubert Ryan Siegel Mark Singer Ardenn Stolz Isabel Sutnick Eva Tahernia Nyah Tennell David Ufberg Sara Valbuena Maria Victoria Van Eerdewijk Kaitlyn Vidaurreta Jessica Vishny Chloe Vizzone Haley Walker Matthew Walter Alina Zerpa Leyi Zhang PHOTOGRAPHERS Kawan Amelung Nadijah Campbell Shreya Chidarala Evelyn Choi Giancarlo Falconi Joshua Gruber Erum Kidwai Victoria McKaba Matthew Trabold BUSINESS MANAGER Christopher Dalton SALES REPRESENTATIVES Grayson Tishko Juan Jaramillo Kyle Stewart Ryan Yde AD DESIGNER Madeleine Trtan SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Isabel Vichot FACULTY ADVISERS Ileana Oroza Tsitsi Wakhisi FINANCIAL ADVISER Steve Priepke

To reach a member of the staff visit themiamihurricane. com’s contact page. ©2016 University of Miami The Miami Hurricane is published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board.

Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200.

LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card.

ADVERTISING POLICY The Miami Hurricane’s business office is located at 1330 Miller Drive, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200. The Miami Hurricane is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed for free on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and off-campus locations.

DEADLINES All ads must be received, cash with copy, in The Miami Hurricane business office, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200, by noon Tuesday for Thursday’s issue and noon Friday for Monday’s issue.

SUBSCRIPTIONS The Miami Hurricane is available for subscription at the rate of $50 per year.

AFFILIATIONS The Miami Hurricane is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Florida College Press Association.

Summer 2016

UHealth Coral Gables Opening December 2016.

FIRST IMPRESSION

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HOME OF THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI STUDENT HEALTH CENTER.

UHealth Coral Gables in The Lennar Foundation Medical Center University of Miami – 5550 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

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YOUR CAMPUS FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

YOUR CAMPUS Below is a map of the majority of the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus. Highlighted are the buildings that first year students are most likely to visit during their first weeks, including the residence halls, the Student Center Complex, the Wellness Center, the Health Center and Richter Library.

For full printable maps, including parking maps, and more information about UM’s three campuses, visit welcome.miami.edu/about-um/campuses

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

WELCOME

NEW

PRESIDENT FRENK’S ROADMAP TO THE

CENTURY

By Isabella Cueto News Editor and Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

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niversity of Miami President Julio Frenk has an ambitious vision for the university’s centennial in 10 years, and he has plans to benefit the campus and Miami’s community with three major steps: expanding access to a UM education by meeting financial need, advancing the university by adding more faculty and nurturing a culture of on-campus belonging.

Frenk repeatedly used the number 100 in plans he has shared to mark UM’s new century.

His bold initiatives include meeting 100 percent of student financial need and creating 100 endowed chairs at the university. In his inaugural address in January, he announced a plan to bring in “100 new talents for [reaching] 100 years.”

“Between now and our centennial, I am committed to mobilizing the resources to fund 100 new endowed faculty chairs, with a mix of senior, junior and visiting professorships,” Frenk said.

“The infusion of new recruitments to our outstanding faculty will help build a critical mass of talent in Miami.”

Over the next 10 years, Frenk said he plans to add 100 endowed chairs that may include new and existing faculty, visiting faculty and junior faculty.

At the time of First Impression publication, five endowed chairs had been added, but only three had been announced. The other two are awaiting approval from donors.

Most recently, UM became the first university in the nation to establish a chair in atheism and the study of humanistic philosophy. A committee was created to aid in the search for the first holder of this position,

which was made possible through a $2.2 million gift from Miami entrepreneur and philanthropist Louis Appignani.

The Appignani Foundation Chair for the Study of Atheism, Humanism and Secular Ethics will be housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and will promote the same kinds of ideas Appignani previously sponsored at UM through lectures.

The Appignani Foundation sponsored a lecture in 2013 by distinguished biologist and humanist Richard Dawkins.

Plans are in the works for the foundation to endow another UM chair, The Appignani Foun-

Frenk, the former dean of public health at Harvard, was inaugurated as the sixth president of UM, replacing Donna E. Shalala, who was president for 14 years. dation Bertrand Russell Chair in Philosophy.

The first two chairs to be added were at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in the areas of head and neck oncology. Donald Weed, co-director of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery at Sylvester is the W. Jarrard Goodwin Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Oncology. Weed is an otolaryngology professor at Miller School of Medicine.

Dr. Francisco Civantos is the Virginia M. Homer Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Oncology Research. Civantos is co-director of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery/Otolaryngology and is also a professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Miller.

Otolaryngology is a medical specialty dealing with conditions of the ear, nose and throat, head and neck.

Frenk’s vision for new talent was further aided by Dr. Phillip and Patricia Frost’s donation of $100 million, one of the largest donations in UM’s history, to benefit the fields of applied science and engineering.

Johann Ali, a member of the Iron Arrow Council of Elders, attended Frenk’s inauguration and said the president’s promises were a reaffirmation of the university’s focus.

“As an alumnus, I was happy to hear that there is a dedication to 100 endowed faculty members and that the $100 million donation will be used specifically for academics and students,” Ali said.

“Because as an alumnus, the focus is always on the students – not the faculty, but the students.”

Frenk, a former dean at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was inaugurated as the sixth president in UM’s history at the start of 2016, replacing Donna E. Shalala, who was president for 14 years. Frenk started his term on Sept.

1, 2015, but said he wanted to know more about the university before the official inauguration ceremony in January.

He completed a “100 days of listening” exercise to talk to members of the UM community – students, professors, administrators – and understand where the university was in its development and service to its people. Frenk absorbed what he heard in those meetings, conversations and in feedback on a website his office created. He incorporated the conversation into his “Roadmap to Our New Century.” Eight working groups made up of students, faculty and staff drafted consultative proposals during the spring semester to share with the university community.

Frenk’s commitment to meet the entirety of student financial need was received with loud applause from the student section at the inauguration ceremony. The outgoing student representative on the Board of Trustees, Daniela Lorenzo, said she was moved and inspired by this promise.

She said she saw it as an opportunity for UM to be more like its “aspirational peers,” the top universities in the United States.

“I’m going to be honest, I teared up a little. It was very inspirational,” Lorenzo said. “The 100 percent need met for [each] student is an amazing thing. “ Frenk promised that his goals leading up to UM’s 100th year would be a great change for the university and said that “like the ibis, we will soar.”

In the fall, Frenk will again hold a series of meetings across the university to discuss the eight draft initiatives.

Visit president.miami.edu/roadmap to learn more about the initiatives.

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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

ENGAGE. CONNECT. LEAD. Butler Center for Service & Leadership Chaplain's Association ● Counseling Center Commencement ● Dean of Students Housing & Residential Life Multicultural Student Affairs ● Ombudsperson Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement Student Activities & Student Organizations Student Health Service Student Center Complex Rathskeller Wellness & Recreation

Connect with us on social media to stay upto-date on your U!

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

ORIENTATION Five days that will make you a Miami Hurricane

By Alina Zerpa First Impression Staff

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hile the first day of school might bring nerves and jitters, Orientation at the University of Miami is here to help with any questions new students might have– whether they have to do with residential life, being a commuter, coming from another country, or transferring to the U. Students planning to live on campus will get the chance to move into their residential college from Monday, Aug. 15, until Wednesday, Aug. 17. Moving-in dates vary, depending on a number of factors – the student’s last name, for example. To find out when to move in, visit Miami.edu/Orientation and check under the ‘Fall Orientation’ tab.

Students living at home, or commuters, will begin Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 4:15 p.m., but should come early to check in for Orientation and get their Cane Card. Transfer students begin meetings with academic deans between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on that same Wednesday. These two groups of students will come together for the commuter and transfer student welcome meeting at 4:15 p.m.

First-year commuter students will meet with their Orientation Fellows (OF) and Commuter Assistants (CA) in the Multipurpose Room of the BankUnited Center (BUC). Transfer and exchange students will meet their OFs and Transfer Assistants (TA) there as well.

Orientation officially begins for campus residents at 4:45 p.m. as they meet their OFs and Residential Assistants (RA) on their respective floors. Afterwards, all students will enter the BUC for a welcome address by President Julio Frenk.

To continue the introduction to academic life, traditions and the dynamic student experience, students will participate in ‘Canes in Color, a high-energy event featuring the UM Cheerleaders, the Band of the Hour, and everyone’s favorite bird, Sebastian the Ibis. Afterwards, there’s dinner at the Taste of Miami: Gourmet Food Truck Event, followed by the annual Sailesh: Hypnotist Experience, where some student volunteers will be hypnotized on stage.

Thursday will cover many academic and student-life issues through a student panel led by Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, vice president for student affairs. Students will also have a chance to hear about academic opportunities from Dr. William S. Green, senior vice provost and dean of undergraduate education.

Meetings with academic deans for the different schools and colleges take place Thursday afternoon and all day on Friday. Make sure to check the Orientation schedule to find out where and when each school meets. Thursday night activities include the CaneStage New Student Talent Show, a trivia game and a dance, Miami style, with SalsaCraze.

Friday will feature the New Student Success Series, where students can learn essentials for college life – everything from study abroad programs, to recreational sports to student media – and hear about critical resources, such as financial aid and student accounts. At 5 p.m., the Toppel Career Center celebrates the beginning of the academic year with music, food, tours and free T-shirts.

The night will finish off with two large events. The Herbert Wellness Center House Party gives students a chance to play inflatable games, join sports competitions and receive free shirts and food while they learn about the gym’s resources.

The Friday Night Bridge Bash, hosted by the United Black Students, brings music and dance to the area in front of the Hecht and Stanford Residential Colleges.

Arguably the most important day of Orientation is Saturday, when there will be sessions that dive into Hurricane life, and when Canefest takes place, offering the chance to pick up free items and learn about student organizations and involvement. Head over to the BUC between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore more than 100 student organizations, leadership and service opportunities. Finally, at 9 p.m., the Foote Green will be the site of PaintU, the ultimate campus paint party.

Orientation week ends with the President’s Picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. For anyone who missed any of the New Student Success Series, Sunday is also the day to catch up. At the end of the day, there will be a screening of “Zootopia” by the University Pool at 8 p.m.

For a detailed schedule, please see the back cover of First Impression or visit Miami.edu/orientation

U-Speak: Terms Canes should know MAJOR LOCATIONS Breezeway: The walkway that runs between the UC and University Bookstore

Center (SAC), the name was changed in May 2015 to honor UM’s fifth president, Donna E. Shalala SCC: Student Center Complex that includes multiple centers for programming and student life

BUC: BankUnited Center

The Rat: The Rathskeller

LC: Whitten Learning Center

The Rock: The raised platform located next to the U Statue

Panhel: Panhellenic Building, which contains common areas, or suites, for various Greek letter organizations RSMAS: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, located on Key Biscayne (pronounced Raz-Mus) SC: Donna E. Shalala Student Center. Although upperclassmen might call it the Student Activities

UC: Norman A. Whitten University Center

ORGANIZATIONS AGLO: Association of Greek Letter Organizations Category 5: The Spirit Programing Board COISO: Committee on International Student Organizations

COSO: Committee on Student Organizations HP: Hurricane Productions SAFAC: Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee SASO: Student Activities and Student Organizations SG: Student Government

RESOURCES AF: Academic Fellow CA: Commuter Assistant FYF: First Year Fellow OF: Orientation Fellow RA: Resident Assistant TA: Transfer Assistant or Teaching Assistant

ORIENTATION

BEFORE ARRIVING You should have received the “Road to UM” booklet with a checklist of all that you need to complete before you arrive on campus. Here are some of the highlights.

Check your UM email daily.

Confirm your permanent address, mobile number and emergency contact information in CaneLink.

Students who have applied for financial assistance should have completed to-do items on CaneLink by June 1.

Submit your final high school transcripts and AP, IB and dual enrollment grades by July 1.

International students who plan to enter the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa, pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a student visa at miami.edu/ isss by July 1.

Commuter students: purchase a parking pass. Form opens mid-July. Details will be emailed.

Domestic students, review health insurance information at miami.edu/healthinsurance and choose to waive or maintain university-sponsored insurance by July 25.

Pay your tuition invoice on CaneLink by Aug. 1.

Complete Campus Clarity - Think About It, an online prevention and education program. Deadline for part 1: Aug. 15.

Complete and present proof of immunization at mystudenthealth.miami.edu

by Aug. 22.

Take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment through CaneLink

by Aug. 26.

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Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

FRESHMAN CLASS

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Freshman class brings 2,025 students from 46 states

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

The University of Miami is one of the top schools and was the best in Florida, and it is also in an area where you can live out your best years without forsaking academics.

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he University of Miami has established itself through the years as a premier Florida school with a selective admissions process.

Out of the 32,505 students who applied from all around the world, 2,025 will be attending UM as freshmen this fall, representing 46 states and a number of countries, according to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

The International Students Scholars Services said that China, Brazil and Venezuela saw the highest number of international students accepted, though an exact number was not released at the time of publication.

The acceptance rate this year was 37 percent, slightly lower than last year’s, when 38 percent of 31,607 students were admitted.

-Eric Sherbatsky Sophomore

Eric Sherbatsky, who was part of last year’s freshman class, said he chose UM for a balance of academics and social life.

“The University of Miami is one of the top schools and was the best in Florida,” Sherbatsky said. “And it is also in an area

where you can live out your best years without forsaking academics.”

Another statistic from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions shows that 10 percent of the incoming class is made up of students who self-identify as black or African American, meeting the goal President Julio Frenk set in the 2015-2016 academic year and putting UM at the top of

the list among peer university in terms of black student enrollment.

Black students who are of mixed race make up another 1 percent of the entering class.

Making the university more accessible through financial aid is also a priority for Frenk.

Braylond Timothee, who recently graduated from UM, took part in Black Awareness Month last year and felt that it made administrators more aware of the issues faced by the African American and black communities.

“Not all students have equal opportunities, some weren’t brought up in good neighborhoods or have the money to come here,” Timothee said.

“What we tried to do, what Frenk is trying to do, is make sure that students aren’t burdened to come here and study.”

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Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS Dean of undergraduate education offers tips for incoming freshmen

How can students make the most of their academics?

Let your interests drive your learning. Study what matters to you and what you love to learn.

GREEN

By Sophie Barros First Impression Staff

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What is your advice to incoming students for maximum success?

You only have one undergraduate experience, and your college transcript is a permanent part of your life’s record. Treat yourself and your education with respect. Keep your priorities clearly in mind, and give yourself time to apply your best effort to what matters most to you in your education.

ransitioning into college can be a scary ordeal. You need to adapt to a completely different environment, meet new people and change your routine, all while trying to ace your first semester classes. Academic success is a very important component of your first year at UM, but for those wondering how to achieve it, here is some advice from Dr. William Green, UM’s senior vice provost and dean of undergraduate education.

Is there anything outside academics that can help students succeed in the classroom environment?

Plenty of sleep, a circle of friends, health and fitness, good time management and a balance in life. Co-curricular activities are also enriching and can help you develop and improve your social skills.

How to address your professor respectfully, appropriately

“Y

o, professor.”

Should that “greeting” show up in the subject line of an email from a student to a professor, the student might not ever get a response, say University of Miami faculty members.

With all of the language shortcuts associated with digital age communication, students are sometimes stretching student-professor protocols, which is making some professors bristle.

“Yo, professor” or “hey” in an email subject line may get a professor’s attention, but not the kind the student wants.

“Sometimes students send unprofessional emails in all caps, featuring emojis and smiley faces,” said Karen Mathews, an assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

“When students need to correspond with their professors, they should be respectful and use formal titles,” Mathews said. “I’m pretty old-fashioned. I have a professional relationship with students first.

We need to act reciprocally towards one another in a respectful way.” cfrancis blackchild, who officially spells her full name all in lowercase, said “hey” as a salutation in an email is not appropriate. Students should write, “Dear professor blackchild” or “Hello, professor blackchild,” said blackhild, who teaches acting and directing in the Department of Theatre Arts.

On students addressing a professor by his or her first name, blackhild is more flexible. Since the classroom setting for classes in the theater department is usually small and casual, it is OK for

students to call her by her first name, cfrancis, in class and around campus, she said.

Timothy Watson, an English Department associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, says the appropriate formal titles should be used whether in person or in emails, unless otherwise stated by the professor.

Ralph Boleslavsky, an assistant professor in the School of Business Administration, said he doesn’t mind being on a first-name basis with his students.

In fact, he prefers it. He said he believes that it eases some of the hierarchical tension that can exist within a student-teacher relationship. But unless a professor expresses a preference, Boleslavsky said the default title should probably be “professor” or “doctor.”

Michael R. Wang, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, suggests that if the instructor’s focus is on teaching, students should use “professor.” If the teacher focuses more on research, students should use “doctor.”

Communication is about knowing your audience, said David Steinberg, director of debate and a communication studies senior lecturer in the School of Communication. Every professor is unique, so students should try to get to know their professors to find out if they prefer to be addressed formally or informally.

When in doubt, there is no harm in simply asking professors what they prefer, Steinberg said.

“As long as students are respectful, it really doesn’t matter to me, and usually they are,” Steinberg said. Leaving a professor’s formal title out of

a salutation or an email is not a game-changer, he said. “I won’t personally change my mind about that student.”

Ben C. Ash, a marketing professor in the School of Business Administration, said he does not have a strict preference on his title, but “professor” is probably the best to use universally, he advises.

“I’ve had so many titles in my corporate life: director, vice president and this and that. Out of all of them, my favorite title is professor,” Ash said.

The following students contributed to this article: Alexa Aguilar, Ziwen Fang, Elizabeth Gelbaugh, Claire Pohl, Milena Raketic, Ardenn Stolz and Nyah Tennell.

TIPS

A few things to remember when addressing your instructors:

4Ask what title they prefer. Some might

want to be addressed as professors, others like “doctor,” while others would simply like you to use their first name.

4Never start an email with Yo! or Hey!

Write Dear Professor or simply Professor.

4Don’t write your instructors to ask what you missed on a day that you did not go class. Check the syllabus or go to their office during office hours instead.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AUGUST 16 4Housing available for new students 4International Student Orientation AUGUST 17 4Orientation begins AUGUST 22 4Classes begin 4Late registration fees in effect AUGUST 31 4Last day for registration and to add a course SEPTEMBER 5 4Labor Day (No class) SEPTEMBER 7 4Last day to drop a course without a “W” 4Deadline to apply for inactive status 4Deadline to apply for non-UM programs 4Last day to make a change in credit-only designation OCTOBER 20-23 4Fall break NOVEMBER 19-27 4Thanksgiving break DECEMBER 6 4Last day of classes DECEMBER 7 4Reading day (No class) DECEMBER 8-14 4Final exams DECEMBER 15 4Housing closes at noon for students not participating in Commencement DECEMBER 21 4Final grades available to students in CaneLink

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ACADEMICS FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Digital Media Lab renovation upgrades library facilities, technologies

By Emmi Velez First Impression Staff

T Photo courtesy Ibis Yearbook

FULLY FOCUS: The Scott and Susan Kornspan Study Lounge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the first floor of the Shalala Student Center.

Take a break from Richter Library at these alternative study spots on campus

By Kayla Durango and Taylor Duckett First Impression Staff

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hile the Richter Library is the most popular – and probably the most crowded – place to study, several smaller libraries and various nooks across the university’s three campuses offer comfortable places for students to work. In addition to the 24/7 study room available on the first floor of the Shalala Student Center, try the following places for a change of scenery.

MARTA AND AUSTIN WEEKS MUSIC LIBRARY

Located on the edge of Lake Osceola next to the Shalala Student Center, this library is the newest and largest branch of the university’s libraries. Though it mainly caters to the needs of students at the Frost School of Music, the building and its resources are available to the entire UM community. The library features work tables, cubicle-like study desks and small lounge areas with picturesque views of the lake.

RSMAS LIBRARY

The library, located on the Virginia Key campus within the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, is a shuttle ride away from the main campus.

This library often provides students with some extra perks, including coffee and candy.

SCHOOL OF LAW LIBRARY

Not far from Richter, this is a good place for studying late at night when the library tends to be quieter. The library has a number of group study rooms, computer

labs and cubicles with computers. The computers are only available to law students; however, the desks have connections for personal laptops. There are some access restrictions during major exam periods, but otherwise, the law library is open to all students.

PAUL BUISSON REFERENCE LIBRARY AT THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

he Digital Media Lab on the first floor of the Otto G. Richter Library recently renovated its facilities and added brand new technology to the suite.

The lab is equipped with 16 Apple computers with editing programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut, Avid and the iLife suite. The inner room of the lab also houses digital equipment, including flatbed scanners, VHS and DVD players, a record player and a cassette tape deck.

In addition, students can check out cameras and audio and visual equipment. GoPro cameras, brand new digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and 3D printers were added to the lab as part of the renovations.

“One of our biggest draws is our large-format printer,” lab manager Vanessa Rodriguez said. “We can print up to 44 inches long and however many feet. We’ve printed up to eight feet, but theoretically we can print even longer than that.”

There is a small fee for printing, but since it only covers the cost of the materials, it’s normally less than printing in a regular print shop, she said.

Students can receive software consultations from lab staffers, who may suggest an appropriate computer program based on each student’s needs.

Mariam Girgis, a biology major and rising senior, said she liked what the lab had to offer.

“Coming here to use or check out equipment for projects is a lot cheaper than buying it, and way easier, too,” Girgis said.

Rodriguez said that she hopes students will continue to learn about the resources available to them and to make use of the renovated lab.

“The Digital Media Lab has grown since its first inception years ago, and not just in size. We try to keep our equipment current and relevant to the needs of our students,” she said. “We are always open to suggestions. Our staff is here and ready to help the UM community.”

The Digital Media Lab is located in Room 118 of Richter Library and is open during regular library hours.

Another alternative is the architecture library, located on the first floor of building 48-D, which faces the central courtyard of the School of Architecture. The space remains relatively calm and quiet throughout most of the semester, although activity picks up during finals or heavy exam periods. The library has several computers and a small lounge area. It also has two conference rooms that are usually available to students. A few tables in the courtyard outside offer the chance to study and take advantage of the outdoors.

KORNSPAN STUDY LOUNGE

Located on the first floor of the Shalala Student Center, the lounge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is an inviting space, especially when you need to work late at night.

THE ARBORETUM

Granted, some classes are held at the arboretum, but it is not a place where students typically go. The arboretum, especially during spring, is beautiful. There are various flowers and fruits, some of which are edible, as well as benches to relax. Chances are you won’t be disturbed.

Photo by Brittney Bomnin courtesy UM

UPDATED SPACE: Library Student Assistant Maddie Koster works with Sean Ahearn at a 3D printer station.

Summer 2016

Honor Council program helps prevent academic dishonesty

By Sophie Barros First Impression Staff

T

he University of Miami’s Honor Council recently launched a new outreach program to encourage students to report cases of cheat-

ing.

After talking to faculty, students and members of other universities, the council found that cheating is still a prominent problem in the classroom setting, and students are not doing enough to solve it. The campaign will try to raise awareness about the degrading effect cheating has on a degree, according to the council’s president, Alison Galetti.

“We are trying to educate students and let them know that when you cheat, you are affecting the value of your degree,” Galetti said. “You just paid a substantial amount of money, sometimes even taking out massive student loans, for something that isn’t worth much.”

The council, which is advised by the Dean of Students Office, is composed of 30 members across all colleges on campus, and educates students about academic integrity.

Council members also act as adjudicators,

conducting hearings on cases of academic dishonesty.

As a first step towards addressing academic dishonesty at UM, the Honor Council last semester distributed flyers that illustrate simple steps students can take to report an act of cheating. These include speaking to the professor, reporting the incident to the Dean of Student’s Office or reporting it to an Honor Council member, who will be able to offer different paths.

Students must take into account that if they choose to report an act of academic dishonesty, they must be present at the hearing, as it is an Honor Council policy that you have the right to face your accuser.

“Sometimes you’ll see someone cheating and don’t know what to do because you don’t want to go up to that person,” said Nidhi Patel, vice president of the Honor Council. “It’s kind of awkward for students when they see something like that, so that’s why you have the different options we mention in the flyer.

The first one is just to talk to your professor, so if you do that, you did your job.”

The council also holds annual events to educate students on the different forms of academic dishonesty. Academic Integrity Week, for instance, takes place every November and is attended by students and faculty members.

“Our main purpose is to educate,” Galetti said. “I remember once a student went to an Academic Integrity Week event and there was a True or False question saying ‘You can plagiarize yourself.’ She said, ‘Of course you can’t.’ But in actuality, if a program like Safe Assign matches your paper with another paper you’ve submitted, it is plagiarism by definition and could technically be reported to the Honor Council.”

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ACADEMICS

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Photo courtesy University of Miami Honor Council

HONESTY CAMPAIGN: The University of Miami Honor Council wants students to know that cheating affects the value of a college degree.

According to Galetti, one of the main reasons behind the Honor Council’s outreach program is to make sure everyone is on the same page. With people from so many different backgrounds, it is important to remember that everyone understands processes differently, she added.

By getting students involved, the Honor Council hopes to address the problem of academic dishonesty more efficiently.

“A big stigma we get faced with is that we are a policing force, and we’re not that at all,” Galetti said. “We’re here to educate and to try to dissuade students from engaging in any form of academic dishonesty. It’s not good for them, it’s not good for us. We’re trying to protect the integrity of campus.”

For more information, email honorcouncil@miami.edu.

Resources available for students seeking academic assistance

By Jorge Chabo First Impression Staff

A

mong the many resources available on campus, academic assistance services tend to be particularly popular for students. The Writing Center had roughly 2,000 appointments during spring semester alone, said the center’s director, April Mann.

“People from all over the university community at all levels of education come to seek help,” Mann said. Half of those people are freshmen, while 20 percent are graduate students.

The mission of the Writing Center is to help all students on campus become better writers.

The staff is made up of faculty and graduate students, providing clients with experienced help in any writing assignment they may have.

Furthermore, these one-onone consultations, which last 30 minutes to an hour, provide assistance with all stages of the writing process, from note-taking to revision and proofreading.

Mann emphasized that the main focus of the center is its role as a teaching environment.

“We are a teaching facility. We teach you how to write a better pa-

per by working together through the process,” Mann said.

The Writing Center is located at LaGorce House 170, 1228 Dickinson Drive.

While the Writing Center offers assistance with written assignments, students can seek help with any subject through the Camner Academic Resource Center (ARC).

Located on the second f loor of the University Center, the ARC offers a number of resources to help students succeed.

The ARC is home to the Peer Tutoring program, which offers tutoring in any subject at no cost, available both during the day and

in the evenings. The staff includes undergraduate and graduate students who attained passing grades in the courses and are knowledgeable in specific subjects.

Teresita Martinez, assistant director of tutoring services, described a typical tutoring session as one where students can expect to review specific course material, master basic concepts or improve skills under the guidance of a trained and experienced peer tutor.

The ARC also hosts workshops that cover more general topics for academic success, including time management, note-taking and reading strategies.

Nearly 4,000 tutoring appointments were made during the 201516 academic year, Martinez said.

In a satisfaction survey conducted during the spring term, most students reported a grade increase in their final grades as a result of attending tutoring.

“The Camner Center peer tutors are trained and certified following the College Reading and Learning Association guidelines,” Martinez said. “Furthermore, they have intimate knowledge of the course requirements because they took the courses here at the U and understand what is required to meet with success.”

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ADVERTISEMENT FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Iron Arrow Welcomes

Special to the First Impression

Founded in November 1926 by the first president of the University of Miami-Bowman Foster Ashe-Iron Arrow is the first and oldest student organization at the U. Iron Arrow is based on the ideals and traditions of the Seminole Indian Nation. President Ashe charged Iron Arrow with upholding the traditions of the University of Miami and to be its living history. This is the mission and duty of Iron Arrow at the University of Miami.

Iron Arrow is “the highest honor attained at the University of Miami.” There are five criteria for selection, which make Iron Arrow such a distinguished honor. These are leadership, character, humility, scholarship, and love of alma mater.

In order to qualify for membership, the candidate must be a University of Miami student, faculty, administrator, or alumnus. This Fall, Iron Arrow marks it’s 90th birthday, alongside the University itself, a distinction no other organization holds.

Iron Arrow, fondly called the Tribe, promotes leadership among students and the University community through its members. What makes Iron Arrow the highest honor attained at the University of Miami is its long list of distinguished members who proudly wear a jacket created and designed in the Seminole Indian tradition. Indeed, the jackets are authentic, and Iron Arrow is officially recognized as a member of the Seminole Nation. Iron Arrow is most visible on campus when it taps its new members, presenting them with the ceremonial jackets and welcoming them into the tribe each semester; during Homecoming in the fall and once during the spring semester. The beating of the Tribal drum and the fire at the Iron Arrow mound (located near the statue and the path between the University Center and Ashe Building) are the outward symbols of this event, and are the traditions of the tribe.

So, if you see an Iron Arrow, walk up to them. Ask them about the U — about its colorful history and traditions, but most importantly about getting involved on campus. The University of Miami has always been a place that values student input and treasures student involvement – so GET INVOLVED! For more information on Iron Arrow please visit the Tribe’s website at www.ironarrow.com, or you can find us on Twitter (@IronArrowUM) and Instagram (@ironarrow). WELCOME HOME!

Summer 2016

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Building ‘to change way professors teach’

By Jorge Chabo First Impression Staff

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mong the new buildings going up on campus is the Thomas P. Murphy Design Studio Building at the School of Architecture, which is scheduled for completion in January 2018.

The new building will bring students together and change the way professors in the School of Architecture teach, said School of Architecture Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury.

“Through learning by making, this building will be the catalyst for the school’s evolution,” he said.

The building is the result of a $3.5 million gift from Coastal Construction and will be named after the father of the company’s president and CEO, Thomas P. Murphy Jr. It will be certified for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design, and will feature about 20,000 square feet of space, including outdoor workspaces.

The space will fit more than 120 students and will have a fabrication lab, state-of-the-art work stations, a student lounge, a computer lab, presentation areas and review spaces.

During the groundbreaking ceremony last year, Stuart Miller, then chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, said the building would mark the next leap forward for the School of Architecture.

“At the heart and soul of what’s important to the university is the building process,” Miller said.

President Julio Frenk spoke about the school’s specialization in generating environments that are accessible and beneficial to the community and how the new building will emphasize this.

“Innovative leaders are creating the next generation of transformative students,” Frenk said of Murphy and his company’s contribution.

Rendering courtesy School of Architecture

FUTURE OF ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION: Designed by Arquitectonica, the new building will be a ‘catalyst for evolution.’

A team from the architecture firm Arquitectonica, led by School of Architecture adjunct fac-

ulty member Raymond Fort and founding principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia, designed the building.

UM lab examines how technology impacts architecture

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

W

hen UM School of Architecture Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury spoke at ‘Cane Talks during President Julio Frenk’s inauguration week, he talked about the fluidity of technology and design; he talked about an interactive coffee table that syncs visitors’ social media to their tabletop when they place their coffee mug on it; he spoke of architecture that responds to and monitors its environment. El-Khoury spoke of the innovative work happening in a nook of a lab called RAD-UM. RAD, which stands for Responsive Architecture and Design, is a curriculum adapted from a program el-Khoury developed in Toronto.

“We look at how technology impacts architecture,” said Christopher Chung, the research associate who oversees RAD’s work.

El-Khoury was Chung’s professor and thesis advisor in Toronto, and recruited him to come to Miami in January 2015.

Since then, the lab has grown to become a center for special projects and experiments in so-called smart design.

Chung said recent projects (2015-2016 was RAD’s first academic year) include working with augmented or virtual reality, embedded computing and responsive structures, such as a responsive algae facade the lab has been testing. Another growing focus for the lab – and the architecture school as whole – is the idea of “smart cities.”

“The dean’s work on the integration of embedded technology is only going to become more important as our world becomes more and more urban. Our cities do have to become smarter,” said Carie Penabad, associate professor and director of the bachelor of architecture program.

Smarter cities – those with the ability to monitor traffic patterns, climate change and energy conservation – will allow architects to adapt to a changing world and plan for the future.

This problem-solving chameleon quality of architects is increasingly important as places like Miami face issues such as rapid sea-level rise, according to Penabad.

“From the point-of-view of the architect, we don’t view the problem the way scientists view the problem … the architect is always looking at the problem in terms of the creation of a new world,” she said.

Despite its reputation for strenuous coursework and late nights (architecture students built a coffee cart specifically for their peers working late in the studios), the school’s hands-on, project-based approach and interdisciplinary learning sets it apart.

The RAD lab is a research facility that supports students and faculty, so students from various fields of study can work on projects for clients or even pitch their own projects to be funded and executed.

“RAD looks at these things so there’s an opportunity for students who are interested to explore these avenues and look at what are the possibilities for architecture in the future,” Chung said.

An important part of the architecture school’s appeal, Penabad said, is that it does not work in isolation; students and fac-

ulty work closely across schools within the university and engage with the communities they study, entering broader social, cultural and at times political arenas.

“We foster really rich interdisciplinary teams, and that’s not always easy to find,” Penabad said.

She said working with passion, tenacity and grit is important for the success of architecture students. A collaborative environment like the one in the studios, which are open 24 hours a day, helps mitigate the hurdles students face, she said.

“You have to be very dedicated and the hours are very long, but they’re also communal. You make meaningful friendships, friendships that really last.”

RESOURCES Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury architecturedeansoffice@miami.edu Advising Ana Santana Director of Academic Services asantana@miami.edu 305-284-3730

Summer 2016

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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Black Lives Matter course opens discussions about political movement, racial disparity

By Israel Aragon First Impression Staff

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hat started out as a mass movement following the controversial killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012 has become the bedrock of a new era of dialogue among college students nationwide.

At the University of Miami, it led to the creation of a class, Africana Studies (AAS) 290, also known as the Black Lives Matter class, a two-part course that aims to contribute to the conversation by informing students about the movement and its historical antecedents.

The course is taught by the director of Africana Studies, David Ikard.

“I believe that knowledge is power, and I believe that any time people are heated about this issue, they need to understand how to process

their outrage and harness it to promote the kind of change that will actually bring about social equality in this country,” Ikard said.

His goal, he said, is to provide students with “a cultural, intellectual and political context through which they can understand that movements like these have happened before.”

Ikard prepared a curriculum in which he could address the “issue of white supremacy,” highlighting racial disparity.

According to its syllabus, the class aims to introduce students to a number of theorists and activists by analyzing readings culled from an extensive list of works designed to elucidate U.S. race relations from statistical and personal viewpoints.

“We talk about everything from James Baldwin essays to whiteness studies while seeing that a lot of the things that students are experiencing now are unfortunately not terribly new. [These things are] actually part of a much more longstanding

RESOURCES Dean Leonidas Bachas bachas@miami.edu Advising Maria Stampino Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs mgstampino@miami.edu 305-284-4036 Freshman Advising Jan Williams-Eddleman jan@miami.edu Sara Ouimet slo29@miami.edu Ashe Annex 112 305-284-3437 Information: as.miami.edu/advising Appointments: umiami.gradesfirst.com Transfer Advising Suzanne Thomas-Hall sthomas@miami.edu 305-284-4333

Erum Kidwai // First Impression Staff

TIMELY TOPICS: Director of Africana studies David Ikard talks to his Black Lives Matter class (AAS 290) about the Black Lives Matter movement and its historical antecedents.

conversation about black liberation in the U.S.,” he said.

Antonio Mercurius, a health science major, took the course the first semester it was taught in the fall of 2015.

“This was a very different course from everything else I’ve taken,” Mercurius said. “This was

one of the first classes where I was challenged to think critically. It truly taught me how to argue on a whole different perspective.”

The Black Lives Matter movement has made itself present numerous times on campus in the form of panels, rallies and marches in response to the police-related killings of African Americans across the country.

Having taken part one of the two-part Black Lives Matter course, Mercurius emphasized the need to encourage further dialogue.

“The course really engages what it is like to be black in America and the struggles African Americans have gone through and continue to go through today,” Mercurius said.

“I believe that knowledge is power and I believe that any time people are heated about this issue, they need to understand how to process their outrage and harness it to promote the kind of change that will actually bring about social equality in this country,” Ikard said.

Section P of AAS 290, known as “Special Topics” on CaneLink, will be offered again in the fall semester of 2016.

Theatre department partners with arts center, county to train African-American actresses

By Alexis McDonald First Impression Staff

T

he Theatre Arts Department, in partnership with Miami-Dade County, Arts for Learning and the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, has developed an intensive three-year theater training program for African-American high school girls.

The accelerated theater arts program, which began in July 2016, was spearheaded by the award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, a professor of theater and civic engagement at UM. The selected students will perform a Greek play their sophomore year, write their own play as juniors and then write and perform their own play as seniors.

In addition to the hands-on experience the students will gain from McCraney, they will be partnered with undergraduates from the UM Theatre Arts Department who will serve as mentors.

McCraney, a Yale School of Drama graduate and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, decided to create a program that would afford young people the opportunity to develop the skills necessary in becoming an artist.

“Oftentimes, we said we want a very diverse community with lots of voices that come together at the table and meet,” he said. “Well, there are underserved parts of our community, and if there’s a way we can open up the channel of dialogue by sharing resources, that’s always helpful.”

He believes that the same chances given to young athletes to hone their craft should be provided for young artists.

“We know that young kids from a young age, they were playing Pop Warner or they were training in their sport,” he said. “But for some reason we just think with theater or television or filmmaking or storytelling, some leap is supposed to happen between high school and college – you’ve gotten your

10,000 hours and you can come in and be professional.”

A Miami native, McCraney says the diversity of South Florida’s community is MCCRANEY poorly represented in the region’s art.

“Florida has one of the largest populations of African Americans in the country,” he said. “You wouldn’t be able to know that by the art that comes out of Florida, and there’s something a little strange about that.”

The summer program is designed to help bridge that gap by offering students of color an opportunity to use the arts as a medium for telling their own stories and cultivating their talents.

“At the end of the day, how great would it be that we bring in a crop of students that came through our program into the gates of the University of Miami and let them know there is a place to continue their training here in Miami, in their community, a place that they love?” McCraney said.

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Summer 2016

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New: B.S. in geography, minor in geospatial technology

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

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tudents can now add two more areas of study to the more than three dozen majors and 40 minors offered in the College of Arts and Sciences at UM. Just in time for the incoming freshman class, the Department of Geography and Regional Studies within the liberal arts school added a Bachelor of Science in geography and a minor in geospatial technology.

Geography is the study of the earth’s physical features, how they are affected by the atmosphere and human interaction with these elements, including the distribution of populations, urban development and global health.

Geospatial technology is the tools and resources used to measure, analyze and conceptualize the earth’s physical features – often to facilitate human interaction with it – such as global positioning systems (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS).

The Department of Geography and Regional Studies offers specialized study in urban, environmental and medical geography, creating a space for geography and modern needs to meet.

According to Justin Stoler, assistant professor of geography and director of undergraduate studies in the department, many students from other fields of study have begun to recognize the merits of a supplementary education in geography.

“Geography courses are generally globally focused and rel-

evant to current events, and the geospatial technology courses build skills that are broadly applicable to virtually every program of study,” he said. “Even if you don’t pursue a geography program, our courses will make you a better biologist, historian, criminologist, et cetera.”

Stoler himself did not pursue geography until he was in his 20s, working as a management consultant and craving the outdoors – an “outdoors enthusiast and National Parks junkie trapped in Manhattan high-rise offices.”

It was not until he looked to merge his skills in information technology with his passion for nature that he found GIS and came to UM in the fall of 2012.

Stoler was one of the main proponents of reorganizing and repackaging the geospatial tech-

nology curriculum to make it available as both a minor and a major: B.S. in Geography.

Both options have the same core courses and emphasis on technology, with the major offering a richer, more in-depth exploration of the field.

The geospatial technology program is one of the only social science programs to offer “broad” career options that do not require a graduate degree, Stoler said, making it adaptive to a student’s plans.

“We build skills that allow students to start a career without graduate credentials, and that’s important for students who aren’t sure if they want to go to graduate school or first gain professional experience,” he said.

A graduate of the program can start a variety of careers right after undergrad, from

working in urban planning and sustainability to global health to environmental consulting.

Even if a student does not want to pursue a major or minor in the department, Stoler said learning about something removed from one’s course of study can be enriching.

“Have fun with your education, and always pursue your passions, but try taking a course about something you’ve never heard of before. Some of my most memorable courses from my undergraduate days had nothing to do with my majors,” he said.

The introductory course in geospatial technology is GEG 101: Digital Earth and will be offered in Spring 2017. Stoler said tech-savvy students may enroll in GEG 310: Geographic Information Systems I, which is offered every semester.

Alum launches USolar program for middle schoolers

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

T

hrough his experiences with outreach tutoring, recent UM grad Samuel Peurifoy discovered a lack of student excitement and interest toward the sciences in at-risk communities around Miami. Combining his fascination for research and his love of teaching, the chemistry and mathematics major started the USolar program in February 2015 to educate students in Miami middle schools about alternative energy with an emphasis on solar energy.

He credits the Clinton Global Initiative University with kickstarting the project when CGIU was held at UM in 2015. The Resolution Project Social Venture Challenge funded the development of the more than 80 devices USolar uses in lessons.

Peurifoy and his team of volunteers build small solar modules and take them to fifth-to-seventh grade classrooms and give interactive lectures about solar energy.

“I feel really strongly about earlier education,” he said. “I think middle school is particularly important because once you get to high school, most of the students really don’t want to be there, but in middle school, some of them are still kind of excited to see things.”

Photo courtesy Samuel Peurifoy

SOLAR STUDIES: Recent UM grad Samuel Peurifoy, founder of the USolar program, teaches at the Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School in Miami.

As of May, USolar works with four local middle schools, but Peurifoy said he hopes to expand the project by opening a chapter in New York, where he is completing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Columbia University.

In the meantime, recent UM grad Max Ferrari and senior Hannah Wavering will run the South Florida chapter.

Peurifoy said he hopes his alma mater will become an exemplary green institution in the next few years, especially given its geography.

“I think in the next few years, it should really be obvious that Miami – being in Florida, the sunshine state – that we are at the epicenter of excellent alternative energy initiatives.”

That tenacious attitude and work ethic is what allowed Peurifoy to make the most of his time at the university, he said.

“If someone tells you that something is way too difficult, you should probably try it because they usually just don’t want to do it themselves,” he said. “I ended up throwing myself at a second math major with a year and a half left... it was easily one of my most difficult and worthwhile experiences at UM.” Students who are interested in USolar can email usolarmiami@gmail.com.

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GOLDEN KEY INTERNATIONAL HONOUR SOCIETY community service, professional development, friendships, and scholarships!

MISSION:

to enable members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.

Visit miami.goldenkey.org for more information

Summer 2016

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS VYING FOR A CHANCE TO MAKE CONCEPT A REALITY

By Isabella Cueto News Editor and David Ufberg First Impression Staff

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ach year, the UM School of Business has up-andcoming entrepreneurs participate in the Business Plan Competition (BPC) to vie for the attention of potential investors and the chance to win part of $50,000 to make their vision come to life.

Last year’s competition began in late October, when students from un-

dergraduate, graduate and law school began submitting concept papers. As the judges narrowed down the field into finalists, those teams turned in more detailed business plans and ultimately, one grand prize winner took home $10,000.

In April, then-freshman Mark Akhimien won $2,500 for his entry, a citywide wi-fi plan, making him the first freshman to win in the contest. He was awarded the Heffner Fellowship, endowed by 1977 graduate William Heffner, CEO of Agg Rok Materials Company in Columbus, Ohio. The

fellowship funds internships for juniors and seniors at several universities in the United States. Although Akhimien did not meet the age requirement, he said Heffner advised him to still compete.

“He was impressed by my entrepreneurial mindset, being in the marketing workforce ... A student’s best teacher is experience, and working or interning while taking classes is the best way to see if what I’m studying is truly what I want to do after I graduate,” Akhimien said.

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Interim Dean Anuj Mehrotra anuj@miami.edu Advising newfreshman@ bus.miami.edu 305-284-4641

Mentors share experience, insight into business careers

Ethics Bowl competitors puzzle over challenges of real-life situations hould a police officer receive additional legal protection after a fatal shooting? Do fashion models with a high body mass index (BMI) promote unhealthy eating habits? Should a nursing home prevent a woman with dementia from having non-consensual sex with her husband?

UM students debated these types of challenging real-life situations in the 13th annual Ethics Bowl, hosted by the School of Business.

“The Ethics Bowl is important for all students, because we must address issues related to business, health, law, and the environment,” said Kassandra Samuel, president of the UM Ethics Society. “This competition encourages students to think on their feet and explore different viewpoints.”

A panel of six volunteer judges, including Joseph Centorino, executive director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, evaluated the teams’ presentations. “Competitions like this help students develop the moral reasoning skills to confront ethical issues,” said another judge, attorney Ryan Kairalla a 2008 graduate who was a member of the university’s first-place 2007 National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Team.

Anita Cava, professor of business law, director of the School’s Business Ethics Program, and co-director of the University Ethics Programs, called the Ethics Bowl a pillar in the school’s mission to develop principled business leaders.

Now the young entrepreneur is working for Alula, a venture that won the BPC graduate bracket.

“They’re some brilliant guys with a brilliant idea and tons of promise,” he said. “Our focus is on aerospace telecommunications by providing solutions to better track and micromanage aircrafts. ” The BPC is open to all students in good standing and all non-UM employee alumni. For details, email umbizplan@miami.edu or visit bus.miami.edu/events/entrep-competition.

RESOURCES

M Photo courtesy School of Business Administration MORAL REASONING: Students, including members of the UM Ethics

Society, participate in the 2015 Ethics Bowl.

“Ethics is a priority for the entire university as well,” she said.

Senior Nicholas Andoie, vice president of the Ethics Society, said the competition helps students sharpen their thinking and strengthen their presentation skills. For example, he and team members Faith Boone and Raina Coleman argued that promoting fashion models with a high BMI could lead to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other serious health conditions.

However, the opposing team of Faraah Bekheet, Arjun Malholtra and Max Shelvin said the media should encourage diversity, rather than focusing only on one type of woman.

“It’s important to have equal representation of body types in the media,” said Bekheet. “There are many larger women who want to see how fashions would look on them.”

Story courtesy of School of Business Administration.

arley Breslin, a junior in the School of Business majoring in finance, knows that advice from an experienced professional can be invaluable in planning a career path. That’s why she joined the school’s mentor program and soon connected with her mentor, Kimberly Arguello, an investment analyst with WE Family Offices who received her MBA in 2008 from UM. “Already, I have a better idea of where I want to be,” Breslin said. “I’m really looking forward to our next meeting.”

Breslin was among the 100-plus undergraduates, graduate students and mentors who helped kick off the 25th year of the school’s mentor program last fall.

“One of our top priorities is ensuring the relevancy of our educational programs,” said Gene Anderson, former dean of the School of Business, after welcoming the mentors and mentees. “Our mentor program gives students an opportunity for one-on-one personal engagement with community leaders, helping them connect the dots from the classroom to the business world.”

Erik Tarrash, a JD-MBA student, was mentored by Stephen Schaefer, a 1986 graduate of the MBA program and a senior VP at UBS Financial Services.

“I’ve worked with some great mentees through the years,” Schaefer said. “It’s a pleasure to help these motivated students, and I always learn something new along the way.”

“We’re very grateful to all our mentors who have given their time and their knowledge to helping our students,” said Nancy Hullihen, executive director of Alumni Relations and Development. “With today’s technology, you can be a mentor without having to live here in Miami.”

“This will be one of the best things you will get from the U,” said Marli Lutz, director of alumni relations and development, during the orientation for new mentees. “You won’t get a grade, but you will get the benefit of your mentor’s knowledge, experience and attention.”

That was certainly the case for Viviana Soto, a second-year MBA student who is spending a second year with her mentor.

“A good mentor can support you in many ways, from advising on resumes, cover letters and interviews to opening the door to internships and referrals,” she said. “I found the Mentor Program to be an incredible learning experience, while preparing you to go out to the world with greater knowledge and confidence.”

Story courtesy of School of Business Administration.

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ADVERTISEMENT FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

What is ‘CaneWatch?

‘CaneWatch is a secure reporting system used by the University of Miami to identify and address misconduct related to violations of university policies and procedures, and local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

You are encouraged to SPEAK UP and address your concerns anytime you observe or have knowledge of any inappropriate or prohibited conduct with regards to, but not limited to, the following areas: Financial Concerns Athletics Discrimination Harassment Research

Information Technology Student Employment Data Safety & Security Medical Billing & Compliance

Medical/UHealth Privacy Risk & Safety Matters Sexual Violence HIPAA

You can file a Report Anonymously at 1-877-415-4357 or Online at: tinyurl.com/CANEWATCH

If you have any questions please contact University Compliance Services at: 305-284-4636 or via email at: ucs@miami.edu

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH to WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 05

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INFO SESSION

POOL/BEACH DAY 1:00pm-3:00pm Location TBD

MOCKTAILS MIXER

7:00pm-9:00pm Storer Auditorium

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7:00pm-9:00pm Storer Auditorium

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SOCIAL EVENT

9:00pm-10:00pm Business School Courtyard

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SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION Interactive Media Center to house student-run advertising, PR agency

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

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he School of Communication (SoC) has embarked on an ambitious project that will be available to students as soon as this fall: an interactive media center that will house a live broadcasting studio, computer stations, work pods and a full-service, student-run strategic communication agency.

The Koenigsberg & Nadal Interactive Media Center (IMC) came about as an initiative to address the needs of both students and the community. In recent years, the School of Communication has made several moves to adapt to the changing tides of the business, such as departmentalizing programs, changing curriculum and investing in cutting-edge technology. The new center plans to address another need: connecting students to potential clients.

Samuel Terilli, chair of the Journalism and Media Management Department, said he frequently receives e-mails and phone calls from people looking for students to work for them.

“One of the reasons I love it, one of several, is I can say, ‘Well, and have I got a wonderful opportunity for you.

Contact so-and-so here and they’ll give you their rate schedule,’” Terilli said.

Students who work in the agency will have standardized rate sheets to give to clients, establishing a professional precedent for their work. Some students will be compensated and others will receive internship credit for working in the agency.

Although students will charge for their work, this center will not be a for-profit venture, Terilli said.

“The idea is that the center, if we’re lucky, will cover its costs and maybe benefit the students that are participating,” he said. “We’re not going into the advertising agency business and com-

Rendering courtesy UM School of Communication

FUTURE WORKSPACE: The Koenigsberg & Nadal Interactive Media Center will house a broadcasting studio as well as computer stations and work pods. peting with agencies. Obviously no university is equipped to do that.”

The benefit for students will be something both Terilli and Senior Development Director Brian Weinblatt said is crucial when entering the workforce: hands-on experience.

A space like the IMC will allow journalism students, advertising students and their peers from virtually every other field within the SoC to collaborate and come up with more creative

Non-profit organization 2LIVES revamped during PhilADthropy

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

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very spring semester, students from the School of Communication (SoC) take on a seemingly impossible job for the good of the community. They rebrand a select group of non-profit organizations with entirely new advertising materials – and they do it in 25 hours.

The 2LIVES Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in honor of slain journalist Steven Sotloff, was one of 13 local organizations to take part in the seventh-annual PhilADthropy in February.

The other foundations included Susan G. Komen of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, National Voices for Equality and the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Evelyn Choi // First Impression Staff

CREATIVITY FOR A CAUSE: Students design advertisements and marketing strategies for non-profit organizations during PhilADthropy in the School of Communication.

Professor Meryl Blau started PhilADthropy in 2010 with the goal of providing an imaginative way for students to learn what it was like to work for an advertising company. At the same time, they would help organizations that would otherwise be unable to hire an agency to do a complete rebranding.

solutions and ideas, benefiting both them and clients, Weinblatt said.

“Anything from video production at an event to a documentary film made, a traditional ad or PR campaign, a game developed, an app developed, a website developed, anything that the students will be able to handle,” Weinblatt said of the variety of services the center will provide.

Overseeing the work of the students will be a faculty adviser who will serve

The nonprofits receive about $10,000 worth of work, including advertising, print campaigns and social media, Blau said.

The students were introduced to each other on a Friday morning and briefed by their assigned organization on its marketing goals. It was then up to them to create a campaign by the next morning.

Coffees in hand, the students worked through the night to bring their teams’ concepts to reality by 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, when they presented the materials to their clients.

School of Communication Dean Gregory Shepherd said that PhilADthropy benefits all groups involved by combining work experience with community service.

“It is the best of two worlds,” Shepherd said.

“Students get real-world experience building campaigns, and at the same time, campaigns are built for those who really need it.”

2LIVES was founded by Arthur Sotloff and honors the memory of Sotloff ’s son, Steven Sotloff, a journalist from South Florida who was beheaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in 2014.

as the CEO of the agency and the quality controller.

According to Weinblatt, the center is the vision of SOC Dean Gregory Shepherd, and donors saw the potential, as well.

“We have really been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of a number of donors to the project,” he said.

The project’s cost is in the range of $2.5 million, with approximately $2 million for construction of the space and half a million for an endowment to support the activities of the space, including the additional wages for the faculty adviser.

The center will be home to an open, newsroom-style studio that will connect directly to Studio B, where UMTV, the student-run station, records its shows. It will also have several large touch screens along the edge, computers equipped with editing software, an enclosed working space and new furnishings.

The IMC was named after two lead donors, Bill Koenigsberg and Miles Nadal. Koenigsberg graduated from the UM School of Business. Nadal’s daughter is a student in the SoC.

Carlen Dickerson, a rising junior in the SoC, was awarded the first 2LIVES scholarship at UM in December 2015.

Arthur Sotloff said he was grateful that 2LIVES was selected for PhilADthropy. His organization was chosen from 120 applicants.

“I feel blessed that we had this opportunity,” Arthur Sotloff said. “We feel honored to be one of the orgs to be selected. This will help us spread awareness.”

RESOURCES Dean Gregory J. Shepherd shepherd@miami.edu Advising Marilyn Gonzalez Natieska Rivas Eva Alonso communication@miami.edu 305-284-5234

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPEMENT

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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

University of Miami collaborative Well-being research center will expand mental initiative helps artist regain his eyesight and relaunch his career health outreach to most vulnerable in community

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everal community partners will be able to improve their assessment and treatment of clients with mental health issues, thanks to a grant from the Health Foundation of South Florida.

“There is much to improve in the treatment of individuals who are most in need of quality counseling services for mental health and behavioral issues,” said UM Professor Daniel Santisteban, who heads the the Dunspaugh-Dalton Community and Educational Well-Being Research Center (CEW) at the School of Education and Human Development, which received the grant.

“We can and must do better for the most vulnerable in our community. This grant will allow us to work in a collaborative network. By focusing on evidence-based practices and the direct involvement of frontline providers, I believe we will.”

Through the $150,000 grant, the CEW will establish a practice improvement network with Banyan Health Systems, the

Institute for Child and Family Health, and Camillus Health Concerns. The goal is to build the capacity of these health care organizations to provide evidence-based services for underserved populations.

The project is important, says Santisteban, because although many innovative and effective evidence-based treatments in the areas of health promotion, mental health, and drug abuse have been developed through research, these treatments often fail to reach the frontlines of practice – falling short of the desired impact.

Within the network, the partners will work collaboratively to improve the access, quality and sustainability of services for those who are typically vulnerable and hardest hit by individual, family and community-level risk factors. The team will then identify, design and select new evidence-based treatments and fund training opportunities for frontline service providers.

Story courtesy of School of Education and Human Development.

RESOURCES Dean Isaac Prilleltensky isaacp@miami.edu

Advising Gina Astorini Assistant Dean gfastorini@miami.edu 305-284-3826

T

hanks to a collaborative initiative led by Beth Harry, professor of special education in the Department of Teaching and Learning, a 41-year-old artist from Trinidad is getting a fresh start in life. Selris James received sight-restoring cataract surgery at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute on a pro bono basis, and Harry organized an exhibition of his works to help James become a self-sustaining artist on his return to Trinidad.

“It was a great blessing in my life to meet Selris when he was 7,” said Harry, a native of Jamaica who lived in Trinidad and founded the Immortelle Children’s Centre, a school for children with disabilities, in memory of her daughter Melanie.

“He is a gifted artist who has faced an uphill struggle all his life.”

His mother, Gwenie Gomez-James, contracted rubella during her pregnancy and James was blind and deaf when he was born. He gained some sight in his left eye after childhood surgery, taught himself the letters of the alphabet by copying from Sesame Street, and began drawing cartoon-like

Photo courtesy School of Education and Human Development

HELPING HANDS: Professor Beth Harry, Selris James, Gwenie Gomez-James and Teaching and Learning Professor Kristen Schwarz Olmedo. art when he was 5. After being rejected from schools because of his double disability, Harry helped him enroll at the Immortelle Centre, where he stayed until age 21, his fees paid by the local Rotary Club.

“Selris demonstrated a tremendous artistic talent from an early age, but there has been little opportunity for him to express that in Trinidad,” said Harry. “So, this year, I launched a fundraising effort to bring him to Miami to see if his

vision and his communication skills could be improved. I’ve gotten a wondereful response from the entire university community.”

Bascom Palmer ophthalmologist Richard Lee, M.D., evaluated James and found that a cataract in his right eye had not been fully removed during childhood surgery.

On Oct. 13, Guillermo Amescua, M.D, a cornea specialist at Bascom Palmer, removed the cataract, which had turned into

a powder-like substance that inf lamed the retina.

“Because of the damage to his eye, we fitted Selris with a new pair of high powered glasses, giving him central vision of around 20-50,” Amescua said. “It was very gratifying to see his big smile when he put on the lenses and could finally see.”

Story courtesy of School of Education and Human Development.

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Makerspace provides access to state-of-the-art equipment, resources

“T

ruly a quantum leap forward for the college in both research and teaching.”

This is how Dr. Landon Grace, MAE assistant professor, describes the College of Engineering’s (CoE) Makerspace, an approximately 2,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility currently under development on the first floor of the McArthur Building.

As the faculty liaison for the Makerspace, Dr. Grace elaborates on the enormous benefits this lab will provide: access to a variety of high-quality 3D printers and fabricating equipment, the availability of a-time engineer and scientist for training purposes, and the ability to participate in actual industry projects.

“These are opportunities very few universities offer presently,” he said.

Dean Jean-Pierre Bardet describes the Makerspace as a fully-operational Materials Processing Laboratory offering educational and research activities for both the college’s students and faculty and Johnson and Johnson (J&J) professionals.

“It is a true Makerspace [as described by Educause] … a physical location where people gather to share resources, knowledge, ideas … to network and build.”

Dean Bardet also emphasizes that the CoE Makerspace’s interdisciplinary benefits are tremendous, allowing prototypes and designs, ranging from prostheses to composite models, to be created within hours.

One of the college’s most dedicated industrial partners, J&J, has invested in the college’s Makerspace, providing over $1 million in equipment related to polymer and metals processing, as well as the services of a fulltime on-site engineer to oversee the lab and its projects.

Not only will this collaboration provide the necessary equipment and required space to create prototypes and test models, but the Makerspace will also utilize the expertise of the fac-

ulty and J&J experts to develop joint research proposals and developmental projects. This partnership has been forged under the direction of several J&J leaders, including Joseph Sendra, Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, a CoE alumni and Visiting Committee Member.

“Mr. Sendra’s determination to develop actual hands-on learning opportunities was the aegis for this multi-faceted Makerspace here at the college,” Dean Bardet said. “We deeply appreciate Mr. Sendra and Johnson & Johnson’s investment in this project.”

CoE’s Makerspace, initiated in February 2016, includes the lab which will provide cooperative educational and research opportunities for both the college and J&J in the area of medical devices and consumer products. In addition to specific projects, the Makerspace will also offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to develop and submit grant proposals for joint research and developmental ventures as well as support Capstone projects in these areas.

Story courtesy of College of Engineering.

RESOURCES Dean Jean-Pierre Bardet bardet@miami.edu Advising Ramarathnam Narasimhan ram@miami.edu Trish Broadhurst pbroadhu@miami.edu Cassandra Sierra csierra@miami.edu 305-284-2408

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Engineering students help create change at home and abroad

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he College of Engineering engages its students and faculty in a variety of outreach activities that impact the community, both locally and globally. These various projects embody UM President Julio Frenk’s challenge to create a hemispheric and relevant university.

The Engineers Without Borders (EWB) organization involves its members in solving real-life problems that developing nations face every day. This summer, a team of six students and four advisers traveled to Huaquillas, Ecuador to investigate possible solutions to the village’s need for a viable sewage system. This project builds on the experiences of the past five years when a similar project was successfully designed and installed in the village of Las Mercedes.

Dr. Helena Solo-Gabriele, associate dean for research and

EWB adviser, points out that “the efforts of these students to improve a struggling community speaks to the basic tenet of engineering – use engineering principles to solve critical problems.”

Likewise, more than 300 Miami-Dade STEM high school students, their advisers and the superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public School System, Alberto Carvalho, recently participated in a BUILD-It event, sponsored by the College of Engineering American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The daylong program served as the finale to E-Week and also the springboard for a challenging and rewarding competition among the various schools’ teams to design and demonstrate successful engineering solutions to an aerodynamic problem.

“Engineers will shape the world to come … they will solve

Photo courtesy College of Engineering

LENDING A HAND: A team from Engineers Without Borders traveled to Huaquillas, Ecuador, this summer. the world’s critical issues … they will secure the future,” Dean JeanPierre Bardet said in his opening remarks. He also emphasized the need for those studying engineering to view themselves as global en-

trepreneurs, strategic thinkers and hemispheric leaders.

“The College of Engineering is actively working on establishing new industrial partnerships to engage in innovative entrepreneurial

29

projects,” he said. “We are deliberately increasing our outreach activities at all educational levels. We are striving to become a hemispheric, excellent, relevant and exemplary university and we welcome all of you to join in this effort.”

Dr. Carvalho echoed the dean’s remarks, stressing that each individual must be true to themselves and their dreams, work hard and strive to be the best they can possibly be in all their endeavors. He shared his own humble background as an example of how, through determination and concentration, any goal is possible.

Another significant outreach activity during E-Week in February was the traditional Introduce a Girl to Engineering event, sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), which brought more than 200 local high school female students to campus for a day long exploration of how STEM, and engineering in particular, can transform their educational goals and professional careers.

Story courtesy of College of Engineering.

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ADVERTISEMENT FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

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‘For the Record,’ new album from student-run label, showcases diverse talents of UM rising stars

By Emma Hanrahan & Emily Dabau First Impression Staff

’C

ane Records, the University of Miami’s student-run record label, released a new album during the spring semester, featuring 12 students and recent alums from the Frost School of Music.

Since its beginning in 1993, ’Cane Records has released more than 20 albums and is still one of the leading student-run record labels in the country. ’Cane Records President Emma Marzen said the artists worked hard to write and produce their own music.

“There is an independent spirit among all of these artists. I think they’re going to grow in many ways throughout the years, and you’re going to see more of them,” Marzen said.

Frost School of Music performers are known for their exceptional teamwork. This was evident at the Rat last spring when the participating musicians celebrated the release of the album, titled “For the Record.”

Frost exchange student Claudia Allard, a singer, said she loves to listen

Evelyn Choi // First Impression Staff

HIGH NOTE: Ashley Levin performs songs from the newly released ‘Canes Records album at the Rathskeller. to everyone’s unique talents, but most of all, she loves the welcoming team atmosphere within the department.

“Tonight’s great,” she said. “The atmosphere is amazing; the singers are amazing. I love listening to everyone’s different voices, ideas and styles, especially when they perform together.”

For the album, the ’Cane Records team chose UM students or recent alums, since they wanted the artists to be available to perform on campus, whether at the Wednesday farmer’s market or during a UMTV show, Marzen explained.

“In the past couple years we’ve done all-United States albums or

South Florida albums, but this year we decided we really wanted to have an all-University of Miami album just to showcase the extreme talent we have right here on our campus,” she said.

The team didn’t have any predetermined ideas for what it was looking for. As a result, the album consists of a variety of music styles, ranging from electronic to Latin pop.

“We look for any and all genres, any type of musician, from all walks of life at UM,” Marzen said. “We worked to see who would fit the best together even though they’re very contrasting pieces. They just sound effortless [when] they flow together and it’s a really nice compilation.”

Another recent project started by the label is the “Thank You, Come Again” sessions, a variety of live music videos made in trendy studios in Wynwood. The videos feature 10 of the artists who were available, playing live.

“Our biggest goal is always to help the artists, promoting them, making sure this label is for their benefit [and] to grow as they’re in school and to be found in the industry,” Marzen said. “We only pick independent art-

ists because we know that they are the ones that are able to grow the most.”

In addition, the label has hosted other events, such as workshops on making electronic press kits and on technical writing, offered to help singer-songwriters share their music.

“I think we’re moving into the future and trying to attack the new ways of disseminating music and just promoting these artists and helping them develop and be seen by those in the industry,” Marzen said. “They’re really talented, amazing artists, people and UM students. It’s really great to be able to support our family.”

RESOURCES Dean Shelton G. Berg sberg@miami.edu Advising Steven Moore Associate Dean smoore@miami.edu 305-284-6915

California Dreaming: Entering a new career stage, campus band Mint Trip moves across the country and releases its first EP

By Emily Dabau First Impression Staff

F

or artists making their way into the music industry, ’Cane Records, the student-run label at the University of Miami since 1993, serves as a platform to share and promote their music. Outgoing senior Brian Gross, a music engineering major, signed his band Mint Trip with ’Cane Records as a starting point for the band’s musical aspirations.

During the summer, he and band members Max Molander and

Amy Gionfriddo planned to take a road trip across the country to their new home of Los Angeles, where they would be signing withanother label and releasing their first EP. “It’s all been pretty surreal,” Molander said. “We’re not at the point where we’re supporting ourselves 100 percent yet on the band, although that is the goal … We’re really excited about this first EP that’s coming out. It’s been a year and a half in the making and it’s really shaping up.”

The band’s name, Mint Trip, encompasses just that, using “mint” to represent the idea of a

sensory overload and the band’s goals for the future.

“It evokes color, a flavor, a scent, and we’re trying to make a sound,” Gross said. “Mint Trip is the overall goal… We’re trying to tour internationally and do nothing but this. So the Mint Trip is the tour where we’ve made it. That’s what it is to us. A constant reminder of what we’re going for. Why we’re doing this is because we love music… It is not a hobby, it is life.”

The three musicians met at UM, where Gross and Molander focused on jazz while Gionfriddo worked on her master’s in classical voice performance.

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor

STUDENT SOUNDS: Mint Trip is composed of Brian Gross, Amy Gionfriddo and Max Molander.

ADVERTISEMENT FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Welcome to the “U” The School of Nursing & Health Studies welcomes all new and returning students to an exciting academic year School of Nursing & Health Studies

Simulation Hospital Opening Spring 2017

305.284.4325 | www.miami.edu/SONHS | FB

s e c i o h c k o o b t x te If you find an identical in-stock textbook for rent or purchase priced lower elsewhere, tell us. We’ll match it, right at the register!*

*Prices matched against Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chegg, or a local competitor. Excludes peer-to-peer marketplaces, Amazon’s warehouse deals (Gold Box), aggregator sites, digital books and publisher-direct prices. Price adjustments provided at time of purchase to customers with a printed screenshot or ad shown via mobile device of a competitivelypriced textbook, or within 7 days of the original transaction with original receipt. If the book is rented, the rental period must be the same as the bookstore’s. In-store only. Purchase and price adjustment differences will be provided on a store gift card. See store associate for full details.

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Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES

Rendering courtesy School of Nursing & Health Studies

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT: A rendering of the new 41,000 square-foot facility, designed to provide students with an immersive learning environment.

Rendering courtesy School of Nursing & Health Studies

REALISTIC RESOURCES: The simulation hospital, under construction next to the Schwartz Center for Nursing and Health Studies, will be outfitted with simulation intensive care units, advanced equipment and patient actors. ​

Simulation hospital to train nursing students in cutting-edge technology

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

I

n April, the School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) was awarded $1.7 million to create the Helene Fuld Resource Skills Center in one of the nation’s first education-based simulation hospitals. Construction on the five-story, 41,000 square-foot facility began in November 2015.

The Skills Center will take up the entire fifth f loor of the building and will allow students to practice their skills via immersion in a life-like environment.

The money will also fund three years of scholarships for eight full-time students per year in the school’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

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“The simulation hospital will be a destination center for cutting-edge education,” said Nilda Peragallo Montano, the Dean of SONHS. “I hear from community partners that they love hiring our graduates, and that is because of the preparation that each of them undertake in their course. This will redefine excellence in healthcare education.”

Each department will be outfitted with standardized patient actors — human actors who portray patients with real life symptoms — and have a designed purpose to familiarize nursing students with different scenarios.

The emergency department will have six Emergency Response bays where students can tackle a range of critical issues, including caring for trauma victims or treating chemical exposure. Even the seem-

ingly simple procedures such as patient transport and hand-offs to different rooms will be taught.

The simulation hospital will also include intensive care units with the same high-tech equipment found in hospitals, labor and delivery rooms to simulate birth, and what-if scenarios for situations like a sick newborn baby.

The new construction was met with affirmation from President Julio Frenk, who has an extensive background in healthcare.

“I am a strong believer in using simulation as education,” Frenk said. “We can profit and exploit human errors, which will teach humans to learn from their mistakes.”

The idea for the simulation hospital was conceived at the SONHS’s 65th anniversary, two years ago. While the nursing school currently has a 5,500 square-foot simulation center, a simulation hospital is thought of as a huge upgrade.

Luis Diaz-Paez, a SONHS graduate, said his experience in simulations helped him as a nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

“Simulation provides the students with a f light-or-fight ambiance in a safe, controlled environment, without the risk of losing a life,” he said.

Isabella Cueto contributed to this report.

RESOURCES Dean Nilda Peragallo Montano nperagallo@miami.edu Advising Andrea Alvarez aca106@miami.edu 305-284-4325 Pamela Salemi Psalemi@miami.edu 305-284-4325

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HURRICANES HELP THE HOMETOWN DAY OF SERVICE Saturday, October 29th - 9:00 AM HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN PAGEANT Tuesday, November 1st - 7:00 PM ALMA MATER SINGING COMPETITION - FINALS Thursday, November 3rd - 10:45 AM HOMECOMING PARADE Friday, November 4th - 7:00 PM

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Summer 2016

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ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

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ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE Hurricane in a tank allows researchers to study impact of a Cat 5 monster

By Sophie Barros First Impression Staff

T

he Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) has opened a laboratory that is revolutionizing the way researchers examine hurricanes.

The Surge-Structure-Atmosphere-Interaction facility, or SUSTAIN, which is inside the $50 million Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex, is a 38,000-gallon tank that is capable of simulating Category 5 hurricane conditions.

Dr. Brian Haus, director of the facility, said the project has changed the student experience at RSMAS. “Students can be at the forefront of research involving winds and waves and wave dynamics,” Haus said. “It enables them to interact with top scientists from around the world that are coming to use the facility in addition to our own people here at UM.” The facility was created in collaboration with the College of Engineering, which handled many of the initial simulations and designs. According to Haus, having engineers involved in the research process is also signif-

Climate Change Survey showcases university’s research initiatives

By Nadijah Campbell First Impression Staff

M

iami is considered ground zero when it comes to global warming, so both the reputation and even the physical location of the University of Miami are at risk of disappearing if climate change is ignored. Luckily, it seems many people at UM do care.

Hoping to keep UM alive, faculty, staff, students and alumni have all had a helping hand in contributing to discussions and advancements in technology

icant because it allows results to be applied to their particular career area.

“This facility is important for a number of things,” Haus said. “One, of course, is for planning better hurricane forecasts … but it is also important for engineers, who need to assess how to build structures that can withstand the conditions that the storm can produce.”

There’s no facility that can match our ability to combine size, strength and speed to simulate hurricanes.

-Nathan Laxague The research being produced at SUSTAIN goes beyond the university. Researchers engage with the community through outreach programs on campus, allowing locals to understand current meteorological issues and the science behind them. In addition, Haus said that there has been a lot of outreach to media outlets about the work that is being done to produce better and more accurate forecasting.

that aid for a future where Miami can exist despite threats of sea levels rising and other possible disasters.

Among those concerned is senior Sam Peurifoy, who has developed the USolar program to take charge and make a difference. The USolar program helps to inform underprivileged youth about the sun’s untapped potential for providing energy and offers workshops where students can learn to build solar-powered devices such as fans.

After President Julio Frenk’s inauguration, programs like Peurifoy’s have been receiving special attention. In the past year, UM has made more efforts in recognizing and implementing initiatives that focus on making people in Miami more environmentally aware.

“UM has really improved recently with respect to green contributions to the community,” Peurifoy said. “Between the Climate Special Report and Green U’s active involvement in alternative energy

UNIQUE FACILITY: SUSTAIN is a 38,000 gallon tank that can simulate catastrophic wind conditions.

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor

The sheer uniqueness of the facility makes it a coveted one on a global scale. During the inauguration ceremony in 2014, Nathan Laxague, a fourth-year Ph.D. student working in Applied Marine Physics, expressed the excitement of all students to have a first-class laboratory at their fingertips.

“There are other wave tanks that are longer,” Laxague said. “There are other wave tanks that are wider. There are wind tunnels that can go faster. But there’s no facility that can match our ability to combine size, strength and speed to simulate hurricanes.”

With people all over the world wanting to use the innovative complex, the student experience can become more diversified and interactive.

“This is the largest wind/wave facility in the world that can generate this kind of wind speed,” Haus said. “It’s a unique facility, so scientists all over the world will be interested in using it. It puts us ahead because we learn things from them, they learn things from us and that really enhances the experience of the students here.”

implementation, UM continues to set an example for how we should approach environmental issues.”

To showcase these initiatives, a Climate Change Special Report was put together by University Communications. The report took approximately six months to compile and includes the work of all of UM’s 11 schools and colleges.

“We were all interested and very amazed at the amount of work happening on campus around this area in nearly every school and college,” said Peter Howard, Executive Director for University Communications. “I think that really is a testament to the university and its focus on making research and scholarship around climate change one of its main initiatives.”

Howard said he hopes that the climate change report will be reviewed and will help to inspire more to make a difference in the environment they live in.

Even if the only impact is a debate on

what Miami’s role is in global warming, all discussions are welcome.

For more information on what Miami has done in advancements on climate change, view the report at www.climate. miami.edu.

RESOURCES Dean Roni Avissar dean@rsmas.miami.edu Advising Whitney Nolton wnolton@rsmas.miami.edu 305-284-2180

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UM HISTORY FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

UM HISTORY

First African-American professor recalls his days at the U

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

A

lthough the University of Miami was one of the first Southern colleges to integrate when it opened admission to all students in 1961, the school had no black professors until Whittington Johnson was hired in 1970.

Johnson, who is now 84 years old, has an extensive resume: three-time history department chair, director of the African-American Center, professor emeritus and member of the Iron Arrow Society.

He was born in Miami to Bahamian parents, attended local public schools, including Booker T. Washington High, and became vice president of his graduating class. He was the first person in his family to receive a college degree, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history from West Virginia State College, and went on to become second lieutenant in the Army Reserve – the only black officer on his base.

“Indeed, the Army helped me in more ways, but I know the one – among the

things it taught me was respect for subordinates, people in subordinate positions to me,” Johnson said. “And I remember that; that stuck with me to the extent that when I started teaching, I would not dare embarrass a student in class.”

Johnson arrived at UM in 1970. He seldom taught black history – only once every two years – and filled his time mostly with other history courses. He said the students embraced the uniqueness of his position as a black professor, and some even grew long-term friendships with him.

“I always looked upon my students as my adoptive sons and daughters. And we developed a kind of relationship that many of them come by. We talk for a long time and so forth, and even today,” Johnson said.

He was asked to become chair of the history department in 1976 and accepted the position, but stepped down a year later after a disagreement. Johnson wanted to establish a pay scale for the professors, ranging from associate professor to tenured professor and beyond, but the university did not agree.

“I guess I was idealistic. I’m an Army man so basically, in the Army, you take care of your men, you know? I felt the same thing. As chair, it’s my job to look after my professors,” Johnson said.

At one time, of the 364 faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences, he was the only black person. As time went by, however, the university slowly recruited more black faculty members.

“I don’t know whether hiring me was an experiment, but I think what it may have done anyway, it may have made it easier for them to bring other folks in because, basically, I didn’t lay an egg,” Johnson said.

However, pushing the university forward and forging a way for other black scholars was not his goal when he became a professor, Johnson said.

“My goal here was … I would one day want to write an award-winning book, which I never did. But it was never paving the way for others. I just didn’t look at it that way,” he said.

On Dec. 3, 2015, President Julio Frenk announced in a letter to the UM community his initiative to diversify the university.

The letter said the university would work to admit and to matriculate the largest percentage of black students among our “peer institutions” and to recruit more black faculty.

Victoria Mckaba// First Impression Staff

PIONEEER: Professor Whittington Johnson was the first black professor at UM when he was hired in 1970 in response to student protests.

Sebastian the Ibis, one of many traditions that boost campus spirit

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

A

t the University of Miami, beloved traditions help forge a sense of belonging among the community and make the institution unique. Here is a list of some of the things that will become part of your life

as a Cane.

ALMA MATER

To honor UM at football games and other events, the crowd sings the Alma Mater while raising and waiving a pointed index finger while singing: Southern suns and sky blue water, Smile upon you Alma mater; Mistress of this fruitful land, With all knowledge at your hand, Always just to honor true, All our love we pledge to you.

Alma Mater, stand forever On Biscayne’s wondrous shore.

HOMECOMING

An annual weeklong event that celebrates university history and welcomes alumni back to campus, Homecoming includes a series of friendly competitions between student organizations.

These events, such as an alma mater singing competition, organized cheer and community service, incorporate a particular theme chosen each year.

HURRICANES

When the UM football team was created in 1927, the players wanted to emulate the natural disaster and sweep all opponents away, like the devastating hurricane of September 1926 had decimated the young UM campus. The name is now associated with all of UM’s sports teams.

IRON ARROW

The honor society that is considered UM’s highest attainable honor, Iron Arrow inducts members based on leadership, love for the alma mater, character, scholarship and humility.

ORANGE, GREEN AND WHITE

The official colors of UM were inspired by the colors of Florida’s orange trees. Orange symbolizes the fruit of the tree, green represents the leaves and white is for the blossoms.

SEBASTIAN THE IBIS

One of the most recognizable mascots in the nation, Sebastian is present at UM games – and even some campus events – to hype up the crowd and show UM spirit. He leads the Canes spellout, where the crowd yells “C-A-N-E-S” as Sebastian forms the letters with his body. The ibis was chosen as the university’s mascot because it is the last species of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear after the storm.

THE U

In order to distinguish the University of Miami from other universities that also have the initials “UM,” such as the University of Michigan, the “U” was suggested by Miami designer Bill Bodenheimer. This led to slogans like “U gotta believe” and “It’s all about the U.” In 2009, the university adopted the split-U logo as its official symbol.

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

UM HISTORY

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Love Bridge bricks eternalize relationships

By Alexis McDonald First Impression Staff

T Giancarlo Falconi // First Impression Staff

A NEW WAY TO CROSS THE LAKE: The Weese Family, President Julio Frenk, members of the Board of Trustees, and UM administration gather for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Fate Bridge in October.

Fate Bridge honors philanthropist through poetic lines with personal meaning

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

“I

am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

The last two lines of the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley were words that the late Alexander Grass lived by. These words that meant so much to him and his children were inscribed on the Lake Osceola pedestrian bridge that opened last fall.

Spanning the stretch from the Eaton Residential parking lot to the Lakeside Patio, the 210-foot bridge has the lines of Henley’s poem engraved on the floor of both entrances. Through a naming gift from his family, the poem lent the words to the bridge’s name: Fate Bridge.

Grass’s granddaughter, Hannah Weese, who graduated from the University of Miami in May, said she hoped that the words will inspire other students as much as they have inspired her.

“The words are important to my grandfather because he came from nothing and he really believed that if you want something and you worked hard for it, you would get it,” Weese said. “I think that’s very indicative of his life in general, and he – in my opinion – passed that mentality onto his children, who passed it onto their children.”

When Weese learned about the plans to build the bridge, she spoke to her parents about it.

“I believe my exact words to my mom by text were, ‘Hey mum, want to build a bridge?’” Weese said. “I asked half-jokingly, but when I found out she was considering

it, we contacted the alumni relations and from there, we got the ball rolling.”

The Grass Family Foundation, named after Weese’s grandfather, donated $1 million toward the building of the bridge.

A self-made businessman who founded the Rite Aid corporation, Grass joined the Navy and went to the University of Florida to get his law degree using the G.I. bill.

He started a chain of businesses and his own foundation in 1972, when he made it a point to give back to the community. He died on Aug. 27, 2009.

“My father had an incredible life,” Elizabeth Weese, Hannah’s mother, said in a press release. “One full of choices and decisions. He followed his gut and stood by those decisions. Funding a bridge that will be well-traveled by students in a place where choices abound seems very profound to me. I think he would be proud.”

College of Engineering and School of Architecture students took part in the construction of the bridge. Under professor Antonio Nanni’s guidance, the students assisted the construction company Moss & Associates and the noted Miami architecture firm Arquitectonica in the completion of the bridge by installing glass fiber-reinforced polymer rebars (GFRP) to help prevent corrosion, and data-collecting sensors that will help to monitor the longevity of the bridge.

The bridge is part of a master plan to improve the circulation around Lake Osceola. Janet Gavarrete, associate vice president of Campus Planning and Development, emphasized the convenience of the bridge, especially with regard to easing foot traffic from commuters who park in the more than 1,600 parking spaces in the Pavia and Merrick garages.

he Love Bridge outside of the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center gets its name from gesture: a $50,000 donation to create a gift “that would stay and be permanent.”

The idea to engrave bricks on the bridge was Patti Herbert’s, and it came with the donation in 2004. The couple, both UM alumni, donated another $8 million to the school in 2008 to fund a large expansion of the center.

Since 2004, the Wellness Center has sold more than 300 love bricks, each one holding a different memory. The love bricks have become lasting symbols of love for University of Miami students, faculty and alumni.

Some bricks showcase relationships dating back to the 1950s. Alum Arnold Odio met his wife during their graduate school days in 1970 and decided to buy a love brick for their 44th anniversary on Valentine’s Day last year. In addition to buying the love brick, Odio and his wife renewed their vows on campus during a Hurricanes basketball game.

While the expression of love is often associated with romantic relationships, Carmen Gilbert, senior administrative assistant at the Wellness Center, said she purchased a love brick to celebrate the strength of her mother, who survived cancer.

“She fought her hardest through her illness,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert has been working with the love brick program for eight years. She calls it the best part of her job because she gets an opportunity to meet people and share their stories.

“I get a close bond with them,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert remembers helping an international couple from Singapore with their brick. The bride-to-be wanted to surprise her fiancé, so she contacted Gilbert via email, and Gilbert walked her through the entire process. Once the brick was ready, Gilbert took photos of the brick and sent it to the bride-to-be, who surprised her fiancé on their wedding night with a photo montage that included photos of their brick.

The $500 donation for the love brick goes to the Wellness Center’s CHAMP assessment, which is used to help students achieve their wellness goals. The assessment was endowed in 2004 as part of the Herberts’ $50,000 gift. To order a love brick, contact Carmen Gilbert at 305-284-8512 or cburgess@miami.edu.

Evelyn Choi // First Impression Staff

WRITTEN IN STONE: In front of the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, the love bricks publicly proclaim love found at the University of Miami, and help fund wellness center programs.

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LENNAR FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

LENNAR HEALTH CENTER

Campus facility to provide easy access to top quality health care

T

he Lennar Foundation, the charitable arm of The Lennar Corporation, has given a lead gift of $50 million to name the UHealth at Coral Gables ambulatory center.

To be located on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus, the 200,000­square­foot outpatient center will provide easy access to UHealth’s leading physicians for surrounding communities as well as UM students, faculty and staff.

It is scheduled to be completed this fall.

The Lennar Foundation Medical Center will deliver the services of the UM Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and the University of Miami Health System, including specialty care by the renowned Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, ranked the No. 1 eye hospital in the nation for the past 11 years.

The facility will also include urgent care, outpatient surgery, men’s and women’s health, sports medicine, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, and other UHealth subspecialties.

Plans include moving the UM Student Health Center from the academic core of the campus to the new UHealth Coral Gables facility, giving students convenient access to the UM medical specialties under one roof.

The LEED­ - certified outpatient facility, designed by architect company Perkins+Will, will be located at 5550 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, a short walk from the University Metrorail station.

The center will be connected to a 1,000-space parking garage by a covered pedestrian bridge.

“Lennar was born 60 years ago, in 1954, building homes in the South Dade community,” said Marshall Ames, chairman of The Lennar Foundation. “Our first office was in a home we built on Coral Way and Southwest 87th Avenue.

Our roots, and our home office,

Rendering courtesy UM OUTPATIENT CENTER: The Lennar Foundation Medical Center will deliver the services of the medical school and the University of Miami Health System.

have been here for all of those 60 years. Our founder, Leonard Miller, for whom the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is named, created The Lennar Foundation in 1989 with the express purpose of giving back to the communities where we have built homes, the communities that helped us become the company we are. It is therefore somewhat full circle that today, at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center, we can help the residents of South Dade receive quality medical care right here in their community.”

Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., former dean of the Miller School of Medicine, said the gift from The Lennar Foundation would impact health and medicine across all of South Florida.

“Every patient in South Florida will benefit from improved care as a result of this visionary gift.

This facility will host the best doctors and nurses in the region, and they will deliver the most advanced health care for South Florida and beyond.”

“We are grateful to The Lennar Foundation for this commitment to improve health care for the community as well as the University community,” said Sergio M. Gonzalez, UM senior vice president for University Advancement and External Affairs. UHealth is a vital component of the community.

The University of Miami Health System delivers leading­ -edge patient care by the region’s best doctors, powered by the groundbreaking research and medical education of the University of

Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. UHealth’s comprehensive network includes three hospitals and more than a dozen outpatient facilities in Miami­Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Collier counties, with more than 1,300 physicians and scientists.

For more information on UHealth at Coral Gables, visit w w w.uhealthsystem.com/locations/coralgables Story courtesy of UHealth.

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

CAMPUS LIFE Dining services staff meets regularly with students to develop, expand options for those following vegetarian and vegan diets

By Olivia Osburn First Impression Staff

I

n order to expand their campus dining options, vegan and vegetarian students have been meeting with senior dining facility administrators to taste-test new dishes, learn about the food preparation process and collaborate on incorporating new meal choices into the on-campus dining menu.

“We’re really looking to communicate and get feedback,” said Michael Ross, director of the University of Miami’s Dining Services. “This is the chance for us to learn about how we can fully provide for our vegans and vegetarians on campus.”

For Natalie Hickerson, a vegan and a rising sophomore, the meetings are a matter of knowing the quality of what she is eating.

“The meetings give me a way to directly talk to the people making my food so that I’m able to eat on campus without issue,” said Hickerson. “I get to ensure that I get quality food that tastes good.”

The students have relayed their thoughts on the dining experience, anything from how to cook pasta to how to season vegetables, openly discussing their preferences with staff.

Some of the issues addressed have included incorrect labeling, meat or dairy-contaminated plating and food quality.

File Photo

MULTIPLE CHOICES: The Corner Deli in Outtakes provides dining options for those looking to eat kosher.

“We want people to feel comfortable bringing up issues to management if they’re unhappy or something is wrong, so we can make these corrections and provide the best dining experience possible and accommodate everyone,” Director of Operations

Joey Sanchez said. Resident dining services have been working to provide more variety for vegetarian and vegan students. Directors and those in management are working to increase the amount of fresh produce and herbs offered, as well as to find ways to

CAMPUS LIFE

41

improve meat substitutes. Through meetings and collaborating with new food vendors, the Stanford-Hecht and Mahoney-Pearson dining halls are bringing new dishes to the table.

“We’ve brought in vegan logs and veggie nuggets that are always available to students at the grill station, in addition to our garden burger, black bean burger and vegan burger,” Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall Manager Krysta Samuel said.

The Stanford-Hecht dining hall opens its Cane Zone to all students during lunch, which serves vegan and vegetarian options including varieties of hummus, salads and pastas.

UM Dining also works with vendors to bring vegan options to the food court. Fresh Fusion, in the Shalala Student Center, caters to vegetarian and vegan customers.

To learn about new initiatives, events and updates, follow UM Dining on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or use #UMDining to have your message or picture posted on the social media feed in the food court.

ON-CAMPUS DINING FOOD COURT Burger 305

The newest venue at the Hurricane Food Court boasts a diner-style menu featuring savory and juicy burgers, chicken tenders and sandwiches, fries and creamy milkshakes.

Innovation Kitchen

Start your morning with a delicious Latin breakfast featuring Cuban coffee, café con leche, and a variety of pastries and sandwiches. For lunch or dinner, indulge in Italian dishes such as handmade pizzas, pastas and paninis.

Outtakes

Outtakes is equipped with all of your convenience needs: snacks, onthe-go sandwiches and salads, coffee, bottled beverages and sundries.

Panda Express

This go-to spot for Chinese cuisine provides rice and noodle entrees with a variety of favorites, including broccoli beef, teriyaki and orange chicken.

Pollo Tropical

This Miami favorite serves Caribbean-inspired cuisine, including slow-roasted pork and grilled chicken platters, flavorful salads, sandwiches and wings.

Subway

This popular sandwich spot in the center of the Hurricane Food Court serves custom subs made fast and fresh.

SHALALA STUDENT CENTER

OTHER RETAIL OPERATIONS

Fresh Fusion

Courtside Eatery

This fully vegetarian concept serves a variety of flavors, including Mediterranean or roasted vegetable naan salads, ramen and rice bowls, specialty grilled cheese and an amazing veggie burger with a chipotle aioli.

Jamba Juice

This local sushi concept brings a variety of fresh made rolls, ramen, pad thai, bubble teas, and more.

In addition to flavorful smoothies and juices made with fresh fruits and vegetables, Jamba Juice also serves items such as oatmeal, flatbreads and energy bowls.

Inside Outtakes is UM’s kosher venue, fully equipped to provide deli sandwiches, shawarma, hot entrees, salads and soups.

The Rat is one of the most popular spots on campus and serves casual favorites including burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Choose from an extensive menu of salads and wraps or create your very own. You can toss up anything and they’ll build your meal right in front of you. Soups, drinks and desserts are also available.

Grab your favorite latte or refresher at Starbucks for an afternoon pick me up or indulge in a sweet or savory pastry overlooking Lake Osceola.

Sushi Maki

The Corner Kosher Deli

Tossed

Rathskeller

Starbucks

Refuel after your workout in the Wellness Center with a healthy blended fruit smoothie, fresh salad or delicious wrap.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Located in the Law School, Einstein Bros. Bagels offers delicious coffee, bagels, sandwiches and more.

Half Moon Empanadas

Fresh and flavorful empanadas are available at Half Moon’s kiosks at Jenkins, the School of Communication and the Business School.

Lime Fresh Mexican

Overlooking the pool in the University Center, this fast casual concept offers students a taste of Mexican cuisine, with menu items such as tacos, fajitas, salads, quesadillas and burritos.

Sebastian’s Café

Located inside the Alumni Center, Sebastian’s is serves lunch and

dinner items, including pressed sandwiches, salads and soups.

Starbucks At Richter Library

Take a quick study break for a boost of caffeine at the Starbucks right outside the Richter Library.

RESIDENTIAL DINING HALLS Two residential dining halls are available to students, Hecht-Stanford and Mahoney-Pearson. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night service (at Hecht-Stanford only) are available to students with a meal plan or those who wish to enjoy an all-you-care-toeat venue. Takeout is also available, with a variety of items to choose from.

The University of Miami requires all undergraduate students who live on campus to purchase a meal plan based on their dining habits. For more information about these plans and campus dining, contact Dining Services at diningservices@miami.edu or visit www.miami.edu/dining-services.

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ADVERTISEMENT FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

HUNGRY?

2 Resident Dining Halls Purchasing a meal plan is the most flexible and economical way to eat on campus! Choose from any of our plans depending on your schedule and appetite. All meal plans give you access to both Hecht-Stanford and Mahoney-Pearson Residential Dining Halls.

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Both dining halls feature extended day time hours, late-night weekend dining, and monthly themed dinners. Each is a buffet-style setup with options to satisfy all taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

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A variety of meal plans have been designed to accommodate all of your nutritional needs despite your busy schedule.

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50 meals in either Resident Dining Hall per semester.

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Call us at (305) 284-3584, email us at diningservices@miami.edu, visit www.dineoncampus.com/miami, or stop in our office located in the Hurricane Food Court.

Summer 2016

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By Krista Schubert First Impression Staff

C

By Danielle Krueger First Impression Staff

D

CAMPUS LIFE

Campus towers house freshmen, foster inclusiveness

Her job: To help students thrive while at the U r. Kysha Harriell is an assistant clinical professor in the College of during the day. The rest of her time is spent as a senior resident faculty in Stanford Residential College, where she is responsible for making sure the students there have programs to enrich their college experience, and for providing an ear when they need someone to talk to.

The members of the senior resident faculty serve as role models in the residential community. Since Harriell accepted her position in 2012, she has focused on guiding students toward making positive decisions.

“I hope I give students insight into all the different options and opportunities available at the university,” she said. “Often, these conversations are related to majors, minors, cognates, student organizations and internship opportunities. I hope that I empower students to make decisions that are right for them and them alone.”

It was one of Harriell’s students who urged her to take on the senior resident faculty job.

“One of my favorite students was a [Residential Assistant] and kind of a mini-me,” she said. “She would tell me about all of her duties, and I found that it was time for me to give back and meet people outside of my major so I could connect more with campus.”

The University of Miami’s residential colleges – Eaton, Hecht, Mahoney, Pearson and Stanford – house all the first-year students and many other underclassmen. Most first-year students live in Stanford, Hecht or Eaton, with a few exceptions. They all have at least one, and sometimes as many as three, senior resident faculty members. Although they have office hours, the senior resident faculty members are generally available to students 24/7.

They lead the staff in organizing programs such as field trips, socials to allow students to get to know each

FIRST IMPRESSION

HARRIELL other, and speakers on topics ranging from safe sex to academics.

It’s the presence of live-in faculty that makes for the biggest difference between residential colleges at the U and dorms at other colleges and universities.

“Faculty involvement outside of the classroom adds to the student learning experience and makes our residential colleges a true learning environment,” Harriell said. The five residential colleges were established in 1984 by President Edward Foote to promote the living and learning experience.

Among the programs planned for students, one of her favorites was called “What Faculty Don’t Tell You,” which allowed students to ask professors any question they might have.

“It really helped with putting that human face to the professor,” she said. “It helped students feel comfortable asking professors questions they might’ve been afraid to ask. The personal aspect allowed students to be like, ‘Hey, they’re like us.’”

Hannah Bernstein, who lived in Stanford Residential College her freshman year, said that she has always felt comfortable with her living situation and the resources the dorm provides.

“I know that there is always someone there to talk to if I need help or advice,” she said. “There are constantly fun things going on to get students involved.”

Harriell said the senior resident faculty members have a unique approach to the guidance and academic counselor roles they sometimes have to take on.

“I think we all have our niches and specialties, but we’ve been trained in all majors so we can help,” she said.

“Along with our experience of being faculty members, we get appropriate training to help us serve as a campus resource.”

onnected by a concrete bridge that spans the width of the slow-moving canal leading into Lake Osceola, Stanford and Hecht Residential Colleges tower over the rest of the buildings on campus.

Along with a few wings inside nearby Eaton Residential College, these two 12-story buildings are home to the University of Miami’s first-year students.

Conveniently located in Eaton, the Department of Housing and Residential Life (HRL) works to enhance the out-of-classroom experience for students living on campus. HRL provides a full range of services, including on-campus housing and living and rooming assignments. It also helps upperclassmen find off-campus housing.

Beginning this fall, HRL will be offering gender-inclusive housing to interested students. This style of housing eliminates same-sex restrictions in room assignment in order to establish a sense of inclusiveness and acceptance of diverse identities.

“It’s certainly a new initiative for all of us, but one that I think will be really good for us,” said Chris Hartnett, the director of residential life.

In addition to providing housing, HRL offers a variety of educational programs that have both social and cultural experiences weaved into them, from guest lectures and faculty dinners to trips to the Everglades and Miami Heat games. Because these trips are built into the cost of living on campus, students don’t need to pay extra to participate.

“There is something going on almost every night of the week so that people can never say that they’re bored or that they have no plans,” Hartnett said.

Despite all of the fun activities, moving away from home and being away from parents for an extended period of time can still be difficult for students who are coming from across the country or abroad. To help them with the transition, HRL provides a Resident Assistant on each floor of the freshman dorms. Each residential college also has live-in faculty

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief

MORE THAN DORMS: Hecht and Stanford are home to a large number of UM’s freshmen. members, known as faculty masters, who encourage student growth by hosting programs in their homes and working with them to plan seminars, study breaks and extracurricular activities.

RAs help students get to know the campus, prepare for classes and get through all of the first-year struggles and stresses. Junior Ryan Kesselring, a triple major in political science, economics and finance, has helped students ease into these transitions for the past two years as a Resident Assistant in Hecht.

“I think it’s a lot of fun getting to see how much some of the residents change over the year,” Kesselring said. “Since I am in the freshman dorms, it’s a really dramatic change that maybe you don’t see in some of the upperclassmen dorms; but you get to see the quieter guys get to know everyone on the floor and really start to become a part of campus and make friends and really break out of their shell.”

According to Hartnett, the students are able to gain a sense of belonging pretty quickly because they’re all going through similar experiences.

“Lifelong friendships form from living together as a community on a floor,” he said.

After living in Hecht for a year, Elizabeth Acevedo, a double major in microbiology and immunology, agreed.

“I think one of the best things that UM has to offer is that it’s a very tight-knit community and there’s so much diversity,” she said. “So you get to meet people from different parts of the country, different parts of the world, and they’ll all be on your same floor.”

RESOURCES Housing and Residential Life housing@miami.edu 305-284-4505 Hecht Residential College 305-284-2188 Stanford Residential College 305-284-2555 Eaton Residential College 305-284-6845 Mahoney Residential College 305-284-4144 Pearson Residential College 305-284-4211

Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Summer 2016

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CAMPUS LIFE

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The amenities of off-campus living: Fitness centers, pools, barbecues and zen gardens

NICE DIGS: The Gables Ponce apartment complex offers luxurious amenities close to campus and is adjacent to the Shops at Merrick Park.

By David Ufberg First Impression Staff

A

with gazebos for leisure, a 24-hour fitness center and a dog park.

“Having a balcony and your own kitchen is pretty sweet. In general, I’m happy,” said Daniel Tirado, a biology major who lived in the complex last spring.

The University Inn is another option within walking distance from UM. The British colonial-style building is right across campus on the other side of U.S. 1 and offers residents an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi and a clubhouse.

With two unit types, the Inn caters more to smaller groups of two or three roommates. One model is 620 square feet and costs between $1,400 and $1,650 per month. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom option offers two models; the first is 840 square feet and costs about $1,800 per month, the second is 916 square feet and is nearly $2,500 per month.

Another popular off-campus housing option for students is the apartment complex Gables Ponce, situated about a mile north of campus.

Offering dozens of different floor plans, tenants have plenty of options to choose from. One-bed, one-bath units come in two variations: the studio version is around 600 square feet and costs around $1,800 per month; the “non-studio” version rents from $1,900 to $2,800 per month. The two-bedroom, two-bath units range from 1,071 to 1,290 square feet and cost upwards of $2,900 per month, while the 3/2 models are a spacious 1,411-1,453 square feet and start at $5,000 per month.

Gables Ponce offers amenities such as a spa area with sauna and steam room, outdoor grills by the pool deck, a 24-hour fitness center, a sports and gaming room, private cabanas and a “Zen garden.”

Alternatively, the University Village (UV) provides an on-campus, apartment-style living option for upperclassmen who prefer to remain in a university residential facility but no longer wish to reside in a residential college.

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bout 60 percent of UM undergraduates live off campus. While housing options around the university provide independent living experiences, they can also seem daunting to some students.

The Office of Housing and Residential Life (HRL), located in Eaton 153, can help guide students making the transition from living on campus to off campus. The HRL website also provides resources such as apartment complex listings, a roommate finder and the off-campus housing handbook.

However, the website should not replace a face-toface meeting, according to Jon Baldessari, the director of housing operations.

“It is not really a substitute for having a conversation with someone who knows the area, who knows the complexes,” he said. “That kind of consultation is really important to narrow down the search.”

Perhaps the most popular off-campus destination for UM students is Red Road Commons (RRC), an apartment complex located within walking distance from the university. UM students make up about 90 percent of tenants there, according to the complex’s leasing office.

RRC offers six floor plans: two single-room models at 600 and 764 square feet cost about $1,700 and $2,000 per month in rent, respectively. The first of the two-bedroom, two-bath units is 885 square feet and runs about $2,200 per month (rent fluctuates based on the time of year), while a slightly larger two-bedroom, two-bath model with 1,002 square feet costs about $3,000. Their three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are 3,200 square feet and cost about $3,200 per month. Their three-bedroom, three-bathroom model is 1,520 square feet and costs about $4,000 per month.

RRC offers tenants a number of amenities, too: a heated outdoor pool with barbecue grills, a courtyard

Photos by Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief

COLORFUL LIVING: Popular amongst UM students, the Red Road Commons project is just steps away from the west end of campus.

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Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

THE POLITICAL YEAR

POLITICAL YEAR

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Campus political groups get ready for election season

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

O

rientation can at times feel like the perfume section at the mall: overwhelming, stressful and headache-inducing. Maneuvering politics can feel the same way, especially with the upcoming presidential election, but UM’s Young and College Democrats and College Republicans are aming to help facilitate civic involvement for students on campus.

Incoming Young Dems President Michaela Stoudemire and returning College Republicans President Christopher Dalton, despite their mostly opposing views on issues, share a love for educating fellow students about the world of politics.

“No matter which side of the political spectrum your ideology aligns with, being uninformed and unaware does not make a healthy political environment. We want to open up and welcome as many people to the political process as possible,” said Stoudemire, a sophomore international studies and Spanish double-major.

Both presidents emphasized the importance of political education during the ideologically formative time college is for most students.

Dalton, a senior business management major, said although he finds UM “dominated” by liberal ideals, students are open to discussions that lead to finding common ground.

“College is a time where young people are acquiring knowledge and shaping their beliefs and notions of the world around them, and having a political education and being civically involved allows college students to be aware that they can shape their future and the future of this country,” he said.

Stoudemire’s interest in politics started during her childhood in Shelbyville, Kentucky, when her grandfather would quiz her on state capitals and talk to her about United States history.

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor

POLITICS 101: Members of UM’s College Republicans watch one of the season’s presidential debates on TV at the Rathskeller.

“For my first grade career day, my career dream was to be the first female president,” she said. “He fueled my passion and shaped me into the leader I am today.”

For Dalton, seeing his older brother get involved with local politics in his home region of Long Island, New York peaked his interest.

“He was very involved in our town’s local politics and as a family we would always talk about local and national politics,” he said.

Both Young Dems and College Republicans host events throughout the semester, including debate watch parties, tailgates, guest speakers and fundraisers.

Students interested in joining the College Republicans should email Dalton at c.dalton2@umiami.

For the College Democrats, contact Stoudemire at mds81@miami.edu.

Kawan Amelung // First Impression Staff

CAMPAIGNING: Pam Keith speaks about her candidacy for the U.S. Senate with the UM Young and College Democrats.

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POLITICAL YEAR FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Debate at UM offered students opportunity to watch Republican candidates up close

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

U

M is no stranger to politics. President Barack Obama and Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton ahave been on campus. Senator and former presidential hopeful Marco Rubio graduated from the UM School of Law. Former UM President Donna Shalala now has a post at the Clinton Foundation, and current UM President Julio Frenk served as the Minister of Health to Mexico.

However, 2016 was a particularly political year on campus in light of the coming presidential elections in November and the multitude of divisive issues that were presented to the voters along the way.

The university was at the center of the action when the BankUnited Center served as the venue for the Republican Presidential Primary Debate on March 10. It was the first time UM hosted a Republican primary debate.

In the past, the university served as the venue for a 2012 debate between

Mitt Romney and President Obama, an early democratic primary debate in 2007 and a debate between John Kerry and then-President George W. Bush in 2004.

The university used a lottery system to distribute about 60 tickets to students, offering them a chance to witness history on their own campus.

Various student media outlets were given the same press credentials as many other major media companies, as well. For the primary debate earlier this year, a group of students from UM College Republicans were allowed to tag along with candidates as they made their way through the press room.

Although the debate itself was labeled unusually “civil” by Donald J. Trump, now the Republicans’ presumptive nominee, the activity outside the BUC was anything but. Hundreds, including UM students, gathered throughout the afternoon to protest a multitude of issues – minimum wage, green energy sources, Black Lives Matter and Trump himself – and marched together around campus, down Ponce

Victoria McKaba // First Impression Staff VOTING BOOTHS: The BankUnited Center becomes a voting venue during elections, and it is where many students who live on campus or near the university go to cast their ballots.

de Leon Blvd. and directly in front of the debate venue.

Chants of “Donald Trump has got to go” and “You want our vote, come get our vote” echoed through the crowd just as attendees were arriving at the BUC. Police vehicles lined Ponce and two large Secret Service vehicles blockaded the gates directly in front of the center.

The political nature of the past year has brought moments of tension between groups with opposing ideas, such as when a small cluster of Trump

A class to study political history in the making

By Nick Gangemi Editor-in-Chief

W

File Photo POLITICS AT THE U: Herman Cain, radio personality and former candidate during the 2012 Republican primaries, speaks to members of the political science class on the 2012 election.

hile the election season continues making headlines and dominating news outlets, around 300 University of Miami students will have a unique opportunity to take an active approach in following it – and receive credit for doing so.

This fall semester, the College of Arts and Sciences will host a course dedicated to the 2016 election. It will educate students on the ins and outs of presidential elections and serve as a forum for students to hear from and interact with visiting speakers in a half lecture, half guest-speaker format. The course will also make regular use of live “i>Clicker” polling to survey the class during discussions.

Joseph Uscinski, a political science associate professor and one of the course’s four lecturers, said that extensive planning and resources have gone into the class.

“We’re going to have the biggest name guests that we’ve ever had on campus,” he said.

supporters stood in front of Richter Library with signs and another group of students wrote President Frenk a letter in response, but it also brought a sense of urgency to education. Several student organizations held events specifically aimed at educating peers on different cultural practices, a Black Lives Matter course was taught for the first time, and the newly inaugurated president spoke about issues that helped the UM community become more familiar with his beliefs.

While Uscinski said he could not divulge specifics on who the guest speakers would be, he did mention that response was positive from top-name guests.

“We plan to get a couple of people who ran this year,” he said. “We can’t say who they are, but we are in Florida.”

Uscinski added that Miami’s geographical location serves as a perfect place to study politics.

“Florida is a swing state. It is incredibly important,” he said. “There are a lot of top campaign people down here. The candidates are going to be making frequent stops in Florida and in Miami specifically. So if you want to be in the thick of it, this is where you want to be.”

A similar class conducted during the 2012 presidential election season hosted guests such as former presidential candidate Herman Cain and journalist and political pundit Bernard Goldberg.

This year, a large election-night watch party is planned that will feature food, guest speakers and large screens for viewing election results. While the watch party is open to the entire campus community, only students registered in the course will have access to the

“We at the University of Miami promise to continue to bring our diverse community together in respectful, inclusive and constructive dialogue,” Frenk said in an opening address at the debate. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase our extraordinary university and city.”

The dialogue is sure to continue building steam as the presidential race narrows down to two candidates and as UM enacts measures to create a “culture of belonging” on campus.

presentations by the course’s planned guest speakers.

In addition to Uscinski, the instructors will be Associate Professor Casey Klofstad and Instructor Fernand Amandi, of the political science department, and Rudy Fernandez, UM’s vice president of government and community relations and chief of staff to UM President Julio Frenk. Fernandez served as special assistant to President George W. Bush during the Bush administration.

While the course may be taken for credit in political science (POL401), international studies (INS310) or American studies (AMS323), Uscinski urged students of all disciplines to consider taking the course.

“This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime college experience,” he said. “You get to see the election unfold both through the eyes of scholars and through the eyes of the people who are doing it and have done it. It’s one of those integrative experiences that is rare.”

The course has no prerequisites and will meet weekly on Tuesday nights in Storer Auditorium from 5 to 7:40 p.m. A number of seats in the class are reserved specifically for freshmen.

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

AFTER CLASS

AFTER CLASS

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An art lover’s guide to campus

By Madelyn Paquette First Impression Staff

U

M has vibrant arts communities.

Here’s a guide to help you enjoy the many campus offerings.

THEATER

Kawan Amelung // First Impression Staff PICTURE PERFECT: At one of last year’s Canes After Dark, students could have their caricatures drawn, paint with spray-cans and make wire sculptures.

Canes Night Live provides after-hours events, entertainment for students

By Jorge Chabo First Impression Staff

K

nown as “Your Source for Campus Entertainment,” Hurricane Productions (HP) is the largest student­r un organization and provides free on­- campus entertainment to students.

Canes Night Live, one of HP’s seven committees, manages nighttime entertainment on campus and hosts Canes After Dark (CAD), a tradition that features late­ - night events with food, improvised shows, photo booths and arts and crafts.

“Canes After Dark is an event that everyone should just try and attend, just because it has something for everyone to do and enjoy,” said Sabrina Cheikhali, a junior in the School of Business. “Whether it’s after a long

week of classes or just to hang out with some friends to do something not typically seen in Miami, Canes After Dark is a tradition that everyone should head out to.”

These events last from 8 p.m. to midnight and are usually hosted in the Shalala Student Center. They feature a theme that inf luences the festivities of the night. Past themes have included Star Wars, jungle and underwater.

Canes Night Live’s main event of the spring semester was Canes Carnival. Held on the Foote Green, the carnival included amusement park rides and plenty of games.

The purpose of these events, according to CAD’s website, is to establish a centralized, free and fun environment with a unique opportunity for responsible socializing, student involvement and leadership development.

UM’s theatre department produces two plays a semester at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre on Miller Drive. The box office offers discounted student tickets, and free tickets with a Cane Card on Tuesdays. The department also puts on two free shows in the Hecht Studio Theatre on the second floor of the theatre department.

CaneStage Theatre Company is UM’s student-run company that mounts two productions a semester. CaneStage specializes in contemporary works and is known for its annual Halloween Rocky Horror shadow cast. Tickets are free, but arrive early – Rocky Horror is known to fill up fast.

MUSIC

The Frost School of Music hosts a concert or recital nearly every day of the year, many of which are open to the public. The highlight of the year, however, is Festival Miami, a concert series that runs through the month of November and frequently attracts big names. The main venue is the 600­seat Maurice Gusman Concert Hall on Miller Drive.

On Thursdays from 12:15­until 1:30 p.m., Hurricane Productions puts on Patio Jams, a free concert featuring local musicians on the Lakeside Patio Stage. UM also has four a capella groups that frequently put on free performances. They include

the co­ed BisCaydence, the all-male Above the Keys, Hindi­fusion Tufaan and 18th Notes.

Hurricane Productions brings concerts to campus during Homecoming and spring semester finals. Tickets are free for students and are handed out at the UC ticket booth a few weeks before the event. Smaller performances and open mic nights are held at the Rat as well as in other venues. They usually feature a local headliner and then the stage is open to any brave performers.

ART

Visual art fans should visit the Lowe Art Museum on Stanford Drive, where admission is free for students. The museum features works from all over the world and all throughout history. The monthly LoweDown Happy Hour is an evening event that celebrates a specific art theme and features light snacks and refreshments.

The College of Arts and Sciences Gallery in the Wesley Foundation Building also houses exhibitions and events.

FILM

The Cosford Cinema, in the Dooley Memorial Building, offers an eclectic mix of art house and big­ budget movies, screening recent blockbusters sponsored by the Cinematic Arts Commission, as well as indie and foreign films – all free to students. Be sure to catch the student film festival in the spring.

COMEDY

If you’re looking for a good laugh, UM’s improv team UProv always puts on hilarious shows at performances around campus. Additionally, the Rat plays host to touring stand­up comedians a few times a year.

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor EXPLORING EXHIBITS: Bianca Seenandan and Sapan Parikh discuss paintings during LoweDown at the Lowe Art Museum, which occurs the first Thursday of every month during the academic year.

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welcome to the CANES NIGHT LIVE Canes Night Live is here to provide the UM student body with premier late night entertainment!

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Fall 2016 Line-up: Miami Block Party- Friday, August 26th 80’s Throwback Night- Friday, September 23rd Halloween Bash- Friday, October 28th Winter Wonderland- Friday, December 2nd LIKE US ON FACEBOOK TO STAY UP TO DATE ON MORE EVENTS, GIVEAWAYS, AND LATE NIGHT PROGRAMS!

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Summer 2016

Promoting Love of Alma Mater through UM Spirit Programming Board

By Hari Maggs First Impression Staff

I

t’s game day at the stadium and all heads turn toward the giant helmet on the home side of the field. The fog rises through the crowd and the team pummels through the end zone. The crowd goes crazy, especially the student section. This is the traditional opening of every home football game at the University of Miami. Last year, it was the result of the work of then-junior Nick Kaleel.

Kaleel was the chair of Category 5, the University of Miami Spirit Programming Board, whose biggest aim is to cultivate school spirit in every student on campus.

Erum Kidwai // First Impression Staff ROOTING FOR THE U: As the chair of Category 5, senior Nick Kaleel worked to cultivate school spirit at UM football games and encourage campus involvement.

Kaleel planted himself at one of the tables overlooking Lake Osceola and nodded to multiple passers­by. It seemed as if he knew most of the students on campus.

“I am kind of like a madman,” Kaleel said as he laughed. “I had a meeting before this, and I have a

meeting right after, and then I have to leave for FSU at 5.”

Kaleel, a biomedical engineering major, ran all operations for Category 5, from the smoke and music at football games to the T-­shirt handouts and raffles at basketball games.

Every Monday, the Category 5 board

FIRST IMPRESSION met under Kaleel’s supervision to discuss upcoming athletic events and what they could offer to students to enhance the game experience.

Kaleel said that one task he particularly enjoyed was recruiting alumni to attend games or pep rallies. It was through his job that he was able to develop a relationship with NFL football player and Hurricane alumnus D.J. Williams.

“We had contacted him to speak at one of the rallies, and now I can go up to him at games and say, ‘What’s up,’” Kaleel said. “One time at a game, I felt someone tap my shoulder and I turn around and it was D.J. Stuff, like that is pretty cool.”

Kaleel was first introduced to Category 5 as a freshman, when he was trying to look for ways to get involved on campus. He came to UM with an already­deep passion to “bleed orange and green.” Kaleel’s father attended UM as a law student in the late 1980s and Kaleel remembers watching almost every football game growing up. Next year, senior Kierin Mukerjee will take over as chair.

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When Kaleel was not running watch parties or pep rallies, he was running early morning miles with the cross­country and track and field teams. He has been a long-distance runner since his freshman year. His mornings began long before many students had made it out of bed, with 6 a.m. practices.

Once finished with the cross­ country and track season, Kaleel took up the position as track coach for the triathlon club known as TriCanes. The TriCanes compete locally and nationally against other colleges, particularly schools in the Florida Collegiate Triathlon Conference (FCTC). Among the runners he helped train was his roommate Joey Newfeld, president of the TriCanes club.

“We train for endurance sports together,” Newfeld said. “We used to meet outside the dorms at 6 a.m. to train, but now that we live together, we get an extra five minutes to sleep in.”

BURGERS COME WITH A SIDE OF ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RAT

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

S

ince it first opened at UM in 1973, the Rathskeller has seen some major facelifts – from sitting alone on a green between the Jerry Herman Ring Theater and University Center to moving to a temporary location in the UC. Now, its lofty digs are located at one end of the Donna E. Shalala Student Center. It is most recognizable by the green-top gliders around the patio, usually all full.

However, the Rat has been more than just a campus watering hole and go-to fried food spot. It’s also the venue for a series of events planned every semester by the Rathskeller Advisory Board (RAB), which is made up of 10-15 undergraduate, graduate and law students. Incoming RAB Chair Felix Fernandez said the board is still finalizing plans for the fall semester, but students can expect events similar to those in past semesters – student-friendly, quirky and fun.

Trivia, for example, is a Tuesday night staple in Rat programming. At an-

other event, students were able to have custom street signs made for them. At yet another, around Valentine’s Day, they stuffed teddy bears. One of the most popular events among students is DragOut, the annual drag show hosted by SpectrUM and the LGBT community on campus.

Spring semester also included “Pitchers and Painting,” where students could paint on canvases while sipping on beer; a sushi-rolling workshop; a poetry slam; and guest DJ performances. Comedians such as SNL’s Colin Jost and Full House alum Dave Coulier performed at the Rat. There are regular watch parties for sports games, and artists such as Ying Yang Twins have packed the venue in the past.

For the fall, Fernandez said the board is trying to plan “Salsa Night at The Rat,” a dance class led by the student dance organizations on campus. Some other ideas he said were in the works are a henna tattoo night, a hypnotist show and a ghosthunters event. “[We’d] have professional ghost hunters come in to speak about their experiences, show some of the work they have done and do a ghost tour of the school to

Victoria McKaba // First Impression Staff CHOWING DOWN: Students compete in a slider-eating contest during the Rathskeller’s 43rd birthday celebration in February.

see if they can find any ghosts on campus,” Fernandez said in an email.

The activities are planned every semester, so programming for the fall will be announced as the semester rolls in.

Follow @UMRathskeller on Twitter and

Hurricane Productions on Facebook for more up-to-date information.

During the fall semester, The Rat is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

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Student activists use ‘swipes’ to give homeless extra dining hall takeout meals

By Nadijah Campbell First Impression Staff

E

very Sunday night through his junior year, Billah Abdul­ Jalaal collected takeout meals from students with leftover meal plan swipes to distribute to the homeless in downtown Miami.

He was putting a quirk of the University of Miami’s dining system to work. The U offers weekly meal plans, but meals don’t roll over from week to week, so meals often go unused.

“I came up with this idea last year when I had an unlimited meal plan,” said Abdul­-Jalaal, a rising senior. “I would use 20 or so swipes and LIFE-SAVING LEFTOVERS: Albert, 45, receives a free meal from UM student Billah Abdul-Jalaal in Downtown Miami.

I would still have, like, seven left over. I didn’t have any money to give Dade County Homeless what they’re using the [the homeless], but I had Trust. Some go days with- money for,” Jackson said. out eating and are on the “I prefer to give exactly takeout.” what they’re asking for.”

The takeout option brink of starvation.

Jackson went to the On one of his Sunallows students to choose takeout area specifically day outings last year, certain items from a set of prepared food options Abdul-Jalaal distributed looking for hearty items and carry them outside about 30 meals after driv- and food that wouldn’t expire quickly. She chose of the dining halls; other- ing around for an hour.

The first to receive a cookies, jalapeno chips, a wise, meals must be eaten meal was Albert, 45, who ham pastrami and cheese inside the dining halls.

As a kid, Abdul-­ said he was sent to pris- sandwich, a chocolate Jalaal and his family on at 23 for drug charges chip granola bar and made goodie bags for and was released 22 years milk.

Abdul­- Jalaal makes the homeless on Thanks- later. sure each bag has an eatWhile in prison, both giving with essentials such as toothbrushes his parents passed away, ing utensil, a drink and a and toothpaste. When leaving him without a food item before giving it he got older, he experi- home upon release. He out.

He does not want his enced homelessness in a also has a daughter who service to become so big completely different way he is unable to see.

One of the students that the idea gets lost, through the lives of his who contributed was but he is happy to partfriends.

“I’ve had friends Madison Jackson, now a ner with any organizawho’ve definitely had rising senior. She said she tion willing to give food tough times,” he said. was excited to help the and provide more cars to “When it’s somebody you cause. She said she likes reach more areas.

“Just be aware that see on a daily basis that to help homeless people you know, it definitely when she can but chooses it’s there,” he said. “You can do little things here to not give money. opens your eyes.”

“A lot of times, I just and there. Every time There are more than 4,000 homeless people don’t have cash on me that you can make a difin the Miami­-Dade area, and a lot of times, as bad ference, make a differaccording to the Miami­ as it seems, I don’t know ence.”

Nadijah Campbell // First Impression Staff

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SERVICES FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

SERVICES

WHAT DOES YOUR CANE CARD DO? Your Cane Card will serve as your official student identification card of the University of Miami. Its coded magnetic strip allows you to swipe into locations on campus such as: You residential college Richter Library Computer labs UC Pool Herbert Wellness Center You will need your Cane Card to check out books from UM libraries, gain access to certain athletic events, purchase discounted Metrorail tickets and eat in the dining halls if you purchase a meal plan.

Through CaneLink, you can access the Cane Express service, which allows you (or your parents) to load money onto your Cane Card. You can then use it as an on-campus debit card.

You will take a photo for and receive your Cane Card during Orientation. If you lose your Cane Card, a $25 fee will be charged for a replacement.

WHAT DOES CANELINK DO? CaneLink, UM’s online student information system, provides a hub for various aspects of life at the University of Miami. Links to various services, such as library databases, a student employment search engine, a cognates search engine, housing information, meal plan management and more can be found on the CaneLink home page at canelink.miami.edu.

SOME TIPS FOR USING CANELINK: In the “Student Center” portion of CaneLink, the heart of your academic and financial information, you are able to: Search and register for courses View your class schedule View your course history and grades Run degree progress reports and what-if scenarios View financial information Modify your personal information View your “To Do List” and any holds Access the advising and tutoring options by clicking the “Grades First” link found on the CaneLink homepage. This website allows you to schedule appointments with advisors for a range of reasons - whether you need help registering for courses or want to explore different majors. You may also contact your professors directly through the site.

Need help? Assistant to VP acts as troubleshooter for students

O

By Alicia Ortiz First Impression Staff

mbudsperson. The word is a lot to take in, but let’s cut through the thick of it.

Imagine you have a problem, you have met with any and every person you can think of to help you, but you still haven’t reached a resolution. That’s when it’s time to call the ombudsperson - think super troubleshooter, navigator, mediator.

Dr. Jennifer Rau, the university’s ombudsperson and assistant to the vice president, has RAU been helping students cut through the thick of things for the past two years. Working with a team of 38 faculty members and administrators as departmental troubleshooters, she is here to listen, investigate facts, problem solve, and develop resolutions to student concerns that may have seemed insurmountable.

This network of professionals, known as university troubleshooters, are available to students as is the ombudsperson. Students are encouraged to reach out directly to them for assistance in problems that pertain to a specific department, GONZALEZ area or problem.

MALDONADO

When the problem seems too big, Rau focuses on non-academic issues, with about 80 instances a year dealing with financial, personal and health issues, and university policy or procedures. Her counterpart, Dr. Michelle Maldonado, the academic ombudsperson, works with academic grievances, including grade appeals.

One of Rau’s recent cases involved a nursing student who had a medical emergency. Rau helped find financial assistance for the student, made professors aware of the student’s physical limitations and talked the student through options regarding their exams.

“I encourage students that if they don’t know where to go for help, they should reach out as soon as possible,” said Rau, whose office is in the Ashe Administration Building, Room 244.

Although Rau has been in the post for two years, the Office of the University Ombudsperson was established at UM in 1970 as an Ombudsperson Council so students would not have to navigate the university’s complex system on their own. Most recently, the office has increased in size with an additional staff member to focus on student advocacy and outreach, Heather Stevens. Stevens is a double Cane and familiar with the university and getting students connected on campus.

The university urges students who are unsure of how to approach an issue to seek out the appropriate troubleshooter first. Keeping records of all attempted calls or contacts along with time and dates is also suggested.

Students needing assistance, should email ombudsperson@miami. edu, call 305-284-4922, or visit www.miami.edu/ombudsperson.

“Let me know how I can help,” Rau said.

Summer 2016

FIRST IMPRESSION

SERVICES

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Thousands of students take advantage of campus job opportunities

By David Ufberg First Impression Staff

M

any students find that working on campus during school is a great way to earn pocket money while still remaining focused on their studies. UM offers many student employment opportunities.

Grisel Valdes, director of the Office of Student Employment, explained the kind of jobs available to students.

“The nature of the on-campus jobs that we have are typically office work.

There are some labs that hire students.”

There are four types of employment opportunities, including federal work study, in which students’ payrolls are partially subsidized by the government –about 60 percent of each paycheck, according to Valdes.

“There are quite a few jobs available both at the main and medical campus for students with federal work study,” she said.

Photo courtesy Wellness Center

KEEPING CLEAN: In addition to many other responsibilities, student employees at the Herbert Wellness Center keep the 140,000-square-foot facility clean and inviting.

Eligibility is determined by financial aid requirements and can be checked through Canelink under “View Financial Aid.” “The Wellness Center is our most popular employer. They hire sometimes

close to 300 students,” Valdes said. “Both the Richter Library and the Music Library are also big employers on campus.”

The second type of employment is a student assistant position, in which the employer is responsible for the full pay-

FINANCIAL AID: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The Office of Financial Assistance offers awards to undergraduate and graduate students. The office communicates via UM email and CaneLink, the main site for students’ academic, financial, and residential resources (canelink.miami.edu). Your financial aid awards will be posted along with the steps you need to take in order to receive the awards. It is very important that you check your email often and monitor the to-do list in CaneLink.

Your scholarship agreement will be emailed to your UM email account. This must be signed and returned before you can receive any financial assistance. You should return the agreement as soon as possible, and definitely before the first day of classes, Aug. 22.

Below are answers to common questions regarding student accounts.

What items am I missing?

All items on the to-do list in CaneLink are required if you are applying for financial aid.

Some items take longer than others to update on CaneLink. If more than two weeks have passed since you submitted your documents and CaneLink still says “Initiated,” contact the office to check on your items.

What do I do if my to-do list is requesting a Student Tax Transcript but I don’t file taxes?

You can email our office at ofas@miami. edu with your full name and UM ID, stating that you did not file taxes. We will waive this item for you.

My parents are self-employed and they do not receive W-2s.

Please submit a copy of their tax return schedules or 1099 miscellaneous income forms.

I have a “past due hold” or a “hold” on my account.

Past due holds are from the Office of Student Accounts. We cannot remove holds from other departments. This hold means you have a payment due on your account.

If you have a payment due because one of your awards with our office was not disbursed, please contact our office. Any hold from our office is most likely because of missing to-do list items. The hold will not be removed until we have your documents.

NOTE: Your to-do list is always updating.

Any time we need something from you, we will request it via the to-do list. Always be two steps ahead and submit your items on time.  The Office of Financial Assistance is located in UC 2275. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information, call 305-284-5212 or email ofas@miami.edu.

check. These are available both on and off campus, according to Gisel Valdes. “We reach out to the community and solicit jobs for our students.”

“Typically about 4,000 undergraduate students are working at any given point across our different programs,” Valdes said. She also estimates that 3040 percent of students will have worked during school at some point.

Graduate student positions are also available, and the students are are typically selected when they are admitted to UM,” Valdes said. “They sometimes do research; other times they are teaching assistants, and a few positions are administrative in nature.”

The final and most selective job opportunity is the Miami Commitment Program, in which students are selected for positions before they arrive on campus.

“The Miami Commitment Program is a very selective program for the very top incoming students.” Valdes said that 100 top students every year are selected for such positions as working in the Launch

Pad, an office of entrepreneurial resources.

Students interested in finding work are encouraged to go to the “Student Employment” section of CaneLink, where they can see the various positions available as well as application information.

“We probably have, at any given point, about 200 off-campus jobs that students can follow up with,” Valdes said.

“It’s a good idea to go through all the jobs that are listed and select three, four or five of them.”

If you consider an off-campus job, remember you’ll need to coordinate transportation.

She warned that the job market is most hectic around the beginning of the semester, and that positions close very quickly during that time.

In general, however, according to Valdes, students looking for work should be able to find it.

“If a student wants to find a job, there are always enough jobs to respond to students’ request to work,” she said.

ACCOUNT SERVICES: TIPS FOR STUDENTS Student Account Services processes your student financial information over your time at the University of Miami and can provide you with basic services, such as payment registration services, billing services and cashier services.

Official communication from Student Accounts will be sent to your UM email account, even if you have listed a preferred email address on CaneLink. Make sure to check your email regularly for time sensitive notifications and deadlines that could affect your financial aid or enrollment.

Students whose tuition is paid by a third party or government sponsor (including Florida Prepaid) should have submitted a Financial Guarantee letter by June 15.

For more information visit Miami.edu/osas and click on Third Party Sponsor/Florida Prepaid.

Email sponsorship letter to thirdparty.osas@miami.edu

Pay your tuition invoice by Aug. 1.

To view your invoice, log in to your CaneLink account.

Under the Finances tab, you can pay your balance due, view your account details, and accept or decline your financial aid awards.

Failure to pay your balance

by Aug. 1 may result in the cancellation of your classes and will interfere with your ability to move into on-campus housing in the fall.

Sign up by Aug. 15 for direct deposit on CaneLink to conveniently have any eligible refunds deposited directly into your bank account.

Staff members at the Office of Student Account Services are available to assist and answer inquiries by phone at 305-2846430 Option 5, by email at saccounts@miami.edu, or in person at Ashe Building Room 158.

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MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS (MSA) DIVERSITY · INCLUSION · COMMUNITY The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) offers a number of diversity education programs and services for all University of Miami students.

MSA also provides guidance, support and leadership training to numerous student organizations. Each of our groups coordinates a diverse array of programming that will enhance and diversify your college experience!

Be sure to visit us at 'Canefest and follow us on social media!

305-284-2855

@um_msa

facebook.com/msa.diversity

@um_msa

multicultural.studentaffairs@miami.edu

@um_msa

DIVERSITY EDUCATION & INCLUSION PROGRAMS

O V E R

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College MENtality Program, Cultural Competency Programs, Diversity Week, Horizons Pre-Orientation Program, Horizons Mentoring Program, No Boundaries, Pop Up Culture at the U, and Real Talk

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JOIN THE MIAMI HURRICANE! COME WRITE, EDIT, DESIGN, SELL ADS OR SHOOT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FOR US! TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE POSITIONS AND TO APPLY, VISIT:

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CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS Exploring heritage, customs, and traditions through: Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Black Awareness Month, Caribbean Week, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Flipping “U” Out Month, Haitian Culture Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, Jamaican Awareness Week, Native American Month, Senior Mwambo Ceremony, Week of Cuban Culture, UM Chinese New Year, and much more

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MSA advises student organizations that focus on cultural identities, diversity, Greek life, leadership, men’s & women’s empowerment, poetry, preprofessional societies, social justice, and special interest populations

themiamihurricane.com/apply

LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MSA Crew Leadership Retreat (Fall and

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Don’t forget to RSVP for Horizons at www.miami.edu/msa/horizons

Canes Summit for Leadership, Diversity, and Social Change Peer Diversity Life Skills Leadership Education Academy Training

Summer 2016

Multicultural Student Affairs office helps Canes feel at home

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By Allison Margol First Impression Staff

he sofa of building 37A, a patchwork of muted greens, reds and browns, wraps around two walls and welcomes all who come into the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). Its deep, rectangular cushions hold years of strong memories – conversations, tears, new opportunities.

The stories that it could tell are inspiring ones of leadership, scholarship, community and diversity.

MSA seeks to open doors for underrepresented groups in the University of Miami community. It hosts and coordinates diversity education programs and advises many student organizations, not all of which are ethnically based.

“We try to hold conversations about social justice, diversity, inclusion, community and unity,” said Renee Dickens Callan, director of the office. “We have these conversations so that students can engage in dialogue that they might not find elsewhere, talk about how it affects them and how they can work to make it better.”

MSA hosts a range of events, including leadership seminars, cultural celebrations, spontaneous pop-up student engagement days and events focusing on belonging. Some of the largest last year included Diversity Week, a time to celebrate the cultures that UM brings together; a cultural awareness month for Native Americans, Hispanics and African Americans, and ’Canes L.E.A.D, a one-day seminar that provides participants with “strategies for success, lessons on leadership, practical skills, and an appreciation for diversity.”

On a campus with over 10,000 undergraduate students, achieving a sense of belonging can be tough for first-year students. MSA strives to provide a feeling of “home” for many.

“These chairs have meaning to so many students,” Callan said as she pointed in the direction of two upholstered armchairs in her office. “I’ve had tough conversations, seen laughs and tears, and looked at so many successful students in those chairs. “ Beyond organizing activities, MSA also offers students job opportunities and work experience inside the office.

“This is my first work study position, and it has turned into some sort of a home already,” said Axel Sierra, a freshman who works in the office doing graphic design. “It’s my first year here, but everyone is just so friendly, and it’s a great environment to be in.”

For new students, involvement with MSA can begin as soon as they move onto campus.

The office will have a Horizons pre-orientation program and a booth at Canefest, an Orientation week event during which new students can explore the clubs and programs UM has to offer.

Photo courtesy Multicultural Student Affairs

MSA also helps students network and connect with the right organizations for their interests.

“Everything that we do is about giving students the opportunity to lead it, plan it, coordinate it and talk about it,” Callan said.

Much of the office’s funds and alumni group efforts are put toward the scholarship opportunities that it offers students—the Woodson-Williams-Marshall Association and UM Black Alumni Scholarship. The needs-based grant is awarded to a student who meets the academic criteria and is involved in community and student life.

Callan says that one of her favorite times of the year is Homecoming because of the diversity it engenders. The office works with United Black Students and the alumni office to coordinate a welcome-back weekend during Homecoming week.

“It is just such a special time,” Callan said.

“So many people that are connected to the institution and so much history converges all at one time. And we are all celebrating together around the lake. Visually, it is a beautiful time.”

The MSA staff urged new students to come by and get involved.

“If I could tell students one thing about MSA, it would be that we are student friendly, we want you to get involved, and you’re going to have fun if you do,” said Callan.

The MSA office will be relocated this fall to the second floor of the University Center.

SERVICES

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Resources for disabled students encourage academic success

T OPENING DOORS: Renee Callan’s office helps sudents engage in intercultural dialogue.

FIRST IMPRESSION

By Alina Zerpa First Impression Staff

he Office of Disability Services (ODS) extends its resources to students with special needs to ensure that all students have equal access to programs and services at the University of Miami.

Academic services offered by ODS include special testing facilities and notetaking for students who need extra help in a class or can’t take notes. Notetakers are student volunteers who submit their class notes online every two weeks.

ODS also provides a staff member at the Richter Library who helps students with disabilities get books from the stack on the upper floors.

Students with mobility impairments can register with ODS to receive keys that give them access to the stair lifts in both the Merrick and Dooley-Memorial buildings.

Keys are also available in Merrick 312 for visitors with disabilities.

Students with disabilities must request academic accommodations through ODS. The services they receive are determined on a case-by-case basis and based on any documentation provided. The staff works with the students to determine what adjustments can be made.

The campus shuttles are wheelchair accessible and free of charge for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

For students who require the use of a service animal, UM follows the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Owners must keep such animals under their control at all times, which includes using a leash with a symbol to identify them as service animals.

Those who live on campus and require a service animal must provide documentation of the disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activity,” according to the ODS website. The documentation must describe how the assistance of an animal directly relates to the student’s disability.

DISABILITY SERVICES The Office of Disability Services is located in the Academic Resource Center on the second floor of the University Center.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 305-284-2374 or email disabilityservices@ miami.edu.

VETERAN SERVICES Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Officials are located in the office of the Registrar, Modular Building A behind the Lowe Art Museum.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 305-284-6418 or veterans@miami.edu.

Veteran Student Services is located in the Dean of Students Office.

Contact: delewilson@miami.edu

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Summer 2016

PURSUING HEALTHY HABITS, ONE WELLNESS STEP AT A TIME

Director Howard Anapol, M.D. Contact 5513 Merrick Dr. 305-284-9100 studenthealth@miami.edu For hours, visit miami.edu/student-health

PHYSICAL WELLNESS

Intellectual Wellness is having a curiosity and strong desire to learn. It is a lifelong process of creating and reflecting upon experience, staying stimulated with new ideas and sharing. It is discovering challenges, overcoming barriers and integrating opportunities to grow, make plans, develop strategies and solve problems in an academic community dedicated to leadership and service to others. It is the ability to engage in clear thinking and recall, and to think independently, creatively and critically.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

Emotional Wellness is striving to meet emotional needs constructively. It is the ability to respond resiliently to emotional states and the flow of life events. It

Photo courtesy Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center PUTTING HEALTH FIRST: The Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center features workout equipment and fitness classes that are open to all University of Miami students.

is realistically dealing with a variety of situations and learning how your behaviors, thoughts and feelings affect one another and your decisions. It is taking responsibility for your own behavior and responding to challenges as opportunities. An emotionally well person is self-aware and self-accepting while continuing to develop as a person. Emotional wellness is the ability to form interdependent relationships based on mutual commitment, trust, honesty and respect.

SOCIAL WELLNESS

Social Wellness means contributing to one’s human and physical environment for the common welfare of, and social justice within, one’s community. It includes promoting a healthy living environment, encouraging effective communication and mutual respect among community members and seeking positive interdependent

relationships with others. It is being a person for others and allowing others to care for you. It is also recognizing the need for leisure and recreation and budgeting time for those activities.

OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS

Occupational or Vocational Wellness is a fit between who you are called to be and what you are called to do. It is finding the place where your deep desires and gifts meet a need in the community. A “vocationally well” person expresses his or her values through paid and volunteer activities that are personally rewarding and that make a contribution to the well-being of the community. Occupational wellness involves continually learning new skills and seeking challenges that lead to personal growth and a better world.

Information courtesy of miami.edu/wellness

Fall Student Health Fair offers helpful resources, provides free flu shots

H

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The Student Health Service offers care to students as part of their Health and Counseling Centers fee.

T

INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICE

he Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center seeks to help students learn how to maintain a balanced life. Below are the basic types of wellness students are encouraged to pursue.

Physical Wellness means respecting and taking care of your body. It is applying your knowledge, motivation and skills toward enhancing personal fitness and health. It is making healthy and positive choices regarding a variety of issues, including nutrition, physical activity, sexuality, sleep, the use of alcohol and other drugs, self-care and the appropriate use of health care systems.

FIRST IMPRESSION

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

ectic schedules and youthful confidence can lead students to neglect basic health needs.

Since students might not find time to go to the Student Health Center to get a f lu shot, the Student Health Center will bring them straight to the students during the Student Health Fair on Sept. 27.

Held on the Rock from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and organized by Health Outreach Peer Educators (HOPE), the event showcases every health resource on campus.

Among the departments represented are the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, Pier 21 and Counseling Outreach Peer Education.

“It’s easy to get a shot and it’s good as it prevents yourself and others from getting the f lu,” sophomore Vivien Chen said during last year’s health fair. “Setting up an event like this brings more awareness, visually.

People who walk by, they may not think of topics like this, but by walking by, it gives them a reason to think of it.”

Each department will offer services to improve students’ health and welfare, including free STD testing

Medical Appointments Medical appointments may be made online at mystudenthealth.miami.edu Health Insurance The deadline to waive university-sponsored health insurance is July 25. To do so, log on to CaneLink and, under “Other Important Links,” select “Health Insurance Waiver and/or Update.” Scan both sides of your insurance card and upload the files to mystudenthealth.miami.edu.

Immunization The deadline to submit the immunization form is Aug. 22. Have your medical provider complete and sign the compliance form, available at miami.edu/immunizations. Upload the form and enter all immunization information at mystudenthealth.miami.edu.

and blood pressure screenings. Additionally, the University of Miami Police Department will teach self­- defense tactics, and the Wellness Center will offer free massages and educational material on quitting smoking.

“I always use Mark Twain’s quote with regards to stopping smoking,” Mohammad Asad, coordinator of the BeSmokeFree program at UM, said. “He said, ‘Quitting smoking is the easiest thing in the world. It’s just the thought of it.’ It’s easier said than done sometimes, but we do offer group therapy and counseling.”

Adam Troy, health educator at the Student Health Center, is one of the staff members organizing the event, and he cites the importance of the fair for students.

“Student academic success is closely linked with their health and well­b eing,” he said. “What we prioritize is giving students access to help them be healthy and academically ready to the best of their abilities.”

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Growth Possibilities Identity Support Strengths

University of Miami Counseling Center Come Explore With us!

Appointments & Inquiries C a l l 3 05 . 28 4 . 551 1 Rhodes House 1 20 4 D i c k i n s o n D ri v e , S u i te s N & S Co ra l G a b le s , F L 3314 6

Hours

F a l l a n d S p ri n g S e m e s te rs : M o n d a y , W e d n e s d a y a n d F ri d a y 8:30 a m to 5:00 p m T u e s d a y a n d T h u rs d a y 8:30 a m to 7:00 p m

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Emergency Contacts

A fte r H o u rs C ri s i s Co u n s e lo r : 305.284.5511 ( p re s s 1 ) S e x u a l A s s a u lt R e s o u rce Te a m ( S A R T ) : 305.798.6666 U M P oli ce D e p a rt m e n t ( U M P D ) : 305.284.6666 S u i c i d e P re v e n ti o n H ot li n e : 1.800.273.8255

Summer 2016

Counseling Center provides services to help students help themselves

By Chloe Vizzone First Impression Staff

D

r. Rene Monteagudo knew early on that he wanted a career in psychology. “I was one of the rare people in the early ‘90s that knew right out of high school what they wanted to do,” Monteagudo said.

While studying at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Monteagudo volunteered at the local crisis center. It was by listening to other people and helping them work through their issues that Monteagudo found his niche.

He received a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Indiana University, and after more than a decade working at counseling centers and universities around the country, Monteagudo took on the role of director of the University of Miami Counseling Center in July 2015.

According to Monteagudo, the center’s main role is to provide men-

Kawan Amelung // First Impression Staff SPEAKING OUT: Dr. Rene Monteagudo, director of the Counseling Center, speaks at a Mental Health Forum.

tal health services that will support students’ academic success through counseling, and psychiatric services, outreach and assistance to faculty with specific student concerns.

However, he says that UM students do a lot of the work themselves.

He commends them for spearheading projects to reduce the stigma that society often places on mental health issues, whether it be through participation in Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE), the student outreach group, or hosting events on campus.

Last year, students hosted events such as depression screening days and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, which raises awareness about sexual assault.

Statistically, the center plays an important role on campus.

“We see almost 10 percent of the student population,” Monteagudo said. Among that 10 percent, he said the graduation rate is very high.

Roughly 70 percent of students who indicated they were planning to withdraw either graduated or continued their enrollment after visiting the Counseling Center.

Monteagudo says anxiety, depression and – depending on the semester and year – substance use or relationship issues, are the top three reasons students seek help at the Counseling Center. “Usually students come ready to work on themselves,” Monteagudo said.

Student responses echoed a similar sentiment.

COUNSELING CENTER SERVICES UM’s Counseling Center offers individual, couple and group therapy, emergency services, psychiatric services, referrals and resources, outreach and consultation, and career and psychological testing. Recent additions to the service menu include: An online screening tool on the center’s website where users can take an anonymous mental health screening. This is a quick way to determine whether someone should be in contact with a mental health professional. To access the brief screening, visit the Counseling Center Website (Miami.edu/counseling-center) and click on “Online Resources.”

The Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training, which aims to teach others to recognize individuals who could potentially be a threat to themselves. The program also teaches users to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts within students and what steps the user can take to direct an individual for help. The training can be done at the user’s own pace but can be completed

within one hour. Those interested can log on to the Counseling Center website and click “Online Resources.”

An after-hours line that expands access to resources for students or faculty members who feel that they need to talk to someone right away. The after hours line can be reached at 305-284-5511; press 1 to be connected immediately to a licensed therapist.

Continued expansion of group therapy options. Groups are the treatment of choice for many topics or concerns. Talking with other students who have had similar experiences provides support and perspective. Past group offerings cover topics such as social anxiety, relationships, mindfulness meditation, graduate student support, LGBTQ support, women of color support, and international student support. Please contact the Counseling Center for a list of group offerings or visit the Counseling Center website, Miami.edu/counseling-center.

FIRST IMPRESSION

“I enjoy seeing my counselor; he is very energetic and always smiling, so I feel more comfortable to be myself,” said UM sophomore Sidney Sherman.

“It is nice to talk to someone who isn’t biased.”

One afternoon during spring semester, the center’s waiting room was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioner and friendly greetings from the receptionists. Students waited, either on their phones or reading magazines, and no one really paid each other any mind.

“Everyone is very friendly and I feel a sense of community when I go there,” UM senior Marisa Gonzales said. “Nobody in the waiting room judges one another.” The Counseling Center helps students learn how to address problems effectively, as they learn more about themselves.

“They helped me through difficult times, and helped me overcome problems that I thought were out of my control,” said Gonzales.

Monteagudo says many students seek help in the five to seven weeks before Thanksgiving, which makes it the busiest time of the year at the center.

He attributes this to first­-year students taking their first midterms and realizing they are “not superstars anymore,” and to older students returning from summer break, which gave them time to reflect on their goals.

For the upcoming school year, Monteagudo and his staff are adding

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same­day intake services as an option for students who feel they need immediate help, expanding the use of the current online modules and adding two new staff members to the Counseling Center team.

RESOURCES Contact Information 1204 Dickinson Dr. Suites N and S 305-284-5511 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. During the academic year, until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

After hours line: If you or a friend are experiencing distress and need someone to talk with in the middle of the night or on the weekend, please call the Counseling Center’s main number, press 1 and you will be immediately connected to a licensed therapist.

‘CANES CARE FOR ‘CANES ’Canes Care for ’Canes is a campus-wide action-oriented initiative, supported by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, that promotes the ideal of a caring and responsible community where students respect and support one another. ’CANES CARE FOR ’CANES WORKS TO Promote a caring community among students, faculty and staff through programming and outreach.

Engage students and encourage them to be participants, not bystanders, in the lives of their classmates and friends (e.g., paying attention to and speaking up on behalf of students who need assistance).

Provide a listing of campus-based and community resources that are available to assist and support students in their academic and personal lives.

Reach out to students in need, self-identified or identified by others, and provide the appropriate referrals and resources to address concerns.

To report a concern, visit miami.edu/canescarereport.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Students can become part of the initiative across campus by sending an email to canescare@miami.edu.

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Summer 2016

When online, keep in mind internet has long memory

By Isabella Rosa Cendan First Impression Staff

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ocial media certainly has its benefits. However, it also has a dark side that students tend to forget: Once something is posted on the internet, it is there forever. Even after an account is deleted, every post remains in the archives of social media platforms for eternity.

Professor Ana Francois, a media management lecturer in the School of Communication, said that college students are exposing too much personal information on social media. While she believes that “social media is a nice way of staying in touch with friends, family and acquaintances,” she said the exposure of personal information is very dangerous for students.

Jan Boehmer, an assistant professor who taught social media courses in the School of Communication last year, agrees.

“Ask yourself: Would I want this post to be my five minutes of fame?” Boehmer said. “If this made headlines, would I be okay with it? There are many instances in which regular people made the news for something they said on the internet. And usually not in a positive way.”

If used correctly, social media offers many benefits, ranging from collaborative work to enabling friendships that might not have been possible otherwise, Boehmer said.

“At the same time, if used wrong, social media can also cause harm by creating a platform for bullying, scams, or leading people away from actually engaging with their environment,” he said.

The School of Communication will be offering a class on Social Media for Journalists – JMM 533 – in the fall.

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Toppel helps students find right career path Regardless of your career path, a comprehensive career-planning process begins as soon as you step on campus. Whether you’re a first-year student looking to choose a major or a senior applying for full-time jobs or graduate school, the Toppel Career Center has you covered.

Below are some of the services offered at the center.

CAREER ASSESSMENTS

Career assessments are available to measure personality characteristics, identify strengths and interests, and provide potential career path options based on compatible matches. Offered online, these assessments can help you narrow career options by building self-awareness. Advisers are available by appointment to walk through results with you.

CAREER FAIRS

The center plans career fairs throughout the year and brings in recruiters from all over the country in a variety of industries. From the bi-annual Career Expo to smaller industry-specific fairs, there are plenty of opportunities to make connections, build your network and secure employment.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Stop by the Toppel Center for a practice interview and learn how to better market yourself to a potential employer or a graduate program. Practice dressing professionally, answering interview questions and showing off the research you’ve done about the organization or program to which you’re applying.

RESUME HELP

You can drop by any time Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for assistance with resumes and cover letters.

Toppel also has resources available online, at HireACane.com, to help students create resumes or enhance existing ones.

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTING

Highly trained career advisers with industry-specific knowledge can provide guidance on potential career paths and help you develop your own personalized career action plan. Your career adviser can help you build the research and job search skills you will need to be successful.

Toppel is located at 5225 Ponce de Leon Blvd., across from Pavia Garage.

Campus safety services include mobile app, SafeRide escort

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By David Ufbeg First Impression Staff

he University of Miami campus is a safe one. The crime rates on campus are at an all-time low and on a downward trend.

According to University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) Crime Prevention Officer John Gulla, however, students should still take measures to fully ensure their safety on campus.

“In general, be aware and conscious of your surroundings,” Gulla said. “Far too often people are just not conscious enough and ... that will lead to [bad situations].”

The most prominent crime on campus, according to John Gulla, is theft. “Seventy-five to 80 percent of the crime on campus is unattended property theft. Do not leave your stuff unattended … Not even for a minute.”

Gulla believes that prevention is key to minimizing crime on campus.

“If there is a crime that happened or something that seems out of place, report it immediately,” he said. “Doing so helps the entire community by reducing the potential for

future crime to occur,” Gulla said.

“The quicker you report incidents, the better that we can keep campus safe overall.”

A number of safety features are offered across campus, including a 24-hour escort service.

“You call the 24-hour number (305-284-6666), and you will have an officer walk with you, or sometimes drive you, to your destination on campus,” Gulla said. The escort service is available 365 days per year, but only on campus. “Response time is typically less than 15 minutes,” he added.

Another innovative safety feature available to students is the U Guardian campus safety app.

The free smartphone application has many features including a community-enforced escort program, in which a trusted companion (friend or family member) can connect with you through the app and verify that you have reached your destination, or contact UMPD or CGPD with one touch. The app can also inform UMPD of your allergies and other important information, as well as relay your location to an officer with accuracy within three to five feet.

Photo courtesy UMPD PORTABLE PROTECTION: U Guardian is UM’s free smartphone application that includes a variety of safety features.

“It’s cool because it’s allowing us to improve speed and accuracy … an added layer of security,” Gulla said.

Students can download the app at Miami.edu/uguardian, where a link will redirect to the download.

Students are encouraged to register with UM email address so their contact and health information can be accessed by UMPD officers if need be.

“Blue light phones are another added layer of safety,” Gulla said. “If there’s ever an occurrence where you don’t have your cell phone on you, you have that.”

There are more than 100 blue light phones strategically placed throughout campus, that can be used in emergency situations, but also for non-life-threatening reasons, such as to call the campus escort service.

Students can also take advantage of all the safety programs offered at UM, including the Bike Lock Registration Programs in which students receive free bike locks for registered bicycles, the Pedestrian Safety Campaign through which students are discouraged from texting while driving or crossing the street, Women’s Self-Defense Programs, in which women are instructed in techniques to defend themselves from sexual assault for free, and others.

In 2014, UM experienced its lowest ever crime rate at the time, with only 179 crimes (down from 454 in 2003). The following year, that number dropped to 148. “This year, it is trending underneath that halfway through the year,” said Gulla.

“If people do [the things mentioned above], we’ll see much less crime on campus.”

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Department of Wellness & Recreation

Student Employment

Apply today at miami.edu/wellness

Office Assistants • Personal Trainers • Fitness Class Instructors Operations Assistants • Lifeguards • IM Referees

Summer 2016

The healthy lifestyle: Wellness Center director likes to practice what he preaches

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By Briana Nespral First Impression Staff

hen he is not working in his office on the second f loor of the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, Scott Levin is working out in the fitness room, or if it’s the weekend, biking around Coconut Grove.

“I just want to practice what I preach,” said Levin with a firm voice. “I want to do what I am telling you to do: live healthy. Wellness is extremely important to me and my lifestyle.”

Levin, 61, is the executive director of the Herbert Wellness Center, the premier fitness and recreation facility at the University of Miami. It offers recreational sports, fitness and wellness education programs, affirming the university’s commitment to a well-rounded educational environment.

Levin came to the U two years ago from Georgia State University. It was an opportunity, he said, he couldn’t pass up.

“The University of Miami really is a prestigious school,” he said. “It’s private, in a beautiful location, and the students here are extremely focused.”

But his main reason for moving, Levin said, was the university’s focus on wellness, and the fact that it offers a holistic approach to healthy lifestyles.

Still, he thinks there are some things the students do not know about the Wellness Center that they should, such as CHAMP – the Canes Health Assessment and Motivation Program. The free program allows students to determine their fitness level, track their progress and fine-tune a personalized program.

“I think students should take advantage of this free assessment because it is a higher-level fitness assessment that you can’t get in many other gyms,” he said.

The goal of this assessment is for the students to learn everything they need to live a healthy lifestyle and continue that lifestyle into their adult lives.

Levin’s responsibilities extend beyond the Herbert Wellness Center and include working with medical doctors at UHealth at the University Medical Campus.

“My job there is more clinically based,” Levin said. “We work with a variety of patients at the UHealth Fitness and Wellness Center and strive to bring the same level of healthy living to those people over there.”

Kristina Hudak, a freshman studying sports administration, says the Herbert Wellness Center has helped her, and not only with her major.

When she is not working in the center’s administrative offices, she enjoys the group classes, such as Zumba and Gutts-NLEVIN Butts. Living across the street at Hecht Residential College, she tries to go as often as she can.

“The experiences I’ve had, the things I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made here are incomparable,” she said. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to not only work here, but also work out here”.

Although Levin says there is not enough space to build anything else inside the 138,000-square-foot facility, he maintains that the Herbert Wellness Center will stay on “the cutting edge”.

“We try to stay up to date on everything,” he said. “We always listen to the members and are constantly creating new classes and keeping equipment up to date.”

The Herbert Wellness Center’s operating budget is $6.7 million a year and 63 percent comes from student fees, which is why “the focus is always on the students,” Levin said.

For senior Matthias Speziani, being a student employee of the Herbert Wellness Center since enrolling at the University of Miami in fall 2012 meant far more than a paying job in a fitness-focused environment. It provided key relationships and educational advancement.

“I have met and networked with many different kinds of people,” he said. “I have made close friends and met many alumni and faculty I wouldn’t otherwise have met. It has truly been a great experience working here.”

Levin, who has a master’s degree in administration of recreation services from Southern Illinois University, has bolstered his knowledge of fitness and health by traveling and learning about collegiate wellness and recreation all over the country.

He said he hopes that students continue their healthy lifestyles when they graduate. He says that if he is able to find time in his busy schedule to work out every day, then so can others.

“It’s all about balance,” he said. “You just have to live up to it.”

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Wellness Center employment helps students find a community on campus

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he Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center is a 140,000-squarefoot facility that offers a variety of amenities to serve the fitness, wellness and recreational needs of all UM students, faculty and staff. Employing more than 350 students each year from across the University of Miami, the Herbert Wellness Center offers Canes a variety of ways to find their fit while at school.

JOSH ZUCHNIARZ

Class of 2017 Majors: Chemistry, Math and Physics Positions: Facility Supervisor and Lifeguard “It’s important to encourage and support the health and wellness of others. I take pride in being a part of that mission at the Herbert Wellness Center.”

BELLA FERNANDEZ-SASTRE

Class of 2018 Major: Exercise Physiology Position: Fitness Assistant “I actually changed my major because of my work at the Herbert Wellness Center. I learned from my fellow student employees about the opportunities UM has to offer. If it wasn’t for working there, I’d be lost.”

IVANN ANDERSON

Class of 2017 Majors: Biology and Public Health Position: Intramural Supervisor “The Herbert Wellness Center opens me up to entire communities on campus that I wouldn’t normally interact with. It’s helped me be a better campus leader.”

KRISTIN SHIMABUKURO

B.S. Health Science, 2014 Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2020 Position: Sales Supervisor “In addition to working at the Herbert Wellness Center, playing club volleyball introduced me to fellow ’Canes who have the passions that I do. Club sports are a great way to make friends, relieve stress, travel with friends and compete for the U!”

Story courtesy of Herbert Wellness Center.

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STUDENT LIFE

Student trustee hopes to have lifetime involvement at UM

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

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he incoming student representative for the University of Miami Board of Trustees, Noor Joudi, is no stranger to responsibility. She was a residential assistant in Eaton during her undergraduate years and is now the Miller School of Medicine Student Government president.

Chosen from a high-caliber pool of applicants in a vigorous selection process, JouJOUDI di gave the board confidence that she would effectively represent the students’ concerns.

“My main rule in life is to leave everything better than how I got it,” Joudi said.

The Board of Trustees consists of prominent business and community leaders who strive to help UM reach its full potential.

One of the board’s most important recent tasks was scouting and appointing Julio Frenk as the sixth president of UM. Each year the board has one student representative. Last year, that was Daniela Lorenzo, who just graduated and will be attending Harvard Law School. Lorenzo was the president of the Federation of Cuban Students and was very active in student life.

Joudi, however, became much more active in medical school than she was as an undergraduate. She majored in biology and double-minored in chemistry and psychology, and she was inducted into the honor societies Omicron Delta Kappa and Mortar Board.

Once she moved to the medical campus, Joudi took more interest in student life. She was the class president during her first and second years and will be the medical school’s Student Government president this year, replacing Hong-Uyen Hua. “Immediately, from the start of med school, I wanted to be involved,” Joudi said. “I wanted to be involved in decisions involving the school and have a bigger impact. To make it better.”

Joudi said was ecstatic about her new position, despite the huge responsibility it entails.

“By the time I graduate, I will have been at UM for seven years, so I feel connected and passionate to have as big of a role as I can for the future direction of the school,” Joudi said. “I am honored and I plan in being involved in the school forever, so that when I come back 20 years from now, I can say I was part of making this change.”

The board holds three meetings each year: one in fall, one in winter and one in spring. During those meetings, the administration brings policy matters to the board for thorough evaluation, discussion and recommendation or approval.

Joudi will bring a fresh perspective to the role, as she represents not only the undergraduate students, but students in all UM schools including the law school and medical school.

“I don’t think it’s fair for me to have an agenda with everyone else I’m representing,” Joudi said. “I will talk to the leadership for all the schools and see what students want to see get done and be the vehicle for that.”

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor TRUE TO YOU: Ashley Pittaluga, Vikesh Patel, Morgan Owens and their supporters celebrate their respective wins for vice president, president and treasurer of the 2016-2017 student government executive office.

Student Government leaders have history of campus service

By Marcus Lim First Impression Staff

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ikesh Patel, Ashley Pittaluga and Morgan Owens are the 2016-17 Student Government president, vice president and treasurer. The three candidates have leadership experience in every aspect of campus life.

Since their first year at UM, Patel and Pittaluga have been heavily involved in Student Government and are familiar with the intricacies of its operations.

They also have worked together on the Homecoming Executive Board, with Pittaluga serving as the 2016 Homecoming chair. Patel also has been involved in Greek life with Owens. Both were presidents of their respective fraternities, Alpha Sigma Phi and Delta Lambda Phi. In addition, Owens is a past treasurer of SpectrUM. “This is very overwhelming.

It’s great to see all the support out

here,” Pittaluga said after learning the results following the spring election. “This is why we did it, for all the people that are out here supporting us and behind us. It makes this worth it.”

The SG president serves as a bridge between students and administrators, helping the student body with any initiatives that will benefit them and liaising the feasibility with higher-ups in the university.

The vice president mainly oversees the Freshman Leadership Council that molds freshmen into leadership roles, while the treasurer’s job is to help allocate funds and resources according to the interest of students.

The three made up the True to You platform, but during the celebrations after their election, they did not forget about the other two platforms that they edged out. Patel, who had tears of joy, praised them for their initiatives and passion for the school.

“We all had great ideas. We all came from different places. We all wanted to do things for the school and that was to make it better,” Patel said. “We all had the same goal and while we took different paths to get there, it shows that every Cane here cares about this school.”

During the spring elections, students also selected Student Government senators for 2016-17: Milind

Khurana and Francesca Lerner will represent the College of Arts and Sciences; Brandon Bierly will represent the School of Business Administration; Alexis De la Rosa will represent the School of Communication; Brandon Armstrong will represent the College of Engineering; Sarah Betancourt, Liztiffany Couceir and Josh Konikoff will represent the commuter students, and Monica Bustinza will represent transfer students.

Austin Eng, the vice presidential candidate for one of the other two platforms, Empower U, praised the True to You team and said he hoped they would go on to do great things.

“I sincerely hope they proactively tackle the larger issues such as access to health care, connectedness, cross campus communication, transparency, inclusiveness, racial disparities and others,” Eng said. “I am confident that they possess the passion, dedication and vision to do so.”

Jason Goldenberg, the presidential candidate for the other platform, One Team, One U, said had nothing but respect for new elected leaders.

“They are a group of leaders who showed their own ideals and issues on what needs to be corrected and are run by fantastic people,” Goldenberg said.

Summer 2016

Whitely fosters culture of inclusion and community

By Maria Victoria Van Eerdewijk First Impression Staff

P Evelyn Choi // First Impression Staff ‘WE’RE ALL HUMAN’: Sophomore Taylor McCloskey and her FunDay partner Susy share a laugh in the University Center during the February event.

FunDay volunteers foster close personal connections with disabled community

By Amanda Herrera First Impression Staff

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unDay pairs more than 350 special-needs citizens, or “buddies,” from the Miami-Dade area with student volunteers for a day of games, food and fun. More than 650 University of Miami students participated last year.

Sophomore Earl Generato said he volunteered because he had a neighbor with special needs growing up and understood the struggles they have in society. He said he remembers how the other kids would stigmatize his neighbor for “being different.”

“This day is really about just understanding that we are all the same,” Generato said. “We’re all human.”

The 2015 service day was held in February all across the campus, with activity stations set up from the Foote Green to the Shalala Student Center. This year, however, the FunDay executive board decided it was time to bring back the intimate “community” feel, according to senior and Funding Chair Micaela Nannery.

“We felt that it had [become]a little too widespread,” Nannery said. “We wanted to make sure that there were enough personal connections.”

This year’s theme for FunDay was Around the World. Attendees participated in crafts such as decorating passports, watched student-led dance performances and played different instruments, including bongos.

Nannery, who first volunteered as a freshman, said the purpose of the event was to have fun but also to bridge the gap of misconceptions and prejudice that exists when interacting with intellectually disabled people.

“We want to promote positive relationships, especially among young students and our buddies,” she said.

Sophomore Angelica Previero said she volunteered for FunDay exactly for that reason—to have a positive relationship with her buddy, one born out of a feeling of safety and connection.

“It’s great day for them to come out to a safe environment and connect with other people who are really just like them,” she said.

atricia Whitely, the vice president for student affairs since 1997, strives to make sure all University of Miami students have the best college experience possible.

“She goes out of her way to give back to the student body and puts students first in all of her actions,” said Brianna Hathaway, who served as the president for UM’s Student Government last year.

Whitely said she and her staff work to create an inclusive campus culture that promotes leadership, service, learning and community.

“Our size, diversity, spirit, location, schools and colleges make us different than others,” she said. “Our students hail from 110 different countries, so you have to think about how you integrate all the students and how you can be sensitive to their cultures, too.”

All initiatives related to the lives of students outside the classroom make their way to Whitely’s office – whether they have to do with educating students about how to be safe at Ultra Music Festival, to spearheading the creation of ablution baths for Muslim students, to establishing an after-hours hotline for the Counseling Center, to overseeing the development of campus facilities.

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One of those facilities is the Donna E. Shalala Student Center, on which Whitely worked with then-President Shalala for 10 years. The WHITELY center gives students a firstclass space in which to meet, work and relax. It includes 24-hour study spaces, student organization offices, lounge spaces and multi-use meeting and activities rooms.

“We weren’t going to be a firstclass university without the Shalala Center,” she said.

Next up in the agenda is more housing for students, with plans already in the works to bring 1,000 new beds and update existing facilities in the next three to five years.

Creating a campus community that makes each student feel included is one of Whitely’s central goals. She has found that supporting students is as much about being present for them as it is selecting staff that support their needs and identities.

“We need to have a staff that reflects the composition and backgrounds of our student population,” she said.

Things change, society evolves, and student affairs must grow and develop with its students.

“I think it is important to be innovative and to be on the cutting edge,” Whitely said, adding that it is important for students to “be resilient, explore, find joy and find things that engage them.”

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When there’s a crisis – a hurricane, a death of a student – Whitely is involved as well.

“She never goes a day without thinking of what’s best for us all,” Hathaway said. “She goes out of her way to plan events for students, advocate on behalf of the student body and even attend events that students plan. She’s not only our advocate and our mentor, but she is also a great friend.”

Whitely first came to the University of Miami in 1982 after completing a master’s degree in student personnel services from the University of South Carolina and later earned her doctorate in higher education leadership at the University of Miami. She worked in the residence halls before becoming director of student life and moving into her current job. She is also a faculty member in the Higher Education Administration program and is a past president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and now sits on the NASPA Foundation Board.

She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work. Last spring, an anonymous Cane family donated $200,000 to name the annual, student-led symposium designed to create effective leaders after her.

It will now be known as the Patricia A. Whitely Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Whitely’s advice for students may be a key to understanding her own career success.

“It’s important for students to find something that they can do, that they love and they can do every day,” she said. “I never think I’m going to work, because it’s a part of my life.”

FIND A STUDENT ORGANIZATION UM has more than 280 undergraduate student organizations. Greek, cultural, sports, social and service organizations are all just a click away on OrgSync, a website that connects students to the organization of their choice.

Each organization’s page offers multiple tools and features, including a personal profile, a list of members and upcoming events.

OrgSync can serve as a calendar for

events such as Homecoming, lectures by keynote speakers, concerts and Cosford Cinema screenings.

Documents can also be uploaded and viewed; student organizations post their budget forms and registration forms for trips, and Student Government uses OrgSync for elections so students can easily vote online. For more information, visit umstudentactivities.orgsync.com.

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Valeria Velasco Age: 18 Major: Business Law Hometown: Homestead, Florida “Don’t be afraid to get involved your first semester. Organizations love to have freshmen join. If you decide to go through recruitment, find a sorority that you feel the most comfortable in, not necessarily the most popular one.”

Dayna Morelli Age: 19 Major: Nursing Hometown: Manalapan Township, New Jersey “Parents can also add to the pressure, so make sure you are keeping up with your work. Once you prove you can balance your new life at the University of Miami, they will back off.

Really, if you try and take good notes and show up to class, it’s not that hard to do what you need to get done.”

Mitchell E. Shapiro Professor and director of School of Communication Honors Program “You’re here to get an education, not to get grades.”

Timothy Watson Associate professor, English Department

“My advice to incoming students would be to try to find programs that encourage their intellectual interests. And ask two or three different people.”

Elizabeth S. Oldman Senior lecturer, English Literature

“I want students to realize that we all lose our train of thought sometimes. In class, we’re having a conversation about what we’re studying, and students should remember that. They should feel free to disagree with an article we’re reading or with the opinion of a fellow classmate, but they should do so respectfully.”

Shaquille Quarterman Age: 18 Major: Business Administration Hometown: Orange Park, Florida

“Balance is all about priorities. Make sure you make time for your school work and athletic responsibilities first; socializing will always come second. Come in with a plan and determination to take care of business. Have a plan for success, but don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.”

Vinny Monchelli Age: 19 Major: Undeclared Hometown: Morristown, New Jersey “My advice to freshmen is to not stress about not knowing what to study. They have time to decide and should come in ready to explore different areas.”

David Grossman Age: 23 Major: Physics Hometown: Nashua, New Hampshire “Meet everyone and choose your close friends wisely.

Also, think about how you want to spend your time because it will fly by, no matter what.”

David L. Steinberg Senior lecturer, Communication Studies

“Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It happens every minute of every day.”

Rosario Chinchilla Age: 18 Major: Marketing Hometown: Weston, Florida “Incoming freshmen should be open, friendly and social. It is important to have a time-management strategy to handle homework and tests. Try to join activities in the beginning and stick with them, even though it may be hard at times.”

Jessica Varga Papp Age: 18 Major: Undeclared Hometown: Budapest, Hungary “Call home often and keep in touch with your family, but also remember that college is truly your time to become your own person and find your independence. Be open to this new way of living.”

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STUDENT LIFE FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Greek Life: One way for students to create a home away from home

By David Ufberg First Impression Staff

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ince 1936, Greek life has been an integral part of the University of Miami experience.

The 30 different fraternities and sororities provide a home away from home for students here at UM. “It combines the best of everything,” said Steven Priepke, director of Greek life at UM. PRIEPKE “You can become a leader very early on ... You have membership for life, you have that family unity going on, you also have a lot of service and philanthropy things that you can participate in, and you have the social outlet,” he added.

UM is a deferred recruitment campus, meaning freshmen can’t participate in recruitment until their second semester. Transfer students can participate in recruitment in the fall only if they’ve completed a full semester at another institution.

“The goal is for [new students] to understand the University of Miami, to get settled into their academics, understand that the course rigors are different from high school,” Priepke said. “[And] to do all that before they add the additional work and commitment that Greek life involves.”

Priepke emphasized the time commitment that participating in Greek life requires, likening it to adding a three-credit course.

“There are meeting requirements, there are education requirements, there are going to be activities and group projects, and expectations that the new members be together, and that takes time,” Priepke said.

UM has four Greek councils: Panhellenic Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council.

If students are interested in joining a Panhellenic organization, they must register online sometime between October and December and take part in the recruitment process the following spring.

The Interfraternity Council doesn’t require registration.

Interested students should attend the recruitment event of the organization they wish to join, which is usually a barbecue on the first or second day of classes.

Students who want to join an organization in the National Pan-Hellenic or Multicultural Greek Councils should contact the council leader and can then be invited to join the organization.

According to Priepke, Greek life can be an extremely positive experience for students.

“It can bring you that family commitment and support structure that you may not always receive in other [student organizations],” he said. “I think it offers a lot and creates a home for people at the university.”

Slow drum beat announces the selection of new members of Iron Arrow, UM’s most prestigious honor society

By Eva Tahernia First Impression Staff

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wice a year, students at the University of Miami can hear a slow, beating drum announcing a long line of people walking around campus with their arms crossed and faces stern.

They wear bright, colorful jackets with distinct patterns; not one jacket is the same. The line leader holds a metallic arrow with both hands.

The students, faculty, staff and alumni in the procession belong to the Iron Arrow Honor Society, and membership is considered the highest honor at the University of Miami. Iron Arrow recognizes individuals in the UM community who exemplify the society’s five pillars: love of alma mater, character, leadership, scholarship and humility.

Iron Arrow members consider themselves the keepers of the history and traditions of the university. But the highest and best-known purpose of Iron Arrow is the recognition of outstanding individuals at the U. “Iron Arrow is unique because, unlike Phi Beta Kappa or getting a full ride or any of those other honors and recognitions, this is very specific to the University of Miami,” said Ann Helmers, career planning and placement director for the College of Engineering and adviser to Iron Arrow. “This is an honor and recognition that is all about being a Miami Hurricane.”

No one can voluntarily join Iron Arrow, however. Members nominate those who they think excel in the five qualities of Iron Arrow. Chosen individuals are tapped in, physically and symbolically. Self nominations are not accepted.

“The goal is to recognize those that aren’t acting with hope of recognition,” said Anna Bona, a graduate medical school student and last year’s Iron Arrow Chief. “Just do something that you love. Find one, two, three things you really care about, and even if you don’t become president or recognized by Iron Arrow, you’re working hard on something you really care about, so it’ll be a worthwhile endeavor regardless.”

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor HIGHEST HONOR: Iron Arrow members and new inductees walk in the 2015 Homecoming Parade.

New members join the tribe during tapping ceremonies that take place twice a year. Unsuspecting students, faculty, staff and alumni at the Gables campus physically get tapped with the ceremonial iron arrow and brought over to the Iron Arrow chief, who will be waiting on the Iron Arrow mound by the bookstore. There, new members are given the traditional jacket, made by the Miccosukee Tribe of South Florida. About 30 people are tapped per semester, which is less than 1 percent of the UM population.

“All of the sudden, you hear drums, and there’s like a marching line of people walking up to you, and you basically get grabbed and you have to walk around campus with them for the rest day wearing your jacket,” said Owen Berry, a junior architecture student who was tapped in the fall of 2015. “When it actually happens to you, you don’t honestly believe it at first,” he said. “It was an incredible experience.”

Every year, Iron Arrow holds a forum called “Histories and Traditions,” open to the university community to highlight how the university has changed and grown. This year, the society included two Iron Arrow athletes – tennis champion Jodi Appelbaum-Steinbaum and golfer Tracy

Kerdyk – who were some of the first women to be noted and recognized under Title IX. Iron Arrow members also get recognized on the field at sporting events, walk in parades and take part in an orientation introduction for first -year students.

Famous Iron Arrow alumni include Grammy Award-winner Gloria Estefan, 2004 Summer Olympics silver medalist Lauryn Williams and NBC 6 news anchor Jackie Nespral.

Founded in 1926, the Iron Arrow Society was the first student honor society at UM, and it was all male. In 1972, the society was notified by the federal government that it was violating Title IX of the Education Amendments by excluding women.

In 1982, Iron Arrow sued the federal government to be allowed to remain an all-male group and a U.S. Supreme Court date (Iron Arrow Soc. v. Heckler) was scheduled, but then UM’s president at the time, Edward T. Foote II, announced that whatever the outcome, Iron Arrow would not be allowed to continue as a male-only organization.

In 1985, women were admitted into the society, redefining its status as the highest honor that anyone at the university can attain.

Summer 2016

Gender-neutral housing, restrooms among campus diversity initiatives

By Isabella Cueto News Editor

T

he University of Miami has set in motion several efforts to make campus more inclusive for its diverse student body. Moves such as the designation of gender-inclusive restrooms and gender-neutral housing, as well as plans for an LGBTQ Resource Center on campus, are efforts to bring UM up to speed with its oft-mentioned “aspirational peers,” such as Harvard and other top institutions.

Gender-neutral housing was a Student Government priority in the 2015-2016 academic year.

The pilot program will be offered in certain suites and apartments in Eaton Residential College and the University Village.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors were offered the gender-inclusive

housing option and about 20 students signed up, according to James Smart, executive director of Housing and Residential Life (HRL). Smart said the option was not made available to incoming freshmen because it is still a fairly new change and HRL wanted to see what logistical challenges would arise before making the housing open to all students.

However, freshmen were permitted to make an inquiry and request the housing. Smart said he only remembered one freshman reaching out.

“We’ll see what our experience dictates this year,” he said, adding that input from the first residents living in gender-inclusive suites and apartments would be crucial.

Another initiative, the creation of a designated space in the center of campus to provide resources to students as well as a full-time staff member to assist LGBT students, was requested by several student leaders from Spectrum-UPride, the LGBT student organization on campus.

The inaugural director of the LGBTQ Resource Center will be Van Bailey, who also served as the inaugural director of BGLTQ Student Life at Harvard College. He has extensive experience in both student affairs and LGBT student leadership.

Bailey is a published author and sits on the board of directors of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

UM has also taken a step toward accommodating LGBT students by installing both gender-neutral and all-inclusive bathrooms.

Transgender students can now use the bathroom of the gender with which they identify, according to Smart, who said the university is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all of its students.

According to Smart, many UM buildings were erected in the 1950s and ’60s, and architects did not allow for space to create these inclusive areas. The university has vowed to allot space in all future construction.

Gender-neutral bathrooms are available in Dooly Memorial, Gables One Tower and Meyer Law Library.

All-inclusive bathrooms, which are open to all genders, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and also have family accommodations, are located in the Shalala Student Center, Ungar Building, Richter Library, Herbert Wellness Center, Perez Architecture Center, Newman Alumni Center, BankUnited Center, Toppel Career Center and Gables One Tower.

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GENDER-NEUTRAL/INCLUSIVE RESTROOMS

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief

INCLUSIVE RESTROOMS Shalala Student Center Ungar Building Richter Library Herbert Wellness Center Perez Architecture Center Newman Alumni Center BankUnited Center Toppel Career Center Gables One Tower

GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS Meyer Law Library x2 Memorial Building Gables One Tower To see a map showing the locations of these inclusive and gender-neutral restrooms, visit miami.edu/ lgbtq.

SpectrUM creates safe space for LGBT students looking for friendship and support

By Isabella Cueto News Editor and Kaitlyn Vidaurreta First Impression Staff

I

Victoria McKaba // First Impression Staff DRAGOUT: Students compete in the “best amateur drag queen act” category during SpectrUM’s 2016 event at the Rathskeller.

n the fall, junior Mary Balise will take over the presidency of SpectrUM, an LGBT student organization.

Students in SpectrUM have been instrumental in pushing for change on campus throughout the years, but Balise remains cool and confident about taking over a seemingly “daunting” position.

“I like to tell people that if I can wrangle three professional and eleven amateur drag queens in one room at DragOut 2016, I can handle just about anything they throw at me!” she said in an email.

For Dragout, SpectrUM invites professional drag queens from South Beach to the Rathskeller, where they MC a drag competition among students. Undergraduate, graduate, law and medical school students all participate in the annual event, bringing out their best makeup skills, wigs and flashy costume designs.

DragOut, though strongly attended and highly anticipated by students each year, is just one of the many social events SpectrUM hosts on campus. It also hosts Coming Out Week in October, Pride Awareness Week in April and has taken part in the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade for the last few years.

The organization itself also strives to create a welcoming, comfortable family environment with mini-outings and meetings.

Rising senior, former SpectrUM president and incoming education chair Jeremy Penn said his goal is to attract new members – whether they identify as LGBT or not – and help create an environment where club members feel “comfortable in their own skin.”

“The office is our home on campus,” Penn said last spring of the suite in the Shalala Student Center. “That was one of my really big goals for this year, to make the office accessible and also make it a place where people wanted to go. I wanted it to be members’ go-to place.”

The club has a consistent number of about 30 members, he said, not including the 10 on the governing e-board. They usually meet twice a week, Monday and Thursday. Mon-

day meetings are dialogue-based and dedicated to the discussion of relevant topics in the LGBT community, while Thursday meetings are more social. Events on Thursdays include game nights and movie nights.

Every other Wednesday, SpectrUM holds what it calls “group,” designed to provide a safe space for those who seek a trusted group of peers for support. Members of SpectrUM can also break bread together on the Foote Green during their weekly Wednesday lunch at the UM farmers market.

“We have a ton of fun whether it’s at our official meetings, hanging out in our office until 1 a.m. or at Denny’s across the street at 4 a.m. during finals,” Balise said.

Penn said his constant goal is to get people from the UM community to attend meetings and become involved with SpectrUM’s projects.

“Whether or not you are LGBTQ or not, you need to know about us,” he said. “And you should want to know about us because we are pretty great people.”

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The Division of Student Affairs welcomes the inaugural Director of the LGBTQ Resource Center

Dr. Van Bailey

Summer 2016

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THE MIAMI HURRICANE

DISTRACTION IBIS YEARBOOK MAGAZINE

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JULIE HARANS

KAITLIN CASTILLO

ASMAE FAHMY

JOHN WILTSHIRE

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editor@the miamihurricane.com

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Incoming Distraction Magazine editor-in-chief prepares for new challenges

By Isaiah Kim-Martinez First Impression Staff

J

unior Asmae Fahmy started writing short stories in fourth grade. She knew that she wanted to be a writer since she was a young child, but had one big challenge she needed to overcome: her language barrier.

Growing up in a household that frequently spoke Arabic, the Miami native didn’t end up learning English until she was 5 years old.

“I struggled so much with English growing up,” Fahmy recalled. “I ended up learning it through my neighbors and programs in school because my parents didn’t speak it that well.”

She was assigned to English as Second Language (ESOL), and within a few years, she began writing for school publications.

“When I was in ninth grade, my English teacher basically forced me to get into newspaper,” Fahmy said. “I got involved in sophomore year and basically have been a part of [a student-run publication] ever since.”

This year, she will be running her own publication as editor-in-chief of Distraction Magazine at the University of Miami.

“Excitement and shock, a lot of nervousness,” Fahmy said about how she felt after being elected to her new position. “I was really excited, but also mildly horrified, just

Photo courtesy Valentina Escotet

because I know it is going to be a big responsibility.”

Founded in 2010, Distraction provides stories about student culture on campus in order to engage students in a way that gives them a break from the stresses of college.

“It is a distraction in that sense,” Fahmy said. “Whatever stress you’re dealing with, it lets you step away from that and enter some-

thing that we hope is fun, entertaining and different.”

Fahmy talked about the challenges that will come with the new role, especially because she has always been more of a writer than a designer, and magazine production involves a lot of design. Nonetheless, she said she is up to the task.

“You just have to add your own touch to it,” Fahmy said about her approach. “I want the magazine to include more features and be more photo heavy.”

Last year’s editor-in-chief, Rori Kotch, believes Fahmy has what it takes to be successful.

“I see a lot of things in her that I don’t possess,” Kotch said. “She is a really good writer and knows how to put her thoughts into words really well. She’s more of a quiet leader, I’d say, which is good, because you want to be able to hear everyone else’s ideas before you speak.”

Fahmy has always been interested in writing. Her grandfather was a journalist.

After joining her school newspaper in high school, Asmae rose to editor-in-chief.

Writing was also a coping method for Fahmy to get through some difficult times in life.

“I always tried to turn my bad experiences into stories,” she said.

Asmae’s father is a professor at the university, and when he showed her a copy of

Distraction before she even started college, she was immediately taken by it.

“Something about their voice,” Fahmy said about what drew her to the magazine.

“So self-assured and sassy and fun.”

When Fahmy joined Distraction in her sophomore year, she started as a staff writer.

Over the past two years, she has worked her way up the ranks to become managing editor, her position last year, in which she was responsible for planning many of the themes and concepts for the magazine. Managing editor has not been an easy job, Fahmy said, and she often spent weekends at the office until 1 a.m. But for her, it has been worth it.

“It has forced me out of my shell and to be more involved in the community,” Fahmy said.

Fahmy, now a journalism and psychology double-major, has changed her area of study a handful of times. She started at UM as a screenwriting and advertising major, then went on to international relations and biology before finally arriving back at journalism.

Her involvement in Distraction, however, has remained constant.

“Just to feel like you’re a part of something, and to feel like that something is a part of you at the same time,” Fahmy said. “This is the place where I have made some of my best friends and the place where I have been able to grow as a writer and a designer.”

STUDENT MEDIA PUBLICATIONS DISTRACTION MAGAZINE

IBIS YEARBOOK

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

SCIENTIFICA

Distraction captures the culture of the University of Miami’s student body with a variety of pieces, from playful lists and student confessions to revealing features on topics at the heart of the university community. The magazine publishes twice a semester and includes sports coverage, highcaliber fashion spreads and more.

The Ibis Yearbook is an awardwinning publication that captures all the moments of the academic year. With sections on lifestyles, academics, people, organizations, Greek life and sports, everything that makes us Canes will be seen for years to come.

The university’s student-run newspaper covers news, sports, opinion and arts and entertainment topics pertaining to campus and the surrounding community. Starting this year, TMH will transition from publishing a semi-weekly print product to a weekly print product in an effort to explore the potentials of online journalism.

Established in spring 2014, Scientifica is the newest student publication at the University of Miami. The scientific magazine includes content such as studies and essays with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

To get involved, contact Editorin-Chief Asmae Fahmy at a.fahmy3@umiami.edu.

To get involved, contact Editorin-Chief Kaitlin Castillo at editor@ibisyearbook.com

To get involved, contact Editorin-Chief Julie Harans at editor@ themiamihurricane.com

To get involved, contact Editorin-Chief Henry Mancao at scientificaeditor@gmail.com

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Emphasis on academics and smaller classes draw transfer students to the U

By Julia Kohl First Impression Staff

I Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor EQUAL ACCESS: The Association of Commuter students shows off their spirit during the Homecoming 2015 Parade.

Activities and support services help make university a commuter-friendly place

By Briana Gotay First Impression Staff

A

n 8 a.m. class – the first class of the day at the University of Miami – helps commuter student Chelsey Sellars avoid rushhour traffic, find campus parking and arrive to class on time.

“I learned after my first semester to stay away from 9:30 a.m. classes,” said Sellars, a junior broadcast journalism major. “I was late almost every day.”

Sellars is one of the estimated 1,200 UM commuter students. Typically, each undergraduate class has about 300 commuter students, representing 10-15 percent of enrolled students, said Matthew G. Barnes, assistant director of UM’s Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement.

Commuter students primarily live throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. They live alone or with roommates in apartments, condominiums and houses, but most freshman commuters live at home with their parents, according to Barnes.

Not having to pay for rent, food and other expenses makes living at home much more affordable, said Alexis De La Rosa, a freshman public relations major. However, there are also some inconveniences involved.

“Definitely the traffic and time spent commuting between home and campus is a pain,” she said.

De La Rosa drives about 13 miles to campus from her family home in Miami Springs. It takes her approximately 25 minutes without traffic and 40 minutes during rush hour.

And rush hour, said Sellars, can be a commuter student’s worst enemy.

“You cannot predict the traffic no matter how early you wake up, so it is best to leave before rush hour; 8 a.m. classes are best,” said Sellars, who has about a 15-20 minute commute from her Bird Road apartment.

Transportation hassles aside, the university remains a commuter-friendly school, with organizations, support services and activities designed to help students be involved if they want to, Barnes said.

“Every student has the same access to join the same number of organizations and get involved,” he said. Additionally, there are organizations, groups and services specifically for commuters.

The Association of Commuter Students is student-run organization designed to meet the social needs of commuter students.

The university’s Department of Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement also sponsors activities to give commuters a broader university experience, and the Commuter Assistant staff develops new activities each year. One of the events in spring semester included a cultural food-tasting activity, which exposed students to cultures and foods from different countries.

De La Rosa, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and a Student Government senator representing the School of Communication, said she advises commuters to get involved as much as they want.

“You only have four years to make it or break it,” De La Rosa said, “So learn as much as you can, have fun and take it all in.”

n January, after spending the first semester of her freshman year at Florida Atlantic University, Bailey Souaid became a Hurricane.

Souaid, 18, said smaller class sizes attracted her to the University of Miami.

“Being able to have a personal relationship with my professors makes learning a lot more fun and meaningful,” Souaid said. “I am able to set up appointments and get help from my professors, which is something I did not feel comfortable doing before.”

Souaid, who is from Palm Beach, was one of nearly 600 transfer students last year, according to the UM’s Office of Admission website. The transfer class had an average collegiate GPA of 3.4.

Although most of UM’s transfer students are from the state of Florida, primarily Miami Dade College and Broward College, the university admits students from all over the country and the world, said Jose Garcia, assistant director of admissions.

In addition to citing smaller class sizes, transfer students say they were attracted to the university’s facilities, many of which give students hands-on experience, Garcia said.

Teresa Lee, a freshman from Long Island, New York, transferred to UM from Binghamton University in January.

“I liked Binghamton University, but my main focus in school is academics. The school didn’t have a school of communication, and UM has a great program,” Lee said.

The transition was daunting, she said, but once she moved in and met her roommate, she felt like she fit in.

Lee said she got to meet more students by joining the Transfer Student Association (TSA). The group, which consists of around 25 active members – transfer and non-transfer students – meets weekly and plans events to bring the community together.

Ryan Weigandt, a junior who transferred in fall 2015 from a community college in Michigan, said TSA sponsors activities on and off campus, from tailgates to ice cream socials.

“TSA is a great club that’s very welcoming,” said Weigandt, TSA president.

Lee will be the group’s vice president in the fall.

“TSA has not only allowed me to meet some of my closest friends, but it has also allowed me to grow as a leader,” she said.

Lee said she first made friends at the special transfer student orientation, which takes place during the first week of both the fall and spring semesters.

Orientation leaders play warm-up games with the new students so everyone can get to know each other, and they also have treasure hunts and special tours around campus.

There is also a club fair in the fall and spring, which allows students to get involved in the community and with other campus activities.

Caitlin Esty, a sophomore from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, transferred in fall 2015 from North Dakota State University.

Esty’s advice to new transfer students: “Don’t be afraid to speak up and meet new people.

Everyone is going through the same thing or has been through the same thing at some point.”

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STUDENT LIFE FIRST IMPRESSION Summer 2016

Video Games Club showcases games’ versatility, social relevance

By Emily Dabau First Impression Staff

W

hen Nikhil Delahaye holds a video-game controller in his hands, he doesn’t view the game in front of him as a pastime. To him, the games tell stories in which the player is an actor and the player’s actions help to write a narrative.

“As we have more and more different stories to tell, being able to tell stories through games ... might make some stories more impactful,” said Delahaye, a rising senior. “It’s a new medium …

Once the medium finds its stride, it can be very, very powerful in being able to tell stories about what it is to live life.”

Clay Ewing, assistant professor in the School of Communication’s Department of Cinema and Interactive Media, teaches a variety of game design and development classes. Ewing said games have the ability to affect how conversations are sparked and have a real social impact. Some stories may be for pure entertainment, but others are narrative-driven and have a story to tell, he said.

“Games as a medium provide a nice way to tell stories in a different way, and I think, for millennials and beyond, games are their dominant storytelling device,” Ewing said.

Delahaye has been playing video games since he was 6 years old, when his uncle bought him a GameCube. Since then, he has only grown more passionate about gaming. Last semester, Delahaye was the treasurer of UM’s Video Games Club (VGC), an organization of student gamers that meets every week on campus. He was host of the WVUM radio show “Reaction

Replay,” which focused on video-game music and conversation.

“I feel like there’s so many big things going on in gaming, especially down here in South Florida,” he said, “that people might really need a base for community discussion and a place to reach out for all video-game discussion.”

The video-game music he featured ranged from nostalgia-based to lesser-known music from smaller games, featuring orchestras and symphonies.

“Video-game music has exploded to music that everyone can enjoy,” he said. “It has become music that really has a universal appeal.”

Alex Ruhlman, a rising senior, first became interested in video games when he saw his father play Galaga at a local arcade while the family was in Korea with the Air Force. He was 6 years old at the time, and he couldn’t think of anything cooler to get involved in.

“I was like, ‘What is this, this is so cool! I want to get in on that,’” Ruhlman said.

That Christmas, Ruhlman’s father connected a Nintendo 64 with Mario Kart to a TV and handed Ruhlman the controller. Fourteen years later, he’s just as excited about gaming. Video games, Ruhlman says, have a psychological thrill that can’t be found from exercising or other activities.

“For some people who are having troubles at home or they aren’t doing so well at school or something’s going on with their family, for those few hours of that week when you’re there just to play a game, you’re like, ‘I need to channel every single emotion I have to win,’” he said. “I don’t know what else you can get that with … It’s real

Photo courtesy Video Games Club A POWERFUL MEDIUM: Heather Zons, center, plays “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” during a Video Games Club meeting

mental athletes who are putting in time, effort and money for pride.”

Both Delahaye and Ruhlman expressed how the video club has helped them to find a community of gamers with a uniting factor: their passion for playing.

While there are stereotypes associated with gamers, Delahaye says that the club’s diversity shows that those stereotypes are not the reality.

“Gamers have this stereotype of being acne-ridden white boys,” he said. “In terms of helping [deconstruct] the stereotype of gamers … I’m a minority, I’m black and our president is a wom-

an. Those are two populations that people don’t tend to think of.”

While original gamers were considered a subculture, the gaming community has become much more than that, Ewing said. The gamers who were originally labeled as a subculture are no longer regarded that way.

“I think, recently, it’s been shown that it’s not just a game community … Now, the subculture has turned into a mainstream culture and now there’s subcultures within that greater culture,” Ewing said.

Spontaneous dramas developed during 24-Hour Play Festival

By David Ufberg First Impression Staff

A

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief DRAMATIC MOMENT: Jim (Bennett Leeds), points a gun at Aaron (Jacob Garwood) during in “The Killer Inside,” the second of six plays performed during the 24-Hour Play event January.

ll bets were off during UM’s annual 24 Hour Play Festival at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre last spring. The task: to write, produce and perform a play, all within 24

hours.

“There will be chaos, as always,” said Peter Ellenstein, artistic director of the Ring Theatre, in anticipation of the marathon.

The 24-hour process started around 8 p.m. on a Friday, when approximately 50 actors, writers, directors and technicians gathered at the Ring. They each brought one completely random costume and prop.

The unpredictable props and costumes bring about the chaotic nature of the plays, Ellenstein said. He recalled a year when one student brought in a lobster suit and took on the persona of an underground lobster wres-

tler; one student brought in his accordion-playing roommate as a prop.

After the actors left, from around 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., the writers composed six 10-minute plays using the various actors, props and costumes to inspire them.

Throughout the process, they received invaluable guidance from Tarell McCraney, an acclaimed playwright and professor of theater and civic engagement, who held a writing workshop for the writers prior to the 24 Hour Plays.

Once the scripts were written, directors came in at approximately 7 a.m. to read what the writers had created, and each director chose a script to work on.

The actors then returned to the theater at 8 a.m. to learn which play they would be performing in. They broke up into groups and spent the next 12 hours in rehearsal.

“It’s about being as creative as you can with all kinds of obstacles in your way … seeing what you can do with the imagination and a lot of enthusiasm and endurance,” Ellenstein said.

Summer 2016

International students find way out of culture shock and into lasting friendships

By Caitlin Esty First Impression Staff

W

hen Rongxi Chen decided to attend the University of Miami, she faced a challenge that most U.S. students don’t have in their first year of college adjustment: the English language.

Chen, a 20-year-old rising sophomore from Beijing, is majoring in media management in the School of Communication. Doing well in the classroom, she said, means putting in extra time to master the subject as well as the language.

“The language is a big barrier,” said Chen, whose first language is Mandarin.

“For natives, it seems they need less time to do projects; I need about twice the time.”

It’s an effort Chen said she is prepared to make to succeed at a competitive U.S. university. She is not alone in her quest. For the past three or four years, students from China have swelled international admissions, said Mark Reid, associate dean of enrollment in UM’s Office of International Admission. More international students come from China than from any of the 121 countries represented at UM, Reid said.

According to the university’s website, 886 students from China were enrolled at UM during the 2015-16 school year. Venezuela, Brazil, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Colombia, Canada, Italy and Spain round out the top 10.

Nearly 300 international freshmen and transfer undergraduates enroll each year, Reid said, and about 15 percent of all undergraduates are international students.

Understanding that international students need special guidance and information when they arrive, the univer-

sity hosts a special orientation for international freshmen, transfer and graduate students, Reid said.

“International Students and Scholar Services go over immigration, visa questions, requirement issues of compliance and maintaining fulltime status,” Reid said. Administrators and advisors also talk about how students can adjust to the cultural changes that come with any international move.

Yassine Motaouakkil, a 19-year-old from Casablanca, Morocco, said there was a certain amount of culture shock when he moved to Miami, but it did not take long to adjust.

“Immediately, you meet a ton of new people; some of them remain acquaintances, others become family,” Motaouakkil said.

An important part of adjustment, administrators say, is meeting other people.

Jose Dias, a 20-year-old from Lisbon, Portugal, joined the soccer club and the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) even though he is not Brazilian. BRASA is open to anyone interested in Brazilian culture.

“I had a difficult time dealing with the distance away from family and friends,” Dias said, “but as soon as I moved here, I met my forever friends, people I consider family now.”

The Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO) will help international students meet new friends even before classes start. The group will make a presentation at the special orientation for international students and will host a welcome party on Aug. 16 at the Whitten University Center patio.

“We help promote and defend the interest for international students at UM,” said Rick Lin, 19, president of COISO.

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Study abroad mixes learning, growth and adventure

By Isabella Cueto News Editor Ryan Siegel First Impression Staff

E

xplore ancient ruins and architecture in Italy. Survey African villagers and build a freshwater system in a remote region of South Africa. Collect and analyze samples of fish and plant life in the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific to assess biodiversity. These are just a few of the adventures that students can have outside the classroom through University of Miami Study Abroad programs.

Those programs present students with opportunities to learn about themselves as they live outside of their comfort zones.

“It changed the way I live my life. I find beauty in the simple things and view people as a long story, rather than an object” said Patrick Stephens, a 2016 graduate who studied in Florence during his junior year.

Stephens, who also traveled to Costa Rica, said he went abroad because he’s had a passion for traveling from a very young age.

“My family and I traveled to a lot of different countries, so traveling is big in my family,” he said. “I think it’s kind of a no-brainer. Why would you not take the five months to live somewhere else and see a whole world unlike yours?”

Devin Chabot, a rising senior who studied in Copenhagen last fall, said he looked at the United States differently after experiencing life on another continent.

“I came back to Miami and realized how gaudy a place it is,” he said. “I also lived in a socialist society and learned to notice what people worry about, which was very little in comparison to Americans.”

Learning from people in different countries about how they live, work and play teaches something that cannot be learned from lectures or books: empathy and a sense of community.

“Study Abroad is a transformative educational experience that is especially beneficial for college students, since that is a time that students are likely to explore their academic and personal paths and

Photo courtesy Victoria McKaba SPIRIT: Students are taking the U all across the world through study abroad programs.

exhibit intellectual curiosity,” said Devika Milner, director of Study Abroad.

Jacob Werner, a rising senior majoring in international finance and marketing, spent a semester in Rome in 2015.

“I had never left the country,” he said. “I desired an experience where I would be immersed in a culture unlike my own … I know that studying overseas gave me exposure to how businesses abroad adjust to specific cultural aspects of their environment.”

Milner said that international experience makes for culturally competent students who are more attractive to employers hiring new graduates. Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. students study abroad, so those who do stand out from the crowd, she added.

The University of Miami offers more than 100 Study Abroad programs that take students around the globe, from South America to Australia, Europe, the Pacific Islands and beyond. Some are academic, while others focus on service.

The university’s “Spaces of Hope: South Africa and Namibia” program aims to immerse students in South African communities to dispel dated stereotypes about life in the region. In carrying out their field work, students work with underprivileged children.

The emphasis is on community and nation-building; understanding urban context and engagement opportunities, social networks and prejudices; and pursuing activities that promote a more sustainable life in the urban and social setting. Professor Richard Grant leads the program every summer, as well as the U Cape Town program.

Another program, “The Origins: Ecology and Conservation of Insular Di-

versity,” which takes place on the island of New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands, helps students gain an understanding of biodiversity on one of the most isolated group of islands on the planet.

The vehicle for learning is the Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership and its many work programs.

The partnership engages the community by forming collaborative teams and offering incentives to protect biodiversity and forests located near the island’s shores.

For many, studying abroad does not seem possible because of the reputation it has earned for being costly. However, Milner said, with proper preparation and advising, the cost should be the same as attending UM in Coral Gables.

“Students receive the same financial aid and scholarship during a UM program abroad that they do here. Additional expenses like housing and meals can be kept to a minimum if students select the right program and plan in advance.

Scholarships are also available through UM Study Abroad,” she said.

If a student is interested in exploring the opportunity of Study Abroad, Milner said they should talk to their academic advisor, fill out a quick online application and visit the Study Abroad Office to start planning.

“I have never encountered a student who has come back from a program abroad and said that they regretted it,” Milner said. “While it may be difficult to leave the U for a semester, the opportunities that Study Abroad gives to students are limitless and transformative.”

The Study Abroad Office is located in Rhodes House, Suite F. A full listing of programs can be found at miami.edu/ studyabroad.

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Um offers options to pursue growth in diverse faiths

By Elizabeth Gelbaugh First Impression Staff

A

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief READY FOR SERVICE: Renovations to The Braman Miller Center for Jewish Student Life were recently completed.

Freshman fest To welcome Jewish students

By Isabel Sutnick First Impression Staff

J

ewish students who are new to the University of Miami will have a special welcome when they arrive on campus in August: Freshman Fest.

The two-day, all-inclusive orientation program allows incoming Jewish freshmen to have a first look of the campus, meet Jewish upperclassmen and move into their dorms all before the other students arrive. It also includes a barbecue at a beach in Key Biscayne.

Freshman Fest is sponsored

by University of Miami Hillel, which fosters the growth of UM Jewish students socially, spiritually and professionally.

The festival, now in its eighth year, will take place Aug. 16-17.

Most of the orientation will take place at the newly renovated Braman Miller Center for Jewish Student Life at the University of

Miami Hillel. The renovations to the 62-year-old building were unveiled in December 2015.

The three-story building now features a rooftop lounge on the third f loor as well as a prayer sanctuary, a multipurpose classroom space, a new lobby and a kosher cafe.

The orientation encourages students to become involved at the center.

“I got involved with Hillel starting with Freshman Fest when I first came to UM,” said Jade Lubie, a sophomore who is now an Student Engagement intern for Hillel.

Making up 15-20 percent of UM’s student body, Jewish students come not only from the United States but from abroad, including Israel, Venezuela, France and Canada. Hillel offers them a a place to congregate for services and holidays such as Shabbat, Passover, Yom Kippur and Purim.

During the Purim celebration, the Latin Jewish community partnered with students from Panama, Venezuela, Cuba and Argentina to host a community dinner.

“Hillel is a home away from home,” said Joey Newfeld, president of the Hillel Student Executive Board. “It’s a place where students are comfortable and ap-

preciated no matter what’s going on.”

Newfeld, who became involved with Hillel his freshman year and is now a junior, oversees student programming at Hillel.

Freshman Fest is an extension of Hillel’s mission to enrich the lives of Jewish students by strengthening their faith and expanding their knowledge of Judaism, organizers say.

“Hillel exists as a foundation for Jewish student life,” said Igor Khokhlov, executive director at UM’s Hillel. “But that doesn’t mean non-Jewish students aren’t welcome.”

Hillel partners with non-Jewish groups to promote diversity within the university. Hillel joined the Armenian Students Association, the Muslim Students at the University of Miami, Saudi Students Association and Emet Israel campus organizations as hosts of Peace in the Middle East. This annual event celebrates diversity, culture and fellowship within the different religious groups at UM. “Hillel is open to friends who are not Jewish,” said Janu Mendel, Jewish Student Life associate. “This is a perfect place where students can chase their own passions without being put into a box.”

s freshman Allie Robison faced the daunting tasks of starting college – from finding her way around campus to doing her own laundry – she hoped to find a way to stay active in her Christian faith. After getting settled on campus, Robison turned to Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as “Cru.” “For someone like me, whose relationship to God is very important, it’s nice to be around people who feel the same way,” Robison said.

“I dove in head first, and I haven’t regretted a second of it. It’s given me a huge network.”

The University of Miami has organizations that foster a rich religious and spiritual environment for students of all faiths and backgrounds.

The University Chaplain’s Association, the official body responsible for religious life at UM, provides students with a variety of services, including fellowship, leadership training, scripture study, worship, retreats, counseling, community service, discussions and social events.

In addition to Campus Crusade for Christ, UM offers many resources and organizations for students seeking to begin or continue practicing their religion, including Athletes in Action, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Chad Jewish Student Center and Wesley Methodist Center.

We all have different flavors to us, and we have students that are involved in more than one ministry.

-Rev. Joe Lortie During Orientation, Christian Fest is held for students looking for more information about the Christian organizations on campus. At this event, Christian groups gather to enjoy free food, play games and meet new students interested in joining, said Rev. Joe Lortie, University Christian Fellowship pastor.

“I encourage them to go to two or three different tables at Christian Fest and talk to people,” Lortie said. “We all have different flavors to us, and we have students that are involved in more than one ministry.”

Religious life on campus is not limited to the Christian faith.

The Hindu Students Council, for example, is supportive of practicing Hindus and accepts members who want to know more about Hinduism. It sponsors several events throughout the school year, including Navratri, or the Festival of Nine Nights, and Garba/Raas Holi or the Festival of Colors.

The organization Muslim Students at the University of Miami (MSUM) promotes spiritual and moral development of Muslim students and also educates interested non-Muslims about the faith. It also hosts weekly congregational prayers on Fridays.

MSUM was one of the sponsors of Peace in the Middle East, an event that took place in April to celebrate and promote peace and diversity. Other participants were Emet Israel, the Saudi Students Association, the Armenian Students Association and Hillel.

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LIFE IN MIAMI Avoid stress of driving by using public transportation

By Madelyn Paquette First Impression Staff

M

iami can sometimes feel like one endless traffic jam. If you’re tired of crawling down U.S. 1 or you don’t have access to a vehicle at all, public transportation is a convenient way to get around the 305.

With so many exciting destinations accessible by Metro, there’s no need to feel trapped on campus. There is a Metrorail station on Ponce De Leon, just across from the BankUnited Center. It has stops all the way from Dadeland, south of UM, to Hialeah. At the Government Center stop, you can get off and catch the free Metromover, which will take you all around Downtown Miami.

Here’s a guide to navigating the city’s public transportation options.As always, be cautious when using public transportation, and always travel with a friend.

BEACHES

South Beach is the place go for fun in the sun. Ride the Metrorail to Government Center, then take the C, S or 120 bus across the bridge to your preferred spot. For a more remote getaway, take the 102 bus from the Brickell Metrorail station to Crandon Park, where you can lounge under palm trees on the sand.

MUSEUMS

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is the perfect afternoon trip for lovers of modern art. PAMM, housed in the spectacular building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog &

de Meuron, is just a short walk away from the Museum Park Metromover station.

For history lovers, HistoryMiami offers an array of exhibitions and tours and is located just a short walk from the Government Center Metrorail station.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an elegant getaway on Biscayne Bay. This historic destination is a must see; it’s perfect for picnics and has its own Metrorail station.

NEIGHBORHOODS

When you’re craving a classier nightlife scene than Coconut Grove, check out the bars and gastropubs in Brickell, about a 10-minute ride from campus with its own Metrorail station.

If you’re looking for a taste of Cuban culture, the most authentic place

to go is Little Havana. Catch the Route 8 or 207 bus from the Brickell Metrorail station. If you’re free during the monthly Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) celebration, take advantage of the free trolley service.

The Miami Design District is the place to go for high-end shopping and fine dining, so you can take the Route 9 bus from Government Center to experience this haven for luxury.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Adrienne Arsht Center is Miami’s premier destination for theater, dance and classical music. To reach this cultural hub, take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station, then transfer to the Metromover and get off at the aptly named Adrienne Arsht Station.

Baseball fans can cheer on the home team at Marlins Park by taking the 17 bus from Vizcaya Metrorail Station.

Head to a Heat game or concert at the American Airlines Arena, which is easily accessible via the Park West Metromover station. Also check out the nearby Bayside Marketplace, where you can dine at the Hard Rock Cafe or take a dinner cruise. Catch the Omni Loop Metromover from Government Center, and you’ll avoid both parking fees and traffic.

The Olympia Theater is a gorgeous, historic space on Flagler Street that also hosts a variety of musical artists and the Miami International Film Festival. Take the train to Government Center, then the Metromover to First Street. The theater is less than two blocks away.

For a more intimate concert experience, check out Bardot, a Wynwood music club with eclectic shows nearly every night. Take the Metrorail to Allapattah, then catch the 36 Bus to 36th Street at North Miami Ave.

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One of city’s oldest neighborhoods,

Grove is popular gathering place

By Nyah Tennell First Impression Staff

W

hen work and school become hectic, rest and relaxation are the only things on a student’s agenda.

Just 10 minutes away from campus, off of U.S. 1 and Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove has catered to tourists, the local community and University of Miami students for decades. Thursdays, the unofficial college night in the Grove, attracts UM students to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.

Although most nightclubs and bars require that patrons be 21 and older, there are a number of cool places that offer younger visitors a place to party without the booze.

One student favorite is Barracuda Bar and Grill on Fuller Street.

“Barracuda is known as our home away from home,” 18-year-old freshman Forest Jacobson said.

The popular haunt offers a pool room, dartboard and live games on a big-screen television.

Barracuda Bar and Grill is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and spend quality time with friends away from campus. Special events, including college night on Thursdays and live music on Fridays kick off weekend festivities.

Other Grove favorites include CocoWalk, a four-level outdoor shopping mall at the intersection of Grand Avenue, McFarlane Road and Main Highway. The entertainment and dining center, with its signature open courtyard, offers boutiques, a 15-screen movie theater, live entertainment and dining.

Just steps away from Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove is also a laid-back destination that includes Peacock Park, Kennedy Park and the Barnacle Historic State Park. Bicycling, walking trails and water sports are available. The parks also can be perfect locations for picnics or a blanket and a book.

Dharma Studio on Commodore Plaza sponsors free weekly yoga and de-stress classes from 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Peacock

Matthew Trabold // First Impression Staff KICKING BACK: Live music, a bayfont view and Happy Hour specials make Monty’s of Coconut Grove a local favorite.

Park, and 8-9 a.m. Saturdays on the Mayfair Hotel’s rooftop.

The Grove also offers a number of art galleries, including Kroma, a new collective art space located on Grand Avenue in the Village West neighborhood. The area, settled in the late 1870s

by Bahamian and African-Americans, was the first black community on the South Florida main-

land. The gallery host exhibits showcasing myriad perspectives of the African diaspora.

Other popular entertainment spots in Miami are Brickell Avenue and Mary Brickell Village.

Both are just a short drive from campus and offer everything from food to fashion.

“Brickell and the Grove are great local spots, and they’re only about a $5-$15 Uber ride away from campus,” sophomore Emily Urdaneta said.

YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND SKY BLUE WATERS, BUT ALSO SKY-HIGH PRICES, IF YOU VENTURE TO SOUTH BEACH

By Sarah Schoening and Jessica Vishny First Impression Staff

I

f you’re looking for a movie-like Miami experience, South Beach is the place for you.

With a combination of beaches, shopping, restaurants and nightlife, South Beach has it all – if you’re willing to empty your wallet for the $45 Uber ride from campus, the $18 hamburger and the $39.99 pineapple non-alcoholic drink on Ocean Drive.

Share the Uber ride (and cost) with friends, and look beyond Ocean Drive if you want student-friendly budget fare. Or if you’re not in a hurry, you can always take public transportation (see Page 89).

Students tend to avoid South Beach because of the high prices and large crowds, but for those savvy Canes looking for a touristy experience, it is a fun place to spend the day or night.

Stretching from South Pointe to 15th Street, Ocean Drive features a row of pastel-colored buildings, restaurants with sidewalk tables and big umbrellas, and hotels with live music and dancing – all by the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the center of the famous Miami Art Deco District, home to about 900 preserved buildings, Ocean Drive has been featured on numerous television shows, including Showtime’s crime drama mystery series, “Dexter.”

For birthday celebrations and special occasions, go to Ocean Drive restaurants such as the Sugar Factory or Fat Tuesday.

“Sugar Factory has a happy ambiance and a cool vibe,” said University of Miam freshman Jessica Giampia. “They have fun desserts with sparkler candles that they bring out for birthdays, so it’s a good place to celebrate.”

EASY RIDER: Ocean Drive can be a relaxing place after the night revelers head home

One street west, on Collins Avenue, are name-brand and designer stores, including True Religion, Free People and Steve Madden. Another block west, on Washington Avenue, there’s the Kardashian sisters’ clothing store, DASH. Just north of Ocean Drive lies another popular street and fun destination: Lincoln Road.

With plenty of restaurants offering all kinds of food, Lincoln

File Photo

Road draws locals and tourists alike. Shopping on Lincoln Road is popular as well; the stores that fill the pedestrian-only street invite browsing for trendy new clothing.

At night, South Beach comes alive with flashing lights, bright colors and loud music. Many restaurants on Ocean Drive turn into bars accommodating only those who are 21 and older.

Nightclubs in the Art Deco District, such as Mokai Lounge and Treehouse, open around 11 p.m. and are among the UM student favorites.

Some students say they prefer Miami Beach over the Grove and Brickell. Although those two neighborhoods are closer to campus, they don’t offer as much diversity.

“The Grove and Brickell only cater to one style of music and culture, so they only attract a select group of people,” freshman Malika Elmengad said.

South Beach, on the other hand, attracts diverse crowds, DJs and celebrities.

“If you’re looking for a more ethnically diverse, upscale, hip-hop experience, South Beach is the place to go,” Elmengad said. “I love everything about South Beach. Good energy, good people and great music.”

There’s no doubt that South Beach is an entertainment hot spot; however, it still provides some opportunity for relaxation, especially in the morning when the revelers have headed home and the whitesand beach yields spectacular sunrises.

Nyah Tennell contributed to this report.

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Coral Gables, the U’s hometown, offers choices by the Mile

By Haley Walker First Impression Staff

J

ust a 10-minute drive from campus is Miracle Mile, the epicenter of Coral Gables. Palm trees and Spanish-style architecture line the way to brunch spots, bookstores and wine bars on the Mile, all walking distance from cultural hotspots like the Actors’ Playhouse and the Coral Gables Museum. Miracle Mile, also known as Coral Way, is the perfect place to bring a date, visiting family or friends. Here are some shopping, dining and entertainment destinations on the Mile.

SHOPPING

The main road may be known for its bridal boutiques, but the surrounding Business Improvement District (BID) has shops for every kind of buyer. Perhaps the most noteworthy is the nationally acclaimed Books & Books, a bookstore and cafe that holds dinner parties and readings with world-renowned authors.

Besides boasting a wide selection of books and treats, it’s also the hangout of UM faculty and students from the creative writing department. If vintage shopping is more your thing, check out Retro City Collectibles for dorm decor and geeky goods like trading cards and action figures. For the fashionista, there are a handful of upscale boutiques lining the street.

DINING

Even if you’ve never been, start planning your return trip, because Miracle Mile is a culinary hotspot.

For brunch, try the trendy The Local and Threefold Cafe. Later in the day, choose from cutting edge eateries like Swine or the more romantic Cibo Wine Bar and Love is Blind, where the ahi tuna tacos are nothing short of heavenly. There are foods from all cultures, from Caribbean at Ortanique on the Mile to German at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. For treats and small eats, try the gelato at VIXI Gelateria or anything chocolate at Chocolate Fashion.

ENTERTAINMENT

There is more to do than shop and eat around the Mile, so if you’re seeking something else to do, look no further. Sweat it up before brunch at Orangetheory Fitness or Pilates ProWorks, or skip dessert and head to Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe after dinner. RDZ Fine Art and Amore Gelato Art Caffe boast the works of local artists, and the Coral Gables Museum offers a glimpse of history. The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater offers live shows and the Coral Gables Art Cinema hosts indie movies and live-streamed events.

Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor TRENDY DINING: Enjoy locally sourced, craft-made Blue Crab Hushpuppies, Beef Jerky, and Fried Spare Ribs at The Local.

STAY

If your family is visiting or you just need a brief getaway, check out the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables or The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables. Both are within walking distance of all the restaurants, shops and hotspots of Miracle Mile. The Hyatt’s pool and fountained lobby are the perfect spots for a lazy weekend, whether you’re with family or on a date. The Westin is perfect for an evening of dinner and drinks at Sushisamba and its open-air patio is just downstairs. Both are great ways to get an upscale Miami experience without the noise of South Beach.

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SPORTS VARSITY SPORTS The University of Miami is much more than just a football school. With more than a dozen competitive varsity teams, there is no shortage of excellence in the field of athletics at The U. For more information and season schedules, visit hurricanesports.com.

FALL SPORTS Soccer: First regular season game: Friday, Aug. 19 vs. North Florida in Jacksonville.

Home matches are played at Cobb Stadium.

Volleyball: First regular season game: Friday, Aug. 26 vs. Florida A&M in Coral Gables.

Home matches are played at the James L. Knight Sports Complex.

Football: First regular season game: Saturday, Sept. 3 vs. Florida A&M in Miami Gardens.

Home games are played at New Miami Stadium (formerly known as Sun Life Stadium).

LEAD CANE: Now rising junior quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) directs the team during the 2015 football season. He’ll return to the job in the fall.

Joshua Gruber // First Impression Staff

Women’s Basketball: Home games are played at the BankUnited Center.

CANES LOOKING FOR POWERFUL SEASON UNDER COACH RICHT

By Matthew Walter First Impression Staff

T

he Miami Hurricanes football team has a big season coming up this fall – the first under newly appointed Head Coach Mark Richt.

Ever since Richt’s hiring back in December of 2015, there has been excitement all around the U about what this new era could bring.

The players had the chance to experience their first practices with the new coaching staff this spring and to get a feel for the new system and schemes. In April, the team also participated in their annual spring game, where the players were split up into two sides and went against each other. It was the first time fans were able to see Richt lead the Canes in a game-like environment.

“When you just look at a group of young men who just had a brand-new staff and a brand-new system and all the things going on, I think they did a really good job,” Richt said after the spring game.

Richt – a former Cane whose previous job was head football coach at the University of Georgia – will be calling the plays on offense for the first time in almost 10 years.

That means that his relationship with junior starting quarterback Brad Kaaya becomes that much more important.

“I did my extra work off the field and [was] just studying my plays and getting involved with stuff,” Kaaya said on handling the new offense. “I think I’ve mastered it pretty well.”

Kaaya had an impressive sophomore campaign last year, in which he threw for 3,238 yards and 16 touchdowns to only five interceptions. He had a 61.2 completion percentage. It is expected that with Richt at

Men’s Basketball: Home games are played at the BankUnited Center.

the helm, Kaaya will show even more improvement.

During the spring, Richt and his coaching staff were able to see what the Hurricanes were doing well, along with what they need to improve, which is what that time of year is all about when it comes to football.

“When I look at it in totality, I really enjoyed working with these young men, just a really, really fantastic group,” Richt said. “Worked hard, didn’t bow their neck at anything, they took the coaching, they took the guidance.”

Now, Miami puts its focus on the fall, when practices will become more intense and game plans will be made weekly for each and every opponent. The first of these opponents will be Florida A&M, whom Miami will play to open the 2016 season at home on Sept. 3.

Cross Country: Meets are held at universities around the country.

Swimming and Diving: Home meets are held at the Whitten University Center Pool.

SPRING SPORTS Baseball: Home games are played at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

Golf: Tournaments are held at courses around the country.

Swimming and Diving: Home meets are held at the Whitten University Center pool Tennis: Home matches are played at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center Track and Field: Meets are held at universities around the country.

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Quiet and focused, Adrienne Motley pushes team to reach its goals

By Chantel Batista First Impression Staff

A

Victoria McKaba // First Impression Staff FREEDOM ON THE COURT: Junior guard Ja’Quan Newton (0) goes up to shoot during the Hurricanes’ win over Duke in January. With the departure of Angel Rodriguez, Newton will have control of the offense this upcoming season.

Point Guard Ja’Quan Newton shows devotion to the game: ‘Basketball is the world for me’

By Matthew Walter First Impression Staff

B

asketball has been a part of Miami Hurricanes point guard Ja’Quan Newton’s life since the day he was born. As the son of Division II player of the year Joe Newton, who started for Central Oklahoma University, Ja’Quan had big shoes to fill.

This didn’t keep Newton from trying.

When Newton graduated from Neumann-Goretti High School in Philadelphia, he left as the Catholic League’s all-time scorer, with 1,972 points. In his senior year, he averaged 21.7 points per game and was the Catholic League MVP. “I just went out there and played,” he said.

“It’s a great accomplishment.”

Not surprisingly, he was recruited to play college ball by powerhouses like UCLA and Texas A&M. However, he decided to bring his talents down to Miami.

“I saw how the offense was run, and I saw how the point guards played,” Newton said.

“The players are given freedom on the court, and that’s what drew me here.”

Newton came to Miami in 2014 as a sports administration major. His freshman campaign was a slow one, as he played very few minutes while he became acclimated to college basketball. He worked hard in the off-season and gained a lot from his freshman year.

“I knew my role was expanding over the summer,” Newton explained. “I worked hard to improve on my all-around game and especially my shot.”

Many people didn’t know what to expect from his sophomore year, but Newton says he knew.

“There isn’t anything better than just going out and playing the game of basketball,” Newton said. “Basketball is the world for me.”

He stepped up in a major way and became the leading scorer for the Hurricanes off the bench, with 10.5 points per game. He brought a spark that had been missing from the Hurricanes offense. Midway through the season, Newton had a career-high 20 points against College of Charleston. He also finished second in voting for the ACC Sixth Man of the Year Award, given to the best player coming off the bench for their team.

“Ja’Quan’s such a good penetrator and finisher around the rim,” Miami Head Coach Jim Larrañaga said in a recent press conference.

“He’s worked so hard on his three point shot, and he’s very confident in it.”

After the finish to a great season that saw the team go to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament, Newton is back in the weight room and on the court, trying to get better. He works hard. In the off season, players cut back workouts to about half of what they do in regular season, but that still means an average of 10 hours a week in the gym, lifting weight and practicing ball handling and shooting. Newton works out alongside his teammates and especially Head Coach Larrañaga. To Newton, “Coach L” is more than just a coach.

“Coach L is the type of coach that lets you go out there and play your game,” Newton said.

“It’s more than just basketball with Coach L. He cares about you as a person.”

drienne Motley goes through the same routine before every basketball game. She prays during the national anthem, taps her chest and points her finger up.

“My big thing is praying before the game, to relax and talk to God,” Motley said.

Motley said she also likes keeping things consistent. Before every home game, she listens to Biggie Smalls in the training room, and when she is on the road, she switches to “You Don’t Know”

by Jay-Z. She called those habits “superstitions.”

Motley, a 20-year-old rising senior at the University of Miami majoring in electronic media and minoring in advertising, is one of the stars of the women’s basketball team.

During the 2015-16 season, she started all 33 games and posted double figures in 29 of them. She also led the team in field goals, making 214 of 440 attempts.

She is widely considered a WNBA prospect.

Motley’s name has made it to just about all the lists that recognize the nation’s top players: Wade’s Watch list, Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Early Season Watch List, the Blue Ribbon Panel First Team All-ACC & ACC Coaches First Team All-ACC, to name a few. But, when asked about what she was most proud of and what she hopes to accomplish, she didn’t refer to awards.

She cracked a huge smile and mentioned her work in the field of television production. It is something that she truly enjoys, she said, other than basketball.

“I’m going to be a senior next year,” she said. “Stuff is going to be very real.”

Motley shook her head and placed her fingers on her chin in disbelief that her years at the U are coming to an end.

“My recognitions are all blessings,” Motley said. “I really just want an ACC championship and a ring.”

The Hurricanes could not accomplish their goal of winning a title this year, although they did make it to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Motley described herself as a quiet and focused co-captain who pushes her teammates to reach their goals. As a guard, she’s one of the team’s main ball

Nick Gangemi // Editor-in-Chief LEADING SCORER: Guard Adrienne Motley (23) drives to the basket during December’s home game against Lowell.

handlers and playmakers. She said she tries to keep her head high while dribbling the ball down the court and doesn’t think twice about calling a play.

“I just try to lead by example, “ she said. “I’m not much for words on the court. I try to not talk so much and just lead. Actions can speak.”

Roderick Dunlap, a member on the all-men “scout” team that practices with the women’s basketball team, sees Motley’s dedication on the court. Dunlap said that Motley often stays after practice to work on drills to perfect her game.

“She’s a very focused player,” he said. “She’s always in tune both in practice and in the game.”

Motley was born in Amsterdam to a military household. Her mother, Norma Motley, was in the Army and her father, Adrian Motley, was in the Air Force and worked as a basketball referee. She moved to the United States when she was 2 and fell in love with the game of basketball when she was 5, she said. Motley has spoken to her parents about playing professionally, but isn’t emphasizing it for the moment.

“If it happens, it happens,” Motley said. “If not, I still have my degree to back myself up.”

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Starting pitcher Mediavilla a quiet force on the Canes mound

By Bradley Canfield First Impression Staff

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n a team that exudes energy and personality, starting pitcher Michael Mediavilla is a quieter force that takes care of business and expects little praise in return.

As he stands on the mound, Mediavilla stares down each batter with intense focus. This intensity has been paying off big time for the University of Miami baseball team this season. The 6-foot-5 lefty, a rising junior, has already established himself as one of the top pitchers for the Hurricanes.

“Every time I step out onto the mound, it feels like home,” Mediavilla said. “I just hope I can do it as my career.”

During the regular season, Mediavilla showed remarkable consistency for a first-year starting pitcher. He appeared and started in 14 games. He finished

with an impressive 3.24 ER A, a team-leading 63 strikeouts and a win-loss record of 10-1.

Every time I step out onto the mound, it feels like home.

-Michael Mediavilla Mediavilla grew up in Hialeah and pitched for the Mater Academy Charter School baseball team. In the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft, he was selected straight out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds but decided that playing college baseball at UM would help him hone his skills on the mound. He is majoring in sports administration.

“I love this campus, I really do,” Mediavilla said. “People ask me if I regret not going straight

Photo courtesy HurricaneSports.com TOP PROSPECT: Michael Mediavilla had the chance to play Triple-A baseball but chose UM.

to Triple-A [in the MLB], and I tell them not even a little bit.”

While the journey to becoming an MLB player is usually a long and tedious one, UM has consistently produced many professional players.

In April, Miami reached the No. 1 ranking in the nation by all major polls, topping perennial baseball powers Florida and Texas A&M. The team (43-10, 21-7) finished as ACC Regular Season Champions for the sec-

ond time in three seasons, capping off another successful year.

Last spring, the Canes were awarded a No. 1 seed for the 2016 ACC Baseball Championship as they tried to obtain their first title since 2008. After strong performances in the early stages of the tournament, the Canes were defeated in pool play to fourth-seeded Florida State University.

The Canes made it to the prestigious College World Series in Omaha for the second straight year. Only eight teams in the country make it to this point in the tournament.

Unfortunately, they lost their first two games against Arizona and University of California Santa Barbara in a double-elimination bracket.

Isaiah Kim-Martinez contributed to this report.

Tennis star credits family, coaches and persistence for her wins

By Leyi Zhang First Impression Staff

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s a first-year member of the University of Miami tennis team, Sinead Lohan was named ACC Freshman of the Year. Last March, in her sophomore year, she was selected to be ACC Player of the Week.

Lohan attributes her success to her persistence, her coaches and support from her family.

“I fight on court. I don’t give up. I don’t give my opponent any easy points, and I don’t accept losing,” Lohan said.

“I have great coaches here and back home.”

Lohan, who grew up in Waterford, a small city in Ireland, took up tennis at the age of eight.

“I started playing tennis because [my brother] was playing, and I wanted to do what he was doing,” Lohan said.

Her family, she said, is the most important thing in her life.

“When I was younger, my mom’s the one who brought me everywhere,” she said. “She wanted me to be involved in a lot of things. She pushed me with everything, with school and sports.”

Lohan, 21, said the idea of leaving friends and family behind made the decision to move overseas difficult, but she met the team and the coaches when she came to visit UM in 2014 and liked them.

“It’s a big change, moving here, because here you don’t know anybody,” said Lohan, who is majoring in economics. “Miami is a lot more fast-paced. It’s so busy all the time. It’s obviously a lot bigger than what I’m used to.”

Lohan said she prefers a slow-paced lifestyle and acknowledged that Ireland is not an easy country in which to pursue a tennis career.

“It is not a really big sport there, so there are not many players,” Lohan said.

“You always have to travel to tournaments to get good matches.”

Lohan, who practices with the team six times a week, each time for any-

where from 30 minutes to two-and-ahalf hours, said she gets along with her teammates. On her birthday this year, the coaches playfully poured a bucket of ice water over her head when the whole team pretended to pose for a photo.

“She is a very humble and hardworking person, on and off the court,” said Wendy Zhang, who is also on the tennis team and paired up with Lohan in doubles matches last year. “Off the court, she is more relaxed and outgoing.

On the court, she competes and fights for every point, and she hates losing.”

Lohan admitted that she still gets nervous before a big match.

“To prepare for a match, I visualize the match and how I want to play,” Lohan said.

She also said that she is more confident when playing singles matches and that if she loses, she eats chocolate and gets out of campus to get a break.

“Some days, I do feel like ‘Oh God. This is so tough, you know, but I think it’s worth it,’” Lohan said.

Shreya Chidarala // First Impression Staff TOP PLAYER Junior Sinead Lohan plays in a doubles competition against Virginia at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

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After a life of diving, UM’s Dinsmore sets eyes on Olympics

By Erika Orstad First Impression Staff

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he University Center pool sparkled as a shadow broke its glistening surface. The air was tense. High above, on the diving platform, David Dinsmore walked forward, his green eyes focused, preparing for a flight through the air that would last less than two seconds. His destination: the deep blue water below him, and perhaps, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Dinsmore, a rising sophomore at the University of Miami, spent his afternoons last year on the diving boards at the UC pool, practicing the sport he took up more than 10 years ago, when his father signed him up for his first diving class at the community pool in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

He was 7 years old, and he still recalls his fear as he glanced down at the daunting distance of the pool below him.

“I would look down at the water and it was just so high,” he said. “I was so scared of it.”

That fear was short lived.

Instead, his mind became focused on nailing every twist, flip and dive into the pool. He was so talented that he visited the Ohio DINSMORE State University’s club diving team and “grew up practicing with them” until he made his way to the U. Today, Dinsmore has the capability of becoming “one of the most competitive divers in the world,” according to his coach, Dario Di Fazio.

“David is one of the greatest competitors in the sport,” Di Fazio said. “He doesn’t shy away from competition, he actually feeds from it.”

Dinsmore describes diving as a rush like no other.

“It’s unlike any feeling I’ve ever felt before,” he said. “Your mind just keeps running the whole time.”

Dinsmore, 19, holds a spot on the U.S. National Team. He is skilled in both synchronized and individual diving, with a full trophy case to back it up. His most recent prize is a silver medal he won with his teammate for synchronized diving at the 2016 Diving Grand Prix in Puerto Rico.

He specializes in the twisting double back-

Canes soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe draws inspiration from head of U.S. women’s team

By Mark Singer First Impression Staff

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efore Mary-Frances Monroe was a four-time All-American in college and coach of the University of Miami women’s soccer team, she was a 13-year-old playing for the Olympic Development Program in New York. Her coach was Jill Ellis, who is now the head coach of the United States women’s national soccer team.

That encounter more than two decades ago laid the foundation of a close relationship between the two coaches that continues to this day.

“She’s probably the best teacher I’ve ever had, to the point of being nervous when you try to do something in front of her, because you don’t want to disappoint her,” Monroe said about Ellis. “She’s like my family. She’s like my big sister.”

Monroe played for Ellis on the national under-21 team.

When she felt that she was not growing enough as a player at the University of Connecticut and decided to transfer for her senior year, Monroe’s bond with Ellis led her to choose the

flip, a dive with a 3.6 rating out of 4.8 on the International Swimming Federation degree of difficulty scale.

But last spring, he was practicing with a new goal in mind: a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team in Rio. “Despite hitting a near-perfect 2 1/2 somersault with 2 1/2 twists on his final dive to gain a score of 102.60, Dinsmore missed making the U.S. team on the 10-meter platform.

Meanwhile, former Hurricanes diver Sam Dorman qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics by winning the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard. UM seniors Angela Algee and Christina Leanderhope will be competing in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha.

When he’s not training, Dinsmore can be found riding his gray Schwinn bicycle to his classes as he pursues a degree in mechanical engineering. A car enthusiast, Dinsmore grew up fascinated with building things, from Legos to machines.

“I’ve been a car freak for the past three years, so I saw mechanical engineering and I thought it would be a great major for me,” he said. “It’s very tough to do with diving, because it’s very hard, but I’m going to see if I can make it work.”

Between math homework and the high dive, Dinsmore balances two careers, but only one can take him to the Olympics.

“I’d love to dive until 2024, just see where it takes me,” he said. “You never know.”

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

“I definitely decided to go to UCLA because of that relationship,” Monroe said. “I knew I had one more year to play and I wanted it to be a positive experience, and Jill was just so smart, so charismatic. A big influence on my life, both on and off the field.”

After Monroe finished college, MONROE Ellis hired her to be part of the United States women’s national soccer team staff. She still scouts and evaluates players for the top team in women’s soccer.

“She’s just a high-quality person and player,” Ellis said of Monroe. “I’m really pleased that she’s here at this great institution.”

Ellis wore a University of Miami jacket last year when she attended a game between UM and Clemson. On the day of the United States women’s national soccer team’s match versus Sweden in the World Cup, she made time to grab coffee with Monroe and her friends.

“That just tells you what kind of person she is,” Monroe said. “She will take time out of the day, a very important day.”

The Hurricanes had a tough year last year, ending with a 5-12 record, but in her third year as head coach, Monroe is still learning. Fortunately, she has the best teacher in the game to guide her.

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Intramural sports offer all students a chance to compete

By Sara Valbuena First Impression Staff

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he University of Miami intramural program is designed to allow individual students, student organizations and residence halls to compete against each other in a variety of sports.

Intramural sports at UM consist of 22 leagues and tournaments, including f lag football, sand volleyball, softball, basketball, indoor soccer and even golf.

In 2015, 2,500 students participated in intramurals sports, according to Tom Soria, assistant director of intramurals.

Some of the orginal teams include those from the Association of Commuter Students (ACS), the Cuban Student Federation (FEC) and the Department of Physical Therapy (DPT), Soria said.

Most of the games are held in the Herbert Wellness Center or on the Intramural Field, where students also practice.

Some of the sports are very competitive, Soria said.

“But then there are also other leagues where people just go out there to have fun,” he said. “It all depends on what you want the experience to be SORIA like.”

Soria said his passion for school-related sports stems from his early college years. He became involved in intramurals as a player in f lag football, basketball and baseball, and as a referee, through his fraternity at Wichita State University.

“Some of the seniors in the fraternity were intramural supervisors as students, and so I followed their footsteps,” Soria said. “I continued to work in intramurals in grad school, and it turned out to be a full-time job.”

Soria has been at the University of Miami for a decade. A major focus of his tenure, he said, has been innovation and trend-setting for the program. For the last year, for example, he has made it easier for students to join clubs or sign up as free agents through a website.

Robert Kaupp, a senior with a triple major in international studies, economics and political science, works with Soria as the intramural student supervisor. Kaupp is responsible for scheduling and training officials, as well as helping Soria directly with participants. He says one of the big goals for next year is to get more female involvement in the program. The majority of intramural participants are males, he said.

Kaupp says intramural sports are a great place for students to get to know each other in an unconventional setting and participate in different events.

“Not only are you working out, but you are actually getting to meet people

and maybe even make a little money on the side like I do,” Kaupp said.

Intramural sports are open to graduate students as well as undergraduates.

Angel Albelo, a sports administration graduate student, is the team captain for graduate-student f lag football and basketball teams. He said he focuses on recruiting new players from his class. He spends three hours a week playing and motivating his team, making sure that everyone is aware of the rules and has a good time.

“Playing sports in general, you build that bond and you become closer, just because you are competing and looking to get better,” Albelo said. “The best part of my job is just hanging out with people out of class doing what we love.”

Students can join or create a team, or sign up as a free agent at imleagues. com. For specific questions, students may make an appointment at the intramurals office on the second f loor of the Herbert Wellness Center.

CLUB SPORTS Club sports provide students the opportunity to compete locally, regionally or nationally.

In addition to competitive teams, the program supports a variety of non-competitive groups that provide students with recreational opportunities in the areas of sports, dance, martial arts and more.

Below is a sample of club sports students can take part in. For a full list, visit miami.edu/wellness/club.

COMPETITIVE: Baseball miamiclubaseball@gmail.com Kawan Amelung // First Impression Staff BROOM RIDERS: The University of Miami Quidditch team plays in the second annual Canes Classic Quidditch Tournament at the Intramural Fields.

The tournament featured nine different quidditch teams from across the state.

Fencing umiamifencing@gmail.com

Quidditch quidditch@mqum.org Sailing sailing@miami.edu Tennis umtennisclub@gmail.com NON-COMPETITIVE: Badminton chenandrew2014@gmail.com Golf umgolfclub@gmail.com Karate w.chiao@umiami.edu Running umrunningclub@gmail.com Rock Climbing umclimbing@gmail.com

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Below are some highlights of ’Cane Kickoff, the Fall 2016 Orientation program for new students and their families. You will receive a complete schedule via email in August and when you arrive on campus.

If you have not already done so, please register for ’Cane Kickoff as soon as possible by logging on to canelink.miami.edu. For more information visit: www.miami.edu/orientation or call 305-284-5646.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

1:00pm-6:00pm Residential College Move-In Approved individual early arrivals only.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

5:45pm-6:00pm President’s Welcome to Students & Families 6:00pm-6:45pm Take Flight! (opening event for students and families)

8:00am-4:00pm Residential College Move-In Approved individual early arrivals only.

7:00pm-12:00am Evening Activities for Students

9:00am-4:00pm Orientation Check-In & ’Cane Card Pick Up

8:30am-9:00am Parent & Family Welcome

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

9:30am-1:00pm International Student Orientation

9:00am-9:30am Orientation Group Meeting

10:00am-4:00pm Horizons Program Sessions Please contact the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs at www.miami.edu/msa for additional info.

9:30am-10:00am Orientation Student Class Photo

4:00pm-6:00pm Residential College Move-In New students with last names beginning with A-I.

10:15am-11:30am Academic Deans’ Meetings for Families 10:30am-12:45pm Mandatory New Student Orientation Sessions

7:00pm-9:00pm COISO Welcome Party

12:45pm-4:15pm Family Information Sessions

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

2:30pm-4:30pm Academic Deans’ Meeting for First-Year Students

8:00am-10:30am Residential College Move-In New students with last names beginning with J-P. 9:00am-3:00pm Orientation Check-In & ’Cane Card Pick Up 10:00am-1:00pm Academic Deans’ Meetings for Transfer Students

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

8:30am-5:00pm Academic Advising Appointments & Academic Events 10:00am-5:00pm New Student Success Series 5:00pm-11:00pm Evening Activities for Students

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 9:15am-9:45am Orientation Group Meeting

10:00am-2:00pm Mandatory New Student Orientation Sessions 2:00pm-3:30pm Orientation Group Meeting 4:00pm-6:00pm Canefest 6:00pm-11:00pm Evening Activities for Students

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

8:00am-5:00pm Individual Academic Advising Appointments

4:30pm-6:00pm Farewell Reception for Families

11:00am-1:00pm President’s Picnic for New Students

6:00pm-12:00am Evening Activities for Students

1:00pm-5:00pm New Student Success Series 8:00pm-10:00pm Evening Activities for Students

10:30am-1:00pm Residential College Move-In New students with last names beginning with Q-Z.

MONDAY, AUGUST 22 CLASSES BEGIN

11:00am-3:00pm Campus Resource Exposition

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

4:15pm-4:45pm Commuter Student Welcome and Transfer Student Welcome 4:45pm-5:15pm First Orientation Group Meeting for New Students

9:00am-3:00pm Orientation Outreach