2015 Orientation Guide by The Michigan Daily

THE ORIENTATION ISSUE 2015

The Michigan Daily â&#x20AC;&#x201D; michigandaily.com

THE ORIENTATION ISSUE Dear freshmen, You’ve probably been asked a lot of questions about your future recently. These questions — about what classes you are going to take, what student organizations you are going to join, what dorm accessories you are going to need from Bed, Bath & Beyond — are probably very new, and you may not have any past experience on which to base your answers. It may seem as if you’ve boarded a roller coaster, and, with each decision, you are building up potential energy for another drop into a future with unforeseeable twists and turns. You may feel the urge to scrutinize each decision, because you don’t know how to calculate exactly how much potential energy you are creating with each one and what unpredictable direction it might propel you toward. You may sometimes feel crazy for doing this. Don’t worry — it’s natural. And who knows? That bookshelf you buy that you end up needing a screwdriver to assemble? Well, that could be the reason you first speak to your future spouse, who was the only one on your floor smart enough to bring a toolkit to college. The writers, editors and staff at The Michigan Daily may be talented, but no one cannot possibly draw up a detailed blueprint of your future. What we can do, and what we have done in this issue, is provide you with some advice, guidance and resources to help inform your decisions. Enjoy the ride.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dear Freshmen.. 6 Courses................ 8 Professors.......... 10 Places to Go....... 12 Dorm Life............ 15 Sports Quiz......... 16 Study Spots........ 19 Campus Map....... 20 Athletics............ 24 Bucket List........ 26 Office Hours.... 28 Student Gov...... 30 Jim Harbaugh.... 33 Greek Life.......... 36 Languages........... 38

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LAURA SCHINAGLE MADISEN POWELL

Summer Editor in Chief Summer Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 schlaura@michigandaily.com madisenm@michigandaily.com

EDITORIAL STAFF Derek Wolfe

Summer Managing Editor

Alyssa Brandon

Summer Managing News Editor

Zach Shaw

Summer Managing Sports Editor

Emily Campbell

Summer Copy Chief

Sincerely,

Amanda Allen and Zach Moore Summer Managing Photo Editors

Francesca Kielb and Shane Achenbach Summer Managing Design Editor

Christian Kennedy Summer Managing Arts Editor

The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press.

Laura Schinagle Summer Editor in Chief The Michigan Daily

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY AMANDA ALLEN

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Letter to

Freshmen

Dear Freshmen, One of the biggest challenges incoming college students face, though seldom talk about, is transitioning from being in high school to being in college. Not only does this involve academically adjusting to the fast-paced study environment, but also breaking away from the social barriers you felt in high school. Like many in-state students, I came to Michigan along with many former high school classmates. During my first semester, I felt I couldn’t go two days without seeing at least one person from my high school. And even freshmen from out of state who may not know anybody and came to Michigan to avoid this exact scenario, because of social media, can still feel the lingering presence of their high school social scene. Though there’s nothing wrong with keeping in touch with people you’re most comfortable with (I roomed with my best friend from high school for freshman year), another part of high school also sticks with each college freshman — high-school insecurities. I had gone to the same school from the fifth grade up until senior year. Even though I felt I changed and grew a lot as a person during the transition, because I was constantly surrounded by the same 200 or so people from high school, I felt like everybody maintained prior assumptions of me. Although there were new clubs I wanted to join and new friends I wanted to make, I always felt bound to the perception everybody at my high school had of me — just a timid girl who gets good grades but doesn’t stand out of the crowd. Although not everybody has the same story as mine, most people in high school feel bound to their social group and the perception others have of them. Nowadays, social media and online presence has the ability to keep these perceptions alive well after graduation. Even if this does not seem like a big problem right now, sooner or later, all freshmen have to deal with moments when they feel the sting of their high school insecurities creep up on them. And that’s OK; freshman year is not just about beginning college, it’s about leaving high school in the past. The biggest thing I ask of you is to not try and prove yourself to your high school peers online. I know way too many people who feel like they have to make 100- second-long Snapchat stories and upload 50 pictures every weekend to prove they’re having fun and partying in college. It’s OK to have fun and party, and it’s OK to share pictures of yourself on social media, but ask yourself, are you really doing this for you? Is it really necessary for you to prove online that you’re having fun? If you’re really having fun and partying, trust me, you won’t feel like you need to Snapchat about it. Another way to break away from high school is by doing the things you always wanted to do, but never thought you were good enough for in high school. Although I stayed away from joining the newspaper or student government in high school because I didn’t think I was good enough or that I could fit in, I pushed myself to join these clubs in college and explore my passions more. Whether it be joining a sorority or fraternity even if you don’t see yourself as the “type,” or taking an economics class even though you didn’t think high school peers saw you as “the smart kid,” I encourage everyone to do what makes them happy unapologetically. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, your first year will be one of the most memorable times of your life. Not only are you going to take classes, meet people and join clubs that truly change the way you look at the world, you’re going to grow and mature so much within these eight months. It’s important to leave behind everything you thought about yourself and who you were in high school to allow yourself to grow in college. Sincerely, Allana Akhtar Daily News Reporter

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LINGUISTICS 111 – INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE Instructor: Ezra Keshet Distribution: Social Sciences As a writer, I have an interest in the way language works. The field of linguistics looks at all facets of language. Some of the course topics include: a biological/neurological look at the way the brain produces language meaning, the difference between prescriptive and descriptive grammar, the syntactical structure of a sentence, sign language and the rules implemented to properly use an infix in the English language. This course will force you take a closer look at the languages we use every day.

COURSE CONSIDERATIONS

By Kim Batchelor, Daily Arts Writer

It can be difficult to find courses that both pique your interest and fulfill distribution requirements. Keep in mind that there there are many classes slightly off the beaten path to consider while scheduling. Here is a look at some fun and interesting classes you may not have known were available this fall. WOMEN’S STUDIES 240 Instructor: Ruby Tapia Distribution: Humanities, Race & Ethnicity Looking for a Race & Ethnicity credit? Consider this course, Introduction to Women’s Studies, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of study. Topics range from historical movements to explorations in gender identity. The discussion section of this course gives the students a chance to express opinions and talk freely about topics central to the ideas of feminists today.

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ASTRO 300 – THE BEGINNING AND THE END: A HISTORY OF COSMOLOGY Instructor: Rudi Linder Distribution: Interdisciplinary, History or Astronomy For those looking for something slightly untraditional within the sciences, consider this course, which chronicles the discovery of our current understanding of the universe along with new advancements in the field of cosmology. Learn how developments in telescopes led to new discoveries, and about the forward-thinking individuals (or teams) who brought new ideas to the study of astronomy, such as Hubble and Henrietta Leavitt. This course focuses on the overarching themes and theories that have shaped our understanding of the universe we live in.

ENGLISH 290 – THEMES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE Section: Horror Instructor: Gina Brandolino Distribution: Humanities Tired of reading the same old boring genres of books? Not afraid to get a little spooky? Is Halloween your favorite holiday? Check out the Themes in Language and Literature section that focuses on the genre of Horror. Taught by Gina Brandolino, this course delves into the reccurring themes of horror and asks, “Why is this scary?” This course is multi-media, including novels, short stories, music, comics, online media, movies and more. It also makes use of a course blog where students are encouraged to post about the texts and comment on the thoughts of other classmates.

PHILOSOPHY 154 – SCIENCE FICTION AND PHILOSOPHY Instructor: Christopher Nicholson Distribution: Humanities Calling all science fiction junkies. Want to study the nature of classic science fiction pieces such as “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix” as a gateway to exploring real-world philosophical questions? Philosophy 154 gives students a chance to apply philosophical theories to the conflicts raised in works of science fiction. Is it unethical to erase one’s memory if it could help save another? What are the ramifications of artificial intelligence or genetic engineering? And,how can this be rationalized? Learn how different philosophical theories can be applied to understand and work through issues that one may face in the world of science fiction, which is often not so unlike our own. HISTORY OF ART 101 Instructor: Achim Timmermann Distribution: Humanities For lovers of the arts, Introduction to Art History provides an overview of the techniques used to study pieces of art. This fall’s course is titled“Great Monuments from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages” and focuses on the visual culture surrounding, you guessed it, great monuments. You will learn not only the history of each piece, but also their importance and how it may change according to historical context. No artistic ability is required, and though it will not count for a Creative Expression credit, you will not have to go all the way to North Campus.

Don’t be afraid to take a class about a topic you know nothing about just because it sounds interesting— it may end up being the best class you have ever taken, or even inspire a minor or major. And don’t forget, many courses return annually, so if you don’t have room for it in your schedule this year, it will probably be waiting for you in next year’s course guide. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

getting to know your

professors by Brian Burlage

In a recent New York Times article, Mark Bauerlein asks a simple but very relevant question: What’s the point of a professor? He provides statistics, argues that A grades are now given out more than ever before and eventually makes the claim that student-professor relationships have become increasingly strained. And it’s not because of competition among peers. It’s not because of grade inflation. It’s simply because students and professors are less willing to engage with one another outside the classroom. You don’t need to read the article to understand Bauerlein’s point, the same point I’d like to make here: College is supposed to be a time of personal, intellectual and emotional learning, and we can’t achieve that learning if we never get to know the people professionally responsible for providing it – the professors. Imagine studying, or even doing a single thing for 30, 40, 50 years. Imagine spending every day of the week engaged with a particular subject, reading everything about it, talking about it, thinking about it, loving it as though there’s no better pursuit in the world. Imagine answering questions and lengthy e-mails at 11 p.m., after already doing so for most of the day and after you’ve finished up a couple hours of your own arduous research.

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Imagine clearing your entire schedule for five or six hours a week just so you can be of immediate assistance to someone. Professors do each of those things because it all matters to them on a deeply personal level; in their eyes, to do anything else would be meaningless. It’s hard freshman year. You’re taking a lot of introductory courses, often with a few hundred other students, eager to jump the gun. You still relish the relationships you made with teachers in high school. You’re worried about friends, joining the right clubs, rushing a fraternity or sorority and getting used to dorm life. It can be a lot. But I’ll promise you something: Your professors understand. As much as you’ll be looking for some direction, they’ll be looking to offer their guidance — personally, intellectually and emotionally. So get to know them. Here’s how: 1. Eliminate that mental boundary you feel between yourself and your professor. They are there to help you learn, and, more often than not, they learn from you. Their expertise can be a bit intimidating at first, but after a while you’ll feel proud to attend a university with so many brilliant academic leaders.

2. Stop by your professors’ office hours within the first week or two of class. An easy way to do this is to think of a broad question about the course or the subject, send a quick e-mail to the professor letting them know you’d like to talk and then follow up with them at office hours. They’ll have an idea of what to expect from your talk and it eases the hassle of an introduction. 3. Ask questions. You can’t get to really know someone, or something for that matter, without adopting a multi-angled perspective. 4. Don’t be afraid to be personal or personable. Feel free to look your professors up on the umich.edu page, see where they went to grad school, what they’ve published, which conferences they’ve lead. Like anyone else, professors certainly don’t mind talking about themselves and their work. 5. Always keep this unfailing piece of wisdom in the back of your mind: You are here at Michigan to learn about academic things, sure, but you’re also here to make professional connections and lifelong friends. Professors can be both.

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PLACES TO GO

IN A2 By Alaina Wygant Daily Staff Reporter

uring your first few weeks at Michigan, life is jam-packed with new and exciting experiences. There is always something happening on Palmer Field, opportunities to meet hallmates and bond with your roommate — and you’ll do this all while attempting to learn how to navigate campus and ensure you will not miss the first day of class (pro tip: Download the Michigan app. It has lots of great features, such as dining hall menus and nutrition information for the day, a map of the buses as well as a general campus map. Use it — Apple maps made me a half hour late to the first day of my discussion).

Other than the libraries and classrooms, make sure to visit other campus landmarks. Spend time in the Diag, where there is usually always at least one student organization or performance taking place, spin the cube (behind the Union) and visit The Rock (on the corner of Washtenaw and Hill) that campus organizations frequently paint. But once you feel acclimated to campus enough, take time to explore Ann Arbor — it’s way more than just a college town and always has something going on.

Tired of Dining Hall Food?

Already? At least make it through the first semester before turning to eating out. In all seriousness, the dining hall food is pretty good. South Quad was renovated last year and is large with a variety of food (breakfast food is an option at every meal) and East Quad won a grand prize for being the best dining hall on campus.

Sandwiches Zingerman’s

If you can make it out to Kerrytown, make sure to visit Zingerman’s. Albeit it is a tad pricier than most sandwich shops, the delicatessen is a favorite of Ann Arbor residents and students alike — so much so that its founders were this year’s commencement speakers.

Amer’s

But if you aren’t willing to make the trek, check out Amer’s on State Street. Not only does it have an enormous selection of sandwiches, but an awesome frozen yogurt bar as well.

Maize and Blue Deli

Located on South University Avenue, the Maize and Blue Deli is known for their delectable cold cuts.

Burgers

Also on South University Avenue, BurgerFi has great burgers as well as shakes that are perfect for a hot day. But if you’re on the other side of campus, go to Hunter House on East William Street (off State Street). Food Network said it has the best burger in Michigan for a reason. Of course, if you aren’t willing to spend much money, there’s Wendy’s in the Michigan Union and League, where you can use your Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks.

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Sushi

There are good sushi places no matter where you are on campus, with Totoro on State Street, and Ayaka and Sadako on South University.

Coffee

Yes, there are several Starbucks locations close to campus (the Union, State Street, Main Street, a short walk from Northwood IV), but there are also so many other great coffee shops to try. Check out Espresso Royale (South University and State), Sweetwaters (Liberty Street) or Comet Coffee (Nichols Arcade) for a quick caffeine pick-me-up or a study spot to camp out in.

Breakfast...anytime Fleetwood Diner

It’s open 24 hours — perfect for late-night snacks. Though located all the way on South Ashley Street, their famous “hippie hash”— hash browns topped with vegetables and feta cheese — is so worth it.

Angelo’s

But if you’re more of a morning person, go to Angelo’s for breakfast. It’s on Catherine Street, which is only a short walk from the Hill, and the North Campuses busses stop right in front of it. The restaurant is always busy for good reason, and even has a song named after it.

Looking for something to do? Museum of Natural History: Prefer science over art? The University has some of the largest specimen collections in the world, and the Ruthven Museum Building is where you can view them. All of the collections will be moved out of the building in the upcoming year, so make sure to visit them while you can.

Michigan Theater:

Built in the 1920s, the beautiful theater shows independent, feature and classic films, and often hosts lectures for the Penny Stamps Speaker Series. While there, make sure to visit the graffiti alley. Originally a mural commissioned by the city in the 1990s, the alleyway has transformed itself into a living work of art, with residents frequently making additions to it.

Kerrytown:

Although it is a bit of a walk off campus, it is well worth the trip. This area of the city is full of art, book stores, coffee shops and culture. Every Saturday, Kerrytown has a farmers market which is well worth the trip.

AMANDA ALLEN/Daily

UMMA:

Check out the University’s art museum. The gallery features more than 18,000 pieces of artwork from all over the world, including prominent artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Outdoor Recreation:

The University also offers great trails for hiking, running and exploring. If you’re on North, visit the wave field — a grass sculpture — or if you’re on Central, go to Nichols Arboretum, which is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

AMANDA ALLEN/Daily

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dorm

DO’S

DON’TS

Oh, dormitories — the quintessential college experience. When thinking about these long, full halls, movie-inspired images of late-night hangouts and poster-covered walls run rampant. To make the best of your dorm experience, follow these simple do’s and don’ts. By Caroline Filips, Summer Senior Arts Editor

DO:

DON’T:

to the people in your hall. Even if you * talk aren’t going to be best friends forever with

your hallmates, having a built-in support network will prove to be a huge help -whether you get sick, need last minute help with an assignment or just need someone to vent to.

to know your RA. You won’t look like a * get dweeb or anything, I promise. Though they

are, technically, there to keep an eye on the hall, they are a great resource (and probably a really cool person). They pretty much know everything there is to know about campus and are eager to help.

respectful of others’ space. The dorm * berooms are cramped and, with the added

demands of schoolwork and extracurricular activites, they can feel even smaller. Make sure to keep your area clean, be quiet when you know others are studying and remember that not everyone is on the same schedule as you.

without putting on * goshoesanywhere — especially the bathroom.

Yes, they get cleaned every day. No, the dorms are not gross or dirty. But do you really want to be walking barefoot in a public bathroom? Probably not. Bring a designated pair of “shower shoes” (i.e. flip flops or something of the sort) and slip them on before you leave the room.

with your best friend from * room high school. I know it sounds like

a great idea in theory, but it has the potential to go very wrong. Living with someone you will likely be spending a lot of your time with outside of the room, especially in a place as stressful as college, can result in unnecessary tension. Everyone needs their “me time” and you will be able to see your bestie plenty outside of the dorm.

The dorms are exciting and weird and somewhat overwhelming. It is such a unique experience to be living in a place exclusively consisting of your peers – your time there will be entirely what you make of it. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Quiz: Which student section is for you? Thanks to a combined 21 national championships between the three sports, Michigan is proud to boast football, men’s basketball and hockey teams that contend yearly on a national level. Fittingly, each sport boasts loud and proud student sections: the football student section, men’s basketball’s Maize Rage, and hockey’s Children of Yost. We highly recommend all three, but to find out a little more about each section — and to see which one fits your personality best — take our quiz.

When are you most energetic? A. Weekend evenings. B. Tuesday nights and weekend afternoons, but for big events I can stay up well past John Beilein’s bedtime. C. SATURDAY through and through.

What’s your ideal party size? A. Only 1,500 of my closest friends packed together with my favorite Michigan pep band. B. About 3,500, with about half of my friends upstairs. C. 20,000, with two-thirds of the party showing up fashionably late.

How would you describe your fanhood? A. I know the ins and outs of the game. Even my team’s coach of 31 seasons credits me to contributing to wins. B. I’m all about the grand stage and “One Shining Moment.” C. It’s about the experience. From partying beforehand to resting my tired legs afterward, I love every part of the game.

Favorite music? A. Music? Who needs music when I can tell our visiting guests how ugly they are? B. I love all the hits, and if Big Sean wants to stop by and say hello, even better! C. The louder the better. I love live performances that become full productions.

Favorite Accessory? A. Sweaters for days. Maybe the occasional bowtie or Chewbacca mask on special occasions. B. Maize on maize, and a Spiderman or Teletubby costume if I’m feeling extra eccentric. C. Pom-poms, light-up glasses and as much Michigan gear as I can find.

What’s your ideal vacation? A. A couple visits to small towns, but then a grand finale trip to a big city. B. Three weeks, three cities. C. Pasadena, California. Florida if that doesn’t work out. Results — A) is worth one point, B) is worth two points and C) is worth three points. If you scored six to nine points, you're best served in the Children of Yost. Ten to 14, you'll fit right in at the Crisler Center in the Maize Rage. Fifteen or more and you were born for Football Saturdays in Ann Arbor.

Thanks for playing and cheers (get it?) to a great first year! 16

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10 BEST STUDY SPOTS By Colleen Harrison, Summer Senior News Editor

1. The Reference Room in Hatcher Graduate Library - Although it closes at 2 a.m., this room has plenty of study space to plug in a computer and spread out a little bit while you study all those notes. The room is mostly silent, but making a bit of noise here and there will not be the end of the world. 2. Fourth floor of the UGLi - It’s not the quietest study spot on campus, but still much more quiet than the second floor of the UGLi. The large tables on the fourth floor will give you a chance to spread out and work with a little more space or study with a group of friends. 3. Hatcher Stacks - Known as “the stacks” by students, this space offers individual quiet study rooms alongside the bookshelves, where you can sit and study without worrying about getting distracted. It’s perfect for a cram session the night before a tough exam. 4. Second floor of the UGLi - This is without a doubt the most social spot on campus to study. When working on a project or studying in a group, this is definitely the place to study! 5. Law Library - If you really need to focus, this is the perfect study spot because the Law Library is absolutely silent. Although technically a library for law students, undergraduates have access during the daytime, and a little into the night. Be careful not to make a sound in here, though, law students really dislike it. 6. Duderstadt Library - If you know you’re living on North Campus, this library is a great alternative if you don’t want to make the trip to Central Campus. If you like to hear a little bit of noise while you study, you should head to the third floor. 7. Study rooms in the Union - A less popular study spot, the Michigan Union on State Street offers a couple of little niches where you can study in a quieter setting, but still be surrounded by other undergraduates. 8. Palmer Commons - If you want to study spot that has more of a coffee-shop atmosphere, Palmer Commons is the place for you. It’s incredibly close to the Hill and is a short walk from most dorms. There’s nothing better than enjoying a cup of coffee while you stick your nose in the books. 9. The Fishbowl in Angell Hall - The Fishbowl is a great place to go during your breaks between classes. There are printers and tons of computers, so you can get quick work done without having to go all the way home to get your computer. 10. Study rooms in the dorms - Don’t feel like going out to study? No problem! Put on your pajamas, grab a few snacks and find a study room in your dorm. These rooms can be hard to get because they’re so convenient and in high demand, but they are great place to go if you want to study comfortably. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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Fletcher Hall (South Campus)

Home of the Health Science Scholars Program Home of the Living Arts living/learning community Include Community Kitchens and a home movie theater Home of the First Year Experience Program Apartment-style living with private bathroom Smallest residence hall with only 75 students Close to: IM Building, Michigan Stadium The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

ing ou d y n way r fi The University may seem massive at first, but in a few weeks you’ll know it like the back of your hand • The Michigan Union was established in 1919 and houses a number of useful resources, from several restaurant options in the basement to reading rooms that lend themselves excellently to paper writing. There are tons of meeting rooms here as well, so you’ll likely find yourself at the Union for a few mass meetings during your four years. • The Michigan League was officially opened in 1929 by the University’s Women’s League as a means of encouraging social interaction and a sense of community. Nowadays, it’s where you can find Beanster’s, deeming it a hotspot. • Hill Auditorium is the largest performance venue on campus and is acoustically perfect, appealing to student and professional performers alike. From your friends in glee clubs to 2 Chainz, watching a concert is always an enjoyable study break. • Angell Hall is that huge white building across from the Union, next to the large red metal abstract art. It includes many humanities and social science departments. It’s also connected to Haven, Mason and Tisch halls if you’re looking for either of those. Pro tip: the ledges by the steps are a great place to sit and people watch or soak in the late summer sun. • Michigan Libraries are conveniently located next to each other, the Shapiro Undergraduate known for a slightly livelier atmosphere and Bert’s Cafe, the Hatcher Graduate known for it’s quiet, more studious nature. Try them both and see what works for you. You’ll need a solid arsenal of study spots, especially closer to exams when everything gets really crowded. Of course, there are other specialty libraries throughout campus, like the Bentley Historical Library. • The Hill refers to the section of campus surrounding Mosher-Jordan, Stockwell, Couzens, Lloyd and Markley residence halls. Markley kids: Don’t let your friends living on North Campus catch you complaining about your commute, though we know the wind tunnel can be brutal. • University of Michigan Museum of Art is the official art museum on campus and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with friends or wandering around on your own time. • The Diag is arguably the heart and center of the University. When it’s warm out, there are almost always people advertising activities and organizations, so walking to class is almost as informative as Festifall. It’s also a great place to do homework, talk to friends or just relax when the weather is nice. Don’t step on the M! • The Chemistry Building isn’t just for science majors, though they’re probably there most often. For those of you in Gen Chem, Chem 1800 is the largest lecture hall on campus, so be sure to get a good seat. For everyone else, there’s almost always a bake sale going on in the atrium, and if you’re coming or going from the Hill area or C.C. Little, cutting through the Chem Building will take almost a minute off your commute. • The Dude, short for Duderstadt Center, is the premiere library on North Campus, with study areas for all students, and specific sections reserved for engineers. It’s a great study spot if you’ve been exiled to North Campus, and worth a look even if you haven’t. The escalators are super fun when you’re tired.

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TOP FIVE SPORTING EVENTS THAT AREN’T FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL OR HOCKEY By Chris Crowder, Daily Sports Writer

nterested in disc jockeys, smoke bombs, pizza-making and blue turf ? You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Michigan athletics. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, athletic events at the University are a fantastic way to spend time with friends. The season ticket sports (football, men’s basketball and hockey) are breathtaking sporting events to go to, no matter what the game, but they aren’t the only prime entertainment options in the athletic department. These other events are also substantially cheaper than the season ticket sports, making the investment on these tickets easy on your wallet as well. Every sport is worth watching, but here are the top five sporting events outside of the season ticket options to take advantage of while you’re a Wolverine.

5. Women’s Tennis at the Varsity Tennis Center

The Michigan Women’s tennis team is annually at the top of the Big Ten standings each year and has the fan support to make sure the streak continues. Last season, the crowd at the VTC had the top attendance in the nation for women’s tennis. The VTC boasts both indoor and outdoor courts, so players and fans can embrace the sun in the latter parts of the season, but still enjoy the game when in inclement weather.

4. Wrestling at Cliff Keen Arena

Sharing the 1,800-seat venue on East Hoover Street with the volleyball team, wrestling is one of the most intense sports to watch at the University. Again, because of the intimate setting in the arena, cheers after pins and Wolverine wins will give fans goose bumps. It doesn’t matter what school Michigan is facing or what weight class, every match provides its own unique display of entertainment and excitement. The fact that the Big Ten annually boasts eight to 10 top-25 teams annually makes it even better.

3. Volleyball at Cliff Keen Arena

Cliff Keen Arena is one of the most up-close and personal sporting environments on campus, putting the crowd as close to the action as possible. The arena is small, providing spectacular acoustics when the crowd cheers after a kill by a Michigan player. The volleyball games also feature a DJ in the press box, mixing songs for your enjoyment in between points.

2. Soccer at U-M Soccer Stadium

Both the men’s and women’s soccer team have the support of the notoriously ruckus student section — the Michigan Ultras. Clad in Michigan scarves and other Wolverine apparel, the Ultras help make U-M Soccer Stadium feel like an authentic environment. They wave flags, beat drums and have even lit (which have since been outlawed). Nonetheless, soccer at the University can feel like a fútbol game outside of the United States.

1. Softball at Alumni Field

A Michigan softball game is year after year one of the best events — not just in sports — to attend at the University. Led by the all-time winningest Michigan coach, Carol Hutchins, the Wolverines have one of the best teams and fan bases each season. Expect to see fans of young and old at each game — most of them regulars. And new fans will see why people keep coming back for more. Expect cheers to accompany walk-up songs, pizza-making rituals, pregame dance parties, and other antics that have to be seen for a full Michigan experience.

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WOLVERINE BUCKET LIST By ALAINA WYGANT Daily Staff Reporter

So you are now a Wolverine, eh? Here is a list of those things you just have to do during your time here at the University of Michigan:

Weather the weather Whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, prepare yourself for knee-deep puddles, rain in the fall, fifteen below zero winter weeks and red and orange burning leaf colors in August and September. But just remember that after the possibility of February frostbite comes spring and its rain sweating on tree blossoms, their odor a velvet haze.

Keep a budget College is a great time to start keeping a budget if you don’t already. The temptation to spend ridiculous amounts of money at those shops and food joints on State Street will be real, so setting a budget is a must. You don’t necessarily have to start planning for retirement, but find the resources to learn about your finances, credit, loans, etc.

Spin the cube The Cube is located outside of The Michigan Union in the Regents’ Plaza. Spin it with your friends. Climb it like a tree if you bleed maize and blue.

Go visit museums Check out the University’s Museum of Art across the street, the toddler mummy and death dogs in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology nearby, the stars in the Planetarium, the giant dinosaur skeleton in the Museum of Natural History and the Presidents in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum on North Campus.

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Talk to people with whom you usually wouldn’t Have conversations with people with whom you disagree or with whom you’re unfamiliar. Seek them out. Listen to everyone — your peers, the buskers on the sidewalk, your professors and GSIs, people of different backgrounds and identities, the people you work with and for and even those people at Ohio State — with every part of your being. Tell yourself the truth. Speak knowing that what you might say in a classroom, at a party or at a table can give someone else shivers and possibly change their life, hopefully for the better. Be a part of one of the many conversations on campus. Speak up. You only have four — or three or six — years to do it here. Let your voice be heard, but also be willing to hear others.

Get lost in the stacks Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library’s study carrels are excellent if you like a quiet place to do some work. If the Shapiro Undergraduate Library gets too crowded during exam time and you haven’t reserved a study room, go to the depths of Hatcher and cram everything out there. And here is another tip: on the fourth floor of Asia stacks, there is an area of carrels that doesn’t have Wi-Fi, so you can be less distracted by the Internet. And with add-ons and applications like SelfControl, you can also block sites like Facebook or even the Internet entirely.

In the thick of it all, find yourself and find your people You see, college is such a wonderful place because it is a space where young adults can think about and create and act out their identities. Use your time at the University to figure out who you are and who you want to be in the future. No one else can do this for you. Not only is college a great space for self-creation, it is also an excellent time to find your people and those social groups which you find valuable.

If you think you may get lost in the bigness of the University, join one of the many student groups and social organizations on campus and make a niche for yourself. And if you’re looking for a social group that isn’t there, make it!

Take yourself or your lover to the woods. Nichols Arboretum was voted the best date spot in The Daily’s Best of Ann Arbor 2015. Perhaps it’s a new or old romantic interest whom you want to take on a romantic walk. Perhaps you want to practice sprinting for your 5K. Perhaps you’d like to gaze at the Huron and ponder Pascal’s Wager. Regardless, the Arb’s charms are widely lauded for these and other activities.

Make your own bucket list Have a roadmap of what you want to accomplish during your time here. Do you want a specific career? Do you want to read all the Foucault you can get your hands on? Do you want to taste the difference between a pour over coffee and a regularly brewed coffee? Do you want to make a change in the world around you? Do you want to figure out how gravity works? Make your bucket list ambitious. Make it good. Come back to it. Revise it as needed. And remember to do those things that you put down on paper as you walk down that road to your future.

Graduate! This should already be on your bucket list! And since college is also a time of relative uncertainty, you might find these words from the poet Keats helpful: “At once it struck me, what quality went to form a Man of Achievement, especially in literature, and which Shakespeare possessed so enormously- I mean Negative Capability, that is when man is capable of being in uncertainties. Mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”

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Advice for Office Hours W

ell, to begin: What in the world are office hours? I remember sitting in my first college class ever, going over the syllabus, when the professor started announcing his office hours. Completely lost, freshman me was like, “Why is he telling us when he’s going to be in his office? Does this mean something? Wut?” I proceeded to ask everyone I knew (which, admittedly, wasn’t that many people at that point) what office hours were. Freshman me wasn’t that far off: Office hours are literally hours where your professor sits in his or her office. The reason it matters for you is that they sit in their offices to give students the opportunity to go and ask questions about assignments or anything you might be having trouble with. Whereas in high school, teachers are available basically whenever you don’t understand something, college doesn’t really work that way, so professors make time to talk to students to make sure they’re on track. My advice in one sentence: don’t go to office hours — ever. At least at the prescribed time. Office hours generally work like this: No one goes until the the first assignment is due, at which point everyone starts freaking out, so the one-to-two hour time slot your professor has set aside ends up with 20 people waiting in line to see him. The same pattern occurs for any major exam or assignment. Whether you’re the first person in or you’re waiting in line, it sucks. If you’re first in and your prof knows there’s a line, he’s going to cut your time short, whether you feel like you’ve been helped or not, and if you’re in line, you run the risk of your professor running out of time to see you. A lot of professors will stay after their “hours” actually end, but sometimes they actually have places to be and need to leave. So again: never, ever go to office hours. What you should do instead is contact your professor saying you want to meet but that you have class and/or meetings and/or whatever and/or can’t make any of their office hours, so you’d love to set up a different time to chat. Even if you can make the office hours. That way, you have a solid time, usually at least 30 minutes, where your professor’s entire attention is focused on you and your essay or project or assignment or study guide. You can be sure to have all your questions answered, and possibly even suss out a little extra advice since your prof won’t have anything else to worry about at the time, and he will probably also be grateful that one of his students took the time to discuss the class with him. The only, and I repeat, ONLY exception to this rule is when you don’t have an assignment coming up. Why would you go to office hours when you don’t have an assignment coming up, you ask? The easiest way to explain this is that a professor does not equal a high school teacher. Whereas in high school you might have had one or two cool teachers who you could actually discuss life with, basically all professors are like that. In high school, teachers generally still see you as children, but in college, the intellectual playing field is a little more level. Especially at the University, your professors actually want to know what you think. We are all here to learn and grow, including your professors, and professors love it when students take an interest in their class or just want to discuss other topics surrounding the class. To put it simply, your professors are people, too. And they’re usually pretty interesting people at that. So, while most of us at the University are overachievers and take way too many credit hours to stay sane and won’t be able to, if you have time to go to office hours at the beginning of the semester (or other times big assignments aren’t coming up), go! Getting to know your professors will (1) probably make them like you, which is always good (2) make them remember you for later positions or recommendation letters and (3) probably make you smarter. So, if you actually took the time to read this, now you will be the cool freshman who knows what the fuck office hours are when your lame friend comes up to you panicking because she doesn’t know what they are. Go forth, grasshopper.

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1 4 e 1o

college can join a commission that interests them at any time during the school year. They can also create their own commission by drafting a proposal peers. and presenting it to the executive committee at It is in pursuit of hearing student voices and csg.execs@umich.edu. addressing campus concerns that Central Student CSG commissions are a great way for students Government exists at the University. This organizato get involved and gain experience with student tion acts as a bridge between students and University government if they are considering running for a administration and, thus, it is important for students to representative position in late March. ea have an understanding of how it functions. Arguably the most important body in CSG is its StuGio tto, Daily Staff R dent Assembly, which is a part of the organization’s legisCentral Student Government is the University’s main body of student government. It consists of representatives from lative branch. The assembly is made up of representatives from each of the University’s 19 schools and colleges. The number of representatives every school and college at the University. Currently, there are 58 represenfrom each school or college differs based on its student population. tatives serving on the assembly. Like our country’s federal government, CSG is made up of three branches: The assembly discusses, debates and votes on a variety of issues, including executive, legislative and judicial. sexual assault prevention initiatives wand whether the Shapiro Undergraduate The executive branch consists of the executive committee and approximate- Library – the UGLi, as it’s referred to by most students – is in need of more power ly 20 executive commissions. For the 2015-2016 academic year, the leader of the outlets. executive committee and the CSG president is LSA senior Cooper Charlton and The assembly meets every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. in the CSG chambers on the vice president is LSA junior Steven Halperin. the third floor of the Union. The executive commissions are listed on the CSG website. Students from any

CSG

• • •

Making course evaluations of professors and graduate student instructors (GSIs) public Establishing need-based ticket pricing for athletic events Launching of the Wolverine Support Network, an initiative aimed at addressing mental health issues on campus

he LSA Student Government exists to serve specifically the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. In its mission statement, the body outlines four goals: changing policy when student interests are involved; improving students’ well-being; protecting the rights of LSA students; and representing LSA students in matters “pertaining to the academics and their general welfare both on and around campus,” according to the LSA-SG website. LSA senior Jason Colella will serve as the president of the LSA-SG for the 2015-2016 school year. Similarly to CSG, LSA-SG has 10 committees that are dedicated to different aspects of LSA student life. One committee, the Budget Allocations Committee, focuses on allocating government funds to student groups on campus.

30 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

L By

Some of CSG’s most prominent outcomes from votes on initiatives this year included:

ort er

ith the University being so large, some students may worry that their voice will get lost among their 40,000

For the coming school year, Charlton has three main goals he would like CSG to accomplish: 1.

Establishing a better connection between North, Central and South campuses through new bus routes and improvements to off-campus lighting 2. Working with Greek life to create a more educational orientation for all new members 3. Creating a mechanism that can gauge student opinion on and understanding about the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities

LSA-SG holds two voting periods designated to electing representatives each year: one takes place in the fall and the other in the winter. Current LSA-SG members will hold mass meetings for students interested in running for a position in the organization at the beginning of each semester.

The University of Michigan Engineering Council is the specific student governing body for the University’s College of Engineering. The goals of UMEC, as stated in its constitution, are “to guarantee advocation on behalf of engineering students to both internal and external entities, to foster a community of inclusivity and collaboration among the student body, and to support engineering student activ-

ities and initiatives.” UMEC has six committees that function with purposes similar to those of LSA-SG. Only those students who are students in the College of Engineering, majoring in Computer Science in the College of LSA or graduate students with concentrations in engineering may become members of UMEC. Membership is granted at the president’s discretion, and members gain tenure, or the right to vote, by attending two of any three consecutive council meetings. Conversely, a voting representative can lose tenure if he or she misses two consecutive meetings. As the College of Engineering is located on North Campus, UMEC’s weekly meetings take place there as well. The organization’s meetings are every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Herbert H. Dow Building.

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THE SPORTS BUCKET LIST,

with special guest Jim Harbaugh

By Zach Shaw,

Summer Managing Sports Editor I may not be the first to tell you this, but congratulations on becoming a Wolverine. It’s no secret that Michigan students are passionate and hardworking people in the classroom, but you’re also joining a community dedicated to our sports teams, both large and small. Joining you on this journey will be Jim Harbaugh. You may know him as the new head football coach, but Harbaugh has also made waves on campus for practicing with the ultimate frisbee team, playing piccolo with the marching band and finishing fourth in Central Student Government presidential elections. From the largest football stadium in the country to the Mud Bowl to the inner-tube water polo games in between, there are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the athletics community on campus. We break down a few of the top ways to do that before you graduate.

Win the dance-off with Jim Harbaugh One of the highlights of the athletic events are some of the games students participate in during breaks from the action. The Arby’s hat shuffle is rigged, but events like the dance-off, tricycle races, zorb jousting and half-court shots are often more entertaining than the games themselves. Jim — who already tried the half-court shot on SportsCenter in January — would undoubtedly be a good dancing buddy and would probably coach you on your tricycle skills, whether you want the advice or not.

Support your team on the road with Jim Harbaugh Join a student section with Jim Harbaugh See page 16 to find out which section you belong in, but no matter which ones you frequent, be sure to make friends, support your school and have fun losing your voice. With his affinity for all three of those in full bloom, Harbaugh has been known to frequent the sections. So wear your maize, learn your cheers, and you and Harbaugh will be buddies in no time.

Though there are plenty of chances on campus to soak in life as a Wolverine, many feel that the best memories of their time at Michigan came when they took that support and enthusiasm on the road. So grab your buddies, load up the car and follow your favorite teams to enemy territory. Constantly travelling the country recruiting the best football players to come to Michigan, Jim would gladly join you. We can’t make any promises, but his $5-million yearly salary may be able to cover your gas.

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Luna Anna Archey/Daily

Win a broomball championship with Jim H arbaugh Or any IM sport. Whether it’s traditional sports, like basketball and volleyball, or ones you likely haven’t played before, like broomball and the aforementioned water polo, there are plenty of opportunities to further your athletic career and have a blast with your friends.

Be sure to invite Jim, though. The former Michigan quarterback will not only contribute plenty of athleticism to your team, but will also bring his trademarked “enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” a key if you want to get those coveted championship T-shirts.

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To Rush or Not to Rush By SAM COREY For the Daily

Greek life associations were first established at the University of Michigan in 1845 with the introduction of the fraternities Chi Psi and Beta Theta Pi. One hundred seventy years later, the fraternity and sorority scene on campus has amassed 21 percent of student-life organizations. As freshmen on campus, there are a lot of questions you must confront, one of the most critical being about whether to rush. For details on the process, current fraternity senior Drew Petkus offered his thoughts on the matter.

What is rush, anyway? Rush is a process that those intending on joining a Greek organization go through. Through rush, prospective members are able to interact with members of different Greek organizations with the hope of impressing them enough to receive a bid, or invitation to join their organization.

When should students make a decision about rushing and how does the process work? Many students come to Michigan with preconceptions of different Greek houses, and these tend to dominate their viewpoints as they begin rush in the fall. Rush is designed to combat this and give students an authentic understanding of the different Greek organizations on campus through continued interactions with their members. The rush process takes place in the first month of the fall semester for both fraternities and sororities, and many fraternities also hold a winter rush period during the first month of the winter semester. Through a variety of events, prospective members are able to get to know the members of different Greek organizations throughout rush with the hope of finding a comfortable fit.

Is there a tier system, and what kind of effect does it have on those rushing? As mentioned above, many incoming students may have preconceptions about the reputations of different Greek organizations on campus. The tier system is an example of this and is something that is subjective to many. Though the tier system may exist to some, the Greek system at Michigan is fortunate enough to see many of its organizations thrive in ways that reflect equally and positively on their respective members. Thus, when rushing, it is important to join an organization that reflects oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own interests and not those of others.

What do you find to be the most important aspects of Greek life? To me, the most important attributes of Greek life are the strong friendships forged through membership that are not for college days alone, along with the ways that Greek organizations are able to contribute to our thriving campus. A number of Greek organizations are leading contributors to charitable organizations on campus, which is something to be very proud of.

Is there a stigma around Greek life? If so, why do you think that persists? To many, Greek life reflects a stigma on campus that is anything but positive. Some see Greek membership as exclusive to students coming from wealthy backgrounds, while others argue that it promotes excessive drinking and partying. This stigma may persist as a reflection of the general connotations of Greek life on college campuses across the country, and, from my experience, students of all backgrounds and preferences are contributing members to Greek life at Michigan.

What does Greek life do to minimize potential dangers in party situations? Greek organizations holding social events are subject to routine inspection from Interfraternity Council members throughout the night of each party. This is done to mitigate any dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption, and to make sure that each organization is acting in compliance with the laws set forth by the Greek governing bodies at Michigan.

Should students worry about hazing? Hazing is strictly prohibited on campus and is something that is frowned upon throughout the Greek community.

What is your most memorable experience in Greek life? My most memorable experience in Greek life was when my fraternity participated in Relay for Life last year, raising money for the American Cancer Society. It was special to be a part of this event and to use our organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

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Languages at UMich — Don’t Settle by Alyssa Brandon, Summer Managing News Editor

o you’ve finally become a Wolverine! As a first-year student, you’re probably already thinking about what dorm you’ll live in, what organizations you’ll join and, most importantly, what classes you’ll take. There’s one very important thing to remember when you’re registering for classes, though — the language requirement. If you’re in the School of Literature, Sciences and the Arts, you’ll have to pass at least fourth-semester proficiency in a language. Now, this may be sad news for some of you, but there is a way to avoid having to take language courses. Before you register for classes, you will be required to take placement tests in writing, math and a foreign language. If your test scores prove you’ve achieved fourth-semester proficiency, you will earn credit toward fulfilling the University’s foreign language requirement. However, in the case that you don’t do so well on your placement test, you’ll be required to take a foreign language. Some of you may already be thinking, “Pshhh no sweat, I’ll just take the language course I took in high school and get an easy A.” While this does sound like a solid plan to almost guarantee an “easy A”, I’d discourage you from doing this. Why? Well, I’m glad you asked! The University has one of the top foreign

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language programs in the nation, offering 40 languages, including American Sign Language, Tibetan and, my personal favorite, Japanese! These language courses often offer study abroad programs and internship opportunities, which are truly worthwhile. So why settle when there are so many amazing options for you to explore? Look at my story, for instance. Before attending the University, I had taken Spanish for four years, and was totally prepared to take Spanish in the fall when I realized how many languages the University offers. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in First Year Japanese and practically fell in love. The teachers were great, class was always fun and I met some of my closest friends there. Now, I plan to minor in Japanese, and I will be traveling to Japan in May 2016. Try not to think my little testimonial is farfetched. You can find a new language you want to study and fall head over heels, too. So don’t settle. Take time to explore the amazing languages the University has to offer when you register for Fall Term classes. Try and find a language that really interests you. While taking that language course you took back in high school could guarantee you a good grade, taking a new language could be an amazing experience.

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