Orientation issue

Summer 2013 thewichitan.com — your campus/your news

Wesley Hart, Kelby McIntyre and Austin Monson play with other members of the percussion section during the football game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The Golden Thunder Marching Band meets during the fall semester only and includes students from all campus colleges. The band rehearses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2-3 p.m. and on Tuesdays 6-9 p.m. until mid-October. Rehearsals begin about one week prior to classes in the fall.

Welcome to the club Education more than just going to class

BY BLAKE MUSE STAFF WRITER

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ducation is not “just going to class,” according to Matthew Park, associate vice president of Student Affairs.

“Education means a lot more that just knowing what they read and learned in the book,” he said. “We want [students] to be responsible human beings who can communicate and who can think, who can work with a group. And some of those areas, I don’t think you necessarily learn in the traditional classroom environment.

You can learn those in co-curriculum experiences as well. It’s a positive thing when students get involved, meaning they find something that they are passionate and interested in, and they pursue it.”

To help students find their passion, MSU has 95 registered student organizations, of which 22 are academic, such as the Arts and Literature Society; 18 are honorary, such as the Alpha Chi honor society; seven are cultural, such as the Caribbean Student Organization, the biggest MSU group with more than 300 students; and nine are special interest, such as the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Association.

“You don’t have to be a certain person to be a part

Athletic Mentality

pg. 6

Incoming students add to the ‘we are going to win’ mentality by joining sports programs.

of this,” said Mike Winters, president of the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Association.

GSDA, which has about 17 members, accepts lesbian, gay, bisexual and transvestite students as well as anyone “open-minded and without a fear of labels.”

“I don’t know the sexual orientation of everyone who’s part of the group, and in all honesty, I don’t really care,” said Winters, a senior in sociology.

Asked about gay marriage, Winters, who is openly gay, said he thinks “the government’s attitude toward it is not in sync with the general population’s attitude.”

Winters said he didn’t know if he wants to get married, but “would at least like the option.”

GSDA has no fees and no requirements for joining.

At the weekly meetings, the members discuss issues such as rape and gender equality.

“We lean more towards tolerance, but full-blown acceptance is still probably a long way away,” said Winters.

The Coalition of Anime Lovers, one of MSU’s three special interest groups, has about 16 members who explore animated movies as an art form.

“We’re a band of misfits,” said Justin Parnell, psychology freshman and treasurer for the Anime Club.

Traditions Continue

The traditions that add character to the university carry on.

“There’s a strong sense of family. It’s a good place to have.”

At every meeting, club members watch an anime movie, discuss the art, voice acting, message and how the film pertains to their major.

“We stick to ourselves, but every year we do fundraisers for charity and the A-KON [an annual anime-based convention in Dallas],” Parnell said.

The Coalition of Anime Lovers has no fees and no requirements for joining.

“The only thing we are concerned with is recruiting new members,” Parnell said.

The Freethought Alliance, a secular organization with about 40 members, discusses political issues and how they pertain to religious topics.

“A lot of people think we don’t believe in anything, like morals,” said Edgar Shockley, president of the Freethought Alliance. “We just derive our morals from non-religious sources. I believe in people, the universe and philosophy.”

The organization examines the world through science and reason.

“It’s not religious bashing,” said Shockley, a history INVOLVEMENT continued on page 2

pg. 10

University Housing

pg. 12

Students consider the positives and negatives of living on campus.

New Student Edition • 2

Members of the AFRICAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION offer a community to people interested in their cultural background. | University President Jesse Rogers speaks to the Student Senate in October. The STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION meets every first and third Tuesday of every month in Bolin at 7 p.m. | The CHEERLEADERS rally the fans at sporting events. | The RUGBY TEAM practices hard but plays harder. | Tolu Agunbiade and Blake Muse spar with each other as part of the MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CLUB.

INVOLVEMENT from page 1 senior. “It’s providing a community for actively non-religious students.”

The Freethought Alliance is the only secular organization on campus, in comparison to MSU’s seven religious organizations.

“They have a really broad section of conservative Protestant church associations,” Shockley said.

The Freethought Alliance has a $5 fee per semester, and a 2.0 GPA requirement for joining. The club meets every other Wednesday in Fain Fine Arts Center.

For this year’s Darwin Day, Feb. 12, the Freethought Alliance had a public showing of the film Inherit the Wind. The screening was sponsored by the Student Organization Fund, which gave the club $250.

“There are a lot of opportunities for involvement at Midwestern State University,” he said. “And the benefits of involvement to a student […] are great. But when I say involvement, I’m not just talking about student organizations. Yes, we’ve got the organizations, which include the special interest groups, the academic organizations, honors societies, fraternities, sororities, sports clubs. But some students also get involved with things like music and theater. Or maybe they get a job on campus. But ultimately […] these opportunities start connecting students with each other or with faculty, staff and community members who have similar interests. And through that, they develop a stronger connection to the university, which means they can start working harder. They get better grades. They start graduating in shorter amounts of time.”

To remain eligible for an upcoming academic year, clubs need to have four members; FUNDING a member of the club has to do risk manage“Any registered student organization in MATTHEW PARK ment training once a year and student orgagood standing is eligible to apply for and reASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT nization training once a semester, said Park. ceive funds from that account twice a semesSTUDENT AFFAIRS “Most of the time when organizations fall ter—twice in the fall, twice in the spring,” Park said. “These funds are designed to help organizations host out of standing, it’s not so much about the small number of stuactivities and events that the rest of the campus can enjoy and par- dents,” he said. “But I think it really comes about to that transition of leadership and who is responsible for the organization. Because, ticipate in, as well as group travel and development.”

The other fund for student clubs is the Student Leadership Fund, remember, the faculty staff advisors, they are there as resources, as which can provide up to $250 per organization. Clubs can apply advocates, as supporters. But it shouldn’t be their job to keep an once a semester. For a club to receive SLF funds, it has to be a organization going from one year to the next. That has […] some member of the Student Government Association and it has to have responsibility going to the student.”

For the official recognition of a new club, MSU requires eight a student senator, who has to attend the SGA meetings. If a senator students who are interested in joining, one faculty member, a constimisses three SGA meetings, his group loses status for the remainder tution and a statement of purpose. of that academic year, Park said.

“We want [students] to be responsible human beings who can communicate and who can think, who can work with a group.”

“Essentially, that’s kind of that document that outlines what’s the purpose of the organization, what are the rules that it will govern itself by, who is eligible for membership, what are the requirements of membership, what’s the structure of the structure of the organization,” Park said. “Once that information is together, it goes through the approval process through the Student Development and Orientation Office, then to the dean of students and then to the vice president of student affairs and enrollment management.”

Every academic year, between five and 10 new organizations come about.

“But at the same time, we’ve got about that same number that kind of fall out of good standing, so we always have this number, usually right around a hundred,” Park said. “But it kind of even flows each year with new and old organizations.”

The Philosophy Club, which started in February this year, is not yet officially recognized by MSU. The club’s 17 members are waiting for the approval of the Student Development and Organization office.

The Philosophy Club debates about “everything from pantheism to violence,” said Jason Douglas, president of the club.

“At our last meeting, we discussed anarchy and justification of the state,” he said. “Generally, we pick a topic at the end of the meeting to give everyone time to research the topic over discussion.”

The Philosophy Club has no fees, and the only requirement for joining is a 2.0 GPA. “We have no restrictions because philosophy is the underlying foundation of all fields of study, for all majors and all students,” said Douglas, a political science senior.

SOME OF THE CLUBS | Accounting Society | Air Force ROTC | American Society of Mechanical Engineers | Biology Club | Council for Exceptional Children | Geosciences Club | Midwestern Music Advocates | Kinesiology Student Organization | Respiratory Therapists Association | Sharing the Profession of Athletic Training | The Cycling Team | Armed Forces Veterans | College Republicans | Bigs | Democrats | FOR A COMPLETE LIST, VISIT HTTP://STUDENTS.MWSU.EDU/ORGANIZATIONS/

New Student Edition • 3

In March, members of the Catholic Campus Ministry help to build a house as a part of Habitat for Humanity.

Religious clubs help combat loneliness

BY DARION ROBERTS STAFF WRITER

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very year students all over the country leave their homes to attend college.

Quickly, however, new students often realize that college can be a lonely place. In particular, students that grew up going to church can feel like something is missing from their lives if they arrive at college and suddenly stop attending.

Some of the 150 religious clubs on campus help to fill that void and to engage students. Among them, seven religious groups provide unique opportunities, including pushing the concept of community and simply being there for each other through the huge, potentially awkward growth process that is college.

“Religious groups are a good opportunity, not only to learn more about your own religion, but also a chance to learn to respect the views and outlooks of others,” Garrett Ferris, a junior in sociology, said.

The Student Activities Office classifies seven different organizations as “religious and faith-based.” Even as a small campus, the number of opportunities for involvement do not reflect that size.

Members of the Baptist Student Ministry, one of the seven active religious groups on campus, seek to love God through their worship, service and community.

“The best thing about our organization is our community. We accept everyone and anyone, regardless of belief or denomination. The BSM exists to serve all college students in hopes of sharing the gospel with them. Our goal is to show the campus just how much Jesus Christ cares for them and wants to have an intimate relationship with them,” Caine Dipprey, a junior in accounting, said.

Dipprey also said incoming members can expect a close-knit and welcoming community from the BSM.

“Religious groups are a good opportunity, not only to learn more about your own religion, but also a chance to learn to respect the views and outlooks of others.”

GARRETT FERRIS JUNIOR, SOCIOLOGY

“We are a somewhat small organization, so you can pretty easily get to know everyone and plug right in. We are probably the most goofy organization on campus, so if that’s you, you will fit in perfectly. Though we may be Baptist in name, you definitely don’t need to be a Baptist to come hang out with us,” Dipprey said.

For students who aren’t Baptist, there are still other options.

Members of the Catholic Campus Center join as a faith-based community and come together for fellowship, service, prayer and a lot of fun.

The CCC supports, encourages and develops the faith of the students through a variety of spiritual programs that meet individuals at their level of faith. It also encourages them to grow beyond their current perspectives and offers retreats, weekly faith formation, community service opportunities, Sunday mass, weekly prayer activities and small faith sharing groups.

“It is essential for students to both grow personally in their faith as well as in community with their brothers and sisters in Christ while constantly keeping the gospel message primary in their daily lives and God’s

love visible in their actions,” Debbie Neely, campus Catholic minister, said.

The CCC, in its 26th year, has been called a home away from home with strong student leadership and an active alumni group offering both vision and support.

“Incoming students can expect to find a group of people who are also on a faith journey whom they can talk with, learn and grow from and share in their joys and struggles. We are a very multicultural group, so they would find a great deal of diversity among their Catholic peers,” Neely said.

For Methodists, the Wesley Foundation, a ministry of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, invites, disciples and empowers students to grow as Christian leaders through the power of love.

“Our doors are open to all students irrespective of who they are,” Wesley Foundation director and campus minister, the Rev. Jimmy Greene, said.

Members of the Wesley Foundation worship, socialize, serve and grow together through various activities both on and off campus.

“At the Wesley, students are invited into ministry leadership that focuses on worship, the underprivileged, social justice, study group, community outreach and mission trips,” Greene said.

Regardless of what students believe, are interested in, or look like, there is a place to be involved, to engage the university community and to combat the newness of college.

“It is encouraging to see the many different types of religious organizations that our school has to offer. The fact that students are actually pushing to find something to believe in isn’t something you can easily find everywhere in the country,” Jared Vann, a senior in kinesiology, said.

BAPTIST STUDENT MINISTRY – 940-767-1222 - bsmatmsu@yahoo.com - Terry McDonald, located on Taft Boulevard, right across the street from the Hardin building, free lunch on Wednesdays at noon and a worship and study time Thursdays at 8 p.m. | CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY – 940-692-9778 – msuccc@yahoo.com - Kristen Garrison, 3410 Louis J Rodriguez Drive | IMPACT – 214-799-9309 – impactingmsu@gmail.com - Becky Green | MENTORS ON A MISSION – 940-397-4763 - mentorsmissionmwsu@gmail.com - SuHua Huang | NURSES FOR CHRIST – 940-397-3286 – jane.leach@mwsu.edu Jane Leach | WESLEY CAMPUS MINISTRY – 940-235-9044 - jdcgreene@sbcglobal.net - Randy Glean

New Student Edition • 4

Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Kappa compete in the cardboard race as part of homecoming.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon colonized at MSU in the fall of 2008 to enrich its members with “the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service and bringing the True Gentleman to Wichita Falls.”

Greeks give members sense of purpose

BY BRITTANY BURT STAFF WRITER

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or Student Government President Anthony Gallina, his Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity is more than a student organization.

“For the most part, TKE has given me a sense of purpose in college beyond the classroom,” said Gallina, a senior in kinesiology. “TKE helped push me into the leadership roles that I’ve had and currently have, such as student government president, vice president of TKE for two terms, and […] student ambassador. I’ve had to plan events, manage committees and their work, and also create and enforce policies. Since joining, volunteerism has never seemed like work anymore. Cleaning up the campus, working for charities and helping the community has really become second nature, and now I just do it and never really dread it or get bored.”

Gallina is one of about 312 students, or roughly 6 percent of student population, involved in Greek life. As of spring 2013, fraternities have 104 of these members, and sororities have 208 members.

“I joined Greek life because I wanted to be a part of a brotherhood that gave me the opportunity to bond with

my brothers and make memories throughout my collegiate career, and, most of all, life-long membership with my fraternity,” said Matt Oliver of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the biggest MSU chapter, with 34 members for fall 2012.

Fraternities and sororities participate in group meetings, study sessions, social services and campus activities, such as Relay for Life, the annual fundraising walk to fight cancer.

“I joined because I wanted to make the most of my college experience and get involved as much as I could,” said Maggie Moss, nursing junior from Sigma Kappa, the biggest MSU sorority, with 55 members. “Greek life has given much more than I could have ever imagined. It’s turned me into a more mature and goal-oriented woman.

I have made life-long friends and developed leadership skills that have really pushed me to achieve more things.

Being Greek was the greatest choice I have ever made in college.”

“From being in a sorority, I have gained so many friendship and stories,” said Kira Smith, one of Chi Omega’s 49 members. “I know that no matter what is going on in my life, I’ll always have my sisters.”

Fraternities and sororities are nationwide organiza-

tions, but the local groups, called chapters, determine membership fees.

“With the fraternity and the sorority, they have national offices with professional staff,” said Matthew Park, associate vice president of student affairs. “The way they generate that money to pay their staff is through all the chapters they have throughout the country, sometimes throughout the world. […] Each […] individual member is paying things, such as a chapter fee, which isn’t necessarily going to them locally here, but it’s going to support the existence of this larger entity. […] At Midwestern, they [chapter fees] are a lot cheaper than they are at other institutions primarily because our chapters don’t have houses on campus.”

For his TKE fraternity, which has 20 members, Gallina pays $70 a semester and “an average of $30 extra for shirts, fundraisers, and other things.”

“We pay $350 a semester,” said psychology sophomore Trey Reed, also from TKE. Sounds like a lot, but only $70 a month isn’t that bad, even with an extremely part-time job. The only extra costs we have are sometimes paying for event shirts, maybe taking our littles to lunch GREEK LIFE continued on page 5

From joining Greek life, I have learned ways to make Midwestern a better place to be. I have made tons of friends and my closest friends at MSU are in Greek life also.

MATT OLIVER, SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON SOPHOMORE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

I came here [as a transfer student] with an open mindset and came across some of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I have not only gained a group of amazing sisters, but I have also made memories that will last a lifetime.

New Student Edition • 5 I joined for brotherhood and diversity. What I’ve gotten out of ODPhi so far is how to stay goal driven and focus through any kind of adversity.

DAVID ALEXANDER, OMEGA DELTA PHI JUNIOR, BUSINESS FINANCE

JACQUELINE PINEDO, SIGMA KAPPA SOPHOMORE, BILINGUAL EDUCATION

Our philanthropy supports the Makea-Wish foundation.

So, on top of all of the community service we do, we also put in a lot of hours to help this wonderful organization.

[In addition,] as a chapter we work really hard on our studies to maintain an excellent GPA.

I know that no matter where I go, I will be welcomed by a band of brothers amongst whom no contentions exist. I am proud to call myself a brother of Kappa Sigma not for a day or a month, or a college term, but for life.

TYLER COBBS, KAPPA SIGMA JUNIOR, ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY

DANIELLE HOGAN, CHI OMEGA SENIOR, DENTAL HYGIENE

tions to attend to.”

GREEK LIFE from page 4 Depending on a member’s GPA, he or she may every now and then, maybe some craft supplies be obliged to have study hours in the library. for things we work on throughout the semester.”

“You can have no study hours, or up to seven Junior Courtney Lemley from Chi Omega said she pays a monthly chapter fee of $65, and an study hours, depending on how bad your grades additional $80 per semester in house corporation suck,” said White.

“I am required to study 10 hours in the library fees for renting Fain Hall where sororities have a week, but other people in TKE don’t have to do meetings and activities.

“Additional costs include T-shirts which is as much because their GPAs were higher,” said completely up to the member in terms of wanting Reed, whose fraternity requires a 2.0 GPA for joining members and a 2.5 for returning members. to buy,” she said.

In the Chi Omega sorority, members with a The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity charges $70 monthly, “give or take fines, events and dona- GPA of 3.0 or higher are not required to complete any study hours. Members tions such as paying for food with a GPA below 3.0 have during rush events,” said to fulfill study hours, which member Peyton White. increase when the GPA de“Greek life isn’t somecreases. thing that is cheap,” said Members of Chi Omega Shanell Martin, a criminal are required to do six hours justice senior. “There are of community service a semonthly fees due along mester, said Lemley. with new member fees that “Service hours are revary between each chapter. quired from us no matter There is no tolerance of late what our GPA is,” said payments.”

White. “We are required Leaders in Greek life to put in a minimum of five strive to develop competihours per semester, but over tive leadership skills, said half of our guys go above David Alexander, a junior in and beyond and hit anybusiness finance from Omewhere around 50 or more ga Delta Phi, MSU’s smallhours a semester.” est chapter.

Graphic design junior “I joined for the brotherCameron Williams said hood and diversity,” AlexanGreek life requires too der said. “What I’ve gotten much time. out of ODPhi so far is how “I got a full-ride scholarto stay goal-driven and focus ship to play football at Midthrough any kind of adverANTHONY GALLINA TAU KAPPA EPSILON western State, and all of my sity.”

SENIOR, KINESIOLOGY time is placed on the footSororities and fraterniball field with my team,” he ties have GPA requirements and other academic goals for joining and returning said. “I have zero time to be a part of any organization, especially Greek life.” members.

“Greek life was never an option for me at all,” “I wasn’t able to join the sorority of my choice due to my grades being too low when I was an said Miles Roberts, a criminal justice senior. “I’m incoming freshman,” said Ryan Allison, who had a full-time student and have a full-time job. I live a 2.7 GPA but needed a 2.8 to join Sigma Kappa. alone, I have a one-year-old baby, and I have no “I am currently not in a sorority now because I am time for Greek life.” friends with them already and have other obliga-

TKE has given me a sense of purpose in college beyond the classroom. TKE helped push me into the leadership roles that I’ve had and currently have. Since joining, volunteerism has never seemed like work anymore.

Helping the community has really become second nature.

Greek dessert reception in September.

New Student Edition • 6

Sam Croft competes in the 2013 Collegiate Nationals in Ogden, Utah, May 4. On the team’s website, Croft, from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, said, “Cycling has taught me many things. Since I started cycling, I have been forced to refine my timemanagement skills to be able to not only fit in school work but also a social life and family life. Stemming from this, I have learned how to be disciplined on the bike and off.

From having to be disciplined in my training, I have naturally transferred those skills into my daily routine.” Photo by Dean Warren

Athletic mentality: ‘We are going to win’

CYCLING The most successful program on campus is the cycling team – winners of the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference championship every year since 2004, including this past year. The team, the only NCAA Division I varsity sport on campus, held a 1,000-point lead before entering the 2013 conference road race in April, making it mathematically impossible for any team to take the championship away from them. In addition, to date, the team has produced 28 national championship riders, including four riders on this team.

More than 100 players are on the football roster, battling for a position during the spring and summer to make the final cut for the 10-game regular season played in the fall.

“This is a new team. What we have done in the past is the past. We have to prove ourselves this year,” Maskill said.

Fifteen members of the 2012 team graduated, and Maskill expects 40 incoming freshmen on the team this fall. He also said he expects the seniors to show their leadership abilities when building the team.

“We have a number of rising seniors,” Maskill said.

“Those kids have taken ownership.”

The team captured the 2012 LSC Championship, its third title since the first in 2009 and second in 2011.

The team claimed three LSC divisional championships and made the NCAA playoffs five times.

Notable alumni that played on the football team include former NFL Super Bowl champion running back Dominick Rhodes, Carolina Panthers offensive guard Silatolu Amini (2011), Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Joe Unga (2012), Dallas Cowboys wide receiver David Little (2011) and free agent wide receiver Brian Gilmore (2000).

The team opens the season at Cowboys Stadium, Sept. 14 against Tarleton State.

FOOTBALL The football program will celebrate its 25th anniversary in the fall of 2013, starting back up in 1988 after coming and going during the 1920s to 1950s.

VOLLEYBALL In 2005, Associate Athletic Director Venera Flores-Stafford, who came to MSU in 2004, took her team to the LSC Championship game for the first time

BY ETHAN METCALF, SHELBY DAVIS AND ORLANDO FLORES, JR. STAFF WRITERS

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or the hundreds of athletes who play sports on campus, from varsity sports to recreational sports to club sports — as well as for the fans — competing is more than just a pastime. It is a way to take a break from studying and to remain physically active.

And all of the players compete for one thing — to win.

“We have established a mentality, that we are going to win. That is carried over each year,” head football coach Bill Maskill said. “I believe when one team has success, it bleeds over to the other teams.”

in program history. Two years later, in 2007, the team advanced to the NCAA Postseason Tournament for the first time. Then, in 2008, the team started the season with 18 straight wins before finishing the season with a 25-9 record.

BASKETBALL The men’s and women’s basketball programs are rooted in the early days of MSU, with the men’s program’s earliest season dating back to 1946, and the women’s program dating back to 1984.

The men won seven LSC championships, made the NCAA D-II Tournament in all seven years, and won the NCAA D-II South Central Region Championship in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The team also made it to the Elite Eight in those three years.

“We had one of the best years as a whole athletic department in many years or ever,” Noel Johnson, head women’s basketball coach, said. “I have never been apart of anything like this as a coach or a player, so it has been a fun year. We had a phenomenal year. We had a lot of first for the program.”

The women’s team used its 2013 LSC Championship, post-season tournament win and trip to the NCAA D-II Sweet 16 to win its first LSC title since the 2001 season, and make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2003.

CROSS-COUNTRY/TRACK From 2008-2011, the cross-country team swept the LSC, winning four conference championships in a row.

In 2011, the team won its first NCAA D-II South Central Regional Championship, and it also sent runners to the NCAA national meet in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Despite only competing in the division for the past three seasons, the team has succeeded in the outdoor track division as well, with Brissia Montalvo earning silver in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase in 2012, and Ashley Flores winning bronze in the 5,000-meter in 2013.

GOLF Two of the youngest programs on campus, men’s and women’s golf, were started in 2006 and 2009 respectively, and both programs have had their fair share of success under coach Jeff Ray. The 2012-2013 men’s team became the first team in program history to win the LSC Conference Tournament in April. Santiago Gomez won the individual title in that tournament, also to become the first golfer in program history to win the LSC individual championship.

Overall, the men’s golf team has been to the NCAA D-II Super Region Tournament five times.

SOFTBALL The softball program, reinstated in 2004, is heading into its eleventh season under coach Brady Tigert.

The program has made eight NCAA postseason appearances and captured two LSC championships backto-back. But its most successful season came in 2011, when the team made it to the semifinal round of the NCAA D-II College World Series.

In 2013, freshman slugger Katelyn Vinson etched her name in the program record book, hitting 21 home runs in a season, as well as setting the record for most season total bases (155), highest season batting average (.516) and highest season slugging percentage (1.000).

“ You get to meet a lot of new people in Rec Sports, so it’s a good way to introduce yourself to campus.”

SOCCER Doug Elder, now in his 14th season, molded the program into the most successful one in school history, winning eight conference RANDY CANIVEL championships, and making ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, REC SPORTS eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Of those eight appearances, the men have made it as far as the Elite Eight five times, as well as making it all the way to the Final Four in 2007 and 2010.

While the women have not made it into the postseason, they have won their conference championship three times and have also won their regular season championship three times.

HOMECOMING 2013

Oct. 19 Vs. West Alabama PARADE – In the 1950’s, the homecoming parade flowed through downtown streets. Today, the parade takes place on campus.

New Student Edition • 7

TENNIS The late-’90s and early to mid-2000s was the heyday for both the men’s and women’s tennis programs. The men were able to capture the LSC Championship in 2001 and 2006. They also made ten NCAA postseason appearances – advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2001, 2005 and 2006, and as far as the Elite Eight in 2006.

The women made 12 NCAA postseason appearances and advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2000 and 2005.

REC AND CLUB SPORTS The recreational sports program hosts a variety of sports, from mainstays such as basketball and flag-football all the way to dodgeball, putt-putt and even darts and sand volleyball. The Rec Sports program, in which some 2,500 student participate each semester, also hosts multiple divisions, including divisions for men and women as well as a co-rec division. Students interested in competing one-on-one can compete in sports like golf and tennis singles.

“You get to meet a lot of new people in Rec Sports, so it’s a good way to introduce yourself to campus,” Assistant Director Randy Canivel said, noting that participants come from all over campus and include faculty, staff and students, and that participation in such activities is a good way to relieve stress and combat obesity.

In addition to organized recreational sports, hundreds of students play club sports.

The rough-and-tumble rugby club is a member of the Western Rugby Football Union and competes as a collegiate club in the Texas Rugby Union. Students can watch this unique sport on campus at the home games or the nearby away games held in cities such as Dallas and San Marcos.

Players on the Ultimate team, Calvary, practice twice each week, and every Tuesday and Thursday hold non-competitive pick-up games on the Quad for fans of flying disc sports.

FANS The coaches and players believe the athletes could not have gotten to where they are today without the

FISH FRY – The Kiowa Kooks, a alumni group, began the fish fry to raise money for their scholarship fund. Each year, amost 1,000 people enjoy the fried catfish, hushpuppies, hamburgers and French fries.

support of the fans.

“The fans mean a lot to us,” Skyler Warrick, a junior in mass communication, said. “They help us in knowing we are not doing this just for ourselves but also for the community, because they have just as much invested as we do.”

Fans and the local community help to support the teams on and off the field or court, Johnson said.

“They (fans) are a huge part of our success and where we are today,” Johnson said. “The support from the fans in the stands and the community is part of student athletes’ athletic and academic success.”

Maskill said the fans in the stands take the meaning behind home field advantage to an even higher level and help push the players along.

“Fans play a critical part in momentum,” Maskill said.

Student representation is important during home and away games. Students can get themselves and one other person into every home sporting event with a valid student ID. Maskill hopes that next year the students will put this to good use.

“We would like to get the student body more involved,” Maskill said.

The players and coaches are already hard at work to make sure that their next seasons are as great as they had this past year.

“Our kids are working hard when it’s not demanded, so they can win for the fans, community and Wichita Falls in general,” Johnson said.

CARDBOARD BOAT RACE – Held in conjunction with the homecoming fish fry, the boat race gives teams a chance to make their way across Sikes Lake in boats made of nothing more than cardboard and duct tape.

At Cowboys Stadium, students cheer for the football team. In the fall of 2013, the football team’s season opener against Tarleton State is in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Sept. 14.

BONFIRE AND TORCHLIGHT PARADE – The bonfire, dating back to the 1960s, serves as the official pep rally before the homecoming game.

The torchlight parade began in conjunction with America’s Greatest College Weekend in the 1980’s. After football returned to MSU in 1988, the torchlight parade was incorporated as a precursor to the bonfire.

New Student Edition • 8 Sarita Adhikary, senior, graphic design and athletic training: “We had a well in my backyard, and a pump in the bathroom. But life here is different.”

Preparing for the regional tournament hosted at MSU, Sarita Adhikary competes in singles and doubles. Adhikary and teammate Lauren Pineda won 8-6 against St. Mary’s Mariana Rong and Ariana Saldana, earning a spot at nationals in Arizona. Photo by Hanwool Lee

Second-generation Nepali calls university home and not having electricity was normal.

“For people outside or who haven’t been there, that is culture enior Sarita Adhikary left her hometown of Kathmandu to pur- shock,” Adhikary said. sue dreams of playing tennis in the United States.

Like her parents, Adhikary goes on mission trips. She has been As an athlete prior to transferring here, Adhikary said her to Mexicali, and to Nepal through a mission provided by Athletes in experience has really helped her develop her playing skills.

Action, where the tennis team was involved.

“I knew I wanted to go to Texas,” Adhikary said. When her team “I got to go back home on a mission trip and play tennis,” played MSU in a tournament one weekend, she looked at the roster Adhikary said, “That was pretty cool.” and decided to give it a shot.

She said it was hard adjusting to not having her parents around, The recruitment process was simple: her coach reached out to but she has gotten used to it.

MSU before the summer ended. She never even saw the campus “Right now, they are in the city, so that’s how they can talk to before her orientation. me,”Adhikary said.

“I had a lot less playing time there,” Adhikary said. “It’s actually Until the next time she visits, Adhikary will stay busy competing one of the reasons I chose to transfer here. I for regional and state tennis titles and studyhave a lot more playing time now.” ing for her double major in graphic design and An athletic scholarship recipient, Adhikary athletic training. spends Monday through Friday practicing and “Those are like the two most consuming training alongside her coach Scott Linn. majors timewise,” Adhikary said, “but I have She considers the tennis team to be a part enjoyed it very much.” of her family here in the U.S. Between athletics and her studies, “The athletic trainers really work with me, Adhikary enjoys going to hang out with and my coach is great, always looking out for friends. me. My teammates too,” Adhikary said. “We “You always have time to make friends,” SARITA ADHIKARY SENIOR IN GRAPHIC DESIGN all get along.”

Adhikary said. “I really enjoy going to the falls AND ATHLETIC TRAINING She speaks to her parents, who still live in and going on hikes and stuff.”

Nepal, via Skype. They are missionaries, finanShe said in a small town like this, somecially supported by churches in state. times people have to invent their own fun, but Wichita Falls is good “It’s a third-world country, dirt poor. I grew up in a village with place to do it. dirt roads, no running water, no electricity,” Adhikary said.

After her eligibility to play tennis expires, her plans are to finish She said her life here is nothing like how she grew up. her double major and find an outlet for tennis that is non-compet“It’s extremely different. We had a well in my backyard, and a itive. pump in the bathroom,” Adhikary said.

She wonders what she will do when she can’t play at MSU anyFor her, living without running water is how every kid grew up, more and said it will be a hard adjustment.

BY BRITTANY D’ALESANDRO STAFF WRITER

• Born in Ft. Worth, Adhikary is a natural-born citizen of the U.S., even though she claims Nepal to be her home country.

• Adhikary spent her senior year of high school in California • Started as a freshman at Azusa Pacific University in California

S

“ You always have time to make friends.

I really enjoy going to the falls and going on hikes and stuff.”

welcome

to all the new students

YOUR PARTY HEADQUARTERS FOR: Domestic and Specialty Beers • Liquor • Wine Kegs • Cigars • Lottery Catering for hospitality suites, holiday, graduation and other large parties 2731 Southwest Parkway Corner of Kemp & Southwest Parkway (940) 692-1002

Fall ‘13 Semester

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Spring '14 Semester

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Tennis Doubles Punt-Pass-Kick Flag Football Soccer Ultimate Frisbee

September September September September September

Table Tennis Doubles Basketball (Men) Volleyball (Women) Badminton Singles Co-Ed Tennis

January 28 January 28 January 28 January 28 February 4

Archery

September 17

Softball

February 25

Bowling Pool Table Tennis Singles Co-Ed Volleyball Basketball (Women) Indoor Soccer Men’s Volleyball

September September October 8 October 8 October 8 November November

Tennis Singles Frisbee Golf Putt Putt Golf Dodgeball Golf (Men/Women) Darts 3 on 3 Basketball Co-Ed Sand Volleyball

March March March March April 1 April 1 April 1 April 1

3 3 3 17 17 24 24

5 5

4 4 4 11

For more information on any of these events, please call Randy Canivel at (940) 397-4786 or go to our website at www.teamsideline.com/mwsu

New Student Edition • 10

Wichita Falls Junior College circa 1922

Traditions contribute to university life From its beginnings in 1922 as a municipal junior college housed within a high school building, Midwestern State University has become a campus of 255 acres and 70 buildings offering a variety

Hardin Building at Hardin Junior College, circa 1937

of academic programs in liberal and fine arts, mathematics, sciences, business and applied sciences.

Whether alumni consider themselves Indians or Mustangs, the university, now with about 5,200 students, has carried on a tradition of pride and community.

BY SARAH SHELTON

Renamed Midwestern University in 1950; photo from 1966

Veesta, the befeathered symbol of MU spirit, was presented at a pep rally in 1966

Renamed Midwestern State, circa 1975

WICHITA FALLS Wichita Falls got its name from the first settlers of the area in the 1700s, the Choctaw Indians. The name “Wee-Chi-Tah” meant “waist deep,” which was then a description of the river the Indians built their tribe around.

“Back in middle school we learned about the Indian tribe that sent one of their women into the river to test its deepness and cross it,” said Melody Gregory, a junior in art. The sculpture depicting the legend can be found on Wichita Street, off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

“Everyone says that it (the town) gets dead, but it’s really diverse.

If you find the right group of friends you can make it fun.”

KATIE BROWN SOPHOMORE, KINESIOLOGY

SCHOOL NAME Created in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, the second municipal junior college in Texas, MSU’s earliest home was in Wichita Falls High School with which it shared both the building and faculty. Later, a legislative act and a vote of the people of Wichita Falls set up a separate tax district to support the junior college.

In 1937 the college acquired a new, 40-acre campus of its own on the south side of town. The recently finished Hardin building rose above pastures and wheat fields, an impressive Spanish colonial structure complete with a lofty bell tower. In that year the college was renamed Hardin Junior College in honor of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hardin.

In January 1950, the name changed to Midwestern University, the junior college division remaining Hardin Junior College. During that time, wider recognition came to the school.

Another change in the school’s status came Sept. 1, 1961, when the 56th Texas State Legislature made Midwestern University part of the Texas Colleges and Universities System, and the junior college division was dissolved.

In 1975, the Texas Legislature changed the name to Midwestern State University.

FROM INDIANS TO MUSTANGS In 2006, MSU changed its mascot from an Indian to a mustang named Maverick. The Indian served as the university’s mascot for 83 years before being retired.

The NCAA deemed any “hostile” Native American mascot or logo as abuse to the Native American imagery and names, which resulted in changes made to the NCAA-sanctioned events, no longer allowing American Indian logos.

“I remember the townspeople being angry because people didn’t think it

was a big deal being the Indians,” said Amanda Jefferson, a Wichita Falls native and junior in sociology.

“I saw some of the Native Americans that were interviewed about it didn’t care or show to have any problems with the mascot,” said Logan Canifax, a junior in art. “They took it as a compliment because they were being recognized as the ones who settled here first. I wish we were still the Indians. We have enough mustangs in the area.”

The campus still honors Native Americans with street names and statues like that of the Sunwatcher that commemorates the university’s 75th anniversary and represents the South Plains Indians.

HOMECOMING RITUALS Homecoming is a week-long event that provides activities for students, alumni, family, and friends. Every year there is a school parade that travels throughout campus.

“There are tons of traditions during homecoming week. It brings different social groups together, and the rivalry is pretty cool during competitions like building the best float. And you get to go all out with school spirit,” said Mark Broomfield, a junior in exercise physiology.

The homecoming cardboard boat race is one of the annual events where student organizations attempt to construct a cardboard boat that will successfully make its way across Sikes Lake. Following the boat races, the Kiowa Kooks, a group of alumni cooks, host the Fish Fry event.

“You can only use duct tape and cardboard to make the boat, and really you just have to strategize with the people in the boat to make it across without sinking,” said Taylor Courtney, a freshman in radiology and member of Sigma Kappa.

The Homecoming bonfire is known as the official pep rally before the big homecoming game. Throughout homecoming week, students can trade in other university T-shirts in exchange for a bonfire T-shirt, and other universities’ T-shirts will be added to the bonfire collection which will later all be burned down.

“The bonfire was pretty fun, and I liked seeing the Tarleton shirts on there,” said Katie Brown, a sophomore in kinesiology. “I thought it was pretty neat that the coaches of the current sports would all join and get to start the bonfire.”

A torchlight march is held before the bonfire where students can join in.

New Student Edition • 11

The Wee-Chi-Tah Sculpture by the Wichita River

World’s smallest skyscraper at 511 7th St. downtown

Burns’ fantasy of lights started1920’s • More than 20,000 lights are in the decoration of the University buildings • 200,000 people are estimated to visit the display each year • 34 lighted, animated scenes are used for the display

Sheppard Air Force base opened Oct 17, 1941

“Terrible Tuesday” –April 10, 1979 — tied for the 10th worst tornado in U.S. history by the Weather Channel

Seniors Zach Davis and Lacy Talley were crowned homecoming queen and king for 2012. After irregularities in the voting system, Student Government Association members proposed changing the process for future homecoming elections, including selecting people based on community service, character references and grade point average.

Waliking around campus holding lit candles with their peers, students follow the marching band as it makes its way to the bonfire pep rally.

“I had a great time during homecoming,” Spencer said. “My favorite part was the march because I got to play the quads and everybody just joins in while we’re walking through campus.”

The teams of the 1920s wore maroon and white, but so did other college teams, leading to confusion on the field. During 1924-25, the athletes agreed to change the colors to maroon and gold, a choice reconfirmed by the entire student body when the university moved to its present campus in 1937.

“The first time I heard the sirens running a drill, I was in the shower, so I thought I was screwed. I’m not used to the sirens every month.”

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE Wichita Falls is home to Sheppard Air Force Base, named in honor of Senator Morris Sheppard, former chairman of the Senate Military Affairs Committee. The Base, which opened on Oct. 17, 1941, trained aircrew and aircraft mechanics during World War II. Today, SAFB is the largest and most diverse training base in air education and training command in the United States–the only Air Force base that is home to both technical and flying training. It has a daily population of 15,00 and annually graduates 62,000 airmen and airwomen.

“I lived on base for a couple of years, but I’ve been going my whole life, whether it was getting groceries, work, or I’ll still get my hair cut on base,” said Branson Spencer, a freshman in music.

FANTASY OF LIGHTS Starting in the late 1920’s, the Burns family of Wichita Falls began their first Christmas celebration together by setting up a small Christmas tree on their front porch with one single bulb. As the years passed and Mr. Burns became more successful in the oil industry, the couple was able to add onto their tradition. Each year they would add a new display to the whole scenery.

In 1954, Mr. Burns died in a car accident, but Mrs. Burns continued the tradition in memory of her husband.

From 1954 to 1970, during the Christmas season, Mrs. Burns would turn her front lawn into an animated display with brightly-colored WORLD’S SMALLEST SKYSCRAPER lights. At that point, the display had become so During the 1920’s oil industry boom, a large and detailed that Mrs. Burns had to hire conman and Amarillo contractor by the name help to maintain it every year. of J.D. McMahon made his mark on the city In 1971, Mrs. Burns passed away, and the by creating the world’s smallest skyscraper display was discontinued. In her will she left and getting away with it. McMahon planned the decorations to her son, or he could donate with investors to create a multi-story office it to Archer City. However, the display rebuilding that would overlook Oklahoma. The mained in storage for the next three years until LOGAN CANIFAX proposed skyscraper was expected to be a the death of the her son. Archer City offered JUNIOR, ART 480-foot building, but what McMahon purthe display to MSU as long as it was operated posefully did not mention to his investors as to the public free of charge. they signed off on his contract was that his blueprint measurements When MSU received the display, it did not have the funding were measured in inches rather than feet, resulting in a 480-inch to run and maintain it, so the Fantasy of Lights Committee was (40 ft) skyscraper.

It wasn’t until the construction was complete, formed, making the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights a success that is still in practice today. Volunteers from the university, local citizens and McMahon and the estimated $200,000 invested in the project and airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base all contributed to the were gone, that anybody realized what McMahon did. Featured in maintenance of the display in order to have it ready for its 1974 “Ripley’s Believe it or Not,” the building is still a visible landmark in downtown Wichita Falls on the corner of Seventh Street and Laappearance.

“I’ve gone since I was able to walk,” Canifax said. “The reason Salle.

“I found out about it in my photo class, and we went and visited we always went is because when my grandma was a kid, she saw it start out in the Burns’ yard. She lived out in Valley View so if she the site,” said Nicole Kutzer, a senior in art. “It’s a cute building, and could make it into town around Christmas, it was a big deal for her. the story behind it is hilarious.”

Now she likes to take us and reminisce about when she saw it as a kid.”

THE FALLS The city also had an waterfall, but it washed away in a flood in the 1800s. However, in 1987, city workers constructed a 54-foot WEATHER As a part of “Tornado Alley,” Wichita Falls has gone through its man-made waterfall in dedication to the original falls. Southbound share of scares during tornado season; the most infamous incident motorists on I-44 or and visitors to Lucy Park can see the new verion being “Terrible Tuesday.” On April 10, 1979, a mile-wide tornado of the falls, now part of the character of the Texoma landscape.

“Everyone says that it (the town) gets dead, but it’s really distruck the town, killing 42 people and destroying more than 20,000 houses and buildings. The tornado caused $400 million in damage. verse,” Brown said. “You have the country scene down the road, “I didn’t really know anything about Wichita Falls or its past with but there’s the city, too. If you find the right group of friends you tornadoes before I got recruited here for basketball,” Brown said. can make it fun.”

I’ve gone to the Fantasy of Lights since I was able to walk. My grandmother likes to reminisce about it.

Caribfest brings the famous Caribbean, or more internationally known West Indian, culture to campus.

Thousands of students and community members celebrate the independence of various countries located in the West Indies region.

The festival includes a twohour street parade, traditional Caribbean food, rhythms of the pan ensemble, and traditional dances.

The celebration ends with a cultural showcase and allows participants the opportunity to obtain traditional arts and crafts of the West Indian culture.

New Student Edition • 12

Killingsworth resident assistant, Rachel Krygsman, a junior in English, cleans up her room. “I love it here. I love the room and sense of community.

I’ve made friends here and will keep them for a lifetime.”

Photo by Hanwool Lee

Choosing a home away from home Students weigh convenience and freedom when deciding where to live

BY KELLY CALAME STAFF WRITER

W

ith six different housing facilities on campus and numerous apartment complexes off campus, students can choose from a variety of places to stay, and students have different perspectives on the costs, rules, advantages and disadvantages of the various housing facilities provided.

FRESHMEN HOUSING RULE To live off campus, a student must have at least 45 credit hours, be 21 years or older, married and living with spouse or living at home with parents, within 60 miles of the campus.

Kelsey Gunia, a sophomore in elementary education, said the rule is reasonable.

“I wouldn’t want people living in a house before they’re ready to live on their own,” she said.

Naomi Skinner, a junior in mass communication, said the rule is unfair because it applies to 50 percent of the student population.

“Some students that need or want to live off campus can’t because of this rule,” she said.

While housing has restrictions regarding housing options, Michael Mills, director of housing, can override the rule if a student needs to live off campus. “[Students] can request a housing exemption through me,” he said. “But it has to be a special circumstance. There has to be a reason why.”

Mills said incoming students perform better when they live on campus during their first year.

“Almost every university has housing, [which] is a requirement for first-year students,” Mills said. “National studies have shown that students academically and socially perform better living on campus, because students are closer to class, so they are more obligated to go, and there are many events on campus to get involved in.”

Mills said when students live off-campus, they aren’t as connected to the students who live on campus.

“For freshmen, it can be difficult to make friends living off-campus. They end up transferring or drop out,” he said. “Statistically, a majority of students who live on campus are more successful.”

LIVING ON CAMPUS Assuming university housing is full (1,320 beds), and since enrollment is 6,000 students, 22 percent of students would be living on campus. However, in the spring approximately 1,101 students (19 percent) out of 5,800 lived on campus largely because of the convenience.

Gunia, a Sunwatcher Village resident, said she chose to live where she does because of the advantages living on campus brings.

“I don’t have to drive to school, I have a private bedroom, and I don’t have any electricity or water bills,” she said.

Felicia Martinez, who also lives in Sunwatcher Village, said she loves how convenient it is to live on campus.

“I can go back to my room between classes, and if there are any problems, maintenance is usually pretty fast,” she said. “The only bad thing about [Sunwatcher] is the size of the closets and kitchen.”

Sundance Court resident Devon Graves, a sophomore in sociology, said she is happy living on campus because she is close to all of her classes.

“I also enjoy having all bills paid,” she said. “I never have to worry about using too much water or electricity.”

COSTS OF LIVING ON CAMPUS Although Graves said she enjoys living on campus, she believes it is overpriced.

“It is really expensive, so that does encourage me to find housing elsewhere,” she said.

Martinez, a junior in business management, said she is paying too much to live on campus.

“Room and board is too high,” she said. “I live in a two-bedroom apartment, and my roommate and I pay the same price, when a one-bedroom apartment off-campus is less expensive than one of our rents.”

Other students think the price of living on campus is reasonable.

“I don’t think I’m paying too much, because living on campus is very convenient, and the luxuries I have at Sundance are as available at other complexes,” Christopher Carter, a senior in sociology, said.

Christopher Baugh, a sophomore in geology, said he is not paying too much to live on campus.

“About $600 for everything we get is not too expensive,” he said. “Being on campus, having my utilities paid for, and having my own bathroom and washer and dryer are all very nice.”

For more information on housing, visit http://housing. mwsu.edu/

New Student Edition • 13

Alexis Morton, a sophomore in accounting, watches television in her room in McCullough-Trigg. “I really like Trigg because you get the college experience with it being a dorm, but it’s private in that you can have your own room.” Photo by Hanwool Lee HOUSING RULES All of the residence halls and apartments on campus have rules students must abide by. All housing has a 24-hour courtesy rule, meaning students should be respectful to others in the community.

At 10 p.m., quiet hours start.

Sunwatcher, Sundance and Bridwell apartments do not enforce visitation hours, but housing does not allow co-habitation. Killingsworth, Pierce, and McCullough-Trigg Halls require all resident guests to check in and check out at the service desk with an I.D. The guest hours last until 1 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends.

“I don’t like living in McCullough-Trigg because of having to check people in,” Ashleigh Thompson, a sophomore in education, said. “I don’t like the time limit that people can stay in my room at night either.”

Housing does not allow alcohol in any of the dorms because of the close proximity of others around who might be underage. However, alcohol is allowed in the apartments if all of the residents in the room are 21 years or older.

“Alcohol is allowed in the apartments if it’s confined,” Mills said.

“A wild binge-drinking party is not acceptable.”

Housing also does not allow animals in any of the dorms or apartments on campus.

“Not being able to have pets is a huge downside to living on campus,” Chelsea McClendon, a sophomore in accounting, said. “As long as the resident is fully aware and responsible to fix any damages made by the pet, then it should be allowed.”

While housing bills students for any damages to the dorm rooms or apartments, Mills said, housing does not bill students for any utility fees for accessible use of water or electricity.

“If we notice a person has a constant higher water or electricity bill, for example, we will send a letter to them and ask them to practice better conservation efforts,” he said.

“I don’t have to drive to school, I have a private bedroom, and I don’t have any electricity or water bills.”

KELSEY GUNIA SOPHOMORE, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION LIVING OFF CAMPUS Students who have completed 45 credit SUNWATCHER RESIDENT hours may continue to live on campus or can move off campus.

Coby Smith, a sophomore in kinesiology, said living off campus has its advantages because he doesn’t have to follow housing rules.

“I chose to live off campus because I’d have more independence and wouldn’t have to deal with housing,” Smith said. “I am an adult and shouldn’t have to have someone regulate me and how I live.”

Smith lives in French Quarter apartments and pays approximately $350 for rent and $80-$150 for utilities on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,200-square-foot apartment.

“I don’t have to eat at the cafeteria, and I can eat healthier, I can have animals, I don’t have random room checks, and I don’t have to

attend hall meetings. My girlfriend and I can have an adult relationship,” Smith said. “But I do have to worry about bills.”

Michael Winters, a junior in sociology and psychology, also lives in French Quarter.

“Screw living on campus,” Winters said. “I highly doubt I could have three cats and smoke marijuana in the dorms.”

Winters pays approximately $350-400 a month and shares a two-bedroom, one-and-ahalf-bathroom townhouse with his roommate.

“I live close to school and work. It’s not far from everything I need,” Winters said. “I pay a reasonable price. People move in and out frequently, so there is no sense of community, but they are never around to complain about noise. My house is also hidden away from the parking lot, so I’m less likely to be disturbed.”

Winters said there are some cons with living off campus.

“French Quarter has poor management with managers coming and going and probFLORENCE WILSON lems never being resolved,” he said. “Also the SOPHOMORE, MARKETING poor lighting and lack of security makes crime RESDIENT OF KILLINGSWORTH a more likely event.”

Michael Anekwe, a senior in geology, lives in Colony Park, and pays $520 in rent for his apartment.

“I just preferred the idea of living off campus,” Anekwe said. “I just have one roommate, so I have a lot of privacy and space. One of the bad things about living off campus is that a vehicle is required.”

Colony Park resident, Cheddi Charles, a senior in mathematics, splits his rent with his roommate and pays $255 for his two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.

“I chose to live off campus because it’s cheaper and there is more freedom,” Charles said. “I get to be more responsible with my actions, and I have more opportunities to do things. The distance from campus is a disadvantage, though. I’m not able to attend many campus activities or school sports on the weekends.”

Devyn Ackerson, a senior in history, who lives in Hunter’s Crossing, pays $380 a month and lives with one roommate.

“I chose to live off campus because I’m an adult,” Ackerson said.

“I do what I want when I want. The only cons are loud people that live above me, and no one that works at the apartment comes to fix anything.”

At The Grove, an apartment complex located off Southwest Parkway, residents can use $90 worth of electricity in the three-bedroom units and $60 in the two-bedroom units. If an apartment exceeds that amount, each resident is billed for the extra costs. The cost is divided evenly by the amount of people in the apartment.

“My roommates and I turn the lights and air conditioner off during the day, and we always have charges over the $90,” Katy Rhoades, a junior in dental hygiene, who lives at The Grove, said. “I OFF CAMPUS continued on page 14

“Killingsworth is fairly decent. The laundry rooms are so much better now since it’s free to wash clothes, and the lounges are nice and clean.”

New Student Edition • 14 In Sunwatcher, Brenda Pron, a junior in respiratory care, works on homework.

Pron, an avid collector of Coca-Cola merchandise, said she liked the privacy of a two-bedroom apartment-style room and also liked having a roommate to talk to. “My great grandpa worked in the Coca-Cola plant in Mexico, and when I was little, he gave me my first Coca-Cola bottle, and my collection grew from there.” Photo

by Kelly Calame In the lobby of Sundance, Hayan Lim, a freshman in general business, said she likes being able to hang out with her friends in the complex. “I can relieve stress and study hard in one place. Whenever I get stressed, I can hang out with my friends in the newest recreation room, or if I feel stuffy in my room, I can study in a study room.” Photo by Hanwool Lee

OFF CAMPUS continued from page 13 don’t understand how we always have extra charges.”

Other costs at The Grove include a one-time $250 community fee and an optional monthly pet fee.

“It’s stupid that we have to pay $250 for a community fee which goes toward parties I don’t attend,” Rhoades said. “I have no interest in the drunk parties they throw.”

Rhoades chose to live at The Grove because she was tired of campus police, and wanted to live with her dog, she said. She lives in a three-bedroom apartment, and each person pays $460 a month.

“It’s spacious, but it’s not worth $1380,” Rhoades said. “Honestly, The Grove is overpriced. Horrible people live here, there are lots of drugs, and it’s loud. Cars are unsafe, management does nothing with repairs, and I can’t break my lease if I need to.”

Each apartment includes furniture, walk-in closets, a washer and dryer, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a full-size kitchen, Internet and cable.

“I like having my own bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen is really nice, and all the furniture is included,” Rhoades said. “But the furniture is cheap and, the carpet is disgusting because of the dog pee.”

Rhoades said the residents who lived in her apartment before her had pets who peed on the carpet and failed to clean it up. The Grove management told Rhoades they would replace the carpet but

never did.

The Grove clubhouse features a coffee bar, tanning beds, a library, a workout room and a game room, including air hockey, darts and a pool table. Around the complex is a sand volleyball court, resort-style pool, a full basketball court, a fire pit, a grilling area and controlled access gates.

“The gates don’t work, and the pool is gross,” Rhoades said.

“Choosing where to live is important. It affects everything.”

KILLINGSWORTH HALL AND PIERCE HALL Killingsworth is a six-story, female residence hall, located directly across from Clark Student Center, which includes television and study lounges on every floor, two full-sized kitchens and multiple laundry rooms.

“Killingsworth is fairly decent,” Florence Wilson, a sophomore in marketing and Killingsworth resident, said. “The laundry rooms are so much better now since it’s free to wash clothes, and the lounges are nice and clean.”

Pierce Hall is a three-story, male residence hall located in between Killingsworth and the Fain Fine Arts Center. It includes a lobby and television lounge on the first floor as well as a full-sized kitchen. The second floor has a game area, a lounge and a kitchen area. Two laundry rooms, study group rooms and private study rooms are also available.

“Pierce can get dirty sometimes,” Ross Compton, an undecided freshman, said. “A lot of times people leave their laundry in the washer or dryer too long, and the rest of us can’t use it.”

Each Killingsworth and Pierce room is semi-private and includes two twin beds (which can be raised for storage underneath), two chests of drawers, desks, chairs, a micro-fridge unit, a vanity with sink, mini blinds, cable, phone and Internet hookups. Each room is approximately 200 square feet. “[The rooms] are nice,” Compton said. “I don’t hear a lot of noise, but then again, I’m usually not in my room.”

Killingsworth and Pierce also feature private bathrooms as opposed to community bathrooms. Six or seven single bathrooms are located in each hallway.

“The bathrooms could be better at times, but for the most part, they are decent,” Wilson said. “They are usually pretty clean, and so much better than community bathrooms.”

Both halls have a service desk on the first floor which provides 24-hour access for cleaning supplies, maintenance request forms and other services.

“The service-desk people are really nice and very helpful,” Wilson said.

New Student Edition • 15 Christopher Carter, senior, sociology: “The [Sundance] facility is very nice. I have my own bathroom, and I live near everything on campus,”

Residence halls vary from dorm-style to apartment-style everything.”

MCCULLOUGH-TRIGG HALL McCullough-Trigg is a Sundance Court also offers six-story, co-ed facility bestudy lounges, a computer lab, hind Killingsworth. The two gas grills, a courtyard, and hall includes six lounges is located near the Student with televisions and a public Wellness Center. kitchen.

“I chose to live at Sundance McCullough-Trigg rooms because it’s close to the Wellare suite-style with one ness Center,” Jenna Landry, a resident assigned to each junior in biology, said. bedroom. Each room is connected to a bathroom that is SUNWATCHER VILLAGE shared with another room.

Sunwatcher Village is an Four people share one bathChristopher Carter, a senior in sociology, watches television in Sunroom and are responsible for dance. “It’s convenient, safe, and you get the most for what you pay.” open-style apartment complex that offers four-bedroom, cleaning it.

Photo by Hanwool Lee two-bathroom and two-bed“I like that Trigg is co-ed, room, two-bathroom apartand I get my own room, but I don’t like sharing a bathroom with four people,” Ashleigh Thomp- ments that have similar square footage to those of Sundance. Each son, a sophomore in education, said. apartment is fully furnished and has a full-sized kitchen equipped Each room includes a micro-fridge unit, washer and dryer, and with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and cable, phone, and Internet hook-ups. Similar to Killingsworth and dryer. All apartments are all-bills-paid. Technology services include Pierce, a bed, desk, chair, shelves and mini-blinds are provided for cable television, telephone and Ethernet connections. each student. Each room is approximately 200 square feet.

“I like having my own bathroom, being close to my classes, and “The bedrooms and closets are small,” Thompson said. being able to have free maintenance checks any time,” Naomi Skinner, a junior in mass communication, said. “The rooms could be SUNDANCE COURT better maintained, though.”

Sundance Court is the newest apartment complex which offers The Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse sits in the middle of the four-bedroom, two-bath units and two-bedroom, two-bath units. apartment complex and offers a computer lab, work out room, and The two-bedroom units are approximately 700-900 square feet and a common area. the four-bedroom units are approximately 1000-1100 square feet.

“I chose to live at Sundance because I thought [the staff] were BRIDWELL COURTS the nicest,” Chelsea McClendon, a sophomore in accounting, said.

Bridwell Courts is an all-bills-paid apartment complex for fam“[Sundance] is more of a hotel style rather than Sunwatcher, which ilies, graduate students and upperclassmen (if space is available). is more of a real apartment feel.”

Each apartment comes with a basic furniture package, a full-sized Each room includes full-sized beds, a washer and dryer, a kitchen and access to the laundry room. Efficiency one-bathroom, complete set of furniture, walk-in closets, Internet, phone and cable hook-ups. The only difference between the four-bedroom and one-bedroom/one-bathroom and two-bedroom/one-bathroom two-bedroom is the two-bedroom units have completely private apartments are available.

“The best thing is that there are one-bedroom and two-bedroom bathrooms. Four-bedroom residents share a bathroom with another apartments [in] which a student who wants to live alone, without a roommate.

“The [Sundance] facility is very nice. I have my own bathroom, roommate, can.” Arghavan Madjinasab, a management information and I live near everything on campus,” Christopher Carter, a senior systems major, said. “The price is suitable too, in contrast to the in sociology, said. “But the space is kind of small, so you can hear other courts.”

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Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu PROJECT COORDINATOR: Stefan Atanassov EDITOR: Ruth Black STAFF: Brittany Burt, Kelly Calame, Shelby Davis, Brittany D’Alesandro, Orlando Flores Jr., Austin Gillis, Hanwool Lee, Ethan Metcalf, Blake Muse, Darion Roberts, Sarah Shelton ADVISER: Bradley Wilson THANKS: Janie Hotchkiss

Copyright © 2013. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication.

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Important Dates for New Mustangs Housing Opens .................................................August 20

Engagement Week ...........................................September 16-19

Housing Move-in for Spirit Days Attendees ......August 23

iLead Conference .............................................September 17

First Monday of Classes ...................................August 26

Artist-Lecture Series: Dr. Drew Pinsky .............September 26

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