Bearcats Bound Summer 2023 – The News Record at the University of Cincinnat

Letter from the Editor

My name is Allison Kiehl, and I am so excited to serve as the next Editor-in-Chief of The News Record! If this is your first semester as a Bearcat, let me be the first to welcome you home. If this is the start of your senior year, welcome back! I hope that you have an amazing year full of success and happiness.

As you continue with your journey as a Bearcat, I hope that The News Record can be a resource and a guide to you. We post information daily on our website that is specifically curated for students and our surrounding community. We have articles for every interest from coverage of football games to breaking news to campus sustainability.

Our commitment to guiding UC students through their collegiate journey begins here, with this Bearcats Bound edition. In this magazine, you will find resources to make you feel most prepared for your first day of class including advice from professors, where to find the best study spots and ways for you to get involved with campus organizations. I hope all these articles will leave you ready for the semester.

Allison Kiehl, Editor-in-Chief

About the Guide

Stories in the Bearcats Bound 2023 Edition were written and produced by staff at The News Record, the independent student news organization at the University of Cincinnati.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Emma Balcom

MANAGING EDITOR: Zachary Jarrell

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR: Stephanie Scarbrough

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR: Zachary Robinson

NEWS DIRECTOR: Allison Kiehl

EDITORS: Hayley Garr, Brianna Connock, Landon Bartlett, Ian Siegert

REPORTERS: Zurie Pope, Luke Bisesi , Kaleyah Render, Ryan Smith, Bobb Knauft

DESIGNER: Frank Bowen

ADVISER: Bob Jonason

COVER PHOTO: Zachary Robinson | PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Fall Semester Bucket List

BISESI | LIFE AND ARTS REPORTER

Your freshman year at UC is a brand-new journey with lots of chances for development, education and exploration. Check off these bucket list items to make the most of your first year

 Attend a Welcome Week event. (Aug. 14-21).

 Cheer on the Bearcats football team from the student section.

 Go to a meeting for a club or student organization that you aren’t familiar with.

 Show your Bearcat spirit at the Homecoming Parade (Oct. 14).

 Participate in community service around Cincinnati.

 Eat a bowl of Cincinnati-style Chili.

 Take a photo inside Nippert Stadium.

 Go hammocking in Sigma Sigma Commons.

 Take a day trip to Findlay Market.

 Attend your major’s career fair.

 Visit Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

 Go on a weekend road trip to a nearby city.

 Try a hobby you’ve never tried before.

To learn more about some of Fall 2023’s campus events, visit campuslink.uc.edu

LUKE

UC dining hall guide

Bearcats Café:

This dining hall is connected to Tangeman University Center (TUC) and is designed for carryout-style meals. Since the nature of Bearcats Café is a quick stop-andgo, the menu is typically limited to two or three hot meal choices and a variety of pre-packaged refrigerated meals like sandwiches and salads.

Catskeller:

Catskeller, which previously operated as an on-campus pub, has now been converted into a fully functional dining hall in the basement of TUC. This dining hall has a similar style to Bearcats Café, where lines move fast, and students can choose from a refrigerated or hot meal. Catskeller’s menu of hot food, however, has a lot more options—including pizza, pasta and burgers.

CenterCourt:

Possibly the dining hall with the

most traffic on campus, CenterCourt’s main qualities are variety and availability. The entire dining hall is comprised of nine stations that are mostly open until midnight—many of which are operational at the same time. Some of these options include custom sandwiches, Chinese food, pizza and salads. While CenterCourt’s sheer volume of food might not always guarantee the best quality food, it’s always hot and ready for passing students—day or night.

MarketPointe:

MarketPointe has a similar dining experience to CenterCourt, but with a wider array of food options. It stands out as the dining hall with the most restaurant-like meals— which features dishes like fried chicken, custom omelets, stir fry and paninis. Plus, with a newly renovated space debuting in Fall 2023, it’s no wonder why MarketPointe is a UC student favorite.

On The Green (OTG):

On The Green, located at the base of Marian Spencer Hall, is known as a health-centered version ofCenterCourt. This dining hall is also where you’re most likely to find a variety of vegan or vegetarian options—with its extensive salad and fruit stations. On The Green also serves a few types of international cuisine, such as Indian, Mexican and Chinese.

Stadium View Café

This dining hall, like the name suggests, overlooks the peak of Nippert Stadium. Stadium View Café specializes in the type of food you’d find at a sports arena—like crispy chicken sandwiches, fries, burgers and pizza. At lunchtime, Stadium View is a hub of activity, with students often forming a line that stretches out the door.

LUKE BISESI | LIFE AND ARTS REPORTER

TUC Study Space, pictured on Monday, April 17, 2023, is located at the Tangeman University Center. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

UC 2023-2024 Events Calendar

BY BRIANNA CONNOCK | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR

Be

Fall 2023

-Aug. 14-20: Welcome week

-Aug. 15-19: Sorority recruitment week

-Aug. 21: First day of fall semester

-Sep. 2: First home football game

-September date TBA: Fraternity rush week

-Oct. 13-14: Homecoming weekend

-Oct. 20-22: Family Weekend

-October date TBA: Nearly Naked Mile

Spring 2024

for

-Jan. 8: First day of spring semester

-February date TBA: Kuamka celebration

-February date TBA: Student government elections

-March date TBA: CCM Senior Showcase

-April date TBA: DAAP Fashion Show

Students and members of the UC community gather along Clifton Avenue to watch the 2022 UC Homecoming parade on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Alumni of the band and cheerleaders marched alongside The Bearcat and The University of Cincinnati Marching Band. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

on the lookout this year for these can’t miss events at the University of Cincinnati. Stay tuned during the year

official dates that are to be announced.

Bearcats’ Best moments of the AAC

After departing from the original Big East Conference in 2013 due to tensions surrounding the direction of the conference, the University of Cincinnati (UC) emerged as a prominent member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). However, UC once again bowed out of its conference. As of July 1, 2023, the university has been inducted as a member of the prestigious Big 12 conference, elevating the Bearcats to a Power Five program.

Cincinnati’s time in the AAC has given Bearcat fans over a decade of unforgettable moments, filled with both heartbreak and triumph. Taking a retrospective look at each program’s greatest moments and breakthroughs is sure to evoke strong emotions. For those who may be unfamiliar with UC athletics’ shining moments in the AAC, or for those who simply want to relive the glory days, here are a few memorable moments where the Bearcats cemented their place in the national spotlight.

FOOTBALL

On Dec 4, 2021, UC’s football team defeated the University of Houston in the 2021 AAC Championship game, securing the conference title for the Bearcats for the second consecutive season and pushing the first-ever non-Power Five team into the College Football Playoff. The victory improved the Bearcats’ flawless record to 13-0, the most victories in a season in

program history.

Led by quarterback Desmond Ridder, UC earned its highest ranking in program history after being ranked No. 2 in the nation, thrusting the Bearcats in the brightest spotlight they had ever been in.

“Coach Fickell always talks about leaving [the program] better than you found it,” Ridder said in his 2021 AAC Championship post-game press conference. “I definitely say we have done that.”

The historic 2021 season ended after falling to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl, but no loss could overshadow the Bearcats’ magical run. UC football’s class of 2021 featured a school-record nine NFL Draft selections, including the fourth overall pick Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Capping off one of the best modern-day regular seasons in UC basketball history, the Bearcats defeated the University of Houston 56-55 in the 2018 AAC Championship game, propelling them into the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seeded automatic qualifier. Led by guard Gary Clark, the 2017 AAC player of the year, the Bearcats finished the season with a 16-2 conference record and entered the post-season with their highest seed since 2002 when they were a No. 1 seed.

UC’s 31-5 record was former head coach

Mick Cronin’s best mark in his 13-year tenure and is tied for the most wins in a single season in program history alongside Bob Huggins 2002 squad. The Bearcats were ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation and finished the year ranked No. 6 before losing to Nevada in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

BASEBALL

Before 2019, the last time UC’s baseball team played in an NCAA post-season game was 1974. The Bearcats started the 2019 season with a brutal 1-9 record, however, the team rallied to earn the No. 2 seed in the AAC tournament. After defeating Memphis, Tulane, and Central Florida in the first three rounds of the conference tournament, the Bearcats trounced the University of Connecticut 22-5, giving them their first AAC title and pushing them into the NCAA post-season for the first time in 45 years.

The magic did not stop there as head coach Scott Googins and his team defeated the reigning College World Series champions and national-host Oregon State 7-6. UC went on to fall to the eventual College World Series runner-up Michigan in the second round, bringing the Bearcats’ final record to an even 31-31 tally. Six Bearcats earned All-AAC tournament honors while UC’s AJ Bumpass was named the tournament MVP.

RYAN SMITH | SPORTS REPORTER

The Cincinnati Bearcats beat the Miami University Redhawks 38-17 in the Battle for The Victory Bell football game at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2022. The Bearcats are currently No. 3 in The American Athletic Conference.

Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

New UC head coaches ready to spearhead transition into Big 12

Cincinnati athletics is amid the university’s biggest challenge yet: Joining the Big 12 conference. To add to the challenge, three of Cincinnati’s biggest sportsfootball, women’s basketball, and soccer- have brought on new head coaches to lead the charge into the Power 5 conference.

Teams from the Big 12 in each of these three sports expect to compete for a national title year in and year out, and University of Cincinnati (UC) Director of Athletics John Cunningham believes these three will put Cincinnati in that mix.

Scott Satterfield, Football

On Dec. 5, 2022, UC announced that Scott Satterfield would take over as head coach of the Cincinnati football program, filling the void former head coach Luke Fickell left as he went to Wisconsin.

Satterfield, who has previous head coaching tenures with Appalachian State and Louisville, is

known for his premier offensive mind along with his innovation and prestige navigating NIL (name, image, and likeness) for student-athletes. A North Carolina native and former DI football player himself, Satterfield boasts his successful Power 5 coaching experience in Louisville, taking the Cardinals to three bowl games in the four seasons he was employed.

“Scott Satterfield is a proven winner, a relentless competitor and a culture builder,” Cunningham said in UC’s release announcement in December. “He’s an innovative offensive mind and a leader who develops men on and off the field. He’s the perfect fit to grow this program and lead us into the Big 12 next season and beyond.”

Katrina Merriweather, Women’s Basketball

Following a 9-21 (2-14 conference) record from UC women’s basketball and former head coach Michelle Clark-Heard in

the 2022-23 season, Cunningham and UC Athletics decided it was time to bring on a new coach for the new challenge. The answer to this question was quickly Katrina Merriweather, thanks to her success at Memphis as well as her past with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

From 1997-2001, Merriweather starred and even captained the Bearcats women’s basketball team. Merriweather’s two former head coaching stints, at Wright State and Memphis, are showered in success as conference Coach of the Years and NCAA tournament appearances have not been at a premium.

Merriweather boasts three Coach of the Year awards during her tenure with Wright State, and earned two WNIT appearances along with the program’s second ever NCAA tournament appearance. At Memphis, Merriweather transformed the four-win team into a 16-win team a year later.

Erica Demers, Soccer

Another new UC coach that boasts former Coach of the Year awards, Cincinnati’s soccer team has brought in Erica Demers to lead the Bearcats’ charge into the Big 12.

Demers, who spent six seasons as head coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, posted an overall record 50-38-19 and is credited for transforming the program toward success. Demers’ success in the industry of soccer was apparent from her playing days, where she was named a conference player of the year at Oakland University and appeared for Canada’s U-21 National Team in the early 2000s.

“The opportunity to work at the University of Cincinnati is an absolute blessing and excitement continues to increase every day,” Demers said. “The excitement to coach, especially going into the Big 12, is a challenge itself. I am a person that loves to challenge myself and that is going to help me grow as a person and as a coach, as well as a mentor for our student-athletes. The excitement is there. I can’t wait to get going.”

LANDON BARTLETT | SPORTS EDITOR

This photo was was obtained from an old TNR print publication. Jason D. Geil | TNR Archives

Fun Facts: Get to know the UC

The University of Cincinnati is an institution with over two-hundred years of history. Presidents, playwrights, and athletes have walked its halls, each carrying what they learned here with them throughout their lives. Thanks to its unique location, plus extensive ties to the eponymous city from which the college’s name derives, UC has its share of folklore, urban legends, and strange facts. Here are a few:

Origins of the Cincinnati Bearcat: From the 1920s well into the 1960s, UC’s mascot, rather than being a representation of a bearcat, was an actual bear. The character was first drawn by cartoonist Paddy Reece in 1914. Unaware that bearcats were actual animals, Reece simply wanted a play on words to complement UC fullback football star, Teddy Baehr. UC Starts Trend with Co-Op Program: The University of Cincinnati was the first college to establish a cooperative education, or

co-op, program. Originally called the Cincinnati Plan by its inventor, former UC president Herman Schneider, the first co-op class included 27 men. 12 Mechanical engineering majors, 12 electrical engineering, and three chemical engineering.

Man on the Moon, Professor at UC: Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was a professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati from 1971 to 1979. Speaking to the National Press Club in 2000, Armstrong said “I am, and ever will be, a white-socked, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer. And I take substantial pride in the accomplishments of my profession. Science is about what it is; engineering is about what can be.”

Making History for the LGBTQ Movement: Jim Obergefell- the man after whom the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage is named- graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1990.

Obergefell’s husband John Arthur was also a UC Graduate, and they first met one another in the famous UC bar Uncle Woody’s.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling:

Theodore “Ted” Berry, the first black man to serve as Mayor of Cincinnati, was a UC student. He worked in steel mills to pay for his undergraduate education and continued doing so while in law school. Berry would eventually be elected mayor, a role he held from 1971 to 1975. Beyond the mayorship, Berry was also President of the Cincinnati NAACP from 1932 to 1946 and maintained a minor role in the Lyndon Johnson administration as head of Community Action programs for the Office of Economic Opportunity.

ZURIE POPE | NEWS REPORTER

The College of Arts & Sciences, pictured on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, is located at 2700 Campus Way.

NOAH GAREL | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Where to find the top study spots on campus

Across the University of Cincinnati (UC) are study spots for students of all majors. Within the 10 libraries on main campus, there are libraries for nine of the UC colleges, and one main library, Langsam Library.

This past school year, Langsam Library added a new collaborative space for studying, which the librarians call the ‘Langsam Living Room,’ in the corner of the main level.

Although the smaller college libraries typically close around 8 p.m., Langsam Library is open until 12 a.m.

Besides the libraries, some common spots to study include the Tangeman University Center (TUC) and the Student Wellness Center. At the heart of campus, the TUC contains four levels of dining options, along with many tables and couches to set up and for student use.

The Student Wellness Center, located in Steger Student Life Center 480, is a two-level hub that provides a calm space for

students to study, or just hangout throughout the week. The Student Wellness Center also provides free health and wellness products to students in need of those items.

Although the TUC, libraries and Student Wellness Center are central studying hubs at UC, there are plenty of niche places students tend to utilize on campus. Among those include tables on the second floor of the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), the honors college study hub located in Swift Hall 700, and study rooms inside the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS).

For the warmer months, there are many outdoor study locations such as the tables behind the Steger Student Life Center, the tables outside of the Lindner College of Business, and the grass on Sigma Sigma Commons.

Professor advice: How to start college

Randall Rowe, visiting professor of Russian language at UC:

Students often struggle with confidence and a sense of belonging in their first year or two at university. But you belong here, even if it doesn’t feel like you do. In the language classroom -- be it Russian, Chinese, Japanese -- we learn how to be confident communicators and how to foster a sense of belonging in yourself and your colleagues.

The Department of Asian, East European, and German Studies offers Chinese, Japanese, Russian and German, while the Department of Romance and Arabic Languages and Literatures offers French, Italian, Spanish and Arabic. Learning a second language and about a culture different from your own can help you become a confident individual with a greater sense of what it means to belong. For many students, this process is difficult, but I have seen a second language give people the courage they need to become wonderful, confident citizens who belong.

Richard Curry, adjunct professor of economics in UC’s Lindner College of Business:

I’ve been teaching at the University for 18 years. It’s always exciting seeing new students come to UC. I was an undergraduate at UC, and I remember how bewildered I was at first because the campus seemed so large. Well, that was a long time ago, and we’re about three times as large as when I was an undergraduate.

Whether you are a resident of Cincinnati and commuting to campus or enjoying being in residence on campus, I can tell you it’s a very exciting experience. This becomes your new home.

I think it’s very important to get off to a good start and establish yourself from the beginning of your college career. That means making sure that you show up for all classes. It’s different than going to high school, where you’re there all day long. In college, you have a lot of discretionary time.

If you are able, try to get involved in some campus activities. Of course, you want to attend sporting events, but there is a myriad of other opportunities.

ZACH JARREL | MANAGING EDITOR

“I think it’s very important to get off to a good start and establish yourself from the beginning of your college career.”

~ Richard Curry, adjunct professor of economics in UC’s Lindner College of Business

Langsam Library, pictured on Monday, April 17, 2023, is located at 2911 Woodside Dr. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

HAYLEY GARR | FEATURES EDITOR

University Parking Guide

BY BRIANNA CONNOCK | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR

Buying a UC parking permit

All students, including freshmen, can have their car on campus if they wish. Student parking permits are issued on a semester basis, and the cost of your permit is applied to your bill on Catalyst. You can buy permits online on the following schedule:

July 1 - fall semester

December 1 - spring semester

April 1 - summer semester

Parking garages and semester rates (based on spring semester 2023 rates):

CCM Garage

270 CCM Blvd. $525.50

Calhoun Garage

230 Calhoun St. $467

Campus Green Garage

2935 Campus Green $417

Clifton Court Garage

321 Clifton Court $467

Clifton Lot

2915 Clifton Ave. $266

Stratford Heights Garage

2630 Stratford Ave. $417

Stratford Lots 1-3

$266.75

University Avenue Garage

40 W. University Ave. $306

Corry Garage

51 W. Corry Blvd. $306

Woodside Avenue Garage

2913 Woodside Drive $417

Do you need a place to park, but don’t have a parking permit? Would you prefer to try your luck finding parking on the streets around campus? Try checking these streets for an open spot.

Martin

Luther King Drive West

The stretch of MLK that borders the DAAP and Crosley Tower side of campus often has open spots on both sides of the street.

Scioto Street

Not to be confused with Scioto Lane, this little street runs between W. McMillan and Calhoun over by Crossroads Church and frequently has open parking spaces.

Euclid Avenue

This street on the Corryville side of campus often has open spots. The surrounding streets, like East Rochelle Street, Eden Avenue, and East Daniels Street around the neighborhoods are usually quieter and a better bet for an open spot than the CUF streets.

Parking safety 101

Regardless of whether you park in an on-campus garage or the streets of Clifton, it’s important to have good safety habits to keep yourself and your belongings protected.

Keep your belongings out of sight

If you’re leaving anything of any value in your car, make sure you tuck it under the seats or in the glovebox before heading to class.

Keep your eyes and ears open

When walking back to your car, especially if you have a night class, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings. Refrain from using noise-cancelling headphones and keep your music down so you can hear vehicles or people around you.

Pick a well-lit area

If you do choose to park off-campus, try to find a street with ample lighting.

Lock your doors after getting in your car

Sometimes we all need a moment to relax after getting in the car. If you plan to sit for a bit, make sure you lock your doors as soon as you get in.

Campus Green Garage, pictured on Monday, April 17, 2023, is located at 2935 Campus Green Dr. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

An explanation of student housing at UC

The increase in students at the University of Cincinnati has further defined a housing shortage within our community. This problem became clear in February 2023 when the student housing portal opened for returning students, who many were waitlisted for university housing, or denied by UC altogether.

First-year students are largely unaffected by the housing shortage as Carl Dieso, assistant vice president of University Housing told The News Record in February that all incoming students who completed their applications could live on campus.

“While UC is a destination campus, we have a number of flexible tools to help meet demand,” said Dieso. “Importantly, because of that, in Fall 2022, every incoming student who fully completed their housing application by the deadline was indeed provided a bed in the UC Housing portfolio this past fall, unless they voluntarily opted to forego or delay their stay in UC Housing.”

“We are making the same commitment and guarantee to our incoming class of Fall 2023

that we fulfilled last year,” Dieso said. “Any incoming student who fully completes the housing application by the deadline is guaranteed a bed in the UC Housing portfolio.”

However, The News Record understands that housing remains an issue within our community and through the Spring semester, released a UC Housing Crisis series to offer an explanation of what occurred.

Increasing student population means limited student housing

Throughout the past decade, the number of students attending the University of Cincinnati (UC) has increased rapidly, from 42,656 students a decade ago to 47,914 in the current academic year.

But the sharp increase comes with the inevitable lack of campus housing – a problem UC currently faces. It is especially evident now, as the campus housing portal opens for new and returning students.

As more students seek on-campus housing, returning undergraduates find restrictions that

may deter them from living in dorms again. For example, housing is first come first serve, with a maximum number of spaces open for current students. Additionally, residents can only choose one roommate in the housing portal.

“Spaces allocated for contract renewal are limited,” reads an email from UC’s University Housing. “Students seeking to renew will have options available primarily in our leased locations [apartment-style] and not all spaces will be available for assignment.”

UC contracts block leases in attempt to solve housing shortage

The University of Cincinnati (UC) administration has repeatedly touted block leasing as a solution to the housing issue. According to UC Board of Trustees (BOT) documentation, the university will have five contracted block leases for the next academic year to provide an additional 842 beds to students.

The contract is said to cost the university $36.2 million annually and approximately $11,500 per bed.

While the apartment block leases provide extra beds for university students, they come at a high price point. According to last year’s housing rates, an apartment-style dorm will cost students over $5,000 per semester for a total of $10,030 for an academic year.

Considering that an academic semester is about 15 weeks, students pay an average of $335 per week. This contrasts the housing cost for a student living in a traditional dorm, which costs about $255 per week.

Student group petitions university for change

In the midst of confusion and frustration surrounding on-campus housing, nearly 1,200 students have signed and endorsed a petition from the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), which demands solutions and reform from the college.

The petition, created in early February, outlines five long- and short-term solutions that YDSA feels will remedy the current housing crisis, which has left many current students in disarray as they were denied on-campus housing or were waitlisted.

The five points of the petition include adequate dorms for students already in university housing, increased transparency from UC, compensation for students denied or waitlisted from housing, decreased housing costs, and an overall decrease in the number of students accepted to UC each year.

ALLISON KIEHL | NEWS DIRECTOR

ZURIE POPE | NEWS REPORTER

Scioto Hall, pictured on Monday, April 17, 2023, is located at 2921 Scioto Ln. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

Getting involved on campus

HAYLEY GARR | FEATURES EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati welcomed Katrina Merriweather as its new women’s basketball head coach on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Nippert Stadium West Pavilion. Merriweather is Cincinnati’s 10th head coach. She originally graduated from The University of Cincinnati in 2001 with a degree in English literature, leaving the Bearcats with an 83-41 record in four seasons of women’s basketball. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

At the University of Cincinnati (UC) there are many ways to get involved. This could be through campus organizations, clubs, intramural sports, campus jobs and more. Clubs and organizations on campus can mainly be found through Campus Link, where information about how to get involved is typically listed for each club.

To get involved in intramural sports, students can form a team to join or find an already existing team to join. Students also have the option to join intramural sports as a free agents, in which already formed team captains can ask free agents to join their team if needed.

Another way to get involved on campus, and get paid while doing so, is by obtaining an on campus job. Students can work as a desk assistant at a dorm, as a peer tutor through the Learning Commons, a library assistant and more. All campus jobs are applicable for undergraduate, and even graduate students.

At UC, there is also the option to create your own club or organization on campus. To start your own club, you must identify one core and unique topic for the club, gather at least 10 interested members, identify a faculty supervisor,

president and treasurer of the club and draft a club constitution. Then, your club must fill out a Campus Link application form to make the club official.

Some clubs and organizations already available on campus include:

- Self-Improvement Club

- Accounting Club

- American Sign Language Club

- Bearcast Media

- Bearcat Movie Club

- Bearcat Spike Ball

- Bearcats for the Beatles

- Clean Up Cincy

- College Tribunals

- Delight Ministries

- Enable UC

- Harry Potter Appreciation Club

- Justice for Moms at UC

- Opera Club

- Pride at Lindner

- ROAR Tour Guides

- Running Club

- Table Tennis Club

- UC (Taylor’s Version)

Accessibility at UC provides an “equitable experience”

Even as the University of Cincinnati (UC) student population continues to grow, the accessibility department remains committed to providing resources to students.

The accessibility department at the university is responsifaqble for assisting students with a wide range of accommodations, ranging from accessible housing to academic support to accessibility resources for students on co-op. Because UC recognizes that each student is different, these accommodations are individualized for each student and are “determined on a case-by-case basis,” according to Accessibility Resources.

Unlike most high school environments, students at UC are expected to advocate for themselves and must complete a registration process with the accessibility office before they may be eligible to receive any assistance from the university.

That application is a multi-step process that begins when students fill out a form on the Accessibility Resource website. This form is to

gather more information from the student and determine accommodations that may suit their needs.

The second segment of the registration process is an interview with a staff member of Accessibility Resources and last summer, these interviews were primarily conducted online or over the phone.

Students who are requesting housing accommodations are handled through a separate process of forms, which is handled through the Housing department.

According to an FAQ provided by the department, students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and must reach out to Accessibility Resources in order to receive that help to take “ownership of their accommodations.” In order to receive this help, students must initiate the conversation by registering with the department.

Micheal Southern, director of Accessibility Resources at UC, hopes that the department’s services can “provide students with accom-

modations and services” that give students an “equitable experience.”

He believes that with accessibility or any other involvements during college, students will get out of the experience what they put into it. “ You are in control of your academic experience,” Southern said. “You need to determine what you need to have that experience.”

Through his experience working at the Accessibility Resources office, he feels like he continues to hear students regret not using accessibility resources earlier in their college careers. “It’s okay to be scared, but within that, take advantage of what the university has to offer- to find what works for you,” Southern said.

For incoming students, the application for accommodations opens on Monday, May 1, 2023. The request for housing accommodations is open as of Feb. 1, 2023.

ALLISON KIEHL | NEWS DIRECTOR

Health Resources for both body and mind

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM5:00PM

Phone Number:513-556-0648

Location: 225 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

Located on Calhoun Street, CAPS are UC’s preeminent mental health specialists. Offering “accessible and effective services that you can access when you need them,” the service provides everything from collaborative analysis to one-on-ones and even long-distance calls for students in need. Though some services require payment- usually at a rate of $35.00 per therapy session after the third appointment in a fiscal year- most of their work is done pro bono. Better still, CAPS frequently offers fee waivers for students in financial distress. Finally, if a student cannot reach CAPS at their primary office on Calhoun, don’t worry. The group has offices in numerous academic colleges, including UC Blue Ash, UC Clermont, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Arts & Sciences. University Health Services

Business Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30AM-5PM/Wed: 9:30AM-5:00PM Phone Number: 513-556-2564

Location: Lindner Athletic Center 2751 O’Varsity Way, 3rd Floor, Room 335 Cincinnati, Ohio 45221

An outpatient facility offering “comprehensive clinical services to the student population,” University Health Services serves all students currently enrolled at UC. The staff of UHS are

highly skilled in their professions, including a collection of “board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, counselors and professional staff.” Besides mental health, UHS also constitutes a vast array of medical services. “Primary care, gender and sexual health, dermatology, immunizations and screenings, and travel health,” all fall within their purview.

Student Wellness Center

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-8PM Phone Number:

Location:480 Steger Student Life Center 210366

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0366

Though the previous organizations focused exclusively on “health,” the Student Wellness Center’s catalog is more holistic. Ostensibly focusing on empowering students to “make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness” the center’s reach extends far beyond that. A guest can be given financial advice by one of the centers’ staff, their employees believing it important to “reduce student financial stress and encourage positive financial decisions.” Likewise, the center provides “bystander training,” teaching students to “Develop skills for both direct and indirect intervention while keeping bystander’s own safety in mind.”

ZURIE POPE | NEWS REPORTER

The Student Wellness Center, pictured on Monday, April 17, 2023, is located at 2801 UC Main St. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director

Everything you need to know about Greek life

Ever thought about getting involved in Greek life at University of Cincinnati? UC has an up-and-coming Greek community with 45 total fraternities and sororities on campus. These organizations offer a range of experiences—social, academic, multicultural and philanthropic.

What Do Greek Life Organizations Do?

Your Greek life experience at UC can vary in its activities and events depending on your preference—from social-oriented to school-focused organizations. For the most part, however, Greek organizations are meant to bring college students together and expand your connections across campus. Some of the most common methods for this include hosting campus events, throwing parties, organizing game nights, talent shows and various other public activities.

On top of social events, many of UC’s Greek organizations contribute to their own philanthropy goals and charity donations. Funds are typically raised for these partner philanthropies with public events, contests and donation drives. This goes hand in hand with community service, which is required among most Greek organizations on campus. Commonly, each chapter has a minimum amount of mandatory

service hours per semester—where the organization gives back to the community.

Depending on the chapter, there’s an array of activities to keep members busy, like intramural sports teams, themed social events and formal dances, which can help create friendships that extend beyond college.

What is the recruitment process like?

Fraternity Recruitment Process:

Fraternity recruitment takes place at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. During this time, potential new members (PNM) begin what’s called ‘informal recruitment’ where you’re free to meet or not meet any fraternity you choose. This is typically facilitated by UC Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) Showcase Week. Many know this process as ‘rush’, when prospective members have the opportunity to attend events hosted by each fraternity.

At the discretion of each fraternity, a PNM may receive a ‘bid’ which is an invitation to begin pledgeship for the chapter. In essence, pledgeship is a trial period for PNM’s, which allows both the new member and the fraternity to become fully acquainted before induction into the chapter. Typically, fraternities stop accepting new members directly after rush week is over—usually in early September.

The Sorority Recruitment Process:

At UC, there is a formal process for sorority recruiting that takes place in the fall semester, following Bearcats Bound Orientation (BBO). Typically, College Panhellenic Council (CPC) hosts a convocation ceremony to welcome all PNMs to the recruitment process. PNMs participate in rounds of events held by each sorority during official recruiting, giving them the chance to learn more about each chapter and get to know current members.

After each round, sororities select PNMs to welcome back for the next round. During this process, all sororities have an equal opportunity to reach their quota, which is the number of new members they are allowed to invite to join their chapter. CPC sends bids to PNMs who have accepted a sorority invitation on the last day of official recruitment, which is called ‘Bid Day’.

A PNM may still be able to join a sorority through Continuous Open Bidding if they do not obtain a bid during formal recruitment or choose not to take part in formal recruitment (COB). Outside of formal recruitment, this is an informal procedure that happens during the academic year.

Greek Life Vocab Terms

Dues: The required membership fee for a certain organization, which is typically owed every semester.

o Dues: The required membership fee for a certain organization, which is typically owed every semester.

o Recruitment: The process of joining a fraternity—typically facilitated by a series of events, also commonly known as rush week.

o Pledge or New Member: Someone who has accepted an invitation to a Greek organization but is not a full member yet.

o Formal or Semi-Formal: This typically refers to a dance hosted by Greek organizations where members and dates dress in formal or semi-formal clothing. Events like these are usually held in off-campus venues.

o Big/Little: A full member (big) is usually paired with a new member (little) to act as a mentor for the less experienced member during their time in the chapter.

o Socials: A social refers to an event that’s hosted by two or more Greek organizations at a time.

LUKE BISESI | LIFE AND ARTS REPORTER

Clifton Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. Zachary Robinson | Photography Director