Fall Semester Guide 2024 - The News Record at University of Cincinnat
Siddall Hall is back and better than ever Page 3
“Hangout” at UC’s
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Bearcats in the Olympics
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Hammock
Hello, UC Nation!
Just around the corner is another season of University of Cincinnati athletics as students, alumni and local fans will soon pack the stands yet again. The iconic “Down the Drive” will echo once again at Nippert Stadium as Scott Satterfield enters year two as the Cincinnati football head coach. With the crowd often decked out in red and black, attending football games is one of my favorite things to do on campus. An electric environment, especially at night, Nippert Stadium forms a sense of a community with different generations joining together to root for one team.
Whether you are returning to campus or making your college debut, I'd like to welcome you to another chapter in your academic journey. Here at The News Record, we help keep you updated on all the important news related to our community. A proud student produced publication; we deliver campus news that you can trust. We wish you the best of luck this semester and go Bearcats!
ABOUT THE GUIDE
Stories in the Fall 2024 edition of The News Record were written and produced by the staff at The News Record, the independent student organization at the University of Cincinnati.
Staff Members
Editor in Chief: Aidan Leonard
Managing Editor: Isabella Zinchini
Multimedia Editor: Lydia Schembre
News Editor: Rowan Hetzer
News Reporter: Hajra Munir
Features Editor: Emma Helbling
Features Reporter: Brooke Burkhardt
Sports Editor: Tyler Easterday
Sports Reporter: Brianna Jones
Opinion Editor: Chloe Hall
Opinion Reporter: Alanna Marshall
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General Reporter: Lucas Griffith
Chief Photographer: Maylea Salmon
Business Advisor: Bob Jonason
Editorial Advisor: Jenny Wohlfarth
Cover credit: Lydia Schembre
Magazine design: Isabella Zinchini
This summer, the 18-month long renovation process on Siddall Hall was completed.
As the university welcomes its anticipated biggest freshman class in history, Siddall provides beds for nearly 500 incoming students. The completion of the dorm alleviates some concern about the availability of on-campus housing.
Notable renovations to the hall include a 5,000 square feet fitness center on the ground floor, as well as new elevators and improved plumbing. The total cost of the
renovation was $85 million.
In an interview with the Cincinnati Business Courier, assistant vice president of housing services Carl Dieso said that these improvements are “going to be great for the next 50 years.”
As move-in day draws near, this will be the first time in four years that all on-campus dorms will be welcoming students through their doors. Nearly 6,000 beds will be provided for incoming students, “in line with expected interest,” as stated on UC’s housing website. Student housing is continuing to grow, with development plans for
a new apartment building,
Gardens, as well as several other complexes around the area.
Inside of Siddall Hall after being remodeled on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Lydia Schembre Multimedia Editor
Bellevue
Aidan Leonard | Editor in Chief
Brooke Burkhardt | Features Reporter
Fall sports preview
Brianna Jones | Sports Reporter
As summer ends, the most anticipated time of the year for the college sports calendar is approaching. Here is a preview of the University of Cincinnati’s fall sports, a recap of their 2023 seasons and what to expect this year:
Football In their 2023 season, the Bearcats competed for the first time in the Big 12 conference. This was also the first coaching season in the Queen City for Head Coach Scott Satterfield. In December, Satterfield and his staff signed 21 high school prospects and eight college transfers from the portal. In June, it was announced that UC added more transfers to the roster throughout the spring, bringing the total to 46 newcomers (21 in high school, 25 transfers). UC will have six home games and six away. The most anticipated home game for the Bearcats will be against Pittsburgh, as last season it was a close game, but the Bearcats took home the win. The two away games that most fans will look forward to is the rematch against the Miami RedHawks. Cincinnati will also face off against coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes on October 26.
Cross Country The UC cross-country teams competed in seven meets in their 2023 season, making it to the NCAA cross-country championships. Graduate student Tyler Wirth placed 153rd in the championships. Wirth was the sixth male Bearcat in program history to ever compete in the NCAA Cross Country Championships with a time of 31:06.5. Their upcoming season schedule has not yet been announced.
Women’s Soccer In their 2023 season, the Lady Bearcats went 4-8-7. Their first match-up of the season will be against West Virginia at home. The 2024 Sprouts Farmers Market Big 12 Soccer Championship will be held on Oct. 30 in Kansas City, MO. The 12-team single-elimination tournament will take place in CPKC stadium.
Volleyball The women’s volleyball team went 12-16 during their 2023 season. The first home match-up of the season will be against Kent State on Sept. 14. The Red and Black will play 18 Big 12 matches.
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Samaj Jones (5) passes the football at the spring football game in Nippert Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024. The Bearcats played a scrimmage game open to the UC community to give fans a glimpse into the fall season. Isabella Zinchini | Managing Editor
Isabella Zinchini Managing Editor
tual student doing the writing,” Rebecca S. Borah, an associate professor of English at UC, said.
The revised UC Student Code of Conduct now lists unauthorized use of AI as a form of academic misconduct, classifying it as cheating.
UC revamps policies to address AI’s growing position in
education
Rowan Hetzer | News Editor
Widespread growth in usage of artificial intelligence (AI) across academic fields has prompted the University of Cincinnati (UC) to establish clear guidelines for its use within the university setting.
Since ChatGPT and other generative AI tools’ major usage boom in 2022 and 2023, there has been an increase in usage in academia. A survey conducted by online higher education magazine Intelligent.com found that 30% of students reported using ChatGPT for academic purposes during the 2022-23 school year.
UC is no stranger to the furthering presence of AI in its class-
rooms. To balance between the inescapability of the tool and the need for academic integrity, UC has reworked their student code of conduct and set policy guidelines for students and faculty to follow.
Permitted uses vary between professors, but generally includes creating example outlines, spell-checking and idea generation. Students are often advised against using generative AI to write entire essays or responses, answer multiple-choice questions or as a primary source for research.
“It’s good at mimicking styles, but it just won’t give you the coherence and the substance. That has to come from the ac-
At the end of the spring 2024 semester, UC announced its adoption of Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI tool that uses data from the public web. According to the UC Digital Technology Solutions website, students are advised to only use their university-issued email addresses when conducting university-related searches within Copilot.
UC faculty received summer training for the new AI policies, but Borah wants more opportunities as technology advances, saying the school “needs to be more of a leader” in providing resources needed to effectively navigate the complexities of AI in the classroom. This includes not only understanding how to detect AI-generated content, but also how to effectively use AI tools in education and promote open communication about usage between students and instructors.
Borah advises students to err on the side of caution when using AI to complete assignments.
“Don’t use AI unless your teacher is going to walk you through with it,” she said.
“When you talk about the work of your paper, be upfront.”
Create, collaborate, and network with other young adults who have a keen interest in the arts and cultural landscape of Cincinnati—just like you!
COMING NEXT
Posing Beauty
featuring Cincinnati Opera Friday, October 25, 7–10 p.m.
Celebrate Black beauty, culture, photography, and music while exploring our new special exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture! This FREE event features an exclusive preview of Cincinnati Opera’s newly commissioned work with the Black Opera Project, Lalovavi.
A student studies outside of the ‘86 Coffee Shop’ on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Lydia Schembre | Multimedia Editor
Four new schools make Big 12 debut
Conference realignment has shaken the college landscape once again as four new schools have officially joined the Big 12. With the departures of both University of Oklahoma and University of Texas now official, the power five conference now sits at 16 schools.
The new additions are the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of Colorado and the University of Utah. Three of these schools will be making their Big 12 debut with the lone outlier being Colorado- who was a part of the conference from 1996-2010 before transitioning to the now decimated Pac-12.
A huge westward expansion, the four new additions feature storied athletic success in different sports and open new markets for the conference.
Here’s a brief preview for each of the four new schools:
University of Arizona
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the school is home to over 40,000 undergraduate students. Predominately known as a basketball school, Arizona has won 22 NCAA championships across their 20 sports, with softball having the most titles at eight.
The Wildcats enter the conference with a brand-new football coach after the departure of Jedd Fisch who helped lead the team to ten wins. Now at helm is former San Jose State Head Coach Brent Brennan, who will make his debut on the sidelines for Arizona on Aug. 31 against New Mexico.
The school’s most recent championship came back in 2012 by the men’s baseball team, who reached the postseason for the fourth consecutive year and 43rd all-time.
Both men and women’s basketball reached the NCAA Tournament with them men’s advanc-
Aidan Leonard Editor in Chief
ing all the way to the Sweet 16.
The Wildcats will hope to make some noise in conference play across their twenty different sports.
Famous alumni: Rob Gronkowski (former professional football player), Steve Kerr (NBA head coach), Savannah Guthrie (NBC correspondent/analyst), Woody Johnson (current NYJ owner).
Arizona State University
Commonly referred to as ASU, the Sun Devils reside just north of Tucson in Tempe, Arizona.
Embracing a student population of over 65,000, Arizona State has the second largest enrollment in the conference, only behind the University of Central Florida (UCF).
With 25 NCAA National Championships, the Sun Devils boast more championships than their southern rival, with baseball being their most successful sport
with five titles.
Fielding a football team since 1897, the Sun Devils have played in 33 bowl games in their history. After a 3-9 record last season, head coach Kenny Dillingham will look to turn things around in year two at the helm. ASU opens their football season at home against Wyoming on Aug. 31.
The former Pac-12 school has had 179 Olympians spanning over 42 countries.
Famous alumni: Al Michaels (broadcaster), Phil Mickelson (professional golfer), Kate Spade (designer) and Pat Tillman (former professional football player and veteran).
The University of Colorado
The Buffaloes football team became a must watch after the arrival of Deion Sanders last season. After starting 3-0 last season, Colorado lost eight of their last nine games.
Despite football returning to national prominence, Colorado’s ski team holds the top spot. Winning 17 of the school’s 24 NCAA titles. With six belonging to the men and women’s cross-country teams and one in football back in 1990.
Situated in Boulder, Colorado, the altitude is a huge home field advantage for all sports. Ones that will be especially challeng-
ing for the newer schools who have not experienced it much.
Returning to the conference after 14 years, the Buffaloes will look to regain their footprint in the Big 12.
Famous alumni: Chris Fowler (broadcaster), Trey Parker & Matt Stone (creators of South Park), Spencer Silver (inventor of Post-it Notes) and Robert Redford (actor/director).
The University of Utah
Joining interstate rival Brigham-Young in the conference, Utah has won 30 national titles in their history. With gymnastics being their successful sport, winning nine national titles and holding many attendance records in the sport. The program, dubbed the Red Rocks, is the only school to have qualified for all 39 NCAA Championships.
Like Colorado, skiing is a dominant sport for the University, with 84 individual championships.
The football team, led by Kyle Whittingham, has gone to a bowl game in nine of the past 10 seasons, two of which being to the Rose Bowl in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Residing in the state capital of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah holds an undergraduate enrollment of 27,000, making
it the smallest addition of these four schools.
Joining the Pac-12 in 2011, the Utes found great success in the conference and will hope to replicate that in the Big 12.
Famous alumni: Alex Smith (professional football player), Holly Rowe (sports telecaster), Andrew Bogut (professional basketball player) and Matthew Davis (actor).
UC quarterback Brady Lichtenberg during the Bearcats’ game against the UCF Knights on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati , OH / UC Communications. Lydia Schembre | Multimedia Editor
Welcome back to campus
Reacclimating to life on campus can be difficult regardless of how comfortable you are as a student. College comes with the new independence of adulthood and independence in education, along with assuming responsibilities such as having a job and paying rent or other bills.
U.S. News reported in 2023 that 25% of students dropout of school after their first year and 35% of them do not return to the same school. Working to maintain healthy study habits and creating schedules to balance school, clubs, work and other responsibilities can aid in the overall experience during the year.
Trying to resist the temptation of going out every night with friends and ignoring educational responsibilities is something that can get to all students but it’s very easy to dig a hole that is harder and harder to get out of when students do not attend classes or miss key assign-
ments.
Setting boundaries and expectations with yourself can be difficult, but the practice of reaching out and asking for help when studies, clubs and responsibilities can be a lifesaver for both the mental and academic life of the student.
“Hangout”
at UC’s Hammock Village
Among long-held traditions at the University of Cincinnati (UC), Sigma Sigma Commons has become a hammock spot on campus for students. The picturesque trees in the area were planted to be the perfect distance for hammocks, and students took advantage of this throughout the year. Partnering with
DWA Recreation and Prus
Construction, UC has opened a new “Hangout Hammock Village” that “provides our students with an additional location to gather, decompress, or simply relax,” President Pinto said in a Board of Trustees meeting on April 23. This new hub is equipped with metal poles scattered throughout the space that have ridges
for hammock straps at varying heights. The poles stand on a concrete foundation and are decorated with string lights weaved throughout the air. For university members who do not own hammocks, one of the most appealing features of the new Hammock Village is the option for students and UC faculty and staff to rent hammocks from the Campus Recreation Center.
UC volleyball athlete Zeta Washington celebrates a win in the first ever Lombaby Games at Fifth Third Arena on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Isabella Zinchini Manag-
University of Cincinnati students at Holi, the Hindu festival of color, celebrated at Sigma Sigma Commons on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Lydia Schembre Multimedia Editor
Alanna Marshall Opinion Reporter
Chloe Hall | Opinion Editor
Lydia Schembre Multimedia Editor
Meet the new faces of the UC student body
Emma
Helbling
| Features Editor
BEARCATS IN THE OLYMPICS
University of Cincinnati (UC) students, Madison Wesley and Khalid Davis were elected as UC’s undergraduate student government’s (SG) president and vice president on March 1 after weeks of campaigning and engaging support with UC’s student body. Wesley, a fourth-year Medical Sciences student, Cincinnati-native and member of the Phi Delta Epsilon pre-medical fraternity and Davis, a fourth-year Finance and Operations Management major, born and raised Bearcat fan and member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, came together to create their campaign “We’re All In!” focusing on advocating, connecting, and elevating the UC community.
The News Record (TNR) had the opportunity to sit down with Wesley and Davis to discuss their plans for the upcoming school year and learn more about what makes UC special to them.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
gan as an organization is “SG works for you”, and we really mean it. We were elected by the student body to serve the student body. Our goal is to be your biggest advocate as a student here at UC, and we hope to be transparent about what we are doing as an organization and as campus leaders.
TNR: Can you tell us a little more about your campaign slogan, “We’re All In!”?
students see me as approachable and willing to listen. Whether it’s ideas you have to improve campus to curiosities about the best places to eat around campus, I will always be available and excited to meet and talk with you.
D: I want to emphasize to the student body that I am here for you. Never hesitate to reach out to me for anything. I am more than happy to make time into my schedule to meet and chat with new students or catch up with familiar faces. Our goal is to ensure that your Bearcat experience is like no other and I’m committed to making that happen.
The News Record (TNR): What are you most looking forward to about this upcoming school year?
Davis (D): I’m pumped to see our Bearcats back on campus and the red and black colors everywhere. As we enter the Big 12, the excitement around our sports teams and activities is going to be off the charts. I can’t wait to be right there, witnessing our school make history.
TNR: What do you want incoming freshman or new students that may not be familiar with SG to know about your roles?
Wesley and Davis: Our slo-
W: Our slogan reflects our unwavering commitment to the roles we were running for, and our dedication to the entire Bearcat community. By marketing this slogan, we aimed to connect students to back our platform, which is encapsulated by the acronym “ACE.”ACE stands for Advocate, Connect and Elevate and is designed to bring meaningful changes to our campus community.
TNR: So, outside of your roles in SG what do you want the student body to know about you?
W: I’m just another student. I hope that all undergraduate
TNR: What’s your favorite part about UC?
W: My favorite thing is the people. I have felt immense support from faculty, staff and administration as I have navigated young adulthood and my education at this university. I have made friends who will last a lifetime. This place would not be the same without the great people that it is made up of.
D: My favorite part has to be the culture and the unwavering Bearcat spirit. Seeing other students wearing Bearcat gear on your way to class is truly the best feeling in the world. Whether it comes to an athletic event, or our excellent programming, I can confidently and proudly say there’s no nation like Bearcat nation.
If you’re interested in chatting with Wesley and Davis, have a question or concern regarding UC, or just want to keep up with their campaign be sure to follow @ucstudentgov and @ madisonkhalid2024 on Instagram, or join the GetInvolvedUC page.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have come and gone, and UC and the city of Cincinnati were well represented across the pond. Here are some of the former Bearcats that represented their countries.
Jordan Thompson | USA Volleyball Hailing from Edina, Minnesota, Thompson found her way to the Queen City from 2015 to 2019. In her illustrious career, Thompson was a three-time American Conference player of the year, setting the NCAA Division 1 record for most kills in a match with 50 on November 3, 2019. Thompson previously won gold for Team USA at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Annette Echikunwoke | USA Hammer Throw
Echikunwoke played for Team USA as a thrower for the first time in her career, but not in the Olympics. After qualifying for Team Nigeria in 2020, she was deemed ineligible after errors were made by the doping testing protocols. As a Bearcat, the dual citizen of America and Nigeria had won the program’s first individual national title at the 2017 Indoor NCAA championships.
Vanessa Gilles | Canada Women’s Soccer
A native of Quebec, Gilles currently plays for
Lyon, a Division 1 women’s club in France. The center-back was a four-year starter for the Bearcats, winning AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. She would go on to graduate in 2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice.
Chris Borzor | Haiti 100m Dash
Borzor holds numerous school records in the 200 meter, but the three-year runner for the Bearcats ran in the 100m for Haiti.
Naquille Harris | St. Kitts and Nevis 100m Dash
Like Borzor, Harris ran in the 100m dash for his country. Also like Borzor, Harris specialized in the 200m while at Cincinnati. He began his career at Suny Delhi, a Division III college in New York before transferring to Cincinnati.
Ramez Diaa | Egypt 10m Diving Diaa competed in the Olympics for his native country Egypt before ever swimming for Cincinnati. The incoming freshman is one of 26 performers in the event.
For the latest updates and final results of these athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics, visit The News Record’s website.
Provided | Aanika Garre
Isabella Zinchini | Managing Editor
Tyler Easterday | Sports Editor
80 years of women in the Bearcat Bands
In the spring of 1944, as the world dealt with the turmoil of World War II, the University of Cincinnati (UC) Bearcat Bands faced an existential threat. With many of its members drafted into military service, the band was at the risk of removal.
In a bold and transformative move, the band opened its ranks to women, ensuring that the music played on. This decision not only saved the band but also marked the beginning of a proud, co-educational legacy that has remained for eight decades.
As Bearcat Bands celebrates 80 years of women in the band, it also reflects on the rich history, the challenges and the contributions that have shaped the band into what it is today.
Ariel Swanson, a third-year student at UC and the newly appointed vice president of
Hajra Munir | News Reporter
mance and music education.
Before the passage of Title IX, women were often excluded from competitive sports, leading many to doubt their involvement and success in such competitive fields.
experience of the marching band is constantly inspired and impacted by the band including the memories and the community.
“Being a member of this ensemble has been the most rewarding part of my college experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Swanson said. When reflecting on her time in the band, Swanson expressed the significance of mentorship and the role models who have shaped her experience.
“[Ms. Natalie Ochmann] is our alumni band president currently and has worked so hard with her board to get more involvement post-graduation. She’s one of the first alumni outside of my section that I met while at UC,” Swanson said.
Celebrating 80 years of women in the band holds particular significance for Caroline Niederhausen, a third-year student majoring in trumpet perfor-
“When I was in high school I was constantly told I would not be able to make it in the music world because I am a woman. I am glad to say that as a woman I am studying music at a college with one of the best music programs in the US, marching in a world-class drum corps and being the only woman on the drum major team this year,” Niederhausen said.
As the UC Marching Band celebrates this milestone, it is a moment to honor the legacy of resilience and inclusion that has been built over the decades. The
“Being a member of this ensemble has been the most rewarding part of my college experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world”
- Ariel Swanson
contributions of women have not only added to the musical and social scene of the band but have also set a precedent for future generations.
Looking ahead, the UC Marching Band remains committed to creating an environment where all members, regardless of gender, can thrive and excel.
Get ahead of the UC parking crisis
Lucas Griffith | General Reporter
Parking is an issue that has plagued Cincinnati for a long time, and with the consistent increase of the general population and UC seeing record-breaking attendance numbers, the way that the university deals with this situation is immensely important.
The city has attempted to figure out a number of different remedies to this issue, going as far as hiring Walker Consultants to put together the CUF Parking and Transportation Analysis. The analysis suggested the city work with departments as well as brokering a deal with UC’s parking enforcement.
UC also gives student’s options for access to campus parking garages. Some of these options may be considerably expensive, they provide a convenient and safe option for parking.
UC also offers a shuttle service with a number of different buses that can take you to various spots on campus. Shuttles also have buses that travel out to UC’s Blue Ash Campus.
Making sure that you are paying attention to the signs by where you park, paying the meters if necessary and just simply following parking laws can save you a lot of time and a lot of money.
Isabella Zinchini Managing Editor
Lydia Schembre | Multimedia Editor
UC twirlers Erienne Hay, Kacie Arner and Lexi Peats prepare for a football halftime performance. Malea Salmon Chief Photographer
Serving UC Students, Fans, and Alumni
DuBois has served Bearcats students, fans, and alumni for over 65 years! As a family owned provider of Bearcats apparel, souvenirs, and gifts; we take pride in providing an unbeatable selection at best-in-class prices. Whether you’re new to Cincinnati, or call the Queen City home, DuBois is your one-stop-shop for Bearcats merchandise.
