August 2017 by Reporter Magazine

REPORTER THE ORIENTATION ISSUE AUGUST 2017 reporter.rit.edu

REPORTER

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rozie Yeghiazarian PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

Where are you going? I ask myself this question before making all major decisions. It brought me to Rochester. It guided me to the flagpoles and roundabout entrance of the RIT campus, GPS chiming in with “turn left” and then “you have reached your destination.” For many, this place is a whole new town full of strange faces and unexplored places, each a unique opportunity. I have found, in my time on campus and off on co-op, that you meet the friendliest people on college campuses. RIT is particularly rich in character — campus quads peppered with presence on sunny days, brick buildings riddled with enthusiastic diversity. The faces you recognize sitting across the room from you every other day or crossing paths with you on the Quarter Mile, routines harmonically in tune, are surprisingly willing to strike up in conversation. The next few months will be filled with introductions, and I urge you to be open to the dialogues that may ensue. They will challenge you as much as they will inspire you. Most of all, you will find that the people you meet here will allow you to grow into yourself. I met my best friends freshman year of college, then in third year and again in my fourth year. Just when I thought I had found my niche crowd, I stumbled upon some folks who made me laugh until all the air in my lungs had been dispelled. Interacting with the students and faculty here at RIT these next few years might dismantle all notion of direction you may have had planned out. At the same time, together, you will navigate the best route into your future. Until then, you have reached your destination: welcome to your college years.

Bryanne McDonough ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Taylor Derrisaw COPY EDITOR Ramya Shankar NEWS EDITOR Frankie James Albin TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Ryan Black LEISURE EDITOR Grace Blondell FEATURES EDITOR Kristin Grant SPORTS EDITOR Hannah Schewtschenko VIEWS EDITOR Kevin Zampieron WRITERS Frankie James Albin, Taylor Synclair Goethe, Samantha Wagner, Ty Clauss, Grace Blondell

ART ART DIRECTOR Alyssa Minko ONLINE ART DIRECTOR Madeleigh Place DESIGNERS Kevin Zampieron, Emma Fleming, Cassy Smithies, Zhuoxin Xu, Karley Allis, Dennae Makel, Lauren Mays ILLUSTRATORS Stephanie Chan, Juho Choi, Angela Krieg, Unique Fair, Lauren Mays

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Joseph Ressler PHOTOGRAPHERS Lloyd McCullough, Daniel Vasta, Catie Rafferty

BUSINESS

Rozie Yeghiazarian Editor in Chief

BUSINESS MANAGER Zachary Grzelka AD / PR MANAGER Miguel Moran PRODUCTION MANAGER Mitchell Morgan

Letters to the Editor should be sent to rpteic@rit.edu. No letters will be printed unless signed. All letters received become the property of REPORTER.

ONLINE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Michael Canning WEB MANAGER Efe Ozturkoglu VIDEO EDITOR Francesco D’Amanda ADVISOR Rudy Pugliese PRINTING EPi Printing CONTACT 585.475.2212

Reporter Magazine is published monthly during the academic year by a staff comprised of students at Rochester Institute of Technology. Business, Editorial and Design facilities are located in Room A-730, in the lower level of the Campus Center. Our phone number is 1.585.475.2212. The Advertising Department can be reached at 1.585.475.2213. “I’m stuck with Trojan for the rest of my life.” —T.D. The opinions expressed in Reporter do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute. Reporter is not responsible for materials presented in advertising areas. Reporter takes pride in its membership in the Associated Collegiate Press and American Civil Liberties Union. Copyright © 2016 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.

Online Video Component

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

2 Orientation

CHANGING YOUR MAJOR: A HOW-TO GUIDE Not happy with your major? Find out how to make the switch

RIT’S SUPPORT SERVICES HAVE YOUR BACK When things get tough, RIT has the resources to help you succeed

DEMYSTIFYING THE CO-OP PROCESS It’s never too early to start thinking about co-ops

cover photography by Lloyd McCullough

EXPLORING ROCHESTER’S FOOD AND DRINK If you’re going to spend money on food, don’t go to Gracie’s

MONEY MANAGEMENT: ADVICE FROM ANOTHER BROKE STUDENT

THE REPORTER GUIDE TO ART ON CAMPUS Learn more about RIT’s public art and use it to navigate around campus

NAVIGATING CAMPUS ART A self-guided tour of RIT art

Embrace your poor college student status

THE DOMINO EFFECT: PHYSICAL FITNESS IN COLLEGE Transitioning to college is stressful but being physically fit can help you fight that stress

Please Recycle

CHANGING YOUR MAJOR: A HOW-TO GUIDE by Samantha Wagner |illustration by Angela Krieg | design by Cassy Smithies

s if deciding on a university was not hard enough, pinpointing an area of study can sometimes prove to be even more challenging. “Nationwide, it is estimated that between 75 to 85 percent of students will change their major in their college career,” said Marty Burris, the director of the University Exploration Program. Luckily, RIT is no stranger to this process. “If you exclude [the] exploratory programs ... over the last couple of years, 15 percent of students at RIT have changed their major,” Burris said.

“Over the last couple years, 15 percent of students at RIT have changed their major.” Departments such as the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, University Advising Office and the University Exploration Program are readily available for students who are considering changing their major. The list of resources can be overwhelming, so if you have no idea where to begin, meeting with your current academic adviser is usually a good place to start. “The first thing I did was meet with my original adviser, as part of CAST, and I expressed my disinterest in my courses,” explained second year student Brandon Dcruz. Dcruz was originally majoring in Computer Engineering Technology, in the College of Applied Science and Technology. After some meetings and research, he got pointed in the direction of the School of Individualized Studies (SOIS), where he has had the ability to create his own major. SOIS is a good fit for many students, but a different program may offer a better fit. “University Studies would be a great place to start learning the university ... and also learn more about the majors to make a well informed choice about which is a better fit,”

explained Lynne Mazadoorian, the director of the University Advising Office. The University Exploration Program, once known as the University Studies Program, offers different ways for new students and internal transfers to find the best fit. “They provide a home program for a student who is considering multiple majors within the university across colleges,” described Mazadoorian. “They also provide change-of-major advising for any student at the university who is trying to learn about new majors.” Along with exploration and advising, RIT offers career counseling through the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education. “Definitely try career counseling if you’re unsure what you want to switch to,” advised Olivia Lopatofsky, a second year student who was in the process of switching out of Computer Science at the time of press. While she still hasn’t decided what field of study she will be switching to, she did report that the career counseling services have been extremely helpful. “It really helps to have someone to talk to about the different majors and how you should go about picking. It really jump-started my search for the right major for me,” Lopatofsky added. Overall, communication and taking initiative are the keys to successfully switching majors. Whatever the situation might be, RIT has plenty of resources to help their students find the best fit. “We all have the same goal of helping students graduate from RIT, in order to begin their next step in their professional life,” Mazadooriran said. “If it’s a straight line, great, or if it takes a couple of diversions — that’s okay too.”

Orientation 3

RIT’S SUPPORT SERVICES

HAVE YOUR BACK by Ty Clauss | illustration by Unique Fair | design by Karley Allis

veryone knows RIT’s reputation for graduating top-tier students in varied disciplines. With a thorough career services office — whose services extend beyond graduation — and a robust co-op program, RIT grads are placed into full-time jobs at a rate of well over 90 percent. But with that reputation for success also comes a reputation for heavy workloads. Although RIT’s academic programs certainly aren’t a cake walk, the support system the university has built up can make the workload manageable. At the core of RIT’s support services are the academic-specific services. These include the Academic Support Center and Multicultural Center for Academic Success, both of which offer mentoring and tutoring programs to get students through tough studies and on track with their degree. The Bates Study Center is one such service; it helps students with many of the tougher math and science courses. Combine these programs with the college-

4 Orientation

THE ONLY HARD THING ABOUT GETTING HELP IS CHOOSING WHAT KIND OF HELP TO GET. specific academic advisers and other college-specific tutoring services and the only hard thing about getting help is choosing what kind of help to get. While the academic support is robust, the school has other support systems available. Counseling services, the Q Center and the Ombuds Office all provide unique services to the student body that go beyond the academic stressors of being a college student. The Counseling and Psychological Services office at RIT is focused on helping students deal with stress, anxiety and related mental health concerns. There are mental health practitioners on staff capable of diagnosing and prescribing treatment when necessary. Both individual and group therapy sessions are available. Students are encouraged to reach out if they see a classmate, a roommate or friend who is struggling or showing any signs of mental or emotional distress. If a student expresses concern over a peer, their identity is kept anonymous and the Counseling and Psychological Services office will reach out to the individual who the concern was raised about. While some stressors are unavoidable, RIT also maintains two separate offices that focus on making a set of diverse students all feel welcome. The Division of Diversity and Inclusion within RIT hosts speaker events, regularly featuring leaders from all sorts of

backgrounds who can give valuable advice to students. The Division also played an integral part in contributing to RIT’s Strategic Plan, “Greatness through Difference.” Inclusion is emphasized, considering RIT’s National Institute for the Deaf and a large international student body. While the Division of Diversity and Inclusion works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the best interest of RIT’s students, the Q Center works on the front lines. The mission of the Q Center is “promoting a campus community that is safe, equitable and respectful of all members.” This begins with a safe space for students to relax, eat lunch and hang out with friends. One key service provided by the Q Center is Safe Zone Training, a way to educate more people on the gender, sexual and romantic minorities (GSRM) community. The service is provided for students across the university who want to learn more about the GSRM community and develop a more inclusive attitude. For students who want to get involved, the Q Center supports RIT’s GSRM alliances, as well as networks for transgender students, a women’s alliance and a club aimed at increasing GSRM education on campus. These clubs, and the hundreds of other clubs and organizations on campus, ensure everyone has a network of like-minded people they can turn to.

ON CAMPUS

MULTICULTURAL CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (MCAS)

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

SUPPORT SERVICES www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/asc Monroe Hall, Room 2080 (585) 475-6682

www.rit.edu/~w-mcas Student Alumni Union (585) 475-4704

www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/counseling 2100 August Center, 2nd Floor (585) 475-2261

Another key safety net for students is RIT’s Ombuds Office. The office welcomes faculty, staff and students who may bring any personal concern or conflict to the office. These issues may range from employment concerns, issues of fairness, grading concerns, harassment and a wide variety of other issues. The Ombuds Office helps faculty, staff and students work through these concerns and show them all of the possible options and resources at their disposal. The Ombuds office has even helped parents figure out how to help their kids at school without becoming too intrusive. While the university does a thorough job building supportive services for students, there is one other resource that isn’t listed on RIT’s website, but might be the most important: the students. RIT’s student body is diverse enough — and large enough — that anyone can create networks of people. These student networks can be leveraged for studying, choosing the best classes, landing co-ops and getting through tough times. Although you may not need to search for study help, join a support group or receive assistance from the Ombuds Office, it is certainly comforting to know there are resources there if you need them.

Q CENTER www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/qcenter Student Alumni Union, Room 4-A530 (585) 475-6355

OMBUDS OFFICE www.rit.edu/ombuds Student Alumni Union, Room 1110 (585) 475-7200 or (585) 475-2876

Orientation 5

DEMYSTIFYING

THE CO-OP

PROCESS by Frankie James Albin | illustration by Stephanie Chan | design by Kevin Zampieron

o, you have made it to RIT, and you’re trying to process all these new opportunities that await you. One that you may of heard a little bit about is RIT’s co-op program. Put simply, a co-op is a full-time, paid job related to your academic discipline. “Co-ops are one of the hallmarks of RIT and what makes our university very distinctive,” explained Michelle Magee, associate director for employer relations at the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education. With co-ops, students learn about job searching, the interview process and about the professional environment of their field. Students also gain knowledge and skills in their area of study, with many students leaving co-ops with a full-time job offer. Co-ops are also a chance to explore various facets of your major. “If I hadn’t done the co-op search it would’ve taken me a lot more time to figure out what I wanted to do,” said recent New Media Marketing alum Alison Schermerhorn, who completed three co-ops during her time at RIT.

While freshmen aren’t generally eligible for co-ops, there are ways to start preparing now. “Explore your interests, whether it is a club on campus or a speaker, just attend them,” advised Schermerhorn. “Start meeting people early on because there are so many opportunities to network, whether it’s upperclassmen who have been on co-ops, your professors, your adviser or your career coordinator. All three of my co-ops were either through people I know or people I know helped me at some point along the way.” Magee, on the other hand, stressed the importance of good grades. “If I had to put everything in priority order, I would say make sure your academics are really strong and that you focus on extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities second,” she said. Every major at RIT has an assigned career services coordinator whose role is to assist students with their job searches. Beyond that, there are co-op preparation classes students can take and a variety of interview and resume workshops that run throughout the year.

The school also hosts a university-wide career fair every fall and spring, as well as more specialized career-oriented events such as the College of Liberal Arts career fair, Creative Industry Day and National Lab day. Despite these resources, the process can be overwhelming at times. “The hardest part is separating the personal aspect of it,” said Schermerhorn. “The first ones I applied to I didn’t get and it was kind of devastating, but you can’t take it to heart because there are many other and better opportunities out there.” Those opportunities are everywhere at RIT — it just takes some work and initiative. “Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid to ask others questions, because now is your time to explore your future career options, while you are still a student,” Magee said. “Employers seek students who are passionate, so the more you learn by exploring early, the more empowered you will feel when it is time to start speaking to potential co-op recruiters.”

CO-OPS ARE ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF RIT AND WHAT MAKES OUR UNIVERSITY VERY DISTINCTIVE. 6 Orientation

EXPLORING ROCHESTER’S

FOOD

DRINK

by Ryan Black | photography by Daniel Vasta | design by Alyssa Minko

t finally happened. Ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber have come to upstate New York. Thanks to a state budget agreement made in Albany last April, everyone — including students at RIT — now has the ability to get around Rochester with far more ease. If you are a freshman without a car, no longer are you limited to the food at Gracie’s. If you’re an upperclassman looking to go out some evening, well ... did you know there are bars outside of South Henrietta?

JINES RESTAURANT

While this diner may also serve lunch and dinner, it’s hard to beat Jines when it comes to breakfast in Rochester. Recommending just one part of the menu is also difficult, because it’s tough to go wrong. If you’re into eggs, the omelets are phenomenal. If you prefer breakfast that is drenched in maple syrup, the waffles, pancakes and french toast are exquisite as well.

Located on scenic Park Ave., the outdoor seating is great when the weather is still warm. While worth the wait, Jines is usually packed on the weekends during brunch hours.

JOHN’S TEX-MEX EATERY

Arguably the best Tex-Mex in Rochester, this spot near the corner of South Ave. and Alexander St. is also one of the coziest and most casual places for lunch. The food tends to be served quickly, and they offer takeout, but it really is worth it to sit down — to enjoy both the atmosphere and a beer. The prices are fair and you get A LOT of food for your buck. My personal favorites are the Mexican Plate, a sort of Tex-Mex variation on the Garbage Plate, as well as any menu item with un-beef: a vegetarian substitute available in lieu of chicken, pork, beef or tofu.

EAST AVE. AND PARK AVE. BARS

If you are of age (yes: they card you under21-year-olds) there is a healthy selection of drink spots closer to the city. On the part of East Ave. between Gibbs and Alexander St., for instance, there is likely a bar, pub or cocktail establishment nearby for everyone’s tastes. There are some notable places only a block or two away, such as The Daily Refresher, Ox & Stone and Roc Brewing Co. Additionally, there are some low-key spots on Park Ave. like Magnolia’s and Blu Wolf Bistro as well.

MARK’S TEXAS HOTS

If there’s ever a night you find yourself a patron of any of the aforementioned bars, you’ll probably also be craving a Garbage Plate at some point — usually around 1 a.m. If not, well ... you were probably going to transfer anyway. Regardless of how late into the “a.m.” it is, Mark’s Texas Hots can cure your fix. They have the whole selection of Garbage Plate options that you would expect, but even if you usually get beans as a side — like myself — it’s worth trying their mac salad and home fries. There’s also something about the ambiance of Mark’s that helps cap off any night. Being there at 2 a.m., devouring a plate brimming with grease, carbs and regret over having that extra drink, is a meal to (half) remember — what you forget of it will probably be on Snapchat anyway.

Interior view of Mark’s Texas Hots, on Monroe Ave, in Rochester, N.Y.

Orientation 7

MONEY MANAGEMENT: Advice From Another Broke Student by Taylor Synclair Goethe | illustration by Juho Choi | design by Emma Fleming

ongratulations! You’re a college student. These next few years will be filled with personal discovery, professional development and new relationships. It will also be some of the poorest years of your life. Many freshmen find themselves hemorrhaging money during their first semester. Here are tips from broke college students on how to stay cheap and frugal during your first semester:

Food Unfortunately, freshmen do get the short end of the stick when it comes to meal plans. The three meal options are Tiger 20, Tiger 14 and Tiger 10 which can be explored in depth on the Dining Services website. This means that there is a mixture of meals that you are able to use at any dining location on campus using “debit” and a mixture of meals that you can eat at Gracie’s, the main dining hall by the dorms which is all-you-can-eat. The meal options cost more or less depending on how many meals you eat. Most students avoid the Tiger 20, because it restricts you to Gracie’s for most of your meals, and prefer a plan with more food debit. However, not everyone can handle having too many dining dollars. “Just don’t go food crazy,” said second year Electrical Mechanical Engineering Technology student, Davierraven “Davier” Simmons. “It may be tempting. It’s your

8 Orientation

first time on your own with money on campus but you don’t want to have to dig into your own money.” During his first semester, Simmons had a lack of self-control with his debit spending. Toward the end of the semester, he had burned through all of his debit and had to cough up real cash to pay the rest of his way through. Paige Belfield is a third year student in the School of Individualized Studies with a focus in Criminal Justice and Political Science. She recommended that all freshmen begin with the Tiger 14 meal plan as a good middle ground between debit and Gracie’s. Belfield also warned against going to eat too much off-campus, as the desire to escape campus food can also hit you hard in the pocket. “I occasionally go out to eat, then I regret it. I yell at myself, ‘I shouldn’t have spent real money,’” Belfield said. Many students find that the meal plans actually give them too much debit. It depends on the individual. Fourth-year Illustration student Isabel “Isa” Lynch recommended making friends with people who have lots of extra debit. Call

them what you want but having a “debit daddy” will be crucial if you want to avoid another trip to Gracie’s. Return the favor by swiping them into Gracie’s with your extra meals. “I have more than I need from [the Orange plan] so I buy for my friends as well as other broke college students,” Lynch said. The Corner Store is good for groceries, but the selection isn’t complete and prices are marked up. Wegmans is a good alternative and RIT runs shuttles there on the weekend. Unfortunately, you’ll have to spend real money there. Splitting costs with friends and preparing group meals can build friendships and savings accounts.

Books

Work

Do not get a false sense of security because your financial aid or loans covered your tuition, housing and meal plan: you still have books to buy. “Ah man, when I had to pay for textbooks, the textbooks cost me $300 and it was just for the [homework] code,” Simmons said. Textbooks can be much more expensive than anticipated, and the act of purchasing them is a science. If you don’t think that you’ll need the book that much, avoid shelling out cash. There are plenty of cheaper — sometimes even free — options that you can utilize that will make your piggy bank happy. Christie Dobson is a senior staff assistant for the Center of Residence Life in the South Area Office. She has successfully put her two daughters through college and helps with the banking for all Special Interest Houses at RIT. “If you don’t already, rent books or if you need to buy them, get them in the summertime or at the end of a semester [when it’s cheaper] instead of at the last minute,” Dobson said. Many places have cheap textbook rentals such as Amazon, Chegg or Barnes & Noble. Online digital copies or PDFs are typically less expensive as well and sometimes can be downloaded for free. To lower costs, find a used textbook. Check with your professor to see if an earlier edition will suffice; they are often much cheaper. “I primarily don’t buy textbooks. I just get [them] from friends or free online,” Lynch said. Always, always consult upperclassmen in your major before purchasing books. They’ll know what books are actually used and will sometimes let you borrow them for free.

If you’re a shopper and want to go out to the movies or restaurants, then you’ll need to get a job. RIT, fortunately, has very good student work-study programs and there’s always a job opening somewhere. To find out about your employment options go onto the Student Employment Office (SEO) webpage or stop by the SEO office in the University Services Center. Some jobs definitely have more perks than others. Working in food service gets you discounts for meals, and being a tour guide for housing gives you swipe access to most buildings on campus. Working at Reporter lets you write articles on a freelance basis in your own time. However, if balancing school and a job doesn’t work for you, then there are other options available. “I’ll be looking for a part-time job over the summer. And if my tablet gets fixed I can start doing commissions,” Lynch said. Working freelance is a great way to make money while abiding by your own schedule. Many students like Lynch offer their skills online to earn commissions. RIT has many options to work freelance and offers workshops in professional development.

Budgeting Once you get money it can be hard not to spend it immediately. Although you should treat yourself on occasion, money you make in college should be saved if possible. “I really budget, I don’t splurge money ... I follow the 30 percent rule where you save 30 percent of whatever you earn,” Simmons said. Saving isn’t easy. Spending money on

stupid things can be part of the college experience. Trying to avoid impulse purchases is a skill that will be necessary for the years to come. Concoct a budget that works for you, that is realistic and easy to follow. Erase vices such as excessive smoking or drinking, and even frequent habits such as buying coffee every day, as it’ll all add up against you. “It’s about choice and willpower,” Dobson said. If you have the desire to splurge but still want to save, check out exchange pages like RIT Free and For Sale on Facebook. Part of being a college student is embracing your broke status. You need to let go of attachments to designer clothes, gourmet food and online shopping because it will harm you in the end. College is about receiving the skills you need so you can one day have a successful career, so surviving college won’t always be a comfortable experience for you. Never be too proud to ask for help. That means checking if there is a student discount. Use coupons for every purchase possible and apply for scholarships. If you need to dumpster dive for art supplies or bum on your friend’s couch for a few weeks, no one will judge you. This is college, this is your time to make memories, friends and new experiences as a broke college student.

Never be too

PROUD to ask for help.

Orientation 9

THE DOMINO EFFECT: PHYSICAL FITNESS IN COLLEGE by Samantha Wagner | photography by Catie Rafferty | design by Zhuoxin Xu

oming into college, it’s not uncommon to hear of the infamous “Freshman 15.” Most students are familiar with the claim that students gain around 15 pounds over the course of their first year. As much as we would like to think of this as another myth to brush off our shoulders, it is something students need to watch out for. “Certainly weight gain is going to be an issue coming into college,” explained Seann McArdle, the assistant director of RIT’s Wellness Instructional Program. “You have a major disruption in not only your eating habits... but other things that can also play a major role are your sleep cycle and the complete disruption to your overall environment.” Rather than focusing solely on what you are eating, there are many other factors to take into consideration. “So rather than come in and let that stuff just happen to you, have an active role in it and really be sensitive to those changes and be conscious of those changes,” stated McArdle. Being proactive and reacting to this change will not only keep students from gaining weight, but physical wellness provides a handful of advantages that will have important impacts on their college experience. “There are the obvious physical benefits that physical fitness provides you,” said McArdle. He explained how anyone can

10 Orientation

Jessica Ramirez (right) uses the lat pull down machine at Wiedman Fitness Center with the assistance of her personal trainer, Dalton Murray (left), an exercise science major at RIT, April 28, 2017. look up an infographic on what good things fitness can do for the body. However, the benefits do not stop there. “Generally individuals that are more physically active, that exercise more regularly, that engage in healthy eating habits are going to also be able to be more successful academically,” McArdle explained. “They’re less likely to get sick, they’re less likely to feel depressed, they’re less likely to experience some of the things that would ultimately have a negative impact on your academic career.” As described, keeping up physical health has a snowball effect on other aspects of life. Along with academics, mental and emotional health both have a direct correlation with how someone treats their body. “So much of how we feel and the emotions we experience are largely driven by how we take care of ourselves,” said McArdle. “It is very difficult to enjoy other aspects of your life if you’re not physically well.”

Social health is another factor affected by physical activity. Participating in physical fitness programs can be a way to meet new people. McArdle gave an example. He said, “Generally if you engage in a group exercise class or even some of the fitness-based services we have here at RIT, it provides an opportunity for you to interact with other students you may not have otherwise.” Overall, taking the steps to be physically fit during college has a long list of benefits ranging from keeping the dreaded Freshman 15 away to making friendships with people you may have never met otherwise. “Physical wellness is the cornerstone to overall wellness,” said McArdle. Keeping up with physical wellness will not only serve to better our bodies, but its domino effects will help benefit all aspects of our lives.

“It is very difficult to enjoy other aspects of your life if you’re not physically well.”

THE REPORTER GUIDE TO

ART ON

CAMPUS

by Grace Blondell photography by Lloyd McCullough design by Dennae Makel

espite being primarily recognized as a top school for engineering and computing (as implied by the institute’s name itself), the RIT campus also holds the arts in high esteem. The fine arts curriculum was introduced to RIT (then the Mechanics Institute) in 1886 and has been an important part of campus life since. We are consistently ranked as a top university for art and design, but the value placed on the arts doesn’t stop with our strong academic programs. Since the establishment of the Henrietta campus, RIT has been dedicated to enriching the campus environment and culture by showcasing art throughout the grounds. “When they constructed this campus, that’ll be 50 years ago next year ... they put aside some money to purchase art,” Becky Simmons, an RIT archivist notes. Because of the importance of the visual arts to the Institute, one percent of the construction budget was allocated for

12 Orientation

purchasing art for the campus. Heading the acquisitions committee was Arthur Stern, (a member of the Board of Trustees), his wife Molly and Mrs. Vanderbilt Webb, founder of the School for American Crafts. Hailing from New York City, Webb was knowledgeable about art and particularly instrumental in identifying and selecting works to bring to the campus. Since the construction of this campus, RIT’s art collection has only grown. The influx of new pieces keep Simmons and her colleagues busy. Each year, the campus is gifted works by faculty members and alumni, but also purchases works from Masters students’ thesis exhibitions and the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences honors show as part of the library’s Purchase Prize programs. A large portion of the art decorating the walls of the library is student work that has been acquired by the RIT collection. In addition to the pieces housed in the Archives and the various RIT galleries, there are

dozens of public art pieces on display throughout the campus that, put frankly by Simmons “you can’t miss.” From seeing Luvon Sheppard’s “Rochester, State and Main Street” painting in the Bausch and Lomb Center when visiting the admissions office, to passing by Albert Paley’s “Sentinel” while walking to class each day, the art around campus is ubiquitous and beautiful. In addition to the aesthetic value they hold, the works inadvertently serve a functional purpose, often cited as reference points when navigating around campus or giving directions. Because of this, it is essential to know what the pieces are and where they are located, so when someone says, “Meet me at the Sundial!” you’ll know exactly what they mean. Based on Simmons’ input, the works listed in “View It! The Art and Architecture of RIT” and RIT’s Art on Campus website, Reporter has compiled this helpful guide to familiarize you with art around campus.

“Sentinel” and “Cloaked Intentions” Sculptures, Albert Paley (2003, 2013) World renowned metalworker and sculptor Albert Paley joined the staff of the School for American Crafts in 1969 and left his permanent mark on campus with the dedication of the 73-foot “Sentinel” in 2003. Located outside the SAU in the Administration Circle, the towering stainless steel and bronze sculpture “addresses the dynamism of education,” according to a University News article. It is rumored that the statue is modeled after a knight riding on a horse, which can only be seen from the top floor of Eastman. A second Paley sculpture, entitled “Cloaked Intentions,” was brought to the campus in 2013. After being exhibited with 12 other Paley pieces on Park Avenue in New York City, “Cloaked Intentions” now resides between Louise Slaughter Hall and the Sustainability Institute Hall.

“Principia”

“Growth and Youth”

Floor, Larry Kirkland (1998)

Murals, Josef Albers (1968)

Best viewed from the third floor of Gosnell, the black granite atrium floor in the College of Science depicts various milestones in science. The digits of pi are etched in the stairs and A, C, T and G (the nitrogen bases found in DNA) construct a border on one side of the floor. While awe-inspiring when viewed from above, a view from floor level reveals the inspirational words of prominent scientists.

Albers’ massive, sunny murals are located on either side of the first-floor lobby of the Eastman Building. Painted in shades of yellow, the two murals are color reversals of each other.

“Construction #105” Sculpture, Jose de Rivera (1968) Found in the Infinity Quad near the College of Engineering, this seemingly simple sculpture forms a Mobius Strip, a shape in which both sides of the loop travel along the same plane. Nicknamed the Infinity Loop, this fascinating and graceful steel sculpture turns with the wind. Together, “Construction #105” and the “Sundial” on dorm side mark the two ends of the original campus.

“Three Piece Reclining Figure No. 1”

“RIT Bengal Tiger” Sculpture, D.H.S. Wehle (1989) With the 1955 mascot change from the Techmen to the Tigers, the RIT community figured it was best to go big or go home. The Alumni Association notes that this included fundraising to obtain a live tiger cub, Spirit, who attended many athletic events. Unfortunately, Spirit the tiger suffered from several health complications and had to be put down. In 1989, a second tiger came to campus in the form of a bronze sculpture located on the Quarter Mile across from the Kodak Quad. Wehle, an artist and zoologist, spent many hours studying the physiognomy of tigers before beginning work on RIT’s permanent mascot.

Sculpture, Henry Moore (1961–62) Found between Booth and the College of Liberal Arts in the Kodak Quad, this three-piece bronze sculpture is an organic abstraction of a reclining female figure. It is one of the first pieces representing Moore’s divergence from the two-piece figures that dominated his earlier work.

“Sundial” Sculpture, Alistair Bevington (1968) At the time of its installation in 1968, the 25-foot equatorial sundial located in the residence quad was speculated to be the largest in the country. While it was hoped that the piece might encourage timeliness and punctuality, it became evident soon after the installation that the sundial was only accurate for four days of the year.

Take a self-guided tour of the art on campus using the map on the following pages.

Want more art? Check out these locations: Bevier Gallery University Gallery SPAS William Harris Gallery CIAS Dean’s Gallery Cary Graphic Arts Collection RIT Archives NTID Dyer Arts Center Gallery r (downtown Rochester) Orientation 13

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ART by Grace Blondell | illustration and design by Lauren Mays 3

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4. Frank Gannett Bust Gannett Lobby Have a staring contest with the bust of Frank Gannett, the publisher and founder of media corporation Gannett Company, Inc.

5. Tojo Memorial Garden Kodak Quad Find your zen or come to sketch in this tranquil spot, tucked away behind the Japanese maple trees in the Kodak Quad.

6. Three Piece Reclining Figures Kodak Quad Aside from its name, it may be hard to tell that this sculpture is an abstraction of a reclining female figure.

7. Sundial Residence side Because it’s only accurate on 4 days of the year, don’t plan on using this 25 foot sculpture to make it to class on time.

8. RIT Bengal Tiger

Quarter Mile between Library and SAU Taking a photo with the tiger statue is a rite of passage for RIT students; if your parents didn’t force you to take one when you toured the campus, make sure they get one before you graduate.

9. Construction #105 7

Infinity Quad This simple yet elegant sculpture is actually far from basic: it depicts a Mobius strip, a complex threedimensional mathematical surface with only one side.

10. The Split Cube

1. Growth and Youth Eastman Lobby Feeling gloomy? Pay a visit to these massive sunny murals that are sure to turn your day around.

2. Cloaked Intentions Golisano Quad Originally a part of the Paley on Park exhibition in NYC, this sculpture now graces the western side of campus.

3. Unity CAST quad The CAST quad has been nicknamed the Pi Quad, perhaps because of the way the Unity sculpture resembles a Pi symbol when viewed from the right angle.

North Entrance LBJ Step up your mirror selfie game with the mirrored surface of this installation which commemorates the 10th anniversary of NTID.

11. Sentinel Administration Circle A main attraction of the RIT campus, the Sentinel, created by famed metalworker and former RIT professor Albert Paley, addresses the “dynamism of education.”

12. Allegory of a Landscape Ingle Auditorium Lobby/SAU Inspired by an aerial view of the Finger Lakes region, this piece was created by Frans Wildehain, who helped establish the legendary ceramics program within the School for American Crafts.

13. In Art, Science, and Life, What is the Question? University Services/Innovation Center It’s almost no wonder the building this piece is located in is called the MAGIC Center: the transfixing etched glass images are magical, relating to RIT’s 8 colleges and referencing everything from the binary system to black holes.

14. Principia Bruce and Nora James Atrium, Gosnell Building Take a look at this mural from the 4th floor of Gosnell, or get a closer look at inspiring quotes from scientists on ground level.

15. Tunnel Murals Residence Halls Tunnels Dozens of murals by student organizations and talented individuals adorn the dorm-side tunnels; check with the RHA office if you’re interested in painting one of your own.

16. Shop 1² Global Village Looking for last minute gifts? Stop by and check out the selection of gifts at Shop 1², brought to you by RIT faculty, alumni and students.

17. Film Posters Gannett and Booth Hall 3 RIT grads went on to win an Oscar for their animation and special effects work in Life of Pi in 2013. Take a visit to Gannett/Booth to see posters for other feature films RIT grads have worked on.

18. Bevier Gallery School of Art, School of Design (Booth Hall) In search of visual inspiration? Check out Bevier Gallery, the primary exhibition venue for the schools within CIAS, to see amazing student works.

19. Vignelli Gallery School of Design (Booth Hall) Whether a design student or not, it’s worth it to visit the archives of the designers who believed that, “If you can design one thing, you can design everything,” as evidenced from their work in package, furniture, jewelry, showroom and public signage design.

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