August 2018 by Reporter Magazine

REPORTER AUGUST 2018 reporter.rit.edu

Please Recycle

REPORTER EDITOR IN CHIEF Frankie Albin PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Cayla Keiser

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Grant COPY EDITOR Ramya Shankar NEWS EDITOR Kasey Mathews TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Joshua Maroney LEISURE EDITOR Olivia Lopatofsky FEATURES EDITOR Morgan LaMere SPORTS EDITOR Victoria Sebastian VIEWS EDITOR Taylor Synclair Goethe WRITERS Bryanne McDonough, Cayla Keiser, Joshua Maroney, Taylor Synclair Goethe, Dan Grinthal, Kasey Mathews

ART ART DIRECTOR Alyssa Minko ONLINE ART DIRECTOR Monica Nguyen-Vo DESIGNERS Cassy Smithies, Lily Garnaat, Kevin Zampieron, Justin Frohlich ILLUSTRATORS Juho Choi, Lily Garnaat, Lucie Novakova, Monica Nguyen-Vo

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Catie Rafferty PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Vasta, James Porras

BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Sandy Wu AD / PR MANAGER Miguel Moran PRODUCTION MANAGER Ryan Menzie

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to RIT. In four or five short years, you will leave this place, like I just have, and RIT will try to take advantage of that. Now, don’t get me wrong, RIT is a wonderful school and a great place to learn. But it is also plagued with bureaucratic bullshit that will make mistakes, make promises and then conveniently forget about them when the majority of students have moved on. I want to take this opportunity to share with you the mistakes, promises and other problems that I’ve encountered in my four years that I don’t want you to forget about. I want you to remember them and hold the administration accountable. Some of these things affected a large majority of students, some affected very few and one in particular only seemed to bother me. Let’s start with the latter. At some point in my early years, RIT replaced every perfectly functional soap dispenser on campus with custom RIT dispensers. What a huge waste of money, and they did it without a word while increasing our tuition in the same breath. Then there was the housing crisis in Fall 2015, when RIT converted many dorm lounges into triples to accommodate the excess students that had enrolled. They promised to reevaluate how many students to accept, but could not promise that it would never happen again. In December 2015, Reporter broke the news that some Public Safety officers would be trained to use a gun in active shooter situations. There hasn’t been an update on whether that actually happened. NTID promised to work on communication accessibility for all of their students, not just those who use American Sign Language, after a protest in Spring 2016. Lack of adequate parking has always been an issue, and it wasn’t helped by the addition of the Gene Polisseni Center or the new MAGIC building. Next time they try to take away your parking, tell them to find another solution. Then there was last summer, when the RIT Student Health Center fired the only doctor capable of prescribing hormones to transitioning transgender students. They have promised to look into bringing trans healthcare on campus, but those promises are so vague. Make sure that they follow through and don’t brush it under the rug. I’m leaving this school, but it will always hold a place in my heart. Don’t forget what meant so much to me, to so many. Hold RIT accountable. Because this is your school now. I charge you with one more task: fight for what you believe in, and make your school listen to you. It’s the only way things will change.

ONLINE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Adam Brodack WEB MANAGER Efe Ozturkoglu VIDEO EDITOR Danielle DeVries Bryanne McDonough Former Print Managing Editor

ADVISOR Rudy Pugliese PRINTING EPi Printing CONTACT 585.475.2212

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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS cover and TOC illustration by Alyssa Minko

BUS ETIQUETTE New to using buses? Here are some tips

AVOIDING THE FIRE ALARM FRENZY The do’s and don’ts of dorm living

WHEELS VS. HEELS How will you get to class?

SURVIVING THE CAMPUS TREK Find out how to best survive the harsh and unforgiving Rochester cold

RIT EATS Hungry? Check out the many available dining options on campus!

ON-CAMPUS ADVENTURES Ideas for breaking away from your routine right here on campus. No Uber required

PUTTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FIRST Your mental health should be a top priority

@reportermag

reporter.rit.edu Orientation 3

BUS ETIQUETTE

by Bryanne McDonough | illustration by Juho Choi | design by Cassy Smithies

f you’re a first year student, you probably won’t find yourself riding the bus much while living in the dorms. However, for the occasional trip to Barnes & Noble or a weekend retail run, it pays to know some basic bus etiquette.

times, the buses can get packed with offcampus students. Trying to get onto a packed bus can irritate students who need to ride it and be an unnecessary struggle for you. Plus, the walk from dorms to academic side can help you work off that freshman 15.

GETTING ON

DURING THE RIDE

“Just be safe,” advised Debbie Leogrande, a driver for the Perkins route. Leogrande cautions against running beside the bus after it has started moving. Often, drivers will stop when they see someone running toward the bus, but it isn’t worth getting run over just to make it to class on time. When the bus first pulls up to a stop, don’t crowd the doors. Let everyone currently on the bus get off, then you can board. If there are a lot of people waiting, fill from back to front to ensure everyone can get on. At certain times, like 5 p.m., the bus is so full that some people will have to stand on the raised portion in the back. Don’t stand on the stairs if the back hasn’t been filled. When there is enough space, avoid sitting next to people you don’t know. The seats can get pretty cramped and most people prefer their personal space. It’s fine to keep a bag on the seat next to you as long as there are still enough open seats for everyone to sit on. Otherwise, keep your bag on your lap or under your seat. While living in dorms, it may be tempting to catch the buses that stop behind NRH. Unless you physically can’t make the walk, avoid riding these buses just because you don’t feel like walking. Right before class

Watch your noise level. Turn off any speakers and keep conversations — whether in person or on the phone — quiet and appropriate. “The only thing that would bother me ... if a lot of foul language was used,” Leogrande said. “When they get on the bus and keep going, going, going, it might offend a lot of people.” The buses are generally kept clean and free of trash. Do your best to keep it that way. Avoid eating messy food and throw your trash in the small garbage bin up front or hold onto it. Treat the bus like you would any other space. Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough and watch everyone’s personal space. Sometimes it can be hard to avoid touching people, but holding onto the handholds will stabilize you during a crowded ride.

4 Orientation

If you get a chance, thank the bus driver. Driving the same route over and over can be boring and a kind face can break the monotony.

GETTING OFF When the bus is full, be mindful of which door you exit from. Most buses have one door in the front and one towards the back. When the bus is full, allow the people on the raised back platform to exit from the rear door. If you’re in the middle, exit at the front. Since most of the buses only have a few stops, everyone tends to exit at the same time. When everyone tries to exit from the same door, congestion occurs. Watch where you’re going after you get off. People will be heading in different directions, which can cause some accidental run-ins. Just be mindful of others and watch for people crowding the doors to get on. If you use some common sense, your bus ride should be comfortable, just as long as other people know some bus etiquette as well.

TREAT THE BUS LIKE YOU WOULD ANY OTHER SPACE.

AVOIDING

THE

FIRE ALARM FRENZY by Cayla Keiser | illustration and design by Lily Garnaat Small rooms, a lack of storage space, community lounges with old microwaves and, of course, roommates are the staples of dorm life. RIT has them all, and while it may all seem exciting (or not) at first, there are a few key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

DO: Do leave your door open to meet people. You automatically have a community full of students feeling as new and lost as you are right next door. Interact with them! Late night chats with the two girls from your floor who went to Walmart and got chased by an angry goose sure make for some fun memories and make living in the dorms an adventure.

DON’T: Don’t leave the door unlocked. As tempting as it may be to leave your keys in your room when you go to quickly use the bathroom or switch laundry loads, it’s not worth the risk. Although it doesn’t happen often, theft is still possible and you’re better off safe than sorry.

Do communicate with your roommate. This is key. I was lucky to have an incredible relationship with my roommate. Hopefully you will too! However, if not, it is still imperative to have a healthy relationship regarding your shared space. Ask if your roommate is okay with you having friends over or your significant other spend the night. Socks on the door simply are not enough.

Don’t leave your roommate in the dark. I don’t just mean shutting all the lights off when you want to sleep, even though they are still working. Be mindful of the fact that it is your roommate’s room too, and they should be alerted to when there will be visitors. It’s the little things that can lead to large problems, but they also can be avoided.

Do make use of the microwave. For Thanksgiving, my roommate and I made mashed potatoes. I’m not talking about the Bob Evans powdery stuff (or whatever it is). Rather, we bought whole potatoes and with some salt, milk and butter we boiled and mashed those once-raw spuds into a bowl of mouthwatering goodness. Microwaves are capable of much more than we give them credit for, and living in the dorms is the perfect time to experiment. That being said ...

Don’t leave food unattended, don’t put non-microwavable items in the microwave and most importantly, don’t experiment recklessly. Approximately 10 fire alarms were set off in my dorm building, Mark Ellingson Hall, last year — most of them taking place in the middle of the night. You can test your cooking skills, just don’t try to learn at 2:15 a.m. and alert the whole building to your failure. Let me tell you that waking up in full fight or flight to flashing lights and ear-splitting noises is unpleasant, to say the least.

Do divvy up the dorm chores. Vacuuming the floors and taking out the trash should be shared tasks. While responsibility may be split, it’s still critical to clean up after yourself and be mindful of the other person.

Don’t let the trash pile up and overflow, or let your floor get too dirty. In addition, it’s okay if you aren’t a clean freak, just don’t let your mess spread to your roommate’s side of the room.

There are so many other important factors to consider to ensure an enjoyable, yet responsible stay in dorms. If there are any things you are iffy about, consult your RA. If you follow these tips and don’t cook in the dead of night, you’re bound to sleep well and have a better year.

Orientation 5

WHEELS VS. HEELS by Joshua Maroney illustration by Lucie Novakova design by Kevin Zampieron

here are many ways to get around campus, but which is the best? Every way has its pros and cons, so it’s up to the individual to decide what their best course of action is. Maybe you prefer longboarding, perhaps you’d rather bike or maybe you’re one for a simple stroll. As long as you’re getting where you need to go on time, that’s what really matters.

WALKING Humans are bipedal — we’re made to walk. Walking is the most common form of oncampus transportation, and doing so gives you time to socialize, admire the scenery and check your phone — just be sure to watch where you’re going. For the explorers, there are routes through buildings or our elaborate system of underground tunnels that can shorten your travel time and protect you from the elements. Walking is a great way to traverse Brick City.

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The minimum amount of time between classes should be 10 minutes, and that’s almost always enough time to get to where you need to go, assuming you don’t need to do anything else in between. That being said, walking is not the fastest way to get around. If you’re in a hurry and running late, it may not be the best option. As the quarter mile gets crowded, it might be tempting to take a stroll on the bike path to mix things up and enjoy some solitude. However, it’s best to avoid doing this as those paths are for cyclists, not pedestrians. Pedestrian paths cross non-pedestrian paths at some locations on campus. Where the bike path crosses the quarter mile in front of dorms and at Gleason Circle, it is wise to watch out for students on wheels. Pedestrians have the right of way but should look out for themselves. This means taking an occasional glance up from their phone. Pedestrians should stay off the bike path

AS LONG AS YOU’RE GETTING WHERE YOU NEED TO GO ON TIME, THAT’S WHAT REALLY MATTERS. for the portion behind the health center, as it’s already narrow enough for just two lanes of bikes, and the blind corner can cause some traffic issues if a pedestrian is in the way of a cyclist.

BICYCLING Cycling is certainly the fastest way to get around. A 20-minute walk from dorms to the far end of academic side can be shortened to as little as three minutes for the strong-legged. The time saved from biking can be used in many ways, which is part of the appeal. Bike racks are everywhere; RIT is an extremely bike-friendly campus. U-locks are most recommended, as cable locks are easy for thieves to cut. Should your bike break or need a minor repair, there are many places around Rochester that can help. RIT has its own bike repair shop where bicycles can be repaired, albeit for a fee. The shop is located underneath Monroe Hall in the tunnels, and is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also bike repair stations outside of Grace Watson Hall and between Golisano Hall and Orange hall that can be used for simple repairs. Biking comes with quite a few negatives, though. Some of these can be avoided, others cannot. Without fenders to cover the wheels, for example, frequently riding on wet ground will produce a wet lower back. Additionally, there

aren’t many indoor places to store a bike, so they must withstand the elements. This might mean sitting on a wet or snowy seat (however one way to avoid a wet bottom is to cover the seat with a plastic bag). In addition, bike paths might get covered in snow during the winter months, and the raging winds could prove a challenge to pedal through. Where the bike path crosses the quarter mile near dorm side, it swings down towards the woods and behind the health center. This area is especially dangerous on all forms of wheeled transportation, especially when it’s wet. Whether it’s hot out or cold, cycling is likely to produce sweat. While a cyclist might be able to leave late and arrive early, they might show up with a muddy backpack, wet butt or sweaty back. Bikes are prohibited on the quarter mile on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The quarter mile is too busy, and even the most careful and skilled cyclist is bound to make some pedestrians feel unsafe. Pedestrians don’t move in predictable ways, and there are accidents every year.

BOARDING Like bikes, boards can drastically reduce commute times. Hopping on a board could often mean the difference between arriving to class on time or getting there late. Additionally, boards are much smaller than

bikes. This means they have a guaranteed spot in your dorm room, but struggle harder than a bike to find a spot outside of class. Though some people have managed to lock up their board and scooters the same way as a bike, most carry them into class. This is fine, but it can be a hassle. Like bicyclists, anyone on wheels should stay off the quarter mile during peak times. According to Public Safety, non-pedestrians are not required to wear helmets, but it’s recommended. There isn’t a concrete speed limit. Instead, the speed limit is whatever speed a nonpedestrian can demonstrate control at. This means that if a rider can’t stop or has to swerve to avoid a pedestrian, they are going too fast. The ground can be bumpy. Boards with smaller wheels, roller blades and Heelys are the least popular choice for a good reason. The riding is uncomfortable and small bumps in the road can cause a small wheel to come to a complete stop, which is unsafe. And yes, electric longboards are permitted, but not hoverboards. Tigers are encouraged to transport themselves as they wish, be it bikes, boards, stilts or feet, as long as they respect and care for the safety of others.

Orientation 7

The dorm side tunnels may appear complicated, but they actually follow a basic U-shape. The northern-most end leads to the LBJ building and Dining Commons and the south goes to Grace Watson Hall. The residence halls are labeled throughout the path and there are several murals that can serve as landmarks as well as artwork to admire, making navigation easier. Inside the tunnels are the post office and Corner Store, located underneath NRH, and Sol’s Underground, another dining option. The tunnels prove incredibly useful during the winter when bundling up to walk to dinner is an uninviting thought or you simply want to meet a friend late at night. Academic tunnels are split between east and west. The east academic tunnels connect the Ritter Ice Arena, Clark Gymnasium, the SAU, Interfaith Center and the George Eastman building. The west academic tunnels connect the College of Liberal Arts, Wallace Library, Gosnell College of Science and the James E. Gleason building. These tunnels are more compact with specialized offices, classrooms and other commodities; however, they still make for a good shortcut and way to avoid the winter weather.

Buildings

he quarter mile is by far the most frequently used, direct and fastest path from the residence halls to the academic side of campus. As wonderful as it is to have a direct route to and from each part of campus, it can — and does — fall victim to the elements, not to mention the periodic and excessive foot traffic congestion. Luckily, there are other routes to utilize, if you know the way.

Nature Trails

Perhaps not the most practical of choices, the trails in the woods are more likely to extend commute times rather than shorten them. However, if foot traffic is especially dense, the woods can become a valued shortcut. The trails can be confusing at first and the dirt paths tend to be hard to see during fall and winter, so for safety reasons it is best to avoid using them during poor weather or at night. 8 Orientation

The main path, called Nature Trail, wraps around the woods. Because of this, it splits into east and west, as well as north and south. The most useful route runs east to west, as it leads to academic side. Beware: the Nature Trail also diverges into smaller, often unnamed paths that twist, turn and section off unexpectedly. This is where the confusion happens. At the main entrance there’s a sign that details all the miniature paths in the woods. There are also signs, arrows and color markers on paths to look out for as guidance.

Tunnels

RIT has tunnels that can be used as shortcuts, too. However, the ones open for student use do not connect the academic side with dorm side, so there’s unfortunately no way to entirely avoid the snow. The tunnels are still useful, however, for travel isolated within the dorms or academic side. The academic side tunnels also don’t reach the newer buildings on the far side of the campus. A complete map of all the tunnels is available on the Facilities Management Services website.

A few buildings that were constructed close to each other, such as the James E. Booth and Frank E. Gannett halls or the James E. Gleason and Golisano halls, are connected in other ways. A slight detour through buildings can provide temporary protections from the weather. A reliable short cut is the SAU, by entering through the Center of Religious Life or Campus Center, then exiting through the doorway next to Artesano’s, or the basement door across from the library which links to the academic tunnels. While all of this may seem confusing at first, once you get the hang of all the shortcuts, you’ll be traversing campus like a pro.

ON-CAMPUS ADVENTURES

by Dan Grinthal photography by Daniel Vasta design by Kevin Zampieron

IT is something of an oddity in academia. It’s a big, modern tech school with world class funding and programming plopped on a half-developed swamp between a suburb and a large city. The unusual juxtaposition of tech and nature might be cause for complaint to some, but for the enterprising and curious Tiger, it provides unexpected opportunities for adventure. We often only see what’s directly in front of us. The next time you’re feeling cabin fever coming on, don’t waste your time on a bus downtown — just take a few steps off the beaten path of your daily routine. For those willing to look, there’s much more to RIT than first meets the eye. Here are just a few examples.

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THE RIT TRAILS The next time the climate-controlled monotony of brick classrooms and dorms starts getting to you, step out for a walk on one of the trails crisscrossing the woods behind Gracie’s. Maps are available from the outdoor education office at the fitness center, or you could explore for yourself. Unlike these artificial environments, the trails are always changing. In the fall, a canopy of brilliant orange, yellow and red envelops the traveler meandering down the gently-winding paths. In the winter, the stream draining the forest often freezes solid and snow erases the walking paths to create a fresh slate for you to make your own way. During spring, heavy rains swell the wetlands lining the pathways and nearly overtake the trails. A walk in the woods becomes an expedition through a forested swamp.

If you continue off the beaten path, you will find yourself in a peaceful world of silent trees and marshlands budding with fuzzy cattails. Press on and you might discover a secluded camp complete with a bonfire pit, a stacked stone throne and several cozy lean-to’s. If you are very quiet, you could stumble upon a small herd of deer grazing beneath the woodpeckers and songbirds tapping out the tune of the forest from the branches above. You might even find the RIT boneyard. Don’t tell anyone about that though, it’s a secret. The RIT campus was once a family farm bordered by unspoiled upstate wetlands before it became the Brick City we all know and love. It’s no Adirondack retreat, but enough undeveloped land remains for an easy afternoon getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to hit the books again upon your return to civilization.

“For the enterprising and curious Tiger, [RIT] provides unexpected opportunities for adventure.”

Bottom left: Adam Kristan, fifth year Mechanical Engineering

Top right: View of the garden roof on the Golisano Institute

major, front, works on a 3D print recycling device, while

for Sustainability building.

Jordan Melita, second-year Biomedical Technology major,

Bottom right: Kristin Angel, fourth year Mechanical Engineering

back right, instructs Jimmy Cummings, fifth year Biomedical

major, left, and Esther Septimo, fourth year Applied Arts and

Technology major, back left, on the computer system in the

Sciences major, right, work on their In Move Robot, in the

Construct Makerspace, on the fourth floor of Institute Hall.

THE CONSTRUCT MAKERSPACE If you prefer the scent of aluminum shavings and lasercuts to the earthier notes of the woods, consider taking a detour to the Construct, RIT’s first open maker space. Nested atop the fourth floor of Institute Hall, the space boasts laser cutters, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) mills and circuit board equipment. You’ll even find woodworking tools including a band saw and power sanders among an ever-evolving lineup of 3D printers. The resources at the Construct are open to the RIT community. Though trying out all the techy toys is an adventure in itself, the real treasures are the people using them. Working on projects at the Construct is a great way to meet people from different disciplines across the university. A weekend fiddling with 3D printers could lead to a new roommate, a

startup business partner or a new sparring buddy to test out the replica Kylo Ren lightsabers you just printed. Mind those side blades on the handle, now!

COLLEGE HOPPING RIT has got big bucks. The university is also striving mightily to rid itself of an architecturally bland reputation which has dogged it since the first rectangular brick buildings were completed 50 years ago. Put those factors together with new construction aimed at accommodating an expanding student base and you get some pretty interesting architecture. Perhaps more importantly, some of the newer buildings feature a lavish use of interior space. If you’re a Gleasonite or Boothian confined to the drab brick and whitewash walls of the

older academic buildings, consider taking a walk across the glass-encased sky bridge connecting Gleason and Golisano. Eat lunch beside a view of the green roof atop the central chamber of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability. You could finish your trip with a siesta in one of the spacious modern lounges in the adjoining College of Health Sciences and Technology. Whatever college you call home, time spent exploring in places off your own beaten path is rarely wasted. There are a vast number of resources on campus for relaxation, study and research available for anyone who looks. You never know when the discoveries of one adventurous afternoon might come in handy down the line.

Orientation 11

by Kasey Mathews | photography by James Porras | design by Justin Frohlich

he stresses of college can build up fast and quickly become overwhelming. Thus, taking care of your mental health early on is extremely important; as difficult as it may seem, there are plenty of resources available to all RIT students to help you at every step of the way. Take it from me. I live by the philosophy that busy minds don’t have time to dwell. To some degree, I still believe that’s true. I stay active to keep myself from growing bored and apathetic. Yet, keeping busy is no substitute for taking care of your problems. Last year I’d been busier than I had ever been before. I was involved in almost every aspect of campus life at some point in the past several months, from being a brother in a professional fraternity to helping organize an educational conference. I helped to start my own club and I got involved in a long-existing one. I’ve worked with Reporter and Student Government and everything in between. So long as I didn’t slow down, I would stay active both intra- and extracurricularly. It kept me active and motivated me to finish my coursework as well as excel in other areas. But I wasn’t happy. Staying busy can help distract from the small things as you let them pass. When 12 Orientation

larger problems arise, though, being that busy only helps to add to the greater issue — so I learned the hard way. My stress and depression stretched my already-fragile sleep schedule until I was no longer able to wake up in the mornings. It was

a struggle to pull myself out of bed before noon. I missed classes, had to reschedule several meetings at the last minute and completely blew off responsibilities because I was so unmotivated to start the day. This ended up costing me my GPA.

I saw my grades dropping and it only added to the stresses I was already facing. I had a plan to come back from spring break reinvigorated, but that Tuesday I had already missed a class because I’d slept in. I missed the same class two days later on Thursday. No matter how determined I was to go to class the night before, the morning was always met by apathy and exhaustion. By the time I finally reached out to my professor to explain the situation, it was far too late. There was nothing she could do for me. It’s important to talk to someone before it gets to such a point. Similar situations are certainly not unheard of both across campus and across the nation. As pointed out on Psychology Today, a great resource and website devoted to providing information from professionals on many different topics, mental health is a growing concern for 95 percent of college campuses. However there are resources on campus to help students with such crises. Not everyone will make use of the different mental health resources on campus, but it’s good to know they’re available and how they can help you. Best of all, RIT recognizes that different people work through their difficulties in different ways, so there are a multitude of resources and options for students to use.

Traditional Resources

The August Center in the middle of campus houses the center for Counseling and Psychological Services. Alongside individual counseling and therapy, group counseling sessions and workshops are also available. Counseling and Psychological Services recently experienced a large expansion, too, allowing for a wider range of capabilities and shorter wait times. The staff at the August Center are well-trained and always have their patients in mind. Since they operate on a college campus, they also have a more in-depth understanding of the stresses experienced by RIT students. This way they are more in tune with local and conditional factors of mental health. If Counseling and Psychological Services isn’t for you, there’s also an option to speak to an Ombudsperson. The Ombuds Office is a division of RIT that works outside of policy and procedure to attempt to find a resolution to problems amicably. They are also available to support students and listen to their needs. All conversations with Ombudspeople are confidential

and they are not required to report any findings from to their talks with students.

Community-Based Resources

The Q Center is available to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Q Center is a safe area for students to come to in order to escape the stresses of the campus. They look to promote a welcoming environment and a place to eat dinner and hang out with friends with the comfort of acceptance. The Q Center allows for LGBTQIA+ community members at RIT to empathize with those around them. The center also has experience in helping students with specific issues that may be more common to the LGBTQIA+ population. For those who identify as a member of the ALANA (African, Latin, Asian and Native American) community, the Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) can be a great resource to find help. The ALANA faculty and staff empathize well with students and can help to connect students with more resources both within RIT and beyond. For those who take solace in their faith or spirituality, the Center for Religious Life is also a great option to seek counseling. Its assistant director, Rev. Monica Sanford, is an ordained Buddhist lay minister. She is also a chaplain and has a vast amount of experience in speaking with students and helping them through troubling times. The Center for Religious Life is open to all students, no matter their background for faith, and you’re bound to find an organization that fits your religious preferences — whether it be with Cru, Hillel or the Muslim Student Association.

Other Resources

The most important thing is the ability to talk about what’s on your mind. If you’d rather not speak with a professional, talk to your peers — your friends! Your family is always a great support system, too. Otherwise, try writing a blog or a diary. Just seeing or hearing the words can often ease much of the stress. Don’t wait until it’s too late. With the variety of resources on campus, including more not listed here, there are endless ways to deal with anxiety and depression. Instead of letting it boil over and cause a crisis situation either mentally, socially or academically, try speaking with another person. Having someone there to listen can be a great help. For those on the other end, don’t be afraid to listen. We can only get better as a collective group if we all agree to help each other. Rather than treat mental health as a taboo topic, it should be seen as being just as important as physical health. So, next time you’re feeling down, don’t just bury your emotions. Talk to someone. Listen to others. Go out and communicate. We are a community. We are a family. We have to show it.

“RIT recognizes that different people work through their difficulties in different ways”

Orientation 13

rit eats by Olivia Lopatofsky design & illustration by Lily Garnaat

14 Orientation

global village cantina and grille

ctrl alt deli

Affectionately known as “Salsa’s” (short for Salsarita’s Mexican Grill), everything on the Mexican inspired side is great, but going too often gets old quickly. The Global Grille is usually good, often offering Asian style dishes like Thai stir fry; however serving sizes are small for the price. The dining area is nice and spacious, making for a great place to meet your friends for lunch. During the early part of the year, the outdoor seating area is a lovely spot to eat, study and soak in the sun before it’s gone.

This is a small spot but they produce a lot of food. The pizzas, hot subs and sandwiches are all amazing! Daily soup specials are always delicious. Even the pre-packaged wraps are tasty and great for the price. It’s a nice spot to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee.

cafe and market at crossroads

midnight oil

ritz sports zone

Daily specials are a hit or miss, however there are a multitude of options including sub, pizza, pasta, grill and Chinese buffet stations. The Chinese buffet is pretty popular, offering typical Americanized Chinese food. Most students seem to order burgers and fries or get a meal from the visiting chef. While offering the same options you’ll find most other places on campus, there is also a market right next door if you’re just craving a snack or wanting to stock up your pantry.

Classic Starbucks on a college campus. The drinks are how you would expect, the sandwiches are just okay and the brownies and other desserts are very rich. It’s usually cramped inside, so many opt to grab their drinks and go. If you’re just looking to get a plain coffee, it’s better to go somewhere else than wait in the line.

Great spot for athletes to fuel up with pasta, salads, subs and pizza. There is a build-yourown-pasta station, a create-your-own-calzone station, as well as your typical deli shop. In addition, it has a burger and fries station and and a panini place, which are pretty good. If you like ESPN, this is a perfect place to park for lunch, as it’s always airing on their large screen. ESPN fan or not, RITz is the place to be. The main downsides are that it can get rather cramped and is a rather dark area with few windows to provide natural light.

brick city

nathan’s soup & salad

dining commons

My favorite place to eat on campus. The salad bar is amazing and super fresh. Daily specials are delicious nine times out of ten. Breakfast sandwiches are great if you have time to walk to the SAU in the morning, as they are pre-made yet fresh and easy to grab on the go. They serve rolls, too, which I haven’t been able to find in any other dining spot on campus.

A must-try for soup lovers. The “salad” in the name is misleading, as it refers to chicken or tuna salad sandwiches. Though a bit pricey, the sandwiches are delicious and the bread is always super fresh and sliced thick. The soups are wonderful, too. They serve classics like Italian Wedding but also get adventurous with soups like Buffalo Chicken. I’d like to see them expand their menu to include more recipes, but overall it is worth a trip.

The “other” freshman dining spot. They have upped their options lately and the food has improved a lot since my freshman year. Daily specials are usually very good and you can’t go wrong with the pasta or pizza. A little known fact is that their chicken nuggets truly do taste good. Also, it’s the only place on campus to get a slushie!

grace watson dining hall

beanz

RIT’s only all-you-can-eat dining spot. Gracie’s essentially combines all the elements of the various dining spots on campus into one dining hall. They have fully-stocked salad, soup, fruit and dessert bars, as well as visiting chef options, rotating daily grill specials, sub stations, burgers, fries and so much more. You’ll probably get bored going there every day, but trust me, you will cherish the Gracie’s memories looking back. Also, free unlimited ice cream (perfect for the Freshman 15)!

Located just inside Grace Watson Hall, Beanz is the optimal freshman spot for all your coffee, hot chocolate, smoothie and pastry desires. Compared to Midnight Oil, it’s on residence side and while the line may seem long, the wait time is usually minimal. It’s accessible from the tunnels, too, so it’s ideal for trips in your pajamas on winter weekends when all you want to do crawl right back into bed.

Orientation 15

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