Friday, July 22, 2011 by OU Daily

SOWER trend. seek. learn. live. magazine

up what’s

NORMAN

FOOD SHOPPING WEEKENDS

PLAY

BYPLAY FOOTBALL ‘11

dorm room

study

EATS 34

YOUR GUIDE TO

SUCCESS ON THE HORIZON

SPOTS 19

TIPS FROM STUDENTS WHO’VE BEEN THERE 4

sooner yearbook’s

EXTREME makeover competition Want a new look for free? We’re looking for applicants (freshmen through seniors) who want to be a part of our latest story. If chosen, you’ll receive the full treatment: new hair, new clothes and a new style. Email your name, phone number, 100 words or less on why we should pick you and a current photo to yearbook@ou.edu.

Follow us on Twitter @sooneryb and like us on Facebook. Sooner yearbook is a publication of OU Student Media in the division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

table of contents

SOWER

summer 2011

Tips from students

WHAT’S UP NORMAN?

The Inside Scoop

How to Boomer Sooner

WAYS TO SAVE

To Buy Or Not?

Go-to Parking Guide

I’m Late, I’m Late

STUDY BUDDIES

Get Your Bizzell On

Taking Care of Business

Similar But a Transfer

PHOTOGRAPHERS Marc Breidy Nicole Robertson

By the Numbers

Om Nom Nom

DESIGNER Tysheeka Holley

Weather Safety

DORM EATS

Got Munchies?

I Heard It Through ...

To the Window ...

I Like to Move it

Check Up On it

Seasons of Flu

CONTINUATION

the staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Summars MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Worthen PHOTO EDITOR Ryan Phillips ART DIRECTOR Kimberly Fuller COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER Meghan Partain WRITERS Dalaney Flies Dana Henderson Christina McMahan Mariah Najmuddin Liana Willis Nicole Robertson

ADVERTISING MANAGER Cameron Jones EDITORIAL ADVISER Lori Brooks

SOWER S SO O WER Sower is a student-produced publication in OU Student Media, a department in the division of Student Affairs. © 2011 OU Student Media. OU Student Media. 560 Van Vleet Oval Room 149 A Norman, OK 73019 (405) 325-2521 www.studentmedia.ou.edu

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10 trend

TIPS FROM STUDENTS WHO’VE BEEN THERE COMPILED BY

don’t drive to classes (or on Lindsey St.) Just don’t. Norman traffic is crazy. Pedestrians are crazy. Bicyclists are crazy. Just walk; it’ll save you money and the Freshman 15.

be prepared for football games Sunscreen, water and Sooner spirit; tickets may be expensive but go to a football game.

8 take advantage of free OU has several freebies. Free food, free clothing, free pens, free free free. University College has tutoring services, seminars, everything to help your studies. And guess what? They’re free.

7a avoid the bike lane Bicyclists, and anyone on wheels, have their own lane for a reason.

7b avoid the

walk lane

Bikers you have your own lane; stay out of the walk lines

6 get involved OU has over 400 active organizations. Think only overachievers join clubs? Check out some non-traditional clubs including Cake Day, Hogwarts on Campus, Friends of Friends or GLBTF.

5 love dorm life Living in a dorm, with roommates, is another ingredient for making instant friends. Use the dorm as a networking device to find friends. You never know who loves your “Doctor Who” and “Mad Men” references.

4 use SafeRide & SafeWalk Call to walk across campus with someone or be driven by someone sober. Not only will it save you money, (hello, gas is almost $4 a gallon) you will stay safe. Who likes being paranoid at night, anyway?

Sower Staff

3 go to class College isn’t like high school. Classes are more difficult and some professors don’t take attendance. It’s your fault if you don’t know the material.

2 your meal points are golden Don’t let upperclassmen take advantage of you; take advantage of them. Your meal points can be used as a bartering tool. Upperclassmen will do just about anything for meal points. Make them show you around campus, help you study or recommend classes in exchange for food.

1 organize your time A planner may save your academic and social life. Plan when you’re going to finish homework, exercise and have fun. Check out the free planners given away on campus.

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trend

what’s NORMAN

FOOD

FOOD SHOPPING WEEKENDS

STORY BY Liana Willis ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY Emily PHOTOS BY Marc Breidy

Summars

Price range you can get away with: $ - $10 and under $$ - $11 to $30 $$$ - $31 to $50 $$$$ - $51 and up

VICTORIA’S PASTA SHOP 327 White St.

Victoria’s Pasta Shop is tucked away in a discrete area of Campus Corner. After 20 years, the shop has developed a strong following. Kiel Dehnert, an employee at Victoria’s, says lasagna rolls are the shop’s most popular food item. The lasagna rolls are an intense mixture of cheese, shrimp and marinara sauce combined for a mini chunk of heaven. “The food is prepared essentially in front of people,” says Bob McCloy, a regular customer.

FOODS

529 Buchanan Ave.

While prices can run up to $15.95 at La Luna Mexican Cafe, cheaper alternatives are available, like Taco Tuesdays, starring $2 carne asada tacos, and Happy Hour, from 3 to 6 p.m., with $3 nachos. Assistant Manager Emilee Littlejohn says students like the restaurant for the great Mexican food as well as the fun atmosphere. Sit out on the patio and wait to feed Earl the Squirrel queso and chips. He’ll eat right out of you hand.

PRICE: $$

LA LUNA MEXICAN CAFE

THE EARTH Cafe & Deli 750 Asp Ave.

If you are searching for healthful food to combat the Freshman 15, The Earth is the perfect place. Manager Marty Landers says all of the food is organic and imported from some of the best organic food suppliers in the country. The Earth is vegan-friendly, which means the food doesn’t contain meat or animal byproducts. The juices and smoothies are the most popular drinks while the über burger is the most popular entree. We suggest a chai tea latte and ginger cookie.

PRICE: $

PRICE: $$

BISON WITCHES 211 E. Main St.

Bison Witches features gourmet deli sandwiches, bread-bowl soups and salads. A popular hot spot on the weekends, the restaurant turns small bar with a fun atmosphere and an entertaining waitstaff. While it may attract beer connoisseurs because of its bar feel, anyone can enjoy the food. It even has a sandwich called “The Sooner:” thin slices of roast beef with melted Gouda cheese. You can half sandwiches and add a smaller portion of soup to create a meal for around $8.

PRICE: $

trend

PAD THAI

119 W. Boyd St. Suite 104 For students with a busy schedule, Pad Thai is a great place to dine. Meals are specially preprepared to get you out quick. General Manager Atchara Phanphat says meal preparation takes “about five minutes.” She describes the food as “sour, sweet and spicy.” For around $9, you can get a meal anytime, but the quickest and cheapest meals are served during lunch. You pick four food items from egg rolls to egg drop soup and it’s ready instantly.

PRICE: $

SHOPPING

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CHECK OUT SO MUCH MORE ONLINE!

EXPLORE NORMAN Have a sweet tooth that you just can’t resist? Check out staff writer Dalaney Flies’s top 5 sweet shops online.

www.oudaily.com/news/features MORE: SHOPPING www.oudaily.com/news/features RESTAURANTS www.oudaily.com/news/features NIGHTLIFE www.oudaily.com/news/features www.oudaily.com/news/features www.oudaily.com/news/features www.oudaily.com/news/features

Local, unique and bursting with great merchandise, Norman boutiques have all you need to satisfy your cravings for cloth. Whether you’ve been a Normanite all your life or a new student, be sure to check out these five shops.

4 Impulse 209 E. Main St.

2 Violet Avenue 763 Asp Ave.

1 Savvy 761 Asp Ave.

Joe’s Jeans, Citizens, urrent Elliots and atterson J. Kincaid are just few of the many designer ands Savvy carries after arly 10 years of business. ut beware of sticker ock. Savvy carries great ality for a high price. The pense can be well worth e investment. One of Savvy’s managers, ss Taylor, says that ople will find their vorite jeans at Savvy and en they’ll come back hen it’s worn out or when e season changes. Like ost department stores, vvy has seasonal sales. ut unlike department ores, Taylor attests the ore carries truly unique ands instead of generic and names found at e mall.

PRICE: $$$$

Walking in, you’d think Violet Avenue is just another brightly colored, feminine boutique with impeccable clothing on its racks. After looking around, you’re sure to notice more unusual aspects of the shop, like the Worst Case Scenario Handbook displayed among trendy accessories on the counter, dainty Oklahoma necklaces and fair-trade bracelets. Owner Becca Chansolme says (along with the Oklahoma necklaces) the bracelets are one of the shop’s most popular items. All items are geared towards women who are, “fashionable, trendy, kind of vibrant personalities,” Chansolme says.

PRICE: $$$

3 Anty Shanty 318 E. Main St.

Recently opened Anty Shanty, has become a contender among Norman boutiques. With white bunnies hopping frivolously in their pens at the front of the store and a venue in the back for occasional music shows, it is hardly your average shopping destination. Anty Shanty specializes in vintage clothing for younger people interested in fashion. “Interesting prints, awesome patterns and textures you just can’t find in the mall,” Mariah Gillespie says, an avid fanturned-assistant. Sales do not necessarily go with the season at Anty Shanty so employees encourage their vintage-loving followers to sign up for email updates.

PRICE: $$

“We try to carry things that are unique,” says Gabby Bevel, a sales clerk at Impulse. “[The owners] look specifically for things that you can’t find at other boutiques.” For guys: The men’s clothing section continues to expand, unique to Norman boutiques.

PRICE: $$$

5 Outreach Thrift Store 621 12th Ave. NE

Thrifting, a fashionista’s word for steals and deals. “Basically everybody ... wants to save where they can and people donate things that are just as good as new, so people can shop and dress well and save money,” Manager Jessyca Dupler says. Different daily colored tags denote sale items.

PRICE: $ *Prices subject to change.

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trend

what’s

N O R M A N

Price range you can get away with: $ - $10 and under $$ - $11-$20 $$$ - $21 and up

Fun can be educational and FRED J free. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum MUSEU ONES JR. M OF A of Art is free with your student ID. RT The museum’s 16,000-object permanent collection includes a variety of pieces from different eras: French Impressionism, American Indian, Asian and contemporary art. The museum hosts lectures, films and symposiums. Every second Friday of each month, the museum helps sponsor Art á la Carte, which includes a different art activity, live music and short films from OKC’s deadCENTER Film Festival, an organization that supports independent films in Oklahoma.

PRICE: $

WEEKENDS

GRAY OW COFFEE

Gray Owl is not just another study hot spot. Many people come to hang out and talk with friends or enjoy the many board games Gray Owl stocks for customer use. Check out the artwork on the walls while you are there with your cuppa joe. “Every two to three months the art changes,” says Rick Dean, a Gray Owl employee. Normanite Christianna Clark says she comes for the “good pastries and good coffee ... the casual environment; a place where you can stay awhile.”

PRICE: $

trend

UNION PROGRAMMING BOARD MOVIES

CHECK OUT WHAT’S ONLINE!

Friday movie nights, sponsored by the Union Programming Board, are a great way to kick off a weekend. In the fall, UPB will play “Thor,” “Hangover II” and other new releases. Movies are in Meacham Auditorium in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. “If you are an avid moviegoer like I am, you’ll love going to these free showings,” says political science and English senior Matt Farley. “ It’s easy to find a showing that fits into your schedule.”

Navigating a social life in college can be difficult, especially for students under 21. Explore some under-21 friendly hot spots online. www.oudaily.com/news/ features

PRICE: $

RIVERWIN

D CASIN

Riverwind Casino is open 24/7 you but have to be 18 to gamble. Riverwind offers varieties of gambling from card games to more than 2,500 electronic or table games.

PRICE: $$

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DERBI

HUN AKE T

Lake Thunderbird is a great place to go if you want to spend some time in the sun. Many activities are available to do on-site at Lake Thunderbird. For OU students on a budget, renting tent sites, archery, biking, kayaking, fishing, hiking, even horseback riding can be an inexpensive day vacation. “When we are at Lake Thunderbird for the day, we grill lunch, sunbathe, read magazines and some people fish,” OU alumna Courtney Peters says. “I have seen people swimming in the lake,” Peters said, but she added she would not. “Swimming in Lake Thunderbird is for the truly fearless lake goers!”

PRICE: $

Q A

trend

the inside scoop

What problems do students have with OU? Sower gets the inside scoop with the anonymous creator of @OUProblems.

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STORY BY

Mariah Najmuddin

Editor’s Note: We allowed the creator to keep his or her identity anonymous to get the truth behind OU Problems.

What inspired you to start the @OUProblems Twitter account?

The project began with me scheduling posts via SocialOomph.com of things that people generally complain about: The fact that campus doesn’t exactly seem that dry on game days, traffic on Lindsey, the ever-popular sprinklers watering the sidewalks, too few electrical outlets in Bizzell, the squirrels, etc. After a month or two, I couldn’t personally think of anything else. I felt like I had exhausted my own resources, so I began retweeting people and it seemed to catch on and now I have over 1,800 followers. In order to maintain the account, I try to sign in at least once a day to check up on followers (I always follow back), retweet no more than five tweets at any one sitting (so I don’t spam people’s feed), and keep up with people to tag #OUProblems. What is the purpose of the account? I wanted @OUProblems to be an amusing social commentary for our university, not necessarily a representation of campus negativity or real “problems,” and I think it’s been true to its original intent. What’s the wildest tweet you’ve received? I love it when multiple people tweet the same things because they have class together or were all in the same area (like when the preachers are on the South Oval). Somehow I like to think I’m bringing classmates together. Someone once asked me when I was going to reveal myself, which I must say it was flattering that it was of such concern. I thought about it for half a second and responded with, “When I graduate?” As far as revealing myself, only a handful of people know I run the account, but I admit it’s hard for me not to tell everyone.

Have you received any feedback about the accounts? Of course those of my friends who know about it think it’s pretty cool and that I’ve become somewhat of a “campus celebrity,” but I just have fun with it. There have been a couple of instances where people get

mad that I don’t retweet them and I’ve been known to “black list” those who complain. With the first instance that comes to mind, the girl tweeted about a subject that had already been mentioned several times. One, she needs to pay more attention. Two, it’s up to me as to what is retweeted CAC elections, Big Event and any mentioning of athlete’s special treatment tends to get a little more attention, but that’s understandable. They’re huge events involving large groups of students. All in all, I try to stay somewhat non-biased despite my own personal opinions. Do you think it’s important for students to voice their opinions about the problems at OU? Yes, I do think it is important. Although at its original conception @OUProblems was not intended to be anything political. It is a sort of forum for students, whether any university official takes note or not. I will admit, however, so many of the things tweeted aren’t serious problems but rather humorous observations about the students surroundings.

Are you doing anything specific to bring these problems to the attention of campus leaders? I have not contacted any university officials, but shortly after making @OUProblems, and once it gained some popularity, someone created an account to counter mine called something along the lines of “OU Problems and Solutions.” Last time I looked they had tweeted three times, once to me saying to send any problems their way and they can attempt to fix things. To be honest, a lot of what people complain about or comment on are frivolous things that don’t necessarily have solutions to them. Take the lack of electrical outlets in the library for instance, I mean really, the only thing they could realistically do about that is provide power bars and surge protectors. Do I want the University of Oklahoma to acknowledge any of the more pressing matters? Sure, more power to them. I think even acknowledging that these concerns are out there would really show they listen to the student voice.

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trend

HOW TO

BOOMER SOONER STORY BY

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Sooner

Yearbook

Meghan Par

tain

On game day, you’ll scream and raise your No. 1 in the air with 85,000 of your closest friends. And you’ll love every sweaty minute of it.

ou’ve survived the first week of classes and only gotten lost a handful of times. You’re surprisingly ahead on your reading and assignments, and you’ve figured out how to milk your meal plan for all it’s worth. Now your attention is focused on what may be every Sooner’s favorite fall day: the first home football game. Being a student at the University of Oklahoma has some pretty nice perks. Football season tickets may be one of the best things you’ll encounter in your four-year career. Season tickets cost $170, plus a $15 handling fee, and can be purchased on SoonerSports.com or by visiting the ticket office on the west side of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Contrary to popular belief, it is not impossible for incoming freshmen to get season football tickets. In fact, 1,200 tickets are reserved for freshmen, according to Kenny Mossman, OU’s senior associate athletics director for communications. Any unused season ticket will be available for online purchase at 8 a.m. on Aug. 15.

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SOWER

quick hit what to bring and must-haves for football games

1 2

Considering that an average of 1,250 new students order tickets each year, the odds are favorable. However, in case demand exceeds quantity, a lottery drawing will be held on the afternoon of Aug. 19 to determine who gets the available tickets. If Lady Luck isn’t on your side, don’t fret. There are still ways to attend a game. Unclaimed tickets are made available on a first-come, firstserve basis at 8 a.m. Thursday mornings before game days. For early nonconference games, showing up at 9 or 10 might get you a ticket, but when Big 12 play rolls around, students have been known to camp out overnight to ensure their place in line the next morning. Where do those unused tickets come from? If you’re lucky enough to order and receive season football tickets, it is your responsibility

game day Follow these tips from students and you’ll quickly be on your way to the perfect game day.

YOUR TICKET This should be a nobrainer, but the last thing you want to be is the first person in the stadium only to have to give up your place 10 minutes before the gates open because you left your ticket on that disaster you call your desk. STUDENT ID You cannot enter the stadium without your ID. Period. No exceptions. And yes, your picture must match your face, so good luck sneaking a non-student in with you without paying a pricey upgrade fee.

to pick them up. “Students can claim their ticket online starting the Sunday before the game at 5 p.m. until the Wednesday before the game 24/7 online at Soonersports.com and the ticket is emailed to them,” Mossman says. “Students can also come to the athletics ticket office Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and claim their ticket with their student ID.” Students are allowed to purchase one student ticket and one student guest ticket from the ticket office per game. If there are still no tickets to be found, check Twitter or Facebook. Students are almost always trying to get rid of tickets for a price. And, if all else fails, find a tailgate to crash. Sooners are a family and there will be someone willing to share their hotdogs and flat screen

1 dress

comfortably

2 wear

sensible shoes

3 arrive early

3 4

WATER BOTTLE “Be sure to drink plenty of water before the game, “ Stidham says. “[Games] are three to four hours and the concession lines are really long.” Students are allowed to bring one empty, plastic 20 oz. water bottle into the stadium. SUNBLOCK Trust us, you’ll need to invest in some high-SPF sunscreen. You’ll enter the stadium two hours before the game starts and spend a majority of your time sitting in direct sunlight.

with a student. “[Tailgating] is one of the most interesting experiences I have had thus far,” Briana Coghlan says, international business and supply chain management sophomore. “It is so easy to make new friends with nearby tents. It’s awkward … but as long as you’re surrounded by friends and Sooner fans, it’s a blast.” Not convinced it’s worth all the trouble? OU alumnus Brett Stidham disagrees and encourages all freshmen to attend at least one game for the incomparable experience of a game at Owen Field. “Imagine a time when you were the most excited you have ever been in your life,” Stidham says. “Now multiply that by 20 and that is the emotion of a home football game.”

T-shirts and denim are the best things you can wear. Hats and sunglasses are a good idea if the game is in the morning or afternoon. The student section faces west and the sun doesn’t completely dip behind the press box. Be warned, you will not sit down. Breathable tennis shoes are best or closed-toed shoes of some kind. Your toes will thank you when 85,000 pairs of feet don’t trample them.

To get the best seat, arrive early. Student seats are on a first-come first-serve basis. Need we say more?

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learn

SHOW ME THE MONEY $$$

WAYS TO SAVE YOUR GREEN STORY BY

Liana Willis

MONDAY MORNIN’ RAIN IS FALLIN’ New college students love attendance policies. Many professors don’t even take attendance. Skipping class is tempting, but don’t. A student paying in-state tuition can waste $2 per credit hour. An out of state student wastes even more by skipping a class - $631.10.

THERE’S A RUMBLY IN MY TUMMY

Students who have a meal plan need to be aware of just how much money you can lose by not using it carefully. Your meal plan gives you a certain amount of meals and meal points per semester [see page 32]. Meals do not roll over from week to week, and meal points do not roll over from semester to semester. Two meals left at the end of the week means you waste $16. The same waste goes for meal points. Meal points are $1 per point, so if you have 600 points for the semester you have $600 you need to spend on campus. One way to budget is to figure out how many points you have per week and make sure you do not go over. But don’t be too stingy or you’ll have too many points at the end of the semester.

Any way you can avoid spending cash on campus food is worth it,” says Josie Roberts, engineering physics sophomore. “I brought my own breakfast and lunch to school all but once a week ... groceries are much less expensive than Union food.”

WORKIN’ ON MY FITNESS Before joining a gym, consider the Huston Huffman Center first. It’s included in tuition. You could save an additional $120 per semester by not getting a gym membership.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Let’s face it, entertainment is expensive. If you are used to buying music from iTunes for $1.29 per song, consider using pandora.com, a free online radio station where you can customize your own station with music suited specifically to your taste. CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

learn

to buy or not to buy? HOW TO SPEND YOUR TEXTBOOK FUNDS

hen it comes to getting textbooks, being smart about where you shop could save you a lot of money, something college students notoriously lack. The OU Bookstore is the default place students go to buy textbooks. Starting this year, the OU Bookstore is offering an option for students who pre-order their books online to pick them up at Walker-Adams Mall during Sooner Orientation Weekend. A popular and cheaper alternative to buying your textbooks is renting. “Not all of our titles are rentable,” says Sean Nadole, accounting senior and OU Bookstore employee. “But, if books are eligible for rent I would say it’s better to rent them because you end up saving that 50 percent up front instead of buying the books and hoping that we buy them back at the end of the semester.” If you’re concerned about renting because you think you won’t be able to write in it, don’t fret. The OU Bookstore allows students to mark in textbooks, as long as the books remain in usable condition. As far as returning books, you get a receipt and you simply have to return it by the date on the receipt. “Usually the Monday after finals,” Nadole says. But not always. There’s a three-day grace period for returning books past the due date. If students over-extend the grace period, they will pay full price

Cover

Book

STORY BY

S 15 WER

Liana Willis

and keep the book. Don’t worry if a local bookstore does not have some books for rent. Chegg.com sells and rents textbooks. An added bonus, Chegg. com plants a tree for every rented book and gives back to various communities from their profits. Despite the ease of renting, some students still choose to purchase their own books. “I prefer to buy used books simply because they are cheaper,” says Robby Hare, geography sophomore. “I have not rented a textbook yet. It just doesn’t seem necessary to me. If you buy a textbook, you can sometimes make a profit from it ....” In most cases, look for a book at another seller before visiting the bookstore. “I bought some [books] from the OU bookstore, but quickly realized how expensive it is to buy new books,” says Corey Fisher, music education senior. “Since my sophomore year, I’ve always purchased textbooks online at eBay, Amazon, or Half.com, and that’s where I will buy them this year. It’s cheap and easy.” Be careful, book condition and selling price do not always match up in terms of quality. Sometimes the expensive books are in poor condition, but the cheap ones are in tip-top shape. Carefully read the book descriptions to make sure the book does not have too many markings, water damage or other issues.

OU Bookstore

Chegg.com

Amazon.com

Norton Field Guide to Writing By: Bullock Edition: 2nd

New: $58.50

New: $56.49

New: $48.75

Used: $44.00

Used: $41.31

Used: $34.00

Rent: N/A

Rent: $31.99

Rent: N/A

America: Past and Present (VI) By: Divine Edition: 8th

New: N/A

New: $65.49

New: $138.49

Used: $55.75

Used: $43.49

Used: $125.49

Rent: $36.20

Rent: $33.99

Rent: N/A

Biology By: Hoefnagels Edition: 2nd

New: N/A

New: $138.40

New: $95.00

Used: $129.75

Used: $125.49

Used: $102.24

Rent: $84.34

Rent: $72.49

Rent: N/A

CHECK OUT SO MANY MORE PLACES FOR BOOKS!

EXPLORE NORMAN

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out these other local bookstores for steals and deals on textbooks.

Ratcliffe’s Beat the Bookstore Boomer Book Co. and Sooner Textbooks

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learn

CAMPUS MAP PARKING? what’s up

CHECK OUT SOWER’S QUICK GO-TO GUIDE TO PARKING AND CART BUS ACCESS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Old Faculty Club Boyd House Whitehand Hall Catlett Music Center Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Fred Jones Jr. Art Center Fine Arts Center, Drama Reynolds Performing Arts Center Elm Avenue Parking Facility Physical Sciences Center Chemistry Annex Chemistry Building Burton Hall Sutton Hall Old Science Hall Evans Hall Carnegie Building Monnet Hall Buchanan Hall Oklahoma Memorial Union Oklahoma Memorial Union Parking Center Jacobson Faculty Hall, Visitor Center Carpenter Hall Carson Engineering Center Devon Energy Hall Felgar Hall Craddock Hall, Air Force ROTC Exxon Mobil/Lawrence G. Rawl Engineering Practice Facility Sarkeys Energy Center Engineering Laboratory Physical Plant Complex Nuclear Engineering Laboratory Rhyne Hall McCasland Field House Lissa and Cy Wagner Hall Price Hall Adams Hall Bizzell Memorial Library Ellison Hall Goddard Health Center Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center Hester Hall Nielsen Hall Gittinger Hall Robertson Hall Kaufman Hall Collings Hall Copeland Hall Dale Hall Tower Dale Hall Gaylord Hall Gould Hall Noble Electron Microscopy Laboratory Plant Sciences Greenhouse

It’s FREE to park at the Lloyd Noble Center. CART comes every 10 minutes.

HOUSING

BUS STOP

AFTER 4 P.M.

CHECK OUT WHAT’S ONLINE For a complete map visit parking For the Lloyd services at Noble Center, Stephenson www.ou.edu/parking Research Center and Learn which pass you need and National Weather how the to cheat tickets at Center, go South on www.oudaily.com/news/ Jenkins featuresAvenue. Don’t have a car? Check out Sower’s bus breakdown at www.oudaily.com/news/ features

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

George Lynn Cross Hall Richards Hall Armory, Army-Navy ROTC Asp Avenue Parking Facility Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Barry Switzer Center Cate Center Boren Hall, Honors College Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center Observatory and Landscape Department Adams Center Walker Tower Houston Huffman Physical Fitness Center

PRIORITY HOUSING

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

Couch Restaurants Couch Tower OCCE Sooner Suites OCCE McCarter Hall of Advanced Studies OCCE Thurman J. White Forum Building OCCE Administration Building Outreach Office Building Murray Case Sells Swim Center Cross Center OCCE Cross Center Main Coats Hall, Law Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

COMMUTER / EVENING

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seek

I’M LATE FOR A VERY I’M LATE

IMPORTANT DATE

With so many buildings, classes to get to and people to meet, the first couple of days on campus can be tough. Even the size of the campus can serve as an obstacle. Finding classes on the first day can be a game of “ Where’s Waldo?” But no need to worry. “They [freshman] have that entire weekend, within Sooner Orientation Weekend, to get familiar with where their classes are,” says Lauren Royston, marketing and public relations specialist for housing and food services. Sooner Orientation is especially helpful for new students on campus.

Residence halls walking north across Lindsey Street to the North Oval: This time counts from the entrance of Walker to the North Oval.

13 minutes

Catlett waling east on Boyd Street to Sarkeys:

11 minutes

Crosswalks on campus usually take about

1.5 minutes

to change. The crosswalks that seem to take the longest are the ones on Lindsey St. The crosswalks by Campus Corner or Sarkeys usually take less time.

Cate Center walking north on Elm Avenue to Goddard Health Center:

13 minutes

Dorms to the Oklahoma Memorial Union:

15 minutes

Dorms to Sarkeys Energy Center:

20 minutes

*All estimations are subject to change during times of heavy traffic.

STORY BY Dana

Henderson

During this weekend, students take campus tours. Students can figure out their way around and learn how long it takes to get from one building to another. “Take advantage of the things that happen during Sooner Orientation Weekend and make sure that you have proactively printed off your class schedule and found those classes on the campus map,” Royston advises. “All students need to scout out their classes,” says Courtney Green, coordinator for the visitor center.

study buddies Searching for the perfect study spot is harder than finding the perfect food. Check out these comfy campus corners. STORY BY Rachel

Worthen

1 OKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION With the aromas of Starbucks and Crossroads in the air, studying in one of the Union’s eating areas provides background noise and munchies galore. “I like to study in the Sooner Schooner room,” says Leighanne Dean, advertising junior. “There’s enough noise so you avoid deafening silence, but everyone else is either studying as well or occupied with their own conversation, so there’s not extraneous amounts of noise.” For a quieter study area, the main floor of the building offers cozy chairs in Beaird Lounge and popular study tables across from Meacham Auditorium.

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2 BIZZELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY One famed feature is the Great Reading Room. Students who need absolute quiet should check out this glorious sanctuary of silence. Many students unzip backpacks and turn on laptops before entering the room. Disturbing the absolute silence earns you a glare.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

PHOTOS BY

Ryan Phillips

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Continued from page 19 STUDY BUDDIES

3 COUCH RESTAURANTS

Students who like a lot of activity and noise when studying may like Couch Restaurants. The noise and frequent interruptions may drive some students up the wall but others find motivation in visits from friends at the popular destination. “I can snack while I study and see a bunch of people I know,” says Nathan Sartin, business management sophomore.

4 THE TOWERS

Just as many high school students prefer to do homework in the comfort of their home, many college students enjoy the seclusion of the dorms. Residents of the Towers can access study areas 24/7. Kyler Hermanski, industrial engineering sophomore, says he likes doing homework in the study rooms of the dorms. “It’s quiet and big enough for study groups,” he says.

SOWER

quick hit

If the top 4 didn’t catch your fancy, check out our full list

5 6 7 8

CATLETT MUSIC CENTER The Grant Fine Arts library features a large collection of books about art and music. PRICE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS The plush couches and chairs are a study heaven.

SARKEYS ENERGY CENTER Visit the Bedrock Cafe to refuel from hiking to this building. CATE MAIN Relax in a booth with friends and coffee from Roscoe’s.

9 10 11 12

GAYLORD The balcony on the third floor is good for studying or peeking at football practices.

COLLINGS HALL Study in quiet nooks with chocolate-hued furniture near the stairs.

FRED JONES CENTER The smell of dried paint and pottery wafts through the lounge. Take a look at an exhibit for a break. NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER Check out the observation deck on the seventh floor. It offers a great view of Norman.

GET YOUR BIZZELL ON

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STORY BY Rachel Worthen PHOTOS BY Ryan Phillips

the library contains ...

At the library, students can check out laptops and access over 200 computers. The library offers dozens of individual and group study rooms. Sarah Robbins, OU Libraries public relations officer, says students may use an “Ask Us” service for assistance. Students can contact librarians through the website’s live chat, or by phone, email and appointment.

Bizzell fun facts

The Bookmark Café

Lower Level 1

Nestled in the library’s basement, the Bookmark Café features coffee, tea and snacks for students in need of a study break. Sarah Hilbert, history and English senior, works in the cafe. She says she likes working there because the atmosphere is laid back and she has the chance to talk to a lot of different people. “Students don’t have to sit all alone like in the library,” she says. “It’s a good place to study or just hang out.” Arielle Thoman, café supervisor, says students can bring their own cup to save 50 cents on a drink, get a punch card to get every 10th drink free and buy a drink during happy hour every day from 2 to 4 p.m.

1.6 million

photographs

17,000

5million

volumes

1.5million

feet of archived manuscripts

maps

incunabula (books published before 1501)

Great Reading Room Level 2

This room’s majesty strikes students with awe and demands silence. Even clicking pens will get you a glare from students. Heath Renfrow, political science senior, says his favorite aspects of the library are, “the older parts because of the architecture.”

Reflection Room Level 2

Located in Room 214, the space gives students a quiet place for reflection and prayer. Area rugs absorb sound and give the dark space an inviting ambiance.

The library...

Library. The word alone brings memories of musty books and a librarian who shushes you and your friend. But Bizzell Memorial Library offers far more than books and cranky staff.

Technology

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Oklahoma Canyon Garden Lower Level 2 This hidden garden is located on the bottom level of the library. The best way to reach this treasure is to venture to the basement, find the stairs and head down. Signs guide students through a maze of offices. Once outside, look up from the oasis to see the side of the clocktower.

Nicole Robertson

ranks second for volumes held in the Big 12

is the largest research library in Oklahoma

has been a governmental despository library since 1893

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taking care of business Your first exam is in less than a week and you’ve skipped class pretty much the whole semester. Wait, you did go two weeks ago just to get a glimpse of the cute person in front of you. Well now that you’re freakin’, here are some services you may find helpful. STORY BY

Christina McMahan

PHOTO BY

University College

University College helps students who have not decided on a major or must meet certain requirements before joining their chosen college. The Student Learning Center, one of five branches of University College, offers two programs: U.C. Action Tutoring and the Student Success Series. While these programs are tailored to new students, many of them are available to all students. The Student Learning Center is located on the second floor of Wagner Hall in Room 245.

U.C. Action Tutoring

Worried about the Spanish, chemistry and finance finals? U.C. Action Tutoring offers free help for OU students in over 65 different subjects. Interim Director of the Student Learning Center, Mark Walvoord says U.C. Action Tutoring employs two full-time tutors, graduate assistants and welltrained undergraduate Peer Learning Assistants. Tutoring appointments can be made online or in person but walk-ins are welcome. Small group tutoring sessions and online sessions are available by appointment. The Student Learning Center website features a full list of available subjects and the tutoring schedule for the semester. According to Walvoord, the U.C. Action Tutoring was visited 8,000 times by 2,000 different students during the fall 2010 semester. Tutoring is free to all students.

Student Success Series

The Student Success Series offers walk-in 50-minute seminars taught by faculty and graduate assistants. Walvoord says the seminars cover different topics including time management,

Ryan Phillips

avoiding procrastination, managing stress and choosing a major or minor. These seminars are free to students and available both semesters. Seminars are usually small, between four to six students, and allow for one-on-one attention. Featuring speakers from many different colleges and university programs, the Student Success Series seminars are held in Wagner Hall Room 245.

The Writing Center

The OU Writing Center is housed on the second floor of Wagner Hall. In addition to helping students with their academic writing, the Writing Center is home to several groups, including a creative writing group. Beyond the academic programs available, The OU Writing Center is, “just another place to find trusted readers, regardless of your writing level,” says Moira Ozias, the associate director of OU Learning, Teaching and Writing. “The Center isn’t about improving writing, it’s about improving the writer,” Graduate Consultant William Palmer says. Last year over 6,000 students from nearly every discipline visited the OU Writing Center. Phillip Zhang, psychology senior and undergraduate writing consultant, recommends all new students stop by during their first semester. “Don’t wait till you have a writing problem to get involved,” Zhang says. “Even students who think their writing skills are very good, you may need help transitioning into college writing smoothly.” Like the University College Learning Center, the Writing Center is free for all OU students.

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SIMILAR TO A FRESHMAN

BUT A TRANSFER

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Even though transferring may feel like starting all over again, OU has many outlets for transfer students to find their niche.

STORY BY Rachel Worthen PHOTOS BY Ryan Phillips

TOP

tarting college is always rough, even if you’ve done it before. Trust us, we know. Don’t be alarmed if you feel like a freshman again after you transfer. OU is huge and it takes time to absorb Sooner Nation. Many students find networking is the best way to get acclimated to OU. “I wish someone would have told me to contact more departments ... in order to ask questions to more people and have more information about the campus,” says Courtney Goforth,

out of state representative for the Transfer Student Advisory Board and journalism senior. Karen Hudson, journalism senior, emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities available to OU students. “If someone had told me ... how many once-in-a-lifetime experiences I’d have in ... 12 months, I would have wondered what sort of drugs they were taking,” Hudson says. Continued on Page 51

TRANSFER TIPS

1 Go Big or Go Home

2 Just Relax

Take your time because transferring is a major adjustment.

Don’t be afraid to say you’re a transfer and need help. “I would say, just be true to who you are and fight through the first few hard weeks and find the place where you fit,” Jamei Hannan says, speech pathology junior. “Don’t try to conform to fit somewhere. You will find your place.”

5 Get Involved

3 Ask Questions

The Transfer Student Advisory Board organized events for transfer students to meet other transfers and learn about OU.

You will never find out the answers unless you ask.

4 Parking is a pain

Students can park on the north side of Lloyd Noble Center and ride the bus to campus if they don’t want to buy a permit. (See online) Signs mark where students with permits can and cannot park.

Important Buildings Make these buildings your first landmarks on campus.

1 Robertson Hall

Get your parking permit on the third floor. Order online for convenience.

Memorial 2 Oklahoma Stadium Bookstore

Find textbooks here. The bookstore in the union does not carry textbooks.

3 Jacobson Hall

Visit OU Transfer Representative Michael Hoggatt’s office.

4 Oklahoma Memorial Union

A great place to eat, spend time in the bookstore or chill between classes. Check out the Union Programming Board’s activities and get your ID card in the Sooner OneCard office.

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by the numbers Check out how freshmen in the past and present size up. STORY BY Dana

Henderson

ach year, thousands of students apply to the for the Pride Of Oklahoma. Typically, students from out University of Oklahoma from as far away as of state and foreign countries account for 33 percent of China and as close as Norman. Matt Hamilton, on campus enrollment of 22,258 students, according to department of the 2009 OU Factbook. admissions and records, says While some students come the freshmen class entering from far away, others come from in the fall of 2011 is the Oklahoma, Texas or surrounding largest freshmen class in the states. In fact, the majority of university’s history. students outside of Oklahoma hail “For this incoming class, from the Lone Star State, totaling we crossed historical 3,998 students. Other states from thresholds both in numbers where future Sooners hail include of applications received California, Kansas, Missouri, and applicants admitted,” Colorado, and Illinois. Hamilton says. The average age for undergraduate For fall of last year, students enrolled in OU is 21 and there were 3,760 incoming there are more men enrolled then freshman at the Norman women. - Matt Hamilton, department campus, 2009 OU Factbook. The average ACT and converted of admissions and records SAT score is 25.8. In fall 2010, OU This year there are over 4,000 incoming freshman, had 225 National Merit Scholars, according to Chris Shilling, according to the OU National Merit university press secretary. Scholars Office. OU is currently ranked No. 1 This class is sure to bring their own culture to OU. Julius among all public universities in the number of freshman Shen from Shanghai, China, lives over 10,000 miles from National Merit Scholars enrolled. Norman. Shen plays the saxophone and plans to audition

“

... We crossed historical thresholds both in numbers of applications received and applicants admitted.

”

FRESHMEN fun facts

3,760 students This year’s freshman class ...

4,000

10,000miles

over

Students from out of state and foreign countries account for ...

33%

... of campus enrollment that totals ...

students

*According to Chris Shilling, university press secretary

from Norman to Shanghai, China, home of Julius Shen.

22,258

25.8

*According to OU’s 2009 Factbook, unless stated otherwise

Total students from the Lone Star State ...

3,998

2009’s freshman class ...

average undergraduate age

225

National Merit Scholars

average ACT and converted SAT score

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by the numbers Check out how freshmen in the past and present size up. STORY BY Dana

Henderson

“

... We crossed historical thresholds both in numbers of applications received and applicants admitted.

”

FRESHMEN fun facts

3,760 students This year’s freshman class ...

4,000

10,000miles

over

Students from out of state and foreign countries account for ...

33%

... of campus enrollment that totals ...

students

*According to Chris Shilling, university press secretary

from Norman to Shanghai, China, home of Julius Shen.

22,258

25.8

*According to OU’s 2009 Factbook, unless stated otherwise

Total students from the Lone Star State ...

3,998

2009’s freshman class ...

average undergraduate age

225

National Merit Scholars

average ACT and converted SAT score

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OM NOM NOM Three ways to pay are confusing when all you want is a tasty sandwich.

OU is known for many things. Ask any upperclassmen, and he or she may mention our great football team or the diverse campus, but he or she won’t forget Couch Restaurants. Many students, and all freshmen living in the dorms, have a meal plan. Meal plans include points, meal exchanges and the optional Sooner Sense. Remembering which payment option is best at each location may be confusing, but don’t fret, meal plans can be changed until Sept. 19.

STORY BY Mariah

Najmuddin

WHAT

meal exchanges

points

sooner sense

HOW IT WORKS

Accepted all day at any campus dining location south of Lindsey St. and at the Union, Bookmark after 2 p.m., not accepted at Xcetra

Accepted all day at every dining location on campus, includes Xcetera

VALUE

FUN FACT

DOWN SIDE WHAT SOONERS SAY

A general value of $7, limited to two packaged items at every campus dining location

Each point is valued at $1

Works like a debit card

Includes free small Freshens frozen yogurt with one topping from Couch Restaurants

Can be used to purchase Starbucks products (including mugs and desserts) in the Union

Can be used on laundry in the dorms

Do not roll over from week to week

Easy to splurge, run out quickly

Same as money, no real savings

“The thing that needs to be changed is the time frame.” Son Truong Latin Sophomore

“It’s nice not having to carry money around and it’s convenient. “ Allison Polzein Accounting Sophomore

“It was too hard to use… [I] only used it once.” Cary Williams International Business Senior

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BOOM, BOOM

POW T

STORY AND PHOTO BY

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms. Be prepared to move indoors.

Tornado Watch Conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms, which may produce tornadoes. Although a tornado is not imminent, be alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning A severe thunderstorm is in your immediate area, or on its way. Move indoors, away from windows.

Tornado Warning A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar in your immediate area. Get to the lowest level of your building and away from windows. If you have time, it is a good idea to grab your purse/wallet with a photo ID.

Welcome to Tornado Alley. Don’t worry, the Land of Oz is not imminent — but it is important to be storm-savvy.

Nicole Robertson

his April, the South experienced one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in United States history. According to OU School of Meteorology 2011 graduate Tim Marquis, the event could have been much worse due to the numerous people who went out to film the tornado rather than take cover. “Many have an almost cry-wolf mentality and go outside when tornadoes strike,” he says. “It’s no wonder recent National Weather Service studies have shown that only 10 percent of people know what to do when a tornado warning is issued.” OU had its own close call on May 10, 2010, when a tornado touched down near South Campus. Another pair of twisters came close to Norman May 24. Human relations senior Oral Blankson says he went to the locker rooms of the Huston Huffman Center to take cover. “I felt very safe,” he says. “Plus, we got to hang out

what’s the difference?

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in the girls’ locker room for awhile, so that was all right.” What should you do if a tornado warning is issued for Norman? Take shelter. It’s a good idea to have a weather radio handy for hazardous weather days. They can be found in stores for under $40. Local radio stations such as OU’s 106.3 FM and 1400 AM provide up-to-date weather information. Dr. Kevin Kloesel, associate dean of the OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and director of the Oklahoma Climate Survey, stresses the importance of storm readiness. “Being prepared for tests and final exams can save your grade, but being prepared for severe weather in this part of the country can save your life,” he says. For a complete list of routes to safety in each OU campus building and advice for when you are outside or in a car, visit www.ou.edu/oupd/tornado.

SAFETY DANCE Concerned about campus safety? Don’t be. Check out these highlights STORY BY Christina

SafeRide. SafeRide provides students with a free lift from anywhere in Norman, no questions asked. Just call (405) 325-RIDE during fall and spring semesters. Brynn Daves, the director of student programs at OU, says SafeRide provided more than 10,600 students with free rides during spring 2011. “SafeRide is awesome. I’ve used it several times with no problem and since no record is kept of your name, you don’t have to worry about your parents finding out,” says philosophy junior Reagan McCracken. Riders must present an OU ID to the SafeRide driver.

McMahan

OU students may have nonstudent guests ride with them but should tell the dispatcher how many passengers need a ride when they call. SafeWalk. SafeWalk provides students with a service similar to the buddy system. Any OU student can call (405) 325-WALK from an on-campus location and be escorted to his or her destination on campus by two students. SafeWalk is staffed by resident advisers who introduce themselves and wear program nametags. CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

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d rm r m STORY BY Dalaney Flies PHOTOS BY Ryan Phillips

EATS

cooking microwave style Craving something homemade? How about dormmade? Cooking in a dorm room can be the solution for cravings of mom’s cooking. Though dorm regulations restrict you to a mini-fridge and microwave, dining options exceed Ramen or Easy Mac. A little experimenting can lead to creating rice crispy treats or even pizza. Beware of restrictions when cooking in the dorms. Roommates should coordinate when buying appliances, says Aaron Lindley, marketing and public relations specialist for Housing and Food. No more than one of each appliance is allowed in a dorm room. Microwaves can not exceed dimensions of 25” by 25” by 25” and have to be 500-750 watts. Collegiate Concepts offers a MicroFridge, a microwave and refrigerator combined, to rent for the year. Visit housing.ou.edu for renting information. “The restrictions are tough but you have to learn to deal with them,” says chemical engineering sophomore David Solmi. A lack of cooking utilities, or a kitchen, doesn’t have to make cooking impossible. Psychology junior Taylor Borum thinks cooking in the dorms is easy and beneficial. “I found making something like veggie pizza made me feel more energized compared to eating something greasy,” Taylor says. Taylor adds it was quicker than going to the cafeteria when she had studying to do. From scrambled eggs to pizza to cake, anything can be made in a microwave. Google search “dorm recipes” for ideas and tips from those who’ve been there before. To make dorm cooking easier, Sower experimented with a few simple recipes judging taste on a five-star scale. Dorm room chef or murderer of mac and cheese, anyone can cook these recipes.

SCRAMBLED EGGS

VEGGIE PIZZA

EAT

RICE CRISPY TR

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SCRAMBLED EGGS ingredients 1 egg 1 tablespoon butter Cheese (optional) Pepper (optional)

materials needed

instructions Place a small amount of butter in a bowl. Microwave until melted. Break the egg into the bowl. Scramble the egg using a fork. Microwave the bowl for one minute. Stop to scramble egg after 30 seconds. Place back in microwave for 30 more seconds. Remove bowl and scramble the egg with a fork. Add cheese and pepper to taste. To jazz up this breakfast favorite, add your favorite cheese, bacon bits, fresh vegetables or ham.

Bowl Fork

PEPPERONI QUESADILLA ingredients 2 tortillas 8-10 pepperoni slices ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese

instructions Put one tortilla on the plate. Place cheese and pepperoni on one side of the tortilla. Set the other tortilla on top. Put the quesadilla into the microwave for one minute or until cheese is completely melted. Be aware of cooking too long because the tortilla will get hard if overcooked.

materials needed Plate

VEGGIE PIZZA ingredients Pita bread ½ 8 ounces cream cheese package ½ 1 ounce Hidden Valley ranch dip packet Chopped fresh vegetables, to taste

instructions Place cream cheese into bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until soft. Mix ranch dip in with the cream cheese. If you want warm pizza, heat pita bread for 15 to 30 seconds. Spread the ranch/ cream cheese mixture onto pita bread. Place cut veggies on pita bread to personal liking.

materials needed Bowl Knife

RICE CRISPY TREAT ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 1½ cups of marshmallows 2 cups of Rice Crispy cereal

materials needed Medium Bowl Spoon

instructions Place the butter into bowl and microwave until melted. Fill the bowl of melted butter with marshmallows. Set the bowl in the microwave and watch closely until they are melted, about 1 minute. Be careful, the marshmallows expand in size when heated. Pour the cereal into the melted marshmallows and mix it together. Add extra cereal if it is too easy to mix. Flatten in bowl to form into bars to make enjoying this delight easier. Beware, the mixture will be super sticky.

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got munchies? What do you do when you’re starving but can’t bring yourself to eat the week-old pizza in your fridge? Plus, the Norman wind may blow you away if you go outside. STORY BY Dana

Henderson

Instead of using your last bit of cash to order a pizza, follow the advice Chuck Weaver, director of Food Services, gives to students: use your meal points. “The concept of room service just came about from kind of observing our customers, seeing what they wanted, listening to them and responding,” says Lauren Royston, marketing and public relations specialist for Housing and Food Services. Not limited to the dorms, room service is even offered to the academic halls on campus. Typically, food is delivered to the first floor of the residence hall or lobby of buildings around campus. Cate ala Carte accepts debit and credit cards as well as Sooner Sense and meal points. “Most students use room service when they are not feeling well or when they are in a crunch for time, studying and not wanting to go out,” says Dave Annis, director of Housing and Food Services. Cate ala Carte Room Service offers basic entrées such as subs, pizza, pasta and salad. Some things not on the menu are foods most craved in times of illness like soup or popscicles. According to Housing and Food officials, frozen foods are hard to transport.

Service is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. To order call (405) 325-6060. To see the complete room service menu, www.ou.edu/content/ housingandfood.

PHOTO BY

Ryan Phillips

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I HEARD IT

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE Every college has its traditions. Texas A&M has Midnight Yell. OU has the infamous Boomer Sooner chant. But there are several other traditions and campus myths that many new Sooners haven’t yet heard about. You’ll figure things out eventually, but here’s a quick guide to get you started. STORY BY Meghan Partain

Clock Tower

Probably the most widely known myth on campus is that of the infamous library clock tower. Rumor has it that undergraduate students who walk under the clock tower will fail to graduate in four years. If you’re feeling particularly brave your first day on campus, feel free to take a detour between the brick pillars of the clock tower. But when you have to take an extra semester (or two), don’t say we didn’t warn you.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY

Jawanza Bassue

PHOTO BY

Spoonholder

Ryan Phillips

A moonlit stroll around campus could be the perfect ending to a romantic first date. Avoid the Spoonholder on the North Oval, unless you feel like keeping that sweetheart around for a few years. According to Sooner legend, couples that share a kiss in the Spoonholder are destined to be married. Continued on page 48

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window wall

TO THE

Choosing dorm decorations can be the best or worse. I mean, who can find cute XL twin sheets anyway? STORY BY Christina

McMahan

uestions about color, design and the ever-present “will my side of the room clash with whatever my roommate chooses” can make decorating decisions nerve-wracking. But in terms of comfort, function or cost, cost prevails as most important. You should first consult your housing contract and use OU Housing and Food Services website to explore your future dorm room’s layout because not all rooms are identical. Once you have a good idea about how your dorm room is designed, you can start to think about decorations. “Students should try to create the most comfortable atmosphere in your residence hall room that you can, because that is essentially your new space, your new home,” says Bridgitte Castorino, former resident adviser and public relations senior. “No one wants to live in an undecorated, boring room for a year. Be creative, be fun and be yourself.” If you’re worried about clashing with your roommate, ask him or her about their design preferences. If you went potluck, your roommate’s contact information should be listed on the housing contract. Most students can be found on Facebook. One thing in short supply is storage space. Because dorm closets are small, storage devices and closet organizers are essential. Whether you have an insuite or communal bathroom, a shower caddy is also vital. There most likely will not be enough room for everyone to leave their toiletries in the bathroom. Shower caddies allow toiletries to be stored elsewhere. Monica Valoris, a nursing junior, added that under-bed storage boxes and any type of storage device adds more flat space to your room and will help keep your space uncluttered. A must-have is wall décor. According to OU housing contracts, students living in the dorms will be charged for any holes left in the walls. You should invest in several types of adhesive strips, such as 3M Command Strips and hooks. These strips are completely removable and will not leave residue marks on the wall or strip the paint. “Be very careful about what you hang on the wall, not just nails, but also other stuff that will end up stripping the paint. OU will charge you for it,” says Christine Toffoli, zoology junior. A suggestion for the hardcore Sooner fan is to hold off on buying wall decorations because OU will give out plenty of free posters and other decorative items at nearly every sporting event. Remember to have fun when decorating your new living space because it’s just that, your new living space.

we’re like the odd couple Moving from home, living with someone new and being on your own can be a scary thought. just thinking about sharing such a tiny space with someone you may or may not like can be taunting. But don’t freak out just yet.

“I really liked my floor because it was the National Merit Scholars Floor and

it was like one giant geek party all the time.” Austin Miller

LINGUISTICS JUNIOR

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S 41 WER

DO bring

Scentsy or air freshener stuffed animals Command Strips/hooks posters iPod speakers microwave plastic ware

DO NOT

bring

candle your pets tape large framed photos large stereo system hot plate fine china

STORY BY Mariah

Najmuddin Tabitha Suffel

FRESHMAN FROM TULSA

“My roommate and I...haven’t had any problems, which is surprising,

‘cause we’re like the Odd Couple.”

“I went potluck and she was very inconsiderate.

At one point her laundry got really full and I couldn’t even open the door to the bathroom.”

Diana Nguyen

MICROBIOLOGY SOPHOMORE

“Make rules on the first day on where you’re going to put your stuff, who’s going to clean and who’s going to buy toilet paper.

Running out of toilet paper is awful.” Madeline Dillner

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY JUNIOR

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I Like to Move it Move it

Thousands of Sooners have moved-in before you. It is possible. STORY BY Dana Henderson

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Sooner

Yearbook

t’s smoldering hot and humid in August. People all around are struggling with boxes. You glance up at the 12-story behemoth in front of you and wonder how in the world you are going to get a whole SUV crammed with stuff up all those floors to your new dorm. This year, freshman move-in day is Aug. 18. For those who are rushing, move-in day is exactly one week before general move-in. Most incoming freshman arrive early for move-in day but advertising senior and RA Luke Potter advises against it. Parking spots may be more abundant early, but elevators open later in the day, Potter says. Residence halls are not mansions; so don’t plan on bringing your whole house with you. Frances Mooney, professional writing senior, advises to bring only the things you need. You can always go back and get extra stuff if you need it. Before moving in, contact your roommate. Work together to decide who will bring the microwave or mini-fridge and who will bring the TV. Planning ahead makes things easier than having one person buy everything for the room. “My recommendation for move-in day would be to bring a dolly and as much help as possible,” says Abby Sonnefeld, elementary education sophomore. If you forget any important appliances on your move to OU, don’t fret, you can always rent a MicroFridge (a fridge and microwave combo) online via Collegiate Concepts Inc. A previously rented MicroFridge will cost you about $189 for a whole academic year. The link for renting can be found on the OU housing website. Other than the dreaded chore of having to move in all your stuff, there is a lot of fun to be had on move-in day. On the grassy knoll between theContinued residence is usually onhalls page there 51 free stuff handed out to students.

What Should I Bring? What Should I Leave? Bring. toiletries, school supplies, umbrella, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries. Leave. pets (including fish), candles/ incense, alcohol and weapons

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Check Up On It

Goddard Health Center provides convenient health care. STORY BY

Liana Willis

our first year of college is bound to make you sick a couple of times –- figuratively and literally. The staff at Goddard Health Center can help. “The health fee that students pay each semester gives them access to health care at OUHS at rates lower than those in the community,” says Maggie Pool, Goddard’s health promotion coordinator. “Students pay discounted rates for each visit depending on the services rendered.” OU students do not have to suffer with sickness on campus if they are unsure where to go for help. Students can see a doctor on campus at the Goddard Health Center. Molly Youngblood , art media junior, experienced Goddard in 2009 during the H1N1 swine flue scare. She contracted the virus and sought medical attention at Goddard. “It was really well-organized, they had an isolation area for those affected and questionnaires to fill out in order to diagnose the problem correctly,” she says. “People complain about it taking too long but I didn’t find it any different than a doctor’s office.” Goddard is not equipped for dire medical emergencies. Call 9-1-1 if you need immediate help. Go to the health center for small injuries.

PHOTO BY

Ryan Phillips

“One of my friends, I think he was playing something stupid, like tag . . . he fell down . . . something got dislocated. They were on campus and one of his friends rolled him over to Goddard and they took care of him,” Youngblood says. Continued on Page 50

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seasons OF FLU

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“Achoo!” Uh-oh, sounds like you’re coming down with something. Fear not: Even though you may not have someone to make you a bowl of chicken soup, we have some comforting tips to get you through it. STORY BY Nicole Robertson PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Ryan

Phillips

hen you are feeling ill, your No. 1 mission is to get better. Take all the necessary actions, such as drinking lots of liquids and getting extra rest. If you have a minor cold, chances are good you will be able to make it to class. If you have more serious symptoms, class may not be an option. By now, someone should have taught you that if you are not feeling well, and especially if you have a fever, stay home. Keep the health of your teachers and peers in mind. Who wants to sit next to a sneezing, coughing, flush-faced neighbor in math class? With all the daily assignments and projects, it can be extremely rough to miss even one day of class. According to OU’s Faculty Handbook, it is up to individual instructors to set their own attendance policy, so you’ll want to be well-informed of each professor’s expectations. Construction science sophomore Dustin Downey says communication is the key. “The most important thing to do is to let any professors know you are going to miss class before you miss it,” he says. “Generally, they will be very understanding.” Zoology Professor Douglas Gaffin has a special email system assigned to the course that students can use for absences. “Students should also arrange to get missed notes from a classmate,” he says. “When they are well enough to return to class, they should come to my office hours for additional help and/or use one of the tutoring services associated with our course.” According to Lauren Royston, Housing and Food Services marketing and public relations specialist, it is a good idea to keep some snacks in your room at all times, in case you are feeling too ill to venture out for grub. OU also offers in-house catering [see page 38] and many restaurants on campus have a convenient to-go option. If you need medical care, Goddard Health Center is the place to go. Band-Aids and other self-care items are available at X-Cetera in Walker Tower, but Royston encourages all students to bring their own first-aid kit with them on move-in day. In addition to having bandages and something good to eat, it is nice to have good company. Royston stresses the importance of having good relationships with others on your floor. “If you don’t feel well, having those friends there can really make you feel better,” she says.

5 Nicole’s

FEEL BETTER MUST-HAVES Sickness will be inevitable at some point during your time at OU. So be prepared and keep these must-have items in stock for those days when you’re feeling under the weather.

1 Ibuprofen

Great for minor aches and pains, fevers and headaches, this over-the-counter medicine can do wonders to help take the edge off.

Sometimes it really is the best thing for the soul.

4 Digital

3 Tissues

thermometer

Keep an eye on that body temperature. Just make sure you clean it before and after each use.

2 Soup

Nothing’s worse than resorting to paper towels for a runny nose.

5 Comfort A stuffed animal, a roommate, a phone call to home — whatever helps you feel better when you’re at your worst.

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Continued from page 39 I HEARD IT THROUGH ...

Crimson & Cream The colors alone signify tradition, but, believe it or not, it wasn’t always around. After the university’s first five years, a committee selected crimson and corn. Throughout the years, the colors evolved into crimson and cream. Although you’re far more likely to see white in place of the previous eggshell color, the official colors of OU remain crimson and cream. “Crimson and cream are better than red and white because it separates us from other schools who just use red and white,” Sarah Wible says, pre-nursing sophomore. Whether you’re a football fanatic or never attend a game, just experiencing the traditions around campus will make you a Sooner for life. “When [the Sooner Schooner] takes that victory lap around the field, it reminds me of the formation of Oklahoma,” Newsom says. “And that’s what we are. We are Oklahoma.”

Tuck Fexas It’s not uncommon to see the campus sidewalks painted over in a rainbow of chalk announcing various events. But there’s a more permanent graffiti located on the sidewalk between Nielsen and Ellison Halls. A giant swatch of sidewalk painted with the words “Beat the hell out of . Fa-da-da. Every year, the Ruf/Neks repaint the art, a tradition sociology senior and Ruf/ Nek Devin Newsom says it helps the campus keep its priorities straight. “Our job and our responsibility is to maintain school spirit,” Newsom says. “Even if we lose to Texas eight years in a row, we’re still responsible for keeping the hatred of Texas alive on campus.”

OU Texas Game Mark your calendar for Oct. 8, pack up all the crimson in your wardrobe and head south on I-35 to experience one of college football’s most intense rivalries. If you don’t get tickets, consider going to the Texas State Fair and watching the game on the screens outside the Cotton Bowl. The atmosphere can’t be beat. “The best part is the night before because everyone’s emotions are high,” says Kassi Hinds, graduate student. “It just kind of gives you chills to be there.”

jump Continued from page 14 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR GREEN If you are more of a movie-goer, you can also save. The Hollywood Spotlight 14, a movie theatre in Norman, offers a reduced student fee of $7.50 per ticket. Robinson Crossing 6 offers $2 movies that have left theaters but are not yet on DVD. Note, this theater only accepts cash. You can watch movies for free at the Union on Friday nights [see page 9]. The movies are new releases, like the Harry Potter series or Twilight. Redbox is another option with locations close to campus. Redbox charges $1 per day until the movie is returned. That price is basically seven movies for the price of one at the theater.

Continued from page 27 LIKE A FRESHMAN, BUT A TRANSFER By not succumbing to shyness common among transfers, Hudson has traveled more than 25,000 miles through various OU trips and she has had the opportunity to work with global leaders in journalism. Having the courage to take advantage of OU’s countless organizations and clubs can help any new student find a niche in a population of about 23,000 students, according to OU’s 2009 Factbook. Jamie Hannan, speech pathology junior, says as a transfer she had a hard time feeling like she fit in but eventually became more confident. “I would say, just be true to who you are and fight through the first few hard weeks and find the place where you fit,” she says. “Don’t try to conform to fit somewhere. You will find your place.” Transfer Student Advisory Board organization liaison and Spanish and international studies senior, Marva Graham says she encourages transfer students to take advantage of opportunities organized specifically for transfer students. “TSAB hosts Transfer Lunch Tuesdays where transfer students have the opportunity to have lunch with the board as well as other transfer students to share experiences, triumphs and enjoy one another’s company,” she says.

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Continued from page 45 I LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT Items not allowed in the residence halls include, but are not limited to: pets (including fish), candles/ incense, alcohol, and weapons. Some materials that are a good idea to bring include toiletries, school supplies, umbrella, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries. Potter’s advice: bring a snuggie. For a full list go to housing.ou.edu.

Looking for a splurge?

For only $159, Express move-in will move in all your belongings to your room. Also, for $189 you can drop off a bag of laundry each week for a semester to be washed. How’s that for convenient? All of these services can be found on the University and Student Services Inc. website at www.universityandstudentservices.com.

Continued from page 46 GODDARD With a referral from a health care provider, students can be tested for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, proper liver function, strep throat and bladder infections. Pregnancy tests and tests for sexually transmitted illnesses do not require a referral. Students can also receive physical therapy and counseling. The health center provides allergy injections and immunizations for travel and general health. Adult immunizations, such as Hepatitis A and B or MMR for measles and mumps, can only be given from 9 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. Monday through Friday. Goddard has a pharmacy for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Students can use traditional payment methods or charge the bill to their bursar account. Students with the Student Health Plan must pay for their prescription co-pay while at the pharmacy. The Student Health Plan offers students a reduced rate for medical care. Coverage for eligible OU medical care can transfer to a medical care facility other than Goddard in necessary circumstances. Students must be enrolled in at least nine credit hours to purchase the health plan.

Continued from page 33 SAFETY DANCE

The “Beat the Heall out of Texas” sidewalk between Nielsen and Ellison Hall. The sidewalk has every game score since the 1985. [see page 48 for full story]

Blue telephone OUPD’S main objective on campus is crime prevention. The blue emergency telephones are placed across campus and in some new classrooms. Lt. Bruce Chan, the public information officer at OUPD, said there are about 165 emergency telephones across campus. All offer a direct line to the OUPD dispatcher, no dialing required. These phones are operational 24/7 and are the quickest way to alert OUPD of a crime or other problem a student may experience.

Personal Responsibility Although these university programs are useful in creating a safe and secure campus. The most common crime committed on campus is larceny of items over fifty dollars, says Lt. Chan. To help prevent theft, students should never leave valuables in a car, an unlocked dorm room or unattended especially in the library or Oklahoma Memorial Union. Students should never present an opportunity for someone to steal his or her belongings and should use caution with valuables. Students who own bicycles should buy secure bike locks and use them every time their bikes are left unattended. The Huston Huffman Center has lockers available for students to store their belongings. These lockers take a quarter to operate but it is returned upon retrieval of belongings. Students are encouraged to put their names on belongings that are likely to be lost or stolen for easy identification. PHOTO BY Ryan

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