Summer 2021 New to OU magazine by OU Daily

OU DAILY

OU’s independent student voice

Letter from the Editors 2

Move In

Meal Plan 4 Campus Leaders 5 Student Organizations 11 Norman Arts & Culture 13 Essential Eats

Commuter Advice 19 Resources 20 What We Wish We Knew 21 New to OU is a publication of University of Oklahoma Student Media. Nick Jungman, director of Student Media, authorized printing of 5,200 copies by University Printing Services at no cost to the taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma.

Dear class of 2025, Welcome to OU. We know it’s been a time of fear, loss and uncertainty, and we are so happy you have made it this far. However you’re arriving at OU, at whatever age, with whatever dreams, from whatever background, following whatever unfair and devastating circumstances the last year has presented, we are so proud that you’re here, and we are so honored to be your student news organization. The staff of The OU Daily is writing to you to let you know what this organization means to us and what it can hopefully mean to you. We are here to tell your stories, amplify your voices and hold those in power accountable. Above all else, we are students just like you working to make this campus better, more informed and provide equitable representation. Our job as student journalists — and as your classmates and fellow Norman community members — is to ensure students at OU have a transparent and trustworthy source for information regarding university administration, campus news, local politics, athletics and the arts. The OU Daily is independent, meaning we don’t answer to administration or any OU faculty regarding the content we push and how we run our newsroom. We are also student-managed and staffed. We prioritize the voices and stories of the traditionally underrepresented and historically ignored, and we have a vested interest as Norman community members in the betterment of our city. Our tip form— https://bit.ly/36Q9THR —is always open and actively monitored on our social media pages if there’s a concern you have about something happening in Norman that we may not know about. We publish news daily on our website, oudaily.com, weekly in a newspaper you’ll see each Tuesday and four times a year in our magazine, Crimson Quarterly. Let us know what stories aren’t being told that ought to be — that isn’t lip service. We want to know what’s happening in your corner of campus, good, bad or ugly. We are here to serve yOU. Welcome to Norman. Welcome to the OU community. Sincerely,

Editorial Staff Editor-In-Chief

Writers

Copy Editor

Photographers

Jillian Taylor

Abby Tow Emily McPherson Jacinda Hemeon Mason Young Taylor Jones

Francisco Gutierrez

Design Editor

Clare Collum Field Parsons Jordan Miller Kathryn Stacey Jackson Stewart Trey Young

Alayna Weldon

Faculty Adviser Seth Prince

Visual Editor Edward Reali

Designers Josie Gerdes Megan Foisy

Move In BY TAYLOR JONES

@wrongtailor

Moving to campus is a stressful but exciting time for new students. OU Housing and Food has partnered with University and Student Services to create a full-service move in to provide incoming students with the best experience possible. The move-in service is available to students living in the towers, residential colleges and Cross Village. The move-in service will only be available to students on their move-in day, specified over email. Checking in early or late will forfeit the use of the move-in service. Residents of Couch and Walker towers, David L. Boren Hall, the residential colleges and Cross Village will move in Aug. 10-12. Headington Hall residents will have a different process. Additional move-in details will be sent to their OU email by Headington Hall.

How to Move In: •

Check your email for a date and time to check in at the Lloyd Noble Center.

•

When you check in, you will receive your Sooner Card — your ID, residence and meal plan access — room key and a move-in packet.

•

Volunteers will direct you to your new residence where Student Services will unload your vehicle and move all items into your room. Keep in mind that you are only allowed up to two vehicles.

Please note, your Sooner Card photo must be submitted online to OUBound by July 23. You can add the Sooner Card digitally to your iPhone or Android devices to use it instead of the physical Sooner Card after your ID photo is approved. For any additional or updated move in information, check out https:// www.ou.edu/housingandfood/move-in, and be sure to check your OU email daily for your assigned move-in time.

Meal Plans All first-year students are required to have a meal plan — a handy way to get food without having to use cash or credit cards. You can use your meal plan by scanning your Sooner Card, which can be physically scanned, added to your Apple Wallet for iPhone users, or added to your GPay for Android Users. Meal plans allow students to purchase food at the more than 20 available dining options on campus. Meal exchanges reset every Sunday morning at 12:01 a.m. and do not roll over into the next week. Some campus

4 BY TAYLOR JONES // @wrongtailor

restaurants allow students to exchange a meal for a $9 exchange value. Meal plan points are usable throughout the entire semester. Equal to the amount of $1, meal points can be used at any of the on-campus dining options at any time. Please note that points do roll over from the fall to spring semester but not from spring to the next fall. Students must select a meal plan at the beginning of the semester, but you may change your selected plan for a different one in the third and fourth weeks of each semester if you

figure out the plan you chose isn’t working out. To help decide what meal plan option is best for you, think about how you like to eat! If you prefer snacking throughout the day and eating smaller meals or have a more flexible eating schedule, get a plan with more points. If you prefer to eat three or more large meals throughout the day, get a plan with more meals.

REGULAR MEAL PLANS - $2,466/SEMESTER, $4,932/YEAR There are four basic first-year meal plans. 12 meals/week and 250 meal plan points/ semester • 10 meals/week & 400 meal plan points/semester • 8 meals/week & 550 meal plan points/semester • 6 meals/week & 750 meal plan points/semester

ENHANCED MEAL PLANS - $2,766/SEMESTER, $5,532/YEAR Enhanced meal plans may be purchased for an additional cost. • 14 Meals/Week & 400 Meal Plan Points/Semester • 10 Meals/Week & 700 Meal Plan Points/Semester

COMMUTER MEAL PLANS Commuter students can choose from any meal plan. Below are additional plans available to commuters. • 700 meal points - $700 • 1,200 meal points - $1,200 • Meal points, available in increments of $25 • Blocks of meals available in increments of 32 meals ($399 each) • 5 meals/week at Headington Hall - $1,000 • 8 meals/week at Headington Hall - $1,600 *Commuters interested in purchasing a meal plan can do so in the housing portal. Commuter meal plan contracts for the 2021-22 academic year will be available on a per-semester basis in early August.

WHEN AND WHERE TO USE MEAL EXCHANGES • • • • •

Monday-Friday: After 2 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, Quiznos, Laughing Tomato, Baja Fresh, and the Union Market. Saturday and Sunday: Anytime. Anytime during business hours: Couch Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Amicus Café, Flying Cow Café and Café 201 Crossroads accepts meal exchanges anytime, Monday through Friday. Meal Exchanges on Headington Hall Meal Plans are only available on weekends, when Wagner Dining is closed.

Campus Leaders

By Abby Tow // @abby_tow

Erin Simpson — GEC Director and OU Advocates Coordinator Welcome home! I am so glad you are here, the Gender + Equality Center is so glad you are here. The most important part is that you are supposed to be here. Here’s the deal: you get to be you here. If that means waiting a minute to get this place figured out before you join something, cool cool, let us know when you’re ready (but also we’re probably going to email a few more times). If that means jumping in with your whole self for maybe the first time ever, we are here for it! There is a whole campus community literally rooting for you from the moment you step onto the Walker Adams Mall for the first time to the moment you cross a stage a few years later. Let’s make the most of it, together. KATHRYN STACEY/THE DAILY

Tavana Farzaneh — SGA President Welcome to the University of Oklahoma! The next few years will be full of highs and lows, but also full of growth and learning opportunities. You’ll find that what is most important to you will shift over the years, but with that shift, you’ll also find out so much about yourself. That is the beauty of college! Being a student at OU has changed my life for the better and I am so excited for you all to learn why we love this place so much. Most of all, you always have a friend in me and all student leaders on campus. We can’t wait to welcome you with open arms, Class of 2025!

FIELD PARS ONS/THE DAILY

Belinda Higgs Hyppolite — DEI Vice President

EDWARD RE ALI/THE DAILY

Welcome from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; My name is Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, and I serve as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across all three OU campuses. My team and I are excited that you have chosen to make OU your new home away from home. At OU, we change lives. The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically underserved populations, is vital in pursuing academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission ... We will continue to promote a community of care, dignity and respect for all. We are excited to have you as a member of our campus community, and we are here to help support each of you. Welcome to the University of Oklahoma.

Sydney Smith — Panhellenic President I am so excited that you all have decided to call OU your home for the next few years. No matter where you end up, always remember you can call OU home. I hope you find people and places that bring you joy and that you have the best collegiate experience!

PHOTO PROVIDED

6 David Surratt — Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dear OU Student, I’m honored to welcome you to the University of Oklahoma and congratulate you on your arrival to campus! If you are a first-year student, congratulations on making a great choice to join the OU community and making a tremendous investment in your own success. ... As your Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs, my primary role is comprehensive but simple. It is to serve as an advocate and supporter of you as a student during your time at OU. Additionally, I am committed to working with our Student Affairs team and all of our faculty, staff, alumni and students to assist in that important mission, as well. ... On behalf of the Division for Student Affairs, I applaud your future growth and accomplishments and know that our staff is committed to helping you achieve your personal and academic goals. I am so grateful that you are here at OU, and I look forward to seeing you on campus either on your way to class or at a campus event during your time here. Again, welcome and have a great start to the new academic year!

KATHRYN STACEY/THE DAILY

Kobe Chen — CAC Executive Chair

PHOTO PROVIDED

I am super excited for the new incoming class to get here to OU, there are so many opportunities here and a place for everyone. The Campus Activities Council (CAC) was founded in 1971 and is the programming branch of OU’s Student Government Association. CAC is responsible for programming inclusive, campus-wide events that serve all students. As an organization, we initiate and implement quality campus-wide programs throughout the academic year to all facets of campus life, with an emphasis on building community, developing leaders and leaving a legacy. CAC has 13 different events you can get involved in. The CAC Common Application opens at the beginning of each semester, and you can apply to be on executive committees such as the High School Leadership Conference, Scandals, OU Dance Marathon, College Bowl and more! You don’t need to have any experience to apply, and CAC is a great way to get involved and foster relationships. Class of 2025, we’re ready for you! - Kobe Chen

Joseph Harroz, Jr. — University of Oklahoma President Dear Members of the class of 2025, Welcome to the University of Oklahoma! This is an exciting time in your life, and it is an exciting time to be at OU. For well over a century, OU has been a place of opportunity and excellence with a legacy of producing world-class scholars and leaders. All that we do at OU is driven by our fundamental purpose — We Change Lives — three small but powerful words that carry deep meaning. ... More than anything, our commitment to becoming a place of true belonging for all is what makes OU so special. Although we come from different places and backgrounds, we are one family, united by the traditions we hold dear and inspired by the shared values that let us dream and achieve together. It is an honor and privilege to welcome you to the OU family, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will make on our campus and beyond. Live On, University, Joseph Harroz, Jr.

JORDAN MILLER/THE DAILY

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Student Organizations Find your fit with OU campus organizations and check out 13 of OU’s 500+ student groups

Students dance at CAC’s Soonerthon on March 7 JACKS ON STEWART/THE DAILY

By Jacinda Hemeon // @jacindarae4

Leadership Organizations

Recreational Organizations

College is the perfect time to grow and figure out who you want to be. If you want to become a better leader and communicator, OU has a plethora of leadership organizations to join. Here are a few to check out for now:

If you’re looking for a fun way to blow off steam after class or meet new friends, OU has plenty of recreational organizations for you to try on for size. Here are a few:

Campus Activities Council

Student Film Production Club

Campus Activities Council is a way for students of all backgrounds and walks of life to get involved on campus. It provides a way for students to gain leadership skills and build a community by planning events that keep campus exciting and connected. The CAC plans events like Howdy Week — the week-long series of events to welcome everyone back to school at the start of each semester.

Student Film Production Club offers a collaborative community for creative students interested in filmmaking. No previous experience in film is required, and students of all skill levels are welcome. The group takes an annual trip to the Austin Film Festival where students can see new films, meet with film professionals and form new friendships.

Student Government Association

OU Esports Club

Student Government Association members are elected by students to represent the OU student body. SGA members voice student concerns to OU’s administration and allocate funds to student organizations. SGA includes the Undergraduate Student Congress, the Graduate Student Senate and the Crimson Leadership Association.

OU Esports Club is a fun way for students who play video games — casually or competitively — to come together and enhance their gaming experience. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. With over 200 universities now involved in esports, OU Esports offers an opportunity for joining a large network of gamers and making the most of your college experience.

Union Programming Board Union Programming Board plans events and activities in the Oklahoma Memorial Union to enhance student life at OU. Past events include haunted houses, laser tag and bingo days. If you’re lucky, you might happen upon the UPB offering free snacks in the Union!

12 Multicultural Organizations OU is a huge campus, and it can be easy to feel small. Luckily, OU has countless multicultural organizations designed for students of all different backgrounds to feel at home. If you’re feeling out of place, these organizations can help you make OU your new home away from home:

African Women’s League African Women’s League is an organization for passionate and driven African women. This sisterhood offers a community for International African female students to exist and excel in order to navigate life on campus, racism in the U.S. and other barriers for African women.

American Indian Student Association American Indian Student Association celebrates the customs and culture of Native American people. Through activities and education on Native culture, AISA hopes to enhance the lives of OU students. AISA holds annual cultural events like AISA Stomp Dance, OU Spring Powwow and the Miss and Mr. Indian OU pageant.

Asian American Student Association Asian American Student Association promotes diversity on campus by encouraging students to get involved in various activities to celebrate Asian American heritage and traditions. AASA events often emphasize Asian language, history and culture, and include the annual Mr. and Miss Asian OU pageant, an Asian New Year celebration and the Asian Food Fair.

Hispanic American Student Association Hispanic American Student Association promotes leadership, diversity and cultural awareness in an effort to unite students. HASA assists in organizing the annual Day of the Dead Street Festival, Latino Flavor of OU — an event featuring Latin food and entertainment — and the Mr. and Miss Hispanic OU pageant.

Students dance at CAC’s Soonerthon on March 7 JACKS ON STEWART/THE DAILY

Black Student Association Black Student Association offers a safe space for Black students to share their experiences and build a community for success. BSA students can gain leadership experience and celebrate the history and culture of OU’s Black students in events such as the Stompdown Step Show, the Black History Month celebration and the Miss and Mister Black OU Scholarship Pageant hosted with African American Programs and Services.

Black Emergency Response Team Black Emergency Response Team, also known as BERT, is a student-led organization that fights for social change on campus for Black students and other marginalized communities. BERT’s goal is to dismantle oppressive systems in order to create a safer campus community for Black students. BERT hopes to be more proactive in addressing racial issues, as opposed to reactive.

LGBTQ Student Alliance 2SLGBTQ+ Student Alliance is a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. Speakers and other events throughout the year seek to unite the student body and create a warm and welcoming environment. OU’s Gender + Equality Center offers counseling, sexual health resources and ally training for 2SLGBTQ+ students and allies.

ARTS AND CULTURE By Abby Tow // @abby_tow VIA 2ND FRIDAY ART WALK WEBSITE

There’s a lot more to Oklahoma than tornados and football — although we do love our football, the tornadoes not so much. Don’t let anybody tell you Oklahoma lacks arts and culture. Here are some of our culture editor’s recommendations if you’re looking for something around OU to scratch your artsy itch.

THE FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART The Fred is a free-to-visit art museum located at the northwest corner of campus at the intersection of Boyd Street and Elm Avenue. It’s within walking distance for anyone living on campus and open Tuesday through Sunday. Its permanent collections span across medium and era, and new exhibitions rotate every few months. The Fred has an extensive collection of Native American art and pieces by notable artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. Don’t forget to take in the stunning architecture of the museum or say hi to the sphinx statue out front.

Guestroom Records on Main Street on June 18.

GUESTROOM RECORDS If you’re looking for something new to spin on the record player you convinced yourself you absolutely needed in your dorm room — no shame, by the way — Guestroom Records at 125 E Main St. is waiting for you. It stocks new releases and older albums, but don’t forget to check out the bargain bins in the back of the store. If you like to have a box of CDs in your car like I do, Guestroom sells those, too. Guestroom’s vibe is homegrown and genuine — perfect to show a first date or new roommate how impeccable, and different, your music taste is.

MAINSITE MAINSITE Contemporary Art — home to Norman Arts Council since 2012 and a rotating exhibition space — showcases unique and often Oklahoma-based artists. Recent exhibitions have included the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s “Momentum” exhibit, “40 over 40: Women Artists of Oklahoma” and “Between Art and Quarantine.” Located at 122 E. Main Street, MAINSITE is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and free to attend.

C L A R E C O L LU M / T H E D A I LY

UNIVERSITY THEATRE & CAMPUS FINE ARTS

OPOLIS

OU’s fine arts students put on productions throughout the year, so support your peers’ amazing work and take advantage of the arts right here on our campus. The University Theatre season showcases the work of students across majors and art forms at a discounted attendance price for OU students, including drama, musical theater, dance and opera. Past productions have included the musicals “Spring Awakening” and “Cabaret” and the annual Oklahoma Festival Ballet and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma. Each college puts on smaller performances throughout the year that range from performing arts standards you’ve likely heard of to lesser-known works you might have never seen before, which you can keep up with on each school’s social media. There’s something special about seeing the work of other students, so keep an eye out for tickets to these shows when they go on sale.

Micro venue, bar and vegan eatery Opolis closed for renovations in April but is set to reopen in the summer of 2021. Located at 113 N Crawford Ave., Opolis has hosted local musicians such as singer-songwriter Samantha Crain, alt hip-hop group Flock of Pigs and Oklahoma City-based rapper Jabee, and it has previously hosted singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus and SNL cast member and writer Andrew Dismukes, among others. It has also hosted poetry readings and pop culture trivia nights. Post-pandemic events have yet to be announced, but keep up with @opolispix on Instagram for updates on performances when they resume.

DIG IT A day trip up the interstate to the Plaza Arts District in Oklahoma City has several unique spots to explore, but you really can’t afford not to check out Dig It. This hard-to-categorize shop carries local art, vintage and upcycled pieces with a punk flavor, the funkiest earrings in the Metro, and a focus on the goth, the counter cultural and the strange. Oh, and really fun sunglasses. Dig It stocks pieces from local artists, clothing, decor and accessories that you literally won’t find anywhere else. Don’t sleep on this weirdo’s paradise and stop in for an inclusive, brash and infinitely fun-loving experience.

Members of the community admiring and cheering for one of the drag queen performers at Pride! on the Plaza in Oklahoma City on June 11 Z A R I A O AT E S / T H E D A I LY

THE DEPOT Located at 200 S Jones Ave., performing arts studio and gallery space The Depot has been an arts locale since 2003. Also known as the Santa Fe Depot, this station is still an active depot for the Amtrak Heartland Flyer passenger train and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Depot hosts the annual Summer Breeze concert series, which features free concerts from notable local musicians and hosts additional concerts, readings, workshops and social media content throughout the year centered on local arts. The Depot is home to a permanent collection of 10 Oklahoma artists and a rotating gallery that features new exhibitions every two months. Stop by Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2ND FRIDAY NORMAN ART WALK

G las s work bein g s ol d at th e 2n d Friday N orman Ar tWalk on J un e 11 C L A R E C O L LU M / T H E D A I LY

On the second Friday of every month, the Walker Arts District in downtown Norman fills with musicians, artists, vendors and food in celebration of local art. The festivities start at 6 p.m. and are free to attend. Past participants have included The Depot, Resonator Institute, Gallery 123 and MAINSITE’s gallery spaces, as well as local businesses including clothing and floral shop Human Interaction and artist-owned screen print shop OSCPress. After moving to virtual festivities during the pandemic, the art walk is back in person with safety precautions. This is a great opportunity to see what Norman has to offer outside of OU’s campus in terms of its arts and culture scene.

the student financial center Visit OU’s one-stop shop to get all your questions answered about financial aid, bursar payments, and scholarships! Cross-trained experts can assist with questions about your FAFSA, student scholarship opportunities, bill payments, account charges, and much more. Buchanan Hall, Room 105

sfc@ou.edu

ou.edu/sfc

ou Moneycoaches Contact an OU MoneyCoach to start creating a financial plan for college. In addition to one-to-one coaching, the MidFirst Bank MoneyCoach Program offers financial education workshops across campus throughout the academic year. Couch Center, Second Floor

moneycoach@ou.edu

ou.edu/moneycoach

STUDENT FINANCIAL CENTER UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA

Sunday Worship:

We are in person for 8:40 and 10:45 a.m. & livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube for 10:45 a.m.

fccnorman.org FCC Norman College Ministry

A community joined together in a reverent, thoughtful, loving quest for faith.

Essential Eats

By Mason Young // @Mason_Young_0 and Jacinda Hemeon // @jacindarae4

You’re bound to work up an appetite trekking across a large campus — OU covers an area of over 3,000 acres. Here’s a list of the best places to grab a bite in Norman.

Bison Witches Bar and Deli

211 E Main Street, Norman, OK 73069 A long-standing local sandwich shop open for dine in, carry out or delivery. Open 11- 2 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Tuesday.

Neighborhood JAM

102 W Main Street, Norman, OK 73069 A breakfast and brunch spot with pancakes, breakfast bowls, sandwiches and benedicts. Open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.

El Huevo Mexi Diner

3522 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069 A Mexican brunch option with tacos, burritos and some American fare open for dinner. Open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Call (405) 310-3157 or go to their website to order. Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Greek House

768 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, OK 73069 A Mediterranean diner serving gyros, falafel and other Greek dishes. Offers dine in and take out. Open 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

752 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069 An Austin-based chain and now an Oklahoma favorite serving tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads. Offers dine in, curbside pickup and delivery. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Gray Owl Coffee

223 E Gray Street #7205, Norman, OK 73069 A favorite coffee shop and study spot for OU students, open for dine in and take out. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

Hideaway

577 Buchanan Ave, Norman, OK 73069 An Oklahoma chain with a variety of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads, open for dine in curbside pickup and delivery. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

18 O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille

769 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069 A favorite lounge of students serving some of the best burgers in town. O’Conn’s offers trivia and karaoke nights and is open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe

759 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069 A deli chain, offering sandwiches, pizzas, soups and salads. Open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Ray’s BBQ

1514 W Lindsey Street, Norman, OK 73069 Owned by former Sooner football player, Darrol Ray, a casual barbecue place with brisket, ribs, chicken and other smoked meats. Open for dine in and curbside from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

The Library Bar and Grill

607 W Boyd Street, Norman, OK 73069 One of Norman’s top bars, serving pizza, sandwiches and other cuisine. Open for dine in and takeout. Open 11 a.m. to midnight every day.

Syrup

123 E Main Street, Norman, OK 73069 A cozy breakfast, brunch joint with pancakes, waffles, benedicts and soup. Open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe

702 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071 A family-owned restaurant serving up fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican fare. Open for dine in and curbside. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Thai Delight

761 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, OK 73069 Serving Asian specialties including sushi rolls and spicy curries. Open for dine in, curbside and delivery. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m. every day.

COMMUTER ADVICE

Jacinda Hemeon // @jacindarae4

To the dear first-year student who has watched all of their friends move into dorm rooms a few steps from their classes, and to upperclassmen and commuter students of all ages, please join me on this guided tour of how to streamline your commute to campus.

Here, I will walk you through the triumphs and woes of my first-year commute in the hopes that you will capitalize on my successes and avoid my many pitfalls. So, without further adieu, I give you — Calm, Cool and Collected: The Commuter Guide.

Tip #1: Test Drive

Tip #4: Meters can be your besties

DO: In the week leading up to classes, if you can, drive from your home to campus so you can gauge how long it will take you to get to campus once classes start. Try to start your commute at the same time you would actually be driving to class so you can get a sense of traffic patterns for that time of day.

If you find yourself running late in the morning, specifically to a class on the North Oval, the parking meters on Campus Corner can be your best friend. Keep a few quarters in your car in case you need to use a meter to rush to class. I used this technique when my horrible time management skills left me rushing to a 9 a.m. Spanish exam.

DON’T: Assume you know how long it will take you. You may end up crying in the Asp Parking Garage at 10:47 a.m. on the first day when your class had already started at 10:30 a.m. Tip #2: Parking Passes Commuter parking passes can be expensive. This year, they’ll cost you $274. If you can swing it, go for it, but keep in mind that having a commuter pass doesn’t guarantee you a spot in the commuter garages of parking lots. Good spaces fill up quickly. DO: Purchase a pass within your budget. DON’T: Expect guaranteed parking spaces.

Tip #3: Parking Lots and Garages The Lloyd Noble Center parking lot is free to use for all students, faculty and staff. You can park your car in the spacious lot and take the shuttle to theCampus Depot. Shuttles typically fill up very quickly going to and from the Lloyd Noble Center, so be prepared to wait a few minutes in the sun, rain, sleet, ice or snow. The LNC saved me on numerous occasions when all of the garages were full. It can save you some coins as well. DO: Park where your parking pass allows. DON’T: Park where it isn’t permitted. OU Parking Services WILL give you a ticket.

DO: Use a parking meter when you are in a rush. DON’T: Expect to do this every day. Costs can add up, and if the meter runs out, you WILL get a ticket. Tip #5: Shuttle Schedules Shuttles are useful in getting you from the parking lots to Campus Depot — an area beside the stadium — but pay attention to their running times. During my freshman year, I parked in the Parkview Parking Lot off of Lindsey Street at 8 a.m., and when I got out of class at 4:15 p.m. I spent a few minutes waiting for a shuttle that never came. At the time, the shuttle stopped running at 4 p.m., so be mindful of that, unless you'd like to add a walking workout to your commute, as well. DO: Read the posted shuttle schedules online and at the shuttle stops. DON’T: Create more work for yourself than needed. Bonus Tip: Self Care Commuting can be tiring, especially during the different seasons Oklahoma experiences. Make sure you drink plenty of water and dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. DO: Take care of yourself. Although commuting may not have been your first choice, you can still have a fun and full college experience. Communicate with your professors and let them know you’re a commuter. Some of them might be willing to cut you some slack if you get to class a few minutes late every now and then. DON’T: Be too hard on yourself. Chances are, you will be late to class and might get a parking ticket at some point. These things suck, but you aren’t alone, and everything will be OK

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES College can be a lot — paying tuition, living away from friends and family, working, balancing a heavier workload with new extracurricular activities — but you don’t have to struggle alone. It can be easy to lose sight of your mental health among it all, but OU has mental health resources for students to utilize. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and both are vital to success and happiness in college. When your mental health is not taken care of, your social life and grades may suffer. It’s important to get help when you feel like you need it. There can be a stigma associated with seeking help, but don’t let that stop you. Whether you are having difficulty adjusting to school, relationship problems, anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, what you are dealing with is valid, and you deserve help and support. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the resources OU offers.

by Emily McPherson // @emcphersonok

1. One resource is the University Counseling Center, located in the Goddard Health Center on Elm Avenue. The UCC offers individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, career counseling and testing and psychiatric services. The UCC is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To get involved in these groups or make an appointment in advance, call the center’s front desk at 405-325-2911.

2. Another resource is the OU Advocates, a 24/7, free and confidential resource. The OU Advocates provide support and additional resources for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment. They can be reached on the phone via WhatsApp or the crisis line at 405-6150013. 3. The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center can provide accommodations for those who need them. After you provide the DRC with documentation and request accommodations, ADRC staff will set up a meeting during which you can talk about what you need. Accommodations include alternative test taking, tutoring and help with notifying your professors about how they can best accommodate you. The ADRC can be contacted at 405-325-3852 or adrc@ou.edu.

Goddard Health Center on March 31 TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

Here are some numbers you can call if you need help: • • • • • • •

University Counseling Center: 405-325-2911 OU Advocates: 405-615-0013 Accessibility and Disability Resource Center: 405-325-3852 Title IX and Sexual Misconduct office: 405-325-2215 Norman Women’s Resource Center: 405-364-9424 National Hopeline: 1-800-442-4673 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW Advice from our staff, looking back on their first years at OU

MARIEN LÓPEZ-MEDINA “I wish I had known that I could change majors very easily, yet I should have explored my options during my first semester and thought whether it would help me to graduate on time in case I had a scholarship. Also, I wish to have known that there are menu options for people with diet restrictions covered by the meal plan as long as we talk to Couch workers.”

RACHEL LOBAUGH “It’s easier to get on the roof of campus buildings than you think.”

ALAYNA WELDON “I wish I had known that it is alright to not listen to everything that a departmental adviser tells you. Advisers are there to help you push forward to your goals. If you are not receiving the support and aid that you need, it’s absolutely necessary to reach out to whomever you need in order to find support you and your goals — even if it is not your departmental adviser.”

JILLIAN TAYLOR “Although it is scary to put yourself out there and participate in organizations with people you don’t know, it is the best thing you can do. Momentary discomfort is far better than waiting around for friends to come. Say yes to being with your friends sometimes! Do make sure to get your work done, but also make sure you have time to pour into your relationships. Your mental health is your number one priority overall. Don’t let school stuff become your life. It is important, but you are the most important!”

BLAKE DOUGLAS “Meal points are infinitely more valuable than swipes — seriously, you can use them for basically anything you can use swipes for. They go further and you don’t lose them every week. Point superiority is a fact.”

DONNA EDWARDS “There are tons of great spots to eat, study, hang out or microwave your food that are NOT the Union (and way less crowded). There are even places you can use a fridge, make coffee, or boil water for tea! 5th floor Bizzell, Cate, Kaufman; cool spots abound. There are great disability resources at OU, and you’d be surprised the ways the ADRC can help with all sorts of things — even just breaking up long exams if you can’t sit for hours at a time or helping make sure you’re not penalized for missing classes for verified medical things. And they’ll help you figure out what resources fit your needs.”

FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ “It’s very easy to let yourself become isolated and bored early on. Finding student organizations or multicultural groups to meet new people and gain new experiences is such an important way for students to find their place. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make OU your home, even when it may feel difficult.”

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The Honors College welcomes you to OU!

REASONS TO JOIN

REQUIREMENTS

COURSES

Requirements for Admittance

Small classes with outstanding faculty

From High School: 3.75 GPA or Top 10% of graduating class 30 ACT or 1360 SAT Honors College application and essay

ACADEMIC DIVERSITY Every undergraduate college is represented in the Honors College

RESEARCH Various programs for undergraduate research opportunities

EXTRACURRICULARS Reading Groups, Discussion Groups, Outdoor Adventure, Film Club

With College Credit: 15 college credit hours with at least a 3.4 GPA Honors College application and essay

Requirements for Graduation 18 total hours of Honors credit including: HON 2973 (Perspectives) - 3 hrs HON 3993 (Colloquium) - 3 hrs HON 3980 (Research) - 3 hrs Completion of an Honors thesis ‘C’ or higher in all Honors courses 3.4 GPA or higher

RECOGNITION

Earn cum lade, magna cum lade, summa cum laude at graduation and on your diploma

ou.edu/honors (405)-325-5291 honors@ou.edu

PP LY

ST U D EN TM ED IA .O U .E D U

HOT STORIES

HOT JOBS

AVAILABLE

SALES

MARKETING

AD DESIGN

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EDITOR PHOTOGR PHOTOGRAPHER O O RAP R VIDEOGRAPHER EOGR

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SOONER STAT

In 2020, 7 out of 10 first-year OU students reported that they chose not to drink alcohol

What is OU’s policy on student alcohol use?

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Got a question about alcohol? Scan the QR code or email it to redcup@ou.edu