Onbehalf of The Avion, your student newspaper, we extend a warm and excited welcome to all of you! As you step into this exciting new chapter of your college life, know that we’re here to help you navigate this journey with stories that matter to you.
Whether you’re exploring campus for the first time, making new friends, or diving into your studies, The Avion will be your guide to the events, news, and voices that shape our university. From student life and campus happenings to thought-provoking opinions and creative features, we aim to be your go-to resource throughout your time here.
This is more than just a newspaper; it’s a platform for your voice, too. We encourage you to get involved, whether through writing, photography, design, or just by sharing your ideas. Your perspective is what makes this community truly vibrant, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll contribute.
Here’s to the start of an amazing journey ahead. We’re excited to grow, learn, and share the experience with you!
Welcome to campus, The Avion
The Avion is produced by a volunteer student staff. Student editors make all content, business and editorial decisions. The editorial opinions expressed in The Avion are solely the opinion of the undersigned writer(s), and not those of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Student Government Association, The Avion, or the student body. Letters appearing in The Avion are those of the writer, identified at the end of the letter. Opinions expressed within are those of the identified writer. Letters may be submitted to The Avion for publication, provided they are not lewd, obscene or libelous. Letter writers must confine themselves to less than 1200 words. Letters may be edited for brevity and formatted to newspaper guidelines. All letters must be signed. Names may be withheld at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Avion is an open forum for student expression. The Avion is a division of the Student Government Association. The Avion is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The costs of this publication are paid by both the Student Government Association and through advertising fees. The Avion distributes one free copy per person. Additional copies are $0.69. Theft of newspapers is a crime, and is subject to prosecution and Embry-Riddle judicial action. This magazine and its contents are protected by United States copyright law. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in print or electronically, without the expressed written consent of The Avion.
LETTER From the SGA President
My Fellow Eagles,
Today,we gather in a moment; a moment where your journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University begins. To every new Eagle joining us this Spring 2025 semester, I extend a heartfelt welcome. Whether you are stepping into college for the first time, transferring from another university, joining us as an exchange student, or any other background, you have made a decision that will define your future.
This campus, community, and university is a special place. It is a place that calls upon the very best in us, a place where challenges become opportunities and where the pursuit of excellence is not just encouraged but expected. Now, in my senior year, I can say with complete conviction that EmbryRiddle has shaped me in ways I never imagined. It has been a journey of discovery, growth, and purpose and a significant life highlight. And I know it will do the same for you.
At the heart of your time here will be your academics. They are the foundation upon which you will build your dreams. Protect them, nurture them, and approach them with the same dedication you would bring to the skies. But let me share something another student mentor told me back in my freshman year: “Engagement is the key to everything you do here at Embry-Riddle.”
Engage with your professors. Engage with your peers. Engage with the clubs and organizations that make this campus vibrant. Don’t be a stranger to anyone, and don’t hesitate to explore beyond your comfort zone. It is through engagement that you will not only succeed but thrive. As Edmund Odartey (’04, ’10), Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and my former boss, once said to me: “Let college go through you, and not you just going through college.” Take that advice to the heart as this changed my entire journey.
Here at the Student Government Association (SGA), we are here for you. My commitment as your SGA President is simple: to serve you with integrity and dedication. Whether it’s through our government branches, serviceoriented divisions like The Avion, Touch-N-Go, WIKD 102.5 FM, or the Emergency Response Team, we strive to make your experience better in every way. From free shuttles to essential resources, financial support for student organizations, or just a welcoming smile in the Student Leadership Lounge, we are here to ensure your journey is as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
So, don’t be a stranger. Visit us on the second floor of the Mori Hosseini Student Union. Step through those glass doors, meet your SGA officials, and let us know how we can help you. We are thrilled to be a part of your story.
As you begin this new chapter, remember this: You are an Eagle now. We are meant to soar and be resilient to every challenge we face.
Welcome to Embry-Riddle. The sky is no longer the limit; it is just the beginning.
Ander Turueno Garcia, President, Student Government Association
Parking Appeals: If you believe you have falsely received a parking ticket, or believe the ticket is unwarranted, you may submit a parking appeal to the Student Court. The Chief Justice will provide an initial verdict. If upon receiving this verdict you believe you have grounds to appeal further, you may present your case in a hearing to the rest of the Student Court.
Judicial body of the SGA: The Student Court performs any judicial proceeding dictated by the Student Government Association Constitution. These duties can range from chairing the Constitution Review Committee, conducting impeachment hearings, approving amendment proposals, etc.
Student Advocacy Program: The Student Advocacy Program is dedicated to serving the Embry-Riddle community by means of neutral assistance in order to ensure student rights are protected and processes abide by University policies and procedures.
Residence Life Hearings: When a student is cited with violating the Honor Code or HRL policies, the Student Court will send representatives to sit on the hearing and be involved in providing a verdict and sanctions, if needed.
Support SGA Sponsored Events: As a branch of the SGA, the Student Court will provide support for events conducted by other branches and divisions of the SGA.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
ORGANIZER: Audra DiPierro dipierra@erau.edu
OPERATION TIMES: 7:00AM - 8:00 PM
HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE AT RIDDLE
WORDS: DOMINIC POPOLO DESIGN: DAVID GUERRA
We’ve all been there before: that daunted freshman walking the halls of Embry-Riddle, intimidated by all the courses, labs, and flights that our next four, or even more, years have in store. It can be a scary place, but with a few tips and tricks, your time at Riddle will be a breeze!
FIND HELP EARLY
Some courses can become overwhelming quickly, and it can often seem like you can’t do anything to get caught up. You want to seek help before it’s too late, whether it’s a professor’s office hours, tutoring labs, or even a study group of new class friends; these strategies can help you find the help you need early to excel at your coursework.
JOIN EXTRACURRICULARS
With so many extracurricular organizations to offer, Embry-Riddle has something for everyone! Whether you want to build a rocket, perform on stage, get involved with Greek life, or even write an article to be featured in a future issue of this magazine, you can do it all! These activities are where you will meet your closest friends and make memories that will last well after you walk across that stage at graduation.
EXPLORE DAYTONA
Daytona is the “world’s most famous beach” for a reason: because there’s so much to do and see in Daytona and the rest of the Central Florida region. So, spend a Saturday driving around with the windows down, take a trip to the sunny beach, visit the Speedway, and even make a pit stop at Buc-ee’s. Daytona is your home for the next few years, and it will be even better once you get off campus and explore!
PARKING APPEALS & Frequently Asked Questions
WHO MAKES THE RULES IN THE CAMPUS PARKING & TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS HANDBOOK?
The university’s Parking and Traffic Committee is the governing body which creates the rules all students and faculty must follow. The Student Court has a representative who sits on this committee with university faculty and staff to bring the student perspective to the conversation.
CAN I APPEAL MY PARKING TICKET?
Yes, if there are circumstances which you believe warrant an appeal, you can find the parking appeal form on the back of the physical ticket you received or on the Student Court page of the SGA website. Please know that you have 10 days from the day you received the ticket to submit an appeal.
CAN I SUBMIT AN APPEAL FOR A PARKING TICKET I RECEIVED WHILE LOCATED IN THE PARKING GARAGE?
The Student Court does not process appeals for tickets acquired while in the parking garage. Campus Safety has a process in place for that, which can be found on their website via the Ernie search bar.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT AN APPEAL?
After no more than 10 business days you will receive a response with a verdict given by the Chief Justice of the Student Court. If you have reason to believe that the verdict you received is unwarranted, then you may schedule to appeal the verdict to the entirety of the rest of the Student Court (7 Associate Justices). The decision made by the Associate Justices is final.
WHERE ARE THE PARKING AND TRAFFIC RULES?
The Campus Parking & Traffic Rules and Regulations Handbook is located primarily in the parking decal purchasing process. After this process is complete you acknowledge that you have read and understand the rules. If you would like to reference the rules at a later time, you can find them on the Student Court page of the SGA website or the Campus Safety page (found through Ernie).
Parking guide starts on next page.
STUDENT ORGS
PAINTBALL CLUB
The Embry-Riddle Paintball Club is a highly active organization that provides Competitive and Recreational activities. Our mission is to introduce new players to the sport of paintball and create fun, memorable experiences while ensuring a safe playing environment. We compete in one competitive tournament in the fall, two in the spring, and one large scenario event per semester. We are composed of two branches known as Woodsball and Speedball Teams. Each attends their respective events, and many members participate in both. The Club is always looking for new members and talent, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact any of the officers of the club for further information. Be sure to join our discord!
ERAU MOTORSPORTS
Our mission at Embry-Riddle’s Formula SAE team is to design, build, and compete with an innovative and high-performance Formula SAE race car. We are dedicated to engineering excellence, pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and performance. Through collaborative teamwork, we foster a culture of learning, creativity, and professional development, empowering our members to become leaders in engineering and motorsports.
ERAU COUNTRY SWING & LINE DANCING CLUB
The mission is to help teach country swing dancing and line dancing and share the love of dancing with others. You learn how to line dance and swing dance as well as joining a community of like-minded individuals. Create a comfortable, judgment-free zone to meet new people in hopes to get more people involved in country dancing.
MEET SOME
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Classroom knowledge builds the perfect foundation for your career, but ASCE develops your leadership skills, and practical tactics, connects you to a network of professionals, and inspires your creative outlets through activities and competitions. Plus, you’ll interact with like-minded peers who could turn out to be your lifelong friends. Today’s civil engineers are the masterminds driving innovation and shaping our world. You are the profession’s future and have the opportunity to create remarkable projects to improve your community and make a difference in the lives of people every day. Since 1852, ASCE has helped civil engineers find their professional home. As you set your course, and join our more than 140,000 members, ASCE will help you achieve your goals too.
ERAU SOCIETY OF WOMEN IN SPACE EXPLORATION
Through the ERAU Chapter of Society of Women in Space Exploration, we aim to create a community, network and support system for young women interested in pursuing space-related fields. The goal of this club is to promote space exploration through multidisciplinary collaboration. We intend to do this through industry tours at space companies, guest speakers, volunteering opportunities, networking, mini projects, events with local elementary schools and more!
ERAU ROCK CLIMBING CLUB
The ERAU Rock Climbing Club is dedicated to providing the opportunity to Rock Climb for anyone interested. If you are new to rock climbing, we want you to know that rock climbing can be for anyone who wants to try. We encourage you to pursue your climbing goals through developing your physical strength, endurance and most importantly your technique.
HUNT LIBRARY
Location: 3rd & 4th floor of Student Union
The Center of Faith and Spirituality aims to provide a safe and accepting environment for students who prefer support centered around their religious beliefs. Students can get involved with religion based organizations, seek support from those with a similar cultural or religious background and get involved in giving back to the community through various initiatives. The Center for Faith and Spirituality works to foster a respectful interfaith dialogue among those who choose to participate, which enhances cultural awareness and understanding on campus.
The Hunt Library, students have access to a wide array of books to enhance their learning and provide entertainment. Whether it be finding textbooks to borrow among the shelves or obtaining library assistance in locating an affordable option from an external store, Embry‑Riddle’s librarians are willing and happy to help! In addition to traditional library functions, students can request books to be ordered from other libraries, borrow technological resources or browse historical archives.
CENTER OF FIATH AND SPIRITUALITY
CAREER SERVICES
Location: Student Union, Room 313
Students have the option to visit Career Services in person on either residential campus or online through Worldwide, where they can review and edit their resume with the input of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring career success after graduation. Students can also connect with staff in person or online to talk through interview scenarios, figure out what to wear and gain even more valuable insight.
Career Services also hosts two Career Expos per academic year, one in the fall and one in the spring. At each Career Expo, students have access to industry professionals who attend with the intention of recruiting new employees to their organization, and opportunities for students to connect with professionals in their dream roles, potentially interview on the spot and learn more about career and internship opportunities.
CAREER EXPO: March 20th, 2025
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free photography equipment for all students attend events as credentialed media access to full adobe creative cloud where creativity has no limits.
