New Student Orientation Guide 2020

m o n day, m ay 1 1 , 2 0 2 0

A handbook to student life on campus

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3 reasons the future of OSU sports is exciting H allie Hart S taf f Repo rter @ hallieha rt

Whether you’re standing in a packed student section at Boone Pickens Stadium or watching a close Bedlam basketball game in Gallagher-Iba Arena, immersing yourself in the sports scene is one of the most exciting parts of being an Oklahoma State student. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no one is sure when sports will return, but when they do, fans will have plenty to celebrate. Here are three reasons the future of OSU sports is promising: 1. The football returners In January, fans flocked to the atrium in the Student Union to join the Oklahoma State football team for a pep rally. Although it wasn’t football season, enthusiasm was building because of the Cowboys’ talented roster.

Standout wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who missed part of his junior season because of an ACL tear, had announced his decision to return to OSU instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.

Running back Chuba Hubbard, the speedster whose 2,094 rushing yards led all FBS players in 2019, had done the same.

Those two stars can continue to build their camaraderie with quarterback Spencer Sanders, who is entering his redshirt sophomore year with wisdom and growth from his first season as a starter, so the Cowboys have a chance to be stronger

than they ever were before.

Although this team’s explosive offense has usually been in the spotlight, the defense could be the glue that holds the group together.

The Cowboys lost only one defensive starter in cornerback A.J. Green, who has signed with the Cleveland Browns. From disruptive linebackers Amen Ogbongbemiga and Malcolm Rodriguez to tenacious safeties Kolby Harvell-Peel and Tre Sterling to versatile defensive end Trace Ford, the Cowboys’ defense is stacked with guys who thrive when they have opportunities to make big plays.

2. The recruiting classes Big-time recruits are coming to Stillwater.

Mike Boynton, the OSU men’s basketball coach, has assembled a star-studded group that includes point guard Cade Cunningham, the nation’s top recruit in his 2020 class. It’s a “New Era” for Cowboy basketball, and the chance to watch Cunningham will likely be enough to attract fans to Gallagher-Iba Arena with hopes they can someday say they saw him lead the Cowboys to victories before he started his NBA career.

The Cowboy basketball team isn’t the only OSU squad with recruits who have potential to elevate their program.

On coach Jim Littell’s Cowgirl basketball team, in-state standouts Taylen Collins and Ruth Udoumoh will be newcomers to watch.

The Cowgirls will also have Neferatali Notoa, who represented Australia in the 2019 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship, and 6-foot-5 transfer Brittany Reeves.

In wrestling, OSU is synonymous with historical dominance, and coach John Smith is continuing to draw high-level athletes to Stillwater. Smith is bringing in the No. 1 wrestling class in 2020, including highly touted recruits AJ Ferrari and Dustin Plott.

Expect Gallagher-Iba Arena to get rowdy for basketball and wrestling, and you won’t want to miss it.

3. The venues for spring sports O’Brate Stadium, the new, state-of-the-art venue for Cowboy baseball, was set to open March 20, but this event was canceled during the pandemic.

When baseball returns, the ballpark can finally make its debut. The venue boasts a 2,000-square-foot video board, permanent seating for about 3,500 fans and a concourse that fully surrounds the field.

Additionally, Cowgirl Stadium, the home of OSU softball, features a new wooden deck in the outfield, offering a nice spot for fans to relax and watch games. With fan-friendly atmospheres, the softball and baseball stadiums will be ideal destinations during pleasant spring days on OSU’s campus.

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Participating in Greek Life at OSU is a great way to get involved on campus.

A guide to going Greek at OSU K aly nn S c h wandt S taff Re p o rte r @kaly nns c h wandt

As a new college student, Greek Life is a way to get involved at Oklahoma State University. Within a Greek chapter, there are opportunities that can enhance leadership abilities, friendship, academics and community involvement.

At OSU, there are around 45 chapters within four governing councils. These councils include the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council participate in recruitment processes in which potential new members can join chapters before fall semester at OSU. The Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council both participate in intake processes that begin following the fall semester and typically require college credit prior to joining chapters.

“For MGC and NPC, their intake process could happen either semester,” Casey Domnick, the coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, said.

“Students who are interested, we encourage them to follow those fraternities and sororities Instagram pages because that’s where they’re going to post their interest meetings...and what you would need to attend in order to be able to join one of those groups.”

The Multicultural Greek Council can be found on Instagram @mgc_osu and The National Pan-Hellenic Council can be found @ okstatenphc.

For Interfraternity Council Recruitment, chapters invite potential new members to events that take place in informal settings. These events typically take place in the summer so when classes resume in the fall, fraternities have their new pledge classes. The link to register for Interfraternity Council Recruitment can be found here.

The abundance of pledge classes for IFC chapters are formed in the fall, but the recruitment process is open throughout the year.

The process to join a Panhellenic chapter typically begins the week before school starts in August.

Potential new members register to participate in a process that gives them an

insight on each of the 13 sorority chapters on campus.

Through a mutualselection process, potential new members narrow down houses throughout the week to find the specific chapter for them. The link to register for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment can be found here.

Each day of the week consists of potential new members meeting members of current chapters inside the specific chapter houses. Through one-onone conversations, potential new members will learn about the chapter’s campus involvement, house, philanthropy events and values as the week goes on.

“They do have an informal process that happens later in the year called Continuous Open Bidding,” Domnick said. “Not all of the sororities participate in that. Only about half will participate in that each semester.”

Further details and additional information can be found on the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs website or Instagram @okstatefsa.

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For your information: Mental health in college M ega n H ays L i f e s t y l e E d i to r @ m egt h e r e p o rt e r

The first year of college is a lot. From learning where you like to study to making new friends to trying to make it through those first hard classes. It is a lot to adjust and cope to. There might be some semesters for whatever reason, things start to be harder to deal with and that’s why you should know what is happening and how to get back on track.

Why does mental health change in college?

As mentioned above, college life is stressful. It’s the first time you’re pretty much on your own so you’re responsible for how you

Jacob Derichsweiler/ O’Colly

College is a stressful time and University Counseling Services are there for students when it gets too much and help develop new coping mechanisms.

manage yourself. Classes are hard, moving away from family is hard and navigating a new social structure is hard. All of those things

wear on your mental health.

It also doesn’t help that many mental disorders start to develop in your late teens and early twenties, so right now.

There are several ways all of this can come to cause something to change in you.

If a class is harder than you thought, you’re struggling in making friends or any combination of so many things can all have an effect on you. It also depends on you as an individual, what doesn’t affect someone, could have a profound effect on someone else.

How do you know something has changed?

Checking in with yourself is always a good practice.

You realize you’re sleep-

ing more than normal but you’re still tired? You find it hard to relax unless you’ve had some kind of alcohol?

You’re being super anxious when it comes to any social interaction? All of these and so many other things could be signs something could be affecting your mental health. It is really up to you to decide something might be off with yourself. That’s why occasionally rechecking how you’re reacting to certain situations or what’s changed over the past few weeks and how you’re feeling is something to check.

What do you do when you realize something is wrong?

Change something. It can be small changes like when

you wake up and what you eat to adding routines like working out every Wednesday instead of going to your dorm or joining a club where you find the subject interesting.

If that doesn’t work or sounds daunting OSU has the University Counseling Services center. All it takes is a call or a visit to 320 in the Student Union to schedule an intake exam, where they do a short assessment to see what they can do for you as well as pair you with the right counselor to get the help you need. The intake and the first four sessions are free and the rest are only $10 that can be paid down at the Bursar Office on the first floor of the Union.

If you want to try to help yourself first, the counseling center also offers Therapy Online Assistance that has private online modules that go through behavioral health resources.

You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental disorder to get counseling but it is up to you to walk through the door. The counselors there can help you work through the things that are bothering you and teach you ways to cope with the stresses that come with college life.

College is a great experience but if something starts causing that to go a little sour, it is ok to get help.

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Advice for incoming freshman at OSU Kayla Dunn @KaylaJ_Dunn Editor in Chief

Having spent four years at Oklahoma State University, I have a few stats under my belt: 118 credit hours, 10+ campus organizations, 3.9 overall GPA, 3 trips abroad (British Isles, Costa Rica, Spain), 2 degrees (B.A. in Multimedia Journalism and B.A. in Spanish) and a few pieces of advice.

First, embrace opportunities head-on.

I joined President’s Leadership Council, Freshman Representative Council, Junior Greek Life and a sorority within weeks of my first day at OSU. The people I met in those groups encouraged me to campaign for a senate seat in Student Government. Not long after that, I applied to work as a campus tour guide.

Looking back at my time at Oklahoma State, the people I met in those organizations are what made my entire collegiate experience.

The organizations themselves are great; they taught me leadership principles and introduced me to other opportunities further down the road, but from where I stand now, the only things that really matter are the relationships I formed.

As a freshman, you have a lot of freshman exclusive opportunities. There are organizations, info sessions and events catered to only freshman—take advantage of that. Meet the people in your class, the people that will be by your side through college, because this is the

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Industrial engineering freshman Grant Cotherman, left, and undecided freshman Adam Lugibihl pose for a first day of school photo during the first day of the fall semester at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla., Monday, August 15, 2016.

probably last time you’ll be surrounded by thousands of people your age experiencing the same things as you.

Second, utilize OSU’s resources.

OSU offers free tutoring and counseling services, among other services.

The LASSO center offers one-on-one tutoring on a class-by-class basis. The Math Learning and Success Center offers a study space with tutors on deck. I’d show up to the MLSC, sit down with some friends, do my homework, and anytime I got to a problem I didn’t understand, I’d simply

raise my hand and a tutor would walk me through the process.

Using those two resources, I finished freshman year with a 4.0 GPA. But that’s not to say college is easy. There will be times when you become overwhelmed by school, relationships, pressure, etc.

Know that OSU counseling services is available to offer guidance and support through those times. I’m not ashamed in the slightest to say I scheduled counseling every year; mental health is vitally important.

Finally, take class seri-

ously, but don’t forget to dream.

It can be easy to get lost in the monotonous grind of daily classes, work and routine. Remember to take a step back to refocus on your goals.

By taking time to do this, I planned three study abroad trips, nearly all of them financed by scholarships. OSU is constantly advertising opportunities: trips abroad, scholarships, jobs, internships etc. Take note of them, and remember that although taking time away from class to apply for them may be a

chore, it could lead to truly life-altering experiences.

Through PLC, I studied abroad in the British Isles where I became dear friends with a woman who’s wedding I’ll be in this summer. Through the Spanish department, I studied abroad in Costa Rica where I decided that I want to be a foreign correspondent. Through the Office of Scholar Development, I applied for The Truman Scholarship, became a finalist, and know where I’d like my future to take me.

Finally, above all, make time for people.

It may seem eons away now, but college truly passes in a blur. At the end, you’ll get a diploma certifying your credits and scores, and you’ll walk away. What really matters is the people you walk away with.

Invest time in people and make friendships that will last far longer than four years.

Freshman year gives the illusion of forever, but I promise four years will go quicker than you think.

Savor them.

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3 easy recipes to make in your dorm Ellie Melero N e ws E d i to r @eleanor_melero

Living in the dorms can lead to some of your best memories from college, but most dorm rooms don’t have very good kitchens, which can make it hard to cook when you want to.

You can usually find something good to eat at campus dining, but sometimes you want hot food after everything has closed.

If you ever get hit with the late-night munchies, here are some easy recipes you can make in

your dorm.

Breakfast burritos Ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 strips turkey bacon, shredded cheese, flour tortilla, salt and pepper How to make it: Lay the turkey bacon on a microwave safe plate and microwave it for 90 seconds. Flip the strips over and microwave them for another minute. Set the cooked bacon aside to cool. In a microwave safe bowl, beat the eggs and add salt and pepper to taste. Microwave for 30 seconds. Beat the eggs again, then microwave for another 30 seconds.

Microwave the tortilla

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for 15 seconds. Put the bacon, eggs and cheese in the tortilla to assemble the burrito. Enjoy.

Note: You can use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon, but it takes longer to cook and won’t get as crispy as the turkey bacon will.

Loaded baked potatoes Ingredients: 1 medium sized potato, salt, toppings of choice How to make it: Take a toothpick and poke holes all over your potato. Roll your potato in salt. Microwave your potato for 1 ½ to two minutes then turn it over.

Microwave it for another 1 ½ to two minutes. Cut your potato lengthwise to make sure its fully cooked. If not, cook it for another minute. Wrap your cooked potato in aluminum foil and let it sit for about 5 minute while it cools. Once cool, add whatever toppings to your potato you want.

There are lots of ways to top your baked potato. I like to put butter, bacon bits and chives, but feel free to personalize it to your taste preferences.

Note: Letting the potato sit in the tin foil is optional, but it helps your potato skin get that

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ter, 1 tbsp white sugar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 egg yolk, 3 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp chocolate chips How to make it: Melt the butter in your Ellie Melero/O’Colly

Chocolate chip cookie in a mug is a perfect late night snack for when those late night munchies hit after campus dining has closed.

soft texture that people look for in a baked potato.

Chocolate chip cookie Ingredients: 1 tbsp but-

mug. Add the sugars in and mix. Next, add the salt and vanilla extract.

Beat in the egg yolk, then add the flour.

After your dough is fully formed, mix in the chocolate chips. Throw it in the microwave for 45 seconds and enjoy.

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OSU football: guide to First day of college tips your first game day Maleeha Hameed Staff Reporter @ocolly

Sam Lane Sports Editor @SamLaneOk

Your first college football game day can be daunting.

It is the kind of day that few other sports, leagues, or forms of entertainment can replicate. It is a day that some students and fans spend the other six days of the week preparing for, and your first as a student is a special one.

The Cowboys are set to open their seasons on Sept.

3 against Oregon State in Boone Pickens. Now it is still uncertain whether or not this will have fans in attendance, or if any game this upcoming season will, but here are some tips for your first game day in Stillwater.

Pregame What you do before the game depends on a few things — what time the game is, what the weather looks like and how close to the field you want to sit.before heading to the stadium.

For 11 a.m. kicks you typically don’t have much time to do anything before the game, whereas a 5 p.m. kick gives you time to eat lunch and hang out with friends, but bad weather can trump all of that.

For those of you — like myself — that prefer sitting as close to the field as you can you will need to get to the stadium at a time accordingly. The gates open anywhere from 1 1/2 to two hours prior to kick depending on the game. IF you

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The Oklahoma State football team runs onto the field before its loss to OU on Nov. 30 at Boone Pickens Stadium.

intend on sitting in the front section I would suggest getting in line 45 minutes to an hour before that to ensure you get the seat you want.

If you aren’t as interested in getting a premium seat there are plenty of things to do pregame on Hall of Fame Ave. in front of the stadium.

Friends The first game day comes three weeks after the start of school so hopefully you have found some friends to go and enjoy it with.

But if you are still finding your way in Stillwater the student section can be a great way to meet some new people.

Everyone in the student section has one key thing in common — they are rooting for OSU — and that alone can be enough to strike up a conversation with someone. Whether it is waiting around before the game, or cheering along throughout the game, there are opportunities to find some friends who like the

same thing as you — OSU football.

Weather This might seem obvious, right? Check the weather and wear whatever is appropriate. Well that is true for the first part of the season, but OSU is scheduled to have four home games in October and November, and the first thing that you need to know about the weather in Oklahoma is that it can change — quickly.

I like to not only check the weather at kickoff, but to look at what it will be like for the fourth quarter.

The last thing you want is to be miserably cold in the fourth quarter of a night game when it could have been avoided.

The one thing I cannot stress enough is that if it is over 85 degrees you should wear sunscreen. I have had too many sunburns the next day that I can tell you from firsthand experience that it will be worth smelling like sunscreen for a few hours.

The first day of college for even the most outgoing individual is sure to inspire some anxiety but fear no more and look no further, here are the most vital and critical tips required to tackle your first day of college with enthusiasm, vigor, and excitement.

1. Introduce yourself to your professors I can’t express the importance of this enough.

Your professors are essentially your gateways towards internships, teaching assistant positions, and, in some cases, improving your letter grade. Through creating a familiarity with your professors, you’ll not only gain a useful connection but also maintain a relationship with an official in your college.

Your professors will be the ones who will help in determining what your future looks like.

2. Everyone wants friends… even the squirrels It can be extremely daunting to create new friendships in those first few weeks of college, but there is no unfriendly face to be found across OSU’s campus. Everyone, even the squirrels that scurry across the greenery, are open for a new companion. It’ll never hurt to reach out to someone for directions to class or sit by a

friendly, unknown face in an overwhelming class (especially since you can gain a study buddy ).

College is where you’ll make some of your best friends, and capitalize on that certainty, knowing that the people around you will make up your future.

3. Show up to class. On time.

I get it. It’s hard to maintain that discipline of getting to class without tardy bells and parents, but trust me, it pays off to go to class and learn.

You’re paying to be here, and these college classes are going to carve out what your career looks like. You’re going to need the information they give you, whether it’s American history or differential equations. Getting to class and getting there on time will not only provide you with the opportunity to meet your professors and some new faces (see #1 and #3), but it will help establish a set routine for you as the semester rolls forward.

4. One bad day doesn’t mean 100 bad days You’re going to be here for four years, some of you for three, others five.

Know that one bad day of college, whether it’s the first day or the fifth, doesn’t mean that college is a terrible experience and you’re not cut out for it. Just as in regular life, you’re going to be swarmed with good days and bad days, and it’s important to have perspec-

tive and recognize that

each day is anew and isn’t affected by the previous one. Keep your head up and keep trucking ahead when things get tough, because that one difficult test or rainy day won’t define your life forever.

5. Explore!

Ever seen “National Treasure?” Well, treat OSU just like Nicholas Cage did when he wandered those spooky ruins and scavenged for lost gold. It’s a large campus, and there’s so much to see beyond the brick buildings and scrappy pavement sidewalks.

Find your study nook and make your spot yours.

Who knows, maybe you’ll even be the student to find your way to the top of the library.

No matter what, your first day at OSU is going to be an experience you’ll never forget, and we can’t wait to have you join the Cowboy family. There’s so much that OSU offers, and make sure that you say “yes” to as much as you can. These four years will fly by, and sooner than you realize, they’ll quickly become the good ole’ days.

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Music to study to M ega n H ays L i f e s t y l e E d i to r @ m egt h e r e p o rt e r

College is a lot of work.

Not just in terms of effort, it is just a lot of sitting at a computer writing papers or staring at homework with problems that are nothing like the examples in the book. That kind of work requires focus and even if you manage to put the phone down and zero in on what’s in front of you, the slightest noise can distract you especially on the first floor of the library or the student union.

So to help with the distractions, according to Nick Perham and Joanne Vizard of University of Wales lis-

tening to non-lyrical, upbeat music can increase focus and cognitive functioning (first lesson of college, always cite your sources).

Here are a few popular choices when it comes to that first long session of studying.

Lofi If you’ve dove into the world of music on youtube at all, you’ve probably come across the modern classic of a girl sitting at her desk doing homework which is exactly what you should be doing after you find this livestream. Lofi has that certain warm electronic charm to it that makes it easy to just have on in the background without being too distracting. It never gets

too hyped where you’re paying more attention to the music than the words in front of you but the percussive beat keeps you from falling asleep too soon but the more acoustic element keeps you from freaking out after you solve that math problem wrong. Again.

Foreign Music This broad genre might be more for the adventurous music listener but once you get set on the path, it’s easy to find new songs to add to your study playlist. From the wide range of K-Pop title tracks to the chill vibes of spanish guitar playlists, it will help drown out the world around you as you chip away at the pile of homework you have. Now,

Wes Hicks/Unsplash

In college there is a lot to do and sometimes it is hard to focus but music can help.

I did say that it shouldn’t have any vocals but if you don’t speak the language the vocals start to blend into the actual music of the song, adding another layer for your listening enjoyment.

Lindsey Stirling This will be the only name drop of this article.

Most of the studies down in the field of music’s effect on cognitive functioning, the researchers are always

including classical music into the study’s design.

Classical music still holds its own place in good study music, Lindsey Stirling takes it to another level.

With her violin and music writing skills, she pushes the boundaries of instrumental with the classic violin sound leading the way over aggressive beats and other musical compliments in the background.

Stirling also isn’t afraid to play with different styles from the exotic and fatasical feel of “Mirage” to the more familiar Western inspired rock in “Roundtable Rival.”

Have fun making a playlist with all those styles to get your through those first exam jitters.

Ambient Noise Now this is borderline not music but sometimes, you just need something different. While Aspen Coffee or the library would be a great place for this, it is impossible to find a seat anywhere during finals week. That’s why Youtube exists. With a lot of variations to try from a cafe setting to more wondrous settings like the Hufflepuff common room, there is a place you’d like to be even if you are sitting at your desk holed up in your dorm room.

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A game day game plan: Avoidance

and pick up whatever you

M egan Hays L i fe s tyle Editor @ m egther ep ort er

Oklahoma State University is really big on their sports. Nothing wrong with that but sometimes you need a quiet place to study or just want to enjoy your Saturday after a long week of classes. Here is the best defensive (or offensive, I don’t know sports terms) plan to avoid the crowds on game day and use the time off to the fullest.

Get your head in the game Before the Saturday of the big game you need to do your prep work.

Check the game details like where it is (if it’s an away game then the rest of this game plan is kinda useless), the time and who OSU is playing.

The reason it is important to know who’s playing is to estimate how many people are going to be in town and how coveted your campus parking spot will be. If Kansas is coming to town, most fans will commute for that game while very few people from West Virginia are going to make that trip for a regular season game. If one of those nearby schools is playing, best not risk losing that parking spot because you might not get it back until Sunday afternoon.

Rest up Now it is game day.

Even if you have a lot to get done today, accept until the game starts, you aren’t going to get

want without a long wait.

Aspen Coffee or Panera are pretty abandoned so it is a great spot to pick up some caffeine and finish some homework assignments without fighting the crowds for a spot to sit and enjoy a pretty chill Haydn Golden/Unsplash

With everyone at the home game, it leaves the go-to places to hang out or do homework completely empty.

anything done. Campus is crawling with tailgaters that had their place marked since Thursday and more and more people are driving in to Stillwater for the game.

If you think you can just make a quick dash into your favorite spot on campus, you’re wrong.

Many of the buildings on campus are locked and closed to keep people from wandering the halls.

So while waiting to fully enact this plan, take some time off and enjoy your Saturday morning off.

Finding the pocket Ok now it’s game time.

No, like now the game has started and it is time for this plan to be put into action. You’ll still see people walking to the stadium but the streets are pretty clear by this point.

This is where you get to leave the dorm room and do whatever you want. All the restaurants are pretty much empty because everyone is at the game so you can go by

environment.

Advanced maneuvers A pro tip is to have the score of the game pulled up on your laptop or phone while you’re working and refresh it occasionally. It’ll help you keep up with when you should get back to the safety of your dorm room before people start leaving and you can be informed on who won.

Come Monday, people are still reacting to the game, at least this way you can be prepared for how people will be feeling.

When you leave to get wherever you’ll be hiding out during the game, wear some school apparel.

Even if you don’t care about sports, everyone walking around is wearing OSU merch so just act like you’re a part of the group so you don’t feel like you stick out too much. Also you at least tried to show some interest in sports. So go you.

Notable OSU alumni offer advice to incoming freshman Ryan Novozi ns k y Di gi tal E di to r @ ryannovo 6 2

When surveying notable graduates of Oklahoma State University, the standard for success at the school appears high.

From governors, to famous journalists, to athletic directors and school presidents-- OSU has it all.

While these examples may seem impossible to live up to, all of these OSU graduates started out the same way: as wide-eyed freshmen.

“Dream big, you can accomplish anything in your life you want,” Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt said.

“Don’t ever give up. Things, especially when you’re 22 or 23 or 18 or just getting out of college, never happen as quick as you want. So perseverance is a quality you have to maintain.

“Keep going after your dreams and they will happen. I’m a testament to that sitting as governor of the state and was an 18-year-old freshman at Oklahoma State just like everybody there today.”

While attending OSU, most of these success stories utilized the school’s resources and even did things outside their comfort zone -- to set a foundation for their careers.

“Journalism wise, just do whatever you can,” Stadium sports reporter Brett McMurphy said. “Do as much as you can… Volunteer to go cover high school games. I know you’re like

‘High school? I don’t want to cover high school.’ You learn more covering high school games than you do doing anything else…

As long as you’re around, you’re meeting people in the business, that’s gonna help you somewhere down the road.”

Whether it’s meeting people or having a higher level of education, OSU is bound to teach you something new. To many alumni, these new experiences changed their lives.

“We are pleased to be preparing for in-person classes for the fall semester,” OSU President Burns Hargis said. “OSU offers students an incredible, life-changing on-campus experience. Your pursuit of an OSU degree is enriched with face-to-face learning and research, cultural and athletic activities, lasting friendships, and meaningful service and leadership opportunities.

“I encourage every OSU student to get involved inside and outside the classroom. Meet new people and enjoy new experiences. The Cowboy Code states that we dream only as big as the sky. We are excited you will bring your dreams to Oklahoma State University!”

Hargis’ wife, Ann, shared a similar sentiment, but also emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself when arriving on campus.

“Welcoming new students to Oklahoma State University is one of my very favorite things,” Ann said.

“I encourage everyone to

go to class, study, and also get involved in an activity outside the classroom. Try something new. Connect with Campus Life to meet new people and discover new ideas. With over 500 student organizations, there is truly something for everyone.

“Our hope is that you will find your passion, have a wonderful college experience, and feel the special bond that connects Cowboys worldwide. Don’t forget to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and nutritionally. Utilize the many wellness resources offered to you – including our nationally unique pet therapy program, Pete’s Pet Posse. I can’t wait to see you!”

While the resources the campus provides you with offer the necessary skills for future jobs, the OSU community is where the school shines. This feeling of unity excites future students and leaves graduates with a sense of pride for their alma mater.

“What you learn outside the classroom may be just as important as what you learn inside,” Holder said.

“I encourage you to make friends, engage in campus activities, attend sporting events and totally immerse yourself in the campus experience. If you allow it, OSU will change your life forever and make all things possible.

“Enjoy the ride.”

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Study resources can help 7 easy things to do to OSU students succeed improve living on campus Jennifer Maupin Staff Reporter @JenniferMaupin8

In between hanging out with friends in the Student Union or cheering on the Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium, students might find themselves in Edmond Low library struggling with classes.

Oklahoma State University offers many resources for students who need help in class, including the LASSO center, the Writing center and the Mathematics Learning Success center.

The LASSO center provides students with one-onone tutoring, group tutoring and peer Academic Success Coaching.

Mike Seaman, assistant director of the LASSO Center, said OSU’s study resources will benefit students because of the dedication of its staff.

“At places like the LASSO Center, OSU pours a lot into our peer staff,” Seaman said. “Much is expected of them, and that includes an elite level of comprehension of the courses they work within but also an understanding of how to work in a personable, courteous and engaging manner with students.”

Every LASSO tutor must have received an “A” in the course they work with.

They also attend every lecture, take notes and work with the instructor of that course.

Another great resource is the OSU Writing Center. It helps students develop writ-

Marcus Trevino Staff Reporter MarcusTrevinoSA

Adam Luther/O’Colly

Many study resources available to students can be found in the Edmon Low Library, such as the Math Learning Success Center.

ing strategies from brainstorming to drafting and different editing techniques.

Psychology major Taylor Gladney said the Writing Center helped her pass her psychology of social behaviors course.

“The writing center has helped me better understand how to personally edit a paper,” Gladney said. “Even in online appointments, they are still able to clearly communicate where and why corrections are needed.”

Another great study resource on campus is the Mathematics Learning Success Center. The MLSC has tutoring online and inperson. Its site covers linear and abstract algebra, as well as resources for Calculus I and II. Microbiology senior Troy

Adkins says the MLSC is one of his favorite resources on campus.

“The MLSC helped me with great study tips and with the variety of different classes I was in,” Adkins said. “They also showed me a different way of solving problems that I didn’t quite understand in class.”

OSU’s tutors are dedicated to helping students.

Study resources on campus can help students succeed and make the most of their time as a Cowboy, so students shouldn’t be afraid to utilize them.

“Our resources don’t just help students survive, but equip them with the tools necessary to thrive, while also building connections with their Cowboy family,” Seaman said.

Living on campus can be intimidating. For many this is their first time living on their own without the safety net of their parents. There are many things that can improve the quality of life in the dorms, so here are a few.

These tips and advice aren’t life changing but they will save a lot of people from avoidable headaches and inconveniences.

1. Use a water filter for drinking water.

At face value the price of water seems relatively low. A gallon only costs 99 cents and a 24 pack can be bought at as low as $4. By stretching that out over the 32 weeks of an academic year, the cost of drinking water will be around $130 at the lowest. That’s not a lot of money per se, but the easiest way to cut cost is by buying a personal filter.

They can be found for as low as $12 and who doesn’t like an extra $118? Not only is it financially beneficial, but it also has a positive impact on the environment.

2. Get a mini-fridge if possible.

Some dorms give their residents the option to install a fridge in their rooms for them. This is a great way to ensure your groceries don’t get taken from community refrigerators. There is an unwritten, yet often spoken rule for community fridges “no name, fair game.” This means anyone can eat food from a con-

Adam Luther/O’Colly

First year students are required to live on campus so learning dorm-living tips can help make it a better experience.

tainer that doesn’t have the owner’s name written on it.

Food-stealing is a real issue as this rule isn’t always followed. Residents who have their own mini-fridge are saved from these headaches.

3. Don’t buy groceries on campus if that’s an option.

Every freshman is required to have at least the Bronze meal plan, that’s $1,550 a semester Using this service for daily meals can go up to $100 per week.

This amount skyrockets if you also buy your groceries on campus. Items can be bought for much lower prices and more variety at other stores in Stillwater.

4. Get to know your roommates.

Not everyone is going to like their roommates and that’s okay, you don’t have to like them. But getting to know them is useful for people who are looking for something to do or building relationships with them to be helpful in the future. This is especially true for out-ofstate students who may need to count on someone in the future.

5. Do laundry on the

weekends.

The reason for doing this though is the availability of washing machines and dryers. It’s almost impossible to find an empty machine during the week. They’re usually far more available during the weekend. Publishing this advice for the public is counterproductive because it’s useless if everyone starts doing their laundry on the weekend, but hopefully that is not the case.

6. Get a curtain for the window.

At night, OSU keeps the campus lights on so people can walk safely to and from the gym, library, stores, etc. The downside to this is having a lot of light in the room. This can be rather inconvenient for those who need pitch-black rooms to go to sleep. Installing a curtain is the easiest solution. And don’t worry if you don’t have the necessary tools. Pinning the curtain to the window with thumb tacks works just as well.

7. Be prepared to deal with noise.

OSU’s campus can be loud. Dealing with noises such as the music from Boone Pickens Stadium, people talking loudly outside or in the halls or a car alarm going off every 30 minutes is a certainty. This can be challenging for people trying to sleep or study.

Noise-cancelling earphones are the quickest fix.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making it through the first semester at OSU.

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Q&A with a Fulbright scholar E l li e Mele r o Ne ws Editor @ e l ean or _m el er o

For college students who enjoy traveling and think they might be interested in teaching or foreign affairs, one program they might look at as they prepare to graduate is the U.S. Student Fulbright Program.

The program provides grants to about 1,500 students each year to teach or conduct research abroad. Since the program’s founding in 1946, 46 students from Oklahoma State University have received a Fulbright grant, 18 of whom have received the grants to teach English in foreign countries.

Samantha Homann graduated from OSU with a double major in English literature and German in December 2019, and she received a Fulbright grant to go to Germany to teach English for the 2020-21 year. The O’Colly had the opportunity to talk with Homann about her award.

Why did you decide to apply for the Fulbright?

So I’m a double major, English and German, and so German is obviously a big part of who I am. I’ve been very fortunate to go to Germany on numerous occasions. I studied a broad twice during my high school career, and then last summer I actually went back with my program and chaperoned

an exchange program.

I took 15 high school students to Germany, and it was absolute chaos.

But during that time, I realized how much I loved Germany. From (when I was) little on, I always said I wanted to live in Germany, but that summer really sold the idea that I need to live here. This is the culture, this is the life style that is really important to me, that fits who I am and I’m going to do kind of whatever it takes to get over there.

So, (Fulbright) was a great first step for me.

What was the application process like?

It’s like any other application. You have your basic biographical information and then essays that detail how you’re going to get involved in the country and what you’re going to bring to the actual exchange part of it. Fulbright is really about being an ambassador for the United States and building connections with people, so how are you going to get involved in the community kind of in a non-traditional way? They want people who are really going to engage.

That was one area that I really had to think about. What makes me unique? How can I engage in a community in a different way that’s maybe not as traditional as, “Oh, I’m just going to go and make friends,

Courtesy of School of Global Studies and Partnerships

Samantha Homann is one of 1,500 people who received a Fulbright grant to teach English in a foreign country for the 2020-21 school year.

and I’m going to go to all these historical places.”

So, one thing that I’m really involved in here in Stillwater is Tiny Paws, the vet clinic. So, I talked about how I would really like to volunteer over there in some capacity.

What you need to have, also, is a recommendation and it’s different for every country; for Germany specifically, you need three letters of rec and also a language exam. I used my German professors for all of that, and then OSU has a really cool resource:

they have a team on campus that reviews the application and then sits down with you and they go over it with you on the application. What they think is really good about, what they think is wrong. And so, the OSU application deadline is earlier than the national deadline, so I got to meet with a panel of four professors who had worked with other Fulbrighters to pass and really get some advice, and that helped a lot.

Do you think your time at OSU has pre-

pared you for what you’re about to experience with Fulbright?

So, starting freshman year, I told my advisors I was interested in study abroad, and obviously, with that double major, they knew there was some interest there. So, my English advisor from the very first time I met her, she recommended Fulbright, and so, right away, that seed was planted.

In terms of support, the university is incredible.

I had so many absolutely amazing faculty members who not only helped me develop academically but also as a person. A lot of them really pushed me to look at what opportunities there were for me abroad. They all knew it was something I was interested in, but I had one professor in particular, Dr. Jones from the English department, who told me, “Before you make any decisions, come talk to me, and we’re going to figure stuff out.”

Other things that really helped me on campus were getting involved and that Cowboy Family that we all talk about. I know it’s cliché, but it truly is a family. It’s the people who believe in you, who take a chance on you and push you to try new things that might be out of your comfort zone.

Do you have any advice for incoming students who may be interested in Fulbright

in the future?

I have two pieces of advice for freshman. Just a general piece of advice that I tell everyone: Go shake your professors hand on the first day of class, either before or after. Go introduce yourself. If you give a name and a face to your professor on day one, they will be more likely to help you and that just builds a personal relationship.

Making those personal connections are super important for whatever you want to do in life.

For Fulbright specifically, I think you just have to be aware of it early on. Learning about the opportunities because there’s different types of Fulbrights, and kind of test out the waters. Is going abroad something you’re interested in, and do you have experience with that? And what can you bring to the table?

And then just be yourself. Don’t try to add things to your resume just to add them to a resume. Yes, they’re going to look at your resume, but what are you going to get out of the activities you’re doing? It’s not about quantity but more quality.

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opinion

I miss sports, but safety comes first J e r emy Kolok S po rts Co lu m n is t @ Je remyKolok

It would be really nice to have college football this fall if it can be done safely.

However, the last five words are the crucial part of that sentence.

If someone told you in 2019 that a year from now we would be in the situation we find ourselves within today, you wouldn’t believe it for a second.

2019 was a time where the possibility of delaying or cancelling collegiate athletics seemed outrageous.

Today in 2020, it feels like our reality.

Any fan of sports would likely support their return provided they receive the approval of health and safety experts, but Oklahoma State fans seem to have a little more to contend for in 2020.

I tweeted a quote from OSU football coach Mike Gundy as he spoke from the underbelly of Houston’s NRG Stadium following a Cowboy loss to Texas A&M in the 2019 Texas Bowl.

Ah, that’s right, 2019.

When the world was normal, and some of the biggest nuisances in most of our lives related to Gundy’s in-game decision-making or the traffic on your daily commute.

Gundy told media members after the loss that he was “... so excited for the future of Okla-

Devin Lawrence Wilber

Chubba Hubbard runs the ball during the Bedlam football game on Nov. 10, 2018, in Norman, Oklahoma at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

homa State football,” though fans were skeptical.

Star running back Chuba Hubbard’s decision on whether to turn pro or to stay in college was looming, and going pro seemed like a reasonable possibility for the Canadian speedster.

Hubbard, the NCAA’s leading rusher in 2019, then announced his intentions in January to return to Stillwater and play for OSU in 2020, which capped off an exciting winter for Cowboy fans.

Acrobatic superstar receiver Tylan Wallace had already announced his intentions to stay for his senior year, the Cowboys will return nearly

all defensive starters and second-stringers to their lineup, and longtime wide receivers coach and offensive wizard Kasey Dunn finally received his promotion to offensive coordinator.

It was announced last week that Hubbard was the recipient of the Cornish Trophy, given annually to the top Canadian player on an American college football roster, after finishing his 2019 campaign with 2,094 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He finished as a unanimous AllAmerican and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Obviously, all 21 of Hubbard’s touchdowns

occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world is a much different place now, and when Hubbard spoke to the media via zoom conference last week, the conversation was a lot different than it was in the tunnels of NRG Stadium in December.

If the college football season is unable to start on time this fall, a window of concern opens up for players like Hubbard who already have draft value to their name.

If the season were to not start on time, you would probably see a number of players in Hubbard’s position who would choose to sit out for the shortened season

and focus on preparing and training for the NFL, which would reduce injury risks.

“I’ve thought about it,” Hubbard said. “I’ve thought about a lot, actually. I’m just going to stay ready, whether that’s for the season or whether I need to take the season off. I’m just going to do what’s best for me and my family. Right now, I’m planning to play (for OSU). I guess we’ll see what happens. As of right now, I’m locked in and getting ready for the season.

“Hopefully, we won’t have to talk about this.”

This predicament not only applies to Hubbard, but also to Wallace and a number of other college athletes across the country.

Cade Cunningham should be making his way to Stillwater as we speak, so he can put on a pair of those OSU basketball practice shorts with the word “defense” laminated onto the back as soon as physically possible as a freshman for Cowboy basketball.

Cunningham is the highest-rated point guard recruit coming out of high school in the history of college basketball, but with many of his counterparts opting out of collegiate hoops for the NBA’s G-League developmental program anyway and only a one-year buffer between high school graduation and NBA eligibility, a

shortened or cancelled college basketball season would be catastrophic to the incredible recruiting class Mike Boynton has assembled.

If the season were to not start on time, it would become a real possibility that players like Cunningham sit out and focus on preparing for a professional career.

In January before the pandemic at an OSU football pep rally, Chuba Hubbard, Tylan Wallace and Amen Ogbongbemiga vowed to a packed OSU Student Union that they would fight for a Big 12 championship this season and give it their all for National Championship contention.

With third-year sophomore Spencer Sanders at quarterback with some experience under his belt, the electric threats of Hubbard and Wallace would position OSU as a contender for the Big 12 title.

Having any kind of season, even with empty stadiums, could help universities across the country survive financially. It would benefit the universities immensely to try to figure out how to safely play these games.

When it comes to players in Hubbard, Wallace or Cunningham’s shoes though, a shortened season means a looming business decision that must come with it.

Full Story on Ocolly.com

lifestyle

O’Colly Restaurant Guide M ega n H ays L i f e s t y l e E d i to r @ m egt h e r e p o rt e r

On-campus dining does

It can be intimidating if you don’t know what the town has to offer so here is a handy guide in all the

have a lot of options but

restaurants I could find in

sometimes you just want go

Stillwater.

out and explore Stillwater.

Happy eating.

Tim Mossholder/Unsplash

Stillwater is home to a lot of great restaurants for students to get out of their dorm room to enjoy.

CAN CLAUDE SOLVE THE CLUES? OR WILL THE KILLER TORMENT HIM WORSE THAN EXPECTED? THE NEWEST NOVEL

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MAY 11, 2020

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Q&A with Miss Hispanic OSU 2020 E l li e Mele r o Ne ws Editor @ e l ean or _m el er o

On March 7, sophomore Kassandra Gaona was crowned Miss Hispanic/ Latino OSU 2020. Oklahoma State University hosts the annual scholarship pageant which provides a platform for Hispanic and Latino students to advocate for issues that affect their community. Gaona’s platform is foster care awareness. The O’Colly had the opportunity to talk with Gaona about her platform and her experience in the pageant.

Why did you decide to join the Miss Hispanic OSU pageant?

I wanted a way to get back in touch with my roots. I had strayed from my roots due to being ashamed of who I was. I didn’t want to be Mexican. My parents were mistreated because they were Mexican, and I didn’t want that to happen to me so I strayed as far away from that as possible. I didn’t really get back into until the beginning of last year when I came to college; I had some friends who helped me out and they were like, “Hey, you’re awesome.” And I was like, “You know what?

I love my culture. I love who I am. This pageant’s perfect, I have to do it, be a representative of my culture and help other people who are in the same situation that I

was.”

What are some ways the pageant helped you get back in touch with your roots?

I’m definitely more aware of what is going on in the Hispanic community now. I’ve also just connected with more Hispanic people here on campus because if it weren’t for (the pageant), I wouldn’t have joined (the Hispanic Student Association). To be in the pageant you have to be in HSA, so I joined them, and they’re all really great. They’re great people, and everybody’s always helping everyone, and I love that.

Can you talk to me about your platform?

My platform is raising awareness for the mental health issues caused by the foster care system. I chose that because my friend was in foster care, and I didn’t know how bad it was until last year when I took a course. I found out how awful it was, all the mental health issues that are caused because they’re taken away from their family, their home. Even though they’re mistreated, that’s the only thing they know so they’re attached to (they’re families), they love them. And I was like, “Hey, friend. Is it really that bad?” and she was like, “Oh, yeah. They treat you like absolute trash,” so I was like, “This is a problem, and we need to bring it to light.”

How do you hope to use your title to raise awareness for foster care children?

So, I plan to use my title to be able to host a couple of workshops that will be held in both Spanish and English, and they will be open to the Hispanic community here in Stillwater, not just at OSU. Also, to just any person who wants to come. I want to inform them of one, the importance of mental health and two, teach them that, “Hey, look at what foster care’s doing. We need to do something to change this or at least to help the kids out.”

My biggest project, the one I’m most excited about, is I’m planning a volunteer group. I’m going to partner with Together We Rise, which is a nonprofit organization that helps children in foster care. What they do, is they have a program in which they help children get rid of trash bags because when children are in the foster care system, they are given two trash bags to drag their stuff from place to place, which is absolutely awful. So, what they do is they have duffle bags, and they fill them with teddy bears, hygiene items and other care items. Then, we get to take them to foster children here in our local area, so for us that would be Payne County.

I also want to host like a clothing drive to get like the stuffed animals and

Alicia Young/O’Colly

Sophomore Kassandra Gaona was crowned Miss Hispanic/ Latina OSU 2020 on March 7. The O’Colly talked with Gaona about her experience in the pageant and her platform.

backpacks and other stuff.

The more stuff we can give (the foster kids) the better because they need all the help we can get.

What was the most fun part of the pageant?

Definitely getting close with everybody. We have a bond now from hanging out with each other so much and working with each other. We got to see each other grow into more confident and better people as the pageant went on. When we first started, we were all shy

and nervous, and we were like, “Yeah, we can do this.” But at the same time, we were really reserved, and now we’re really, really great friends.

Honestly, I love that.

How would you characterize your experience overall with the pageant?

It was a great experience. I would definitely do it again if I could. It not only taught me to be more confident and better at public speaking, but also just working

with people and taking criticism and not taking it personally and growing as a person.

Gaona said the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t affected her plans for her platform because programming doesn’t start until the fall semester.

She will mostly be planning events over the summer. She said if the coronavirus situation continues, she will revise her plans as needed.

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OSU students work Super Bowl LIV Gabby Spran g O’Colly Contributor @ oco lly

Rebecca Blundon and Ashley Patel hit a super bowl lottery.

Blundon and Patel, Oklahoma State hospitality tourism and management (HTM) students, were 300 out of 40,000 volunteers given the opportunity of a lifetime: working inside Hard Rock Stadium during Super Bowl LIV. “You learned a lot about your program and about yourself as well as the effort and coordination that goes into these events,” Patel said.

These students have had opportunities to put on events at Oklahoma State during their four years, but nothing compared to the magnitude of the Super Bowl. They both worked as volunteers during Super Bowl LIV in Miami in January, setting up live events, pre-game activities and as the game-day welcome committee. Their experience gave them a new perspective on larger events while preparing them for life for after graduation.

“During this experience my biggest takeaway would be how important organization and leadership is while putting on such big events,” Blundon said.

During their time at the Super Bowl, Patel and Blundon had many different jobs, including Super

elisfkc2/flickr

Hospitality and tourism management students Rebecca Blundon and Ashley Patel worked inside Hard Rock Stadium during Super Bowl LIV.

Bowl Live, an event open to the public that includes concerts, food vendors and beverages. This event promotes the Super Bowl and lets the city of Miami feel involved. The two girls were in charge of helping people find their way around the event along with organizing their team on where to go and what to do. Some days, they were in more of a leadership role than others.

On game day, they were inside the stadium working as a welcoming committee in the VIP club, meeting and

mingling with owners of many teams along with famous people.

Their favorite: Kevin Hart.

“He thanked me for my work and for volunteering, along with asking me where I was from and really took the time to get to know me,” Patel said.

“The more experience you have, the more you learn about your field, finding out where you want to be. This kind of experience is rare but a wonderful experience to have.”

Not all of this was just work. They were also

able to attend the Super Bowl experience as students, getting to go in and meet several players on the teams along with Hall of Fame athletes. They were also able to venture around Miami and the Super Bowl events.

The mind behind this OSU experience is Professor Catherine Curtis, currently a HTM professor, who formerly taught at Florida International University, which helped her with ties to the event.

Curtis was a volunteer as well during the Super Bowl, guiding students who needed help.

“It is a very unique experience being able to work the Super Bowl because it is a mega sports event, and it isn’t too common, especially for students in Oklahoma,” Curtis said.

Curtis sent an invitation out to all HTM students and then selected 1-4 students she thought would be good candidates. The girls then had to be approved by faculty before going through a rigorous screening process to be able to work in Miami, followed by additional screening and background checks ad-

ministrated by the NFL. “This is the first year they have had college students there,” Blundon said. “It is not heard of, making it such a cool experience for us students from Oklahoma.”

Blundon and Patel’s opportunity wasn’t great just for them; it excited other students in their program.

“As an HTM student and seeing them get to work this amazing event, I am encouraged and excited for the future with the HTM program,” HTM student Sydney Pennington said.

Both Blundon and Patel plan to graduate from the HTM program at in May. Blundon has dreams of getting a job outside of Oklahoma, exploring and getting more experience in the field. Coming from an Army background and moving around the world as a youngster, she hopes to work overseas closer to her family, who currently reside in Saudi Arabia.

Patel plans to continue her baking business back home, Gates Gourmet Goodies. She hopes to work in the pageant industry. She also is hoping to give back to her Choctaw Nation and work for her people after graduation.

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MAY 11, 2020