May 27, 2021

SUMMER 2021

Catching up on last year’s news…PG 4 Ohio football’s need for a leader…PG 20 How to approach in-person classes…PG 29

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Making the most of your student orientation

ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Whether you’re firing up your computer or stepping onto the bricks of Athens, welcome to Bobcat Student Orientation. Orientation marks the beginning of some of the best four years of your life, so soak in every moment you can.

Admittedly, none of us are quite where we thought we’d be right now. With smaller orientation groups and a limit of one guest per incoming student, many of those at BSO might be reading this column online as opposed to in print. Trying to get excited about the college transition may be difficult when you’re not even on campus or when BSO doesn’t look quite like you thought it would.

However, there are ways to prepare and make the most of the college transition despite our current circumstances — and I encourage you to try and make the most of it.

My own BSO experience feels like a lifetime ago, but what I do remember is the welcoming atmosphere. As an out-of-state student, BSO was my second time in Athens. Nonetheless, I left feeling more secure

than ever in the place that would become my home away from home. The faculty and orientation leaders you meet during BSO will immediately make you feel like a Bobcat as well as supported in so many ways. So, ask those burning questions (and yes, I guarantee everyone else will probably be relieved when you ask about your DARS). The people here at OU will help you grow in any facet of life you could ask for, so take advantage of it.

Even more than that, I met fellow incoming students who, even today, continue to impact me. The Post’s very own managing editor, Bre Offenberger, was in my orientation group. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for someone’s number or social media handle to keep in touch and reconnect once the school year begins. The transition to freshman year is equal parts scary and exciting, and going into the year with some more familiar faces never hurts.

This Orientation Guide also serves as a resource for you. In your hands (or on your screen) are countless articles, listicles and

more to give you all you need to know about your new home. From prominent buildings to tips for your first in-person college courses, this tab is designed for incoming Bobcats. To stay in the know about all things Athens and OU throughout the year, follow us on Twitter, @The Post, and @thepostathens on Instagram.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about BSO as an incoming freshman, but it’s just the beginning of the wild, wonderful journey we call college. While BSO is not being delivered the way any of us would have imagined a couple years ago, take it all in. This is just a sample of the journey that is a few short months away from you.

Abby Miller is a senior studying journalism and political science at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Abby at am166317@ohio.edu or tweet her @abblawrence.

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We are thrilled to welcome you to our beloved bricks. The experiences you will have over the next four years will forever change you. You will learn, grow, laugh, stress, perhaps stumble, but also succeed. Try new things. and get out of your comfort zone. From all of us at the Division of Student Affairs, welcome to the

JE NN Y H A L L-J O N ES , PH D Vice President for Student Affairs

Bobcat family!

ese bricks Th . u o y r fo g in We've been wait too. , s r u o y w o n e r a we call home

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Pat t i M c St e e n , P h . D. Dean of Students

NEWS BRIEFS

News you need to know from the 2020-21 academic year EMMA SKIDMORE NEWS EDITOR OU BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVOKES TENURE FOR SCRIPPS FACULTY MEMBER

During its April meeting, the Ohio University Board of Trustees voted to revoke the tenure of Yusuf Kalyango, a professor in the Scripps College of Communication who was found to have sexually harassed two students.

The decision comes after a Faculty Senate special committee originally recommended his tenure be restored.

However, the Senate body voted for the Board to disregard this recommendation during its deliberation.

David Moore, secretary to the Board, said the termination and revocation of Kaylango’s tenure is warranted due to the nature of the violations and soundness of evidence.

The Board found the hearing and testimony process to be fully compliant, and Moore acknowledged how the power afforded to Kaylango as a faculty member affected the Office of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance investigation.

Moore said the university standard for matters involving sexual harassment is preponderance of evidence and should have been applied by the committee.

Janelle Coleman, Board chair, criticized Kaylango’s behavior and expressed her gratitude for the women who spoke up about the harassment they experienced, as well as witnesses in the faculty hearing. Coleman addressed OU’s commitment to justice by saying she hopes the healing process will strengthen the university’s commitment to safety.

GOV. MIKE DEWINE VISITS OU CORONAVIRUS VACCINE CLINIC

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine visited Ohio University’s Heritage Hall in April to tour the facilities and observe students receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

DeWine talked with students while they waited to get their vaccine. Simar Kalkat, a sophomore studying finance, business analytics and economics, said she trusts the vaccine and was not nervous.

OU President Duane Nellis expressed his appreciation for DeWine’s visit and his commitment to providing COVID-19 vaccines to college students. DeWine said the vaccine is the only way to achieve normalcy, and Ohio is on their way back to normal with 35% of Ohioans vaccinated at the time. DeWine also said he still plans to lift all COVID-19 executive orders by July 4, as long as Ohioans continue to wear their masks and get vaccinated.

Nellis said during the Fall Semester, he will advocate for more students to receive the vaccine. Those who are not vaccinated, he said, will have a more rigorous testing routine.

Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, said vaccine clinics have been well attended and students are interested in receiving the vaccine. Jack Pepper, Athens City-County Health Department administrator, said the health department continues to receive vaccines every week, but DeWine said he has 4 / SUMMER 2021

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine talks about wearing masks with Prestin Minter at a public relations event hosted at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio, on Monday, April 12, 2021. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

seen a decrease in demand for the vaccine due to people already being vaccinated.

DeWine also acknowledged that some may be reluctant to receive the vaccine. He said the biggest challenge Ohio faces is convincing people to receive the vaccine, and that it is the ticket out of the pandemic.

OU HOSTS LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN FOR COLLIN’S LAW

Along with 16 other colleges, Ohio University hosted a letter-writing campaign in support of Collin’s Law, which would increase hazing penalties statewide.

Students set up resources outside of Baker University Center for anyone interested in writing an email or letter to their state representative or senator over a fiveday period at the beginning of April. Molly Davis, a senior studying public health, helped organize the event and invited high school students touring campus to participate.

Davis said over 200 letters were signed to different senators, helping to spread the message statewide. Ariel Tarosky, director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, said she estimates the office received a total of up to 500 letters

over the five-day period, with about 300 being handwritten. An average of 50 letters were signed per day at OU, Tarosky said, and hopes there will be an increase in conversation surrounding hazing.

Mya Delaney, a junior studying early childhood education, said she was proud to see such a large number of Greek life members take steps to make the community feel as safe as possible. Davis said she had a high school student who knew Stone Foltz, a Bowling Green State University student who died as a result of hazing, sign a letter, as well as someone who was a friend of Collin Wiant.

Davis said hazing is something that needs to be frequently brought up and must be an ongoing conversation, rather than a beginning-of-the-semester requirement.

Tarosky said she hopes state legislators will see how many people care about this issue, and push to get Collin’s Law passed quickly.

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

COVID-19 Testing Changes

OU to conduct COVID-19 testing through Pathway Program MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ohio University students will be required to participate in asymptomatic testing next semester through the new COVID-19 Testing Pathway Program, which was developed as a result of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Testing Pathway Program allows students, faculty and staff to choose a testing pathway dependent on their vaccination status.

During Spring Semester, on-campus students were required to complete weekly tests through asymptomatic testing provided by OU and Vault Health. Next semester, fully vaccinated students will be tested once a month while non-vaccinated individuals will be subjected to weekly testing. Testing will still be provided through Vault.

“I think it’s good that people that are fully vaccinated get tested less, so there’s more supply for those that really need it,” Alli Hale, a senior studying nursing, said. “Those that aren’t vaccinated are still at a high risk for getting it (COVID-19), so I think it’s a good thing that they’re getting tested every week so that they’re not putting their friends and family and coworkers at risk.”

Students who are vaccinated must provide record of their vaccination status by uploading a photo of their COVID-19 vaccination card when taking the Pathway Selection Survey.

Through the asymptomatic testing program, university officials will be able to monitor the incidence level of COVID-19 on campus. Testing is also essential in order to enjoy normal activities, according to the program website.

Individuals who access campus fa-

cilities, such as university libraries, labs and clinical educational experiences, will all be required to participate in tests, regardless of off-campus or on-campus residence.

Students are able to update their vaccination status on the Pathway website and may be subjected to fewer tests if they become fully vaccinated. However, students may also be required to test more than their prescribed pathway indicates in order to curb and monitor a potential COVID-19 outbreak.

Students are subject to potential consequences if they miss their testing window, as it is required by the university.

Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said if students miss their test, they will be sent an email telling them to complete the test immediately. If students fail to get tested af-

ter receiving this email, their access to campus facilities will be restricted until they are tested. If they fail to test a third time, they will be referred to community standards, Leatherwood said.

Hale believes the new testing program may motivate students who are not vaccinated to become vaccinated and hopes campus life will be more normal next semester.

“I’m hoping that since the vaccine has been made available to all students that they took advantage of it and that in the fall and in the spring, it can go back to a little bit more normal — more people on campus, more in-person classes,” Hale said. “With a lot of clubs and extracurriculars, a lot of the involvement dropped, and the membership dropped because of everything last year. So hopefully, we can rebuild and gain more involvement on campus.”

OU will continue to work with public health officials over the summer to make the decisions for Fall Semester, Leatherwood said.

“The nature of the COVID pandemic is ever-evolving, and the University will continue to monitor developments and will work with public health experts to address them,” Leatherwood said in an email.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

The Vault COVID-19 testing center, located on South Green, on May 16, 2021. (TANNER PEARSON | FOR THE POST)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Rules and Regulations Here’s a look at dorm guidelines during COVID-19 MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ohio University requires both first and second-year students to reside in residence halls, and those students are subject to numerous residence expectations and guidelines while living on campus.

Due to COVID-19, dorm guidelines were adjusted last year. Most significantly, Justin Kopicko, a resident assistant and senior studying finance and business analytics, said face coverings were required in residence halls, and off-campus and on-campus guests were prohibited from entering residence halls.

“People weren’t allowed to have guests from any other building in the hall at all. You could only have people from this building,” Kopicko said. “That was something that surprised a lot of people.”

Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said in an email OU will continue to work with public health experts over the summer to

establish expectations as COVID-19 guidelines change.

“We will keep the University community updated as soon as we have details to share,” Leatherwood said in an email.

Leatherwood encourages students to routinely check their Catmail and visit OU’s COVID-19 response website over the summer to receive the latest information.

In addition to COVID-19 protocols, OU has a plethora of dorm guidelines in place where several electrical and appliance, decor, substance use and inspection regulations are outlined.

Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 within residence halls is prohibited, according to the 2020-2021 Student Housing Handbook. Selling alcohol, hosting an event in residence halls with alcohol and the possession and display of alcohol containers and paraphernalia is prohibited, even if the containers are empty.

Students who are present in a room, suite, apartment or general facility that contains alcohol will be referred to Com-

SURVIVOR ADVOCACY PROGRAM

munity Standards and will be documented.

The use, presence and possession of illegal drugs and controlled substances is prohibited. Prescription drugs taken outside of the prescribed use and the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Students in a room, suite, apartment or general facility that contains controlled substances may be found in violation of the policy.

OU is also a tobacco- and smoke-free campus; therefore, smoking or vaping in residence halls, entryways, on the South Green catwalk and within 25 feet of residential facilities is prohibited.

Various electrical and appliance regulations are outlined in the handbook.

Extension cords and multi-plug adapters without a surge protector are prohibited in dorms.

OU encourages students to personalize their rooms but also outlines several safety concerns regarding in-room decor. Only 25% of the walls in dorm rooms are to be covered by posters and tapestries. Command products are recommended for hanging room decorations, as they cause minimal damage to the walls. Damage may result in a fine, according to the handbook.

Each semester, Housing and Residence Hall Life staff members will conduct a room inspection to ensure that dorm rooms meet

the health and safety standards.

Residents living on campus are expected to keep noise to an acceptable and courteous level during all hours of the day. The handbook defines unacceptable noises as yelling; pounding on walls, windows and floors; amplified sounds; and playing instruments. Noise that interferes with the studying and sleep of other individuals is prohibited.

However, OU also outlines specific hours of the day that are considered quiet hours. Those hours span from 10 p.m until 10 a.m, Sunday through Thursday.

On the weekends, Friday through Saturday, quiet hours range from 12 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Kopicko believes the most important regulation in residence halls this year will be respecting quiet hours.

“Partying is kind of obvious. Quiet hours isn’t something that people always think about,” Kopicko said, “Especially this year, when most people are doing classes and taking exams from their room on their computer. I think that one would be the most important thing.”

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

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Support and advocacy for student survivors of interpersonal violence

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Important Buildings Buildings around campus all new students should know

BEKAH BOSTICK SLOT EDITOR Ohio University’s main campus is home to many important buildings that students should get familiar with during their time in Athens. Since there are many buildings that offer different services, it can get confusing to know what is offered at which building.

Here are a few buildings that incoming students can get familiar with before arriving on campus:

ALDEN LIBRARY

Alden Library, 30 Park Place, gives students a place to work and study throughout the school year. Alden has many things to offer students, including computers and other devices, borrowing materials, meeting spaces and even advising sessions at the Allen Student Advising Center.

Alden’s website also gives students access to some materials and services it provides, including room reservations, access to its archives and the ability to chat with staff members about materials needed to complete a project.

BAKER UNIVERSITY CENTER

Baker University Center, 1 Park Place, houses many important offices that are beneficial for students. This building has space for conferences, craft nights, a coffee house and a restaurant, among many other things.

Baker holds offices for Student Senate, the Campus Involvement Center, the Dean of Students, the LGBT Center, Student Accessibility Services and more.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Office of Global Opportunities, 15 Park Place, helps students choose and plan for study abroad programs.

It provides information on U.S.-based trips as well as international and virtual experiences.

There are many programs available for students, and this building helps students discover which programs are offered for their field of study and how to financially plan for the trip. Its website gives students a place to browse which programs are available and what else is offered.

CHUBB HALL

Chubb Hall, 74 S. Court St., is the location of the Office of the Bursar and the University Registrar. One of this building’s focus areas is collecting money for the university, such as tuition and fees.

The Office of the Bursar’s website has links that allow students to see how to pay tuition, choose a payment plan, pick a payment option and more. The Registrar holds students’ academic records and processes students registering for classes.

Baker University Center at Ohio University. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

@BEKAHBOSTICK RB442218@OHIO.EDU

OHIO UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Ohio University Police Department, or OUPD, 118 Ridges Circle, is the central location for OU police officers to investigate and stop crime at OU. OUPD also offers many services for students to take advantage of. There is a Rape Aggression Defense program that teaches self-defense skills in life-threatening situations, vehicle assistance services for students who experience car troubles and more.

The Office of Global Opportunities at 15 Park Place in Athens, Ohio. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

Understanding Student Senate How Ohio University’s Student Senate operates to support student life CLAIRE SCHIOPOTA FOR THE POST Ohio University’s Student Senate operates through many different branches and works to represent the student body and communicate with the university’s administration.

In April, the new executives were sworn into office.

Becky “Eliza” Ivan, a fifth year studying political science, is the president. Elaina Tartal, a senior studying political science and sociology-criminology, is the vice president. Simar Kalkat, a junior studying finance, business analytics and economics, is the treasurer.

The executives act as a direct line of communication between OU administration officials and the student body. All the executives meet bi-weekly with Jenny Hall-Jones, the interim vice president for student affairs, Ivan said.

The president is the main individual who communicates with OU administration. As president, Ivan said she keeps an eye out for the university and for the best interests of students.

The vice president communicates more directly with the Senate body and acts as a leader. Part of the job includes assisting the Senate body with completing activities, projects and events, Tartal said. As vice president, she will sit in on many different committee meetings within Senate and on the university level to advocate on behalf of students.

While also being a communicator like the president and vice president, the treasurer’s focus is on distributing money to different student organizations on campus. Typically, the treasurer works closely with the Senate Appropriations Commission, or SAC. Senate works with SAC and the Judicial Panel to hold itself accountable. According to Senate’s website, SAC is responsible for allocating funds to student organizations on campus through funding requests. The Judicial Panel oversees the constitutional functionality of Senate, especially during Senate elections in the Spring Semester.

“Those are their own bodies that just combine with Senate to work together,” Ivan said. “Judicial Panel is its own student organization, and then SAC is its own organization, but we all work cohesively.”

Below the Senate executives are many different branches of commissioners who represent a certain part of the OU student body.

“We fill those commissions with people that represent what those commissions are supposed to help,” Ivan said. “So, the LGBT one, they focus on … LGBT issues on campus. Our new commissioner for the upcoming year, when we interviewed her, she was really excited about trying to make (gender neutral) bathrooms more accessible on campus.”

8 / SUMMER 2021

Students can apply for commissioner roles through Bobcat Connect. Commissioners are elected through a formal interview process with the executives and the graduate advisor. Once they are elected, commissioners can fill their commissions through conducting their own interview processes.

“I think Student Senate is a good way for students to have a way to voice their grievances on campus and things that they want to see change, but they don’t know how to go about it,” Tartal said. “We can help them find a way to either get them in contact with different administration that can help, or find a way or a program or something that could help them.”

As Senate looks toward the coming school year, the executives have plans to improve the inclusive excellence strategic plan and update the code of conduct, Ivan said. The organization hopes to implement initiatives and programs throughout next year to better the lives of OU students.

“There’s so much that goes into Senate. Whether it’s the policy aspects, the programming aspects, we’re

Eliza Ivan, the Student Senate president.

really kind of just all over campus, in niche areas as well,” Kalkat said. “We’re the boots on the ground. We know what’s happening on campus, and it’s our role and responsibility to chat and communicate the good and the bad that’s happening on campus.”

@CSCHIOPOTA CS123719@OHIO.EDU

Faces in the Crowd 7 OU, Athens figures to know as a Bobcat ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

7:15 p.m.

Coming to college means being thrust into a sea of new people, and with the addition of masks, discerning who is who can be difficult.

Just like any other community, however, there are a few figures in Athens who stand out from the crowd. From politicians to university administrators, here are a few faces students should familiarize themselves with before hitting the bricks this fall:

Tom Pyle is the chief of police at the Athens Police Department and the interim service safety director for the city of Athens. As chief of police, Pyle leads the police department. APD can be seen patrolling around Athens and at numerous events, such as Halloween weekend and Fest Season.

DUANE NELLIS

Duane Nellis is the outgoing president of Ohio University and has been serving in the role since 2017. He announced May 14 he would be stepping down as president to become a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences, according to a previous Post report.

Before coming to OU, Nellis was president at Texas Tech University. He was also the president of the University of Idaho, according to OU’s website.

Nellis’ presidency was during the COVID-19 pandemic and a time of decreased enrollment at OU, leading to proposed budget cuts and mass layoffs under his leadership. The interim president — who will still be tasked with leading during the pandemic — will be announced before or during the OU Board of Trustees’ meeting June 17.

In 2020, Nellis made $415,953.

JENNY HALL-JONES

Jenny Hall-Jones is the interim vice president for Student Affairs at OU. She entered the role in 2020 after former vice president for student affairs Jason Pina stepped down to take a position at New York University.

Hall-Jones was the associate vice president for Student Affairs prior to taking her interim position. She also serves as one of the Student Senate advisers and is an OU alumna.

ELIZA IVAN

Becky “Eliza” Ivan is the 2021-2022 president of Student Senate. Ivan was a part of the Athens Advocacy ticket in Senate’s first contested election since the 2017-2018 academic year. The ticket has about 12 goals it will seek to fulfill this year, including the creation of an OU app to consolidate access and information from various OU portals into one place.

Ivan won her election by seven votes, according to a previous Post report. She is a fifth-year student studying political science and law, justice and culture.

Student Senate meetings are open to the public and occur every Wednesday at

TOM PYLE

ANDREW POWERS

Andrew Powers is the OU Police Department’s chief of police. OUPD enforces the law on campus, investigates campus crime and dispatches alerts of campus threats, according to OU’s website.

In June 2020, OUPD moved its office to Building 13 at The Ridges. The move gave OUPD — which heavily collaborates with APD — more space.

CHRIS KNISELY

Chris Knisely is the president of Athens City Council. She was elected Council president in 2014 and began serving in 2015, according to a previous Post report. Knisely is a Democrat and works alongside an entirely Democratic City Council.

Prior to her time as president, Knisely was an At-Large councilwoman and director of research and grants at OU’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

City Council meets Mondays at 7 p.m., and meetings are always available online for streaming.

STEVE PATTERSON

Steve Patterson is the mayor of Athens.

The Democrat’s second term is underway after he won reelection in 2019. He won with slightly over 75% of the vote, according to a previous Post report.

Patterson was a city councilman and psychology professor at OU before becoming mayor. More recently, the mayor considered running for congress after Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, announced he was stepping down. However, Patterson decided against running after weighing the implications of Ohio’s redistricting process and ongoing projects in Athens.

As he continues to govern, Patterson will focus on the issues of affordable housing, broadband access and racial justice.

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Accommodating Athens’ Appetites JULIANA COLANT FOR THE POST Uptown Athens is full of various cuisines. Dining out at a local restaurant is a fun way to get to know new friends or catch up with old ones. For those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, dining out requires extra precaution. To help make enjoying all Uptown has to offer a bit easier, here’s a guide on a few safe eating options in Athens:

DINING HALLS

A major part of living on Ohio University’s campus is eating in the dining halls. OU has a registered dietitian and nutrition educator, Angie Bohyer. If one has a food allergy or a special diet need, they can contact her at culinarydietitian@ohio.edu.

“I can share that during (Bobcat Student Orientation), consistent with other times of the year, our OHIO Culinary Services’ menus, nutritional information and allergens will be available in each venue and on the Culinary Services app,” Gwyn Scott, associate vice president for auxiliaries, said in an email.

The Culinary Services app can be downloaded onto smartphones through the app store.

ODYSSEY NUTRITION

Located at 9 W. Union St., Odyssey Nutrition is a

smoothie and juice bar. It specializes in meal replacement smoothies and energizing teas. Odyssey accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies.

“At Odyssey Nutrition we are exactly what our name says we’re all about health and exploring different options that not only taste good but are good for you,” Stephen Adonis, media contact at Odyssey Nutrition, said in an email. “Primarily we serve protein … replacement smoothies that are plant-based, herbal aloe for digestive health and herbal teas that help improve energy. My number one focus is making sure that what we serve creates nutritional value without all the extra empty calories, while still maintaining amazing flavor, all being a positive environment. We welcome individuals of all ages to come on out and enjoy what we offer at Odyssey Nutrition.”

FLUFF BAKERY

Fluff Bakery, located at 8 N. Court St., has a “veggie specialties” part of its menu with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, such as a vegan breakfast burrito and a pesto egg and cheese sandwich. Additionally, Fluff Bakery has four different rice bowls that are all gluten free. Its pastries and baked goods also accommodate vegan people and gluten allergies.

The bakery serves a gluten-free cream cheese swirl brownie, a vegan chocolate chip cookie and more.

@COLANT_JULIANA JC079419@OHIO.EDU

BAGEL STREET DELI

Bagel Street Deli’s menu is sectioned into different genres of bagel sandwiches. The restaurant, located at 27 S. Court St., has two sections titled “Veggie Delights” and “Tofu Time” that accommodate well to vegans and vegetarians. Vegan cream cheese is available, and cheese is optional on all menu items. Bagel Street Deli also has a selection of salads to choose from for those with a gluten allergy or other dietary restrictions that keep them from eating bagels.

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Co-Conspirators Create Change On Campus Students can engage in social justice activism on campus, in Athens RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR They exist wherever people look. The Black Lives Matter movement, the Me Too movement, the Say Her Name movement and countless other efforts at raising awareness to causes and fighting for social justice take over not only in physical spaces with protests and marches, but in media spaces with social media hashtags and informational videos.

The fight for social justice rages on. In any capacity where equity isn’t present, be it racial, sexuality, gender, socio-economic, disability or ethnic equity, there will be a group or many groups fighting to gain that equity.

At Ohio University and in the surrounding Athens area, there are a lot of opportunities to join the fight for social justice that don’t necessarily require being right on the front lines of the protests.

“Being able to pursue higher education is an immense privilege in a lot of ways, but especially in that this is a unique time for students to learn,” MaryKathyrine Tran, assistant director of the OU Women’s Center, said in an email. “Ohio University has over 500+ student organizations, a plethora of events and programs each year, and so many different unique folks that make up our Bobcat community. I encourage students to take advantage of this time and space where they are encouraged to learn, ask questions, and utilize all the resources provided for them.”

In addition to her work at the Women’s Center, Tran teaches the Intro to Diversity Studies course at OU. In this course, she addresses one of the most common misconceptions about social justice work: the concept of being an ally versus being a co-conspirator.

For best understanding this concept, Tran recommends the “Ally vs. Co-Conspirator: What it means to be an Abolitionist Teacher” clip by Dr. Bettina Love. Simply put, an ally is someone who shows support from afar while a co-conspirator shows support through actions.

“For many of us, we may have been taught the best way to support groups that we may not identify with is to be an ally,” Tran said in an email. “... Dr. Love urges us to switch our perspectives to being co-conspirators - folks who work actively to support others. This looks like bystander intervention, advocacy with the populations you are serving (as we don’t want to speak over or for populations we are co-conspirators for), and, as Dr. Love brilliantly states, ‘put something on the line… take a risk’ with the privilege you have. It is

not enough to be an ally, to show support for a group experiencing oppression, but something active must happen.”

Tran encourages students to further their co-conspirator status by getting involved with the Women’s Center. Not only are there a lot of great speakers, interactive activities and other programming, but the Women’s Center also practices a huge emphasis on intersectionality and works to incorporate as many identities as possible. This includes the annual National Eating Disorders Association Walk, the annual Take Back the Night rally and march, the SayHerName workshops and more.

“We have three identity centers within the Division of Diversity and Inclusion (the LGBT Center, the Multicultural Center, and the Women’s Center) who offer educational programs, events, and trainings that can help folks create a solid framework of knowledge as they begin this work and get connected with campus partners and stakeholders who can help students continue the work,” Tran said in an email. “Some student organizations who have been very active in championing social justice causes on campus, while noting that this is just a small segment of organizations, include the International Student Union, ALLIES, Black Student Union Programming Board, and both Undergraduate Student Senate and Graduate Student Senate.”

As Tran said, OU’s Black Student Union, or BSU, is a prime example of a campus organization that works hard in social justice reform. The group works to create a cohesive bond among the African American student community at OU by promoting social, cultural and political awareness of African American issues not only on OU’s campus but internationally as well.

Lauren Brown, president of BSU and a junior studying chemistry pre-pharmacy, said it’s important to get involved in social justice activism opportunities on campus because it shows students care about more than just themselves and want to inspire change that will positively impact large groups of people.

“It just shows your friends or other people of color that you’re more than just talk. You’re more than just, ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,’” Brown said. “To go out and actually protest, go to the protests, go out and invest in other organizations, it actually shows that you’re willing to take extra steps.”

Brown said though BSU is a place for Black students to connect and grow together, the organization is also extremely welcoming of co-conspirators and anyone who wants to

learn or do more.

Outside of university-sanctioned centers and organizations, social justice activists can find opportunities in the Athens area. One such opportunity is Passion Works Studio, 20 E. State St., where people can volunteer with artists that have developmental differences.

Nancy Epling, artist in residence and internship coordinator with Passion Works, believes people with disabilities are often a group that is forgotten about when exploring the fight for social justice and that Passion Works is a good place to engage in being a co-conspirator.

“I think just to get their foot in the door and be in that process of becoming that is just recognizing that people with developmental differences, or as other people say, developmental disabilities, those people exist in our community, and they’re very important and very vital people in our community and they’re doing incredible things,” Epling said.

“Coming into Passion Works, students specifically get the opportunity to experience really amazing people in a really safe and comfortable setting that is no pressure.”

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, there were anywhere from 10 to 20 volunteers per day in Passion Works’ studio. They’ve eliminated any excess hands from the studio to keep up with COVID-19 guidelines, but Epling said once herd immunity is reached and the area is a little more safe, they will start allowing for volunteers again.

She encourages anyone who wants to learn more about people with disabilities or just do something to become active in social justice to get involved with Passion Works, as it’s not only a way to support a large group of people but a way to have fun while doing so.

“That exposes students and people to different abilities for different types of people and different ways of communication,

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER because everybody here is verbal. We have different ways of communicating with each other,” Epling said. “I think just creating that connection is the first step in becoming a co-conspirator. Resonating with people and communicating and really just connecting on that base human level is the first step.”

Tran, Brown and Epling all encourage students to explore resources like Bobcat Connect, Facebook events and more to see what they can do to be involved in social justice activism. In addition, they encourage students to learn about social justice, co-conspirators and equity through their own research, and use social media to elevate others’ voices, repost informational media and connect with others who are on the same mission.

“It is imperative that we recognize that social justice activism can look a variety of different ways depending on ability,” Tran said in an email. “Many times we associate activism with marches and protests, but activism can also look like donating money or time to causes you care about, actively educating those around you through bystander intervention, advocating for policy changes, getting involved in your local government, and more. We have so many opportunities to connect with each other that it is so important this work is not done in silos; it’s important for folks as they move toward being co-conspirators that they know who is already doing the work and what ways can we support initiatives already in motion. That way we can maximize impact, resources, and longevity of different projects.”

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

OU Queer Spaces LAUREN SERGE STAFF WRITER The start of college can be a stressful experience for many people, as it is often one of the first major transitions students will endure in their lifetime. For students in the LGBTQ+ community, the stress of this transition is often heavier, as they have to navigate a new setting and its subsequent impact on their sexual and gender identity.

At Ohio University, there are a multitude of LGBTQ+ resources, organizations and opportunities for involvement for freshmen entering college.

When first entering campus, the primary LGBTQ+ resource presented to students is the LGBT Center, located in Baker University Center.

Micah McCarey, director of the LGBT Center, said the center is meant to promote safe, inclusive living and learning environments across OU’s campuses and in the overall communities where the campuses are located.

“That means that we’re here for a wide range of constituents — from students to faculty to staff to community members,” McCarey said. “And that, of course, is across a wide range of demographic identities, including those who identify with gender expansive identities or various minoritized sexualities.”

McCarey stressed the importance of having this organization be so central to campus, particularly for freshmen, is to reaffirm that the university is supportive of their identity.

“Many first-year students come from high schools where they do not have a visibly affirming LGBTQ+ environment,” McCarey said. “Some were lucky enough to have gay-straight alliances or queerstraight alliances. But for many first-year students, college is the first time that they can count on that space being staffed by caring, competent supporters of the LGBTQ+ community who can help them make friends and help them feel like their queerness is something to be celebrated, as opposed to feeling alienated by.”

Taylor Whittington, a senior studying biological sciences and psychology, is a member of Spectrum+, a student organization that focuses on educational and social events for the queer community.

Whittington mentioned the welcoming nature of the organization is especially beneficial for queer freshmen, as they are presented with a larger challenge entering college.

12 / SUMMER 2021

“(Last semester) was my first semester in the organization, and it’s already made a huge impact on me as a person,” Whittington said. “I think all incoming freshmen are trying to find a place to belong, and to add onto that, being someone in the LGBTQ+ community, it can be really difficult to feel like you fit in somewhere.

I think this organization does a fantastic job of welcoming any and everybody and just making you feel like you matter.”

Gabriela Grijalva, who graduated in spring 2021 with a degree in social work, referenced the frequent feelings of isolation that may arise for freshmen, especially for those who identify as queer.

“When it comes to being in Athens initially, for many different folks, it’s really easy to feel alone and isolated from others, especially for people who come from more conservative rural areas that are not as accepting towards diverse sexualities and or genders,” Grijalva said. “So, it can feel lonely, but I want freshmen to know that there’s such a large, diverse queer community in Athens, and we have your back.”

Grijalva helped to reinforce the queer community on campus by co-founding and serving as the president of the student organization Allies, which is open for anyone, including freshmen, to join. “(We established) Allies, which is an org whose mission was focused on creating a safe space to facilitate dialogue, talking about different intersections of identities and how to be active allies and intersectional allies in the face of the evolving social justice picture in the United States,” Grijalva said.

Winsome Chunnu is the director of the Multicultural Center and the adviser of SHADES, a student organization that focuses on creating a safe space for individuals with diverse sexual and gender identities and discusses the intersectionality of race and ethnicity with those identities.

“Being LGBTQIA in the United States, depending on one’s family, also brings its own set of challenges,” Chunnu said. “This organization can help incoming students with that process of feeling some form of acceptance, having a mentor or friend who understands them beyond just being a first-year student. And for people who have not come out to their families, it provides the space for them where they can decompress and can find resources that can help them as they’re navigating their identity.”

Alongside organizations like SHADES,

LGBTQ+ organizations on campus offer safe spaces for incoming queer freshmen

The LGBT Center, located on the third floor of Baker University Center in Athens, Ohio.

(MACKENZIE TYSON | FOR THE POST)

McCarey said the LGBT Center also fosters these similar goals of creating a space that encourages LGBTQ+ students to feel comfortable in their identities.

“We can help them troubleshoot some of the many challenges that LGBTQ+ students can face,” McCarey said. “Not knowing, for instance, always how to go about coming out in different environments — from the classroom to the residence hall setting or thinking about connecting with folks who have perhaps had similar experiences transitioning with regard to gender identity and expression. And we can really help people make bonds that give them a solid sense of belonging and connection to the university.”

For Whittington, her upbringing conjured a lot of negativity associated with her sexuality. However, Whittington said through entering college, she noticed a significant change in how her identity was perceived.

“I came from a really small town where the idea of somebody being gay or bi or trans was very taboo,” Whittington said.

“And I remember my senior year, people were going around telling everybody that I was bisexual and making fun of me and judging me for that. So, I’d always been very hidden about my sexuality and my identity because of where I came from.

But through college, I found that everybody is so much more accepting of you,

no matter how you identify or who you love. I know, it seems really cliche, but it truly is such a welcoming environment.”

With the numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and resources available to incoming freshmen, Whittington said these opportunities will ultimately enable queer freshmen to feel secure in their identities and discover multiple spaces where they can freely and comfortably belong.

“When you get to college, what connects you is your interests and hobbies because you find each other in organizations or in classes that you have together, or your personalities just click and I think that just creates a lot stronger, of a bond,” Whittington said. “So, no matter who you are, who you love, it doesn’t matter because the people that love you love you for who you are.”

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Mental Health Matters OU offers mental health services to ease college transition MARY JANE SANESE FOR THE POST Ohio University’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers numerous mental health services for new and existing students.

Mental health services are available to students enrolled at OU’s Athens campus. CPS offers many different options to help fit students’ needs. If a student is unsure what type of services they are interested in, CPS suggests calling 740-593-1616 and setting up an initial consultation for more details.

“For many students, it is the first time they are living away from home, from their supportive familiar communities,” Paul Castelino, psychologist and director of CPS, said in an email. “Some students struggle to adjust to college life and independent living. Many mental health disorders are first diagnosed in late teen years and early adulthood. … Having access to mental health services and mental health providers who are trained in addressing college student issues is a priority at OU. It fosters a healthy community and helps students to accomplish their academic goals.”

CPS offers group counseling, which involves five to 10 students supporting each other. It also offers short-term individual

counseling where a student attends counseling at least every other week and can seek help with issues such as coping with depression and anxiety; improving communication skills and relationships; and getting guidance to help improve academic and social skills.

Relationship or couples counseling is also offered and helps couples with conflict solving and communications techniques.

“I frequently tell students and other members of the community that I have yet to meet anyone who could not benefit from counseling — we could all benefit from counseling at various points in our lives,” Becky Conrad Davenport, psychologist and associate director/clinical director of CPS, said in an email.

“There is a lot of complexity and development that happens during the college years and in early adulthood, so providing support for students to have access to psychoeducation, mental health support, and mental health treatment is important and useful to students.”

The Coping Clinic helps students with their stress reduction skills and provides information on managing everything from mental health issues, like depression, to practicing mindfulness training.

CPS also offers psychiatric consultations

to help diagnose students and help them with medication for their mental health. The Counselor-In-Residence program helps to bring trained professionals into residence halls to give students the opportunity to talk to someone about any issues they are having regarding their mental health.

“Become familiar with the well-being resources OU offers students,” David Lairmore, psychologist and outreach coordinator of CPS, said in an email. “OU offers services geared toward mental health, but there are other resources that promote overall well-being, such as Campus Care, the on-campus medical care unit, and Campus Recreation.”

Some of the services CPS offers are support communities that bring students together who are dealing with the same or similar issues.

Recovery to Inspire, Share and Empower, or RISE, is OU’s community for students who are recovering from alcohol or drug misuse, other addictions or dealing with a loved one who is suffering from addiction.

The Survivor Advocacy Program offers support to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones.

CPS also offers support and services for disordered eating. The Body Project is a student led prevention program that advocates for body positivity and tries to decrease risk factors for eating disorders.

“If you are already connected with a counselor, be sure to talk about the transition

IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

to college and possible needs that you may have,” Lairmore said in an email. “You could also talk about the possibility of continuing with your counselor while at college if they offer telehealth services.”

In addition to these programs, CPS offers some online resources to help educate students on mental health. There are two workshops: the Anxiety Toolbox and Getting Unstuck, which both aim to help students better understand their anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Both workshops give students coping techniques and skills to help them succeed.

“Do not be afraid to ask for support— whether that be from an instructor, advisor, RA, parent, friend, counselor, partner,” Davenport said in an email.

If a student is experiencing a life threatening emergency, CPS recommends calling 911.

CPS has a 24/7 hotline where students can reach a trained professional at 740-593-1616.

Students can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or use the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. The number for CPS is also listed on the back of students’ OHIO ID. CPS will be present throughout Bobcat Student Orientation to familiarize students with the services and programs it offers.

@MARYJANESANESE MS943920@OHIO.EDU

Mental health support is available to all Bobcats.

@OHIO_Counseling | ohio.edu./counseling

14 / SUMMER 2021

Bettering Bobcats’ Well-Being OU provides variety of recreational activities for students ANASTASIA CARTER SLOT EDITOR As students prepare for either beginning their college careers or returning to Ohio University’s campus, they tend to build up the excitement of school in their heads. Though there are many opportunities on campus for students to explore, the recreation opportunities provide an outlet for students to connect, stay active and become more involved.

Larissa Becker, director of operations and engagement for university Well-Being

and Recreation, said students can find a slew of recreational activities that target their well-being needs.

“All of our recreational activities are popular to varying groups of students,” Becker said in an email. “We tend to see our largest engagement of student activity for open recreation at the Ping Center.”

Ping Recreation Center holds numerous recreational opportunities including fitness classes, cardio-workout machines, a rock-climbing wall and more.

Due to current COVID-19 guidelines, the center has a maximum occupancy of 150

users in the facility. To check the live capacity of Ping, students can visit the Facility Occupancy page.

“Obviously we meet the physical component of student well-being through our variety of programs and activities, but we also now offer well-being coaching,” Becker said in an email. “Students can have free, one-on-one coaching that assists them in setting realistic goals tied to their lifestyle – this can include focus on time and stress management, social support, sleep and nutrition, productivity and physical activity.”

Indoor facilities such as Ping, Walter Fieldhouse, the Aquatic Center and Bird Ice Arena are still following all of Ohio’s COVID-19 guidelines.

“That (includes) masks being required inside all of our facilities, regular cleaning and deep cleaning, reduced capacities among programs and facilities, distanced equipment to ensure students and users remain 6 feet apart and reduced touch points including equipment and marketing materials,” Becker said in an email.

Becker said with limited availability on campus, students were really interested in the group fitness classes at Ping. One of those classes is called F45, which combines elements of high-intensity interval training, circuit training and functional training. A new F45 studio was released in 2021.

“We hope to bring a new cycling studio online at the Ping Center during the 2021-2022 academic year,” Becker said in an email.

Campus recreation also saw higher student usage with outdoor golf and tennis facilities.

“On campus, I love to play tennis and go to Ping,” Griffin Foltz, a sophomore studying accounting and business pre-law, said in a message. “I definitely recommend tennis because it’s really easy to get into.”

Students have more opportunities to engage by participating in recreational activities outside. The Athens campus has many scenic views to take in, and one of the usual student spots is the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. The path wraps around campus and along the Hocking River.

“I like to run on the bike path,” Alex Ade, a sophomore studying psychology, said in a message. “I would recommend that freshmen go check out (Ping) and explore campus with friends.”

Outdoor Pursuits, an adventure and recreation program for students, was reduced during the 2021 school year due to COVID-19.

“We hope to expand (our) offers and trips available with guidance from Ohio University and ensure that we maintain the safest environment for our students and staff,” Becker said in an email.

Another popular activity is recreational ice skating at Bird Ice Arena when the ice isn’t being used for hockey practice. Students can also visit the golf course that is located next to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and behind Ping.

For more information on campus recreation activities, students can visit the OU Campus Recreation website.

@ACARTER3602 AC732319@OHIO.EDU Members of the Athens County Ohio Golf league play on hole seven of the Ohio University golf course on May 19, 2021. (TANNER PEARSON | FOR THE POST).

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

First-generation students face challenges with virtual classes With an online platform, many Ohio University students were faced with adapting to new experiences. However, for first-generation students at OU, the online platform added to the challenge of acclimating to college KAYLA BENNETT ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Online-based learning was full of new scenarios, newfound discomfort and, for first-generation students, it was another year of teaching themselves how to quickly adapt to new experiences.

While many OU students found themselves struggling with the virtual platform for the school year, first-generation students found that being online was an added challenge to an already challenging transition.

According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, a first-generation student is a student whose parents did not finish a full four-year college career.

For Emily Marlow, a sophomore studying communication studies, this school year was not only a learning experience for her but for her parents as well.

“I need to talk to them ... and make sure they understand what I’m going to need from them,” Marlow said. “They already are just kind of hesitant with trusting everything because they don’t know any of this. They’ve never had to go through this before.”

She said understanding terms common at colleges, such as FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, was difficult for both her and her parents.

“I think my biggest challenge honestly was trying to understand everything with DARS and everything financially,” Marlow said. “That still sometimes trips me up because I don’t always understand the account inquiry or anything like that.”

This year, being first-generation students led to many

challenges for Alice Schmiesing, a senior studying pre-professional biological sciences and the president of We Are First, a student organization for first-generation students, and Ellie Coldiron, a junior studying communications studies and the secretary of We Are First.

They felt that, for first-generation students, using an online platform was harder than it was for students whose parents have attended college.

@KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

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Ohio University junior Lexie Vincenty works on her computer in Baker Center on May 19, 2021.

(TANNER PEARSON | FOR THE POST)

16 / SUMMER 2021

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Cashing in with Student Jobs OU student employment opportunities allow students to make money while taking classes MAYA MORITA FOR THE POST Ohio University offers a wide variety of employment opportunities for enrolled students looking to make money or gain work experience during their time in college.

Employment opportunities are offered through Culinary Services, Housing and Residence Life and other departments on OU’s Athens campus.

Students must complete an I-9 form and be enrolled at either OU, Hocking College, another post-secondary education institution or a secondary school in order to be hired at OU. Brittany Koska, the assistant manager for Culinary Services, said her workplace is convenient for student employees.

“We have multiple venues on campus, so it’s very convenient to find a venue close to their residence hall,” Koska said in an email.

“We are very flexible with school schedules.”

Koska said there will be a multitude of employment opportunities for the Fall Semester at Nelson Court, The District on West Green, Latitude 39, West 82 Food

Court, catering, cafes and markets, including Jefferson marketplace.

Student employees are able to work up to 25 hours per week at the university while international students can work up to 20 hours per week.

Koska said the starting pay rate for the cafes and markets is between $8.80 and $9.60 per hour, while the starting pay rate is between $9.30 and $10.10 per hour for residential dining, West 82 and Latitude 39.

Ben Byers, a junior studying journalism, said his experience working at Nelson Court allowed him to gain personal skills. He said he was responsible for ensuring the dining hall did not run out of food and for serving food to students.

“This job definitely helped me work with other people and helped with my communications skills, as during my shift you really do need to communicate with your coworkers and the chefs about how much food you have or what food you need to make sure nothing runs out,” Byers said in an email. “If you don’t work well with your team or if you don’t communicate then everything can fall apart.”

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In addition to food service jobs, there are other opportunities to work on campus, such as a job with Housing and Residence Life. Amira Lucas, a senior studying music, worked as a resident advisor, or RA. “RA’s were to patrol the building 1-2 times a week during the night, answer the duty phone when they were holding it, hold social events within your res-hall and check up on their residents when needed,” Lucas said in an email. “We also let residents back into their room when they were locked out, and reported any activity that could be harmful to residents or against school policy.”

Lucas said RAs were paid bi-weekly and were also provided with free on-campus housing in the residence halls.

There are also jobs available off-campus that are within walking distance from the residence halls, including jobs on Court Street.

Tyler Benson, an external communications analyst for Chipotle, said the restaurant offers many benefits for student employees.

Chipotle offers college students debtfree schooling at several nonprofit universities through a partnership with Guild Education, an education platform for student employees, as well as mental health resources.

The restaurant’s debt-free degree offering includes a tuition reimbursement program that allows eligible employees to be reimbursed for up to $5,250 per year

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With the benefits available for students through either on-campus or off-campus employment, Byers said working a job while attending college can aid students.

“I believe for students having a job on campus can (definitely) help them not only financially but emotionally as well, as it is something other than school for them to do,” Byers said in an email. “Often times going to school everyday and nothing else can drive people crazy so it’s nice to have something else to do, especially in times of Covid, to get them out and about.”

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Student Survival Suggestions Students give advice on moving into OU KATE ANDERSON FOR THE POST The transition into college can be a very exciting experience for some students, but it can also be a nerve-racking one. Packing and preparing for the move from the familiarity of one’s hometown to a new place is all a part of the process. A new student may be wondering what they need to bring and what will make their new dorm feel like home.

Students at Ohio University who have gone through this experience have advice to help:

Biggest piece of advice?

“My advice to freshmen is to get out of your comfort zone,” Cooper Stooksbury, a senior studying international business, said in a message. “You’re out on your own so it’s important to find help and friends to surround yourself with.”

“I would advise getting involved in some type of organization or club to find your niche,” Kayla Lavilla, a junior studying nursing, said in a message.

“OU felt like home to me when I met my best friends,” Hailey Long, a senior studying communication disorders at OU, said

in a message. “People I’d known for only weeks felt more like home than people I’d known for 10+ years. My advice would be to try out everything. Clubs, food places up town, experiences. You only have one experience and it really does fly by much faster than you’d expect.”

What can a new student pack to help make their dorm space feel more home-y?

“Card games ... speaker ... robe, cash… (and) command hooks,” Erica Weaver, a freshman studying exercise physiology, said in a message.

“I wish I had brought a couch or extra chairs,” Stooksbury said in a message. “I always found that friends wanted to come over but a lot of the time they didn’t have a place to sit.”

“I recommend packing room decor and things to make your dorm feel more homey and comfortable,” Lavilla said in a message. “I think decorating your dorm space makes such a huge difference in how comfortable you feel.”

What do you wish you didn’t bring with you to your dorm?

“I brought way too many shoes/ clothes. (I) didn’t wear half of them,” Long said in a message.

“For me, (I) brought way more ramen and oatmeal that I never ate because too much of anything is boring,” Stooksbury said in a message. “I also brought a lot of clothes; I’d suggest taking one season at a time. Otherwise, you and your roommate won’t have enough space.”

“I definitely overpacked clothing and shoes, and then ended up not even wearing half of them and buying more clothes because my style definitely changed freshman year,” Lavilla said in a message.

Long, Lavilla, Stooksbury and Weaver all wish the new OU students entering this new portion of their lives good luck. For more information on what to pack and expect in an OU dorm room check out Ohio.edu/housing.

@KATE_ANDERSON4 KA668316@OHIO.EDU

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

FOOTBALL

Ohio University football coach Frank Solich enters the field with the Ohio football team before the game versus Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Peden Stadium. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

Ohio’s quarterback question JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR The Bobcats are still without a leader under center. Well, at least a single leader.

Ohio has plenty of firepower in quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Armani Rogers, but it couldn’t make up its mind on who would lead the offense.

Rourke is a phenomenal passer for Ohio. His 68.2 completion percentage and 128.7 yards per game in 2020 pushed the Bobcats downfield in record time, and that was only over the course of three games.

Had he been given more time, there’s no telling how Rourke could have progressed as a quarterback.

Rogers, on the other hand, rushes as well as Rourke passes. Rogers averaged six yards per carry for 114 total yards and two touchdowns last season. The UNLV transfer has talent, but he didn’t have the time 20 / SUMMER 2021

to showcase it — thanks to the pandemic.

Last season, Ohio opted instead to take a two-pronged approach to the quarterback question. Instead of choosing Rourke over Rogers or vice versa, the two shared time on the field to give Ohio more offensive options. The duo have opposing play styles, so the deal worked on paper.

It wasn’t the first time coach Frank Solich has implemented the two-quarterback system. When Rourke’s older brother, Nathan, played for Ohio, he shared playtime with Quinton Maxwell for a season, the difference being that Rourke ultimately won out as Ohio’s sole starter the next season.

But that might not fly this year.

It barely worked last season. It seemed that by the time whoever started had gotten hot in each game, they were subbed out in favor of the other. The constant change doesn’t help the offense, and it

doesn’t help Rourke or Rogers, either.

In Ohio’s season opener against Central Michigan, there was confusion at points as to which quarterback was supposed to be on the field. In the end, the Bobcats lost by a field goal to the Chippewas and were nowhere close to picking one quarterback over the other.

If the two quarterback system struggled in a three-game season, what will happen when Ohio returns to a full schedule? The constant shifting between Rourke and Rogers will only be a detriment when the Bobcats face teams like Louisiana and Northwestern in late September.

Not to mention Ohio’s opponents in the Mid-American Conference. The Bobcats played a conference-only schedule last season, so the entire MAC got a good look at how both of Ohio’s quarterbacks perform. That look will be worth $1 million once conference play rolls around.

Ohio doesn’t need a solution right this second. Fall camp isn’t until August, and anything can happen between then and the present. Both Rourke and Rogers are talented quarterbacks with plenty to offer Ohio.

But the Bobcats need to stop overloading their plate. They need to pick a man and stick with him. The offense — as well as Rourke and Rogers — will be better off for it. If there’s one quarterback at the helm for much of the season, the Bobcats will find a rhythm by rallying around him.

@THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU

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challenge yourself

• Join a club or intramural team • Talk to your RA • Attend a religious service

• Sign up for tutoring • Utilize counseling and coaching • Visit Cats' Cupboard food pantry

• Try out a new skill like rock climbing or music • Apply for a campus job

Well-being means connecting to yourself and your community in attitude and action.

@BobcatWellBeing

HOCKEY

A reflection on 2021 and a look ahead for Ohio ELI FEAZELL ASST. SPORTS EDITOR ZACH ZIMMERMAN FOR THE POST 2021 was a complicated season for Ohio.

It was like that before it even started when the Bobcats had to delay their 202021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Ohio’s season finally began in January, it would be far from smooth sailing.

Prior to impromptu scheduling changes, Ohio’s only regular season opponents were Lindenwood, Liberty and Adrian.

Games against Robert Morris and Mercyhurst were added in the middle of the season. The Bobcats were fighting an uphill battle from minute one. Four of their five opponents finished in the top five of the American Collegiate Hockey Association rankings. Adrian finished the season as national champions.

Despite the rocky road and the final 5-15 record, it might be unfair to call Ohio’s season unsuccessful. Four of its five wins were against top 10 teams including the victory over Iowa State in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League tournament. The Bobcats also defeated Missouri State in the playoffs before falling to Liberty in the second round.

So, what went right and what went wrong for Ohio this season? The Post beat writers Eli Feazell and Zach Zimmerman reflect on how the season went down.

ELI’S THOUGHTS:

Ohio coach Cole Bell wanted his team to be challenged by the tough schedule, and the Bobcats are now well-condi-

tioned for the future. When Ohio went up against Mercyhurst, a team less daunting than its usual opponents, the Bobcats won in crushing fashion 11-0. Ohio still needs to improve to beat the best teams in the nation on a consistent basis, but it might roll past many of its other opponents in the next season.

Bell must also be encouraged by some of his underclassmen’s performances.

Ohio will lose crucial veteran players such as Kyle Craddick, Shawn Baird and Timmy Thurnau next season, but there is a wide talent pool ready to take the reins.

While Craddick won’t be there next season, Drew Magyar, Aiden Grieco and J.T. Schimizzi will be there in his stead.

The three combined for 22 goals in 2021, with Magyar putting up 12 by himself.

Combining them with other returning offensive talents such as Andrew Sacca and Ryan Higgins is key to Ohio’s success next year.

future. The thought of both Karlenzig and Server playing four years in Athens conjures an optimistic future for Ohio.

The Bobcats’ defense is also in good hands. Players like Sam Turner and Scott Bagby led the way, and several returning freshman and sophomore skaters should help Ohio continue its strong defensive play.

This may have been more of a rebuilding year, but the potential of the Bobcats is crystal clear. Just how much they improve in one off-season has yet

to be seen, but improvement is coming for certain.

@ELIFEAZ EF195418@OHIO.EDU @OFFICIAL_ZZ ZZ648318@OHIO.EDU

ZACH’S THOUGHTS:

Ohio’s game was centered around strong defensive play and maintaining a low-scoring game. The Bobcats need to score more goals moving forward, which is entirely possible with a young, talented offensive core. There have been flashes of what they can do, such as the game against Mercyhurst. But if the Bobcats maintain their strong defensive performance, that could be instrumental in how they develop next season.

The two players arguably most deserving of credit are goalies Max Karlenzig and Matt Server. The pair were consistent throughout the season and have a bright

Ohio defenseman Blake Rossi (#7) fires a shot on net during the Ohio hockey game against Lindenwood on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Bird Arena in Athens, Ohio. The Bobcats beat the Lions 3-0. (COLIN MAYR | FOR THE POST)

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22 / SUMMER 2021

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Ohio’s Dwight Wilson III (#4) dunks the ball during the Ohio versus Purdue Northwest game in The Convo on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.

(ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

Ohio entering 2021-22 with confidence, and the entrails of uncertainty JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR Ohio went above and beyond its own expectations last season. In only his second year of coaching, Jeff Boals led a Bobcat program that was struggling to stay afloat two seasons ago to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012.

Despite losing by 14 points to Creighton in the second round, Ohio had its most successful — and memorable — season in almost a decade. Its core came into its own in the second half of the season, highlighted by a six-game win streak in the closing weeks of its season.

The success from last season has set a new standard for the Bobcats next season, but there is still one question bouncing around in their heads: how do you follow up an NCAA Tournament run?

To be specific, how do the Bobcats move forward from the tournament? The offseason brings inevitable change, and the change for Ohio comes in the form of transfers. Rifen Miguel and Mason McMurray both entered the transfer portal after the season’s end, meaning Ohio won’t return fully intact next season.

Miguel and McMurray, while not shining on offense, provided Ohio with competent off-the-bench performances that kept it going when the core needed to rest. At 6-foot-8-inches tall and 240 pounds, Miguel was one of Ohio’s biggest physical presences. Without him, the Bobcats will look a lot smaller on the court.

But the Bobcats won’t limp into the season. They’ve got a transfer of their own. Jason Carter, the Xavier forward

who transferred out of Ohio in his redshirt sophomore season, will be making his return to Athens.

Carter wasn’t given the opportunity to shine with the Musketeers. In his 21 games last season, the forward averaged 5.5 points and six rebounds per game, contrasted with his 15.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during his time in Athens. If history serves to tell, Carter may be in a comeback season in The Convo.

But with the good comes the bad.

Soon after the buzz of transfer season simmered down, Jason Preston declared for the NBA Draft.

The decision hadn’t come out of the blue. The junior guard had been mulling over the decision with those closest to him for some time, and rumors had been swilling all season since Preston’s

31-point performance against thenNo.8 Illinois in late November.

Still, Preston has kept one foot in Ohio’s pool. While he declared for the draft, he retained his collegiate eligibility should he decide to back out. If Preston gets cold feet about the NBA, Ohio’s core will be no worse for wear.

Not that it wouldn’t be without him.

Even if Preston makes the jump to the big leagues, Ohio’s roster is stacked.

The rest of Ohio’s starting lineup is slated to return, and likely to improve off of last season.

With an extra year of eligibility on the table thanks to the pandemic, Dwight Wilson III’s second season in Athens is much needed for the Bobcats. Wilson ended the 2020-2021 season with the eighth-best field goal percentage in the nation at 66.5% and was unmatched in the paint in the Mid-American Conference.

Aside from Wilson, long-range shooters like Ben Roderick and Ben Vander Plas will be essential to Ohio’s accuracy from 3-point range. Roderick’s 39.7 3-point percentage was the best of the Bobcats’ lineup, and was third on the team in field goal percentage. Roderick spent the latter half of last season trying to break out of his role as a shooter and is working to become more useful in the paint.

The starting five isn’t the only talent Ohio has. Freshman Mark Sears deepened Ohio’s talent pool after filling for Preston while he was injured for four games. Even when coming off the bench, Sears has become the standout underclassman for the Bobcats. The freshman’s 8.5 points per game doesn’t do him justice. Sears broke double digits in seven games and his 20 points against Toledo in early January show he has potential that can be tapped.

The Bobcats have a mountain of expectations on their shoulders. An NCAA Tournament appearance is hard to top, but if the chips fall in their favor, the Bobcats are set up for success next season. Boals and his staff beat the sophomore slump. All that’s left is to pick up where they left off.

@THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

FIELD HOCKEY

Ali Johnstone reflects on the toll the unusual 2021 season had on her players ELI FEAZELL ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ohio came off one of its best seasons in nearly a decade after 2019.

Under head coach Ali Johnstone in just her second year at the helm, the Bobcats finished the season above .500 for the first time since 2012, and Johnstone only expected things to improve in 2020.

Except Ohio didn’t play in 2020, thanks to circumstances beyond its control. COVID-19 forced the Mid-American Conference to push back the start of fall sports prior to the usual start of the season, and the Bobcats didn’t begin their season until the next spring. When the season finally began, Johnstone didn’t see her players get the experience they were supposed to have.

Johnstone had plenty to say about her players and what they went through. The emotional toll of the season was clear to her as someone who wants the best for her players.

“It was not fun to watch the team go through that,” Johnstone said. “It was just really, really, really tough mentally and trying to get everybody on the same page.”

Instead of playing the sport they came to Athens to play, the Bobcats had to spend most of their day inside their dorms and houses focusing on their classes. Some had to experience this as freshmen or all the way from countries like Germany or New Zealand. These players had flown across the world to play field hockey, but Johnstone wasn’t even allowed to see them.

The Bobcats were ready to make sacrifices and take risks, but that alone didn’t keep morale high.

“Just trying to keep the positivity and the morale up through to the end was pretty difficult with everyone being completely burnt out by the end,” Johnstone said.

Most of the players’ time outside was for practice and warming up for games.

Even then, practice wasn’t quite what it used to be.

In the winter, when the team trained in Ping Recreation Center, the Bobcats couldn’t train together and instead had to train in separate groups. Team meetings were relegated to Zoom calls. The team wasn’t together, and motivation was at an all time low.

A lack of team chemistry makes wins that much more difficult to earn.

24 / SUMMER 2021

Ohio University’s Emma Spinetto (No. 7) pushes the ball up field during the home game against Central Michigan University on Friday, March 26, 2021, in Athens, Ohio. (KELSEY BOEING | FOR THE POST)

“When you get frustrated and try and play individually and take it to the next level without using your teammates,” Johnstone said, “Things don’t look so great.”

The combination of the stress from school and the strange circumstances around COVID-19 took a toll on the Bobcats’ performance, which shows in their disappointing 5-9 overall record in 2021.

Now, Johnstone only wants her players to get over the burnout from this season.

“What I want them to reflect on is really understanding what everybody has gone through this last year and what they did accomplish,” Johnstone said. “Nothing in the win column, obviously, but in the fact that we played four games down, and people are in and out of quarantine and bouncing back from losing games.”

Johnstone hopes things will be back to normal come fall. She wants her team to be able to talk about things other than

COVID-19 and for the Bobcats to feel like a team again.

There were signs of unity throughout the season. Ohio’s best games, such as its wins over Ball State and Longwood, showed the team was still on the same page.

“When you’re playing hard and you’re playing hard for the person next to you,” Johnstone said, “(That) is when you really start to play some good hockey.”

Ohio was also able to end the season on a high note with two wins against Bellarmine. The Bobcats already knew there was no shot to win the MAC, and the games were right before finals week. The Bobcats were exhausted. Still, they pushed on for their two last wins, which Johnstone is the most proud of.

“We knew we’re not winning a MAC Championship at that point,” Johnstone said. “And they’re still holding it in and literally working their tails off.”

Not all seniors get to walk away with a win, which is why Johnstone was happy to see her graduating players have one final highlight after what had been a burning season for them. There’s always hope for next year to be consistent and for a return to normal, but for now, Johnstone just wants her players to take a wellearned rest.

“The only way to come back ready is to take a complete break and reevaluate,” Johnstone said.

@ELIFEAZ EF195418@OHIO.EDU

VOLLEYBALL

Keys to Ohio’s success in the 2021-2022 season MOLLY BURCHARD FOR THE POST After an impressive but unusual season, Ohio is looking to grow and build on its success.

Despite postponements, cancelations, injuries and more, the Bobcats finished the 2020-2021 season 12-8, making their winning percentage .600 and marking their best season in the Mid-American Conference since they went 13-3 against conference opponents in 2015. The Bobcats also finished the regular season as the third-best team in the MAC, securing a spot in the four-team conference tournament.

The Bobcats had to face some tough teams this past season, including Western Michigan, Miami and Bowling Green, the latter of which finished 22-2 last season and won the MAC championship. Much like this year, the competition in the MAC next season will be fierce, and the road to the MAC tournament will not be easy. In order to keep up with its MAC opponents in the upcoming season, Ohio will have to focus on a few key tactics. Here are the Bobcats’ keys to success for the 2021-2022 season:

COMMUNICATION

Ohio’s communication on and even off

the court is vital to its success. Ohio has to be able to work together and get along as a team in order to be able to match up against any adversary. Without good communication, the team could crumble. Communication is the glue that keeps it together.

KEEP UP THE INTENSITY

For any team, it is almost inevitable to get behind at some point in a match. When this happens, Ohio must keep its head up and not lose its intensity. This has been proven to help it win matches. On March 16, the Bobcats fell behind 0-2 in their match against Kent State. Instead of getting down on themselves, the Bobcats only increased their energy and fought back, winning the match 3-2 and pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in program history. If Ohio can maintain its intensity throughout a difficult match and pull off more turnaround wins next season, it may make a big difference in its record as well as its overall confidence. After beating Kent State, the Bobcats went on to achieve a three-match win streak.

STAYING HEALTHY

Last season, Ohio dealt with a handful of injuries to its front row. Outside hitter Lauren Park missed the final seven match-

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es of the season after sustaining a leg injury March 16 at Kent State. Just one day later, opposite hitter Maggie Nedoma injured herself at home versus Toledo. Up until that point, Park and Nedoma had both played a big part in the Bobcats’ offense, combining for 296 kills. Another of Ohio’s power hitters, Tia Jimerson, sat out in a boot during Ohio’s series against Buffalo in February. Although these injuries did not hurt the Bobcats too badly in the spring, as they won six of their last seven matches, there may not be such luck next season, especially if other teams are fully healthy.

could be unstoppable.

In addition, Ohio’s defense at the net also plays a big factor when competing against other MAC opponents. Teams like Western Michigan and Bowling Green have some strong hitters, and getting touches on the ball at the net slows some of those hard-todig kills down. While a block would be most effective, even just a hand on the ball makes it easier to be returned and the point to be earned. Every touch at the net counts.

@MOLLY_BURCHARD8 MB712319@OHIO.EDU

POWER AT THE NET

One of the main things that fueled Ohio in its journey to the MAC tournament during the 2020-2021 season was the amount of skill and power it had above the 10-foot line. Ohio has many offensive stars, including All-MAC First Team middle blocker Tia Jimerson and All-MAC Second Team outside hitter Lauren Park. Jimerson led the team with 215 total kills last season. In her shortened season, Park had 189. Ohio also has rising stars Caitlin O’Farrell, Mariana Rodrigues and Elizabeth Hoerlein on its side. If Ohio can continue to grow the skill of these players plus foster the skills of its already big names, the offense

Caitlin O’Farrell (No. 12) hits the ball during the Bobcats’ home game on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The game was postponed to Saturday due to a county-wide blackout.

(KELSEY BOEING | FOR THE POST)

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SOCCER

Why Ohio will improve for the 2021-2022 season WILL CUNNINGHAM FOR THE POST Women’s soccer is one of the most consistently competitive sports at Ohio University.

Since head coach Aaron Rodgers was hired in 2012, the team has seen consistent improvement, and despite a tough 2020-21 season, that should continue next year.

Izzi Boyd (No. 25) races for possession of the ball during the Ohio University home game at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio, on March 4, 2021. The Bobcats lost to the Redhawks 0-1.

(MACKENZIE TYSON | FOR THE POST)

Prior to this past season, which was shortened and played in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bobcats had qualified for the Mid-American Conference tournament in three consecutive seasons and made it the semifinals in each of the previous two.

Back in 2018, Ohio had its first winning season since 2009, and in 2019, the team won 10 or more matches for the first time in well over a decade. Rodgers has turned the program around and has made it into a program to be reckoned within the MAC. The Bobcats went just 3-7 in the shortened 2021 season, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism as they head back into a regularly scheduled season.

Rodgers has consistently shown the ability to bring high-level talent to the program, and that was no different this past season, with freshmen Isabella Ginocchi, Shae Robertson and Carsyn Prigge playing major roles in their first year with the program. Those three also were named to the All-MAC Freshman team for the 2021 season.

However, the main reason the Bobcats should be better next season is they have an outstanding group of seniors. Multiple players who would have left after this past season have elected to use their extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic to return for another season.

In addition, two of Ohio’s best players, Abby Townsend and Olivia Sensky, will be seniors next year. With an experienced roster and plenty of young talent, Ohio is primed for another good season.

As fans are increasingly being allowed to attend sporting events again, there will likely be plenty of opportunities to watch sports at OU next year, but watching a soccer match should be on everyone’s to-do list.

The team does not have a large stadium, but the fans who come to the matches create a great atmosphere, and there is always a good energy around the team, no matter what is happening on the field.

However, there are also some on-the-field reasons to come and see the Bobcats play. Ohio often plays exciting soccer, it is extremely fun to watch and it has some excellent players as well.

Townsend is one of the most electrifying players in the MAC, and her combination of speed and skill regularly leaves opposing defenders in the dust. Every time Ohio takes the field, Townsend is likely to do something spectacular, and that is enough a reason to watch.

The Bobcats are primed for another exciting season, and with more fans likely to be in the stands, everyone should try to come and see a soccer match in the fall.

@WILLOCUNNINGHAM WC425318@OHIO.EDU

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A welcome message to students from Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis DUANE NELLIS OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Welcome to Ohio University! Bobcat Student Orientation is a wonderful introduction to everything that OHIO has to offer as you prepare to take the next step in your academic journey. We are thrilled to have you here!

As you schedule your classes and make new friends during orientation, I hope you will also take the time to learn more about the many resources and programs available to you. Our faculty and staff are here to help, and we offer both in-person and online resources to assist you. We are here to answer your questions and make sure you feel comfortable at your new “home away from home.”

As a Bobcat, you have countless opportunities ahead of you. From service learning right here within our own community to exciting undergraduate research, off-campus learning experiences and other creative and professional work experiences, OHIO affords you the opportunity to thrive and grow as you learn from world-class faculty and collaborate with students from around the globe.

Our community truly is a learning laboratory, with opportunities to engage and help develop solutions for global issues that also affect our local region. I encourage you to get involved with campus organizations that speak to your interests. These student groups provide additional learning and service opportunities and are a great way to make new friends.

I am very proud to tell you that Ohio University has received the national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, Award for three years in a row now due to our demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. All students are welcome at Ohio University, and all contribute to our campus environment.

You are joining us during a truly historic time. The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed all of our lives, and I know that the last year may have been challenging for you. As you now adapt to college life, you will find that our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you learn, grow as a person and love your college experience.

My wife, Ruthie, and I moved to Athens and Ohio University four years ago, and we have cherished our time in this special community. I recently announced that I will be transitioning out of the role of president

so that I can return to my first love of teaching. We will remain in our home here at Ohio University, and I look forward to seeing you on campus or perhaps in my classes in the coming years. I want you to know that I am making this change confident in the knowledge that our leadership team and the next president will continue to move Ohio University forward in our mission of serving our students.

Welcome to your new home and to a world of endless possibilities here at Ohio University.

Go Bobcats!

Editor’s Note: Ohio University’s 21st President, Dr. M. Duane Nellis, recently announced a presidential transition effective June 30, 2021. At the time this publication went to print, the university had not named an interim president. More information will be shared online at www.ohio.edu/president in the coming days.

Welcome, Bobcats!

ELIZA IVAN STUDENT SENATE PRESIDENT Welcome, Bobcats! I remember being in your shoes like it was yesterday. I remember leaving The Convo and rushing to College Green to take a look at all the possible student organizations to join. I know your experience will not be the exact same as mine, but we do have the feeling of joining the Bobcat community in common. I remember seeing a banner on College Green that day that said, “It’s up to you to destroy bigotry, oppression (and) build community, liberation (and) to fight fascism, capitalism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, anti-semitism, Islamaphobia.” Those words have stuck with me from the welcoming weekend in 2017. I knew from day one that this is where I belonged because of that banner, and I am thankful for that set precedent. This is why I am sharing it with you now.

Ohio University has been and always will be a place for students to grow and find more passions. When I went to the Involvement Fair, I had no clue that by the time I go into my fifth year here, I would not be in the organizations I signed up for that day or even in the same major (or the major I chose after that one).

Since that day, I have joined the Student Senate and have held three positions, and I am now entering my

fourth in my term as president. Since that day, I have also joined Alpha Omicron Pi and have gotten to hold a position on our standards board and as philanthropy chair for a very untraditional term where I was able to raise money for Black Lives Matter, the Arthritis Foundation and a local women’s shelter here in Athens called My Sister’s Place. Since that day, I got to collaborate with other women in the political science field to start a new student organization called Political Science Majors Association in order to have a non-partisan political group on campus. I have gotten the opportunity to study in Northern Ireland. I never thought I would be able to do that. I did not do any of this until my sophomore year. That is how I know the extent of a student’s potential on this campus. I have gotten to meet so many people and do so much because of the potential granted to me as a Bobcat, and I owe it all to my peers, professors and Ohio University as a whole.

I encourage each of you to fully get the most of your experience here at Ohio University and get started now. Do not wait a whole year like I did! Join student organizations, try out a campus job, go to university events, watch the Marching 110 perform at a football game, go to the farmer’s market, find your favorite local place to eat, figure out which floor in the library is your favorite (mine’s the third floor) and find that hid-

den gem location to study with your friends. You will soon enough find your Bobcat family and start making relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Lastly, if you are looking for a way to get involved as an advocate on campus on a large scale, I encourage you to give Student Senate a look. This year, in summary, we want to further efforts in diversity and inclusion, improve counseling services, create a green initiative, give back more to the Athens community and overall be an advocate for our peers, professors and community as a whole.

As your student body president, I look forward to seeing the passion your class brings to our community and hope to hear your ideas for change. Make the most out of your time here at OU, and don’t be afraid to start now!

With Bobcat Pride, B. Eliza Ivan

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 27

CAMPBELL’S CORNER

Being an out-of-state student doesn’t have to be scary HANNAH CAMPBELL is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University Moving to college is one of the biggest moments in someone’s life. It’s nerve-wracking, stressful and exciting all at the same time. For me, going to a college out of state made these feelings even more intense.

Although Pittsburgh is only three-and-a-half hours away, moving to Athens felt like moving to a different planet. I knew very few people before classes started, and I was genuinely scared that the COVID-19 pandemic would make my chances of meeting new people worse. I’m happy to announce that was far from the truth.

I met so many people during my first year in Athens, but it wasn’t easy. It took a lot for me to reach out to others. Here are some tips for the out-of-state students looking to find new friends and a new home away from home: Use Facebook and other social media sites We all see the typical Facebook group posts looking for a roommate: the ones sharing that they “love to go out but are always down for a night in.” While these posts can seem similar to one another, pay attention to social media sites, and try to find people with related interests, majors and even hometowns.

I actually met my roommate through the OU College Roomie site. I didn’t think much of the site at the time, but it ended up giving me my best friend. However, it took me

getting out of my anti-social cocoon and putting effort into getting to know people. If you do the same, you can be sure you’ll find friends.

Familiarize yourself with campus This may seem like an obvious tip, but some out-of-state students don’t end up coming to campus until orientation or even move-in. It may not seem like a big deal, but knowing your way around campus will help settle your nerves about moving away. Take the time during orientation to get to know the campus and the city that surrounds it. The best part about Athens is the number of local businesses to enjoy, so make sure to check out those as well.

Make friends in your dorm You’ll meet a ton of new people in classes and clubs, but make an effort to get to know people in your dorm. Not knowing many people before the semester, I was able to meet the majority of my friends in Sargent Hall. I met one of my best friends by accidentally walking into her room and many others by knocking on doors and introducing myself.

One way to meet new people is to keep your door open when you’re hanging out in the room. It’s a great way to invite people into your dorm and get to know your neighbors.

Another way is to engage in dorm Snapchat group chats.

Whenever someone asks to hang out or borrow supplies, offer yourself up. You may be surprised by how many neighbors you become close with.

Take your learning community seriously Some people find the learning community activities to be lame, but they are a great introduction to friends in your major. Before I got to move onto campus in September, Zoom meetings with my learning community were some of the only social interactions I got with my classmates. We don’t know how LC activities will occur until the fall, but virtual or in-person, still try to take the class seriously: Show up to as many activities as possible, hang out with other LC members, even make friends with your LC leader. You never know who you’ll come across.

Don’t forget about friends and family back home This last tip is important in order to incorporate your hometown in your new home and keep you from getting homesick. While I agree you need to make an effort to make friends on campus, you shouldn’t isolate yourself completely from your loved ones back home. You can still call your friends from high school and keep your college friends. Even having friends and family visit campus for special events can kick the homesickness away. Just make sure not to spend all of your time visiting home and your friends, or else you’ll isolate yourself from campus and possible friends.

Hannah Campbell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree?

Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @hannahcmpbell.

SO LISTEN

How to be academically successful in college MIKAYLA ROCHELLE is a graduate student studying public administration at Ohio University The purpose of college is opportunity: opportunity to meet friends, opportunity to get involved, opportunity to grow as a person. The most important opportunity college presents to us is the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge in a subject and field that we are interested in — a subject that we want to spend the rest of our lives dedicating ourselves to.

Students take the seriousness of their education differently. You might be a perfectionist who is gunning for that 4.0. You might be a student who wants to do just enough to skate by, seeing the other purposes for college outside of academics as more worthy of your time. You are likely a student who is somewhere in between these two spectrums: wanting to do enough academically to have a successful college career but also wanting to have a fun four years and grow in areas outside of academics.

It’s a difficult balance, but going into it with a plan will certainly help. Here are some tips to help you succeed in college academically: Keep a planner Every year, I start off with a planner. Some weeks, I totally forget about it and neglect it. These are the weeks where 28 / SUMMER 2021

everything feels frazzled, and I get the feeling of being super behind. Having your class times and assignment due dates written down where you can easily see it all in one place is extremely helpful to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed, and it’s helpful in getting everything done.

Schedule time to go to the library with friends Doing work at the library with friends is not only fun but can be extremely motivating. Studying together, whether you have the same classes or are on totally different academic tracks, is helpful: you can ask each other questions, vent about classes and, most importantly, get work done. I always find staying focused and getting work done is much easier when the people around me are also getting their work done.

Go. To. Class.

This one is obvious and is going to be an example in every college tip article, but that’s because so many people simply don’t go to class. Class is the reason you’re in college. It’s easy “gimme points,” and since most professors take attendance, every class you miss will hurt your overall grade. It will not always be easy, especially if the class is at an inconvenient time or you aren’t particularly fond of it. But this is why you are here. Make the most of going to class.

Busy work is the difference of a letter grade

Silly little assignments that seem like a waste of your time are going to be plentiful, especially your freshman year. Do them. They may only be a few points worth of your grade, and skipping them may seem like it won’t hurt you that bad. Once you make the decision to skip one, the rest will get easier and easier to also skip. Before you know it, you’ll lose 5% off your overall grade, which can be a lot.

Procrastination is fine, but don’t expect to not be stressed I cannot in good faith tell anyone to not procrastinate. I have procrastinated my whole life. I can’t tell you why. I just rely on the pressure of looming deadlines to get my work done. You can, in fact, get through college successfully while procrastinating. But it will create way more stress than you need in an already stressful environment. You can procrastinate successfully, but that doesn’t mean you should. If you are going to, though, don’t feel guilty about it. As long as you get your work done and can create work you are proud of, procrastinate on.

Mikayla Rochelle is a graduate student studying public administration at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @ mikayla_roch.

Tips for in-person class TAYLOR BURNETTE PROJECTS EDITOR Stepping into your first college class for the first time was nerve-racking before the pandemic, but after over a year of online classes, it seems almost impossible.

However, with Ohio University starting back with more in-person classes in the fall, dreams are finally becoming a reality. Here are four tips to help you thrive in your first in-person classes:

TAKE HANDWRITTEN NOTES

Although many of us are used to using our laptops to take notes because of online classes during the pandemic or possibly are used to not taking them at all, handwritten notes can help a lot with memory and comprehension of lectures.

Why handwritten instead of typed? According to Scientific American, students who take handwritten notes retain more than their peers who take more notes on their laptops, even if they write less. By writing, you can focus on the material you need to know the most.

If you don’t want to write basic notes with just a pencil or pen, you can try colored pens or markers to add a creative flair to your studying. Also, don’t forget about highlighters when you go back to your notes to study.

FIND A STUDYING METHOD THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Every student has their own way of remembering course materials. So, play around with different methods to find

what is right for you. Some students like studying with friends and talking about class materials, making note cards for different terms, routine study schedules or even just studying their notes.

Try what is best for you and your learning style. If you are an auditory learner and learn best by listening, try getting together with some of your classmates and discussing your class materials or read your notes out loud to yourself. For visual learners, flash cards with terms or topics and explanations on the back may be helpful, or maybe even drawing pictures and graphs to help reinforce materials. If you learn best by reading, dive into those notes and repeat, repeat, repeat.

Also, don’t forget to get together with some of your friends and study together. Whether you are studying the same material or material for different classes, motivating each other and holding each other accountable can boost your scores.

STUDY FOR IN-PERSON EXAMS DIFFERENTLY THAN ONLINE EXAMS

Many professors have allowed the use of books or notes during online exams, but typical in-person exams don’t allow the same sort of flexibility. Occasionally, you may be able to reference your notes, but more often than not, your tests will be all based on your brain power.

To prepare, make sure you attend lectures, and find a note-taking method that works for you. Don’t wait until the last second to study because you won’t have as many things to help you out during the actual exam.

Sadly, you can’t “turn off” your camera in real life.

@TAYLORBURNETTE_ TB040917@OHIO.EDU

TALK TO PEOPLE IN YOUR CLASSES

With COVID-19 precautions in place, it has been tough for everybody to get to know their classmates, but don’t be afraid to chat with the people sitting next to you in your first lecture hall. Whether you are making a GroupMe to help each other with studying or telling someone you like their shoes, don’t be afraid to reach out and meet new people.

Making group chats to help with studying could be especially valuable when you are taking some of your first in-person tests and are especially valuable when working on group projects. However, remember that even a little bit of friendly chatter in person with your classmates could help you meet your new best friend.

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

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Here’s where to eat during BSO JULIANA COLANT FOR THE POST BREAKFAST: BAGEL STREET DELI

Bagel Street Deli is an Athens staple. Its maroon awning and foil-wrapped heavenly sandwiches are an iconic part of Uptown. Choose from an array of “bagelwiches” at Bagel Street Deli. It divides its menu into themed sections: for example, Bagel Street Deli Originals, Poultry Pursuers and Italian Eats.

It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Delivery is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can order online as well. My personal favorite “bagelwich” is the Mac Gyger and Tom’s Turkey.

LUNCH: BRENEN’S COFFEE CAFE

Since 1993, Brenen’s Coffee Cafe has been an Athens tradition. It serves delicious sandwiches, paninis and salads. The food is made to order in front of customers.

Plus, grab a coffee or specialty drink as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The atmosphere is a perfect place to relax and enjoy alone time or chat with new friends. Additionally, it recently opened a new outdoor seating space. Brenen’s Coffee Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend.

DINNER: GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN

Ginger Asian Kitchen is a convenient and crowd-pleasing dinner option. It serves customizable bowls and handmade sushi rolls. The bowls are made similar to Chipotle: you choose a protein, a base (such as fried rice or lo mein noodles), toppings and sauce.

The sushi is made in-house, and customers can pick from traditional rolls or specialty rolls. Ginger Asian Kitchen is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

tots. Next, you choose your size: small, medium or large. Finally, you choose your sauce, melted cheeses, seasonings or extra toppings.

Fry’d is open Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

@COLANT_JULIANA JC079419@OHIO.EDU

DESSERT: WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD

Whit’s Frozen Custard is the perfect sweet treat to follow up dinner. Whit’s sticks to the basics, but the taste is far from ordinary. It serves vanilla and chocolate custard and a weekly new flavor. Customers can order their ice cream blended as a Whitser or sundae style.

Pick from its menu of toppings and custard combos or create your own. Whit’s Frozen Custard is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LATE-NIGHT SNACK: FRY’D

End your night in Athens at Fry’d. Myles Cutler, OU an alumnus, created the business. It is the ultimate latenight snack. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, they have both.

First, you pick your fry. Choose from chicken fries, French fries, sweet potato fries, funnel cake fries, pickle fries or tater

Customers wait for their order outside Bagel Street Deli in Uptown Athens, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021.

(NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Freshman Year Essentials MARY BERGER ART DIRECTOR Let’s face it: freshman year will be an adjustment. Moving away from home, having all new professors and learning a new campus will be different, and it may be a little difficult at first. However, there are things you can bring with you to make your transition go a little smoother. By bringing these things with you on campus, your days will be more relaxed, and your stress levels will be down.

Here are nine items to bring with you to freshman year:

QUARTER JAR FOR LAUNDRY

Bring a stash of quarters for laundry. Over the summer, keep every quarter you get from change from gas stations, local coffee shops and restaurants. Setting aside all of your quarters you collect over the summer will be a blessing come fall. Having to do your own laundry and pay for it every time may be a bit of a hassle, but having change set aside for the washers and dryers every week will make your life a lot easier when washing your clothes.

PLANNER

Invest in a calendar planner for your first year of college.

Keeping a personal planner is a great way to stay organized and on top of your assignments. While balancing multiple classes on different days, you’ll want a place to keep your assignments and due dates all in one place. You can even make it fun by including stamps and stickers to customize the planner to your liking.

COMFY SHOES FOR WALKING TO CLASS 30 / SUMMER 2021

To some people, this may seem like a no brainer, but to others, it might be the thing you wish you hadn’t forgotten the most. Bring a pair of comfy shoes to walk around campus in. Not all of your trips to the dining hall, and class will be a long walk, but over a couple of days without supportive shoes, your feet might begin to hurt. You’ll be grateful you packed comfortable shoes when you’re walking up Morton Hill to your 9 a.m. class.

EASY-TO-GRAB SNACKS

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

LANYARD

When gathering up items around your house to bring to college, don’t forget your water bottle. By bringing your own water, you’ll be amazed how much money you save from buying water and sports drinks from the vending machine. You’ll also be saving the Earth by limiting yourself on disposable water bottles.

HEADPHONES

You are not going to want to forget these. Make sure to pack at least one set of earbuds/headphones. They will come in handy when you are dying to listen to music in between classes, need an upbeat boost at the gym or just want some background music playing when working on assignments.

Nobody likes when people listen to music out loud in public, so bring a set of earbuds.

JOURNAL

Freshman year is going to be a transition, so what better way to keep track of how you’re feeling than by journaling?

Bring a brand new journal with you when you move in. It is a great idea to journal during adjustment moments in life. It will be a great way to document how you’re feeling, the memories you are making and the people you are meeting.

Whether you’ve overslept or need a snack on the way to class, easy-to-grab snacks can be a life saver. Stock your dorm room with fruit cups, granola bars, fruit snacks, individual bags of chips and other easy to pack items to ensure you won’t be hungry during your breaks between meals. You’ll be thankful for these the next time you audibly hear someone else’s stomach growling during a lecture.

Since most freshmen on campus don’t have their cars with them, a lanyard to hold their keys is often overlooked when packing. However, this could be one of the most important things you bring. By packing a lanyard or wrist keychain, you will be able to keep your keys on you at all times without accidentally locking yourself out of your dorm. Nobody wants to get locked out and have to pay a fee for getting your RA to let you into your room.

EXTRA MASKS

Don’t forget to pack multiple masks for your freshman year (other than the one you are wearing to move in). It is a smart idea to keep a spare or two in your backpack and gym bag for those mornings when you realize you accidentally left the dorm without one. Also, by having multiple masks, you won’t have to clean them each as often since you will have many to rotate throughout the week.

@MARYBERGS10 MB690617@OHIO.EDU

Dining hall nutrition EMMA DOLLENMAYER ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Summer always seems to be the perfect time to detox, make some bread, work on one’s mental health and, of course, eat better and healthier. Yet, the onset of a new school year can often disrupt one’s finally established routine. For example, classes and coursework may become overwhelming, partying could come across as tempting, especially as an unfamiliar freshman, and the pizza in Nelson Dining Hall might start to look notably better than it probably tastes.

However, despite becoming adjusted to a new environment and lifestyle, keeping up with difficult classes and maintaining a social life, eating nutritiously, or at least better than eating chicken nuggets for every meal of the day, is entirely possible.

To preface, any student is able to download the OHIO Culinary Services app to view dining hours and each day’s menu. Additionally, the menu listed for each respective dining hall includes whether or not the items contain eggs, fish, lactose, nuts or soy. The app also lists if an item is gluten free, halal and kosher friendly, low fat, made with local ingredients and vegan or vegetarian.

Even while living in a dorm, a day consisting of three meals is a healthy one — whether that means your first meal is a protein bar or a big hearty breakfast. That brings us to mention that not all meals need to come from the dining hall. With the flex meal plan and/ or Bobcat Cash, one is able to purchase groceries from the local markets, where one can find snack options that can take the place of a dining hall swipe. Some options include fresh fruit, yogurt cups, milk, lots of water, granola bars, deli meat and microwavable lean meals.

Now onto what every health conscious freshman is really wondering … what to actually get at the dining halls? First and foremost, the dining halls are all about moderation. The most enticing peripheral of them is one can continuously go back for seconds and thirds and fourths. To aid in solving this appeal, limit yourself to one go around unless, of course, you are not full, then in that case, listen to your body. One can still be healthy without starving their self. Cutting back portions, though, can even mean treating yourself to some of the more junkier, flavorful foods, such as a piece of cake for dessert.

For breakfast, the dining halls — specifically, Nelson, with its array of morning options — provide foods such as whole grain breads and cereals. Paired with some milk, juice or water alongside a fresh piece of fruit, this is a breakfast made for champions and will be sure to catapult one’s day the correct way. Milk options even include skim, soy and almond. Even better is an egg white omelette.

The station is designed as “create your own,” so anyone is able to fill and spice their dish up with some zesty vegetables, such as onions,

peppers and mushrooms, with some prolific protein as well. Low fat muffins are available at breakfast, too.

Lunch arguably may be a college student’s most important meal. It should be prioritized, undoubtedly. When in-between classes and studying, it is essential to get a solid meal in, especially if breakfast was skipped, to rejuvenate one and get one through the rest of the day. The salad bar is always an adequate option as a dinner side dish, but for lunch, consider making a larger one and topping it with more veggies, which are always fresh and have no butter or margarine added.

Furthermore, incorporate a protein such as grilled chicken, which is antibiotic and additive-free, or add a plant-based option like chickpeas. Remember, fat-free dressing is always available as well. If one doesn’t have time to eat and savor a whole meal, make the trek to Boyd Market, and grab a delicious smoothie to go. The combo deal even includes a baked good and fresh piece of fruit.

Talk about deliciousness.

Come dinner time after the day has worn most down, and ice cream and fruit loops for dinner are sounding extra tasty ... don’t give up. We all love a good burger once in a while, so if you’re craving one, substitute for one of the dining halls’ garden burgers instead. Same goes for a fire Chinese or Italian meal. At Nelson, one can enjoy Bamboo Bowls, which are fresh, made-to-order stir fry meals. As for pasta, The District on West Green has a noodle station where red, white and meatless sauces are available, plus various kinds of noodles themselves.

For more options and ideas, consider Jefferson Market, which is comprised of The Brick City Deli, where “the finest Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses, as well as locally-baked breads” are made to order; The Ohio Cafe, where Peet’s coffee is served; Steeped & Stirred, for hot, steamy tea; Veggie Butcher and Juiced, which is similar to Boyd Market’s freshly squeezed fruit and veggie smoothie bar; and lastly, The Culinary Studio where students are able to even learn how to cook their own fresh produce.

@EMMADOLLENMAYER ED569918@OHIO.EDU

START PREPARING EARLY First college, then career. That’s the idea. And, while four years can seem long, the process is quick and the preparation starts now. The Career and Leadership Development Center is here for Bobcats like you.

CAREER COACHING LEADERSHIP COACHING MOCK INTERVIEWS JOB FAIRS JOB AND INTERNSHIP DATABASE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

OHIO.EDU/CAREERS THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 31

ARE YOU COVERED?

Scripps College of Communication

All students are required to have active health insurance.

Students are automatically charged for student health insurance upon registration. Deadline to waive this fee is Sep. 10, 2021.

Already have your own health insurance?

Make sure your policy meets the University Waiver Criteria and complete the online Waiver Application through your Student Center prior to Sep. 10, 2021. ohio.edu/student-insurance/waiver | 1.800.249.0577 Need to expedite your enrollment in the Student Health Insurance?

Confirm your enrollment via the link in the emails sent to you from the University Waiver and Enrollment Auditor, ECI Services, after Fall charges have been applied to your student account. ohio.edu/student-insurance/enrollment | 740.593.1931