the
Volume 119, Issue 02
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
Afghanistan veteran gets call for help
Absolutely Ludacris!
UCO veteran works to save interpretor from Taliban
Stampede Week
Sam Royka
UCO holds events, games and more for students to get involved during first week of classes.
Reporter
See Pg. 4
Involvement Fair
Student organizations encourage students to get involved.
Concerts
UCO campus on Friday as rapper Buddy’s Lawn. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
returned to
performed at
See Pg. 6
and actor
Ludacris
Tom McShane, Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran and Veterans Retention Coach at UCO, spoke to The Vista about the work he’s doing to evacuate his interpreter from Afghanistan. According to McShane, his interpreter contacted him via Facebook messenger about a month ago, asking about getting paperwork together for a visa. “I am currently working to help out an interpreter of mine to get a Special Immigrant Visa to get out since he is in danger from the Taliban,” McShane said. According to McShane, the Taliban knows the interpreter has worked with the U.S. military. Continued on Pg. 3
See Page 5 for Photo Story >>
Macey replaces Webster as interim dean of College of Liberal Arts
Practice Time
A first look at the football team’s intersquad scrimmage from Thursday. See Pg. 7
Earlier this year, Catherine Webster stepped down as the College of Liberal Arts dean to focus on her teaching career. J. David Macey Jr. took over as the interim dean on July 1. “I didn’t even know we had a new dean. What? When did that happen?” said Alessia Jones, a senior in history-museum studies and humanities at UCO. “He is seriously so chill so
that’s great to hear though it would have been nice to have been informed.” According to Adrienne Nobles, vice president for communications and public affairs, Macey has transitioned successfully into his interim role. Given the temporariness of this position, she could not give an Continued on Pg. 3
Hundreds gather near a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane at a perimeter at the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 16. Thousands of Afghans trapped by the sudden Taliban takeover rushed the tarmac and clung to U.S. military planes deployed to fly staffers out of the U.S. Embassy. (AP Photo/Shekib)
Construction project moves through UCO Lyric Peterson Copy Editor
Around Campus What’s happening on campus this week? COVID-19 vaccine clinics are available on and off campus. See Pg. 2
The City of Edmond is installing a new large-diameter waterline on Chowning Avenue. In the first week of school students encountered a lane change. Chowning Chowning Avenue will be under construc- Avenue, which is usually four lanes, tion for months. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi) was reduced to two lanes. The avenue
passes by Multi Permit/Remote Parking Lot 3, Thompson Soccer Field, Wantland Stadium and the Sports Performance Center. According to the Director of Engineering for the City of Edmond, Steve Manek, P.E., the new waterline will allow for continued growth and water Continued on Pg. 8
2 | The Vista
Aug. 31, 2021
Around Campus
homa Ave. Suite 400, Oklahoma sociation will be at the Nigh Univer- Ross video from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City, 73104. Appointments can be sity Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wesley House, located at 310 E. Hurd Learn more information about the St., Edmond. All students are welmade with Passport Health. Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021
Loteria Night: The Hispanic American Student Association is COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: From hosting a cultural game night for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 312 E. Main St., Welcome to the Fam Week from UCO faculty, staff, students, and 5 to 6 p.m. in the Nigh University community members 12 years of age Center, Cherokee Room 213. and older can receive first or second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments can be made online with Passport Health.
Healthy Hooves Hut: From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UCO Clock Tower, get your questions answered about COVID-19, vaccination, and speak with a case manager about needs like housing, food, health insurance, and more! Iraqi Night: The International Student Council is hosting this free event celebrating Iraqi Culture from 6 to 9 p.m. Students can RSVP on UCORE. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Academy of Contemporary Music, UCO faculty, staff, students, and community members 12 years of age and older can receive first or second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. ACM is located at 25 S. Okla-
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 Intramural Sports - 1v1 Cornhole: This is a double elimination tournament that will begin at 6 p.m. at the basketball courts in the Wellness Center. Free Lunch for Students!: The Wesley Foundation at UCO is offering free lunch for all UCO students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wesley House, which is located at 310 E. Hurd St., Edmond. Chi Alpha Picnic: Chi Alpha Campus Ministries is hosting a picnic, along with outdoor games and activities on campus from 1 to 4 p.m. at Plunkett Park. Painting with Penguins: Kappa Delta Chi is hosting a painting in the park social from 5 to 6 p.m. in Hafer Park. BSA Tabling: The Black Student As-
organization and what they do on campus. Recruitment Orientation: The Panhellenic Council will be hosting orientation for all students who are registered for Fall 2021 primary recruitment from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required, which can be done on UCORE. Ice Cream Social: The Student Alliance for Equality is hosting this social event from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet the SAFE execs and socialize with other members. Location can be found by registering on UCORE. Friday, Sept. 3, 2021 International Student Scholarship Involvement Fair: Student Affairs is hosting this event from 6 to 8 p.m. at International House, located at 100 N. University Dr., Edmond. Shortt Dogg: This performance starts at 8 pm. at the Jazz Lab in Edmond at 100 E. Fifth St. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (405) 974-2100. Paint with Bob Ross!: The Wesley Foundation at UCO is hosting an evening of painting along with a Bob
To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing. Editor's Note: No issue on Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day.
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Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 David Bowen & Friends: This performance starts at 8 pm. at the Jazz Lab in Edmond at 100 E. Fifth St. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100.
Correction: "UCO professor
added as plantiff to Title IX case" A previous version of this story addressed Adrienne Nobles as "Interim" Vice President for Communication and Public Affairs. She is the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at the University of Oklahoma. It has been corrected. For more information, contact us at thevista.ads@gmail.com.
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Afghanistan/Dean
The Vista | 3
Aug. 31, 2021
Afghanistan veteran gets call for help Continued from pg. 1
The interpreter is currently living in a rented house under another person’s identification. According to McShane, he is “doing OK now.” McShane is writing a letter of recommendation for the interpreter. Though McShane is “trying [his] best to get him out,” he mentioned a congressman who worked in marine intelligence in Afghanistan who could not help his own interpreter get out of the country. He also heard about a coworker’s interpreter who was killed a few months ago. McShane said, “[it is a] bureaucratic mess” trying to get people out because “nobody anticipated this mass exodus.” McShane emailed Oklahoma representatives asking them to help Afghanistan and the “people who helped us.” He urged civilians to do the same. McShane also said that the situation was “completely disorganized,” mentioning “we’ve [U.S. Military] been there since 2003.” The Vista had an email interview with the Student Socialist League at UCO. “The correct next steps would be to allow the Afghan people their right to self-determination and the ability to create their own alternative to theocratic serfdom,” a Student Socialist League spokesperson stated. With the amount of instability and warring factions, the country is going to take a long time to stabilize without outside help, McShane said. “[i]t’s frustrating; anybody who’s
Militiamen loyal to Ahmad Massoud push a vehicle during a training exercise, in Panjshir province, northeastern Afghanistan Monday. The Panjshir Valley is the last region not under Taliban control. (AP Photo/Jalaluddin Sekandar)
been over there in the military will see it as a sign of the process,” McShane said. “[The process of] how the political powers that be deal with war.” “It’s never as easy as you think it’ll be,” he said, calling the news a disappointing surprise. According to McShane, most of the people he’s talked to said, “Yeah, figured that’s what was gonna happen anyway.” McShane said, “it’s tough for everybody … we go over there, do our jobs,
try to do our best, and hope that [we] have a good outcome, but war is war and sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to.” The SSL suggested that “the state department needs to begin the reallocation of Pentagon funding to efforts supporting the veterans we sent to fight in this senseless war and to efforts supporting the working class inside of our own country instead of towards the next war effort they may create.”
McShane, responding to the executive decisions, said, “they’re playing politics instead of helping the people that need to be helped.” SSL stated: “Our hearts go out to all of the people of Afghanistan and the countless families and friends who have lost loved ones to this senseless war. The Veteran Crisis Line offers free, confidential support for veterans 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-8255.
Macey takes over as interim Liberal Arts dean Continued from pg. 1
exact approximation of the duration of Macey’s role. “That will depend greatly on the search process and the resulting pool of candidates for the position. However, Macey and Bryan Duke, interim dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, have been asked to serve through the summer of 2022 to provide stability for the colleges during the upcoming budget and alignment and allocation discussions. The university intends to conduct a national search for a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education and Professional Studies beginning in the fall of 2022. Nobles added that Macey and Webster have met to discuss the college’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives and continue to speak and correspond on a regular basis about matters of concern to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and operations. Macey was already working closely with Webster and the Liberal Arts deans’ team before he was asked to serve and is aware of the college’s ongoing projects, strategic planning processes, and objectives for the 2021-2022 academic
year. Macey spoke about the problem of the professor shortage saying that at the cornerstone of his endeavors in this new role is to have a scrupulous alignment and allocation process in identifying priority in all the various operational scenarios in the college despite all the budget and financial handicaps experienced by the College of Liberal Arts and UCO collectively. He explained that this problem is two-dimensional. Firstly, there has been a lower enrollment, meaning they cannot offer classes if there are not enough students to attend. From 2016 until 2019, Macey served as assistant vice president in the Office of Academic Affairs, fostering initiatives in different avenues such as inclusion, diversity and globalization. He chaired UCO’s Committee on Diversity as well as contributing as a member of UCO’s Inclusive Community Response team. In addition, he has served as the Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE) ‘s faculty adviser for years. His final words to the faculty, students and the community of UCO is to expect the unexpected and to have a splendid semester ahead.
J. David Macey will be the interim dean for Liberal Arts until at least 2022. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
4 | The Vista
Aug. 31, 2021
Stampede Week
Bronchos stampede back
Students compete for a chance to win up to $4,000 in scholarships during the UCO College of Business open house carnival on Aug. 24. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
Students gather and tie dye T-shirts during the UCO College of Business open house carnival on Aug. 24. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
Brent Vogel, director of the Career Development Center, helps a student during Stampede Week on Aug. 24. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
UCO faculty members are dunked by students during the UCO College of Business open house carnival on Aug. 24. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
Concert
Aug. 31, 2021
The Vista | 5
Ludacris rolls out to Buddy's Lawn
Ludacris gets the fall semester started for UCO students during Stampede Week at Buddy’s Lawn on Friday. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
UCO students reach for DJ Lite Brite free T-shirts at Buddy’s Lawn Friday. DJ Lite Brite opened the concert as fans anticipated Ludacris. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
Ludacris and crew connect with UCO students as they sing along during his concert on Friday. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
UCO students cheer for the No. 1 hit artist Ludacris Ludacris keeps the crowd hopping during Stampede during Stampede Week at Buddy’s Lawn. Ludacris re- Week at Buddy’s Lawn on Friday evening. (The Vista/ cently made a Jif commercial. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi) Manuela Soldi)
6 | The Vista
The Center / Involvement Fair
Aug. 31 2021
Students explore diverse organizations Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
The university held the Student Involvement Fair by Broncho Lake on Wednesday. With over 200 student organizations at UCO, the involvement fair showcased a variety of perspectives and beliefs on campus. Cultural student associations groups like the Black Student Association, Asian-American Student Association and Hispanic-American Student Association are in association with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and
SAFE: Student Alliance for Equality. Evelyn Martinez, HASA treasurer, says “promoting Hispanic culture and diversity at the university is the main goal for the organization.” According to Martinez, with National Hispanic Heritage Month and upcoming Latin holidays, HASA will have multiple events from September through November for students. Public service, for many on campus, highlights community involvement. The organization Circle K promotes service by focusing on food insecurity, children, homelessness and the
environment. Treasurer and secretary Tyler Owens says former Edmond mayor Dan O’Neil helps with the university’s chapter. “We were meeting with him last week, and he is hooking us up with the directors of public parks in Edmond to make [volunteer events],” Owens said. Other organizations on campus focus on intertwining academics and social involvement. Career-specific student organizations, such as the Pre-Law Society and Accounting Club, assist with profes-
sional goals. Dillion Baker, Pre-Medicine and Health Professions Club secretary, said inclusivity and “providing plenty of opportunities for students” remains important. “I know for me getting more involved is really the biggest thing that the medical schools want. They want to see that you’re shadowing, and have volunteering and clinical experience, and we help with that,” Baker said. “Even if you’re doing something that’s not in the medical field, varying your resume is a really great thing.”
The Center offers new sexual health clinic services Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
The Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center, in partnership with Diversity Family Health, are offering a comprehensive sexual health clinic on campus at UCO. The clinic’s services will include STI testing, HPV prevention, birth control, gender-affirming hormone therapy and PrEP (HIV Prevention). These services are available to all UCO students, faculty, and staff. According to Dr. Lindsey Churchill, Associate
Professor of History and Director of the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center, The Center wanted to insure students had access to sexual health services on campus since the OU clinic left earlier this year. “Having Diversity Family Health on Campus is an excellent opportunity for students to receive care from a comprehensive sexual health clinic,” Churchill stated in an email. The clinic will open Sept. 10. The clinic hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays during the fall semester in Thatcher Hall, Room 106. The clinic will be closed on Oct. 1 due to the International Gender
and Sexuality Studies Conference. Low-cost visits and payment plans are available if needed. Churchill stated: “Worry about not being able to afford care should not be a barrier.” Appointments are required to attend a clinic. To schedule an appointment, visit www.diversityfamilyhealth.com. Another way to schedule is by scanning the QR code on the UCO Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center’s Facebook page. For more information about The Center, visit www.uco.edu/academic-affairs/thecenter.
Football Scrimmage
Aug. 31, 2021
The Vista | 7
Footb all set to return in full force
Freshman quarterback J.D. Geneva looks down the field during an intersquad scrimmage at Wantland Stadium Thursday. (Madalyn Nix / The Vista)
Sophomore linebacker Bryce Reid (No. 49) and defensive back Tre’vaughn Craig (No. 37) rush to tackle their teammate during an intersquad scrimmage at Wantland Stadium Thursday. (Madalyn Nix / The Vista)
Junior halfback Daunté McGee pushes off Freshman Defensive Back Kobey Stephens during a football intersquad scrimmage at Wantland Stadium Thursday. (Madalyn Nix / The Vista)
8 | The Vista
Aug. 31, 2021
Construction/Conference
Construction project moves through UCO Continued from Pg. 1
distribution throughout the city. Students on campus say the construction is dangerous and interferes with the campus environment. “It is hazardous to drivers who can’t see at night and end up in the wrong lane,” Lexi Dugger, a freshman and commuter to campus, said. A UCO sorority member on campus, who asked to remain anonymous, said students are driving on the wrong side of the road despite the cones. Dugger said: “When I first toured campus, the construction wasn’t around. So being at campus now, it does make me sad to see that my expectations didn’t meet the realities on the look of the school. “When I go to the sports performance center it does make it difficult to get to practice on time when early morning traffic is happening.” The new construction may interfere with sporting events set to take place next month. “The construction is intrusive but there’s not really anything that can be done about it,” Chris Brannick, UCO Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations, stated in an email ‘We just hope it gets done as soon as possible to limit how much it could affect traffic on game days.” The construction will be going on through most of the semester, according to Manek. “Due to some driveways and
Construction on North Chowning Avenue near UCO narrows traffic to one lane in each direction the week before classes started. Commuter students are concerned about it affecting their daily commute. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
other issues, we are working towards completing this section of Chowning from Ayers to Danforth in the next couple of months,” Manek stated. “We have been assured that this construction will not block any of the entrances to our campus park-
ing lots and should not have any impact on game day traffic,” Brittney Platt, UCO communications and administrative coordinator for Transportation and Parking Services, stated in an email. “If something were to change regarding this project that impacts
campus traffic or parking, we will communicate that to the campus community via Centralities and social media.” The athletic department will be sharing parking maps before the first football game of the season on Thursday, Brannick stated.
Deadline nears language, linguistics conference entries Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
UCO department of English is hosting the 12th annual Language and Linguistics Student Conference (LLSC) on Nov. 6. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts for individual presentations, co-presentations and organized panels. A wide variety of topics are considered, but not limited to relationships between and among language, linguistics, and their application in a variety of languages, journalism and modern politics. The registration deadline for LLSC is Oct. 15 and abstract submission deadline is Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m., late submissions will not be accepted. A notification of acceptance will be returned no later than Sept. 14. A registration fee of $50 is to be submitted
upon acceptance.. UCO website states: “Upon acceptance of your abstract, you will receive a registration form via e-mail. You must complete this form and have it into the LLSC Committee by the registration deadline in order to officially register for the conference. If we do not receive your registration form and fee by the set registration deadline, you will not be permitted to present at the LLSC and removed from the conference schedule.” Abstract submissions are to be sent as an email attachment in Microsoft Word format to the LLSC Committee at langconf@gmail.com. It should be no longer than 150 words. The title should be at the top of the presentation. Do not include your name or any other identifying information on the Microsoft Word document. However, list your name, contact information, school, and major in the main body of the email.
Panel submissions should be sent as a single document containing the title and a 150-200 word description of the panel’s focus. If appropriate, panelists may submit a titled, 150-word abstract along with their submission, which should also be in Microsoft Word format. Undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited university who are enrolled in at least three credit hours are invited to submit. This includes those who have graduated with a degree no earlier than December 2019. High school concurrent students are also invited to submit and participate in the conference. The 12th annual LLSC will be held on the third floor of the Nigh University Center at UCO. For more information, visit the LLSC website at www.uco.edu/cla/departments/english/ news/llsc/.