August 30, 2016 Kscope

August • 30 • 2016

Volume 52 • Issue 46 UAB’s Official Student Newspaper

Breaking Ground on a new beGinning For UAB

UAB Has a smoking policy? p. 6 Where to get free food on campus During Welcome Week p.14

2 EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Dear readers, Welcome, or welcome back, to campus. Every fall semester seems like the beginning of a whole new world of experiences, even though I’m a senior and have done this dance each of these past four years. You will find, if you haven’t had the chance to already, that with each semester of college you will experience something new. This could be a lot of things: such as your first night away from your home town aside from vacations, your first time trying Indian food (local gems Taj India and Sitar are both appealing starting points), your first published essay or piece of creative work. I hope each day that you find yourself eager to go out into Birmingham and experience what’s happening around town and to learn more about the subject area you fall in love with. There are a lot of opportunities to do so.

This paper, we focus on the coming of a fresh new beginning for not only us students, but also for UAB as a whole. Our spread is all about the groundbreaking ceremony of the new football operations building.

I’ve mentioned before in my past letters that I was a transfer student. I arrived at UAB the semester that the football program was discontinued for the foreseeable future. Though, even as someone with very little interest in sports and my own opinions on the justification of the decision to cutting the program, I, as so many others have, found myself rooting for the return of the football, bowling and rifle programs at UAB. The movement to restore these programs came to, in my mind, embody the spirit of UAB and its people: determined and unrelenting. With this spirit, the members of UAB’s community succeeded in reinstating the disbanded programs, largely through the efforts of the student-led movement conceived after their discontinuation.

Linda Lucas, Ph.D., the provost of the university, brought up in an interview that my managing editor, Tamara Imam, and I had with her that UAB has celebrated the groundbreaking of many new buildings marking the frankly remarkable development of the university in quick succession throughout the past few years. Now it’s the new football operations building, but before that it was the new freshmen residence hall, the Hill Student Center and in the future we have the groundbreaking of the football stadium to look forward to. We as a university have been determined and unrelenting during each of our attempts to grow the university to be the campus we can proudly call home. And boy, am I proud to be a Blazer, especially as we welcome in this new era of UAB, which is characterized by both progression and firm interests in those things that make the university the UAB we know and love.

This issue is full of other interesting going-ons that all point to the beginning of a brand new era for UAB. This year’s Bid Day was marked by a record-breaking number of recruited girls, each of whom are beginning the school year with a new addition to their identity as members of their respective sororities. We investigate the issue of the enforcement of the smoking policy on campus and the development of a new task force to gather to formulate strategies of handling the problem. We have also included a story about the appointment of the assistant director of Student Advocacy, Rights and Conduct as a new confidential advocate of students who have experienced relationship trauma.

As each of you go forward into your first week of classes, I hope you feel excited whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. There is so much to do around Birmingham and so much to get involved in on campus – go

With love,

STAFF Sarah Faulkner editor@insideuab.com Tamara Imam managing@insideuab.com Corey Bright art@insideuab.com Tessa Case news@insideuab.com Surabhi Rao features@insideuab.com Ian Keel photos@insideuab.com Mark Linn copy@insideuab.com Dabney Bragg socialmedia@insideuab.com Loren Gilbert online@insideuab.com Melvin Griffin Jared Chestnut Mark Linn Chad Freeman Marie Sutton info@insideuab.com Patrick Johnson plj3@uab.edu

Editor-in-Chief Managing & Sports Editor Head Illustrator News & Science Editor Features & Opinions Editor Photography Editor Copy Editor Social Media Editor Online Editor Distribution Team

Advisor Production Manager

Physical Address Suite 130, Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35205 Mail HSC 130, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 Phone (205) 934-3354 Web UABkscope.com Email editor@insideuab.com The Kaleidoscope is the official student newspaper of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Unsigned editorials and the opinions of the Kaleidoscope’s columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers, editors, Kaleidoscope advisers or university administrators. Signed columns and letters reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as expressions of fact and opinion to Kaleidoscope readers.

Letter Policy: Letters to Kaleidoscope are always welcome. Unless otherwise directed, all letters will be forwarded to the editor. Letters must be no longer than 200 words and must be typed. A name and a phone number must accompany each letter. Letters will appear at the discretion of the editorial staff and can be sent by mail, fax or electronic mail.

All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2016 by Kaleidoscope and protected under the U.S. Copyright Laws.

Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of the Kaleidoscope.

SOUND OFF 3

Mein Bowl, located in the Hill Student Center, is owned and operated by Sodexo.

Photo by Ian Keel

Sodexo: Rocking or ruining dining?

Dear Students, ith the first week of classes about W to commence, so too will the year-long UAB hunger games. Located in the center of the bustling city of Birmingham, UAB’s campus is in the middle of a food desert. Yes, you read that correctly. “But wait, UAB has all sorts of food to eat on campus,” you say. To which I rebut with, “Ah yes, but is it affordable, fresh and of good-quality?” The answer to that question is “No.” Zime’s food, which is considered our healthiest option, is packed with enough sodium to mummify you before the next frat Halloween party. Sodexo has been UAB’s food service provider for as long as I have been at UAB, and let me just say that every meal has been more disappointing than the decision to cancel our football program. Don’t

get me wrong — the employees are chill, and they actually do their best to work with what they are given, but as a Fortune 500 company, Sodexo has to cut quality somewhere to turn over a major profit, and it’s pretty obvious they chose the food.

From a company that has been involved in one too many scandals — ranging from their unfair wages for student workers to finding horse DNA in a meat sample, it doesn’t make sense that UAB would try and set itself up for yet another scandal. With almost 2,000 incoming freshmen, it is obvious UAB plans to profit off of the mandatory $1,750 meal plan for each student living on campus, and this price brings up a very important question. Why does UAB feel the need to profit off of food when they already collect so

much in fees from the student body? It would seem that if UAB actually cared about its students it would bring back on-campus dining options or it would try to negotiate a plan with our local Subway at the top of the hill on 14th Street; however, UAB has promised Sodexo a monopoly on the food desert that is UAB, and with any unregulated monopoly, it can make its product as horrible as it wants to increase its profits — because hey, they already have the money, you just have to go get your benefits from it.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much anyone can do about the behavior of Sodexo.

Just take it from students at the University of Washington who were arrested for protesting a renewal of Sodexo’s contract. Probably the most

disappointing PR move by Sodexo was the recent move to allow students to donate one meal to food insecure students — don’t mind the fact that I had over 15 meals left at the end of the semester. UAB and Sodexo kept 14 of them, and one went to help a student in need.

Fortunately for me, the editor has allowed me to remain anonymous because if I weren’t I’m almost certain Sodexo would hunt me down and serve me as the meatloaf in the Commons.

Honestly, good luck fellow Blazers. Just hold your nose and swallow quickly.

This ride will be over soon, and at least you can use the poor quality of Sodexo dining as an excuse to not linger here any longer than you need to.

- Anonymous

4 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

UAB designates new starting point for trauma survivors Sarah Faulkner Editor-in-chief editor@insideuab.com

U

AB has recently added a new outlet for students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence – also known as domestic or dating violence – stalking and sexual harassment. Debbie Morgette, who serves as the assistant director of Student Advocacy, Rights and Conduct is now specializing in survivor services and campus based victim advocacy for UAB students.

Providing dedicated, fulltime support to survivors of trauma ensures that survivors can reach an advocate whose sole responsibility is to support their needs.

What sets Morgette apart from other confidential resources is that she can thoroughly explain Debbie Morgette is the assistant director of Student Advocacy, Rights and Conduct. to students the student or community is shared with John conduct and legal process, explain Jones, Ph.D., who is the interim Title students’ Title IX rights, provide IX Coordinator or Emily Feinstein information about Protection from who serves as our Title IX deputy Abuse Orders and No Contact Orders. coordinator.”

She can also coordinate Title IX Morgette can also accompany accommodations for students such as students to any meeting they have extensions on class assignments, on about their situation. campus housing changes, or providing “If the student wants me to police escorts. accompany them to court, I am Confidential resources have always happy to do so.” Morgette said. “It is been available to students. Parties such my honor to support students and as UAB counselors, medical providers help them navigate through all the and clergy are all confidential complexities they are facing.” resources. This means they cannot “A survivor who has experienced any share personally identifiable type of power based personal violence information about a student without is making a decision to walk through their expressed permission. my office door,” Morgette said. “They There are exceptions to this are expecting to be helped, not judged. restriction, however: “If a student I 100 percent believe a student who shared with me that the person who makes that decision to talk with me. harmed them used a gun during the Do you know how courageous that is?” assault or abuse, or if the person Morgette described the process of who harmed them has been involved coping with trauma as a journey that is in a similar situation (pattern of unique to every individual. behavior), I would need to share that “It is easy to understand why information with the police and our some people that have experienced Title IX Coordinator and Title IX trauma would rather not talk about Deputy Coordinator,” Morgette said. the traumatic event they have had,” “Any imminent threat to the student

should not be the first time conversations about powerbased personal violence prevention and responses should take place.

“Conversations about consent need to be happening in middle and high school, even kindergarten, in an age appropriate manner. For example, you can talk to a child in kindergarten about consent without mentioning sexual activity,” Morgette said, who used an orange as a demonstration.

“Sam has an orange, and Jessie takes the orange away from Sam. A teacher can ask, Jessie, did you ask Sam if you could have their orange? It’s important that you ask if you can have their orange, not just take it. How do you think Sam feels about you taking their orange?” Morgette said. “There is no reason we can’t have age appropriate conversations about consent. Reality is, by Photo by Spencer Portis the time students come to college, many of them have Morgette said. “Maybe they feel already experienced sexual violence or ashamed, or embarrassed, or that abusive behavior.” nobody will believe them. [...] Students While Morgette’s services are can share whatever information that available to current UAB students, the wish to share with me. I don’t drive trauma that the student experienced the conversation. The student does. or is experiencing does not necessarily I am here to support and provide need to be current or related to UAB information. How can I support in order for her to meet with the you? What can I do to help you? individual and discuss the issues the What information do you need? It student is facing. is so important for students to have “It doesn’t matter when the accurate information so that they can experience happened, it doesn’t make informed decisions about what matter where, the point is – the steps to take for their lives. They are most important thing is to provide the expert of their own life, not me.” that student the support that they Although Morgette is not a deserve,” Morgette said. “If the abuse counselor, she said that she is well happened and had no relation to UAB, aware of the effects of sexual or it happened in high school, middle physical or emotional abuse. She also school, childhood, whenever, I want serves as a rape response advocate. students to seek out the support and “I see the pain individuals are resources that are available to them.” experiencing. I never want a student to suffer in silence,” Morgette said.

“There is support, there are resources, there is hope.”

While Morgette has been outreaching to faculty, staff, and students about the services she is providing, she said that college

To contact Debbie Morgette in Student Advocacy, Rights and Conduct, call the SARC office at 205-975-9509 and ask to speak with the confidential advocate. The office is located in the Hill Student Center, Suite 303.

6 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Non-smoking policy pushes support, not punishment

Tessa Case News Editor news@insideuab.com

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new taskforce aims to offer support instead of punishment in order to uphold UAB’s non-smoking campus policy, which has been under fire recently due to its perceived failure to be enforced.

In 2015, UAB updated its nonsmoking policy to prohibit use of tobacco and smoking-related products, including vaping, within all buildings, facilities, vehicles and spaces that are owned, rented, leased or otherwise controlled by the university, according to official UAB policy. The policy appointed the vice president for Financial Affairs and Administration, Allen Bolton, as the party responsible for procedures to implement this policy, including to visitors. Provost Linda Lucas, Ph.D., is responsible for the implementation of this policy as it relates to students, student organizations and student facilities.

However, Jake Baggott, assistant Vice President of Student Development, Health and Wellness, was appointed this past spring to a new taskforce to address this issue. Baggott said the final composition was still in development, but that the model will follow one of awareness, education and support that he has found to be successful across the 1,500 campuses nationally that are smoke-free.

“It doesn’t need to be confrontational, it needs to be supportive,” Baggott said.

The policy Baggott said that he hopes to create is one that will effectively communicate the policy throughout campus and provide the services necessary in order to eliminate the issue. According to Baggott, programs such as an employee tobacco cessation program will be available, as well as services in the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Though resources are available to help those who are addicted to nicotine, students pointed to the lack of administrative enforcement as the cause for the continuation of smoking on campus.

“I was not aware UAB was a smoke free campus,” said Connor McDonald, a junior molecular biology student. “And I especially was not aware of any vaping restrictions anywhere on campus.”

McDonald cited the lack of appropriate signs and an apparent disregard for the

policy as a source of his confusion.

Zack Carpenter, recent alumnus, and Carolyn Byrd, a current pre-nursing student, saw the courtyard outside of the library as being the least enforced area, despite it having multiple signs placed throughout the premises.

“One time I even asked a guy to stop and he got angry and said, ‘But I smoke here everyday,’” Byrd said.

Public health major Rachel Rice said that although she has seen at least one person smoking in front of a sign that demanded otherwise, she still feels like the policy is necessary to uphold.

“People with asthma and are sensitive to the smell are at a disadvantage otherwise,” Rice said.

Garrett Stephens, who was USGA president when the non-smoking policy was updated to address electronic cigarettes, said that the ban isn’t being enforced because UABPD doesn’t want to write a multitude of tickets.

“The academic departments don’t want the responsibility of enforcing academic punishments if caught, and it’s not the student body’s responsibility to communally enforce and shame people,” Stephens said.

“That’s why it’s not enforced.”

Baggott said that students can get involved, though, by helping to create a culture that promotes a tobacco and smoke-free environment. He also said that while enforcement is important, smoking is not a criminal issue — and therefore, not for the police department — and it is an issue of awareness, education and providing services to create the type of environment everyone wants.

“I would definitely like to see some sort of helpful aid, in the form of a pamphlet with advice at the very least,” McDonald said. “The advice could range from information on apps to help you record your progress on quitting to safer alternatives such as nicotine gum. Also having a person that students could go to ask questions and get one on one advice would be helpful.”

Baggott also pointed out that the problem isn’t as rampant as many believe. According to a National College Health Assessment survey conducted

by UAB in 2015, 76 percent of students reported never having used tobacco.

“The reality is that it’s closer to 11 percent who use tobacco,” Baggot said.

“This is not as big of a problem as people think it is, and research shows that the majority of students prefer a non-smoking environment.”

Photo illustration by Ian Keel

SPORTS 7

Basketball games to watch for this season Blazers to face off with foes old and new UAB men’s basketball vs. Rice last season.

Alex Jones BlazeRadio General Manager alex96@uab.edu

W

elcome back to school Blazers! It’s time to set alarms and fight sleep in Sterne Library while writing papers and cramming for exams. Time to get phone numbers from classmates and then only text them for notes. When I’m not studying this year though, I will likely be at a Blazer basketball game. The men finished last season with 26 wins and only seven losses. This will be the first year for the team under the leadership of Head Coach Robert Ehsan after Jerod Haase left for Stanford.

Although I will probably be in the crowd or in front of the television for every game, here are the games I’m most excited about this year:

UAB vs. Kansas (CBE Hall of Fame Classic) November 21, 2016

The Kansas Jayhawks have been the Big 12 regular season champions or co-champions every year since 2004. They finished last season in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. They also have the number one high school recruit and

projected number one pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Josh Jackson, playing for them this year. This will be the hardest team UAB plays during the season.

The good news is the game will be in a neutral site, Kansas City, Mo. If UAB finds a way to win, this could put them in the Top 25.

Auburn vs. UAB December 3, 2016

UAB’s first game of last season was a heartbreaking loss to the Auburn Tigers by just one point. This year, Bruce Pearl’s squad comes to Bartow Arena to play in a game that I predict will be the most well-attended home game this year for the Blazers. It’s a good matchup, and a win will look good for UAB when the NCAA Selection Committee analyzes strength of schedule.

UAB vs. Middle Tennessee January 1, 2017

What better way to start off the New Year than by having a matchup between the last two champions of Conference USA? Middle Tennessee has lost its five matchups against UAB, including

Photo by Tamara Imam

the 2015 Conference USA Championship. Reggie Upshaw and Giddy Potts are returning for the Blue Raiders and it will be a matchup I cannot wait to see.

Western Kentucky vs. UAB January 12, 2017

Revenge. The Hilltoppers defeated the Blazers twice last season. They knocked UAB out of the Conference USA Tournament and thus out of a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament.

The Hilltoppers are bringing back star forward Justin Johnson, and they have a new coach: Rick Stansbury. It will definitely not be a warm welcome when they arrive at Bartow.

UAB vs. ? (Conference USA Tournament) March. 8-11, 2017

The Conference USA Tournament will be back in Birmingham this season and I will be there every day. I encourage all students and fans to take off and go to the games as well. If the Blazers win the tournament, I believe they will earn an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.

8

Groundbreaking ushers in ‘new era’

Photo by Spencer Portis

Tamara Imam Managing Editor managing@insideuab.com

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onday, Aug. 29, the first day of classes for the fall semester, coincided with the groundbreaking of the new football operations building and the ushering in of a new era for UAB. Less than two years after the dismantling and subsequent revival of the football program, around 500 people gathered at the site of the existing football building on the corner of University Boulevard and 11th Street to celebrate the future of the football program. In addition to students, student-athletes, faculty and UAB fans, the president pro tempore of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees among other trustees, former UAB president and the founder of the football program Scotty McCallum and the late Gene Bartow’s wife Ruth Bartow were in attendance.

The ceremony kicked off with a performance by the Marching Blazers on the football practice field, which was lined with green-and-gold-adorned shovels in the ground.

President Ray Watts delivered the opening remarks, thanking both the UAB and Birmingham community and the Board of Trustees.

“In the last year our community has come together to provide more support for UAB athletics than we’ve ever had in our history and we cannot thank you all enough,” Watts said. “This has been an

unprecedented community engagement activity. The community across all of UAB and across Birmingham and across the state.”

According to Athletic Director Mark Ingram, the facility, which he anticipates to be “one of the most efficient facilities of its kind in the country,” was designed by local architects Goodwyn Mills & Cawood in conjunction with Kansas City architects HOK. “We’ve had — or I’ve had — other athletic directors, more than I can think of off the top of my head, who’ve seen the design and are calling to ask how did we come up with this,” Ingram said.

Ingram also noted that M.J. Harris Construction, the contractors tasked with the project, has assured him that the facility will be completed both on time — by next summer — and under budget. The 46,000 square foot building will be equipped with a locker room, training room, meeting rooms, offices, a weight room and an attached covered field, which will be known as Legacy Pavilion.

Ingram believes that the addition of the operations building will give the football program an unprecedented edge when it comes to training.

9

Photos by Spencer Portis

AS OF TUESDAY AUG. 30

“This facility is going to be a tremendous advantage to our teams so that we can practice in inclement weather,” Ingram said. “This is something that we’ve not had before and I know that it’ll be special to everybody and certainly football. This program has been given a second chance and this facility indicates that we’re making the most of it.”

Head Coach Bill Clark, chair of the UAB Athletic Campaign Committee Hatton Smith and CEO of Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Joe McGee also gave remarks at the ceremony.

“Right across town we’re gonna be looking for something else real soon too,” Clark said in a nod to the future football stadium in Uptown.

“While we’re just breaking ground today, we will soon see tangible evidence of our progress. The impact that this facility has on recruiting for UAB is immeasurable,” McGee said. “Let’s just be honest, some of these high school athletes are coming from facilities that are superior to what exists here today. But today that changes.”

Following the opening remarks, several members of the UAB Athletics Campaign Committee among

others put on gold hard hats and headed to the practice field to participate in the ceremonial dig.

Former football players also participated, digging up the dirt of the field they once practiced on.

“It’s going be a new era so to speak. It’s gonna be a new step for athletics at large,” Provost Linda Lucas, Ph.D. said. “I think getting football back is going to be a step up for us… and someday when that stadium is built in Uptown I think we ought to have dragon prints down 20th Street.”

Libby Yon, a nursing student, is looking forward to the addition of the new facility.

“Living in the south, football is not just a game, but for many, a way of life. So with the addition of the new football center, students and residents around downtown Birmingham will have more opportunities to attend football games to cheer on [the team with] friends and family,” Yon said.

“I am excited for this football season because I believe that these games will help our community to come together and strengthen bonds between athletes, students, and even family. Plus, with the urbanization of the downtown Birmingham area, I think the new football center will continue to add to the growing charm of The Magic City.”

10 OPINIONS

Fritatta with sausage, grits and fruit.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 , 2016

Photo courtesy of Mugdha Mokashi

Pizza with mixed greens.

Photo courtesy of Mugdha Mokashi

Review: Trattoria Centrale

Mugdha Mokashi Contributor mmokashi@uab.edu

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rattoria Centrale, located in downtown Birmingham on 20th Street South, is a five minute drive from campus. Breakfast, lunch, and brunch are meal options. This includes fresh pastries, sides such as polenta and mixed greens, and main dishes that include smoked salmon and arugula and spinach salad.

This is the kind of restaurant I would go to again and again. Like weekly.

It’s honestly that good.

As with many downtown restaurants, meter parking is really the only option. That being said, the Italian-style cafe with outdoor seating is in a picturesque part of town that welcomes a walk.

Trattoria Centrale features a

beautiful blend of Italian food with a Southern twist for breakfast and lunch. It’s been said that their pizzas are the best in town.

Look at that gorgeous pizza to go. With top notch basil aioli dressing on those greens, I may add.

However, it’s the Sunday brunch that truly shines. A long (though quickly-moving) line of people snaked around the tiny restaurant at 11:00 A.M. sharp, as we were waiting anxiously to order.

The daily specials are standard dishes with a few variations every weekend — scrawled in colorful chalk on a board that hangs above the kitchen. My biggest complaint is the difficulty it takes to decide between each delicious dish. The long line gives ample time to waffle between choices, and usually ends with

a hastily blurted-out order at the register. Not a problem though, because every single dish at this restaurant has been nothing short of fabulous. As an added bonus, the service is wonderful and the workers are cheerful and helpful. The entire experience of eating there is influenced in this way.

The french toast is by far their most popular (and priciest) dish, and well worth the $13 price tag. A plate heaping with french toast, seasonal fruit, savory bacon, and syrup is taken to the next level by beautiful mascarpone cheese between toast pieces.

I tend to prefer a savory brunch, and found my happy place, over easy.

The plate is intimidating, piled high with creamy white polenta (more on this later), incredibly tasty eggs, sweet

tomato sauce and shaved Pecorino Romano.

Trattoria’s exquisite, wellspiced sausage comes with an order of Fried Farm Eggs All’ Arrabbiata, though I usually opt for fresh fruit for contrast.

Y’all, I don’t even like eggs, but I love this dish.

Also — this polenta is really, really good. It’s creamy and sumptuous, with a little bit of a gritty texture, and finished with cracked black pepper.

It comes with most dishes and is definitely a must-try.

As you can see from this 9 dollar frittata dish, I forgot to take a picture before digging into the delicious sausage.

My only complaint is that the casing is a little thick, though the spice makes up for it. Also featured is that gorgeous polenta.

Don’t have time to sit down and enjoy brunch?

Stop by for Octane coffee on drip (if you’re a Birmingham native, you know that Octane means quality coffee) and a scone. They always have their cherry and rosemary Scone, along with other ever-changing selections.

While it is a quality scone in and of itself, the wow factor definitely comes from the knockout flavor combination.

Cherries add familiarity and a sweet tang, while the rosemary elevates this pastry to sophistication. This scone really speaks to an everpresent motif at this quaint café. Trattoria’s charm is entirely a product of taking classic comfort food and adding an elegant, inspired twist. And it’s a twist that has the locals returning again and again.

FEATURES 11

Signs like this appeared near residence halls during the week before classes to welcome those returning from Huntsville and Hungary alike.

Photo by Ian Keel

Students return from a summer overseas Wallace Golding Contributor wsgoldin@uab.edu

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s the Fall semester begins, some students are coming back from studying overseas. Students have completed internships, received scholarships and everything in between. Some, however, decided to take their coursework abroad.

UAB offers one of the largest and most interdisciplinary study abroad programs in the southeastern United States, with students traveling to over 45 countries on all seven continents.

From London to Tokyo, the Office of Education Abroad offers programs in nearly every discipline, and can place students in programs that will benefit them academically and professionally Daniel Mendoza, a junior majoring in biology, had the opportunity to study Arabic and Middle Eastern culture over the summer. As a recipient of the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship, Daniel had the opportunity to travel to and study in Dubai free of charge. His travels allowed him to visit the Burj Khalifa

– the tallest structure in the world for citizens of the town of Baitoa, – and snorkel off the coast of Oman, where potable water is scarce. This among other things, all in an attempt opportunity was organized as part of to understand another culture a global health course in UAB’s School drastically different than his own. of Public Health.

“There are so many little things “It was so rewarding to have the about a culture that you opportunity to visit won’t learn about in a Baitoa and implement classroom,” Mendoza our service project, “Traveling really said. “Traveling really rather than just learn helps an individual helps an individual about the issues in respect other respect other people’s the classroom. I hope viewpoints, and it also people’s viewpoints, to study abroad again gives you a deeper during my senior year,” and it also gives appreciation for your Boles said. you a deeper home country and Specifically, she culture.” hopes to take part in appreciation for As a senior public faculty-led course to your home country aCuba health major, Charlotte in the spring. and culture.”

Boles spent a portion By participating of her summer in the - Daniel Mendoza in the Bakota Project, Dominican Republic junior chemistry major working with Project Emily Quarato was able Hearts, a local non-profit focused on to study the archaeology of a Bronze providing sustainable solutions to Age cemetery in eastern Hungary. supply clean water to residents.

The rural town of Békés provided During her trip, Boles and challenges of its own, according to three other students built and Quarato. With travel being limited sold rainwater catchment systems to bikes and walking, she noted that

she oftentimes had to walk an hour or more to reach her destination.

Furthermore, communicating with the local population proved to be problematic as well.

“There is a large language barrier, and the Hungarian language is quite difficult to learn,” Quarato said.

She plans to return in the summer of 2017 to continue her research in analyzing the composition and crystallization of human bones from the cemetery to learn more about the burial practices of the era.

The opportunity for immersion into other cultures and viewpoints is a staple of a university education.

UAB provides its students with ample resources to make this a possibility for anyone.

Opportunities to study abroad are available in lengths varying from a week to an entire year, and students are offered competitive rates either less than or similar to UAB tuition. Students can receive transfer academic credits from the host institution, or they can join a UAB faculty-led expedition.

FEATURES 13

Panhellenic sororities break bid record

Alpha Gamma Delta greets new members on Bid Day.

Tamara Imam Managing Editor managing@insideuab.com n Saturday, Aug. 28, almost 200 women ran across the Campus Green on Bid Day to join their new sorority sisters on the last day of a record-breaking fall recruitment week.

Alinea Esensoy, who served as a recruitment counselor tasked with facilitating much of the selection process, said a record 192 women accepted bids to join one of the five Panhellenic sororities on campus: Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Gamma, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Kappa. The largest number of bids previously given out was 151, according to Assistant Director of fraternity and sorority life Kristen Bowen.

While women can also join sororities in the spring semester during a process known as “continuous open bidding,” fall Bid Day is the main event for sororities on campus when it comes to adding new members.

This year’s Bid Day also welcomed Sigma Kappa, which was established on campus in 2015, but participated in

O

Photo by Ian Keel

formal recruitment for the first time.

The chapter gave out bids to around 36 women, who will join the existing members who founded the Zeta Sigma chapter last fall.

Livia Jojo served as president of the founding class of Sigma Kappa last year.

“It has been an amazing experience to be a part of a new chapter at UAB since UAB has not had a new sorority added in 20 years,” Jojo said. “It is an unexplainable bond to have 36 new sisters and not know much about them, but know that you have 36 new sisters and will get to know them on a personal level because of Sigma Kappa. Stereotypes state that joining a sorority is like ‘buying’ friends.’

However, in reality you get the opportunity to become friends with new women across campus. I wouldn’t have met some of my [best] friends if it wasn’t for Sigma Kappa.”

Panhellenic will continue to grow in the near future, as Kappa Delta sorority will be established at UAB in the fall of 2017.

“UAB’s Greek Life is expanding and that’s good,” said recruitment counselor Kayla Smith.

we get out what you put in,

put that recycling in the right bin.

Open for drop-offs Mondays 6:30-9:30am 3:00-6:00pm 620 11th Street South (205) 996-9043

14 FEATURES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Welcome Week guide to grabbing free grub

Free hotdogs and bags of chips were just a few of the free food options available at Move-In day

Alex Jones BlazeRadio General Manager alex96@uab.edu

I

t’s that time of the year when Dining Dollars and BlazerBucks do a special magic trick. Add a hint of Full Moon, a dash of the Den and a pinch of Einstein Bros. Bagels and POOF — your Dining Dollars and BlazerBucks have disappeared. For many returning UAB students, including myself, this magic trick is a tragic reality. However, we just can’t resist that You Pick Two at Panera Bread.

This year, there are many ways to save your money, especially during Blazer Welcome. So, instead of spending all of your campus cash, take advantage of the free food and things being offered to you this week.

Panera Bread: Free Daily Bagel This offer is valid until Thursday, Sept. 1. Panera is giving away their delicious bagels, from blueberry to cinnamon crunch, for free. All you need is a MyPanera card. If you don’t have one, ask for one and someone will be happy to give it to you. This is a perfect option for breakfast on the run. Light, quick and it didn’t cost a dime.

“Trail” Gate Party: August 30 For freshmen and transfer students, this party is just for you. Free hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda. The party will be held right after Freshman Convocation on the Campus Green. For the new students, this is also a great chance to meet coaches, professors and other students. “Trail” Gate will be held from 7-9 p.m.

Pops on the Green: August 31 Alabama has some of the hottest days in the country. 100 degrees is a regular day at the end of August. That’s why it is always a good idea to stay cool with a free popsicle. Popsicles will be given away from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus Green, so be sure to get a nice treat before heading to class.

Student Life Day: September 1 Our city takes pride in its food, especially barbecue.

So students being able to savor the delicious flavors of Jim ‘N Nicks for free is a gift. Between sandwiches, barbecue sauce and a good time, there is no reason to buy lunch when there will be free

Photo by Ian Keel

food on Student Life Day. Student Life Day will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m on the Campus Green.

Grillin’ on the Green: September 1 Cru, UAB’s campus crusade ministry, will be blessing students with its 6th Annual Grillin’ on the Green on Thursday, Sept. 1. There students will get the opportunity to learn more about the student organization, enjoy live music, and of course get free food. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m.

BSAC Back to School BBQ: September 2 The Black Student Awareness Committee annually awards students with the Back to School BBQ on the Friday of the first week of school. As you read earlier, Birmingham takes pride in its barbecue, so this is another opportunity for student to enjoy some live music provided by BlazeRadio, and good food at no cost, of course. The barbecue will be available from 2-6 p.m.

For more information and free food opportunities, download the Blazer Welcome app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play, or go to uab.edu/studentaffairs.

CALENDAR Aug.30-Sept.5 TUESDAY Grad Student Ice Cream Social

Lister Hill Library 4-6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Part-time Job Fair

HSC Ballroom 11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Meet and mingle with fellow grad students while enjoying Bruster’s ice cream.

An opportunity to meet employers looking for UAB students to fill parttime job positions.

“Trail” Gate Party

Social Justice Mixer

Campus Green 7-9:30 p.m.

HSC Amphitheater 6-8 p.m.

Welcoming transfer and first-year students to UAB. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda will be available. Takes place immediately after the First Year Student Convocation.

Come meet cultural and identity-based student organizations and enjoy free food and music. Hosted by the Social Justice Advocacy Council.

Pokerun 2016

Campus Green 3-5 p.m.

UAB Annual Giving challenges all Pokemon trainers to find 10 Pokestops on campus. First 150 trainers to find ‘em all gets a prize.

Student Life Day Campus Green 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Come meet student organizations and enjoy free food and music by BlazeRadio.

FRIDAY UAB Volleyball Blazer Classic

SUNDAY Jazz in the Park

The UAB volleyball team kicks off their home slate.

Continuation of Blazer Classic home slate.

-Northwestern State vs. Missouri State -UAB vs. SE Missouri State -UAB vs. Radford

-UAB vs. Northwestern State -Tennessee Tech vs.

Northwestern State -UAB vs. Tennessee Tech

Featuring Gresham and Dee Lucas.

Families are invited to bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic foods.

BSAC Back to School BBQ

Collegiate Recovery Night at the Barons

UAB Mini-Park 12-4 p.m.

Regions Field 7-10 p.m.

Annual back-toschool BBQ hosted by the Black Student Awareness Committee.

Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Free tickets to the first 30 students.

Bartow Arena 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIEDS

Kaleidoscope publishes every Tuesday when classes are in session.

Phone: 205.934.3354 Email: masutton@uab.edu Deadlines: Please place your ads by the Thursday prior to publication no later than 4p.m.

Personal Maid Service- Basic house cleaning. Honest, dependable, licensed, bonded, flexible scheduling, competitive & local. Very professional with “NO”criminal background.

LEGAL

SATURDAY UAB Volleyball Blazer Classic

BY PHONE: 205.934.3354 BY EMAIL: masutton@uab.edu ONLINE: www.uab.edu/studentmedia

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WHAT’S UP 15

Contact “Maid 2 Serve” at (205)356-2124 or email wisewoman911@gmail.com — Twin beds complete. $199 and up. Dressers/mirrors and chest of drawers. 205-910-0512.

Bartow Arena 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m.

Big Spring Park, Huntsville 6-9 p.m.

UAB Women’s Soccer vs. McNeese State

BBVA Compass Field 1 p.m.

The second game of UAB’s two-game home slate.

MONDAY

Labor Day Holiday NO CLASSES 25th Annual Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Come to Alabama’s largest moon pie eating contest and compete for prize money in both children and adult categories.

Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children