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SPECIAL EDITION
AUGUST 2015
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News
Editor: Chelsea Hinspeter Assistant Editor: Makalah Emanuel
Freshman Issue | uncmirror.com
Things to do in Greeley:
THE MIRROR STAFF 2015-16
Poudre River Trail The Poudre River Trail begins in Greeley and extends to Windsor and is ideal for walking, running, cycling and much more.
Editor-in-Chief Katarina Velazquez editor@uncmirror.com Production Manager Manuel Perez
Downtown Greeley One of the most lively areas in Greeley, downtown spans between 7th and 11th Avenue and is home to several bars, eateries and theaters.
adproduction@uncmirror.com
News Editor Chelsea Hinspeter news@uncmirror.com A&C Editor La’Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror.com
Glenmere Park Only a few blocks from campus, Glenmere Park features picturesque walkways, plenty of shade and a pond which is home to many of Greeley’s local birds. Greeley History Museum A small but nifty way to check out tons of cool Greeley artifacts and take your mind off of school work. This museum is also featuring a Lego-like exhibit until October called “Build! Frontier.” 714 8th St., Greeley Meeker Home Named after the man who gave Greeley its name, the Meeker Home gives a detailed overview of what it was like to live in Greeley during its earliest of days. 1324 9th Ave., Greeley Weld County Veterans Memorial This memorial honors Weld County citizens who served in the military. The display also hosts ceremonies on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 35th Ave. and 16th St., Greeley Thunderbird Art Gallery A display of Native American, southwestern and western works including pottery, jewelry, artifacts and textiles. 1309 E. 16th St., Greeley Ice Haus The “coolest” place to be in Greeley, whether you’re there to watch a UNC Hockey match or just skate around with your friends. The Ice Haus is place to be. 900 8th St., Greeley
Sports Editor Dylan Sanchez sports@uncmirror.com Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Most freshmen enter college with preconceived expectations of what college life is like: insane parties, cheap booze and ridiculously difficult classes.
The Fresh Perspective Does college life really match up to freshmen’s expectations? By Tommy Simmons news@uncmirror.com
For many people, the image of college is often linked to sordid scenes of house parties sprinkled with red solocups and cheap beer— an image of college life that has changed little over the past few decades. Many incoming freshman have preconceived notions of what college will be like. Filipp Dedogryuk, a senior psychology major, said he also had certain expectations when he was starting college. “I definitely thought about all the different college movies I’d seen, like Animal House,” Dedogryuk said. “Popular culture really shaped my view on what it was.” A multitude of college movies portray college life as synonymous with rock star access, so it’s not surprising that many students share that view upon entering college.
“I think it is important for freshmen to check out the party scene, whatever that may be like where they’re at, and decide if that’s something they want to do,” said Parker Simmons, who was an undeclared freshman last year. While social life tends to thrive on most college campuses, it rarely meets the levels of debauchery that many freshmen expect to find. Dedogryuk stated that while his freshman year was an interesting one in many ways, party life wasn’t the center of it. “I wasn’t really disappointed by that— I took it in stride,” he said. “I decided to focus on school instead.” In addition to an explosive party scene, many people have expectations regarding the level of difficulty surrounding college courses. “I thought my courses were going to be 50,000 times harder than what I was used to – it turns out they weren’t,” Dedogryuk said. “Still though
– you have to balance out your good grades, your social life, and your sleep. It’s possible to balance those out, but you’re definitely going to have to sacrifice some things.” While some students expect the college workload to be very burdening, others are taken by surprise. “The classes themselves were harder than I expected,” Simmons said. “High school was pretty easy, and I didn’t expect college to be as hard as it was academically.” But college is about more than just classes and house parties. College environments are ideal for experiencing life, figuring out what’s important, getting involved and building lifelong friendships. “There’s so much they offer at college and so many different ways to get involved,” Simmons said. “My best memories are things I did when I was involved – I remember watching the Super Bowl with a bunch of friends, or going
to hockey games and things like that.” “Make memories,” Dedogryuk said. “Go out of your comfort zone and talk to people different from yourself. You may think you know all about yourself, but you don’t. I figured out my limits and boundaries during my freshman year, and I also figured out how to organize my thoughts and think critically.” There are a lot of things to learn and enjoy from college life, but most people experience apprehension about entering new and unknown environments. But nerves should not get in the way of fully enjoying the college experience because every incoming freshmen is in the same position and experiencing similar emotions. “Get involved,” Simmons said. “Everybody’s in it together. No freshman completely knows what they’re doing. Some people might seem like they do, but they don’t.”
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News
Freshman Issue | uncmirror.com
Most Common Freshmen Concerns
Confessions of an outof-state freshman
By Tommy Simmons news@uncmirror.com
UNC Talks held a question and answer session for incoming freshmen on Aug. 15. The session took place through UNC’s admissions webpage and featured several current students who answered questions submitted by incoming freshmen, many of which were concerns most students have when beginning their first year at college. Some of the best questions and answers are listed here:
Incoming students
Q: When is the best time to buy books? A: I buy my books beforehand, as soon as I can look them up through the bookstore. You save money by buying them that way, and you’re better prepared as well. Another cool thing is that if you find out you don’t need them, you can sell them back, to Textbook Brokers or online or anywhere. I would much rather be prepared and have the books when I need them. - Olivia Sponsler
whose home states aren’t Colorado may face more challenges than the average freshman By Will Costello news@uncmirror.com
With the cost of tuition rising yearly, many students are trapped into paying their student loans well into their working years. This reality can often be worse for students who choose to strive for an education out of their home state. Cost is often one aspect that stands out to students when faced with the prospect of residential versus out-of-state tuition. People who choose to stay in state for college are usually granted lower tuition rates than those who attend public universities outside of their home state. According to the University of Northern Colorado’s website, a Colorado resident pays an estimated $3,186 in tuition for a 15 credit semester at UNC after the application of the College Opportunity Fund, a stipend reserved for Colorado residents. Out-of-state students pay an estimated $8,979 for the same semester. So what are out-of-state students getting by paying for this extra cost in tuition? Many people find an out-of-state experience can broaden horizons and grant new perspectives, but according to several students, choosing an out-of-state college can also bring additional challenges that
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Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Higher costs of tuition isn’t the only challenge that comes with being an out-of-state freshman.
don’t come with a price tag. Alex Kurschner, a senior journalism major who is from Oregon, said he initially felt isolated, having no connections to anyone during his freshman orientation and not knowing anyone else. While many college freshmen experience some sense of isolation and loneliness during their first few months in a new environment, these problems can be exacerbated for out-of-state students far from their homes and old friends. According to Kurschner, many of the other students he met had come to UNC with friends from high school, whereas he had to start fresh. In addition, most of the other students were from Colorado, and didn’t share his same experience. “UNC has no out of state students,” Kurschner said. “Our percentages are really low compared to other Colorado schools.” Ian Hurt, a sophomore recreation and tourism major from St. Louis, said he had similar issues. “Knowing that most students were from different areas of Colorado, that I had no experience with, was hard since they all shared common knowledge of people and places,” Hurt said. Maddie Azari, a junior theater education major who grew up in Greeley, said she could recognize how things may have been easier for her. “I could go home whenever I got
homesick,” Azari said. In addition to being able to visit home frequently and knowing between 15 and 20 people who went to the same high school as she did, Azari admitted she knew that her freshman year roommate, an international student from Istanbul, did not. While there may be more challenges for out-of-state students to face, there are ways to cope with the isolation and some added benefits for the out-of-state college experience. Kurschner established a connection with his freshman roommate that is still intact, and got involved in UNC Student Radio his freshman year, which allowed him to pursue a career path, as well as meet plenty of new people. Once he established connections with Colorado natives, Hurt was able to use his unique situation to his advantage. “It led to a mutual respect of each other’s homes and backgrounds,” Hurt said. After establishing connections in new environments, some out-of-state students report benefits that would not have been experienced at a schools closer to home. “Being out of state has given me a bigger respect for how big and diverse our country is,” Hurt said. “Being in Colorado has also given me ample opportunities to study and research in my focus area of natural resources that I may not have gotten back home.”
Q: What’s the best way to get involved on campus? A: Go to your hall meeting. Meet with your resident assistant— they’ll tell you about all the welcome events going on. Go to Taste of UNC – that’s a cool thing Dining Services puts on. These first few weeks tons of people are trying new things and you don’t necessarily have to commit to anything. - Katie Burglowski Q: What are some things to remember to bring that a lot of people forget? A: Bring plates and bowls for when you do eat in the dorms. The front desk of the residence halls have baking sheets and things like that, but they don’t have plates and bowls. A lot of people forget to bring their own utensils because they’re thinking they’ll only eat in the dining halls. You do eat in your room from time to time though. Also remember to bring cold weather clothes as well as warm weather clothes. You don’t have to bring your whole wardrobe, but it is something to keep in mind. - Katie Burglowski Q: Is it hard to find a job on campus? A: The dining halls hire a ton of students, whether they have work study or not. Housing also hires a ton of people. The University Center has a general application for all the stores in it, so just make sure to use your resources when looking for a job. - Raymundo Munoz Q: What’s the quickest way to learn where things are on campus? A: During the first week walk around campus and find things. We’ll have students and professors at tables to direct you and help you out. We do our best to make it a very friendly environment. - Cristian Fierro
Arts & Culture
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Editor: La’Asianee Brown
Freshman Issue | uncmirror.com
ARTS CALENDAR
THU 8/20 8-9 p.m. Ice Cream Social University Center- Ballrooms
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FRI 8/21
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5-7p.m. Taste of UNC Turner Green 8p.m. Rec Fest Campus Recreation Center
SAT 8/22 1 p.m. Class of 2019 “Class Picture” Turner Green 7p.m. Northern @ Night Doubermeier Field
SUN 8/23 12-3 p.m. Student Involvment Fair Bishop-Lehr Field 3-5 p.m. Game Night at Michener Michener Library
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Freshman Issue
Arts & Culture
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2015-2016 Best^study spots around campus WEST CAMPUS Michener Library Nooks
By La’Asianee Brown & Manny Perez
arts@uncmirror.com
McKee Cozy Cranny
Finding the perfect study area for the school year is essential to any college student’s success. It’s easy to flock to designated “study areas” around campus, but finding a personal space that accommodates all of the studying essentials —like food, location and noise level— can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. The Mirror has composed a list of “secret” study areas around campus. We selected the top five out of the many areas on campus.
West Campus Cozy Cranny in McKee Hall Pros- This spot is perfect for a study date. The double chair set up allows you to be close enough to feel personal, but far enough to actually get work done. The nearby window boasts scenery highlighting the awardwinning trees of UNC. Cons- It may get chilly in this spot during the winter because the main wall is a glass window and door. If you plan to study here, be sure to bring a blanket during the snowy months.
Not So Secret (But Underrated) Michener Library Hideouts Pros- There are multiple single study areas lined around the second and third floors of the library. These single areas come with a chair, table and an awesome view of the campus. The window ledge provides a place to keep snacks and drinks. Cons- While the second and third floors of the library are dedicated silent areas, the noise level can get to about a five on a scale of 10 with the rustling of books and papers and whispers of study groups. Just remember headphones are a college student’s best friend.
UNIVERSITY CENTER
CENTRAL CAMPUS
Nothing But Nook in the UC
Floating Gunter Oasis
Kepner Basement Hideout
Manny Perez | The Mirror
University Center Nothing But Nook in the UC Pros- With four sitting areas and vending machines, this nook is perfect for large groups to make a study party. The limited space lowers the probability of having awkward encounters in the middle of your studying. Two out of three walls are glass windows overlooking West campus. Cons- With all of the windows, it can and will get chilly. Solution? Hoodies. Everyone loves hoodies.
Central Campus Kepner’s Basement Hideout Pros- The aroma of nutty coffee welcomes students as they enter the basement of Kepner. This hideout is the perfect place to recharge in between classes or grab a warm drink when fall hits campus. The study area has plenty of seating and room to relax and spread out paper work, or just enjoy the paper and a sandwich. The real jewel of this hideout is the computer lab— saving one rushed student at a time. Cons- It can be a far walk if you aren’t on Central campus. Floating Gunter Oasis Pros- Closer to the front of the Central campus, this area provides a comfortable area to study before a test, eat a snack or calculate what your grade might be after the next “surprise quiz.” The castle-like interior of Gunter provides its own serene scenery, even in the middle of the vast hall. Furthermore, portraits of past nursing classes offer a great peek into UNC’s past. Cons- If you are afraid of heights— steer clear. It takes a couple flights of stairs to reach this study area.
Sports
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Editor: Dylan Sanchez
Freshman Issue | uncmirror.com
For next-day game recaps, check UNCMIRROR.COM SPORTS CALENDAR YELLOW = HOME GAME BLUE = AWAY GAME
FRI 8/21 3 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colo.
SAT 8/22 2 p.m. Women’s Volleyball Alumni Match Bank of Colorado Arena
SUN 8/23 11 a.m. Women’s Soccer vs Air Force Boulder, Colo.
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Rylie Cook | The Mirror
Students, faculty and alumni gather with excitement to watch the UNC football team’s first game of the season. The Bears’ first game of this year will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5.
By Dylan Sanchez sports@uncmirror.com
On the morning of Sept. 5th, you may hear the distant sounds of the marching band as they make their loop around West campus. As the band gets closer, their music will become clear as day as they blast the fight song in the fields next to the North and South resident halls. A nice, quiet Saturday morning breakfast will be interrupted as the Sugar Bears dance team storms Holmes dining hall, cheering and dancing. As they gather a crowd behind them and make their way back to Nottingham Field, students will begin to understand what it’s like to be an official college student, preparing for their first taste of a college sporting event. When the Bears take on Western State Colorado University on Sept. 5th, expect the parking lots at Nottingham to be filled to capacity for the first football game of the season. To those who think they can get away with being a quiet spectator: think again. The UNC cheerleaders will have every student on their feet dancing and screaming for the Bears. Junior special education major Erin Finnell remembers her first football game as a great way to get to know her new friends and roommates. “It was the first thing we ever went out and did in a big group,” Finnell said. “I wasn’t big on football and I had heard a lot of negativity surrounding the team, but I went anyways. That’s when I realized what a
sense of community we have at UNC, because even if we lose, we’re all cheering for the same team together.” As people leave the lot and the stadium begins to fill, a small crowd gathers at the entrance of the field. An almost eerie silence will consume the stadium before a single drum starts to play. This is what will ignite an explosion as the Bears’ football team takes the field for the first time this season. Standing along the railing, fraternities and sororities will easily drown out the sound of the cannon when the Bears score. “The first game I went to was a football game with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity,” said Tucker Carmickle, a junior history major. “I didn’t know what to expect because I wasn’t a member of the fraternity, but eventually they had everyone in our section screaming at the top of their lungs and it felt like I had known those guys for years.” In the student section, students will stand shoulder to shoulder with their dorm roommates they met just a few weeks earlier. As they cheer louder and louder for their new team, a sense of pride takes over every student. It won’t take long for the feeling of excitement to overwhelm you at your first college sporting event. “My favorite UNC games to go to are definitely the basketball games,” Finnell said. “I don’t think I missed one last year. It’s fast paced, we have a good team, and there tends to be free stuff. I’m all about that.” The first rule of being a college student is to always take the free stuff, and there will be an abundance of Bears pride equipment at every UNC game. With t-shirt cannons and giveaways all around, it is
nearly impossible to walk away empty handed. Soon after that day, you and your group of sports fans will be sucked into the Bank of Colorado Arena, making the same amount of noise for the UNC women’s volleyball team, then over at Jackson Field to support the women’s soccer team. UNC is home to 19 Division I sports teams, so there will never be a dull week in the semester. UNC athletics has made large improvements in the last few years, including videos boards in Nottingham Field and the Bank of Colorado Arena. “The video screens have brought us up into the realm of Division-I sports,” said Katie Wimp, a junior sports and exercise science major and student ambassador for UNC. “Being able to see instant replays and interviews during the game adds another element of excitement.” Students will have free access to as many home games and events as they can attend, starting with the inaugural Bears Bash and Sports Kickoff 12-2 p.m. this Saturday at Nottingham Field and Bank of Colorado Arena. The event will feature student-athletes and coaches from UNC’s programs who will be on hand to interact with Bears fans. Following a scrimmage at Nottingham Field featuring the UNC football team, students will be able to see the annual Volleyball Alumni Match at the Bank of Colorado Arena. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to dunk a coach or a student-athlete in the Bears’ dunk tank, test their speed and agility through an obstacle course, play yard games, and pose for pictures with Klawz and the spirit squad.
Sports
Freshman Issue | uncmirror.com
By Brad Klump
sports@uncmirror.com
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Maeve Widmann | The Mirror
The Campus Recreation Center includes a weight room, multiple cardio machines, three gymnasiums, a jogging track, racquetball courts, an indoor climbing wall, group fitness rooms, and access to the swimming pool.
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The UNC Campus Recreation Center provides an outlet for students to exercise and enjoy activities. Amenities include a weight room, multiple cardio machines, three gymnasiums, a jogging track, racquetball courts, an indoor climbing wall, group fitness rooms, locker rooms, and access to the swimming pool. Programs like fitness and wellness classes and intramural sports allow students to interact outside of the classroom. Group fitness classes are also offered at the Campus Rec. Throughout the week, a variety of different group classes take up the day. Classes can either be purchased individually or on a
yearly basis. Classes offered include a variety of cycling, yoga, zumba and training classes. Intramural sports are also a popular activity at the Campus Rec. UNC hosts various different sports tournaments. Large team sports or even sports such as tennis or volleyball are a great way for incoming students to make friends and immerse themselves in the UNC community. The Butler-Hancock Pool is often overlooked by UNC students. During the year, there are a variety of different open swim hours that allow students to enjoy the same pool used by UNC athletics. Another popular part of the gym is the climbing wall. Located just beyond the racquetball courts, the climbing wall has open drop-in hours and has courses for beginners and experienced climbers.
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For new climbers, there is a 15-minute orientation that is designed to make students feel more comfortable climbing to new heights. The Recreation Center does more than just provide a space to workout. It also provides the tools to get out and explore the beautiful state of Colorado. Outdoor Pursuits is located just next to the gym and provides students with things like bikes, camping equipment, skis, snowboards and kayaks. All of the gear is in excellent condition and is given to the students free of charge. During the week the Recreation Center is open 6 a.m.10:30 p.m. On the weekends it is open 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. These flexible hours allow for students to work towards their fitness goals whether they are a morning person or a night owl.
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The Mirror
August 20, 2015 | uncmirror.com