APRIL 28, 2017
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ISSUE NO. 27 VOL. 53
THE LAST PRINT ISSUE
An interview with incoming president Cheryl Schrader Kristin Baughman New Editor Baughman.25@wright.edu Cheryl Schrader, incoming university president, is currently preparing for her transition to Wright State. “I’ve been working closely with the Board of Trustees leadership and interim President McCray to learn as much as I can about the university,” Schrader said. “I’ve also been in contact with faculty, staff and student leaders to hear their perspectives about some of the current challenges facing Wright State, and how we can move forward together to make the university an even stronger and more relevant institution in the future. And I’ve been reading everything I can about the university and region.” While optimistic about transitioning to the university, Schrader is aware of the growing distrust between the administration and the faculty, staff and students. “This university has been through a lot, and I believe we have turned a corner. For leaders to be successful, they must gain the trust of their colleagues across an organization,” Schrader said. “I believe it’s important to hear the concerns, thoughts and vision of those who know this institution, and to learn from their wisdom and experiences.” According to Schrader, it is important to hear from the different voices of the institution, and moving together as a unit to rebuild the support of the university. Schrader’s time at Missouri S&T has provided the experience of establishing, “a strong, results-oriented strategic plan as the guiding document for future success. At Missouri S&T, our strategic plan has guided our decision making, and has helped us
Debunking your freshman fears Angel Lane Features Writer Lane.91@wright.edu
address difficult budget decisions in a more strategic way.” This is the second time Schrader has served as the first female president of a university. Schrader was appointed as the first woman chancellor of Missouri S&T, which is now approaching its 150-year anniversary. “With Wright State now in just its 50th year, I feel like Wright State is ahead of the game,” Schrader said. “I hope that in my new role at Wright State, I can serve as a role model and advocate for all students. When I was an undergraduate studying electrical engineering, there weren’t any female professors in my entire college, and it never occurred to me that I could become a professor – let alone a university president. I’m glad that times have changed, and I hope to continue to inspire students to pursue their
dreams and to capture opportunity.” According to Schrader, rebuilding the trust between the administration, staff and faculty is the biggest challenge she is facing, excluding the current financial crisis. “That is a very important issue, and “job number one” in my opinion. So, listening to and learning from the campus community is the first task,” Schrader said. “It’s also important that all of us work together to develop a strategic plan that can set us on the right path toward a stronger and more sustainable future, one in which Wright State becomes known nationally for its excellence in education, research, scholarship and helps address the world’s great challenges.”
Hopkins backs out of commencement duties Leah Kelley Editor-in-Chief Kelley.90@wright.edu Former WSU president David Hopkins said he would preside over the university’s graduation ceremony when he issued his resignation. However, according to Board of Trustees chairman Michael Bridges, that is no longer the case.
Hopkins will no longer preside over the commencement ceremony, a role provost Tom Sudkamp will manage in his stead. Bridges revealed that Hopkins contacted him after the ArtsGala to explain that after speaking with faculty members, he would no longer be able to attend the endof-year ceremonies. “Commencement is first and foremost a celebration of the graduating students’ ac-
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complishment,” current Faculty President Carol Loranger stated. “Faculty, staff, administration and trustees come together collectively to honor our students, and the focus should be entirely on the students. As such, the only truly indispensable individuals present at any commencement are the students themselves and their family and friends in the audience.”
The transition from high school to college is a big one, so it’s no wonder many incoming freshman have hidden fears. Many of these fears come from things seen on television, or are stereotypical myths that older students share to scare their younger peers. Not every fear is worth stressing over, and some even have simple fixes. Current high school senior Jessica Gruber will be attending Wright State next fall. When thinking of her biggest fears about starting college, she said, “I’m afraid of not making friends easily—also afraid of getting all of my credits in and paying for my dorm. I think the hardest part will be living on my own and driving back and forth to see my boyfriend.” The first fear, not making friends, is extremely common. What you don’t realize is that almost everyone has this fear, so they are also hoping to find someone to get through their college years with. It’s almost inevitable that you will make friends. If you go to classes, you will be with students in the same major as you who will most likely have many similar interests. If you have the extra time or want to be more involved, join a campus club or group, or even get an on campus job. You will meet so many people this way and you’ll never have to worry when you need someone to hang out or study with. Next is about getting credits in. Your academic advisor will always be willing to help you create a four-year plan and keep you on track. You can go into your department’s office or call to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Even if something happens and you have to take a semester off, there is no rule saying you have to get all of your credits within a certain time frame. Four years seems great, but some graduate in five or six, some even in only two. It’s different for everyone, so enjoy the time you spend learning the subjects that will shape the rest of your life. Afraid you can’t afford living on campus? Wright State offers many different payment plans. You can talk to anyone in the financial aid office to help find the best fit for you. Back to the on campus jobs, you can use these to help pay any extra expenses you may have. If you don’t like living alone, students are constantly posting ads looking for roommates. This can make rent cheaper, as well as giving you a friend to come home to. Relationships can be hard when you don’t see each other everyday, but this shouldn’t be a reason to worry. You will be doing so many new things that you will always be calling your significant other to share all of your new experiences so that they can experience with you. Call your friends and family every chance you get to let them know you’re thinking of them. It will make both them and you feel better because they’re scared too! Remember you’re never alone at Wright State, there’s always someone there to help you. If you get lost, there are maps around campus, and plenty of friendly people who will be glad to show you the way. Good luck!
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