Vegetarians and Ohio University's Culinary Services

By Barbara Jaquish and Daniel Lesiczka

Most students are required to live on campus with a meal plan for their first two years at Ohio University. With three active dinning halls, how well does Ohio University cater to the dietary needs of their students, specifically their vegetarian students? Ethan Shultz, freshman fine art major, has been a vegetarian for the past five years and states that he is more satisfied eating in the dinning halls, particularly the one in Jefferson Hall, than he did while living with his parents. However, vegetarian of three years and freshman, Veronica Urbanik has more of a struggle in the dinning hall. She that her needs are not being met due to the limited dinning selection offered to her.

Erin Smolack, a sophomore, is an employee of Shively, OU’s most recent dinning hall. She stated that the student employees have no say in what food is served. They can physically make vegetarian food in the case of the deli, which takes some measures to accommodates vegetarians, such as separating the meat and vegetables while in storage, however gloves are seldom changed after handling meat.

The mission statement of the Ohio University Culinary Services’, found on their webpage, “is to provide the highest quality dining and consumer experience possible for the diverse university community and guests, in support of the educational mission and residential concept of our institution.”

“We have developed a variety of informational icons which are in use at each of our dining halls to share important dietary information at a glance.”

Throughout the dinning halls, on each dish label, there are nutritional icons that convey important dietary information.  For vegetarian student, this acts as a marker indicating which food is guaranteed to be purely vegetarian.

Unfortunately, no dinning hall staff involved with food selection could meet with us due to a last minute cancelation and media policies restricting interviews by most dinning hall managers. It was found out, however, that comment cares left by students are looked over and reported them to the people who select the and order the food served in every dinning hall. Reading comment cards is one of if not, the only ways dinning hall officials are able to listen to the students and take their requests into consideration so that they can better accommodate the growing needs of vegetarian students.

For the past four years, Ohio University has been ranked in the top ten vegan friendly campuses by PETA, placing number fourth in 2011.

Though their alternative dinning options have been highly praised, they are also subject to severe criticism.  Conflict and difference of opinion are inevitable in a diverse community such as OU.  Things to consider: reducing the two year meal plan requirement, introducing more options and maintaining quality food with as much selection as possible are all things that could ease the tension between displeased students and dinning hall options.

Image of OU

Image of Ohio University

Ohio University is the main attraction in the city of Athens, Ohio. The university is known for major accomplishments with the school's athletic department as well as being home to the prestigious E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. The institution produced such as individuals as Matt Laur, who currently works as the host of NBC's Today Show, where he has been since the year of 1997. 

Even with standout achievements such as these linked to the university, there is a defining image that seems to prevail above all things else. Recently, in 2011 Ohio University snagged the title of “The Top Party School” in the nation. With an ongoing perception that OU is good for nothing but a “slamming” party, this bittersweet label only adds to the perceptive representation of the institution as a party school.

Thoughts concerning this image differ when comparing those affiliated with the university, such as students, faculty and alumni, versus those who are not. Chelsea Theiken, a senior here at Ohio University, shares that one's perception of the school is up to that individual. Instead of creating an opinion based solely on what is believed the image of the school, she expands on the idea that one's viewpoint is formed based off of what he or she makes of the experience on the campus. Furthermore, prospective college students are quick to eliminate Ohio University due to the after-effects they believe it will have in searching for employment after undergraduate years. 

Theiken shares that success in finding and building a career in no way will be difficult after studying at Ohio University. 

Drinking is widely perceived as a social action on college campuses. In fact, the consumption of alcohol has steadily risen since 1992; the drinking trend continues to see this pattern even today. 

We were able to catch up with Stephanie Sindelar who is a freshman. She has not allowed the negativity surrounding the school's outside image alter her thoughts about the situation. Sindelar notes that as a newcomer to the world of college and all that accompanies it, it remains important to know the difference between work and play. Even though partying seems to be high on the list of factors contributing to the college experience, school and partying is not the same thing.

Drinking, partying, and a college campus seem to be compatible. According to others, Ohio University has proven this time and time again. Senior and transfer student, Keith Troyer, still believes that OU is by far a party school. However, he does not exactly look as it in a negative light as many others have. Instead, Troyer applauds partying as a favorable factor adding to the atmosphere at Ohio University. 

The institution is responsible for sending out thousands of graduating seniors each year to the real world to begin what will hopefully amount to successful careers. While the university may be the host of memorable Halloweens and Fests that attract young people from all over, it's also home to the Alden Library where students dedicate themselves to academic success. Kyle Triplett is the president of Ohio University's Student Senate and believes the school is moving away from the party school image that it has seemingly created for itself. 

June 2012 will witness thousands of students ending their journeys at Ohio University. Despite the perception of parties being hosted every week, the school's annual commencement creates the image of successful, accomplished students.

Food Waste at Ohio University

Jazmine Reed, Alice Ragland, Tom Pernecker

 Dinner has just ended in Shively dining hall.  There are six full trays of pizza still left, and the employees are throwing them away in green bins.   What exactly is happening to all of this food that nobody ate?  Is it donated to the citizens of Athens, the poorest county in Ohio?

A student finishes dinner, leaving most of it uneaten. 

According to Baker Executive Chef Matt Rapposelli, some food is composted, some is thrown away, and some is donated.

Although not of the food goes to waste, not all of it can be composted.  Animal derived products such as meat, dairy products and eggs make it impossible for items such as pizza to avoid going straight to the landfill.

Student food waste could be as problematic as the food waste generated by the university.
According to Shively employee Erin Johnson, students often get much more food than they can actually eat.  Many students throw away plates of nearly untouched food every day.

In 2009, the Office of Sustainability conducted an audit during dinner service over a period of four, non-consecutive days in the winter.  The audit focused on edible food consumed and disposed of by Ohio University students.

Researchers found that on January 21st, five ounces per person were wasted. On January 28th, nearly seven ounces per person was wasted. That following February 4th, the proclaimed “No-Tray Day,” nearly five ounces per person was found wasteful, and on February 18th, just under six ounces per person were wasted.

The amount of food waste the students generate creates a sustainability issue.  According to CNN.com, food waste is problematic for the environment because the greenhouse gas methane is released when foods rot.

The Environmental Protection Agency deemed methane gas 20 times more dangerous to the environment than carbon dioxide, which is one of the main greenhouse gases involved with global warming.

 The EPA says that methane traps 23 times more heat in the atmosphere than the same amount of CO2, and landfills are responsible for 34 percent of methane emissions in the United States.

Although OU could improve their efforts to decrease food waste on a university level, students should consider reducing their waste on an individual level.

“I would suggest that students use smaller plates… that way you won’t pick up more food than you’ll actually eat,” Johnson said.

Reducing food waste on an individual level and at the university level is an important step that OU can take toward sustainability.

The Success of Gender Neutral Housing

Gender Neutral Housing is a controversial issue that has hit Ohio University Campus. Many skeptics have spoken out against the idea believing only boyfriends and girlfriends want to live each other. Members of the LGBT community have found this living condition as an improvement for themselves. This video contains testimonies of people who participated in Gender Neutral Housing.  Both male and females state that living with the opposite sex was a fresh and rewarding experience. All of the participants hope to see Gender Neutral Housing throughout the nation and are glad that Ohio University has granted them this rewarding opportunity. 

Cam Soergel
Andrew Kraczor
Andy Vogel

Lobsterfest 2012

ACRN's annual Lobsterfest is a free, outdoor music festival that takes place in front of South Green every year. Lobsterfest has become ACRN's biggest event each year and provides the station with a great opportunity to promote itself as well as bring bands from all over the country to Athens that wouldn't usually play here. Lastly, it gives students an opportunity to see some high profile bands and local bands a chance to make a name for 

 themselves among the students.

     

Campus Dogs: Balancing College and Canines

Assignment 3

By: Taylor Carney, Steven Turville and Gabe Safford

     The Athens County Dog Shelter has long faced both local and state wide criticisms for its outdated euthanization techniques and inability to find suitable homes for its abundance of rescued animals. The Athens shelter, one of only 17 left statewide to do so, employs the use of a gas chamber when euthanizing rescued animals.

     The shelter is underprepared for the increasing number of pets that are dropped off or collected by local volunteers. A minimal amount of cages and limited funding has halted most efforts the shelters puts forth for finding their pets good homes.

Two dogs getting to know each other at the 6th annual Athens
County Human Society Mutt Strut on Saturday, June 2nd
at the West State Dog Park and Pavilion.

    Many local pet enthusiasts have attempted to pinpoint an exact cause of the problem and one glaring concern that all involved in combating the shelters practices have found is the amount of animals the shelter houses that were once pets of Ohio University students. Students often house pets without landlord approval and upon graduation rarely have plans for their pets. All too often this leaves students with the grizzly task of dropping their pet off at a shelter with limited cages and procedural practice that usually calls for euthanization.

     During several interviews, both students and representatives from the Athens Country Humane society and Athens County Dog Shelter were asked to share their thoughts on the practices of the Athens County Dog Shelter, as well as give us insight into how to address the growing concern surrounding the facility.

Athens County Dog Shelter

     It became clear that all those looking from the outside in were concerned with not only the safety of their pets but the continued safety of animals throughout Athens. If a student’s animal runs away especially if they have the pet against their landlords will, there is a good chance that upon being brought into the Athens shelter, that pet could be euthanized. This often happens within days of rescue and gives pet owners little time to execute a thorough search. Most pet owning students agreed that developing an initiative that demands each pet is properly “shopped” around for possible new owners would help to alleviate the sentiment felt towards the dog shelter.

     Whether or not such a program will be implemented by the shelter is yet to be seen, however local concern is usually enough to spark interest and, as more a more students are becoming aware of the controversial practices of the dog shelter, the likelihood of a policy change is high.

     There is a necessity for each county state wide to develop euthanization practices, however, the regularity of the euthanization and the methods in which it is preformed is what has brought the Athens County Dog Shelter under the gun. Most residents of Athens seem to agree that serious changes need to be made in order for trust to be developed between the dog shelter and the local community. 

OU Theater Department: A Musical? Maybe so.

                           

                                                 By: Kedrin Herron

The Ohio University School of Theater is located in Kantner Hall on North Green. For many years the theater department has continuously impressed audiences with the productions they put on each quarter. Students and staff endure extensive preparatory endeavors to ensure the final product is a success. Some of these actions include designing the set, fittings for costumes, and long rehearsals. However, many wonder about the nonexistence of musicals in the theater department. After meeting with students and faculty in the School of Theater and the School of Music, it has been revealed that a perceived perception created by each individual department is responsible for play-production only. It has also been recently revealed that after years of wanting to see a musical, the Athens community's wish has been granted. Next school year, the musical Assassins will be produced by the Theater Department. (Kedrin Herron)

The Worth of Waste

          

Badger Johnson, an avid gardener, Athens local and community organizer with Community Food Initiatives, instilling a love of smelly compost in young gardeners to come.

Composting is truly not always a  pleasant sight, these massive buckets outside of Shively dining hall will soon be taken to the OU Composting site

 

          People and places of business found in Athens, Ohio raise few objections to the practice of composting, but does this ideological support actually further real environmental efforts? The local food community that thrives in Athens supports the eco-friendly attitude behind composting. Gardening enthusiasts, novices and horticultural veterans alike, can appreciate the use of recycling not only as waste reduction, but conversion into a valuable means of garden maintenance. The University is also taking serious strides in its sustainable efforts, with the instalation of a massive composting plant that collects food waste from dining halls around campus. The Compost Exchange Group is a local business offering composting services that take the work and waste into their own hands to promote the practice. Ray Leard from the Group recently paid a visit to various locations prone to waste production in the Court Street food industry to personally extend his services, which include a labeled compost bucket lent to restaurants and picked up weekly, free of charge. Despite the simplicity of the arrangement and the positive impact environmentally, and for all members involved, he was met with skepticism. What causes the concern for these businesses in regards to composting?

 I first went to the skeptically pro-compost businesses, which have thus far refused to take the bucket. Sarah Cecil, the general manager of Big Mamma’s Burritos discussed the difficulties preventing the adoption of composting in local business practices. One concern was whether sustainability is worth the effort, and the difficulty of keeping a business running smoothly with a bucket in the room. One serious and obvious issue was the waste itself and potential odor being released with all those steamy nutrients. To avoid ‘critters’ and scents the authorities of Mamma’s have officially positioned themselves ‘on the fence’ over the whole issue, from which they can look down and see the odorous work being done.

Casa Nueva was one of the few serious practicioners of composting, on Court Street and Sarah Ficke revealed where material is collected by buckets and composted at around 30 gallons daily. The successful implementation of the practice extends to Sarah's home where she composts as well and gardens. Many employees are avid gardeners and composted material is shared among them in addition to being distributed to local farmers and community gardeners. She describes the process as an incredibly easy alternative to merely throwing away trash and one that allows Casa Cantina to benefit the community as well as make their trash runs less heavy. 

Sarah fills an average of three buckets during each cold prep shift with 5 gallons of compostable material, which is sometimes used by the employees themselves in home gardens.

By Lexi Deet

Smoking at Ohio University  

Alice Ragland and Tom Pernecker

 

The Ohio University Smoking Policy, which was approved in 2006, states that “Ohio University prohibits smoking in all Ohio University buildings; on appurtenant rooftops and terraces; in public buildings directly or indirectly under the control of Ohio University; and within 10 feet of University buildings, including windows and ventilation intake openings.”

The policy is fairly new, but most current OU students have followed it since they first arrived. 

During several interviews, student smokers and nonsmokers were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the smoking policy.  Many of the student smokers said that it did not particularly bother them. 

A time that the tight policy is problematic for student smokers is when it rains outside.  But besides that, most smokers do not have a problem stepping 10 feet away from a building to smoke. 

Whether the policy is truly followed or not is another question.  Most students still smoke directly next to buildings.  It is against the rules to smoke on the catwalks and the stairs on South Green, but most smokers ignore this policy.

Normally when this rule is broken, students are not punished.  Resident Assistants and other members of the Residential Housing department are the people who are supposed to enforce this policy, but most students get away with smoking wherever they want.

International students face a different challenge.  Students from many other nations may have been allowed to smoke indoors in their home countries, which is a big transition to the stricter U.S. policies regarding smoking.

Even so, the international students that were interviewed generally do not have huge objections about the smoking policy at O.U.  One student mentioned that since he cannot smoke in his dorm room like he can in his home country of China, he smokes less now than he did before. 

Most students agree that despite certain instances of inconvenience for smokers, the smoking policy is overall fair for both smokers and nonsmokers.  

One Man's Waste

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvOgmNpmAGs&feature=youtu.be

Alice R., Tom P., Jazmine R.

For our topic, we chose to explore sustainability, if and how Ohio University wastes products, and what can be done to resolve any issues. 

In this interview clip, Chef Matt Rapposelli explains how Ohio University is hands-on with the sustainability issue and how food is handle with dining services. 

Vegetarian Options for On-Campus Students

Most students are required to live on campus with a meal plan for their first two years at Ohio University. With three active dinning halls, how well does Ohio University cater to the dietary needs of their students, specifically their vegetarian students? Ethan Shultz, freshman fine art major, has been a vegetarian for the past five years and states that he is more satisfied eating in the dinning halls, particularly the one in Jefferson Hall, than he did while living with his parents. However, vegetarian of three years and freshman, Veronica Urbanik thinks that her needs are not being met.

Ethan Schultz

es916711@ohio.edu

330-663-6938

Veronica Urbanik

 vu752810@ohio.edu 

4124788036

By: Barbara Jaquish, Abbey Geib & Daniel Lesiczka

Athens Dog Shelter: Helping or Hurting Local Animals?

By: Taylor Carney, Gabe Safford and Steven Turville
Assignment 3

After moving out of the dorms and into an apartment or house, many college students at Ohio University want the extra responsibility of owning a dog.  What some of these students do not realize is that their future homes senior year, or after graduation, do not allow pets.  Some students have taken the steps to have their pets euthanized, but many would rather continue to get in trouble before that happens.  This video interviewed two pet-owning students at OU to get their perspective on living with pets. 

 

In recent years, efforts towards sustainability has increasingly become a worthwhile endeavor for universities and colleges across the nation. In 2006, Ohio University became the first public university in the state of Ohio to hire a full time employee to work solely on sustainability initiatives. The university is also home to the largest in-vessel composting system at a college or university in the entire nation.

This video explores OU students' perceptions about the efforts the Office of Sustainability has implemented, and how the students promote a sustainable lifestyle.

Tuition Takes its Toll

            A mere 20 years ago, one quarter at Ohio University cost a hair over $2,000. Over time that number has grown by over 300% to its current rate, plus the additional vast increases in other fees such as the controversial “general fee” and housing costs. Any economics expert would tell you it is natural for prices to rise over time simply because of inflation, but what is so alarming about college tuition in the United States is that is consistently beating out average inflation and it is doing so with triple digit percentages. The effects this has on students, and unavoidably, the whole economy, is tremendous. Today, college hopefuls who face these large costs often have no choice but to take out loans and debt to cover the immediate costs, but paying off these loans in the long term is what poses such a threat to what is essentially the future of the American workforce.

            Graduating with over $30,000 in debt has now become common among students in recent years. With the dwindling economy and scarce job market, many have been forced into underemployment, settling for jobs much below the standard traditionally held by those with full degrees. With this mounting debt, college loans are soon expected to be single largest source of debt in the United States, and for a country that is already deep in the red, the prevalence of this debt has the potential to literally burst cause a negative wave through the whole economy.

            University administrators have blamed the lack of state funding in recent years for much of the tuition hikes, but with research, it can be seen that the current system has quite a bit of fat that can trimmed to maximize the massive investment students make in their educations. Many departments, athletics being the most notorious, annually exceed their allotted budgets, costing the university money it does not even have, while other educational departments have faced steep cuts. This trend goes directly against what many students have been pleading for. Currently, there is no official system that grants students power in making key decisions on items such as budgeting and tuition increases.  Something needs to be done to change the trend of student debt, and many believe giving students a greater voice is a step in the right direction. Regardless of what action it is, changes need to be made or the future of the United States will be anchored and sunk by the sea of debt they are forcing upon college hopefuls.

By Steven Turville 

Why Fest

Why Fest

An inside look into why people fest at Ohio University.  Two Students, Dave Nuzzulo and Dave Evans talk about the fest experience. 

By: Andrew Kaczor

Fight For Your Right To Party

By Taylor Carney and Jazmine Reed

            One of the favorite parts of spring quarter for many Ohio University students are the street fests that start in April.  While there have been incidents in the past that caused the block party to get shut down, Athens hit a new record with the burning of a basement on Palmer Street. The fest was ruled a riot area and got shut down, and was later found out that the fire was ruled an arson.  After much planning with the faculty and law enforcement, changes were put in place for Mill Fest and may continue to be instituted in future fests.  Over 200 people, known as the ‘Green Team’, volunteered their time to walk up and down Mill Street during the fest to be a positive sober presence throughout the night.  Many students have their own opinions on their safety at OU and what changes they feel could be made to future fests.  “I feel pretty safe here at OU. To make things safer, they could outlaw glass bottles from fests” Ben Clos, freshman at OU said.  What changes will be put in place for future fests are still waiting to be seen.

Music Fest Brings Friendly Vibes

Every year the small town of Nelsonville holds the biggest concert festival in Southeastern, Ohio. This concert is know as The Nelsonville Music Festival. Many well know  artists travel all over the world to play in this tiny town. This year many diverse acts took the stage, including, Iron & Wine, Andrew Bird, Lee “Scratch” Perry and plenty of others.  Not only do a lot of musicians attend the festival, plenty fans from all over travel to see the performances.  The concert offers a safe and friendly environment for all kinds of visitors. The Nelsonville Music Festival is more than just seeing a concert; it is about being part of a community.

By Cam Soergel, Lexi Deet and Andy Vogel

Image of Ohio University Assignment 3

By: Katie Wagner Katie Neeley and Kedrin Herron

Ohio University has been rated by the Princeton Review as America's #1 party school, but is this an accurate representation, or is it simply a skewed perception?  Students at OU seem to have different understandings of what OU is all about. This video interviewed two students at Ohio University, and their different perceptions of what our school is all about.

100 Beers 100 Miles

    Stephanie Stark, a senior at Ohio University, decided to spend her spring break unlike most college students; she decided to run 100 miles during the week while consuming 100 beers simultaneously. Stark completed the challenge with two of her male friends, Steve and Brad. Although Stark is smaller than the boys, she was determined to prove herself and finish strong. With the support of her friends, peers, and family, Stark managed to persevere and bring what she hopes to be a new tradition to Athens. 

Katie Wagner

    Stephanie Stark, a senior at Ohio University, decided to spend her spring break unlike most college students; she decided to run 100 miles during the week while consuming 100 beers simultaneously. Stark completed the challenge with two of her male friends, Steve and Brad. Although Stark is smaller than the boys, she was determined to prove herself and finish strong. With the support of her friends, peers, and family, Stark managed to persevere and bring what she hopes to be a new tradition to Athens.

Katie Wagner

Andy

 

Andy Parsons has a fantastic beard. His compelling facial hair immediately qualified him as an excellent candidate for interview, but I happily discovered yet more to the man behind the beard as he shared with me some aspects of life as a staff member at Casa Cantina, aficionado of music, Makers Mark, and the exquisite Molly T.

By Lexi Deet

Rock Climbing with Daniel Hermanns

This interview of OU Junior Tim Dix is conducted by Gabe Safford. Video edtitng and voice overs were also done by Gabe Safford. This interview features an inside look at the life of a college student enrolled in the Scripps School of Journalism at OU. An prospective students should watch.

Kathleen Kelley

Kathleen Kelley is a junior, English education major at Ohio University. Once she graduates she plans on teaching once she graduates or fulfilling her life long dream of becoming a flight attendant. She loves the tight knit atmosphere that OU has to offer, and she loves eating potatoes.

Interview with Lorenzo Quiroga, DJ for ACRN.

Profile of an Activist

Shea Daniels is a senior at Ohio University.  I decided to interview her because of her strong interest in activism and community organizing.  She is a poet, a coordinator of the Appalachian Student Union, and an intern at United Campus Ministries, among many other involvements on campus and in the community.  She plans to pursue community organizing as a career.  (This was written by Alice Ragland.)

Jake the Music Man by Steven Turville

Jake Loew is an Ohio University sophomore with a musical mind that he hopes will take him far, well past his graduation and time in Athens. He plays whenever and wherever he gets a chance and can often be spotted on Court Street playing for anyone who is willing to listen to him sing and strum. His easygoing and laid back style makes him easy to talk and a great friend.

By Steven Turville

Assignment 2 - Dual Perspective On Ohio University

An interview with two brothers from Ohio University.

By: Andrew Kaczor

Because She Is Awesome

Myranda Owca is a sophomore at Ohio University.  She shares with us her activities and involvement as well as her favorite part about being in Alpha Phi Omega.

By: Taylor Carney

A Balanced Experience by Kedrin Herron

A Balanced Experience by Kedrin Herron

Sam Mullans is a sophomore at Ohio University pursuing an education in Broadcast Journalism. He is a student in Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Mullans has figured out how to manage his time as a student. His interest in sports drives his desire for a career with ESPN.  

Assignment 2- Katie Wagner

After I sat down to interview Cori Sherman, I learned a lot about this energetic journalism major. She loves living in Athens and is incredibly involved in the community at Ohio University. She is an editor at The Post and loves capturing many events that occur on campus. After graduation, Cori hopes to work with a nature firm or group and take her talents outside of the university. 

In this interview, Alex Palopoli, a Junior at Ohio University, and Bachelor of Specialized Science in History, English and Communication, explains his true passion in life, he tells about his experience growing up and his love of guitar.  First picking up a guitar in 7th grade, Alex's entire family is involved in music someway, as his original piece of music "stay" plays.

The Great Balancing Act

There is a running joke that as a college student, you must choose two out of the three following; sleep, a social life, good grades. 

However, upperclassman Nicole Ranieri seems to have it all and so much more with an active schedule of socials, meetings and every a few naps. 

How does she do it, you ask? Watch the link below to find out. 

Click Here!