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Show ALSO INSIDE: Lifetime golfer Gentry Hicks is featured after competing in U.S. Amateur Championships » 5 Many college students are too apathetic to vote, and they only have themselves to blame for the consequences » 4 Tuesday, August 21, 2012 TH E DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE The University o f Utah's Independent Student Voice Since 1890 www.dailyutahchronicle.com Vol. 122 I No. 8 I ©2012 U makes Top 25 LGBT-friendly campuses Emily T. Andrews CHAD ZAVALA/ NEWS EDITOR The Daily Utah Chronicle Kai Martinez, director of the LGBT Resource Center, discusses the reasons why the U has earned a Top 25 ranking among colleges who who are the most LGBT friendly. ••••• Noted for its inclusive policies and positive campus culture, the U was rated one of the Top 25 most LGBT-friendly schools on Tuesday by Campus Pride, a gay rights organization. The U joins other Pac-i2 schools such as the University of California at Berkley, the University of Oregon and the University of Washington. The ranks were not listed numeri- cally and were determined by evaluating a campus survey that was distributed in June to organizations on campus that deal with LGBT issues. Kai Martinez, the director of the LGBT Resource Center, was pleased with the award. "We're the flagship institution," Martinez said. "We should be paving the way for these things." The U includes sexual orientation and gender identity in its nondiscrimination policies, which Martinez sees as an indication of an LGBT-friendly campus. "The fact that they have those things in the non-discrimination policies says a lot," Martinez said. Students can also choose a preferred name upon enrollment, allowing transgender students who are undergoing a gender transition to use a name that is different from their legal name. Although the U scored five out of five stars in almost every category, it only received three out of five stars in the housing category. Martinez said this might be because of the lack of genderneutral housing, which other universities on the list have. Gender-neutral housing provides a safe space for LGBT students who don't feel comfortable with regular housing options because of their sexual orientation. See LGBT Page 3 Getting used to U Welcome Week offers students valuable resources Ainsley Cook STAFF WRITER The first week of Fall Semester is underway, bringing with it a new wave of U students. During this week there are several events aimed at encouraging newbies to explore the possibilities of campus and break the ice. "The biggest part of Welcome Week is to get students eased into their first days ... help students get involved in a lot of things," said Chris Bell, program coordinator at the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. Welcome Week kicked off Saturday with a few social events and continued Monday with walk-in advising during which students received advice on selecting a major and planning course work. The day's events concluded with an information fair hosted by the Union Programming Council. In addition to walk-in advising, Get Connected, a group of Computing and Media Services staff, assisted students with networking their mobile devices with the campus Internet. The fair consisted of more than 8o student groups, organizations, departments and businesses providing information to students. There was also a table to make customized buttons and sign up to win a Crimson Nights FastPass, which will jump students to the front of the entrance line at the event. The rest of the week features additional happenings, including both academic and social opportunties. Bell placed emphasis on Plazafest, an event that brings together different groups and organizations affiliated with the U. The event will be held Aug. 29 on the Union Plaza. "We'll have over 200 tables from clubs, colleges and departments," said Jillian West, student coordinator at the Office of Orientation. "There will also be live music and a ton of people. [It'll have] a lot of variety." The idea of the Plazafest is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about how to get involved on campus and see what the U is all about. UPCOMING EVENTS TUESDAY: • International student advising WEDNESDAY: • Student job and volunteer fair • International movie night THURSDAY: • The Bennion Community Service Center BBQ • Veterans Orientation FRIDAY: • Welcome-back volleyball tournament • Crimson Nights SATURDAY: • U Book Race scavenger hunt ■ PHOTO MERGE BY CHAD ZAVALA/The Daily Utah Chronicle Students gather in front of the Union the first day of Fall Semester, where they were greeted by various local businesses and student groups. IN WITH THE NEW Everyone from first years to seasoned upperclassmen adjusts to the new school year and the changes that come with it DJ ellsfargo.comfbackstago )64119 Aar' CHAD ZAVALA/The Daily Utah Chronicle Summers STAFF WRITER Classes kicked off Monday the same as usual — with the hot summer sun lighting the way for thousands of lost, eager freshman and bitter, cranky seniors. The first day of classes is usually a mishmash of different sensations, problems, excitements and logistical nightmares that simultaneously plague and invigorate U students. Parking and traffic, the size of campus and the excitement of a new situation and schedule are some of the most visible issues for students. From the University Campus Store to the Union, every building was alive with students walking in meandering circles or in beelines. "I have to work my way up from President's Circle every day," said Tyler Moore, a freshman in computer science. "By the end of See FIRST DAY Page 3 Freshmen orient to campus, dorm living Carolyn Webber STAFF WRITER It is only the first week of school, but incoming freshmen have already found that sustenance does not magically appear in the mini fridge. They have also discovered that events have food, and where there is free food, there are freshmen. The events have had much higher attendance than in years past, mostly because of better advertising through Facebook and Twitter, said Kirby Mengert, Residence Halls Association president. Move-in weekend might have been hectic for everyone involved, but once the students got settled in their rooms, there was a definite feeling of "now what?" Many freshmen explored City Creek Center, the Gateway Mall or walked around campus to orient themselves. Once the weekend went into full swing and students became more comfortable with each other, the pulse kicked up in the dorms. Groups of longboarders, slacklining crowds and other gatherings sprung up around the PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH U student housing offers a variety of options for new students, on-campus living brings many challenges for students who are transitioning from life at home. Though Residence Halls. Dormmates have been supportive to some and have distressed others. "I have a pretty chill roommate so it's been nice," said Christian Stone, a freshman in finance. "The floor has some interesting characters, though." The floors that keep doors open have more opportunities to get to know neighbors, which can smooth the transition. The resident advisers can make a difference, too. "Our RA is probably the best," said Jacob Spear, a freshman in business. "He hangs out with us and is just relaxed." The RAs are also available to help out with any difficulties residents might have. "If you happen to have problems with your roommate, don't be afraid to talk to your RA," Mengert said. "That's what they're there for." There aren't as many options for homesick out-of-state students. They can call parents or use Skype to talk to loved ones, but they aren't able to hop on TRAX or get in their car to go home. The temptation is there when home is nearby. Freshmen might visit their family's house, or parents might come to the dorms. "I'm glad my parents came up [from Sandy] this weekend because I kept forgetting things at my house," said Lexi Harrison, a freshman in international studies. Several local students decided to move out rather than commute to get the complete college experience. "The dorms have been fun," said Emily Binch, an undeclared freshman. "I'm glad I moved in, but I definitely miss my family and have been calling them a lot." However, Mengert said freshmen aren't stopping by the office because they're homesick. "Freshmen keep coming in because they need help finding their classes, which we're happy to help with ... We've had lots of kids locking themselves out," Mengert said. "They're not used to being on their own so they forget their cards and keys." c.webber@chronicle.utah.edu |