A Beautiful Campus In Cincinnati

A Beautiful Campus In Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati (UC) has been ranked amongst, “America’s Most Beautiful College Campuses.” In fact, more than any other college in the nation – UC has been recognized as having the most architecturally designed buildings on its campus.

The first national ranking for UC’s campus came from the Forbs list of, “America’s Most Beautiful College Campuses.” Released online March 1, 2010, this unranked list places UC among some of the most beautiful campuses across the United States. Delta Airlines Sky Magazine also ranked UC among the, “Top 10 most inspiring campuses in the world.” In their edition they note, “Here, architecture students can literally study among the best. In 1989, the school decided to revitalize the campus, asking top architects—including Frank Gehry and alumnus Michael Graves—to design its new buildings.”

Over time, UC has made strong commitments to contemporary architecture across it’s campus. Four buildings in particular made headlines this year on a list titled, “The 50 Most Amazing Examples of College Architecture.”

Ranked #38: Vontz Center for Molecular Studies – This building designed by Frank Gehry is part of the medical campus. With over 150,000 square feet this building cost an estimated $46 million to construct.

(Vontz Center for Molecular Studies)

Ranked #35: Steger Student Life Center – Built in 2005 by Moore Ruble Yudell, this building houses various student organizations across campus. This oddly shaped building looks different at every angle. Thin and almost sharp, this building creates its own sense of uniqueness.

(Steger Student Life Center)

Ranked #30: Engineering Research Center – This building was designed by UC alum, Michael Graves. Built in 1994, this building has a prominent location right next to campus green. With its odd “U” shaped form, the building looks very stable and well built.

(Engineering Research Center)

Ranked #11: Campus Recreation Center – Located in the heart of campus, this recreation center was built to last. Designed by Morphosis company, and lead by project manager Thom Mayne, this building is quite outstanding. With a massive 350,000 square feet, this building mashes various architectural styles all together into one, massive building.

(Campus Recreation Center)

Free Speech Please

Free Speech Please

The Young Americans for Liberty group at the University of Cincinnati recently won a lawsuit helping protect free speech rights of students.

On June 12, 2012 United States District Judge Timothy S. Black ruled the UC free speech policy was unconstitutional. “Speech on campus cannot be limited in outdoor areas unless the restriction is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling university interest,” said Black.

The suit was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law. Before the judgment was affirmed, UC restricted student expression to just 0.1% of the campus. UC officials also required students to submit a notice days in advance to request a “free speech zone.” The suit was filed in part because YAL President Christopher Morbitzer tried to obtain signatures around campus, unknowingly drawing the attention of the university. The university informed Morbitzer that if any YAL members were seen gathering signatures, public safety would be notified.

An article published by FIRE said UC, “threatens students with criminal prosecution merely for exercising their constitutionally protected rights outside of the paltry area it has designated for free speech.” The 7 month long legal battle was a win for the YAL chapter at UC, and the entire student body. “UC’s illiberal decision to restrict this kind of political speech to one tenth of one percent of its campus is shocking enough, but making students register to use that space ten working days in advance is even worse,” said FIRE Director of Legal Advocacy Will Creely.

After the ruling, an immediate injunction was ordered by the Judge. This immediately banned the university from enforcing free speech restrictions on campus.

The current UC speech policy may be outdated, but University Spokesman Greg Hand thinks otherwise. Hand stated the policy was made more than 50 years ago to address, “disruptive activities” while “maintaining the basic educational mission of the institution.” Outdated or not, the policy proved unconstitutional. The university has now stated it is reviewing its policies.

Although YAL may have won a small battle, other universities are still faced with similar issues. With the support of students, groups such as YAL can make big changes in campuses across the nation.

UC Connects With The Community

UC Connects With The Community

University of Cincinnati (UC) offers many opportunities that allow students to become actively involved within various community’s. The internship and co-op programs give students real world experience outside of the university. Most of the programs provide opportunities for students to help benefit communities all across the country. Besides helping others, these programs also provide students with experience, professional development skills, networking abilities and more.

These two programs are very much similar, with only a few differences that set them apart. According to UC, these programs allows you to, “learn more about your field of interest through observation and direct participation in a job setting.” UC’s internship program takes students one semester to complete, while co-ops are usually multi-term. Internship programs are sometimes paid, but not always. Co-op programs are usually always paid. The college within UC that you are attending will determine if you will complete an internship or a co-op.

UC was actually the first college ever to invent the co-op program. Invented in 1906, UC’s co-op program is ranked the “nation’s best in US News & World Report rankings.” Since 1906, UC has proven that their efforts to engage students in real world settings does pay off. Many of the students whom participate in internships or co-ops have successful experiences.

One of those students is Eric Schweinhart. Schweinhart made news in 2011 when he was awarded the $10,000 Pearson prize for education. According to Pearson’s official website, “The award identifies students who are giving back to the community.” Students are mainly required to “Demonstrate leadership in community service.” Back in 2011, Schweinhart decided to take his knowledge and apply it to the local community. Schweinhart was known as a leader in creating housing for the less fortunate. He made a huge impact by by helping build and rebuild homes for those in need. In an article published by DAAP, Schweinhart said, “I’ve always enjoyed the work. It’s a form of just pedaling forward in helping others, contributing to groups contributing to those in need, making the world better.” Schweinhart’s success undoubtedly came from the co-op program at UC.

(Schweinhart helping the needy in Indianapolis)

UC’s internship and co-op programs are more than a simple “requirement” for students – it impacts their lives and the lives of others.  UC has established a connection with various communities across the country since 1906. With this connection established, there are no limits to what students can strive for.