Our New President Santa Ono Follow Up

Our New President Santa Ono Follow Up

On April 6, I wrote an article titled “Our New President Santa Ono.” If you didn’t know by now, Santa Ono is our fairly new president at the University of Cincinnati (UC). I was happy to see readers engage in commenting on this story. Throughout the six months or so that Ono has been president, I have heard positive feedback from students around campus. Listening to feedback from readers only confirms what I believed. Ono is well liked and personally connects with many students at UC.

One of my readers backs up my belief that Ono connects with students across campus. Gabrielle W. writes, “I know I’m not the only one who loves our UC president. When he first came to the university he sat down with the tour guides and talked with us and what we wanted from the university. He makes a sincere effort to learn something about each student he talks too. We went around the room and he had each person introduce themselves. At the very end he shook all our hands goodbye and if he didn’t remember your name, he remembered your major or at least your favorite memory of UC.” This is one example of how Ono connects with various students, taking time to understand the interest of each individual.

Another reader confirmed what Ono does best, that he will do everything he can for students. She also touches on Ono’s educational background, which includes a PhD at McGill University and a BA from the University of Chicago. Ali S. writes, “President Ono is absolutely awesome. He truly does his best to do everything he can for the students who make up this university on top of doing daily presidential things. He is also a very accomplished scholar. His impact on UC has definitely affected the Cincinnati community as a whole.” Ono has made impact indeed. Popularity amongst students can already be seen and his time as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost has benefited UC as well. Ono serves as the Professor of Pediatrics within UC’s College of Medicine, which can also be seen as an impact to campus.

I am excited to see the changes that Ono has already made across campus. I believe with the support from students, Ono will make tremendous changes to campus life at UC.

Our New President Santa Ono

Our New President Santa Ono

Santa Ono, former provost at the University of Cincinnati is now the 28^th president of the university. UC celebrated in October, 2012 with students, professors and board members parading around the campus. Everyone praised Ono’s hard work and his intellect.

In a statement, Trustee Rob Richardson said, “I have never seen anyone, in my experience here, who shows the dedication and passion that Dr. Ono feels for students.”

Ono plans on staying at UC for at least 10 years, and recently received a raise to $465,300. Ono is very popular amongst the students, and is active on social networking sites like Twitter.  As university president, communication with the student body is key.

Ono’s main responsibilities will be finding new funding and attracting new students. In an interview with Ono, he said his favorite thing about being president is, “interacting with about 330,000 individuals that makeup the community here in Clifton.” Ono described the bearcat nation as having, “a lot of energy, excitement and pride.”

Warning to Colleges Who Violate Free Speech

Warning to Colleges Who Violate Free Speech

This is a warning to colleges who violate free speech policies – including the infamous University of Cincinnati (UC). Currently UC has the highest speech code rating which is red. On Dec. 22, 2012 roughly 300 certified letters were sent to various public universities across the United States warning that continued free speech oppression would not be tolerated. “Administrators may be held personally liable for continuing to maintain unconstitutional speech codes in violation of students First Amendment Rights,” said FIRE (The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.)

As the letters were being sent out, hundreds of college presidents and attorneys who work with the institutions have been notified that they could be “hit with a suit,” if they violate the free speech rights of students. The FIRE letters also suggest that administrators, “should be ready to pay out of their own pockets if they continue to violate their students’ free speech rights.”

FIRE believes that school officials have intentionally censored free speech on campus knowing that they would not be held liable. “This has given administrators the opportunity to censor whatever opinions they dislike and make all of us pay for it, said senior vice president of FIRE, Robert Shibley. Shibley acknowledged that thanks to FIRE, violations of student’s free speech are “quickly vanishing.”

“You must be aware that maintaining university policies that prohibit constitutionally protected expression is an unlawful deprivation of constitutional rights under 42 U.S.C.S. § 1983 for which university administrators may be sued in their individual capacities for punitive damages,” the letter warns. Officials can no longer count on “personal immunity” to protect them. Due to new federal ruling, administrators who violate students rights can now face financial peril.

The FIRE letter reported, “67 percent of the 286 public universities examined nationwide maintain at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech, in contravention of legal precedent.” Change is needed on a large scale, but with FIRE’s help speech code violations will vanish.

A Beautiful Campus In Cincinnati Follow Up

A Beautiful Campus In Cincinnati Follow Up

On February 24, 2013 I wrote an article titled, “A Beautiful campus in Cincinnati.” In this post, I discussed the uniqueness and beauty of our campus – University of Cincinnati (UC). I posted various statistics backing up the fact that UC is ranked amongst America’s most beautiful campuses. Students of UC can now look at the campus with a sense of uniqueness and diversity. Every time you look at buildings around campus, you see a different pattern or a different view. UC is not just a college campus, it is a beautiful landmark for our city – The City of Cincinnati.

I was amazed at the amount of detailed feedback I received from this article. Readers were happy with the rankings of UC as one of America’s beautiful campus. They shed light on why they believe UC is uniquely a beautiful campus. Morgan W. describes how she sometimes forgets she is living in a city. “When I am sitting on Sigma Sigma commons on a warm spring or fall day, I don’t feel like I’m in the middle of the city and that is something I absolutely love about UC. You can get out of it whatever you want,” she said. I think this is a quality that makes UC unique. At times one may feel like they aren’t even living in a big city.

Some students feel UC may be lacking certain qualities, but overall they enjoy the campus. Emily H said, “While it’s no Murray State with its rural setting, for a campus built smack dab in the middle of the city, I think it’s one hell of a place to go to school.” She goes on to describe, “Campuses like NKU are considered “concrete paradises” while we here at UC have diversity in building structure and although some say we may lack color, we’ve got a hell of a lot to look at packed in to our city school campus. Emily is not the only reader who feels UC is lacking “color”. Other students feel UC is lacking color as well. Marisa W. said, Don’t get me wrong, the architecture is astounding, but where the color, spontaneity or liveliness? Marisa describes UC as “grand,” not beautiful. She said, “To me, a “beautiful” campus would be able to transcend weather. Like mountains or a sea. If the weather is any less than perfectly sunny, the place looks like a sad steam-punk Victorian city.” I see where Marisa is coming from. At times UC does resemble a gloomy, gothic city. One reader describes UC’s ability of being versatile. Gabrielle W. said, “We have traditional buildings, which I really appreciate, and the more modern impressive buildings. Something for everyone!

UC does have something for everyone – a quality that makes it truly unique.

Free Speech Please Follow Up

Free Speech Please Follow Up

A few weeks ago I wrote an article titled “Free Speech Please.” This post addressed civil liberty issues at the University of Cincinnati (UC). Many readers were discouraged by the facts surrounding UC’s constitutional speech issues. It is interesting to note that most people weren’t even aware of these speech issues. What is known is that most readers want change to occur on campus.

We must first look at why certain readers were unaware of the civil liberty issues at UC. How many students are truly aware of these issues at UC? Does UC want students to forget about these issues? Ali S. said, “Wow! I had no idea about this. I am surprised there aren’t more awareness about this issue.” I agree Ali, there does need to be more awareness about this issue. Maybe UC’s independent student newspaper (The News Record) should write a follow up story about these issues – why have they not? Emily H said, “What is the .1% of campus that we were allowed to use? I’m blindly assuming it’s the lawn in front of McMicken because that’s where I see everyone else with something to say go.” You are correct Emily, the lawn in front of McMicken is the .1% zone that students are allowed to use. Until the speech policy is officially rewritten, this is where students are told to express themselves. It is interesting to note that you were unsure of where this .1% zone actually was (I was unsure myself). Is there a reason why UC doesn’t publicly state where this zone is? Maybe they don’t want bad press.

Other readers were hopeful for change. Katie B said, “So glad to hear it! I remember reading a while ago that UC was one of the worst campuses for free speech. Hopefully now that this is enacted our standing will improve, and other campuses with similar free speech rules can use UC as an example.” The main goal is for other campuses to learn from UC. Hopefully no other campus will restrict free speech in this manner.

Roshal Wanigasooriya, Vice president of Young Americans For Liberty (YAL) chapter at UC said, “As soon as you limit one person’s free speech (or any right), you limit everyone’s. We’ve noticed much faster and smoother event planning and more freedom to speak out on campus.”

It seems as if change is starting to occur. More “speech zones” are being opened around campus, and it seems free speech restriction is no longer enforced. Although the official UC speech code policy has still not been updated, UC has been making strong efforts to change. With students voicing their concerns and groups such as YAL, UC will have to make changes in its speech code policy.

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.

Crime Does Exist, So Be Aware!

Crime Does Exist, So Be Aware!

Crime plays a major role at every campus across America. Depending on the level of criminal activity, students may sometimes feel unsafe while attending classes. Crime may even be the difference between enrolling in a particular college.

Most crimes do not occur on campus property – they stem from the surrounding areas around campus called “CUF” or Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairview. Due to the high crime rate in Cincinnati OH, criminals flock to CUF locations in order to target students for a various list of crimes. Crimes include robbery, theft, aggravated assaults, auto theft and more. Cincinnati police have even teamed up with UC police in order to deter crime. “We’re working with Cincinnati Police District 5 to put more police presence in the community,” UC Police Chief Michael Cureton said. Currently, a UC police officer is accompanied alongside a Cincinnati police officer while on patrol.

(University of Cincinnati campus police.)

University of Cincinnati has integrated an emergency system to notify students of possible criminal threats. Emergency Alert System (EAS) was designed to alert students of situations involving an immediate threat to campus safety. The EAS system uses a combination of methods to communicate with students including; public address speakers in buildings, phone messaging, email messaging and web-page notification. Alarm systems are also set up in buildings across campus to audibly notify students of a direct threat.

The most recent use of the EAS system occurred in November, 2012. Brandon Tyler-Tharp, 28 was shot and killed across from UC campus. UC officials immediately put the school on lockdown, and students were notified through EAS to stay indoors. “My roommates told me that our dorm was on lockdown, so I couldn’t come back for a while, so I stayed over with my friends on the other side of town,” said student Emily Kester. Campus and Cincinnati police were stationed outside various locations around campus to ensure the safety of students.

In 2011, combining FBI data and various reports, CQ Press rated Cincinnati the 16^th most dangerous city in America. Even though the crime wave has dramatically declined since 2011, students must be aware that the criminal element does exist. Being informed of your surroundings can make you more aware, which can only lead to less victimless crimes. The more you know about criminals, the less of a target you may become.