SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
From the daily
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Joining a student performance group on campus
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A look at the Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Center
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Night and day at UMMA
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A day in the life of a Daily Arts writer
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Animal rights at the ‘U’
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What it means to be in Central Student Government
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How to get involved in Greek life
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Student Organization Directory Helicon
History of Art Undergraduate Society Museum trips, student art shows, arts journalism. Mass Meeting Sept. 12th 8:30pm Tappan Hall Room 180
South Asian Awareness Network (SAAN) Social Justice & Community Building Org Mass Meeting: Taste of SAAN, Sept. 14, 7:30-9:30pm w/ South Asian Food @ East Hall Psych Atrium
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FROM THE DAILY
Join us
Nine reasons you should join The Michigan Daily’s staff
W
hile hundreds of clubs may vie for your attention, only The Michigan Daily provides an unparalleled plate of meaningful opportunities. The Daily’s sections — News, Opinion, Photo, Sports, Arts, Design, Web, Copy, Michigan in Color, The Statement Magazine, Video, Business and Social Media — provide opportunities for every interest. Here’s a few of our top reasons to check us out: 1. Cover something new, daily It’s in the name. During the fall and
made. This past year, the Daily spent a significant amount of time traveling
7. Be the grammar police you’ve always wanted to be
winter semesters, the Daily prints
to and covering the struggles of Flint
every day classes are in session. In fact,
while the state was ignoring its water
always correcting their grammar? Do
The Michigan Daily is the only daily
crisis.
you long for a place that will accept you
printed paper in Ann Arbor. As a Daily staffer, you could go from covering
4. Be part of the 126th year of Editorial Freedom
Do your friends hate on you for
for who you are? The Daily has a copy desk dedicated to making sure every
new University of Michigan policies to
It says it right there on the masthead.
the Ann Arbor City Council to a major
The Daily is an editorially-independent
8. Be professional
lecture all in one week.
organization, making all of its editorial
When interviewing characters such
decisions independent of any financial
as University President Mark Schlissel,
Harbaugh says
control from the University. The Daily
regents, City Council members and
Like this summer, when the Daily
gets to decide how and what it covers
other local officials is part of the job,
entirely on its own.
you have to learn to be professional.
2. Cover the next crazy thing that
covered a press conference before the first day of training camp when Harbaugh referred to the start of the
5. Write about your favorite media Brush up on those professional skills Write about your favorite movies,
pre-season as “coming out of the womb
TV shows, albums and campus events
into the bright lights.”
with a group of people who love them
3. Write history as it happens Just this past summer, the Daily
just as much as you do. 6. 50 cent Coke product vending
had staff on the ground at both the Republican and Democratic National
sentence we write is up to snuff.
machine. ’Nough said.
that will be useful whether or not you decide to pursue a career in journalism 9. Join a family The Daily is a group of people who share a love for journalism and pop culture, and we’ve made some of our best friends here.
Conventions, watching history being The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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We’re looking for new members for our Editorial and Business Staffs! Check https://www.facebook.com/michigandaily/ for Fall mass meeting dates and times.
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So, you want to join a student performance group A flow chart to help you make your decision
What do you like to do?
Sing
Act
Do you like to act? No
You should join:
A CAPELLA You’ve probably missed aca-rush, which is a shame because that’s a great way to see a lot of fantastic voices singing in tight harmony. Still, there might still be some audition spots with groups along the Diag, so find them and grab yourself a slot.
Do you want course credit?
Do you sing?
Yes
Yes
You should join:
MUSICAL THEATER Musket is the most popular, and they perform two major productions a year. If you’ve missed the window to audition, getting involved backstage or in the marketing department are great ways to get connected with the group.
Play Instruments
Dance
No
You should join:
IMPROV If you have a fun sense of humor and enjoy making things up, groups like ComCo and Midnight Book Club are up your alley!
Yes
You should join:
You should join:
DANCE GROUPS
CAMPUS BAND
Groups like Dalliance Dance Crew and the Maya Dance Team bring amazing dance moves to the stage.
You can get course credit by playing your instrument as a part of the Campus and University Bands. You need to audition for University Band, but Campus Band provides opportunities for anyone willing to join.
No
You should join:
STUDENT MUSIC GROUPS Many student music groups bring an off-thebeaten-path approach to music. Groove takes garbage cans and other objects and turns them into percussion instruments, much like “Stomp.” Their performances are always fun to watch.
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SAPAC continues to educate and provide support for sexual violence survivors By IRENE PARK
DAILY SUMMER NEWS EDITOR
Founded in 1985, the University of Michigan’sSexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center has been providing both educational and supportive services specifically related to sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment and stalking to challenge all forms of oppression and foster cultural diversity and inclusion on campus. SAPAC director Holly Rider-Milkovich said SAPAC has three main goals: teaching, leading and healing. She first explained the healing aspect of the center, explaining that there are professional aids for survivors who need help recovering from incidents such as sexual assault, violence and stalking. The center — located at the Michigan Union — is open for walkin appointments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, with a crisis line that is available 24/7. Starting in the upcoming fall term, University community members can also make after-hour appointments for Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rider-Milkovich said the extension of advocacy services was made possible by additional funding from the Provost’s Office. “We are always trying to find ways to be more accessible to more students, to really break down barriers students seeking our support,” Rider-Milkovich said. “This year, we are really fortunate … to extend our advocacy services to the evening hours. Students can make appointments to meet with the advocate after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this year for the first time ever, and we are really excited about that program.” Rider-Milkovich said there are student organizations under the umbrella of SAPAC that focus on networking, publicity and activism. The organizations teach not only the students but also the larger local community about healthy relationships and promote the programs and resources offered by SAPAC. Some of SAPAC’s education and prevention programs are Ally Training, Peer Education and training for police, medical personnel, legal personnel and faculty on issues of sexual violence. There are many opportunities for interested students to get involved with the center, and the center is looking for interested and motivated students, Rider-Milkovich said. “We have over 150 student leaders involved in our work, and there is always room for more,” Rider-Milkovich said. “If you care about this issue, we are a great home for you. There is a lot of different ways to be involved. We’re really looking for creative, innovative and passionate student leaders to join us in our work. We are one of the strongest programs in the country … because of the students bringing in energy, ideas and excitement.” SAPAC has a number of events planned for the upcoming academic year aimed at creating a safe space and providing support for survivors, according to Rider-Milkovich. One annual event in November, called Speak Out, invites survivors to openly share their experiences in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. Speak Out will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall. In addition, SAPAC is coordinating with the Central Student Government to educate students on the revised sexual misconduct policy, which took effect July 1. Some revisions of the policy are the inclusion of gender-based harassment and interpersonal violence under the prohibited conduct, as well as more detailed definitions of consent, incapacitation and coercion. Rider-Milkovich said it is crucial for students to understand their rights, understand what the updated policy means and know which resources are available on campus.
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Night and Day at UMMA By MERIN MCDIVITT Daily Arts Writer
Plenty of students here will get the opportunity to study abroad — if not travel, teach or even live abroad. In some departments at the university, it is now a requirement for graduation. As jaunts to farflung destinations become increasingly common for undergraduates, what makes their experience back home anything more than, well, commonplace? After the sepia Instagram photos of our leafy campus are archived and the real business of college begins, how can this jetset crowd stay sharp in calm, placid Michigan? Ann Arbor, fortunately, may be among the more cosmopolitan small towns in America. There are plenty of reasons for this, from the melee of nationalities that call the city home, to our international film festival. But one of its best features is the world class University of Michigan Museum of Art, or UMMA, quietly nestled in the heart of campus. Its modern exhibition gallery, all long metallic lines and high windows, sits at one of the busiest points on campus, just off State Street. It always features
something colorful and enticing on a gray day. Last year, Detroit legend Tyree Guyton, founder of the Heidelberg Project, brightened up many students’ mornings with his poignant sculptures and textured wall art, a visual pleasure on their way to an early class. For some students, this may be their only glimpse into the quiet world of art that speaks for itself just inside the doors. But for me, there is nothing better on a cold and dreary Michigan day than to climb the icy steps of UMMA and pass through its sandstone pillars into the hushed expanse of the museum. Its permanent collection, with ancient Buddhist sculpture, Degas masterpieces as well as postmodern abstractions, mirrors the depth and breadth of the university at large. In both the classic, Beaux Arts structure and the modern addition, the gallery spaces are open and airy, as suited to popular tour groups as they are to quiet contemplation or a quick sketching session in between classes. The scope of the museum’s traveling exhibitions, on the other hand, is both narrower and more arresting. These exhibitions seem
to get better every year, and it’s not hard to see why. UMMA deftly plumbs the resources of every university department and funding source it can get its artful hands on, whether it be the Confucius Institute or the School of Architecture. The result are exhibition galleries packed with unexpected and diverse delights: a surreal room full of ‘60s experimental art, a series of undulating African tapestries woven from metal shards and rags, an enormous, surprisingly nuanced portrait of Chairman Mao. The curation may be expert, nimble and ever-changing, but the museum is no monolith. UMMA’s exhibitions are far from stodgy, and this contemporary spirit extends to student engagement as well. Students are encouraged to visit, of course, but there’s also tours, endless workshops and fascinating guest lectures, volunteer opportunities and classroom spaces scattered around here and there. A favorite among students are the “After Hours” events — Friday nights throughout the year when the museum stays open quite late, offering live music and entertainment. Somehow, the museum is
a little more alluring at night, the classical exterior casting strange shadows on the manicured lawn. The big, echoey main hall takes on a different, more transgressive tone; it almost feels like trespassing to be there hours after it should have shut out the raw night air. For all the excitement of the university’s international ventures, when you escape to somewhere, the varnish will wear off. That spring semester in Salamanca or business trek in Beijing will be wonderful, memorable — even life-changing, if you’re lucky. But a stop-in at the art museum can be something else entirely. The fantasy doesn’t have to end. It’s the whole point of art and of the museum itself. Step out of campus, swirling with the first leaves off the maples, or hushed with the stillness that comes with that first snow, if not with the cumbersome slush that may follow it. Trek through the Law Quad when the sun is setting over the library, then past the red brick Art History building covered in ivy. Round the sleek corner of the modern wing and slip in the side entrance, where the music is coming from, for a night at the museum.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DAILY ARTS WRITER By MEGAN MITCHELL
Daily Arts Writer
Every once and a while, you’ll find yourself walking past an ivy-covered building peacefully resting on Maynard Street. And every once and a while, you’ll watch as an Arts writer attempts to haphazardly make a dash for that same building, clutching a coffee in one hand and an assignment in the other, because yes, they are running late for a staff meeting. Welcome to a day in the life of a Michigan Daily Arts writer. There’s a desk on the left side of the newsroom completely identical to the other eleven desks that line the interior of The Michigan Daily. At this desk, the most amazing people you’ll ever meet sit, stand, balance cross-legged on and lie under it, writing to the beat of quick typing fingers. As the Sports section watches games on the mounted television, the arts desk boasts writers throwing around TV and movie recommendations, discussing hyped musical projects and the latest runway looks. I would be remiss if I didn’t provide a visual into our eclectic culture. On Sundays, the Arts section meets in the Student Publications Building for a weekly staff meeting, where writers commiserate, assignments are fulfilled and ideas are pitched in the conference room. At first, the concept of a staff meeting can feel formal and daunting to the new writers, who try to make the right impression with their attending senior editors. But each meeting is unique, starting with the often outrageous ice breaker that clears most tension as the conversation rolls into laughter and the catharsis of shared experiences. Later, we split off into specific beats, scattering throughout the newsroom as senior editors call their writers in a chorus of names. It doesn’t matter if we can’t hear them — we know where to go. Working for the Arts section provides writers the ability to branch out across various beats, letting you write as many television and concert reviews that your heart desires. Each piece is due by the next staff meeting, so it’s easy to fit writing into your busy life. During the week, I’ll often watch the show I signed up to review as a break between studying, often citing to envious study partners that yes, I am in fact working. It is my job. But, like any other news outlet on the planet, we run on a deadline — a deadline that often approaches quickly and leads to furious typing an hour prior to the weekly meeting. Although it’s easy to write your pieces quickly throughout the week, there’s something special and exhilarating about writing a piece on a deadline and it certainly shows stylistically — for better or for worse. But in the end, none of that matters, because we’re not just a publications team. We’re a family of friends with a love of writing and the arts, and that’s what makes it worthwhile. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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The Michigan Animal Respect Society By CHETALI JAIN
DAILY STAFF REPORTER
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The Michigan Animal Respect Society is a voluntary student organization at the University of Michigan dedicated to advocating animal rights. The group aims to inspire a positive change in controversial issues, such as factory farming, companion animal homelessness, mass breeding operations (i.e., puppy mills), vegetarianism/veganism and wildlife protection. MARS hosts public outreach events throughout the year in hopes of informing the University community of its role in animal rights in our society. Some of these outreach events include fundraisers, coffee giveaways, petitioning for increased use of plant-based foods in the dorms and plant-based food sampling on the Diag. Additionally, the group participates in social events that include trips to farm sanctuaries, vegan potlucks, restaurant outings and organized protests. MARS provides support for students who are enthusiastic about animal rights and want to make a positive impact through animal rights advocacy. Students are encouraged to participate in letter-writing campaigns to government officials. MARS president Sarah Gallagher, an LSA junior, feels that the most rewarding part of being in the club is knowing that she is making a difference for animals everywhere. “I have had numerous in-depth conversations with students who were stunned at the information we were giving them and promised to make a change in their lifestyle,� Gallagher stated. The group believes that raising public awareness about animal treatment in the food, clothing and entertainment industries will allow people to make more informed decisions when it comes to these matters. According to Gallagher, a vegan diet can spare the lives of approximately 100 animals per year. That means that even a small lifestyle change, like reducing dietary meat intake, can have a meaningful impact on improving conditions for animals.
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DAVID SONG/Daily
Members of newMICH in front of the posting wall in Mason Hall.
CSG offers campus platform for students to make impact Freshmen can directly participate in fall, run for office in spring semester By BRIAN KUANG Daily Summer News Editor
Central Student Government has two main levels in which it can influence the campus community. Most tangibly, the body controls more than $200,000 in funds to be allocated to hundreds of student organizations and also plays a role in publicizing and supporting them. In what is arguably their most
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influential responsibility, student representatives also act as the channel in which the needs and concerns of the student body are communicated with the University of Michigan administration. In recent years, the body has successfully lobbied the University to create a fall study break, increase awareness of available mental health services and create the Wolverine Support Network — a peer mental health support group. In the coming year, CSG president David Schafer has described his objectives to be increasing student input and inclusivity, improving campus services, augmenting
student outreach to CSG and adding new out-of-classroom opportunities for learning and development. New freshmen can play a role in CSG during their first semester by applying to the body’s internship program — which matches students directly with CSG executive officers to assist in implementing their agendas — and by joining issue-specific commissions. In their second semester, students can run for election as a representative in CSG’s General Assembly, where they can directly advocate for issues they care about through legislation and debate.
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AVA RANDA/Daily
Kinesiology sophomore Cass Bouse-Eaton and LSA senior Eileen Enright deliver opening remarks at the first annual Greek Life Speakout at Palmer Commons on February 3rd.
Joining the tradition: how to get involved in Greek life at Michigan Four councils appeal to students from a variety of backgrounds By
BRANDON SUMMERSMILLER
Summer Managing News Editor
The University of Michigan’s Greek community was first established 171 years ago when two national
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fraternities created their chapters in Ann Arbor in 1845. Since then the community has grown to include sororities, with the first chartering in 1879, and multicultural Greek organizations since the first African American fraternity received its charter in 1909. Today, Greek life continues to be an active agent on campus, with more than 5,000 students currently affiliated with a Greek organization,
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representing 21 percent of all undergraduates. Each spring, Greek organizations participate in Greek Week — a friendly competition wherein fraternities and sororities are partnered together to raise money for local and national charities by competing in events like tug-of-war, volleyball, trivia, pie eating, and the Sing and Variety Show. Greek Life’s charity extends well beyond Greek Week, however. Individual
Greek organizations often fundraise throughout the year for a variety of causes, including cancer research and diabetes. Despite Greek Life’s contributions to campus, there have been setbacks due to Greek organizations poorly representing the University and its reputation. This past school year, the Univeristy assembled a task force to review and suggest policy changes within the Greek
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Continued from page 28... societies on campus. The task force was partly created due to damages incurred at a ski resort by a now disbanded fraternity in northern Michigan in January of 2015, costing up to $430,000 in damages, legal fees and other expenses. These Greek organizations are governed by four separate bodies: the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the Panhellenic Association and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Interfraternity Council The IFC is the governing body of all National Interfraternity council fraternities at the University and is comprised of a 10 member elected executive council as well as a legislative body of fraternity representatives. The IFC aims to promote positive ideals such as scholarship, leadership, service and fraternalism within the fraternity community. Additionally, the council offers educational programs for fraternities including risk management, alcohol awareness and scholarship. Students interested in joining the IFC must first complete a 15-minute module explaining why they wish to join and read the beliefs and standards of the council. After completing the module, students must officially register with the IFC prior to the end of formal recruitment to receive a bid from a fraternity. Formal IFC recruitment
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begins in the fall with the fraternity mass meeting, followed by open houses for students to narrow down their choices. Students rushing these fraternities may be invited back to closed events where current members can better acquaint themselves with potential members. Of the fraternities that the students rush, some may extend bids. Multicultural Greek Council Michigan’s Multicultural Greek Council was established in 2002 and is a council representative of both fraternities and sororities of specific ethnicities and cultures. The council strives to serve as a voice for unique people within the Greek community who are often underrepresented or misrepresented, while also recognizing the importance of service and scholastic achievement. Students interested in joining Greek organizations affiliated with the Multicultural Greek Council will need to know when the specific chapter of their choice organizations are hosting events, as each is in charge of their own recruitment process. For more information, interested students can contact the new recruitment chair of the organization they wish to join, or attend a chaptersponsored event. Panhellenic Association The Panhellenic Association was first established at the University at the beginning of the 20th century and
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is the official body of mass meeting is held in the all National Panhellenic fall where the Panhellenic Conference sororities on Association provides more campus. detailed information for The association serves the rush process, and to unite all sororities on again at Sorority Forum, campus and work to reach where students are given common goals. the chance to meet current Each sorority elects a sorority members. member from its chapter to National Pan-Hellenic represent them and serve Council as a delegate at weekly The National Pan-Hellenic meetings. The Panhellenic Council, often referred to Association delegates as “The Divine Nine,” was perform a variety of tasks, chartered at the University including discussing in 2005 and represents nine areas of concern in their international traditionally community and voting on African American Greek policies and procedures. fraternities and sororities. Ten women are elected to The council aims to serve on the association’s encourage unity and expose executive board, with a staff its members to the “service advisor working closely for life” philosophy. with them throughout the Additionally, the council year. exists to promote scholastic Students interested in achievement and leadership joining a sorority affiliated development. with the The Panhellenic National Association PanDespite Greek traditionally Hellenic do so life’s contributions Council also through its to campus, there offers their formal members recruitment have been setbacks several process, social due to Greek called activities, organizations “rush,” including which all poorly representing the Step sororities the University and Show. participate Students in during interested its reputation . the fall in joining and some the National participate Panin during the winter. To Hellenic Council are register for formal rush, encouraged to participate interested students must in their recruitment first complete a 20-minute process called “intake.” module and register Those interested can meet with the Panhellenic current NPHC Greek Association. organizations by attending Through the process, the annual fall Ice Breaker sororities and students and Open House. mutually pick each other. A
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