THE ORIENTATION ISSUE 2020Â
, e m o c l e W freshman
YOU’RE A WOLVERINE NOW – AND A WOLVERINE FOREVER.
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letter from the editors
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com
EMMA STEIN
Editor in Chief enstein@michigandaily.com
ANITA MICHAUD
Dear Freshmen,
Business Manager ammichau@michigandaily.com
Welcome to the University of Michigan! You’ve worked hard to get here, from pulling all-nighters studying, taking a plethora of AP classes and participating in a diverse selection of extracurriculars. Or maybe you did none of those things. Either way, you’re here. And yet, you’re entering college in the middle of a global pandemic. Everything is up in the air. Crowded dorm rooms and large lecture halls and people stacked wall-to-wall at parties might not define your first year in the same way they have for the rest of us. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an unforgettable freshman year. Michigan is the best — the classes are interesting and the people are smart, passionate and probably going to change the world someday. The Daily compiled a guide full of things to look forward to when you get here, from the best restaurants, to what it’s like to be a first generation student on campus, to what sports will look like without fans.
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So take our advice (or don’t) and make the most of this experience, these are (potentially) defining years in your life. Join too many clubs and then get frustrated when you still get emails from them three years later because they won’t take you off the mailing list. Talk to as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to say hi when you see them on the Diag. Put yourself out there and take risks — you never know what might come of it. Challenge yourself academically and in your personal life. College is what you make of it, so just trust your instincts, work hard and have fun.
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going greek when you’re not white By Cheryn Hong , Summer Managing Michigan in Color Editor I was not going to rush. After reading various ethnographic studies and learning about concepts like social exclusion in relation to the university-Greek life space, I began to despise what the social sororities stood for. However, growing up in the U.S. and seeing sororities in movies and TV shows, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. I was also hesitant to rush because I have always struggled with balancing my Korean and American identity, as I constantly felt I was being excluded from one culture or the other — and Greek life seemed like another thing to prove I wasn’t “American” enough to join. But when January came around, I allowed myself to relax and tried to embrace something which seemed inherently American. I was clueless, anxious and ready with my trendy outfit on day one of rush in Ross. As the week of rush progressed, I sought to stand out rather than give in to the “do’s and don’ts” of rush I would see on Youtube. I would wear whatever I liked to wear — alternative and daring outfits — fabrics I thought reflected upon my personality. Trust me when I say I heard so many criticisms from other girls of what I was doing wrong, but I stuck with my initial objective: to not lose myself or sacrifice any aspect of my identity to receive acceptance from girls I had just met. I talked about my culture, hometown, trips to South Korea and finding clothes for my different body type. I won’t go into the entire process, but I want to be clear—I genuinely enjoyed rushing. But that has to do more with the fact that I’m a naturally extroverted person who appreciates meeting random new people. And I believe what is often overlooked, and is the most important part of rushing, is meeting the girls in my chapter. The people I have met have consistently amazed me, from those I met who juggle their coding skills and calculus to those who used to be beach volleyball champions and ex-actors. I have gotten to express myself beyond my race without having to sacrifice who I am. That being said, I’m not going to completely jade things and paint a pretty picture. I was told my English was “good” from a house while rushing, and during rush, there were only a handful of POC in each room and the majority of chapters at the University continue to lack racial, ethnic and cultural diversity. While that might not seem appealing to a lot of people, I personally tend to thrive when I don’t look or immediately empathize with everyone around me. In short, my decision to rush is what I believe to be one of the best decisions I’ve made coming to the University. I can only speak to my perspective and experience, and I don’t expect anyone else to share the same sentiment when they go through the rush process. But ever since I accepted a bid and joined my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, I’ve gotten to meet a variety of girls I wouldn’t have met otherwise. For any POC who is deciding whether or not to rush a seemingly white-washed institution, my two cents are that you get what you put in. My goal was — and remains to be — to never sacrifice any aspect of who I am in order to be accepted, and with that mentality, I found myself where I am today. So go Greek, however or whatever you think going Greek looks like, and don’t let others dictate how you should or shouldn’t rush.
4 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Wolverine Survival Guide By Francesca Duong & Jasmin Lee, Summer Managing News Editors Welcome Class of 2024 to the University of Michigan! We are so excited to have you as part of our Wolverine family and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish as the Leaders and Best. Although 2020 has not been the year everyone was hoping for, we are here to make sure you succeed through college no matter the circumstances. To prepare in this uncertain time, we’ve compiled a list of tips to guide you throughout freshman year, whether classes are in person or online. Stay strong and Go Blue!
Online Learning Tips: •
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Make the Ideal Space: For online lectures, you want to make sure that you have a designated area that is conducive to learning without any outside distractions. The area should be clean and all of your notes and school supplies should be readily available. Make sure your computer and phone are fully charged so it does not die in the middle of class or you are near an outlet to charge your devices. Be Comfortable: Whether you are watching lectures in your bed or in the library, make sure you are comfortable since you will be sitting for a long time. If being seen on camera is not required, do what you need to do to stay focused in class. Have a bottle of water and some snacks nearby you so you won’t have to move when you get hungry. Online Lecture Essentials: Headphones are useful to make sure you can hear everything in class. If you are not speaking, make sure your mic is muted and don’t forget to unmute it when you are speaking. Limit Distractions: Delete your other tabs and if you can, put your computer on “Do Not Disturb” or mute. Put your phone out of sight and avoid multitasking during online lectures. Make use of your time: Take notes during the lecture so you won’t have to watch the video over again, and make sure you are well rested so you won’t fall asleep.
GENERAL STUDYING TIPS: • •
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•
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Learn how you study best: It sounds like it’s a given, but knowing the study method that works for you is really going to help you in college. Do you like flashcards? Study groups? Brute memorization? A combination? Take stretch breaks: Especially during exam season, it’s typical to sit in one spot and grind out eight hours of studying. However, this can be detrimental to your physical and mental health, so be sure to take quick stretch breaks every 20 minutes or so. Studies have shown taking short breaks can even improve your studying! Practice, practice, practice: College stresses application on subjects, rather than memorization like high school did. For popular classes like PHYSICS 140/240, CHEM 210, ECON 101/102 and the MATH sequences, the most important thing is to do practice problems and take practice tests. Use your friends as a resource, but also know your limitations: Studying together with friends can be a great option since you can ask them questions and vice versa. However, make sure you know when that is more distractful than helpful. Studying by yourself can make it easier to focus and you can go at your own pace. It can be beneficial to text and FaceTime each other if you have questions, if that is how you work best. Go to office hours: Office hours can be intimidating, but professors and GSIs are the best resource you have! They know the material like the back of their hands and will answer any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help.
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Survival Guide cont. Best Study Spots • • • • • • • •
The Duderstadt Center: The most popular place to study and meet with groups on North Campus. They have “VizHubs,” which are work stations for groups that come with a flat-screen TV-sized monitor. UGLi: One of the most popular places to work on Central Campus. It can get crowded during exam season, but you can find spaces to work there. The UGLi is organized so the fourth floor is the quietest and the first is the loudest. LSA Building: The newly-renovated building is very quiet and has plenty of space to study alone. There is lots of open lighting with large windows and it has individual chairs to study in as well. Union: Newly renovated, there are plenty of spaces to study near the food court and cafes. Study under the sky with a glass ceiling and Sweetwater Cafe or sit on a couch and work. There is a spot for everyone to be productive. UMMA: Study in the cafe that sells macarons and go see the art when you take a break. It is free and open to the public. Hatcher Library: This is a great place to study alone with very little distractions. There are small individual work spaces perfect for studying for hours and lots of helpful resources too. Law Library: The famous Law Library is beautiful, looks like Hogwarts, and is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. For those who want absolute silence but are comfortable being around other people, this is the place for you. Weiser: This building has lots of open lighting with comfortable chairs and booths to study in. It is well-known for its large staircase that is good for studying in between classes.
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important resources at michigan By Calder Lewis & Kristina Zheng, Summer Daily News Editors Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center
SAPAC provides a wide array of supportive services for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment and gender-based harassment. Located on the fourth floor of the Michigan Union, SAPAC is committed to helping survivors through emotional, medical, academic, housing and legal challenges. SAPAC also collaborates with the Spectrum Center for weekly general and LGBTQ+ peer-led support groups. In addition to regular office hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, SAPAC offers a 24/7 crisis line at 734-936-3333.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS offers free one-on-one counseling, referral services and other mental health resources. To make an appointment, go to the CAPS offices located on the fourth floor of the Michigan Union. After scheduling your first appointment, you will get a 45-minute initial consultation. If you need help right away, ask for the counselor on duty during office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. CAPS also offers after hours support to any University of Michigan student or person concerned about another University student at 734-764-8312.
Office of Student Conflict Resolution
Housed on the first floor of the Student Activities Building, the OSCR helps manage and resolve conflicts among students and organizations. Common issues the OSCR helps work through involve issues with University faculty/staff members or roommates in on/off-campus housing, among others. There are additional resources and programs available for students to address alcohol or other drug-related incidents and fraternity/sorority conflict. In most cases, the information shared remains confidential. One-on-one conflict coaching and workshops are additional resources for students looking to gain training. Appointments can be made with an OSCR facilitator by filling out a Request for Conflict Resolution Services form at www.oscr.umich.edu.
Office for Institutional Equity
As part of their mission to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, the Office of Institutional Equity offers training, workshops and programs for students, faculty and staff. OIE is also responsible for investigating student sexual misconduct issues. Any information provided to OIE may be shared with other University officials as necessary and appropriate. To access confidential assistance, students should seek resources in SAPAC or CAPS. Individuals with known disabilities can also seek OIE for specific accommodations and accessibility needs in the workplace. To contact the OIE, individuals can fill out a web form on their website at www.oie.umich.edu.
University Health Services
Located at 207 Fletcher Street, University Health Services provides free clinical services and health and wellness resources to all currently enrolled students across all three campuses. The following services are free to all students: Clinic visits; initial physical therapy visits; nurse advice by phone; eye care for medical problems; testing for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and hormonal testing for transgender care; sexual assault services and any associated lab test; Wolverine Wellness services and nutrition services. Students (and/or their health insurance) are responsible for paying for any services received outside of UHS. To schedule an appointment for non-urgent health care or receive nurse advice for urgent health concerns, call 734-764-8320.
Physical Health Options
Looking for a place to stay active and avoid the Freshman 15? Check out the Central Campus Recreation Building, Intramural Sports Building and North Campus Recreation Building. Students have access to all three buildings that hold two indoor tracks; three indoor pools; over 500 pieces of cardio and weight equipment; unlimited drop-in use of basketball, volleyball, racquetball and squash courts; and more. All you need is your UMID card. Group fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba and cycling can also be purchased. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 7
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being first-generation at u-m By Jenny Chong
As the daughter of two immigrants who were not able to receive higher education and had to work blue-collar jobs, I came into the University of Michigan without much parental college guidance. Being a low-income student as well, I often felt conflicted about my intended career path and if I would be making the right decision for my future. I was admitted into LSA upon my college acceptance, but constantly questioned what I was doing in a school I had no intention of graduating from. I decided I wanted to become an engineer, but my impostor syndrome made me doubt my math and science abilities. At a university with almost 30,000 undergraduate students who were most likely in the top of their high school graduating class, I felt I did not deserve my spot at the University — let alone a spot at its top-ranked engineering school — and my accomplishments could not compare to everyone else’s. During orientation, while everyone else was choosing classes that aligned with their pre-med track or business major, I was lost. I flipped through the LSA course guide and was overwhelmed with the hundreds of options for an at-the-time undeclared LSA student. I felt like I was the only student who was unsure about my major. Fortunately, I was able to voice my concerns to my academic advisor, who informed me of the cross-campus transfer process in which I could become a student in the College of Engineering. She eased my worries of not being good enough and told me I wasn’t alone. Throughout my first year, she would be my support system when I had questions about the courses I needed to take to apply for the transfer and during the difficult transition from high school to college. I would also confide in her once or twice every month to let her know how my freshman year was going. In spite of being over 500 miles away from my parents, I had found a parental figure in my academic advisor who inspired my recent cross-campus transfer to the College of Engineering.
By Brittany Bowman
I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into by attending the University. We all know this is a prestigious and internationally-renowned institution of higher education, but as a first-generation college student, I really didn’t know what that entailed. Neither of my parents went to college — my father barely graduated high school — and the only other family member that has more than a high school diploma attended Purdue back in the 90s. To put it frankly, I was very much on my own. My roommate freshman year, a brilliant girl from a similarly-structured nuclear family, was in a completely opposite situation — which continuously astounded me. She was able to call her mother and ask for housing advice, what certain majors were, what classes to take, if she should minor in Spanish or double major, etc. I quickly learned that many students at the University are in a similar situation and can rely on their parents for academic, career and financial advice, or at least have an established collection of anecdotal knowledge to do so themselves. I learned of the vast financial disparities of University students and that you’re considered “poor” if your parents make under $65,000 a year. Coming from a hometown with a median family income of $42,708, I was shocked to learn that nearly 1 out of every 10 of my peers comes from the top 1 percent of wealth in America, while only 3.6 percent of students come from the lowest 20 percent of income distribution. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 9
Continued from previous page: Being first-gen and low-income, you quickly realize that the odds may not be so heavily in your favor. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the financial resources the University provides, such as the Go Blue Guarantee, but the most important thing for me during my first year was finding a small network of mentors. Without being able to rely academically on the people closest to me, it’s essential to really push yourself to branch out in the new environment you’re in. Nestled within the LSA Honors Program, my academic advisor was a saving grace who never failed to support and advocate for me. He recommended I join Michigan Pre-Med Advising Community, which is a mentorship program for pre-med students on campus. I was soon paired with a junior studying neuroscience and she assisted in planning my schedule, advising which professors to take classes with, which professors to avoid, the in’s and out’s on Ann Arbor coffee shops and how to balance academics with extracurricular activities. My junior year, I became a mentor in the same program and did the same — hoping to pass down knowledge I would’ve otherwise had no access to.
Need help with living off-campus? Visit offcampus.umich.edu for:
Housing Resources
Housing Advice and Support
Virtual Housing Fair June 24 2PM EDT Zoom Webinar
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Living Resources
Recording posted online
The Comprehensive Studies Program at the University is also very important for first-gen and low-income students. They set aside smaller class sizes for CSP students that meet more frequently and offer more resources. If a student chooses to regularly enroll in CSP-designated classes, this close-knit group, which can eventually diverge together toward major-specific classes, is a great community to fall back on or study with. Although I cannot stress enough the importance of branching out and mixing with multiple communities as a University student, remaining with a group that you can closely relate to and identify with can keep you anchored during the demanding and unrelenting triumphs of college life. Overall, the University is a fantastic school with endless connections, resources and opportunities for students. The hard part is knowing how to access these things. Without parental guidance or guidance of any kind helping you navigate the brand new world of college life, it’s easy to feel out of place, lost, helpless. As we are currently unsure of what the fall semester may bring in regards to COVID19, I urge all students to check out Maize Pages for endless organizations and chances to find your group of people. A shameless plug: The Michigan Daily has been, by far, the most enriching, fulfilling and memorable organization I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of, and I encourage everyone interested in writing, journalism, politics, arts, history, you-name-it to get involved.
diversify your first year schedule By Joel Weiner, Summer Opinion Editor Dear incoming freshmen: Take a class out of your comfort zone. And take it this year. As you anxiously await your first year as a University of Michigan student, which we all hope will be on campus, many of you are probably deciding which classes to take. I urge you to take courses across a range of topics, even if you think you already know what you want to study. I did this my first year and it proved to be one of my best academic decisions so far. The summer leading up to my freshman year, I thought I was going to be a political science major. I did well in those types of classes in high school and was very interested in politics. I was so sure of this that I even enrolled in two political science courses my first semester. I enjoyed them both, but also recognized that I had other interests yet to be explored. Second semester, I took other kinds of classes to broaden the scope of my studies. One of them was economics. I slowly became more interested in the subject. I was lucky to have a Graduate Student Instructor who always made sure to explain class concepts in terms and examples interesting to college students, usually going the extra mile to relate them to our daily lives. I took another economics class the following semester and recently decided to major in it. While your experience may not be the same as mine, a class on a subject you do not know much about will help you as both a student and thinker. Continued on next page
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Continued from previous page: The experience will help you think about problems differently and often more effectively. Any given academic discipline usually approaches each issue and topic in a similar fashion. Political science, for instance, being based in humanitarian theory, uses political theory to find solutions. Economics, on the other hand, being based on models, uses formulas and graphs to come up with a solution. Both methods have their strengths, but they also have weaknesses. By diversifying the kinds of classes you take, you will learn other ways to approach a problem and recognize those weaknesses present in each approach. All of this is well accepted at the University, which is why we take distribution requirements. Taking those classes early in your college career is important because the earlier you find other subjects you are interested in, the more time you have to learn about them. The plethora of unique courses the University offers almost guarantees that you will find something new to pique your curiosity. Feeding off of that drive and delving further into the subject, even if you do not major in it, will still give you a well-rounded understanding of the world. If you excel in STEM fields, for example, considering taking a literature class to learn how to examine texts. If history is your best subject, but analyzing graphs is a challenge, a statistics class can help you improve. You can combine those courses with your major to carve out an interdisciplinary niche in your field for you to expand on. And even in the event that you do not like the class at all, at least you tried and are all the more certain of what you want to major in. Broadening the scope of our studies is invaluable to effectively use a Michigan education to prepare for careers and the issues society will pose for our generation. In fact, a wide-ranging education is a Michigan education –– you just have to make sure your experience has that quality from the start.
St.
Catholic
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professional development at u-m By Julia Rubin, Summer Daily News Editor Career Guidance The University of Michigan Career Center is located in the Student Activities Building, right next to the Michigan Union. UCC offers career coaching appointments, career guides for each major, free professional headshots and much more. UCC also sends out career track emails that feature targeted job offers, internships, programs and advice for those interested in consulting, nonprofit, sports, law, marketing and more. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, UCC provides free networking events and resume workshops to help you present your best self to potential employers. Searching for Jobs and Internships Though there may be pressure to find a summer internship, the University provides resources to take pressure off the search. The LSA Opportunity Hub offers free consultations and the LSA Opportunity Network, a website that matches employers interested in interns and employees with a liberal arts background. The Opportunity Hub offers workshops for internships and career fairs. Similarly, the Engineering Career Resource Center is an engineering-focused career center that also hosts professional development workshops and has its own job searching website. Online, the Michigan Handshake website and app connects students with employers specifically seeking U-M students. The University’s Developmental Summer Internship Program (D-SIP) and Public Service Intern Program (P-SIP) provide students with a paid 12-week summer internship and allow students to study and intern in D.C. for a semester, respectively. Networking With the country’s largest living alumni network, meeting and networking with alumni can be the key to getting an internship or job in your desired field. UCC offers the University Career Alumni Network, which connects students and alumni to have informational interviews and career-related conversations. The LSA Opportunity Hub brings in multiple successful alumni each month in a variety of fields to give presentations and have conversations with students — sign up for their emails to meet think tank directors, marketing executives, doctors and more. Both the ECRC and the UCC put on multiple career fairs each year and provide workshops to prepare students to put their best foot forward to top recruiters.
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being poc at u-m By Sunitha Palat
When I was a freshman two years ago, I remember thinking about what awaited me in Ann Arbor: my future best friends for life, my career and the first time I would live alone and start to “adult.” Yet, in all of that daydreaming of my college self, I never considered the changes which would come to my perspective, especially in relation to my identity as an Indian American. I came to the University of Michigan from a town where I was one of 26 POC in my graduating class of 462, and one of three Indian people. While my parents still celebrated Hindu holidays with my brother and I, had a large Indian family friend group, cooked Indian food at home, practiced Hinduism and shared with us the customs and traditions they grew up with, these moments were more sparse and scattered throughout my upbringing. The day-to-day life I lived in my white suburbia defined my culture more than anything — as many would say, I was your typical white-washed coconut. Before coming to the University, I saw my Indianness — my brown skin, body hair, home life, religion — as a negative point of difference standing between me and my peers. When certain parts of my adolescence didn’t go my way, such as my crush not liking me back or my parents not letting me stay out past a certain point, I blamed it on my identity and the parts of me that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t change. The disdain and blame I placed on my background accumulated throughout my adolescence to a point where I began to outwardly ignore it. When any discussion around India or Indian culture arose among my friends and schoolmates, I stayed quiet and acted as if I knew nothing about it. Looking back, I can somewhat forgive myself for this attitude based on teen angst and general self-consciousness, but I can’t help but feel simply dumb and regretful for putting aside my identity — who I am — for so long. Now, my Indian identity is something unique and different about me that I am genuinely proud to show off to my white friends. I can’t quite pinpoint the specific moments I’ve had on campus here which reversed this shift, but by simply meeting individuals who want to know more, who encourage me to be my best self and love my background, and being part of an environment that values education, openmindedness and growth, my time at the University has allowed for maturity and self-reflection creating this appreciation for my identity today.
By Maya Kadouh
United by culture and the struggles that come with being a minority on a predominantly white campus are hundreds of Arab Wolverines who are equally focused on honoring their heritage and uplifting each other. Class of 2024, ahlan wa sahlan, you belong here with us. At the hub of all things Arab on campus is the Arab Student Association. Between hosting Arab Xpressions, the largest Arab cultural showcase on campus, and organizing educational workshops, ASA unites the Arab community. ASA encourages all Arab freshmen to participate in Successful Arab Leaders at Michigan, a student orientation program designed to help Arabs transition to campus life. Ziad Fehmi, director of first year programs for ASA, highlights the benefits of SALAM. “Through the program, students build skills to become a leader on campus; network with students, faculty and staff; build community; and learn how to navigate life on campus as an Arab student,” Fehmi said. For questions or more information regarding SALAM, email SALAMLeadCommittee2020@gmail.com. Existing within multicultural Greek life is the Empowered Arab Sisterhood (EAΣ), the first and only Arab sorority in the nation and on campus, and Omega Beta Eta (ΩBH), the first and only Arab fraternity on campus. Current President of EAΣ, Bushra HabbasNimer, states, “We are a philanthropic, cultural sisterhood and are always looking for sisters passionate about humanitarian issues in the Arab world and empowering other women.” Similarly to EAΣ, ΩBH meshes together culture, philanthropy and brotherhood. Both EAΣ and ΩBH provide their members with a unique experience that other parts of Greek life cannot — being a community which nurtures their connection to their culture and is unapologetically Arab. Driven to provide Arab students with academic and professional resources are the Arab Business Society and The National Arab American Medical Association. Both organizations allow Arab students to explore their career interests through mentorship and professional development opportunities, all while fostering a close community.
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finding joy in a required course By Andie Horowitz, Summer Managing Statement Editor I’ve never been good at learning a foreign language. I was first introduced to French in elementary school, switched to Spanish for middle school and then settled on taking Italian for my high school years. Italian was widely regarded as a class with a guaranteed A, with grades dependent mostly on participation and projects rather than tests. It was a class that was notorious for students succeeding solely on short-term memory. With this background, I stumbled upon Michigan’s Italian placement test with little to no knowledge under my belt, despite four years of studying the language. Unsurprisingly, I placed into the lowest level of Italian offered. This not only meant that I had to continue with a language in college — which I had always hoped I could avoid — but also implied that I had to take four semesters of one too. It felt like a nightmare. I knew that college courses were significantly harder than high school. I could no longer depend on easy projects and half-assed presentations; instead, I would have to face the tedious and daunting task of actually learning a language. I walked in on the first day to a classroom smaller than I ever expected to see at a university as big as Michigan. Our section of Italian 101 had around 12 kids, all with different majors. All were there for the same reason: We had to be to fulfill the language requirement. None of us had a particular zest or love for Italian, but we were all passionate about getting it over with. Our professor, Guglielmo Audiberti, was a 5-foot-9-inch, Gucci-wearing Italian man. He spoke with a thick Italian accent and carried an energy that radiated throughout the room. He always entered the class with a loud and endearing “Ciao,” and conducted himself in a way that made each student feel at home. His name quickly changed from Professor Audiberti to just plain “Gugu.” The class was based solely on interaction with one another, something that I dreaded in the beginning, but quickly realized was the biggest blessing. Because of the small class size and required participation, all of the students became well acquainted only weeks into the course. There was Aaron, a CS major who always wore the coolest clothing and greeted everyone with a warm smile. There was Silas, a professional and intelligent history major who almost always dressed in a suit and knew more Italian than all of us combined. And then there was Callie, a philosophy and history major who shared similar interests with me and swiftly became one of my favorite people on campus. We had class four days a week together for four semesters in a row. Although we did not see each other much outside of class, we got to know each other on a much deeper basis than surface level. We had formed a bond unique to us: a special community of Gugu’s Italian students. Assignment after assignment, essay after essay, exam after exam, we had each other’s backs. The class was one of a kind in the sense that there truly was no judgment. There were many students who were vocal and confident with their speaking skills, but others who were more hesitant, like me. Speaking in a different language in front of others is a daunting task, yet in Gugu’s class, it was easy. The fear of pronouncing something wrong or saying the incorrect tense simply didn’t exist. No one would laugh at another student, but instead, would help them move forward. Everyone, including Gugu, supported each other. I vividly remember coming to class on one dreary November Wednesday. My boyfriend of two years had broken up with me the day before, and the gloomy weather perfectly reflected my mental state. I walked in with puffy eyes and janky pajamas, noticeably disheveled and running basically on autopilot. Although my appearance was uninviting, I was greeted by Silas with an enthusiastic, “Ciao Andie!” followed by Aaron commenting on my “grunge” outfit: “Everything OK Andie?” he asked. “The fit isn’t as electric as usual.” Continued on next page The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 15
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To put it briefly, it is dominating the competition. Following the 2019-2020 regular season, the team had a 21-4-1-1 record, earning the #1 seeds in both conference playoffs and the Men’s DIII ACHA National Tournament. Unfortunately, the post-season was cut short due to COVID-19. However, the Wolverines are prepared to build on the success of last year and continue dominating at the regional and national levels. The Michigan DIII ACHA Team competes in the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC). The team hosts many home games as well as travels short distances within Michigan for away games. Long distance travel includes 2-3 trips per academic year. This season (2020-2021), the Wolverines will head to the mountains of Colorado and the streets of Boston for matchups against skillful out-ofconference opponents.
There is truly nothing like Michigan DIII ACHA Hockey. If you have questions about this winning team, please contact Head Coach Jason Bartek at jasonbartek@gmail.com. Go Blue!
www.wolverineclubhockey.com
It was an astute observation, and after three semesters under our belt, I felt comfortable telling my classmates the news. Callie, Aaron and Silas, along with other students, dedicated the remainder of the class to comfort me. Gugu even offered his support when he found out what was going on. When the day began, class was the last place I wanted to be, yet those 50 minutes were what made me feel as if everything was going to be okay. The language requirement had managed to morph from an unavoidable, anxiety-provoking obligation to one of my favorite experiences at the University of Michigan. I found myself looking forward to the four days a week spent in class because I got to spend time with friends I otherwise may have not made. I had an eccentric teacher who cared about his students, even going as far as to celebrate the end of the semester with an authentic Italian meal for our class at his home. It was an experience that I may have not initially asked for, but now, I wouldn’t trade for the world. If I can leave you with one piece of advice, it would be to try to find joy in even the most unlikely, and maybe even the most dreaded of places. The beauty of college is that you can stumble upon the most treasured friendships and memories in places you least expect — even if that means a required language course.
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the art of talking to gsi’s & professors By Izza Ahmed-Ghani, Michigan in Color Staff Writer I. What’s the point of office hours? You’re not in high school anymore and it’s not up to your teachers to check in on you. Whether it stems from fear or even laziness to talk to them, push yourself. They want you to succeed. The responsibility of success falls on your plate, and I guarantee if you make an effort, it’ll be well worth your time. Here are some reasons you might want to reconsider prioritizing office hours and developing a relationship with your GSIs and professors: • Taking an initiative to reach out to an academic mentor will set the tone for the rest of the semester. • The conversation outside of the classroom might even be a more comfortable setting to ask questions. That way it’s not intimidating since there are no eyes on you as there are in lecture. • Maybe you’re not doing well in the class or don’t think an assignment reflects the work you put in. You can converse about it privately to ensure you’re both on the same page. You might even get some points back. • They might be able to help you find resources, internships or research you’re interested in. • You might find a mentor in the subject of your interest. • Applying to post-undergrad programs such as grad school or work opportunities may require a reference. Who better than faculty that can vouch for your work ethic and dedication? II. Taking the first step. Start with introducing yourself. While the first set of classes might be considered “weeders,” your face will become more recognizable in class and your efforts will become more apparent. It’s best to do this the first couple weeks into the semester. All it takes is checking whether they have a link to schedule an appointment or require you to just walk in during times mentioned on their syllabus. When communicating with them, make sure there’s formal etiquette. An example email might look like this: Subject: _Class Title/ #_ Message: Hello Dr./Professor _____, Hope you’re doing well! My name is _____ and I’m a student from __class__. I was wondering if you had time to talk about the class _(or include a specific request)_. Let me know what you think. Best regards, _Your Name__ Identify who you are and the class you’re from. Keep your email to the point. They’re most likely busy juggling various responsibilities. That being said, make sure you promptly respond within the next few days once they reply. If it still feels a bit jarring, maybe tag a friend and make a pact to go to office hours for some good old positive reinforcement. Then maybe next time, you’ll have the courage to do it yourself. III. What to talk about? To be frank, going isn’t as hard as making sure you know what to say. I would highly recommend that before attending office hours, you prepare. You’re only allocated a certain amount of time, so make it worth both theirs and yours. Be sincere and make sure not to talk over them. The good news is once you do it the first time, the second time is even smoother. You may also find it beneficial to search them up and see what work or experience they have that might interest you. If you’re going through a hard time, let them know and see if they can help. Maybe they’ll give you more time to work on an assignment. It never hurts to reach out. What will hurt is if you didn’t give them a chance. Some questions might include: • What are things students often struggle with in your class? • How can I improve on my next assignment? • How did you become a professor or GSI in this class? • Can you explain a bit more about how xyz works? • I saw your work in xyz and was wondering if you could recommend or refer me to any research within the field? The golden rule: Friends come and go, but opportunity is once in a lifetime and can change the direction you grow. There’s always a good reason for office hours. Don’t let office hours be an overwhelming experience, as there’s always other things to worry about. Let the academic faculty on this campus be a beacon to guide you where to go and how to get there. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 17
Members of the LGBTQ+ community come with a boundless range of identities and their interest in expression of pride can differ greatly. Regardless of how many resources you will use during your next four years, the University of Michigan makes sure to offer their queer students a plethora of student groups, comfortable housing arrangements, proper medical care through UHS and numerous organizations to make their transition as smooth as it can be without having to compromise any aspect of their identity. Below, The Michigan Daily has accumulated a condensed and non-exhaustive list of key resources for the community.
STUDENT GROUPS The Spectrum Center “The Spectrum Center at University of Michigan is a collaborative space in which all members of the university and local community are welcome. Through collaboration and partnership efforts, the Center supports students to thrive in a diverse society and globally. The center works toward enhancing the campus climate and support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty at the university through education, advocacy, and community building.” -Spectrum website AHAVA “Ahava is the Jewish LGBT group on campus, and is sponsored by Hillel. Explore your LGBT and Jewish identities in a safe, open environment. Our goals include advocacy, providing a social space for our community, and sponsoring programming including discussions and lectures on issues relating to LGBT/Jewish issues.” -AHAVA in Maize Pages Bilateral “The mission of the group is to build a community of those interested in bisexual issues, to promote discussion and dialogue within said community, to encourage understanding within the greater University of Michigan community, and to provide opportunities for those interested in bisexual issues to socialize with others with shared concerns.” -Bilateral in Maize Pages Coalition for Queer People of Color “The Coalition for Queer People of Color is a group of students, faculty, and staff all committed to building community around, and highlighting the lived experiences of, queer and similarly identified people of color. Our mission is to enrich the lives of queer people of color at the University of Michigan, while pursuing broader community transformation around issues of social and racial justice.” -Coalition for Queer People of Color in Maize Pages Out for Business (OFB) “Out for Business builds community among the LGBT students at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and raises awareness among Ross faculty, staff and students of the issues facing LGBT individuals in society. We work to achieve our mission by providing professional and social networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ students at Ross while also raising awareness of LGBTQ+ workplace issues within the Ross community. We develop and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, alumni and corporations to help us achieve these goals.” -Out for Business in Maize Pages
MEDICAL/HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS Gender Inclusive Living Experience “Gender Inclusive Living Experience (GILE) is a Theme Community open to anyone looking for a safe, inclusive, and supportive living experience. GILE is open to students of any gender identity or gender expression, and allies who have a reflective understanding of gender and will actively contribute to an inclusive community. GILE residents live in a cluster of rooms on the same hallway and have access to the gender-inclusive restrooms on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.” -Michigan Housing website The Trans Care Team “The Trans Care Team is a group of health care providers at UHS specifically trained in providing affirming care to trans and nonbinary patients. You can schedule with one of these providers for a general health care visit, to discuss transition goals, to initiate or continue hormone therapy, and/or to receive referrals for gender-related services outside of UHS (e.g. surgery, voice coaching).” -University Health Service website
18 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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Federally insured by the NCUA. *A $30 fee may be imposed for covering overdrafts created by check, ACH, in-person withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, or other electronic means. Whether your overdrafts will be paid is discretionary, and we reserve the right not to pay if your account is not in good standing. †Subject to credit approval. Additional limitations, terms and conditions apply. The following transaction fees apply, 1% for foreign transactions, $2 for non-UCMU/Co-Op ATM transactions and $2 for each overdraft transfer.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 19
arts in ann arbor Welcome to Ann Arbor! For someone new to it, the cultural scene of Ann Arbor has a dizzying liveliness — nearly every night, something is going on, whether a concert, a reading or a theatrical performance. Daily Arts is your guide to this rich and endlessly varied world. Alongside reviews of new books, music and film, we review performances put on by student organizations and events in the local arts scene. We know our way around the artistic landscape of Ann Arbor better than most — it’s our job! It’s worth pointing out that as many artists come to visit Ann Arbor, there are even more ways to get involved with creating and practicing art yourself: Everything from creative writing classes to the Prison Creative Arts Project to an improv theater group. Even as someone in the School of Music, a lot of my most satisfying artistic experiences have been in settings entirely separate from my coursework. To be perfectly honest, it took me a while to really open my eyes to the unending variety of what was all around me the whole time. Part of the joy of the Ann Arbor arts scene is how accessible creative practices are to people new to it. I’ve been fortunate enough to find several niches where people are encouraged to create freely. One of my favorite memories is of playing a set of music alongside another SMTD student at a gallery opening for student work — our sets were followed by a pair of DJs in the student-run Michigan Electronic Music Collective. I milled about for the rest of the night chatting with the artists about their work, feeling intensely the vibrancy of the community around me. — Emily Yang, Summer Managing Arts Editor
20 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
By Samantha Della Fera, Daily Arts Writer
When your days at the dining hall become weary and drab, have no fear — the Ann Arbor food scene is here. On my first visit to Michigan, an overly cheery tour guide claimed that I could eat out every week during my four years of college and still not hit every restaurant. I was skeptical at first, but as I near my senior year, I realized they were correct. From Italian to Korean to Mexican to Indian, Ann Arbor has every cuisine you could wish for, at all different price levels. Whether you’re looking to dine without breaking the bank or treat yourself to a splurge, here’s a compilation of some of the best spots to check out. Feast for under $10 Cheap, high-quality eats are peppered throughout Ann Arbor. For a tasty option close to campus check out Pita Kabob Grill. The small storefront is tucked away on East William, a perfect location for anyone heading to class on central campus or to State Street for some shopping. Pita Kabob’s falafel exploding with flavor or tender shawarma wrapped up in a near foot-long warm pita with french fries, hummus and tabouleh is sure to satisfy your stomach. Coming from New Jersey, I was worried that going to school in Michigan meant I was about to go years without my go-to quick lunch: a slice of truly delicious pizza. Luckily, Joe’s Pizza came to town last year and brought with it a New York City classic right to the steps of the Diag. With brick walls adorned with pictures of celebrities eating their pizza, Joe’s will make you feel like you just walked into their original Greenwich Village slice shop. Go traditional with a plain slice and pair it with their sensational white slice for a quick trip to the Big Apple without any of the hassle. Budget-friendly fine dining If you’re looking for a more sit-down dining experience, but still don’t wait to dig too deep into your pockets, there are plenty of options for that casual first date or a lunch with friends. Tomukun Noodle Bar on East Liberty offers heaping bowls of ramen and mouth-watering appetizers. The sheer fact that I once ate here three times in one week should show just how quintessential this spot is. Once you eat Tomukun for the first time, you’ll be counting down the days until you can go back. For a trip to Kerrytown, Zingerman’s isn’t the only place worth visiting. Detroit Filling Station is a funky spot with friendly staff, live music and a killer brunch. Best of all, the entire menu is vegan. I’ll admit as an omnivore I was hesitant at first, but the incredible food at Detroit Filling leaves nothing to be desired. Everything is so flavorful and perfectly prepared, even the world’s staunchest carnivore couldn’t say no to a meal. Spots to splurge at Celebrating your first birthday or special occasion at college can feel a bit weird, but nothing can cure homesickness quite like some delicious food. Aventura on East Washington is waiting for you. While a meal at Aventura doesn’t have to cost a ton, it will if you do it well. With a laundry list of tapas as well as flatbreads, meat boards and paella, you’ll be tempted to sample it all. This place is constantly full, so if you do want to celebrate at Aventura, make sure to get a reservation in. If you’re a seafood fan looking to eat in a sleek interior with great hospitality, look no further than Pacific Rim on West Liberty. While I don’t eat seafood, I heard enough rave reviews from my parents and friends that made me feel compelled to include Pacific Rim as a perfect classy date or big celebration spot. The menu bursting with flavorful, fresh seafood dishes is guaranteed to impress, and provides for a perfect spot to round out your Ann Arbor foodie tour. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 21
So you’ve made it to Ann Arbor. If you’re a human being who also owns ears, there’s a pretty good chance you also like music. From auditoriums that sparkle at night to your friend’s basement squished next to a suspiciously warm hot water boiler, every part of Ann Arbor makes it one of the most musical towns you could experience. Hill Auditorium Hill Auditorium opened its shiny doors in 1913 to the University’s entire student body at the time, for which it was built to house. In that era, the number rested around 3,500. Now, though Michigan’s enrollment is over 10 times its maximum capacity, Hill is just as magical. The acoustics in the venue are nearly perfect. Though the type of music that usually finds its home here might not be your cup of tea, you must see a show here before you graduate. Michigan Theater While the Michigan Theater is best known for its beautiful marquee and assortment of movies on show at any given moment, the largest theatre is also used for musical performances on a regular basis. The Theater is often home to larger shows for rock, folk and soul artists that draw audiences from the community’s rootsy fans. Just in the past couple of years, artists like Patti Smith, Mavis Staples and Jenny Lewis have graced the Theater’s historic stage. SMTD Showcases/Performances It would be remiss not to acknowledge the world-class music, dance and theatre school that finds its home on our own campus, fostering fledgling performers into the next generation of stars. Many of these performances are either free or made free through the Passport to the Arts, which can be picked up at any dorm’s community center each month to see what those crazy kids are up to. The Blind Pig The Blind Pig is Ann Arbor’s answer to New York’s now-defunct CBGB’s (may she rest in peace), a beer-soaked, rock ‘n’ roll hole in the wall that has been the favorite of our city’s punks from the moment of conception. It was notoriously Kurt Cobain’s favorite venue to play with Nirvana, and still holds up to the hype. A short stage and barstools, along with a full bar and checkerboard floor fosters a sense of community and camaraderie with the artists at hand, everyone dancing together in a sweaty leather-clad mess of joy. Blue LLama Jazz Club Though still relatively new on the Main Street lineup of restaurants and venues, the Blue LLama Jazz Club has established itself as a respected place to grab a drink, maybe dinner, and see some fabulous jazz musicians do what they do best. The distinctive blue-neon exterior of its storefront makes Blue LLama hard to miss, and the music that drifts out each weekend night makes the venue even more irresistible. Canterbury House Canterbury House is also perfect for jazz lovers, an open and accessible venue that hosts both artists and musicians to present shows on a weekly basis throughout the year. The venue serves as both the Episcopal Church’s campus ministry at Michigan and a place of musical celebration, known for its history of showcasing artists like Joni Mitchell, the MC5 and Neil Young in the ’60s. Now, the concert schedule is student-curated and packed with talented and diverse musicians from the area and beyond.
By Clara Scott, Daily Arts Writer 22 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Co-op Circuit For those of you who have never heard of a co-op, they are living communities here in Ann Arbor who share a house much like fraternities or sororities would, but with a much more “free love” take on the concept. Often, co-ops have local bands and DJs play their events for hours on end, and while the experience may be slightly sweaty, it is a great opportunity to make some friends and see what the student music scene has to offer. These are the friendly nose-ringed people you always knew you would meet in college, and they have great taste.
Snapshots of Ann Arbor
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 23
arts at michigan 2020-21 Calendar
SEPTEMBER Scholarship Showcase - The best students in the School of Music, Theater & Dance gather for a collage concert, performing a wide range of material.
NOVEMBER Men’s Glee Club concert - One of the oldest collegiate choruses in the world performs their semester concert at Michigan.
JANUARY Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Hosted by local, non-profit venue The Ark, the Ann Arbor Folk Festival brings folk music to downtown.
OCTOBER Play & Musical - SMTD puts on a play and musical.
DECEMBER Play - SMTD puts on a play.
EnspiRED Fashion Show - Student group EnspiRED, whose mission is to call attention to arts at U-M, throws their charity fashion show. SMTD’s Collage Concert - Similar to the scholarship showcase, SMTD puts on a variety concert to show all of the events happening within their school.
MARCH Ann Arbor Film Festival - A celebration of film hosted at our local theaters, Michigan and State. The AAFF brings bold, experimental film to downtown, engaging audiences with film they’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else.
MAY
Movement Detroit - The Memorial Day weekend electronic music festival gathers brands, producers and DJs to celebrate Detroit’s contributions to techno and electronica and innovations in the genre. Cinetopia - Detroit and its suburbs showcase the best films from international festival circuits, including at Ann Arbor’s own Michigan Theater.
JULY MO POP - An outdoor festival at West Riverfront Park, MO POP brings major pop music acts to Detroit for two days of music. Ann Arbor Art Fair - Nowhere else can a city shut down its entire downtown, including its miles of streets, for a celebration of art. World-class artists sell their painting, sculptures and more in this four-day fair in July.
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FEBRUARY Play & Musical - SMTD puts on a play and musical.
APRIL Springfest - Organized by MUSIC Matters, Springfest is a daylong festival that begins with tents and vendors gathered under to celebrate art, music and social change and ends with a nighttime concert, MUSIC Matters has brought Migos, 2Chainz and J. Cole in the past. Play - SMTD puts on a play. Men’s Glee Club concert - One of the oldest collegiate choruses in the world performs their semester concert at Michigan.
JUNE
Ann Arbor Summer Festival - A month-long commemoration of music, film, dance and visual art, located in the heart of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Restaurant Week - Ann Arbor flexes its foodie muscles with over 50 restaurants offering deals on custom menus. Sonic Lunch - Bank of Ann Arbor hosts these free outdoor concerts in the afternoon each week.
AUGUST
Blues Festival - Starting in 1969, this historic festival has featured many greats, including B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton and Buddy Guy. Revived in 2017, this two-day festival takes place at the Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds.
THE VICTORS: MICHIGAN ATHLETES
DESIGN BY MADELINE HINKLEY
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 25
michigan football: 2020 expectations By Theo Mackie, Managing Sports Editor If you’re anything like I was as an incoming freshman, your decision to come to Michigan had two sides. There was what you told your parents: It’s a great academic school, it’s good for your major and there are lots of networking opportunities. And sure, those matter. But then there’s real reason you came here: the campus life — the bars and dorm parties and, yes, the football culture. Coming from the East Coast, the Midwest’s obsession with college football was foreign to me before I stepped on campus. That didn’t last long. The first Saturday of college was everything I imagined it to be, especially when I woke up at 6 a.m. to the clamor of Hotel Motel emanating from the frat next to South Quad. But if the campus football culture was everything I imagined it to be, the actual on-field product was a bad early naughts song. I came to Michigan on the back of the Wolverines’ Orange Bowl appearance in Jim Harbaugh’s second season. Michigan was an inch — or a bad spot, depending on how much you let your biases seep through — from beating Ohio State and likely going to the College Football Playoff. And when I got to campus, that was the expectation. Instead, three years later, Michigan has yet to match the lofty heights of 2016. Whereas that season’s matchup with Ohio State came down to an inch in double overtime, the three since have been decided by an average point total large enough to drink. So that’s the first thing you need to know about Michigan football. For the past half a decade, there’s been Ohio State and the rest of the Big Ten. For the Wolverines, Penn State and Wisconsin have been the measuring stick. In good years, they’ll beat them. In bad years, they won’t. But the only way to have a great year — the type of year that’s eluded Michigan for two decades — is to beat the Buckeyes. Until then, the fanbase’s discontent will only continue to grow, with unsubstantiated calls for Harbaugh’s head coming every November. As for the 2020 Wolverines, the biggest question — beyond whether the season will be played — comes at quarterback after Shea Patterson’s graduation. Redshirt junior Dylan McCaffrey and redshirt sophomore Joe Milton bring plenty of talent and reason for optimism, but both lack starting experience. McCaffrey has a slight edge after backing up Patterson the past two seasons. But at 6-foot-5 and just 220 pounds, McCaffrey has proven to be fragile as a backup, bringing up questions as to his durability as a potential starter. Still, though, he’s an exciting option, with the family speed — his brother, Christian, is an All-Pro NFL running back — making him more of a threat to run than Patterson ever was. That difference could be critical under second-year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who values versatility in his skill-position players. McCaffrey, though, is far from locking down the quarterback spot. Milton has thrown just 11 passes in his college career, but he’s renowned for his rocket of an arm, which likely gives him more upside than McCaffrey. The issue for Milton is his accuracy and decisionmaking, two areas in which he currently lags behind McCaffrey. Elsewhere, the Wolverines’ offense returns plenty of playmakers. Nico Collins is set to be one of the more dynamic receivers in the Big Ten, returning for his senior season amid NFL Draft interest. Junior receiver Ronnie Bell, though, was Michigan’s top option last year with 758 receiving yards. Running backs Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet and Chris Evans should also help shoulder the offensive load with plenty of experience among them. Defensively, linebacker Cam McGrone, defensive ends Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson, safety Dax Hill and cornerback Ambry Thomas should all be among the best players in the Big Ten. There are scattered question marks lower down the defensive depth chart, but that core gives Michigan a high floor regardless of what happens on the offensive end. But, as always, none of it matters unless the Wolverines can reverse their fortunes on the last Saturday in November — an especially daunting task in a year when The Game will be played in Columbus.
26 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
men’s basketball outlook By Connor Brennan, Daily Sports Editor March 8th. That was the last time we saw the Michigan men’s basketball team actually play basketball. In the days following its regular season finale against No. 9 Maryland — which the Wolverines lost 83-70 — the college sports landscape was collectively upended by the COVID-19 outbreak. The 2019-2020 season ended without its typical grandeur and sent teams around the country into a long offseason. Almost three months later — granted, it’s felt more like three years — Michigan’s roster heading into next season looks vastly different than the one that finished ninth in the Big Ten. The two winningest players in program history, seniors Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske, have moved on. Three players transferred out, and three others transferred in. Four new freshmen signed and junior Isaiah Livers has yet to announce whether he’s leaving for the NBA or not. If it sounds like a lot has happened, it’s because it has. Fear not, though, because The Daily is here to catch you up on Michigan’s busy offseason and what it means going forward. Though coach Juwan Howard’s second year in charge will feature a revamped roster, his coaching staff has remained untouched. Last year’s additions, assistant coaches Phil Martelli and Howard Eisley, are set to return to Ann Arbor, while assistant Saddi Washington turned down a head coaching offer at his alma mater, Western Michigan, in favor of staying with the Wolverines.
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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 27
Continued from previous page: From a roster perspective, only a few members of last season’s rotation return. Michigan will lean heavily on junior guard Eli Brooks for his shooting prowess and ability to lock down opposing ball-handlers. Freshman wing Franz Wagner decided to return to Ann Arbor after initially testing the NBA Draft waters. He was third on the team in scoring with 11.6 points per game and could be the Wolverines’ go-to option offensively if he can become more consistent. Senior center Austin Davis improved immensely under Howard’s tutelage and is coming back for a fifth year. Energetic sophomore forward Brandon Johns Jr. will vye for a starting role next season after a few impressive performances off the bench. Finally, guard Adrien Nunez will look to rebound from a disappointing sophomore campaign where his minute total dwindled over time. In addition to Simpson and Teske’s departures, the Wolverines also lost three players to transfers. Sophomore guard David DeJulius, sixth on the team in minutes, transferred to Cincinnati in April, while sophomore forward Colin Castleton and freshman guard Cole Bajema — who appeared in 25 and 10 games respectively — returned to their home states to finish their careers. With ample room on the roster, Michigan itself turned to the transfer market. Mike Smith, a graduate transfer from Columbia, will have the unenviable task of following Zavier Simpson at the point guard position. Unlike Simpson, who was third in the country in assists, Smith is a scorer — his 33.8 usage rate was the 15th highest in the country though. In addition to Smith, Michigan secured the services of three-year starter at Wake Forest, guard Chaundee Brown, and versatile forward Nojel Eastern from Purdue. Whether they can play immediately or must sit out next season hinges on whether the NCAA grants them transfer waivers. As for Howard’s first recruiting class, don’t be surprised if four-star big man Hunter Dickinson plays his way into the starting five. Guard Zeb Jackson, who came off the bench at prep school powerhouse Montverde Academy will likely have to contribute early on given Michigan’s lack of backcourt depth. Meanwhile, playing time might be difficult to come by for four-star forward Terrance Williams and Howard’s own son, three-star Jace Howard. As currently constructed, the Wolverines are certainly capable of making the NCAA Tournament again. A primary rotation of Smith, Brooks, Wagner, Johns Jr., Davis and Dickinson isn’t enough to contend for the conference crown, but will likely secure a top-half finish in the Big Ten. And, if Livers withdraws from the NBA Draft and returns to Ann Arbor — as many expect — Michigan becomes even more dangerous. Assuming Brown and Eastern are forced to sit out though, the Wolverines’ lack of depth leaves them an injury or two away from calamity.
28 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
watching sports in covid-19 By Kent Schwartz & Nicholas Stoll, Summer Managing Sports Editors There are two main theories on the state of sports this fall: Either no fans will be allowed to attend or only a select few will be allowed to enter a stadium. With that in mind, it’s unlikely you will go to a game in the Big House this fall or make a Welcome Week trip to UM Soccer Stadium. “But author, how do I watch football, soccer, field hockey or any other sports?” I’m glad you asked, unknown reader. A few perks come along with being a Michigan student, and two specific ones unlock nearly all of Michigan athletics. First, there’s Philo Edu Internet Television. The obnoxiously named service allows any device attached to MWireless (the in-house internet in all campus buildings) to patch into a plethora of local television stations. It has FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS, so no matter what station Saturday’s big game is on, you can huddle up with your friends in a 12x14 dorm room to watch.
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The second way to watch games is my personal favorite, Big Ten Plus. Same as above, any time you’re hooked onto MWireless, you get access to live sporting events, past sporting events, highlights and everything from any Big Ten-televised game. There are Thursday night women’s basketball games, high stakes field hockey matchups, clash of titans on the soccer pitch, intense wrestling matchups and so much more. If you’re into a niche Michigan sport, Big Ten Plus can be a life-changer.
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Now, those are your free options. And, as a former college freshman, I love the idea of a free anything. If you really want to spend the extra money to set up that flatscreen that takes up over half your dorm room and watch live sports on it, you can do that. You won’t be able to access cable, but an Amazon Fire Stick or Roku TV are both viable options that will give you the ability to watch all the televised sports you want while you pretend the paper that’s due tomorrow doesn’t exist. If you can, you can also steal your parents’ cable login, especially if you want to flip between five different ESPN games at once to keep your bets alive (The Michigan Daily does not condone gambling). But then comes the next question: How do I avoid watching games alone underneath my blanket, trying not to wake up my hungover roommate? There’s no greater power move than watching a football game in a library and basking in the stares of jealous non-sports fans. Though, if it’s the camaraderie of a group of friends watching the game you miss, watch in the common room of your dorm or communicate with your roommate prior to their hangover about using your own dorm room. Open and clear communication can solve almost any problem. You could also watch the first half of a football game in the dining hall. Most of them close at 2 p.m. on weekends, and endless food plus football equals endless happiness. A group of friends, chowing down on nachos, tacos, pizza or burgers is a great way to start Saturday. So, even though COVID-19 will probably end up preventing you from spending your Saturdays in the Big House, there are tons of creative ways you can milk a genuine and positive game-day experience through digital avenues. After all, it’s all about the friends we’ve made along the way, not a football team that will lose on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com | 29
intro to non-revenue sports By Aria Gerson, Daily Sports Editor In the last full season of college athletics, Michigan won Big Ten titles in seven different sports — none of which were football or basketball. Though those teams don’t get as much attention across campus, many of them frequently contend for conference and national titles; have dedicated fan bases and student sections; and draw thousands of fans to their games. In short, Michigan’s non-revenue sports are worth paying attention to. With 27 teams on campus, there are many different sports to choose from. Better yet, all sports other than football, men’s basketball and hockey are free for students. The Daily broke down four of the Wolverines’ top non-revenue teams and what to watch for next year: Soccer In 2019, the Michigan men’s and women’s soccer teams had their best seasons in recent history. Both advanced to the Big Ten Tournament championship and made the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament in a loaded conference. The two teams go into 2020 hoping to build on that success. With so much returning talent in 2020, the women’s team is primed to build on its 2019 breakout. While the men’s team faces significantly heavier losses, it showed in 2019 that it could keep an upward trajectory after a successful season. The men’s team last year placed four players on the All-Big Ten first team, the most of any conference. Three of those players graduated, though, leaving senior defender Jackson Ragen to anchor the 2020 team. Michigan also returns senior midfielder Marc Ybarra, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection. After being on the brink of greatness the past two years, the Wolverines are hoping to extend its success into 2020. Both teams play at U-M Soccer Stadium and have a dedicated and rowdy student section called the Michigan Ultras. With an energetic atmosphere and two teams that are among the best in the conference, Michigan’s soccer teams are a fan favorite. Volleyball In the cozy confines of Cliff Keen Arena, the Michigan volleyball team draws a dedicated student section called “The Zone” and a volleyball specific band plays familiar tunes after every point, securing it one of the best atmospheres of the nonrevenue sports. Competing in one of the best volleyball conferences in the country, the Wolverines have made the NCAA Tournament each of the past five years. Michigan loses a significant amount of talent from a 2019 campaign that saw it lose in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but with several young stars, it still has the talent to compete with the best in 2020. Junior outside hitter Paige Jones is a bona fide star, earning a unanimous All-Big Ten first team selection last year. She’ll anchor a returning group that also includes standout sophomore opposite hitter May Pertofsky and freshman Jess Mruzik — the country’s No. 1 recruit for 2020. Husband-and-wife coaching duo Mark and Leisa Rosen have led the volleyball program for over 20 years, establishing one of the most consistent programs at the school. Women’s gymnastics Before COVID-19 cut the 2020 season short, you’d have to go back seven years to find a Michigan women’s gymnastics team that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament and six to find one that didn’t win the Big Ten. Women’s gymnastics is consistently one of the best teams the school has to offer. Fans flock to it due to the acrobatic and athletic feats of the gymnasts, the sparkly maize and blue leotard and the atmosphere for home meets at Crisler Center. In 2020, the Wolverines lost just one dual meet — to No. 1 Oklahoma. Now, Michigan returns three of last year’s top underclassmen to anchor a team that could be one of its best in recent years. Junior Natalie Wojcik, a three-time AllAmerican and the 2019 NCAA beam champion, is consistently a top all-arounder — that is, if her teammate Sierra Brooks doesn’t win it. Brooks was named an All-American on vault and the all-around as a freshman in 2020. Additionally, the Wolverines return several top event specialists. After losing just two 2020 starters, Michigan has all the pieces to be one of the top teams in the country in 2021.
30 | The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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