Thursday, August 29, 2019
To our new readers, Welcome to the University of Minnesota! We are the Minnesota Daily, the University’s independent student newspaper. As one of the largest in the country, the school’s campus can feel intimidating to newcomers. We hope to help you keep up with the fast pace of your new home by bringing you only the best and most need-to-know content. We cover a wide range of subjects imp or tant to campus and its surrounding areas, from Gophers sports to city politics. We come out with a new print issue on Mondays and Thursdays every week, and publish new digital content daily. We also have two podcasts — the news-heavy “In The Know” and the sports-focused “The Weekly Rundown” — which are churned out weekly. In this issue, you will find everything that you need to know to get started as a savvy member of the University community. Some of the Daily’s editors have compiled information on topics such as the best study spots on campus, the people who represent you within the University and more. We are thrilled to bring you the news throughout your time at the University, so please keep an eye out for us on the newsstands and on your social media feed. Follow us at @mndailynews on Instagram and Twitter. Sincerely, The Senior Leadership of the Minnesota Daily
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Table of Contents Fall sports preview
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Staying warm in winter
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Student government guide
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Favorite study spots
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U administration coverage
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Favorite spots near campus
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Using your university paper
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Student media outlets
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College opinions guide
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ILLUSTRATION BY HARRY STEFFENHAGEN, DAILY
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Gophers fall sports preview Although classes are just beginning, many Gopher teams’ seasons have already started. Here is what to expect on the field this fall. BY PAUL HODOWANIC phodowanic@mndaily.com With the 2019-20 school year upon us, it’s also time for your favorite Gophers sports to begin, and as usual there is plenty for Minnesota fans to be excited about. The football team and head coach P.J. Fleck enter this season with high expectations coming off of back-to-back impressive wins to end their last season with a 7-6 record. First came the historic win over the Wisconsin Badgers, the first time the Gophers had taken down their rivals to the east since 2003. The maroon and gold clinched a bowl game with the win and took full advantage, beating Georgia Tech 34-10 in the Quick Lane Bowl. They return a slew of accomplished running backs and wide receivers. Quarterback Tanner Morgan enters his first full season as the starting quarterback after starting the last six games a year ago and the team boasts several potential NFL prospects including wide receiver Tyler Johnson and defensive end Carter Coughlin. The team will see its first action of 2019 against North Dakota State University on Thursday, Aug. 29. The women’s soccer team enters the season as reigning Big Ten champions, looking to replicate the success that advanced them to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season. After a trip to the Sweet Sixteen, the Gophers volleyball team heads into this season with championship aspirations once again. The team returns five of their six starters from a year ago. The one departure: Big Ten Player of the Year Samantha Seliger-Swenson. The women kick-off their season on Friday, Aug. 30 against the University of North Carolina. The women’s cross-country team figures to be a factor in the NCAA tournament once again. The runners have
A Gophers football player watches from the sidelines during a game on September 16, 2017.
qualified for the postseason in 13 of the last 14 years and return two of their top runners, Bethany and Megan Hasz. The men’s golf team tees off their season on Sept. 8 in Independence, Minnesota for the Gopher Invitational. Co-Big Ten Champion Angus Flanagan
returns for his junior season, looking to improve on his performance in the NCAA regional tournament in which he tied for 20th place. There is a lot happening in the world of Gophers sports, and the Minnesota Daily will keep you updated through it all.
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Along with our normal coverage online and in print, we are also debuting a new podcast called “The Weekly Rundown,” which will release an episode on Friday mornings and give fans insight on everything happening in campus sports. We look forward to another great year!
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Episode 1 - UMN President Eric Kaler's resignation announcement Episode 2 - Financial Aid and Scholarship Distribution Episode 3 - Proposed Gender Expression Policy at the University of Minnesota Episode 4 - Campus-area crime and WAM art rentals Episode 5 - UMN class designs clothes for girls in Uganda Episode 6 - Bug diets and Morris' tuition waivers Episode 7 - Conservative group's bridge mural vandalized Episode 8 - Women in STEM Episode 9 - Exploring the University's myth, legends and tall tales Episode 10 - Midterm Elections Roundup Episode 11 - UMN responds to football lawsuit, student tenant rights Episode 12 - Gen Z is the most stressed-out generation, study shows Episode 13 - How did the U bring home 'the axe' Episode 14 - Striving for diversity in CFANS Episode 15 - Living with diabetes as a student Episode 16 - The government showdown Episode 17 - Continued tuition hikes at UMN Episode 18 - The bittersweet life of UMN sugar babies Episode 19 - Connecting in Cedar-Riverside over free tea and pizza Episode 20 - The renaming of Coffman Episode 21 - Legacy taking over Morrill Hall Episode 22 - A fierce push for student data privacy Episode 23 - What to do with, how to manage all of the snow Episode 24 - Understanding eating disorders at UMN Episode 25 - Supporting students serving mandatory military time Episode 26 - Cedar-Riverside weighs safety priorities Episode 27 - Where does the U's water come from? Episode 28 - Students run free clinic for Minneapolis Episode 29 - How renaming was rejected Episode 30 - Controversy over pregnancy centers near campus
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
How to stay warm this winter BY KATRINA PROSS kpross@mndaily.com Minnesota winters are tough. We not only encountered a polar vortex last year, but freezing temperatures and snow can last from the fall through the spring. If you are not familiar with Minnesota winters, it is wise to start preparing now. Winter will be here before we know it, so here are some tips to stay warm in the coming months:
Dress in warm layers Investing in winter boots is a must. Be sure to have thick socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Hats and gloves will protect you from frostbite, and a winter coat will help you ward off the below zero temperatures and chilling wind.
Know your bus routes, but plan for crowded rides The University has the campus connectors and circulators, which can get your across campus while avoiding cold temp eratures. However, b e warned, campus shuttles saw high amounts of crowding last year. Metro Transit also has the light rail, which you can take from the stops in Stadium Village, East Bank and West Bank for free as a student. Just be sure to pick up a student pass in Coffman Union to avoid getting ticketed by Metro Transit police. Metro Transit also operates various bus routes that can connect you to campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. A U Pass can be purchased that gives you unlimited access to Metro Transit services for a semester.
Plan your day accordingly Icy roads can make walking to class take longer, so try to leave for classes earlier than normal to give yourself extra time. You might have to get up earlier to make it to 8 a.m. classes, but it is better to budget more time and walk slowly instead of walking too quickly and risking injury.
DAILY FILE PHOTOS
Above: Electrical Engineering sophomore Yilia Yang throws hot water into the air to watch it freeze. Right: Snow covers Siebert Field during a blizzard.
Use the Gopher Way The Gopher Way is a system of underground tunnels that connect some areas of the campus, allowing you to avoid stepping outside into the cold. Maps of the tunnel system can be found online or posted in various buildings on around campus.
Order in food When it is too cold to make the trek to a dining hall, restaurant or grocery store, it is easy and convenient to order food. Take advantage of apps like Uber Eats, Postmates and DoorDash to order your favorites.
About U: Block Party Sunday, September 1 from 4 - 6 P.M. Coffman Riverbend Plaza Gather around friends and food, and celebrate the end of the summer at the About U: Block Party. MN Daily, Radio K, and Studio U present our mission of storytelling through visual, audio, and written forms of self-expression. Learn more at z.umn.edu/AboutUBlockParty Whether it be your own curated playlist or online blog post, storytelling is All About U.
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A guide to the UMN Twin Cities’ three student governments BY MICHELLE GRIFFITH mgriffith@mndaily.com Minnesota Student Association MSA is the undergraduate student government body. MSA members meet every other week to discuss issues students are experiencing on campus. The leaders of MSA, such as President Mina Kian and Vice President Jael Kerandi, meet regularly with University administration and the University Police Department to advocate for changes — especially ones students would like to see. For example, a MSA resolution, along with student advocacy and public support, spurred the state legislature to pass a bill which bans predatory landlord practices. If you feel like something needs to be done on campus to better help students, go to MSA and voice your opinion. They are located in room 202 of Coffman Student Union. MSA is one of the few pipelines straight to University administration.
Professional Student Government Are you a professional student? Then PSG is where you will want to go to voice your ideas and concerns. PSG consists of multiple councils, each representing a professional school or program. Representatives from each council sit on PSG’s three branches: Congress, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. Similar to MSA, PSG also regularly meets with University administrators to advocate for issues unique to professional students. Last year, PSG advocated for many issues including lower tuition rates and more professional-student-oriented mental health resources. PSG President Josh Clancy said this year, he hopes to see PSG focus on supporting environmental sustainability and reducing stigma in mental health.
Council of Graduate Students Last spring, there were more than
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Student Body President Mina Kian, left, and Vice President Jael Kerandi pose for a portrait on Monday, March 25 outside of Lind Hall on East Bank.
11,000 graduate students at the U — and COGS represents all of them. Many graduate students are teaching assistants and researchers on top of their coursework. COGS advocates for student issues that are often specific to graduate students, like a reduction in program fees. Each
University graduate program can elect one voting member to COGS’s General Assembly, which meets every other week. Many programs have representatives, which means the general assemblies can consist of upwards of 60 people, depending who is available to meet. COGS also
has direct lines to University administration, especially the Graduate School, to shed light on graduate student issues. An increase in travel grants and better coverage in the Graduate Student Health Plan are among some of the issues COGS leadership said it hopes to tackle this year.
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
The Daily’s favorite spots to study on and around campus
BY AUDREY KENNEDY akennedy@mndaily.com Did your professor just assign a quiz for next class the very first day? Are you already sick of your roommate? Or do you just need a quiet place to sit and not think about anything? Sounds like you need to find your new study spot on campus. The Minnesota Daily has you covered. Here are some of the best study spots around campus: The basement of Coffman Union Stroll down the hallway covered in historic photos of campus and you’ll find one of the best not-so-hidden secrets on campus: publicly available couches. Chances are someone will be sleeping on at least one, but if you can nab another, it’s so worth almost falling asleep during textbook readings. Forget uncomfortable library chairs, study in style. (Just make sure it’s not a night the Whole Music Club has a show, because it’s right next door.) 1
Some random corner in Northrop If you want to feel sophisticated (think studying in some empty room in an art gallery), try hiding somewhere in Northrop. The auditoriums may be closed, but there are plenty of tables and chairs to get nice views of campus. Nice, clean, quiet and with a fancy cafe on the first floor — what else do you need? 2
Hard Times Cafe The name says it all. Great for panicked study sessions or late night eats, this West Bank staple coffee shop and restaurant boasts the best vegetarian and vegan food near campus and is open 22 hours a day, perfect for when you remember you have that test like, tomorrow. Sink into those broken-down booth seats, order a breakfast burrito the size of your head for about $8 and be comforted knowing that you crying in the corner won’t really stand out too much. Just don’t forget to bring cash! 3
ILLUSTRATION BY JANE BORSTAD, DAILY
Wilson Library This West Bank library is absolutely massive and has different noise levels per floor, so there’s definitely a spot for your study needs. Feeling the coffee shop atmosphere? Try the Dunn Bros in the basement. More of a dead-silence person? You can hear your heartbeat on the fourth floor. There are usually plenty of 4
open study rooms if you want to meet up with some friends or put a wall between you and other students. Bonus: check out the SMART Learning Commons for some peer tutoring when you get stuck! Anywhere on the St. Paul campus Want to be in nature, but without all the people playing frisbee around you?
Take the campus connector to St. Paul, where you’ll find a lone hammocker and a few Bailey kids who missed the bus to East Bank. Take a nap in the sun without fear of getting hit in the head by a football, or head into any building and enjoy the peace and quiet. How could you go wrong with a campus that sells special ice cream flavors made at the U?
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A roundup of recent University administration news coverage A new president, four new regents and changes to board leadership, plus what’s next. BY KATRINA PROSS kpross@mndaily.com With a new president and four new regents on the board, the University of Minnesota’s campus administration has had a busy summer; more developments are sure to come this school year. Here is what you need to know to get caught up: 1 Four new faces join the Board of Regents In May, four new regents joined the
University’s governing board, three of whom are women. Mary Davenport and Ilean Her now hold two at-large seats while Janie Mayeron and Mike Kenyanya filled the 5th Congressional District seat and the student regent seat, respectively. University regents serve a 6-year term and the position is unpaid. The board governs the entire University campus system, even the University’s president. 2 New Board of Regents leadership selected At their June meeting, the board confirmed Regent Ken Powell as its chair and Regent Steve Sviggum as its vice chair for the next two years. The board approved the
new leaders following interviews conducted earlier by a nominating committee made up of several regents. Powell and Sviggum said they hope to work closely with Gabel as she enters her new position, and want to help her build relationships that she will need across the state with students, faculty, business communities and the legislature. 3 Joan Gabel becomes the first female University president Gabel officially stepped into her new role as the 17th University president on July 1, following Eric Kaler’s 8-year tenure. Gabel has previously served as the provost at the University of South Carolina and the dean of the University of Missouri’s Trulaske
College of Business. Gabel said she will work with the regents to establish goals for the University. Gabel has also been tasked to implement a system wide strategic plan to identify priorities for all the system campuses, which is a long-time goal of the University. Regent retreat The board held a retreat in July, during which Gabel guided discussions about the University’s goals for this year and years to come. Topics discussed at the retreat included diversity and inclusion on campus, student mental health and tuition. Gabel said at the retreat that tuition cannot be raised much more, but some regents said they were open to more increases. 4
ILLUSTRATION BY MORGAN LA CASSE, DAILY
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UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION TIMELINE OF EVENTS 1
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Four new regents join the board
Board of Regents chooses leadership
Gabel becomes UMN president
Regents retreat
Gabel to be inaugurated
Regents’ first fall meeting
Provost candidate interviews begin
MAY 2019
JUNE
With Gabel stepping in as president, there will be an abundance of administration stories to keep up with this year. Here is a look at some of them: 5 Gabel’s Inauguration When: Sept. 20, 9 a.m. Where: Northrop Auditorium There will be an installation ceremony for Gabel, and she will then give an inaugural address. After the ceremony, there will be a lunch on Northrop Mall featuring food trucks, a pop-up alumni market and music. Events will be held throughout the week beginning Sept. 16 in a lead up to her inauguration on Sept. 20.
Regent Meetings The University’s Board of Regents will hold meetings in September, October and December this fall. We will be covering them all, so be sure to look out for our meeting recaps and any follow-up stories. 6
Provost Search Following the announcement of Karen Hanson, the University’s executive vice president and provost’s decision to step down last year, Gabel has been tasked to find her replacement. A 16-member s earch committee was created, co chaired by Vice President for Research Chris Cramer and Faculty Consultative Committee Chair Amy Pittenger. Gabel said in a campus-wide email that she met with the search committee in May, and used their discussions and input from listening sessions and open forums to develop a “position profile” that will be used to select applicants. Gabel said the search committee will conduct interviews privately to narrow down candidates. Candidates selected through this process will be invited to campus for public interviews this fall. 7
ILLUSTRATION BY MORGAN LA CASSE, DAILY
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
A&E’s favorite spots near campus BY LIV MARTIN lmartin@mndaily.com
ILLUSTRATION BY JANE BORSTAD, DAILY
The Twin Cities’ art, music and entertainment scenes are just steps away 1 The University of Minnesota and its surrounding neighborhoods are a cornucopia of music, art and entertainment. Start on the East Bank campus with the first big, shiny building you see: Weisman Art Museum – more affectionately called “the WAM” by students. The metal-covered structure was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry and has rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection on view. Entrance is free. It’s the perfect place to take a break from your studies, attend a Saturday morning yoga class, or grab a quick dose of caffeine at the Misfit coffee truck, often parked just outside the museum’s doors. 2 Believe it or not, not far from the WAM and a couple stories underground
is the U’s very own venue, the Whole Music Club. The space – a room in the basement of Coffman Union, around since the 1960s – has been a stage for Bonnie Raitt, The Replacements and yes, even Green Day. Check out the Student Unions & Activities calendar to see the music and other events coming to the Whole this semester. 3 Northrop is another often-overlooked performance venue on East Bank. From dance, music and theater to film, comedy and speakers, Northrop has events for everyone. Take advantage of its student deals: first year students (including graduate and transfer students) get one free ticket to see Northrop’s 2019-2020 Dance Season. Even if you are not a first year, all
other U students can get discounted $10 Rush Tickets to the performance the day of the show. Across the river, the West Bank also has a lot to offer. The Cedar Cultural Center offers more than 200 shows each year, specializing in music from around the globe. The intimate venue, unlike any other in the Twin Cities, is both a nonprofit and run mainly by volunteers. Volunteering, which many U of M students do, has its perks: “Volunteers are often able to hear some or even all of the performance for an event they work, and they also earn credit towards free passes good for future shows,” says the center’s website. After a show, make sure to grab bite down the street at Hard Times Cafe. 4
It has great hash browns and is open until 4 a.m. 5 Mixed Blo o d Theater in CedarRiverside is the spot for local shows. You truly can’t miss the giant, painted letters spelling out “Mixed Blood” on the facade of the building. As part of the theater’s “Radical Hospitality” initiative – dedicated to removing any and every barrier to potential audience members – admission is free on a first come, first served basis and begins two hours before every performance.
If you are new to campus or if you have been at the U for a few years, there are many local, student-friendly places to discover. Get exploring!
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How students can make the most of the Minnesota Daily
BY CLEO KREJCI ckrejci@mndaily.com
Contact the Content Diversity Board Also new this year, we have started a content diversity board to help address issues with diversity in media coverage. The board tracks content, reviews it for fairness and balance, provides staff training, connects with media professionals, and more. One of the board’s biggest goals is to speak with U of M community members about the Daily’s coverage when it comes to diversity. Contact the board at contentdiversityboard@mndaily.com.
Those of us working in the news industry adhere to a golden rule: doing our jobs correctly means creating an “open forum” for public discussion. The Minnesota Daily is no different. We have been covering news at the University of Minnesota for over 100 years, and in doing so, we’ve given students, faculty, staff and community members a space to share their ideas and learn from others. We are also a completely separate entity from the University, meaning our reporting is not influenced by potential pressure, opinion or bias from the University. We are here to listen to opinions, not step on them. We also serve as a watchdog for internal University issues as well as cover its achievements, everyday happenings, and more. In doing so, we strive to communicate to our readers what they need to know to be informed “citizens” of the U of M. And it is informed citizens, students, faculty and staff who are most prepared to face challenges and support issues relevant to them. So, how can you use your local, student newspaper to your advantage — to stay informed and share your thoughts?
Freelance This year we are bringing back freelancing. We will be picky when it comes to content and coverage, but if you have a story idea and you are dying to report it out, let us know. You can email freelance@mndaily.com with your pitches; they will be individually reviewed by the features and freelance editor. Freelancers are not paid, but clips will be published online and, contingent on space, in the print edition.
Write to the editorial board
ILLUSTRATION BY MORGAN LA CASSE, DAILY
Keep up to date with coverage
Write letters to the editor
We try our hardest to make it simple for you to read about what’s important to you. You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @mndailynews, find us on Facebook, look on our webpage, and even read the physical paper, which you’ll see on the stands each Monday and Thursday morning during the school year. You can also follow our two podcasts, “In the Know: Breaking Down the U’s News,” a news podcast, and “The Weekly Rundown,” our brand new sports podcast, on Spotify or Podbean.
We publish letters to the editor on a case-by- case basis, and are always interested in content that is relevant to the University community. Send us letters via mail to 2221 University Ave SE, MPLS MN 55414 #450, or email us at letters@mndaily.com. All letters are fact checked and lightly edited for style and clarity.
Send news tips Do you know of something going on that you feel needs attention? We can
probably help. News tips go straight to the editor in chief ’s inbox. Go to https:// www.mndaily.com/page/send-a-tip to send us a tip.
Write to Dr. Date Dr. Date is a somewhat b eloved, somewhat infamous character unique to the Minnesota Daily. The doctor is a dating and love advice columnist who is happy to answer your questions, publish your love poems and help mend broken hearts. Write to the doctor at drdate@mndaily.com.
Unlike other departments, the opinions and editorials section functions somewhat on its own island at the Daily. While they are still part of the newsroom, OpEds produces column and editorials sharing opinions about topics in the news and popular culture. The editorial board’s job is to take a stance for the paper on particular issues, such as reforms at the University or by the City of Minneapolis. Everyone is welcome to write to the editorial board. Contact awilson@mndaily.com with ideas.
Obituaries As a community newspaper, we are here to publish the obituaries of those in the community who have passed away. Contact obituaries@mndaily.com if you have an obituary you would like published, or a suggestion for one that should be written.
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Other student media outlets you should look for on campus
BY MAX CHAO mchao@mndaily.com The Minnesota Daily is not the only student-run media outlet at the University of Minnesota. There are many others regularly producing quality content which can round out your campus media intake. Here are a few to look out for: The Wake thewakemag.org @the_wake Published bi-weekly, The Wake is the largest student magazine on campus. With eye-popping designs and articles covering a plethora of campus-related topics, The Wake is sure to have something for everyone. You can find a co py at locations across campus, including Walter Library, Coffman Union and each Superblock dorm. Radio K radiok.org @radiok Radio K has populated the airwaves around campus since 1912. Whether it is a late-night study session or your morning commute to campus, the station’s student DJs have the p er fect soundtrack for any occasion around the clock. Tune in on their website or to one of their four signals: 770AM, 100.7FM, 104.5FM or 106.5FM. The Tower thetower.umn.edu @thetowerumn Originally part of the Minnesota Daily, The Tower has been a campus mainstay since the 1950s. The magazine’s staff compiles the best of student art, literature and poetry into a lush volume just once per year, but the wait is worth it. Be sure to look out for it in print and online this spring!
DAILY FILE PHOTOS
Above: Marketing student Abi Nesbitt works as a DJ at Radio K, the campus radio station. Right: Editors and other staff members of The Tower meet and prepare for for the 2018 magazine launch.
StudioU studioumn.com @studioumn If you are interested in video coverage, StudioU is for you. The student-run video production group constantly produces several segments covering topics like student opinion on current events, Gophers sports and round-ups of campus news. You can find their content on their website, social media accounts and YouTube channel.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
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Making sure opinions don’t get in the way A letter from the opinions editor
BY ARIANA WILSON awilson@mndaily.com Opinions. Everyone has one. The great thing about college is that you get the opportunity to hear from others and develop your own point of view. It’s a place of learning that encourages free thought and provides us with new experiences. But it can be difficult to find the right group of people to talk to or know how to navigate situations where you find yourself trying to understand people that think differently. So let’s break it down. During every orientation session, and painfully required first year experience course, you are told to join lots of clubs and campus activities. Through that, you get to know new people and can expand your knowledge in different areas of interest. Being involved on campus can do wonders for finding your own opinions and voice, but it can also be overwhelming. Don’t pressure yourself to jump into every social event right away. Take the time to get settled first. When you are more comfortable with those around you, you will be more inclined to speak your mind. Once you get comfortable remember to be receptive of others. You are not going to agree with everyone on everything. That is a given. But you are likely in the same position and if you would feel discouraged and uncomfortable if everyone criticized your way of thought, think of how someone else might feel. You truly
need to check yourself before you wreck yourself. Another element to keep in mind is the importance of surrounding yourself with p eople who are different than you. That does not mean friends who are constantly trying to change your mind or persuade you differently, but those who are willing to debate with you on various topics and issues. Knowing someone who challenges your ideas only makes your argument stronger and better supported. You will also gain a lot of respect amongst your peers if you can remain diplomatic, yet dedicated, when discussing issues and current events. It is also necessary to find the right platform. The Opinions and Editorial section at the Minnesota Daily is always welcoming and accepting of new ideas and well researched viewpoints. The opinions desk serves as a public forum for all to share their thoughts. If you want to share your thought and opinions in a more public way, feel free to reach out to us on our website or via email at letters@mndaily.com We would love to help you start a conversation — and keep it going. College can be hard and finding those people who understand and enjoy you for you can be scary. This is the time to let go of old ways of thinking and encourage yourself to think further and deeper than of where you come from — whether that be the city or the country or somewhere in between.