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Ba ck to School Spe ci al Edition Mond ay, Au g u s t 2 4 , 2 02 6

WELCOME BACK LSU kicks off its fall semester. Here’s what you need to know to start off the school year right.

Photo by Reagan Cotten

L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le

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REVEILLE

B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803

Rev-ei-lle [Rev-uh-lee] noun

1. The Reveille is LSU’s student newspaper. It prints twice a week and publishes content online every day, covering stories in news, sports, entertainment and featuring perspectives from LSU students through opinion columns. BY LAURA ALLEN Editor-in-Chief The Reveille may be a student newspaper, but it is also so much more than that. Founded in 1887, the Reveille has recorded decades of history at this university. From political upheaval to campus clubs, the Reveille has been there to tell the stories of students from all walks of life. But where does that leave us now? First and foremost, the Reveille is here to serve the LSU community by providing informative and engaging content made by students, for students. The Reveille is entirely student run and employs over 60 students who are committed to getting students the news they need. Because we are student-led, we have greater insights into the experiences of our readership and what is on students’ minds. Additionally, the diversity of perspective among our writers helps us to find stories from all communities on campus, no matter how niche. The Reveille has a commitment to connecting with all students, and each section here at the newspaper plays a role in telling

their stories. Our news section reports on all aspects of campus life, from research advancements to crime and safety. Like news, our entertainment reporters also chronicle the goings-on of campus, taking a special interest in the people and places that make our university tick. These writers spotlight student successes and tell the feel-good stories that help uplift the student body. LSU athletics are a big part of the university’s culture, and as students themselves, our sports reporters are able to cover all areas of LSU sports that national outlets might overlook. With real-time coverage, athlete profiles and expert analyses, the Reveille sports section gives Tiger fans the information they need to know Our opinion staff speak to the student population directly. By voicing concerns, offering advice or commenting on social, cultural, political moments, Reveille columnists represent the student perspective. To capture campus happenings and breaking news, our multimedia section photographs events, games and the everyday life of an LSU student. Our graphic

ALEX PERSICKE / The Reveille

Laura Allen, Editor-in-Chief of the Reveille, LSU’s student newspaper. designers create fresh art to aid our columns and publications in their storytelling endeavors. Our social media platforms are run by a dedicated digital staff that post our articles, create short form content and keep their fingers on the pulse of campus life and student interest. In an increasingly digital world, our digital staff helps reach all students where they are. The Reveille also prints twice a week, which wouldn’t be possible without our production team. Production staff copy edits all of our content and puts the words to page when it comes time for publication.

On a macro scale, the Reveille has the power to hold powerful institutions accountable, shed light on untold issues and spark real change in our community. On a more personal level, we can inspire discussion through meaningful commentary, uplift readers by telling the stories of our peers and mentors, and connect students with the broader campus culture. I do not take my role as Reveille Editor-in-Chief lightly, and I am incredibly excited to step into this next semester with all of you. Because the Reveille is meant to reflect the student experience here at LSU, we would like to hear from all of you. If you have a news tip or would like to submit a letter to the editor, please complete the form on our website or email me at editor@ lsu.edu. In the meantime, I hope that the Reveille can help you settle into your new year at LSU. As you are walking to and from class over the next week, stop by one of the purple boxes scattered around campus and pick up a copy of the Reveille. Maybe you’ll be inspired, or maybe you’ll learn something new. Whatever the case, the Reveille is here to serve you.

NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811

Editor-in-Chief LAURA ALLEN Managing Editor GARRETT MCENTEE Digital Editor SAMANTHA SUNDBERG News Editor JORJA ETHRIDGE Deputy News Editor MADELYN LONG Sports Editor ALEX SHEESLEY Deputy Sports Editor RAMI BURKS Entertainment Editor MIA VIZZI Opinion Editor RILEY SANDERS Multimedia Editor EVAN TOUCHET Production Editor EMILY BOUDREAUX Chief Designer ALEXANDRA GERSTNER

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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsu.edu.

ABOUT THE REVEILLE

lsureveille.com

The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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WHO’S WHO OF LSU BY GARRETT MCENTEE Managing Editor

President Wade Rousse Rousse was appointed as president of the LSU system in November 2025. Rousse’s arrival signaled a new direction for LSU’s administration. Rousse’s main objective is to set the overall strategy for LSU in research, education, growth and access. Much of his focus is on strengthening LSU’s academic,

health and science research enterprises and bringing them to the forefront of the public institution. One of Rousse’s biggest goals is to make LSU a top 50 public research university. For Rousse, the push toward becoming a top research institution is also about making LSU a larger contributor to Louisiana’s economy.

As the state flagship, LSU Baton Rouge stands at the heart of our mission — advancing discovery, educating the next generation of leaders and driving economic growth and opportunity for all.

Chancellor James Dalton A unified research structure better positions us to successfully compete for major grants, attract exceptional faculty, and expand the discoveries that improve life across this state.

Dalton became LSU’s executive vice president and chancellor after previously serving as executive vice president and provost at the University of Alabama. At LSU, he oversees the academic and research enterprise while helping push the university toward its mission of becoming a top 50 research university.

Dalton’s position is a new one, created to unify the academic, research and operational efforts of the flagship university. Dalton’s experience in academic administration and research leadership are critical as LSU attempts to grow its national reputation.

Provost Joseph Messina Messina was selected as LSU’s senior vice chancellor and provost following a national search. He began the position in August 2026, becoming the university’s chief academic officer.

The provost oversees academic affairs, faculty development, student achievement, research partnerships and other major academic initiatives. This position works directly with Dalton and the university’s deans to shape LSU’s academic future.

I am excited to join LSU at such an important moment in its history and to work with faculty, staff and students to advance the university’s academic mission.

Athletic director Verge Ausberry It’s my responsibility to move this athletic department forward, including hiring the best football coach in America to lead our program.

Ausberry, a former Tiger linebacker who has spent decades working in LSU athletics, took over the position of athletic director after Scott Woodward departed the position in October 2025.

In his role, Ausberry oversees an athletic department that includes some of the most recognizable programs in college sports. He also oversees the finances and the general direction of LSU Athletics both off and on the field. Ausberry also played a major role in selecting Lane Kiffin as the new head football coach.

Head women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey Not every major face at LSU is new. Since arriving at LSU in 2021, Mulkey has transformed the women’s basketball program into one of the nation’s premier teams. Leading the Tigers to the 2023 national championship and has taken LSU to the Sweet 16 in each of her seasons.

Mulkey’s success has made her one of the most established figures on LSU campus. Her sixth team enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations once more. After building LSU into a consistent national contender, it is expected that Mulkey will look to keep the Tigers among the nation’s elite teams.

I want them to play hard. I demand it of them and I demand it of myself.

Head football coach Lane Kiffin It’s time for LSU to take its place back as the best program in all of college football. And that’s what we’re here to do.

Perhaps no new face on campus is more recognizable than Kiffin’s. After LSU and former head football coach Brian Kelly parted ways, LSU turned to Kiffin to lead its football program. Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge after his time at Ole Miss, a move that sparked national discussion. Kiffin’s first season is expected to shake

up the program, as Kiffin has brought almost an entirely new coaching staff to LSU. Over the summer, Kiffin represented LSU at SEC Media Days in July, marking the beginning of his first season as LSU’s head coach. Football fans are eager to see if Kiffin can turn LSU into the national championship contender its fans expect it to be.

Head men’s basketball coach Will Wade Wade returns to LSU this season after previously leading the men’s basketball team from 2017 to 2022. He returns to a completely different college basketball landscape, one heavily influenced by the transfer portal, NIL and potentially the Protect College Sports Act.

Much like Kiffin, Wade brought several new additions to the men’s basketball coaching staff for the season. Returning to LSU, Wade has a chance to prove that this second chance holds the key to the success that the program has been searching for.

I got the same urgency. I got the same fight, same feisty guy that you always know, but we’re going to be better.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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Letter from the Student Body President Ben Barousse Dear Tigers, My name is Ben Barousse, and I am honored to serve as your student body president for the 2026-2027 academic year. This opportunity means more to me than I can put into words, and I am committed to making the most of every moment we have in office. Since our inauguration, Anna Katherine and I have been meeting with university administration, our team and our departments to prepare for the year ahead and address the gaps we have identified in the student experience. The work has already begun, and we are hitting the ground running.

‘26

Louisiana State University is an incredibly unique place in all the best ways. Here, whether you are just arriving on campus or heading into your final year, everyone has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people around them and on this university as a whole. This place has been the foundation for who I am today. LSU has pushed me, challenged me, and shaped me into the kind of leader I needed to become. Whether it is advocating on your behalf or developing programs and initiatives to support you, I am ready to do the work. We are fortunate to have the LSU brand behind everything we do, faculty ready to support you, staff committed to making this campus feel like home, and an administration and Board whose primary goal is ensuring a positive student experience. If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be to show up fully for every moment you have here. These years will go faster than you think. Introduce yourself to the person next to you, ask your professor for help, go to the event you have been curious about, join the organization you have been putting off. The opportunities to get involved and make your mark are endless and I encourage every one of you to take them. Anna Katherine’s and my doors are always open. We are here to listen, to advocate, and to serve. I cannot wait to get to work.

TO:

LSU Students and Faculty FROM:

LSU Student Body President Ben Barousse

Geaux Tigers, Ben Barousse, Student Body President

The Fall Issue is Here!

Find it on stands or online at www.lsureveille.com

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NEWS STAYING SAFE

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LSU Police, organizations explain how to stay safe while enoying off-campus nightlife

BY MADELYN LONG Deputy News Editor With school back in session, students will begin to go out and experience Baton Rouge nightlife, some for the first time. To help inform students the LSU Police Department, university organizations and community members share tips on how to stay safe when going out. A lthough unsafe or violent incidents are few and far between in many popular nightlife areas, the mix of possible underage drinking, crowded venues and late-night travel can create safety risks. To avoid these risks and en joy time off campus, LSUPD Sgt. Marlon Hawkins explained that the preparations start before even heading out. “Make safety a part of your nightlife plans,” Hawkins said. “Go out with people that you trust, stay together and stay in those groups.” Creating a plan on how to get home is also an important factor in avoiding unsafe situations, Hawkins said. Whether accessing a ride-share service, catching an LSU Tiger Trails bus from Tigerland or riding with a designated driver, having a plan reduces the risks associated with walking back to campus. If none of these options are accessible to students, Girls Rides is a student-run organization that can offer assistance. “The Girls Rides App and GroupMe can be utilized to schedule rides in advance before going out to ensure women have access to safe transportation,” said organization president Mya Dugan. “Addi-

tionally, if students ever feel unsafe at bars, they can send emergency ride requests that either members or our executive board will fulfill.” Utilizing these transportation resources can make a crucial difference in making it home safely after a night out, as many deadly traffic incidents have occurred in popular nightlife areas involving LSU students who were leaving bars. At least 12 incidents have been reported near Tigerland since 2020. “It’s on a major, heavily trav eled road. Lots of time with other drunk students that are leaving the bars and driving; It’s just a big no all around,” said Tiger Mama Transport LLC owner and Baton Rouge local Shana King. “There’s not a crosswalk. There’s not a light for students to run across the road. There’s nothing to help them cross, and it’s a major road.” But getting to and from off-campus venues safely is not the only important factor when it comes to staying safe on a night out. Hawkins explained that students should not be consuming alcohol until of legal age. If over the age of 21, students should be keeping their drinks with them at all times and not accepting anything from strangers unless it is seen being made. “A lot of people try to hit on people by buying them a drink,” Hawkins said. “So, if you didn’t watch that drink get made, I wouldn’t drink it.” Utilizing drink covers is another way to make sure drinks have not been tampered with. I f drinking, Hawkins advises students to be aware of their limits and avoid drinking too much.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille

A sign reads “Welcome to Tigerland” on Jan. 25, 2023 on Bob Pettit Blvd. in Baton Rouge, La. Impairment can create situations where a student may not realize something is dangerous until it is too late. I f students encounter an unsafe situation while enjoying off-campus nightlife, there are many resources available. Getting assistance from a bartender, security guard or friend is a great way to get help removing oneself from a situation. “It’s better to ask for help earlier than waiting for a situation to escalate,” Hawkins said. Students can also utilize the LSU Shield app to access authorities and

resources at the touch of a screen. By turning the location tracking on through the app, LSUPD can be on alert if students do not arrive at their intended destination on time. The feature also helps LSU Police arrive on scene quickly if an emergency is declared. “We encourage everybody to download it before arriving on campus and kind of get familiar with it,” Hawkins said. If a student is involved in an emergency, call 911 immediately. LSU offers Medical Amnesty as part of the student code of conduct.

Even if students have consumed alcohol or drugs, students will not get in trouble for calling emergency services for an emergency occurring. “Our main priority is student safety,” Hawkins said. “Students definitely shouldn’t feel uneasy about contacting authorities when somebody needs help.” For students, bar safety does not have to mean avoiding nightlife altogether. Planning, staying with friends and knowing where to access resources can make sure a night out stays fun for everyone.

ACADEMICS

After a decade, LSU becomes more selective with admissions BY MAIA TYLER Staff Writer After nearly a decade of increasing enrollment, LSU will start becoming more selective when it comes to admitting students. The flagship campus announced earlier this month that admissions will turn toward a more particular approach, with its goal of becoming a top 50 research university on the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development Survey in mind. “The primary driver for becoming more selective [is] for us to maintain an excellent experience inside and outside the classroom,” Emmett Brown, vice president of enrollment management, said. “It will not be more difficult on students. We’re trying to remove barriers for students to be able to enroll.”

LSU President Wade Rousse said in April that he does not want to leave anyone behind as criteria for admission heightens. Rousse said his plan to ensure accessibility is to increase the connection between the flagship campus and LSU satellite schools. He added that there should be a clear pathway for a student excelling at a satellite school to transfer to the flagship campus if desired. In an interview with The Advocate, Brown stated that data for this year’s freshmen class size is not finalized but will be a couple hundred fewer students than the 2025-2026 school year, which totaled 8,153 freshmen and was the institution’s largest class in history. After the COVID-19 pandemic, LSU moved to a standardized testoptional policy for all applicants. From this change, the university saw gaps in the students’ prepa-

ration for subjects like math and English. Now, LSU is phasing out this policy, with tests only being optional for students with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. “We’re really just looking for a more complete picture of a student’s academic ability, [such as] where they maybe need to be placed in terms of their math and English placement so that they can succeed,” said Brown. For the summer and fall terms of 2027, LSU will require test scores for applicants with a GPA below 3.5. Although there is no minimum score required for admission, Brown said that the university is interested in bringing in students with a 30 or above on the ACT. Incoming freshman and mass communication major Mila Barnes said that out of other schools she applied to, LSU was on the easier

side. She applied test-optional, so she didn’t send out any of her standardized test scores. Even with this new policy, she wouldn’t have needed to since she graduated high school with a 3.7 GPA. “I think it’s interesting that they’re being more selective, especially because this was always seen as the safety school for many instate students,” Barnes said. “When they say more selective, I’m curious about what that metric is and why. Is it because of too many people on campus?” Barnes said that recent contentious headlines that LSU has received within the past school year are what fueled her reaction. From the student opposition to LSU President Wade Rousse during the months-long search for a new head of school, to the numerous studentled protests that shaped the 20252026 school year, Barnes finds

herself wondering about the true motive behind this administration’s move to being more selective with applications. “LSU has always been known to be very inclusive to in-state students. It provided [high school] seniors with a calmer transition into college life,” pre-law sophomore Princess Douglas said. “Raising the academic bar definitely elevates LSU’s profile. It’s going to be tough seeing students’ peace of mind shift.” LSU’s new decision to shift to a stricter mode of admissions comes in light of trying to push top 50, but it may fall short of those who saw LSU as a ‘safety’ school. By raising standardized test and GPA benchmarks, the flagship aims to bolster graduation rates and national prestige, though it might affect some students’ chances of getting accepted.

ENTERTAINMENT

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A summer for the books: What three LSU students did this break BY MIA VIZZI Entertainment Editor Over the summer, LSU students could be found in all pockets of the world, spending their time in ways ranging from getting their passports stamped to clocking into internships. For three weeks this summer, political science junior Starry Hopkins traveled across the pond to attend the Ogden at Oxford study abroad program in Oxfordshire, England. While LSU offers global study programs at over 100 destinations around the globe, going to Oxford University felt like a natural choice for Hopkins. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime to be a student there for a little bit,” Hopkins, 20, said. There, honors students took two courses, one about the Victorian Era and the other about World War I. When class was not in session, students went on daily planned excursions, including a weekend trip to London. Outside of the program, students also had free days, which Hopkins used to travel to Brighton. “I had watched a lot of British TV shows, and they always mentioned going to Brighton. I thought, ‘I’d like to go there,’” Hopkins said. “We have so much freedom to make the most of our experience there, which I loved.” While many parts of the study abroad were planned, Hopkins managed to find some surprises, one of the biggest being the frenzy around the FIFA World Cup, where England finished third overall. “I genuinely didn’t think about soccer ever,” Hopkins said. “Being there, I had to become a soccer fan.” Her lesson in English culture didn’t stop at soccer. Oxford is famous for a specific style of punting, a pastime where one stands in a long boat, called a punt, and rows using a long pole, which is pushed off of a riverbed. From learning new hobbies to picking up food at Oxford’s local

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARRY HOPKINS

Starry Hopkins poses in front of the Big Ben in London, England.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARRY HOPKINS

Starry Hopkins poses with her Ogden at Oxford classmates at Oxford University in Oxfordshire, England. Pizza Express, Hopkins feels that the connections she made were the most standout part of her study abroad. “I love that it was an LSU program because I’m going to see these people when school starts,” Hopkins said. Hopkins also formed closer bonds with her professors than she would have been able to during a standard semester on campus, she said. “You really get to know your professors as people, which makes the experience just so much better,” Hopkins said. This sentiment is shared by environmental engineering sophomore Mckenzie Vorenkamp, who stayed on campus over the break to complete summer classes and take part in a lab lead by Dr. John Pardue. “You’re able to really get familiar with the teacher and also some classmates,” Vorenkamp, 19, said. “The professors are understanding, so I feel like it’s just completely different — and almost even better in some cases, like, getting that help you need — over the summer.” Though Vorenkamp feels that summer school can be stigmatized, she encourages students to do the best thing for their education. “It’s just that you need that extra step, and that’s okay,” Vorenkamp said. “I feel like people say you’re wasting your summers, and I have so many summers ahead of me. It’ll be just this one summer, and there was so much I learned. I met so many people through it and I feel even more prepared than I would have if I didn’t do an internship or if I didn’t take summer school courses.” As last spring semester came to an end, Vorenkamp had already planned on staying in Baton Rouge to take classes and continue working. When a former professor offered her a lab opportunity, Vorenkamp decided to make the most of her summer. Partnering with the Florida Everglades, Dr. Pardue is leading research on how soil can

be modified to reduce nutrient absorption. The project is titled Modification of Disturbed Wetland for Stormwater Nutrient Reduction. Vorenkamp and other students conducted mock storms and tested the soil levels to see what would be healthiest for wetlands. “We did a lot of lab stuff, building our understanding of how research is done and conducted,” Vorenkamp said. “You need to make sure to record these observations, record these numbers and be able to sit down and kind of analyze what’s going on and how to go forth with the project.” Despite some students complaining of a too-quiet campus during breaks, Vorenkamp was able to find appreciation in the still moments. “You get so caught up in the square of school every day: there’s thousands of people on campus, we have game days on Saturdays, we have Mardi Gras, all the things, and it goes by really quickly,” Vorenkamp said. “Being in Baton Rouge for the summer — it’s a very different world, but it’s something that I admired a lot. I could actually really sit with what I was doing.” As a new semester starts, Vorenkamp urges other students to put themselves out there to get experience. “If there’s an opportunity that presents itself, take it,” Vorenkamp said. “The worst thing that could happen is you just didn’t enjoy it — but at least you know that you did it, right? If there’s opportunities, seize them, because they’ll be good for everything: resumes, connection building, really everything.”

had to first apply online for. Though over 100,000 people applied online, only a select handful of applicants then received an invite to model for panelists in several U.S. cities, including Miami, Houston and Los Angeles. The process of finding the next Angel is being made into a YouTube docuseries, “Angels Among Us.” While Lewis jumped at the opportunity to apply, she doubted that she would be invited to the casting session. “I thought, ‘I’m not going to get picked — I’m taking my pictures in my dorm room in Acadian Hall,’” Lewis said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILAYNA LEWIS

Milayna Lewis poses at Victoria’s Secret photo booth during the Victoria’s Secret open casting call in Chicago, Ill. To her surprise, she received an invitation with only three weeks to prepare. Unlike many models who attended the Chicago call, though, Lewis was traveling in-state, being from Belleville, Illinois. Knowing how big the opportunity was, she used the time practicing her heel walk and planning her outfit. While Lewis has previously been a freelance photography model, her only prior catwalk experience was the Fashion Association at LSU’s annual show in May.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCKENZIE VORENKAMP

Photo from the Modification of Disturbed Wetland for Stormwater Nutrient Reduction research lab. Valuing experience is an outlook that brought sophomore Milayna Lewis to Chicago this summer in the hopes of being casted by Victoria’s Secret as the newest Angel. During her freshman year, the film and television major saw that Victoria’s Secret was holding open casting calls, which models

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILAYNA LEWIS

Milayna Lewis and a friend at the Victoria’s Secret open casting call in Chicago, Ill.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCKENZIE VORENKAMP

Mckenzie Vorenkamp’s notes for the Modification of Disturbed Wetland for Stormwater Nutrient Reduction research project.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILAYNA LEWIS

The Victoria’s Secret pop-up catwalk in Chicago, Ill. Quickly, Lewis drove to Chicago with her mom to get measured, photographed and judged as she strutted down a catwalk. Though she didn’t get invited to the next step in the casting call, Lewis became fast friends with other models and even was approached by a modeling agency based in Chicago. As she looks ahead, Lewis is excited to see what other opportunities — be it modeling, film or dance — present themselves next. “I want a very colorful life of different experiences,” Lewis said. “I don’t want to just do one thing, and I feel like that’s what a lot of people think they’re gonna have to do. If I have a lot of interests and a lot of skills, I feel like I could use this to my advantage.” Where some would feel discouraged by not moving forward with Victoria’s Secret, Lewis is trying to stay present. “I’m only a sophomore,” Lewis said. “I have my whole life ahead of me, so I just need to work on actually getting connections.” Students will soon establish walking routes to class, sleeping cycles during the week and study systems to prepare for midterms. And though this may lull students into a sense of certainty, one thing is always up in the air — the future.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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From parking to pizza, here are nine additions to LSU’s campus BY MIA VIZZI Entertainment Editor

Student Life

Also new to the Union is Death Valley Pizza, which is located on the second floor. Here, students can choose from a variety of wraps, salads, pizzas and shareables, including mozzarella sticks and fried churros. New food selections aren’t limited to the Student Union, though. Since the main market in The 5 Dining Hall is currently undergoing renovations, LSU Dining has added the Geaux Mobile Market, placed at the register in The 5. Here, students can buy snacks and beverages using Paw Points and Tigercash, as well as cash and credit. Additions to The 5 also include J. Decker’s Grill, where students

can order anything from burgers and wings to seafood po’boys on the Transact Mobile app. Students can pick up their grub at the window near the entrance of The 5. While Baton Rouge is not short of coffee shops, students on campus are often limited to CC’s and Einstein Bros Bagels. Lighthouse Coffee is stirring things up by partnering with Parade Grounds Coffee, now open in front of The 5. Its menu offers classic coffee, flavored lemonade, smoothies and pastries. Also keeping LSU caffeinated are two PJ’s Coffee locations in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building and the School of Veterinary Medicine. If you have a sweet tooth,

s u p m Ca g n i k r Pa

With Free Speech Alley once again bustling and Highland Road traffic building up, one thing is clear: school is back in session. To welcome students into the new school year, LSU has planned the addition of several businesses, ranging from cafes to upcoming parking accommodations. Many students know that living on campus has its downsides

PJ’s also offers select pastries, including fresh beignets. This isn’t the only spot to grab something to eat in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, though. While Shaquille O’Neal walked across the stage last spring to earn his fourth college degree, his campus presence will continue in a less conventional way. Big Chicken, founded in 2018 by the LSU basketball legend, now has a home in O’Neal’s alma mater, stationed in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building. With an array of sides — including cheese curds and mac and cheese — milkshakes, tenders and sandwiches, Big Chicken is sure to pique the interests of many students.

While many new spots concern food and drink, one major addition to campus aims to reduce commuting times. One of LSU’s most ambitious and expensive additions is the Park ‘n’ Geaux Mobility Hub, which is located on the west side of campus. In its planning phase, the building was expected to cost between $7 to $10 million. Though the Mobility Hub is

at times, and while laundry rooms can be convenient for those residing in dorms, the communal space can sometimes cause students to spin out. This fall, Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning will iron out some of these problems with laundry and dry cleaning lockers on the first floor of the Student Union. Here, customers can drop off their items to be professionally

cleaned, including wash-and-fold laundry and dry cleaning. This fall, LSU Auxiliary Services is helping students get through the day on easy mode. Arcadia, an old-school game room, created with the hope of helping students decompress, will open on the second floor of the Student Union. From arcade games to foosball tables, this room will be a one-stop shop for all things fun.

Campu s Life

still under construction, students can expect it to open sometime during the fall semester. This indoor bus stop is expected to shorten Park ‘n’ Geaux bus routes from up to 20 minutes to only 10. The Mobility Hub will be air-conditioned, with ample seating, restrooms and vending machines. In front of the space will also be drop-off and pickup lanes for students who are carpooling

or using transportation services like Uber and Lyft. To accommodate student life, the Hub will be open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day. Whether you’re planning on swinging by the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building to grab a chicken sandwich or the Union to flip the score on some arcade games, there’s something for every kind of student in these new additions.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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Marvin Moore holds a sign Aug. 14.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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MOVE-IN WEEKEND

Photos by Evan Touchet | Design by Alexandra Gerstner

A family helps its freshman move in Aug. 15.

LSU psychology freshman Giselle Auguste rolls a cart Aug. 15.

LSU

LSU instrumental music education freshman Jacob Monic leads his family into his hall Aug. 15.

Southwest RAs assist an incoming freshman Aug. 14.

LSU incoming freshmen pose for a picture Aug. 14.

LSU political science junior Destiny Simeon assists an incoming freshman Aug. 15.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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See what resources, services the Student Health Center offers BY VIVIAN SARHAN AND JORJA ETHRIDGE Staff Writer, News Editor College is full of germs and stress, but this clinic on campus makes sure students stay happy and healthy year-round. The Student Health Center, located on the corner of West Chimes Street and Infirmary Lane, offers weekday clinical care from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays with no home football game, the center is open from 9 a.m to 12:30 p.m. It also offers therapy sessions to all students, regardless of insurance circumstances. Keena Smith, executive director of the center, said the center has licensed clinicians on staff to provide both group and individual therapy sessions, whichever the student prefers. “We offer tailored therapy groups with specialized content designed to address students’ evolving needs and support their overall well-being,” Smith said. The center offers other mental health services like wellness coaching. Smith said wellness coaching is for students seeking help with personal growth. Smith said mental health and wellness services are completely covered by the student health fee included in tuition.

Smith is a social worker from New Orleans and has been working with the health center since September 2025. She said that the center, or at least some form of it on campus, has existed since 1938 — 13 years after the campus moved to its current location off Highland Road. Besides clinical care and mental health services, the center also houses dermatology services a few days a week. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, 35% of college students don’t eat enough food, so to combat this, the center also has a nutritionist on staff. Furthermore, the center offers a support group for survivors of interpersonal violence through the Lighthouse Program. While the center is a convenient, less than a mile walk from the north campus dorms, it is quite a distance from the east campus dorms. Smith said that to make it easier for students to receive care from the center, there are parking spots in front of the building on Infirmary Lane that students can park in. The center is also working on implementing pharmacy boxes. Smith said students will be able to dispense common prescribed medicines like antibiotics.

Junior journalism major Macy Crawford has been busy with sorority recruitment and overwhelmed by personal struggles over the past two weeks. She heard about the Student Health Center from some of her friends who have gone to the center for sexual health. The first time she went, Crawford said she was looking for a professional to talk to about anxiety. Even without an appointment, she was able to see a counselor within 15 minutes. “She calmed me down. She talked to me about everything,” Crawford said. She found the counseling helpful, so she is now a regular patient and plans to go weekly. Crawford emphasized that resources inside the mental health lobby, as well as other lobbies in the center, could benefit students who are more hesitant to seek help. “They have things that are, not anonymous in a shameful way, but anonymous in a you want to deal with this privately way,” Crawford said. “They have little flyers and books and things all around the office [that say] ‘have you been sexually assaulted? Are you dealing with suicidal thoughts?’ There’s little pamphlets that tell you who to contact.”

Smith said it is vital for students to have access to these resources, especially for those who live on campus. But accidents, injuries and illnesses can happen at any time and may happen while the center is closed.

Smith advised students to visit nearby after-hours clinics for non-emergencies, such as Lake Urgent Care on Lee Drive or Baton Rouge Clinic Urgent Care on Perkins Road. But in emergencies, she said to call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille

The LSU Student Health Center sits March 18, 2024, on Infirmary Road.

Mark your calendars with these important fall semester dates October As course loads pick up and schedules get more hectic, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life. This list of fall holidays and events will help you keep up with your calendar this semester.

August 24: First day of class

September

3: LSU vs. Mcneese

12-17: Homecoming

2-4: Family Weekend

17: LSU vs. Mississippi State

8-9: Fall holiday (no class)

26: Spring scheduling opens

16: Fall Fest

November

7: Labor Day holiday (no classes)

6: Final date to drop course

5: LSU vs. Clemson (College Game Day on campus)

7: LSU vs. Alabama

12: LSU vs. LA Tech (Purple Game) 26: LSU vs. Texas A&M

December 2: Concentrated study period 5: Last day of class 7-12: Final exams

14: LSU vs. Texas (Last home game)

15: Final grades due

25-27: Thanksgiving break

17: Fall Commencement

SPORTS CALLIN’ NEW COACHES BY ALEX SHEESLEY Sports Editor Ever since the news broke that Lane Kiffin was departing Ole Miss for the LSU football head coaching vacancy, the eyes of the college football world have been on the Tigers. In the nine months since, Kiffin has led a recruitment and preparation campaign for the upcoming season that is equal parts of his classic, bold personality and a new, more guarded side. The hope from the top down in Baton Rouge is that the offensive guru’s calls in his first offseason at the helm of LSU will set the table for the Tigers to return to form as a title contender for the first time since its 2019 campaign. Kiffin’s path here remains remarkable, even this far removed from the events that got him in purple and gold. The son of defensive mastermind and pioneer of the Tampa 2 defense Monte Kiffin, Lane Kiffin ended his playing career as a backup quarterback at Fresno State a year early to begin coaching as an assistant in 1997. After a decade of jobs around football as a positions coach, primarily for receivers, Kiffin became the head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders in 2007, the youngest head coach in team history. He lasted just over one season there before being fired in a messy falling out with team owner Al Davis. He got the job as the head coach of Tennessee after, but lasted just one year before taking off for a new job at USC, where he’d once served as an assistant coach. His abrupt exit sparked riots in Knoxville, leaving him as a Pariah in the eyes of Tennessee fans. He found a way to lead USC to a series of good, but not great, seasons. Kiffin lasted five games into his fourth season as head coach before being fired at the airport after losing his second conference game in a row to open the season. Kiffin’s tenure at Ole Miss served as a career renaissance. It was the culmination of a professional and personal rebirth after a series of unsavory departures from several head coaching gigs at the collegiate and professional levels in the late 2000s and early 2010s. “I feel like I needed Oxford and Ole Miss more than Oxford and Ole Miss needed me,” Kiffin said in a press conference ahead of the 2022 season. Prior to taking the job at LSU, Kiffin led Ole Miss for six seasons. In that time, he took the program to new heights, taking it

Photo by Hinesley Bryant

to its first ever 10-win regular season in 2021, first 11-win season overall in 2023 and first 11-win regular season in 2025, which was good enough to get the Rebels into their first College Football Playoff. Which is why, even for his history of moving and shaking around jobs, Kiffin departing Ole Miss was such a shock. Rumblings of a change of scenery for Kiffin began in October 2025, following the firings of Florida and LSU head coaches Billy Napier and Brian Kelly. He spent the remainder of the regular season attempting to downplay the rumor mill and keep attention on the Rebels’ historic season. As the team seemed poised to make the College Football Playoffs, a decision had to be made. The teams pursuing him needed to know who would lead the program during vital recruiting months and Ole Miss needed to know if their coach would have one foot out of the door for the most pivotal juncture of the season. Two days after collecting his 55th and final win as Ole Miss’

head coach over Mississippi State, the verdict came in: Baton Rouge was calling Kiffin. The excitement in Baton Rouge has been visible. It’s not hard to find purple and gold shirts adorned with “Lane Train” in stores or on persons in Baton Rouge. Pleasantries aside and the honeymoon phase set to dissipate with the start of a new season, the impetus is on Kiffin and staff to compete for championships as soon as possible. That expectation comes from the best of old LSU coaching staffs, like defensive coordinator Blake Baker and returning assistant coach Ed Orgeron blending with new faces, including offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., from Kiffin’s Ole Miss regime. There is a contentious excitement across the SEC for other teams to get a chance to quiet Kiffin and LSU. That animosity is intensified on the campuses of Ole Miss and Tennessee, the two former head coaching homes of Kiffin. Both are poised to be critical stops on the Tigers’ 2026 campaign. LSU will stop in Oxford for an early season test with College Game Day in town on Sep. 19. Ole Miss made the playoffs last season and is hosting an edition of the Magnolia Bowl that’ll carry even more hatred than usual thanks to Kiffin’s departure. Later, the Tigers will head to Knoxville on Nov. 21 in the penultimate game of their regular season. Kiffin last manned the sideline in Neyland Stadium in 2021, his first game as a head coach there since departing from Tennessee, and opposing fans pelted the visitors’ sideline with litter and objects they smuggled in. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has campaigned to keep the same energy for Kiffin and LSU’s trip to Rocky Top this year. “Whether it’s the grocery stores being fully stocked with mustard or our sports stores, making sure that they’ve got reinforcements on the golf balls, hopefully Knoxville’s ready for [Kiffin’s] arrival,” Heupel said at his press conference during SEC Media Days in July. LSU opens the season ranked No. 11 in the AP poll, the fifth best team from the SEC. Its schedule features fixtures against five teams ranked in the top 25: Texas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Alabama and Tennessee. The Tigers will open their season at home on Sep. 5 against Clemson, a team that they sunk in a tight season opener last year.

BY RAMI BURKS Deputy Sports Editor Tiger Stadium might be what calls new students to Baton Rouge, but there is something else drawing attention to one of the other big three sports: a new men’s basketball head coach. The men’s basketball program has been on the decline since head coach Will Wade was fired in 2022, but after a four-season absence from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Wade has brought hope back to Tiger fans by returning to LSU. In his introductory press conference in March, Wade hinted at making history at LSU in his second stint as head coach. “We’re going to make history one way or the other,” Wade said at the press conference. “We’re coming back to try to hang a banner, win a national championship, or I’m going to be the first coach fired from the same school twice. But one way or another, we’re going to make history, and it’s going to be a fun ride.” His hiring in March marks his second term as the head men’s basketball coach at LSU. In March 2017, he was hired as the head coach for the first time, which came to an end in 2022 when he was fired. Before getting fired, he earned several accolades, including an SEC regular season championship in 2019, playing in an SEC Tournament championship game in 2021 and leading the Tigers to four postseason tournaments. LSU basketball was known for electric games, iconic moments and amazing players up until Wade was fired. He received several NCAA infractions for making cash payments to recruits or their close family and attempting to conceal the information. “These last four years have humbled and changed me,” Wade said at the press

conference. “You’re getting a better coach, a better leader this time around. I got the same urgency. I got the same fight, same feisty guy that you always know, but we’re going to be better.” However, since this took place, NIL has been legalized among college athletics, which has reaffirmed the hope he brings back to Baton Rouge. Wade has expressed how important the transfer

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portal will be for the 2026-2027 season and said he has support from LSU president Wade Rousse and Athletic Director Verge Ausberry to spend what is needed to build the new roster. In addition to his plan to utilize the transfer portal and NIL opportunities the university can provide, he said he knows more about creating a successful team and roster to bring LSU back to the top of the SEC in the upcoming season. “I do feel like there’s some unfinished business here,” Wade said. ”I feel [like] we were just on the cusp of really breaking through, and now we’re going to start at a quicker point. It’s not going to take us five years to get to that point now. We’re going to start at a much earlier point.” Since this press conference, Wade has added four transfers to the LSU roster: Abdi Bashir Jr. from Kansas State, Mouhamed Dioubate from Kentucky, Austin Nunez from UTSA and Divine Ugochukwu from Michigan State. Even though there are only four confirmed players on the LSU roster as of August, Wade is building a program where excellence is expected. Bringing in players from other schools in Power Four conferences and planning to further develop the players is a formula for success. “We can take that formula that made McNeese [State] a regional power and won a first round NCAA Tournament game and we can take that and move that to LSU,” Wade said. “We can make us a national force, and I have deep belief in that, and that’s the reason I’m here.” Wade believes he is the best fit for LSU men’s basketball. The fans will see how Wade’s formula plays out as the season begins on Nov. 3 as the Tigers take on the LSU New Orleans Privateers.

Photo by Sam Becker

Monday, August 24, 2026

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Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how LSU organizes Welcome Week BY MADELYN LONG Deputy News Editor Thousands of new Tigers arrived on campus this past week and attended LSU’s Welcome Week, with a variety of events and opportunities for the Class of 2030 to establish their roots before classes begin. Starting Aug. 16 and running through Aug. 23, LSU’s Division of Student Affairs collaborated with offices across campus to create a unique experience for first-year students. From late-night ceremonies to small group sessions, each event allowed students to learn more about campus and meet new people. “Welcome Week is more than a series of events — it’s part of a student’s transition to LSU and it is the culmination of their orientation experience,” said Director of Transition and Student Success Meridia Walker. “This week is required for all new freshman students and is intentionally designed to help students succeed at LSU both in and out of class.” Preparation for Welcome Week begins almost immediately after the previous Welcome Week wraps up, Walker said. “We assess what worked, review student and partner feedback and begin thinking about next year,” she said. “The planning becomes much more intensive during the spring and summer, so it really is close to a year-round process.” Many behind-the-scenes ele ments go into planning a successful Welcome Week, often going unnoticed. “Students see the events, but they don’t see the months of scheduling spaces, coordinating campus partners, recruiting and training facilitators, managing registrations, developing communications, troubleshooting logistics, preparing materials and making contingency plans,” Walker said. Welcome Week allows new students to learn about the resources LSU offers. Events are tailored to showcase different departments and organizations that can assist students throughout their first year. “Through small groups, required programs like TigerChat, connections with the student success teams, featured sessions, Choose Your Adventure experiences and other programs, students have opportunities to learn about academic support, wellbeing resources, involvement opportunities,” Walker explained. Welcome Week events also involved offices like Residential Life, the Olinde Career Center and the LSU University Recreation Center. Students had the opportunity to meet and interview for positions within the academic department at events like the Career Center’s OnCampus Job Interviewing Event. This event was designed to get students ahead of the rush when classes officially start, explained

PUZZLES FOR RELEASE AUGUST 24, 2026

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski

ALEXIS PERSICKE / The Reveille

Students pose with their shirts Aug 19, 2025, at the LSU UREC in Baton Rouge. Olinde Career Center Communications Director Amanda Rabalais. “Once classes begin, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and momentum of the fall semester,” Rabalais said. “By interacting with the Career Center before classes start, students can build a stronger relationship with their career coach, get set up early with a strong resume and career resources, and get a perspective on their career goals to help them navigate the ‘why’ of college.” The LSU University Recreation also hosted events for students to learn more about its facilities. Chandra Pidgeon, interim executive director of University Recreation, explained that the UREC’s All-Access event and activities during the Choose Your Own Adventure portion allowed students to make connections and find activities they’ll enjoy going into the fall. “Experiencing UREC before classes begin helps students become familiar with the facility and discover programs that match their interests,” Pidgeon said. “The earlier they find a place where they feel connected, the more likely they are to make UREC part of their college experience.” Besides learning more about campus resources, students got to explore campus areas and make new connections. Walker shared a few of her favorite moments from past Welcome Weeks and why they are so special to her. “Convocation and the class photos are always special moments because you can physically see the size and energy of the incoming class,” Walker said. “But the smaller moments are just as impactful, such as watching someone meet a friend in their small group, connect with a staff member or discover a resource that becomes part of their LSU experience.” Walker also emphasized the importance for commuting students to attend Welcome Week events. “For commuters, especially, this is an important opportunity to begin building the connections that residential students may naturally develop in their residence halls,” she said. “We communicate early, provide a full schedule, send postcards and offer a variety of experiences throughout the day so students can find meaningful ways to participate.” The staff continues to shift and

change student experiences to build on the past year’s events and open up new opportunities. “One of our goals each year is to improve the experience based on what we learned from the previous class,” Walker said. T his year, staff members who oversee Welcome Week continued to strengthen the Choose Your Own Adventure section of the week with new events that keep students coming out and learning more about resources at LSU. They also continued to expand the use of CliftonStrengths within small-group sessions and events to help students identify their strengths and challenges they may encounter throughout the semester. One major change students experienced during the 2026 Welcome Week is that all nighttime events were held indoors. After community reactions to last year’s outdoor events raised safety concerns, Student Affairs made the decision to keep these events indoors to have more oversight of who was attending them. T he popular RHA Block Par ty was held in the Carl Maddox Field House this year, whereas it was previously held outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Catherine David, LSU ResLife associate communications director, explained this change happened to control the event size and who was entering. “This past year’s event drew the highest attendance yet, and we anticipate another well-attended, high-energy event this Welcome Week,” David said. “The open access along North Stadium Drive made crowd control more difficult for us and [the LSU Police Department], so with that in mind, we prioritized finding a space with single-entry points for this year.” Walker agreed, explaining that safety is incorporated into planning for every Welcome Week event. “All of our event hosts work closely with LSU Police, Risk Management and the LSU Emergency Operations Center on staffing, crowd management, transportation and pedestrian considerations, weather, emergency procedures, and other logistical needs,” Walker explained. “With thousands of students participating, communication and coordination across campus are critical.”

ACROSS 1 Instrument with strings and pedals 5 Some toothpastes 9 Hit or __ 13 Ground measurement 14 Deserve 15 A law __ itself 16 Pork or beef, for example 17 Japanese film genre 18 Pierce with a knife 19 Outdoor meal carrier: 2 wds. 22 Designer Saab 23 Active person 24 Author Achebe 27 Helpful hints 31 Jousting weapon 32 Go cycling 33 Mediterranean __ 34 Poker payment 35 Chicken __ sandwich 36 Remnant of a ticket 37 Fish eggs 38 Three-point shot 39 Ducks’ relatives 40 Costs of flights 43 Birdseed holder 44 Horse’s hair 45 Category 46 Iced breakfast pastry: 2 wds. 50 Sound of pain 51 Mothers, informally 52 Comfortable state 55 Italy’s capital 56 Strictly correct 57 Dishonest scheme 58 Lose traction 59 Hockey venue 60 Shipped DOWN 1 Brother of Shem and Japheth 2 “Facts __ facts”

8/24/26

Created by Stella Zawistowski

3 Gather crops 4 Ability to wait calmly 5 Wish-granter in a lamp 6 Actor Dane 7 Big tree branch 8 Stabilized 9 Civil War gun 10 Full of curiosity 11 Bit of data 12 Cry loudly 14 Wild enthusiasm 20 Crossword hint 21 “I am my father’s __” 24 Nurse Barton 25 Vietnam’s capital 26 MLS club in Florida: 2 wds. 27 Heaps 28 “Sure” 29 Find another purpose for 30 Curved sword 32 Uncovered 35 Hulu user, for example

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

36 Like some grapes and oranges 39 QB Smith 41 Struck out, slangily 42 __ Taylor Loft 43 Gold medalist’s place 45 Natural skill

8/24/26

46 Use a kitchen 47 Long skirt 48 Muscat’s land 49 Delicate fabric 50 Woman’s title: Abbr. 53 __ Juan, PR 54 First responder: Abbr.

Monday, August 24, 2026

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WELCOME WEEK

L S U

LSU Class of 2030 enjoys fun activities Aug. 18-19

A student rides the mech anical bull at the UREC Aug. 18

Students hold their

Build-a-Mike at th e Student Union Aug. 19

Students hold their Build-a Student Union Aug.-Mike at the 19 ol at the UREC Au

g. 18

LOVE PURPLE

Students bowl at the UREC Aug. 18

LIVE GOLD

GE A

UX T

I G ER

A student plays po

Students get their caricatur

e drawn at the UREC Aug. 18

stacle e inflatable ob th h ug ro th Students go UREC Aug. 18 cour se at the

Photos by Alexis Persicke | Design by James Miller

Monday, August 24, 2026

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JUST DANCE

Students celebrate Welcome Week at the Carl Maddox Field House on Aug. 17.

Students dance

The DJ spins tracks

Students party

stu

A student sings

Photos by Alexis Persicke | Design by James Miller

A bearded dragon parties

A crowd dances at the stage

OPINION

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Freshman year can be confusing, but we have answers for you How difficult is it to get settled in with a new living situation?

You’ll need to pay attention Instead of stewing in resentment over to how far your classes are these incidents, I learned to communicate both from your dorm and one with my roommate. another; if you’re not careful, It’s quite challenging at first, but it’s you may end up coming into better to confront these discomforts class late and dripping sweat from directly rather than living through a Louisiana’s unbearable heat. Your freshman year roommate horror story feet will undoubtedly hurt from that you’ll tell for years to come. It’s these excursions, and you may even also just as important to be honest need to buy another pair of shoes with yourself about what works before the year concludes. for you to ensure your year goes as smoothly as possible.

I had the privilege of having my own room for 18 years of my life, but that changed as soon as I moved into Miller Hall at the beginning of my freshman year. My room was no longer my own — I shared my private space with a complete stranger. I woke up to bright overhead lights at midnight while trying to sleep, heard iPhone alarms ring 30 minutes after I was already awake for the day and overheard phone-call gossip while typing up essays.

What is the best way to keep up with campus events? Something I love about LSU and the Baton Rouge area is the action: Every day, there are dozens of concerts, club and development events happening constantly and simultaneously. The LSU Events Calendar is your primary resource, hosting a litany of amazing seminars, development fairs and art exhibitions. Some events like The Common Ground Project’s “Pizza & Public Affairs” seminar even have

College brings about unfamiliar and often difficult coursework. It takes very little time to drown yourself in assignments when unprepared. And so, time management is the key to success. It’s critical to know what your classes entail, when your assignments are due and how you’ll juggle these alongside other priorities. A planner is your best friend in this pursuit.

You should also frequently check Moodle, Outlook and Workday. Moodle and Outlook serve as efficient forms of communication between you, your professors, teaching assistants and advisors, while learning to use Workday will make handling degree-related tasks easier.

What is the best way to make friends as an incoming freshman? On campus, spots like the University Recreation Center can provide social opportunity. Its indoor Smoothie King can provide community after playing a game of basketball, swimming in the LSU-shaped pool or running the track. Exploring places like the UREC can be a great way to make friends. Don’t hesitate to invite someone from class to take a stroll through campus under the oaks and grab food together. A little studying at the library doesn’t hurt, either. Beyond these opportunities, joining clubs or

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You might even want to spend weekends walking around campus to truly learn your class routes; not only will you get the lay of the land, you will also find suitable spots to spend your potentially hours-long gaps between classes.

Savannah Boynes is a 20-year-old journalism and screen arts double-major from Madisonville.

What’s a good way to spend an afternoon in Baton Rouge?

free food. If you wish to seek out excursions Beyond official channels, beyond campus, Greater Baton Rouge though, it’s good to keep an won’t disappoint. eye out for campus bulletins Of course, there is a smorgasbord and lampposts. Despite the of tourist attractions, such as the Old accessibility of social media, and New State Capitols, the free these remain outreach points for Capitol Park Museum, and the an array of garage bands, reading Louisiana Art and Science Muclubs, and those simply seeking to seum. make friends. Below the surface, however, Baton Rouge maintains

How do you keep up with a difficult courseload?

EDITORIAL BOARD

How do I navigate campus efficiently?

a vibrant scene of alternative hangout spots and quirky storefronts. Chelsea’s, just north of campus, for example, has perennially been the heart of Baton Rouge’s indie scene, while The Purple Cow is a treasure trove if you’re into thrifting.

Gordon Crawford is a 20-year-old political science major from Gonzales.

How do you deal with academic and personal overwhelm? With all of this change, you may find yourself extremely stressed. College can become overwhelming quickly, so it’s important to take breaks and do things you enjoy: Hang out with friends, go for a walk or just relax alone. Always make room for personal priorities in your agenda alongside assignments and exams.

Keep yourself in check while having fun. Make these college years count, because they last a lifetime in memory.

Lauren Johnson is a 19-year-old mass communication major from New Orleans.

What are the best local spots to eat at when on-campus locations are busy?

attending events that align with On-campus spots tend to fill up your interests is also a great way quickly, and you can easily find to meet people. Everyone is just as yourself waiting 20 minutes for a eager to make connections as you Chick-Fil-A sandwich in the Student are, though it may not always seem Union. this way. To avoid being packed in like It’s also good to know that if you a sardine, go and explore local can’t find a club that interests you, you favorites just outside of campus. can make one yourself — it’s a great way Raising Canes is a must-try near to build community while contributing campus , especially something meaningful to your résumé and the campus itself.

since Baton Rouge is home to the chain’s first-ever location. If you’re tired of chicken fingers and fries, D.P. Dough and The Chimes are also nearby.

Jeanne Warren is a 20-year-old communications major from Baton Rouge.

Editorial Policies and Procedures The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

Quote of the Week “All glory comes from daring to begin.” Eugene Fitch Ware American author/poet 1841— 1911

Monday, August 24, 2026

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