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INSIDENEW AROUND CAMPUS

The Campus BeatNew Additions to JU Page 2

PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON

To those of you who are new to this institution, welcome to Jacksonville University.

My name is Christina Kelso and I am honored to introduce myself as the new editor-in-chief of our student newspaper, The Navigator.

I began working for the Navigator on my first day as a JU freshman. In the three years since, I have developed a strong passion for this newspaper, both for what it is and what it has the potential to become.

The Navigator is truly remarkable because it amplifies

the student voice in a way that connects all levels of the university. The sheet of ink and newsprint that a potential student picks up on a campus tour is the same as the one read by the executive movers and shakers of this university. The day-to-day routines of JU’s students, staff, alumni, faculty and trustees are drastically different, but when they thumb through a print edition or scroll through the web stories of The Navigator, it has the ability to create a shared experience.

As the paper moves forward in its 71st volume, beginning

with this second annual Week of Welcome edition, that experience will become more dynamic. The Navigator is in the midst of an evolution. Expect to see more compelling visuals, bold layouts, stronger content, and a rapidly growing web and social media presence.

I invite and encourage you to join us as we strive to capture life in motion on the JU campus.

Christina KelsoNavigator Editor-in-ChiefClass of ‘15

The Jacksonville UniversiTy sTUdenT newspaper aUGUsT 22, 2014 volUme 71 issUe 1 JUdolphinmedia.com

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY

WORLD RELIEF

Summer Reading Inspires Supply Drive & Soccer Game to Benefit Local Refugee Children Page 5

KEEPING SAFE

Staying Safe on CampusCommon Crimes and Tips from JU Campus Security Page 9

LOCAL JACKSONVILLE

Explore the River City Local Destinations in Jacksonville Page 11

WEEK OF WELCOMEEdition

Christina KelsoEditor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSON

This special Week of Welcome edition of The Navigator is designed as a guide for incoming students as they begin their journeys as Jacksonville University dolphins.

EDITORIALWEEK OF WELCOME

Jacksonville University’s Student Newspaper

2800 University Blvd. NJacksonville, FL 32211

Main office: (904) 256-7526Business office: (904) 256-7524

E-mail: navigator@jacksonville.eduFax: (904) 256-7684

JUDolphinMedia.com

EDITORIAL BOARDCHRISTINA KELSO

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR

JENISA WAUGH LEAD DESIGNER

EMILY LANSINGER NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR

SARAH JURKOIC, KENNETH PASLEY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS

PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR

MICHELLE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

MATTHEW MARTIN WEB EDITOR

STAFFSTAFF WRITERS

BLAKE HIBDONARIEL MERRYWEATHER

STAFF COLUMNISTSLOVELY VALBRUN

STAFF DESIGNERSALYSSA STEVENSON

SABRINA CRUZ-SANTANADEHIAM GONZALEZ

BRIAN COSMILLO

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERSSTEFANIE KEELERBRITTANY BUSH

EDITORIAL POLICYThe views represented in The Navigator’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff, or administration of Jacksonville University. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number, and e-mail address, and should be e-mailed to navigator@jacksonville.edu. Please limit them to 300 words or less. The Navigator reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space, or journalistic ethics.

KEITH SALIBA, PH. D. FACULTY ADVISOR, CONTENT

DENNIS STOUSE FACULTY ADVISOR, BUSINESS

CORRECTIONSAt the Navigator we strive for excellence. Should mistakes occur every effort will be made to correct them hastily.

2 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014

JU CAMPUSBEAT

The completed College of Health Sciences

building opens to students for the Fall 2014

semester. The facility’s grand opening

celebration will take place Thursday

Sept. 4 at 8:00 a.m..

The River House opens

for normal operation Monday

Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. Hours w

ill be

Sunday-Thursd

ay 10:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

and Friday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m..

Construction continues on the

D.B. Milne Field. The project is set to be

complete in time for JU football’s home opener on Sept. 13 against San Diego.

THE NAVIGATOR

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA KELSO

EDITORIALWEEK OF WELCOME THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 • 3

Dear Students,

Welcome to what is sure to be a wonderful year at Jacksonville University. My name is Clayton Levins and I am the university’s newest presidential fellow and a graduate of JU’s 2014 class. As a fellow, my chief function is to serve you, the student; to hear your voice and advocate on your behalf to our incredible campus executives and to the entire community of Jacksonville. I am so humbled to be able to serve you in this way.

My experiences at JU have made me into the man I am today and I am so thankful for

them. I believe your experiences here at this inspiring place will transform you too. Here, you will be challenged, given opportunities, dared to dream, and ultimately become the leaders and catalysts for positivity that our world needs.

JU grads are consistently among the most well equipped individuals to enter the workforce. I have no doubts that when you walk across the graduation stage, you will be too. Seek out our alumni while you are here, learn from their experiences, they have so much to teach and are so eager to give their knowledge away. The JU family is a very giving one and when you invest in it, it will invest in you.

So, I encourage you to captain your ship and to chart a course of success. Know that there will be storms along the way, but I tell you, steer the course and you will come out stronger than ever. Make new friends on this journey and engage with your campus. Don’t be afraid to take risks and to dream big. Most importantly, don’t ever use the words “I can’t;” I have always ascribed to my pop’s old saying, “I can’t never could.”

Make every second count, friends.

Warmest regards,Clayton LevinsPresidential FellowClass of ‘14

Clayton LevinsPresidential Fellow

As we begin a new school year, I want to welcome each of you to Jacksonville University and express how enthusiastic I am for the exciting times that lie ahead for your journeys here.

To our first year students, allow me to offer a piece of advice - just a nugget of wisdom I’ve learned from others (and from being around a bit). I’ve given it to my own children as they set off for college and I give it to you now: Get out there. Engage.

Throw yourself into your college experience. Don’t be afraid to meet, to join, to help, to serve. We are here to help and welcome you.

JU will give you every opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with this campus community, and realize your goals for your future.

To our returning students: please continue making our university the best that it can be. Embrace your campus. Stand up to lead and be a catalyst for growth and

development across this wonderful place. Leave a lasting legacy.

To all of our students: I encourage you to take advantage of new facilities and new opportunities. Study, dine out, and connect with peers at the River House. Take a walk through the College of Health Sciences and see an example of the commitment that we have made to enhancing your academic experience.

Don’t let your experience stop with our campus gates. I encourage you to be a part of our exciting city of Jacksonville. This town has a bright future, one that you can be a part of. Jacksonville needs young leaders and engaged citizens like each of you. Go downtown, attend Art Walks, be a part of One Spark, watch the Jaguars, experience our diverse cultures, attend concerts, immerse yourself in what makes this place so special.

Lastly, I encourage you to work closely with our dedicated faculty. They are here to prepare you for success, and as a JU student

you are uniquely positioned to learn from them. They will know your goals and they will help you achieve them. Get to know them, don’t let your relationship stop with a quick “hello” before or after class.

I have great confidence that this will be one of the best years in our institution’s history and I wish each and every one of you the best of luck!

Again, welcome to Jacksonville University, stay in close touch, and Go Dolphins!

Tim Cost President Class of ’81 TCost@ju.edu

Tim CostPresident of Jacksonville University

Dear Incoming Students,

First and foremost, welcome to your new home, Jacksonville University.

We are thankful to have students of your caliber joining the rich traditions here at JU. My name is Keith Taylor Jr., and I am the president of our institution’s student government, the Jacksonville University Student Alliance.

I am delighted to have you here and have some very exciting information about JUSA that I hope you will enjoy. JUSA is here for you! We address all student concerns and advocate to improve student life on campus and enhance your dolphin experience.

We host weekly meetings every Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. in the River House and encourage you to join us as we discuss important issues that affect students and JU.

JUSA’s fall elections will take place Sept. 22 to Sept. 24. You can participate by voting or running for one of our open representative positions. I would love to have you as a representative. Bring your fresh perspective and creative ideas to help make JU better for all.

JUSA also hosts programs throughout the year to promote school spirit, ranging from JU’s week-long fall Homecoming celebration to our annual Fin Fest in the spring.

Your time here at JU is what you make it. There are numerous ways to make your mark on JU and to leave a legacy that both you and your family will be proud of.

Thank you once again, and I look forward to meeting you. Go Fins!

Kieth TaylorJUSA PresidentClass of ‘15

Keith TaylorJUSA President

PHOTO COURTESY OF JU MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF JU MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

NEWS 4 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014

Dolphins in the SummerHighlights of Student Activities

WEEK OF WELCOME

Jacksonville University A Look at Current Students & Where �ey Are FromFall 2014

A total of 3467 undergraduate, graduate and online students attend Jacksonville University as of fall 2014. These students come from all over

the world, bringing a rich diversity to the the JU community.

Current students come to the university from:

30 foreign countries

47 states

3 U.S. provinces

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINA KELSO

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA KELSOMembers of the fall 2014 incoming class got to know JU’s campus and community through summertime New Student Orientation sessions. This year’s orientation theme is A League of Our Own.

(Above) Chief Athletics Officer Donald Horner, Ph.D., speaks to incoming students and their families during New Student Orientation Monday July 14. (Below) Orientation leaders and incoming students play ice-breaker games in the Swisher Gymnasium.

Working from Jacksonville University’s floating research vessel the R/V Larkin, Associate Professor of Biology Anthony Ouellette, Ph.D., and students in his summer Environmental Microbiology course sample and study flesh-eating bacteria in the St. Johns River. Their work was featured in The Florida Times-Union, on three local news stations, and nationally on CNN.

(Above) Ouellette offers advice to students Rhea Derke, (left) Marshalluna Land (right) and Madelyn Woods (back) as they dilute water samples collected from the St. Johns River. (Below) Marine Science Master’s student Marshalluna Land uses a multi-channel pipette to dilute a river water sample to later be filtered and examined for vibrio vulnificus and vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria.

As the capstone to the summer Sociology of Disney course taught by Assistant Professor of Sociology Heather Downs, Ph.D., students complete their final exam at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World’s Orlando Resort.

(Above) As they move through “It’s a Small World”, JU 2012 alumna Kathryn Kane (left) and senior Sociology and Geography major Chelsey Sanderson discuss cultural appropriation on the ride. (Below) Downs (second from right) spins around in a teacup full of sociology students on the “Mad Tea Party” ride.

Throughout the summer months, the University hosted a number of camps for local children. These included sports, marine science, dance and visual arts camps.

(Above) Children at the Tony Jasick Basketball Camp play a game together in the Swisher Gymnasium Tuesday June 10. (Below) Children in JU’s Marine Science Summer Camp search for dolphins and collect data aboard the R/V Larkin, JU’s floating research classroom, Friday June 27.

Sociology of Disney Flesh Eating Bacteria StudySummer Camps New Student Orientation

NEWS

CHRISTINA KELSO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Before the fall 2014 semester picks up speed and Jacksonville University’s incoming freshman start to settle into different parts of campus scene, they are, for a moment, united.

Over the summer, the first-year-students shared a common reading experience of the book, “Outcasts United,” which tells the story of young refugees on a soccer team in the small town of Clarkston, GA. Now, within their first few days of calling the JU campus home, incoming students have an opportunity to not only consider the social issues discussed in the book, but to take action.

With the initiative JU United, the Orientation Team created a way for the university’s students, faculty and staff to come together to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees living in the Jacksonville community.

“I hope that it shows them that they are not just here to take, but to also give,” said Orientation Educational Programs Coordinator and Senior Elementary Education Major Jessica Parker.

Working in cooperation with World Relief and Lutheran Social Services, JU United is collecting donations of new socks and underwear, as well as new or gently used books, toys, sports balls and children’s sneakers for the city’s refugee children.

“Refugee kids have kind of lost the ability to have a childhood and this is one way that we can help them have a childhood again,” said Heather Downs, assistant professor of sociology.

Downs, who worked alongside Parker to orchestrate the initiative, said this is the first time that JU has organized a campus

wide giving event in cooperation with the common reading book.

“I think people, a lot of times, read a book about a social issue and they want to do something,” she said. “So here is something really easy that you can do when you do your back to school shopping. You pick up a package of socks to help these kids or you pick up a toy to donate. It doesn’t have to be expensive because it’s all appreciated.”

Donate and ParticipateDonations are being accepted through

Friday Aug. 22 in the Student Solutions Center. Saturday Aug. 23, the JU United service event concludes with a faculty-student soccer game. Donations will be accepted throughout the game, which takes place 10 a.m. to noon on the Intramural Field as part of the 2014 All-Star Move In and Kick-Off to College Weekend.

Professors slated to play include Downs, Associate Director of Aeronautics Mark Willette, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry Joseph Cradlebaugh, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Biology and Marine Science Natasha Vanderhoff, Ph.D.

Refugees in JacksonvilleAn average of 1,000 to 1,200 refugees are

received in Jacksonville each year by one of the city’s three resettlement organizations; World Relief, LSS and Catholic Charities. Jacksonville’s refugee population represents all parts of the world, with the majority of refugees received in recent years arriving from Burma, Iraq and Cuba.

The U.S. Code defines a refugee as any person outside of the U.S. that is of special humanitarian concern to the U.S. and “has a

well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion,” according to a July 28 article by the Pew Research Center.

The process of gaining refugee status can be difficult and long, often taking years and multiple applications.

“There is no one refugee story,” said Jennifer Arnold, community engagement manager for LSS. “Some people are coming from refugee camps, some people have been in the camps for months, some have been in camps for years. Some were never in a camp. There is not one path or experience that is the same for everyone.”

The U.S. is one of about 10 countries presently accepting refugees. Since 1975, more than 3 million refugees have sought safety in the U.S., according the Department of State.

Upon arrival, refugees receive an apartment and 90 days to become self-sufficient, with the help of resettlement organizations like World Relief, LSS and Catholic Charities.

“I think people probably think that they get a whole lot more government support than they actually do,” Arnold said. “I can’t

imagine being dropped in Burma and being expected to be self-sufficient in 90 days.”

Volunteer Opportunities

LSS and World Relief have great volunteer and service project opportunities for individual JU students and student groups. Some of these include opportunities for translators for several languages, particularly Spanish, Arabic and Burmese, and volunteers to help set up apartments for new refugees before their arrival.

“Accepting and welcoming refugees, I think is a very American thing to do,” Arnold said. “We’re a nation of immigrants and it fits in perfectly with what we’re supposed to be about as a nation.”

Interested volunteers can contact Downs, the JU Service Learning, or Arnold at jarnold@lssjax.org or 904.730.8266.

“So many of the problems in the world are cause by fear, and the fear really comes from lack of understanding,” she said. “By educating people on the issues and getting to know these new Jacksonville-ians, hopefully you can dispel that.”

THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 • 5

Summer Reading Inspires ServiceJU United Supply Drive & Soccer Game to Benefit Local Refugee Children

WEEK OF WELCOME

Located at 7001 Merrill RdPhone: (904)-524-8429In the Publix shopping center

Sunday-�ursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER ARNOLDJacksonville refugee children participate in Lutheran Social Service’s summer 2014 Summertime Express enrichment program. The program served 75 children, coming from nine different countries and speaking 10 different languages.

NEWS

GABRIELE HICKMANCOPY EDITOR

Singer and parodist Alfred “Weird Al” Yankovic received his degree in Architecture before turning to a career in entertaining, lead guitarist from the band Queen Brian May holds a doctorate in astrophysics, and in 2013 The Washington Post reported that only 27 percent of U.S. college graduates hold a job related to their major. This wide-scale disconnectedness between educational backgrounds and career paths may cause some college students to wonder if their choice of major is relevant and where it will take them. Because there are hundreds of pathways to hundreds of careers, students who are not ready to be locked into a specific major often choose to enroll in college undecided.

At Jacksonville University, close to 10 percent of fall 2014 incoming students enrolled as undecided, according to the Office of Admissions.

Junior psychology major Brianna Mederos came to JU undecided and open-minded.

“I felt stressed because I was going into college not knowing what I wanted to do with my life,” Mederos said. “But because I didn’t have a major, I was open to anything.”

Because undecided students often take courses in a variety of different disciplines, many admissions officers and professors find them to be curious and creative, according to a 2011 U.S. News article.

“Please resist the pressure to pick a major to make the college process easier,” said Nancy Meislahn, dean of admissions and financial aid at Wesleyan University in the article. “Ask the adults you respect what they studied in college, and you’ll find there are many pathways and routes to law school, teaching, business, etc. Choice is the hallmark of U.S higher education; don’t limit your horizons.”

Since an approximate 80 percent of college students change their major at least once, even students who enroll with a specific major may be considered undecided. Ralph Figueroa, director of college guidance at Albuquerque Academy, in an interview with U.S. News, encouraged even decided students to have an “undecided” mindset when coming into college.

“I had a college friend who was in the hospital for a long time,” Figueroa said. “Bored, he read the course catalog from cover to cover. When he got out, he changed his major from computer science to sociology, because those courses sounded

most interesting. Having a major in mind is fine, but be open to new possibilities and be ready to change.”

Some majors at JU may be difficult to complete in four years if the program is not started during the first year. Students are encouraged to look at potential majors they may be interested in, and take core classes in those, said Interim Director of Advising Roderick Jungbauer.

“I usually suggest that an undecided freshman start taking core courses that will count towards any major,” Jungbauer said. “In addition to selecting courses from the core, [taking courses in] a subject area that is of interest is a good way to explore whether the subject can be pursued as a major.”

Mederos adopted this method and discovered her major by taking courses that interested her.

“I was always interested in psychology, and it was actually my first choice before choosing to be undecided,” she said. “I took Psyc 201 with [Christi] Bamford and she made me love it all over again.”

Students can connect with the Career Development Center and Advising to explore the career and major options that will best suit them.

“Take your time deciding,” Mederos said. “Take your prerequisites your first year and talk to your advisor and friends you have in different majors.”

Rethinking “Undecided”Undecided Students Explore Career Paths

6 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 WEEK OF WELCOME

Davis College of Business

College of Fine Arts

School of EducationCollege of Health Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences

ILLUSTRATION BY ALYSSA STEVENSON

Sophomores off er advice aft er a year of getting to know JU.

I wish I knew how to adjust. Don’t be nervous. Be really open towards new possibilities and try new things. I was really closed off at fi rst and now I’m a lot more comfortable. I’m going to rush this year.”

Nicole Gabriel, Sophomore- Elementary Education Major

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

If you’re a commuter student and you’re on your way to school, you want to give yourself plenty of time. If you’re leaving in the morning, plan extra time to get around the school zone times down Merrill Road.”

Kaitlin Kavanagh, Sophomore- Nursing Major

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

How to manage time better. When I fi rst came here, because I’m a music business major and take a lot of music classes, I had no time to do anything and I was rushing around with everything. I made out a schedule of all my classes and the times in between, I also had to work so I put in my work time, and just kind of fi gured out, even in the 10 to 15 minutes between classes, what to do.”

Alyssa Colon, Sophomore - Music Business Major

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

I wish I had known the closing times of The Cafe’. I didn’t really get to go after football practice and I had to eat Chick-fi l-A all the time. [Also] go to class.”

Johnny Jones, Sophomore- Kinesiology Major

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

That I shouldn’t have been as intimidated by people as I was. Everyone here seemed to already know people and it was weird coming in as a freshman not knowing anyone. Defi nitely get into some sort of program because most of the groups here are really cool and the people are always awesome. I do marching band. The music classes are really small so you get to know those people really well.”

Anthony Akapnitis, Sophomore - Percussion Music Performance Major

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

Sophomores: What I Wish I Knew When I was A Freshman”

NEWS

ALYSSA STUBBSSTAFF WRITER

Was it hard for you to live far from home while attending college? When she heard the question, Davina Hamilton just laughed.

“It still is,” she said.Hamilton, a Jacksonville University alumna

and current acting director of the Student Solutions Center, knows firsthand how exciting and difficult the transition to independent life in college can be.

“We definitely see students that often talk about homesickness,”said Hamilton, who encourages students to stop by the Student Solutions Center. “If they just want to talk about it or find ways to lessen that homesickness, we can help.”

Another resource for anxious students is the Student Counseling Center, located just behind the Sam Marks Chapel. Kyle Fessenden, a counselor and outreach coordinator there, offered practical tips for students as they adjust to life at JU.

“First and foremost, acknowledge that you’re feeling homesick,” Fessenden said. “We want to attend to it. It’s a natural feeling to have. It’s important to talk about it, whether it’s with your RA, your parents, or your friends at home.”

Chief Student Affairs Officer Kristie Gover, Ph.D, agreed.

“I think [students] can find comfort knowing their peers have the same emotions,” she said. “One of the most important things is to connect with other students. That is why we send a strong message to students to get involved.”

One student who has done just that is junior Adda Laplaceliere. Before leaving Venezuela to study voice performance at JU, she had only visited the United States on vacation. Living far from her family, she acknowledged, was initially difficult.

“It was tough thinking, ‘I have four more months until I see them,’ and counting the days,” she said. “Classes helped keep me busy. If I wasn’t doing anything it would have taken me longer [to adjust].”

Laplaceliere’s lessons and rehearsals often kept her busy until the late afternoon, but she called her family regularly and made the effort to find friends who could understand her situation.

“My first friends here were ISA [International Student Association],” she said. “They understood what I was going through, so I didn’t feel like an outcast. I met a lot of people in my hall. That’s how I met

my current best friends and roommate. You meet friends everywhere.”

Prince Gyau, a senior nursing major from Ghana, said that the transition for freshmen is “not easy,” but engaging in campus affairs is helpful.

“I’ve seen people cry and the best I could do was encourage them to get involved,” he said.

Last spring, Gyau won the election to the position of vice president of the Jacksonville University Student Alliance, JU’s student government. While he encourages students to communicate regularly with their parents and siblings back home, he also says that he had to change his mindset as he entered a country he had never visited before.

“Back home in Africa, America is the closest thing to heaven,” he said. “I told myself I wasn’t going on vacation to chill. I was going to school. I had to talk myself out of the baby Prince who would have to go back home every week.”

That type of focus may not be possible to achieve right away.

“I think it’s important to acclimate,” Fessenden said. “The literature says six weeks, give yourself those first six weeks to adjust.”

Fessenden encourages students to get involved in campus activities like intramural sports, residential life, clubs or events.

“If it goes beyond those six weeks and you’re reaching out and trying to make friends and it’s really not working, ask yourself if it’s really a good fit,” he said. “It might not be the right time or atmosphere, and that’s okay.”

For students who find JU a good fit, the benefits can be immense.

Laplaceliere once thought that one of her classmates was lucky to be graduating and going back home.

“Now I’m like, what was I thinking?” she said. “[JU] is helping me reach my dreams.”

HomesicknessAdvice on Easing the Transition

THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 • 7WEEK OF WELCOME

5959 Merrill Rd 3 Blocks from Campus

Weekend of

August 22-24

Q&A with David Stout, Director of Residential LifeQ. As a college student living away from home, what was your experience like?A. I was an out-of-state student. I spent 16 of my 18 years in Colorado Springs, CO before returning to Florida to attend Florida State University. I only saw my parents once or twice at most during the school year so I was definitely on my own. I definitely felt homesick a few times, particularly in the beginning of my first semester, but thanks to friendly RAs and a very welcoming community I was able to find multiple ways to get involved on campus and plenty of people to spend time with. That really set the foundation for my FSU experience, and it is something that I’ve carried with me as I’ve advanced in my career in Housing and Residential Life. We train our RAs to help combat homesickness by creating an inclusive and safe community for their residents and by connecting residents to as many involvement opportunities as they would like to pursue.

Q. What practical tips can you offer to students dealing with feelings of homesickness?A. Homesickness doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter if you are coming to JU from the west side of Jacksonville or from the West Coast, everyone is prone to feeling homesick. The first piece of advice I would give to any student in this situation is to talk to someone about it, either a friend, RA, or professional staff member. Just about all of us have been there before and can offer solutions to make students feel better. Homesickness can magnify quite a bit if you keep it bottled up inside. The second piece of advice is to get involved on campus, whether by joining a club or organization, a fraternity or sorority, the Residence Hall Association (RHA- any student living on campus is already a member so come to the meetings!), or even becoming employed in a campus job. The more connected and invested you are, the better experience you will have at JU!

Q. What, if any, experiences from homesick JU students have come to your attention? Were these students able to resolve their anxiety?A. Being homesick is a very normal feeling while transitioning to college. Every year we see many new and returning students who are affected by homesickness. When that happens we rely upon our RA staff to develop strong and meaningful relationships with their residents, leading to increased involvement and more personal connections among peers. The professional staff in the Residential Life office are also trained to help students with these concerns and another wonderful resource is the Counseling Center, which is full of trained professionals who love helping students process through any anxiety they have. The majority of students I’ve worked with have been able to overcome their homesickness!

FEATURES 8 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 WEEK OF WELCOME

Mon, Aug 25 Tues, Aug 26 Wed, Aug 27 Thurs, Aug 28 Fri, Aug 29

For more information about Week of Welcome events schedule, please visit

dolphinlink.ju.edu

Keep up to date with exciting JU campus events on DolphinLink!

5:00 p.m.Pool PartyWURN POOL

7:00 p.m.Jaguars Football Game Watch PartyRIVER HOUSE

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Dolphin Game Night: Game Truck with Playstations, Xboxes, and Wiis WILLIAMS CIRCLE

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Build your own SundaeDAVIS STUDENT COMMONS

5:00 p.m.Pick-up Softball & KickballSOFTBALL: INTRAMURAL SOFTBALL FIELD

KICKBALL: DOLPHIN GREEN

8:30 p.m.Rooftop Movie:A League of Their OwnOAK HALL PARKING GARAGE

EVENTS SCHEDULEWEEK OF WELCOME

Special Events, Visitors & PatientsEmployee

North Campus

Commuter

South Campus

CAMPUS PARKING KEY

Emergency Blue Light Phone

Designated Smoking Area

Sodexo Eateries

Parking Garage - Permit Only

Currents

Nellie’s

Einstein’s Bagels

The Riverview Café

Waves

Campus Security Office2800 University Blvd. North

Jacksonville, Florida 32211904.256.7585

Special Events, Visitors & PatientsEmployee

North Campus

Commuter

South Campus

CAMPUS PARKING KEY

Emergency Blue Light Phone

Designated Smoking Area

Sodexo Eateries

Parking Garage - Permit Only

Currents

Nellie’s

Einstein’s Bagels

The Riverview Café

Waves

Campus Security Office2800 University Blvd. North

Jacksonville, Florida 32211904.256.7585

MONDAY, AUGUST 25Rooftop Movie: A Legue of Their Own

8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26Build Your Own Sundae

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27Dolphin Game Night

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28Jaguars Football Game

7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29Pool Party5:00 p.m.

FEATURES

GABRIELE HICKMAN COPY EDITOR

“I would have to say that we, as an internationally renowned university, are very fortunate in that we have a very safe campus. However, it does not make us immune from crime. Most crimes are preventable. Criminal acts occur when there is opportunity, the likelihood of going undetected, and a willingness of the perpetrator to commit the act.” - Gordon Bass Jr., Director of Campus Security

Most Common Crimes at Jacksonville University

Burglary, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism of property are the three most common crimes on JU’s campus, according to the most recent JU crime statistics report which covers the years of 2010-2012. In order to avoid these crimes happening to you, make sure to lock your doors and windows. Keep valuables in a safe place, and lock your bikes and lockers with a lock that is not easy to break. Director of Campus Security, Gordon Bass Jr., recommends the brand Kryptonite or u-shaped steel locks for bikes and lockers.

Most Common Crimes on College Campuses Nationally

Nationally, burglary is the most common crime reported on college campuses, with more than 6,000 instances each year, according to College Crime Watch. The third most common crime on college campuses is sexual assault with more than 1,000 instances reported each year. Students can report these crimes to campus security or the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office. When reporting these crimes to the campus security department, the local law enforcement agency will be contacted. JU’s student counseling center offers counseling and referrals for victims of sexual assault, and can be a resource for students who do not want to report the assault to the university or law enforcement authorities.

Tips1) Never walk alone: If you have to walk

alone, call campus security at (904) 256-7585 and ask for an escort. They will send someone to walk with you to your destination. Students can also contact the Department of Campus Security directly using one of the several Blue Light Emergency Phones

located throughout the campus grounds.2) Avoid distracting behaviors: Texting,

listening to music, talking on the phone or reading may keep you from being alert in potential dangerous situations.

3) Know your rights: Don’t hesitate to call for help during an alcohol or drug-related emergency because of potential disciplinary action. An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of someone experiencing an alcohol or drug-related emergency and the person receiving medical attention receive medical amnesty and will not face formal disciplinary action by the University for the possession or use of alcohol or other drugs once he or she agrees to complete recommended educational expectations from a university hearing officer.

4) Don’t prop open doors: Keep residence doors and windows locked. Keep valuables hidden out of sight and locked in a safe place.

5) Be safe on social media: Make sure your privacy settings are safe, and never share personal information such as your social security number, address, or bank information via social media. Be careful when informing people via social media on where you are staying during vacations and trips.

THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 • 9

Staying Safe on CampusCommon Crimes and Tips from JU Campus Security

WEEK OF WELCOME

More information about how to keep safe on campus can be found at under the Safety Tips tab.

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA STEVENSON(Above) Students keep their possessions safe by using secure locks. (Below) A bike at the Village Apartments is appropriately anchored to the rack with a proper bike lock.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA STEVENSONEmergency blue light phones are strategically placed around campus for student safety.

NEWS 10 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 WEEK OF WELCOME

LOVELY VALBRUNSTAFF COLUMNIST

Let’s talk dorm rooms. This is your home away from home. You need to be comfortable. And let’s be honest, it needs to look good! Especially if everyone and their mama is going to be in your room every day.

Kidding. Not really. But honestly, everyone wants to have a room that showcases their personality. However, if you happen to be on a budget, which when you go to college you may have no choice but to, here are a few do-it-yourself projects to spruce up your room!

WALLSThe easiest way to add some warmth to

your room is with pictures. Get creative, make an Instagram wall by pasting your pictures on white cardstock.

Or if you’re feeling very ambitious, head to your local craft store and stock up on some canvases, paint, buttons or whatever your heart desires and get to creating your one of a kind wall art.

Washi tape, a type of colorful or patterned masking tape made from rice paper, can be used as another alternative decorating tool. It removes without residue, meaning its perfect for temporary decorating.

FLASHING FLASHING LIGHTS LIGHTSAnd, no not the Kanye West song.

Mood lighting. There are some rules and regulations to follow, but past that have fun. Use fun, funky lamps, but lets save the Earth by using the squiggly bulbs peeps. Tea lights are fun and come in flameless, led versions. Try using Command products to strategically hang them around your room.

FLOWER POWERPlants. Have your own little garden in your

room. Plants that flourish indoors, such as lucky bamboo, succulents and orchids, can bring in color and scintillating fragrances.

YOUR BED FRIENDIf you thought you loved your bed at

home, get ready to realize that that wasn’t true love. The mutual feelings of heartbreak and happiness you will feel whenever you lay eyes on your bed, can and will bring you to your knees.

Don’t take the author’s word for it. Just wait on it.

The best way to show your love is to treat your bed like you would your significant other, with gifts and lots of them. Depending on your budget, Dormify.com sells complete

bedding sets. I’m talking the works. Comforters. Duvets. Decorative pillows. Sheets. Shams. Everything. Also with some cardboard, tape and fabric you can even have a different headboard in minutes.

Make a canopy for your bed. All you need are Command hooks, string, and two sets of curtains. It won’t damage the walls or ceiling and you’ll have an awesome little hideaway.

Whatever it is that you do, have fun. This room is where you will spend much of your college life. Make it fun. Make it comfortable. Most of all, make it yours.

SARAH JURKOICARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

With the hectic schedules and stress that coincide with college life, students often fall into bad eating habits. With limits on budgets, transportation and time, students may feel that their meal options are limited.

Rather than eating Chick-fil-A on a daily basis because the hours of the Cafe do not jive with their class schedules, students can put to work the one easygoing culinary tool that the most have, a microwave.

Although microwave meals often get a bad wrap for being unhealthy, and the mention of them can bring up memories of nuking health questionable meals of canned ravioli or nachos at a desperate hour, it can be used to cook healthy meals.

Microwave Tips:• Steam fresh vegetables. Place chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl, add a little water, cover tightly, and steam in the microwave. In a 2013 CNN article, registered dietician and certified food scientist Catherine Adams Hutt said “The best cooking method for retaining nutrients

is one that cooks quickly, exposes food to heat for the smallest amount of time and uses only a minimal amount of liquid... Microwave cooking does that...Consider spinach. Boil it on the stove, and it can lose up to 70 percent of its folic acid. Microwave it with just a little water, and you’ll retain nearly all its folic acid.”• The internet offers an abundance of microwave recipes. Try websites like Pinterest or those of popular cooking networks for inspiration. • Revamp your ramen. This college food staple can be quickly prepared and made healthier by leaveing out the high-sodium seasoning packet. Instead use healthier household flavorings and add vegetables, eggs or meat to make more hearty meal.• If there is no time to prepare ingredients, students can try healthier pre-made frozen dinner options from brands such as Kashi and Healthy Choice. • Be sure to always use microwave-safe bowls and containers. Never microwave styrofoam or plastic take-out containers. They are not designed to withstand high temperatures and release toxins into food.

The Lovely One: Fashion ColumnTips on Decking Out Your Dorm

Microwave SmartHealthy Eating Advice for Busy StudentsContest

�e Navigator

Win one of two $25 Campus Bookstore Gi�cards

#NAVIGATEJU1st Week of the Semester

August 21-31, 2014

ENTER TO WINthe JU_Navigator on InstagramFOLLOW

SUBMIT up to 3 creative & original photosof you having fun the first week of school

TAG include the #NAVIGATEJU tag to enter!

RULESwinners will be selected, one with the most amount of “likes” and one by “Navigator Choice”. Winning photos will be featured in the next print edition of the Navigator, September 17, 2014.

MAXIMUM THREE PHOTOS PER PERSON. ONE WINNER PER CATEGORY. OFFENSIVE OR INAPPROPRIATE IMAGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL BE REPORTED.

The contest runs from August 21 to August 31. Two

Style

Once applications have been collected, all students will be given the opportunity to vote via social media for their favorites and the winners will receive a "worthy prize."

Get ready because this fall, Residential Life will be

debuting its 'Best Room on Campus' room decorating

contest. Students will have the opportunity to apply for

their room to be selected for the contest.

Best Room On Campus Contest

NEWS THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014 • 11WEEK OF WELCOME

CHRISTINA KELSOEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The edges of the city of Jacksonville, Fla. stretch wide and encompassing.

Spanning 478,082 acres, Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. Teetering the border of Florida and Georgia, of urban and rural, of beach town and farmland, the city’s landscape is not only massive but also intensely varied.

To the east, it slinks along the shore of the Atlantic Coast and stretches down into a landlocked terrain of suburban life. To the north, the urban landscape branches out into the depths of the 7,870 acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. In the midst of it all, the St. Johns River surges from the ocean, past the Jacksonville University campus and straight through the downtown heart of the city, nourishing natural life and economic vitality everywhere it flows.

This distinctive position gives residents

and visitors an immense variety of park and recreation options. From the clatter of urban neighborhood playgrounds to quiet of nature preserves and protected beaches, the city has plenty of acreage for people to, literally and metaphorically, lose themselves.

In line with this, Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the country, according to the City of Jacksonville website. This includes city services at more than 337 locations spanning, in total, more than 80,000 acres of land.

Jacksonville’s vast natural playground includes Little Talbot Island State Park, Big Talbot Island State Park, Amelia Island State Park, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

Students seeking outdoor adventure can find plenty of opportunity to bike, hike, kayak, canoe, and swim.

Explore the River City Local Destinations in Jacksonville

Get on Your Feet and Park ItSee Trails, Beaches & Landmarks in Jacksonville’s State & National Parks

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA STEVENSON Little Talbot Island State Park, an undeveloped barrier island, has more than five miles of beaches.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO

A thumbtack marks the Jacksonville University campus on a city map, showing its central location in Arlington. JU is in close proximity to a variety of local hot spots in the city’s Riverside, Downtown and Southside neighborhoods.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO FOR THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION This small dine-in movie theatre is located at 1996 San Marco Blvd, in San Marco Square. Guests can enjoy food like quesadillas and pizza while enjoying a film.

San Marco Theatre

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, located at 829 Riverside Avenue offers free admission for college students with ID Tuesday-Friday. Student admission is $6.00 on weekends. The first saturday of every month admission is free for all visitors.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO FOR THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION Florida’s oldest farmers market, at 1810 West Beaver Street, is open from dawn til dusk 365 days a year. This festive outdoor local produce market has operated since 1938.

Jacksonville Farmers Market

Riverside Arts Market

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO FOR THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNIONOpen every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and located at 715 Riverside Ave., RAM is a vibrant place to go for local art and produce. RAM hosts free entertainment including music and belly dancing as well as free special events. Upcoming events include the Fall Arf Barket Sept. 13, the 4th Annual Yoga Fest Oct.11, and RAMi-Con Sci-Fi/Fantasy Day Oct. 25.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO Chamblin Bookmine, located at 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, is one of the largest and most expansive used and new bookstores in the Southeastern United States. The literary labyrinth has a smaller second location, Chamblin’s Uptown, at 215 N Laura St.

Chamblin Bookmine

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KELSO FOR THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located at 370 Zoo Parkway, houses 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. The zoo celebrates its centennial anniversary this year.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

SPORTS

PATRICK WILKINS SPORTS EDITOR

As the summer quickly comes to a close and the smell of sunscreen is replaced with the scent of new textbooks, students across the country gear up for what is set to be an exciting and eventful school year. Professors examine lesson plans while students finalize class schedules, readying themselves for what the 2014-2015 school year has to bring.

The same goes for coaches and athletes as they prepare their game plans for the upcoming seasons. Many hours have gone into the recruiting process and, while recruiting never stops, as the summertime wanes, coaches step back just a bit and shift their focus to the season’s task at hand, trying to put their teams in the best position to be successful and to bring a possible championship back to their respective campuses.

The coaches on Jacksonville University’s campus are no different. The new school year allows for these coaches to learn from the past, but also to put last year behind them and turn their focus to the new season that awaits them.

The returning students of Jacksonville University can expect several changes on campus, not only from the coaching staffs,

but from the facilities as well, most notably, the new construction that took place to Milne Field.

The major announcement that came from the summer months was the departure of former Athletic Director Brad Edwards and the new era of JU athletics under Donald Horner, Ph.D. Previously, Horner served as a Professor of Management in the Davis College of Business.

Although we wish Edwards the best of luck with his new endeavors, we look to the bright future that JU athletics has under our new Chief Athletics Officer. Horner has grand ideas for our athletic department and the drive to match, which will only bring great things to the athletes and students of Jacksonville University.

There have been several new additions to the coaching staffs on JU’s campus that date back to the end of the 2013-2014 school year. The first new face on campus was Coach Tony Jasick, who is the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. Coach Jasick hopes to bring JU Dolphins basketball back to the prominence that we have felt before on campus.

The men’s rowing team also received a new chief in Marci Robles. Coach Robles comes to JU after spending the last five years at Gonzaga University and Georgetown

University and hopes to continue the success that the rowing team has had over the last several years.

“Marci Robles is a superstar among her peers,” said Horner, in an interview with JU Athletics. “Her experience with big rowing programs at nationally competitive, but smaller D-1 schools is a perfect fit for JU.”

The softball team will have a new face around the diamond this year as well. The Lady Dolphins welcomes Amanda Haverman as a new assistant coach to Jen Steele. Steele’s already stellar staff gets a great addition in coach Haverman, who was a standout player for East Tennessee State and has spent the previous four years as an assistant at Norfolk State.

While bringing in new experience to the different athletic squads is pivotal to the success of our different programs, maintaining the coaches that have brought great success to the JU campus is imperative as well, and Horner did just that when he extended coach Ron Grigg’s contract for another five years.

Coach Grigg is the most successful track and field coach in Atlantic Sun history. He has brought nine titles in both indoor and outdoor track and field back home to JU in his nine seasons as head coach, winning Coach of the Year honors in every one

of his title quests. In an interview with JU Athletics, Horner spoke of Grigg as “honest, hardworking, focused, talented, technically competent.”

“Ron is a value-based leader of character and a master teacher of the finest order,” he said.

It’s traits like these that will continue to bring titles to JU’s campus and continue to build well-rounded student athletes.

Along with new coaches, students have much to look forward to with the construction of Milne Field. Construction started just after the 2014 spring semester ended in April and students will have a brand new game day experience when they watch the Dolphins play on Saturdays, starting with their first home game Sept. 13 against San Diego. Some of the notable key additions to Milne Field are a 2,900 person grandstand, state-of-the-art press box and concessions building, and new scoreboard, which features a 25’ by 13’ video board that will completely revolutionize the fans’ experience at Milne Field.

Students have much to look forward to this upcoming school year and new facilities and a changing athletic department are just a part of it. Welcome back students and have a wonderful year!

12 • THE NAVIGATOR • AUGUST 22, 2014

JU Athletics Gear Up For an Exciting YearThe Dolphins Have Several New Additions

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WEEK OF WELCOME