Staff at the Center for Multicultural Initiatives Speak on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Oakland University’s campus

By: Makaila Gaston

Staff at Oakland University’s Center for Multicultural initiatives share information on their office as well as their thoughts about how diversity, equity and inclusion is being handled on OU’s campus. 

Staff

Makaila Gaston- Multimedia Producer

Evan Fisher- Photographer

Brock Heilig- Copy Editor

Evelyn Gandarilla- Online Editor

Arianna Heyman – Content Editor

Anelle Scott- Social media and design coordinator

Lightening The Load: How Oakland University Is Making College More Affordable

Evan Fisher

College is painfully expensive. Based on Oakland University’s cost of attendance spreadsheet for 2022-2023, the total cost is over $60,000 for four years without including books or housing.

 According to usnews.com, their report shows that the average cost of tuition alone is over $39,000 for four years.

Colleges offer ways to help out with the cost of tuition and books through scholarships, but the process for applying for them can be challenging. 

Oakland University students share feelings about their privacy and social identities

By: Makaila Gaston

When it comes to human interaction, it’s difficult to always know the best approach to take, especially when it comes to matters of intruding in others’ personal lives. Curiosity is generally seen as pure innocence but, is this always the case? Even as society moves to a space of increased liberation and tolerance, personal feelings of privacy when it comes to inquisition should continue to be considered.

Nine students, who wish to remain anonymous, on Oakland University’s campus were asked a series of questions surrounding their feelings about privacy when it comes to their social identities.

These students were initially asked if they were comfortable sharing what identities they self-identify as. The students willingness to speak shows that they have a level of comfort with the topic and is important to note in the results.

As retirement looms, Pete Hovland discusses how he’s handled changes in student behavior over the years

Brock Heilig

When 29-year-old Pete Hovland first stepped on the campus of Oakland University in 1979, things looked a lot different than they do today. Now, 44 years later, Hovland is set to retire after an uber-successful and illustrious career. 

As the head coach of both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams for more than 20 years, Hovland’s conference championships came about as frequently as possible. Of a possible 64 conference championships that were played during his tenure, Hovland-coached teams won 62 titles, only missing out on two league championships.

It was undoubtedly a remarkable run, and as Hovland’s official retirement date (May 7) approaches, he discussed how things have changed over his 44-year career.

Pontiac community ‘so grateful’ to be welcomed to Oakland men’s basketball game

Brock Heilig

On Saturday, February 25, the Oakland University men’s basketball team hosted the Northern Kentucky Norse for senior day at the O’rena. 

The Norse weren’t the only visitors in the O’rena on Saturday, though, as the Golden Grizzlies also hosted the Pontiac Community. Members of the community flocked to Oakland University to see a competitive basketball game but, more importantly, to feel a sense of belonging.

All Pontiac residents were given free entry into the O’rena for the final home game of the regular season for Oakland men’s basketball. 

The potential impact of student loan forgiveness

Arianna Heyman

Photo courtesy of the New York Times.

Student Loan Debt has become a crisis in the United States of America. Currently, the cumulative federal student loan debt is at $1.6 Trillion for the 45 million borrowers across the country. 

As Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan is being contested in the Supreme Court (SCOTUS), students across the country are waiting on bated breath for a decision. 

According to Nicole Belk, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Oakland University (OU), nearly half of the student populus has student loans from the federal government. 

Gender and Sexuality Center Advocates for LGBTQ Rights

Anelle Scott

Blake Bonkowski is a queer, trans person who discovered his identity on Oakland University’s campus 11 years ago and has since dedicated his life to advocating for student inclusion at Oakland University.

Bonkowski has been the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) coordinator since May 2022. Bonkowski defines his role on campus as an advocate for student inclusion and his role with the members of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. He states that OU has grown much since he attended and acknowledges the accomplishments that have been made on campus:   

“We have an office and a coordinator, OU is ranked the top two schools in the state regarding LGBTQ inclusivity. On paper, we have solid policies, and people have a more positive experience here, but there are always areas where we can improve, such as with faculty being transphobic and not being held accountable.”

College Tuition Costs Make Attendance Challenging

Evan Fisher

Faisal Nucho, pictured left, is enjoying a gorgeous day at Rochester Park. He spends a lot of his free time there when he’s not buried in homework.

Faisal Nucho, 21, is currently in his third year at Macomb Community College. Nucho, along with his two siblings, are first-generation college students. Nucho wants to attend Oakland University, but there have been several roadblocks that have prevented him from attending so far.  

Attending a university is expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attendance for a private university is $25,707 per year for in-state students.

President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Speaks on Oakland University’s handling of Diversity on Campus

Anelle Scott

Oakland University has experienced controversy regarding gender inclusivity on campus.   Patrick Henkel stands as the president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance since 2022, the leading LGBTQ club on Oakland University’s campus. 

Henkle’s time at OU has shaped his journey with identity within the GSA; he has explored many roots of sexual orientation as it is a never-ending discovery. He now identifies as they/he pan asexual. 

“It is important to step back from the norms and be in touch with your sexuality.” Henkel said. “Always feel free to come to the GSA if you struggle with identity.”