Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism

Category archive

2016 Archive

Making future decisions for a journalism career

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  Today was my first day at OIDJ, for the second time around of course. I was lucky enough to be selected to attend this journalism camp for two years in row. Last year I was the new kid on the block, just like every one else. This year, however, I had a leg up. I knew the director, the dean and assistant dean of Gaylord, and some of the coaches and volunteers on a first name basis. First day jitters were non-existent; I was just excited to see some of the people I met the year prior. Excitement filled me as I…

The lone gentleman participant at OIDJ

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Today I woke up tired, which is really funny because I got at least eight hours of sleep. I have a room to myself, since I am the only guy here, and went to bed significantly early. I was really nervous about today because at my school we do not have a writing club or program, and everyone here is involved in one. I thought today I wouldn’t know as much as the other students, but it actually turns out I knew more than I thought. We went to the Oklahoman, and we met some really great people. When we…

A day at The Oklahoman, and pondering Gaylord College

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My experience at OIDJ so far has been eye opening. I got to visit The Oklahoman, and what I experienced was not what I expected it to be.     The atmosphere was very modern and it felt very friendly. It did not feel intimidating to be there, while speaking to those who work and intern there I realized there are different parts that help the industry function and make it what it is. For example, I did not know they had a website, let alone an actual person that was specifically in charge of running the sports part of…

OU fights ‘rape culture’ with education and awareness

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As the subject of campus rapes from Stanford to Baylor to Vanderbilt and beyond grab headlines across the nation, it resonates at the University of Oklahoma as well. According to the 2015 Sooner Safety and Fire Report, OU had 12 sexual offenses reported to law enforcement in 2012, 22 in 2013 and 18 in 2014. However, many more cases have been reported to the Gender and Equality Offices, OU Advocates and Title IX. Data released to The Oklahoma Daily in fall 2015 shows the university’s Title IX Office has received 70 more sexual assault reports since 2012 than the safety…

The race against rape culture

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When most people think of going to college they think of all the the cool things they’re going to do, being sexually assaulted is not one of them. Campus rape culture exists at every university in America, and is a constant battle to fix. The University of Oklahoma is trying to combat sexual assault by first, educating freshmen at Camp Crimson, and second, by providing resources like crisis lines and advocates to victims. But, what’s causing people to do these attacks and are the new changes really helping? Major Bruce Chan of the OUPD said the department takes several helpful…

Nutritional Options on the University of Oklahoma Campus

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The transition to college can be a stressful time for some, especially when it comes to food. Cafeteria food will probably not compare to a home cooked meal, but the OU Food Services offers programs that keep the students needs in mind. Frank Henry, Director of Food Services, was instrumental in implementing the Fitter Foods Initiative, a program that offers food portions of five hundred calories or less with less sodium and fat, which are available at select OU restaurants. Along with accommodating students who choose to eat healthier, the OU Food Services staff also provides vegan, Halal and gluten…

OU Hopes to Improve Eating Habits with Healthier Options

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What you eat largely impacts the way your mind and body function. A simple shift from drinking soda to drinking water can do much more for you than cinch your waistline. But not everyone knows that. That is why OU’s Huston Huffman Fitness Center will be hosting a new ‘healthy eating’ class this summer. Heather Kirkes, coordinator at The Houston Huffman Fitness Center said, the goal of the ‘Full Plate Living’ class is to instill education that encourages students to embrace better eating habits. “What effects I found interesting for the healthy eaters are, more than ever, their mood changes;…

Dancers try to strike healthy balance

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Many young adults struggle with healthy body images due to today’s society. These young adults focus more on the exterior, agonizing over what to eat and which photo will make a good profile picture without realizing that all can come at the expense of what is really important: health. This struggle is all the more real for college students who study dance and performance arts. Their bodies are presented constantly on stage and are spotlighted throughout shows. They view their bodies daily in the mirror while rehearsing, and the intensity leads some dancers to go to exaggerated lengths to achieve…

Oklahoma budget cuts undermine mental health care

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Due to state budget cuts, Oklahomans with mental health problems face a shortage of bed space and health care. According to a study by the Department of Corrections in 2006, 11,739 out of 24,000 offenders have a mental health problem, and about 67-percent of these people will be re-incarcerated within six months of release if not treated properly. “What happens is that many of the people that aren’t getting treatment in our state have done something in the community that’s a danger to themselves or others and their only means of getting treatment is through the back of a police…

Ditch the desk: Alternatives to sitting at work may increase productivity

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After years of working at OU, Nicole Kendrick, Assistant Director of Freshman Programs, said she was tired of sitting at a desk all day. The strain on her back, and on her productivity, was getting to her. She looked for a way to make the workday easier on her body. She found it in a standing desk. In a country where obesity is on the rise and people are spending many hours at their desks, some may need a new way to get work done. According to WebMD Health news, “a new analysis links prolonged sitting to greater odds of…

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