Does being a commuter cause a lack of a college experience?

By: Emma Hoyt

For students not living on campus, are they creating a better or worse college experience for themselves?

That’s the solution you’ll find when visiting the QU website.

STUDIES PROVE THAT COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO LIVE ON CAMPUS ARE MORE LIKELY TO:
Earn higher GPAs
Graduate earlier than students who live off campus
Report an overall higher quality of life
QU Website, Residence Halls

When you take a look at the Residence Life page on QU website, you’ll find many sources of information – including a list of living cost per semester.

Included on this page is QU oath to providing students with a great experience:

National research shows that students who live on campus perform better academically and graduate earlier than their off campus counterparts, so it is up to each student to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Living on campus will provide you with many new freedoms and personal choices, an experience in which you will meet students from across the country and around the globe, develop life-long friendships, and establish a connection to our diverse campus life. Various activities, staff and hall sponsored events, community service and leadership opportunities are all excellent ways to become actively engaged in your experience.
Quincy University Res Life

After talking to QU commuters, this isn’t the case.

Not living on campus has been a decision made by students for many years. The fear of the unknown, or the change of having a roommate could simply be answered by living off campus.

QU Senior, Katy Meuth, did just that.

Meuth lived on campus during her first three years at Quincy University and says maybe if QU had better amenities for commuters, she may have stuck around.

“There needs to be a bigger place for commuters to hangout. Maybe a coffee shop – where we can do homework, get food and drinks without having to have a meal plan,” says Meuth.

Currently, the commuter lounge is located on the second floor of Francis Hall and is home to couches, tables, and chairs.

Students taking advantage of current commuter lounge.

Commuters like Meuth, say they’ve never used the commuter lounge because of the lack of space.

“I have never used the lounge because people are always laying on the couches and there isn’t enough room for all of us to sit in there,” says Meuth.

Meuth currently lives off campus with two of her friends, and says that it’s been her best year yet.

“I love living off campus – especially since I don’t have to worry about getting parking tickets in front of my campus house. I also have a lot more fun because since living off campus, I’ve lived with some of my best friends,” says Meuth.

Another commuter says he couldn’t imagine living on campus.

Junior Wendell Bias Jr. is comfortable in his childhood home, he understands that living on campus is not in his plan.

“I’ve grown up in Quincy, so it would be ridiculous of me to choose to live on campus. I am still involved with activities on campus, but I like being able to leave and go home,” says Bias Jr.

Along with being a full time student at QU, Bias is employed at the Juvenile Detention Center and is on both the Track and Cross Country team at QU.

“I don’t think that living on campus really makes a difference on my college experience. It’s what I make it, and if I choose to have a great time at QU, I will,” says Bias Jr.

Coming soon, commuters will have a better place to lounge in their free time. It was announced that QU would be expanding the commuter lounge to better serve the commuter community.

Informational flyer posted in commuter lounge

The project will take place in the summer and QU wants your input on what should be done to enhance the commuter experience.

Send your ideas to communityrelations@quincy.edu

Searching for Spring scenery in Quincy

By: Emma Hoyt

The sun is slowly making its appearance and QU students are needing to break out of their dorms. Students that are not originally from Quincy might have a harder time finding fun in the Q.

Whether it be weekend plans, or just an hour of free time – students are starting to look for activities that aren’t going to break their bank.

In Quincy, there are plenty of things to do and places to go that aren’t as advertised as they should be. Many Quincy residents already know about this free-time fun spots, but QU students have to go on an adventure of their own to find them.

With the sun coming out and the weather warming up, Bob Mays Park is one place you’ll want to check out this Spring. Home to a shelter house, playground, disc golf course, walking trail, creeks, and open grass areas, Bob Mays is a perfect spot.

Creek located within the trail at Bob Mays.

A part of the Quincy Park District, Bob Mayes Park is located on 18th Street right passed North Campus – you can plug it in Google Maps with 2533 N. 18th Street.

Heavily used by many Quincy residents, the trail is a great way to get some exercise on any day with sun. QU students, Zach Cookson and Devin Austin take their furry friends with them out to Bob Mays, where they see many other dog walkers.

“It’s a really good walk for both me and my dog. Usually we’ll walk down to 12th street and back,” says Austin.

The trail is fully paved and includes bridges and creeks, Cookson stated that his dog loves all the different terrain included at the park.

“Parker (dog) loves walking on the bridge that goes over a running creek, he’s so interested in it,” says Cookson.

Parker enjoying the creek view while walking at Bob Mays Park.

Along with the trail, Bob Mays also includes Quincy’s second 18-hole disc golf course. This course runs a total of over a mile in length with long and short fairways that can be a challenge for players of different skill levels. Scorecards and maps are available in containers around the park.

Map of Disc golf course located at Bob Mays in Quincy.

Another great spot to stop at when the sun is shining, is TCBY. Frozen yogurt is a must on any sunny day, especially when it’s TCBY.

Everyday TCBY offers a different special every day of the week, and includes the Quincy favorite – Waffle Cone Wednesday. You can check out their website for store hours, daily specials and current flavors.

If you’ve never heard of or visited Downtown Quincy, you’re missing out! Full of local business that include food, fitness and retail : this is a fun spot to spend an afternoon.

Starting in May is the Quincy Farmers Market, which is truly a community event. Bringing people together to buy directly from local Tri-State Area vendors/producers and enjoying the locally grown produce, delicious baked goods, flowers/plants and beautifully hand crafted items.

With many different places to check out, the District is a one top shop! If you get a chance to stop by, be sure to check out these favorites:

Poppin’ on Maine
Thyme Square
Yellow Kiss Boutique
Electric Fountain Brewery

These spots in Quincy are a Spring stop that you’re going to want to put on your list. For students, these are great places to get away from campus for a bit and take their minds off of school to relax and enjoy time with their friends. Be sure to get your friends together and stop at these great Quincy locations, it’s such a great way to unwind.

QUestion: Have you declared your major?

Students were encouraged to attend a ‘Declare your Major Day’ put on by the Success Coaches on Tuesday March 5 from 3 to 5 P.M in the SSC.

Student success coaches put on this event for students without a declared major to have an opportunity to attend and learn about different majors from their corresponding professors.

The SSC (Student Success Center) sent out an email to students, similar to this one, in order to provide an opportunity for students to get some 1-on-1 conversation.

Email sent out to students to recognize the event.

The SSC is located in the lower level of Quincy University’s Brenner Library, the Student Success Center offers:

Free tutoring services
Supplemental Instruction facilities
Focused support for both writing and math

The SSC is open to students during the following times:

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Fridays 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Brendan McCrudden, a student success coach, encourages QU students to use the resources available to help them choose a degree path.

“There were 63 undeclared students at QU to start the semester, we want to give students all the information they need to make the best informed decision for their future,” says McCrudden.

McCrudden doesn’t suggest rushing the process of selecting a major, but to use the first year to get a feel for the career you want to pursue, and then make a practical choice.

“When you look at research, you can find information that shows that students that have a major, a goal they’re chasing down, they’re more likely to persist,” says McCrudden.

As a former student athlete and Assistant Lacrosse Coach at QU, McCrudden wants students to know that declaring you major in college is just as important as declaring your school of choice when it comes to athletics.

“Our culture doesn’t see the declaration of a major as a big deal, that’s why we wanted to give an opportunity to celebrate academics. We mocked this event after the National Letter of Intent signing, so students feel celebrated and appreciated when it comes to setting and chasing goals in academia,” says McCrudden.

Professors from the larger academic units were set up with different degree plan forms, for each major under their umbrella.

Marian Sorenson, a lecturer in the Education department, was one of the experts that attended the event to share the importance of major declaration.

“It’s important for students to have a goal, and when you declare your major, you have something to work towards,” says Sorenson.

The School of Education at Quincy University is ready to accept students interested with open arms.

“We would love to talk to anyone about education, especially all the options from early childhood through high-school. There’s a wide range of things you can major in, and I would be happy to talk to anybody about becoming a teacher,” says Sorenson.

Students interested in pursuing a degree in education will have the opportunity to experience hands on learning in K-12 classrooms, as well as exposure to materials and faculty.

In addition to the different representations of majors, Kristen Liesen was also present to conduct career assessments for students that were completely unsure.

The success coaches located in the SSC continue to encourage students to check into the many resources that QU provides, both online and in-person. Career assessments, job search sites, internship search sites and more can be found on the QU website under student resources.

QU Counseling Center provides outlet for students

By Emma Hoyt

For Quincy University student, Kylee Waddell, keeping her mental health in check, is important.

Waddell uses the free service offered to students as a venting source for college stress.

“I have benefited from the services in more than one way. The counselors are amazing and I always feel so much trust and comfort when I go in,” says Waddell.

Quincy Medical Group and QU paired up to offer a free counseling service to students from Monday through Friday.

Friars’ Hall, where the counseling center is located.

Located on the first level of Friars’ Hall, the counseling center is secluded to provide confidentiality.

Millie Silver, a LCSW from QMG, helps a lot of students with a wide varieties of issues.

“Adjustment is a big topic we help students with, since college is such an adjustment for all students. It includes being in a new state, city, or even country. It could include leaving family, friends or their normal routine,” says Silver.

Many students at QU deal with some kind of adjustment disorder. Silver stated that symptoms could have been dormant at home and nothing triggered it until now.

“Being on your own and not knowing how to deal with it can trigger adjustment disorders when living on a college campus. We want students to know that there are many resources outside of our offices, like, the clinic, success coaches and other faculty to reach out to. QU does a great job of providing students with a range of resources,” says Silver.

The college adjustment isn’t the only thing Silver has seen come into the office.

“Mental Health is a huge umbrella. Things we’ve seen include anxiety, depression, test anxiety, relationship issues, roommate problems, as well as drugs and alcohol,” says Silver.

Flyer discussing hours of operation for free services to students.

“We have this flyer that we like to give to all students we see, and those we meet. Not only to let them know were here, but to give them the thought,” says Silver.

The Counseling Center is here for you : whether you’re going through a tough time, battling bigger issues, or just want someone to talk to, they’re here to help. The Counseling Center provides services for:

Anxiety and stress
Depression
Relationship concerns (friends and/or partners)
Worries regarding grades/major
Family situations
Adjustment to University life
Other mental health issues
Collaboration with community health professionals

“When it comes to mental health, its very stigmatized. We need to treat it the same way as a broken bone. More information and awareness is what everyone needs,” says Silver.

Counselors provide students with a handout of great tips and ideas regarding their own physical and mental health.

Coping skills include, but are not limited to:

Meditation
Getting in a good work out
Joining a club
Thinking positively

Waddell heard about the services by seeing a flyer around campus, and she’s glad she gave it a shot.

“It’s such an awesome place to go. If you need help with something specific or just need someone to talk about anything with,” says Waddell.

Everything in the counseling center is confidential and free to QU students.

To schedule an appointment, students can make one in person or send a confidential email.

Screenshot of an email being sent to obtain services.

Silver encourages all students and faculty to stop by the office and check it out.

“Come see us! Even if its just to see where were located,” says Silver.

More information on the counseling services can be found on their website.

QUEST Center helps students polish up resumes

Several students took advantage of the free resume workshop held in the Student Success Center Computer Lab on Wednesday Feb. 20 from 12 to 1 P.M.

Resume guide provided to students who attended the workshop

The event was put on by Director of Experimental Learning, Kristen Liesen with the help of Sara Phillips, an experimental learning specialist and Alyssa Vitale, a graduate assistant.

The QUEST Center (Quincy University Experiential Study Center) posted flyers on campus and sent out emails to students, similar to this one, in order to provide an outstanding opportunity to students who could use resume assistance and guidance.

Students were welcome to come with a completed resume or a blank page, in order to get ahead in the hiring process.

Chayim Cunningham Jr., QU Aviation Management student, was sure to attend. With this, he found out just how much information could be taken out of such a workshop.

“Anyone would be foolish to not take advantage of a workshop like this one, fine tuning my resume could potentially give me the upper hand as an applicant,” Cunningham Jr. said.

Even though the workshop only lasted one hour, students received hands on help through the resume writing process, as well as during the adjustment stage.

“I came with a resume I already had made, I’ve actually sent this one out a few times. I knew it needed enhanced, so I’m here making adjustments and improvements,” Cunningham Jr. said.

QU students perfecting resumes during workshop.

Liesen understands that students at QU are in all stages of the process, and is ready to help.

“I want to meet students where they are,” says Liesen.

The QUEST Center provides many avenues of help. The QUEST Center’s mission states that the office supports, coordinates, and implements academic experiential learning, in collaboration with faculty, staff, and the community.

“I think it was a great idea for QUEST to have one of these workshops, it gives me more confidence in my resume,” Cunningham Jr. said.

“Resumes seem to be really popular, but I also sit with students when their getting ready to apply for a job, we also have networking meetings for students that may be interested in an internship or a job – that we can provide contacts for,” says Liesen.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the services that the QUEST center has to offer which include:

Career Services – Support for a successful transition to a career
Credit for Prior Learning – Academic credit for work experience
Internships – Opportunities for paid employment related to major
Service-Learning – Achieving learning outcomes through service
Study Abroad – Venture into the world to create new learning experiences
Undergraduate Research – Work with faculty in any discipline on a research project

Students like Cunningham Jr. are benefiting from all of QUEST’s services, and are thankful for all of their help through his education process.

“I actually have used QUEST services a couple times, and their always willing to help me. I have used their closet to get nice shoes for an interview I had, and I’ve had my resume looked over several times,” Cunningham Jr. said.

The QUEST center is located inside the SSC on Main Campus in the lower level of Quincy University’s Brenner Library, and provides students with many paths to success.

QUestion: Should Chicago become the 51st state?

As of Thursday Feb. 7, 2019, three Illinois republicans are in pursuit to making Chicago the 51st state, hitting close to home for Quincy University students.

Daniela Mancilla, a freshman at Quincy University is from Chicago, IL.

Mancilla in her hometown of Chicago, IL.

“I love Chicago! I am very proud to say that I’m from Chicago. I love the city life. I love the diversity and being able to meet so many people from so many backgrounds,” says Mancilla.

House Resolution 101 filed by IL Representatives Brad Holbrook, Chris Miller and Darren Bailey proposes to divide Chicago from the rest of Illinois in order to create a 51st state.

The resolution suggests Chicago and downstate Illinois should split because the two areas do not share the same political views.

“The majority of residents in downstate Illinois disagree with City of Chicago residents on key issues such as gun ownership, abortion, immigration, and other policy issues.”
-House Resolution 101

According to the resolution, this isn’t the first time that United States citizens have thought of this, Illinois in 1925 and 1981 resolutions were filed as well as the same talk of breaking up California into several pieces.

“The dissension between downstate Illinois and the City of Chicago spans the nearly 200-year history of the State, and there have been several attempts in the past to divide Illinois into two states.”
-House Resolution 101

The bill hasn’t been assigned to a committee, since the filing is a house resolution, it doesn’t need approval from the governor or a state senate.

Mancilla is like many of the Quincy University students we talked to.

“I think it would benefit small towns a lot though,” says Mancilla.

After talking to a group of current students, we found that 80 percent of the group thought that Chicago as a state would be a good idea, that would potentially benefit small towns like Quincy.

With Chicago being approximately 311 miles from Quincy, other QU students and Quincy natives are curious to what will happen.

“I think Illinois would lose interest from tourists,” says one QU student.

“My question is, why Chicago? What about all of the other major cities in the U.S.?” says another QU student.

Illinois is home to approximately 12.8 million people, with Chicago making up for about 2.7 million of that number and people are seeing the impact.

“The divide between the City of Chicago and downstate Illinois is frequently manifested in electoral results such as the 2010 gubernatorial election in which the Democrat candidate won the election despite only carrying four counties out of 102 counties, and, in fact, did not need to carry any other counties to win because of the margin of victory in Chicago and Cook County.”
-House Resolution 101

Not far from Quincy University, Chicago being only about a five hour drive, brings this topic close to home.

The bill status is still in progress and is open to be monitored by the public by visiting the Illinois General Assembly website.

QU Media wants to hear from you :

The House Resolution 101 proposes to split Illinois and make Chicago the 51st state, due to the conflict in political interests.

Do you agree or disagree with the House Resolution 101 to make Chicago the 51st state?

Teen Court brings new opportunity for QU students

By: Emma Hoyt

Alexia Ginter, freshman criminal justice major, is ready to assist in giving juveniles in Adams County another chance.

“Teen Court is a program that allows teens to get experience under their belts in the law world, and the offending teens to stay out of the system. It’s a win win for everyone,” says Ginter.

Teen Court is for first-time juvenile offenders who commit non-violent crimes and plead guilty. These offenders appear in court in front of a jury their own age, who will decide their consequences. The Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office refers cases to Adams County Teen Court.

Violations seen in court include offenses like traffic violations, underage alcohol consumption and theft.

Thanks to this partnership between the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office and Quincy University, students like Ginter get to see the justice system in work, first-hand.

“By doing Teen Court, I’m able to be in the role of the people who would be a part of my career. Also, it looks amazing on a resumé, and it’s another way for me to help the community,” says Ginter.

Consequences or ‘Remedies’ as Adams County Teen Court calls it, include things like: community service hours, serving on Adams County Teen Court in the future as a juror, or even an apology to the victim of the crime.

College and high school student volunteers fill the roles of the traditional court personnel.

Quincy University John ‘Pete’ Brown Mock Trial Room, where teen court is held.

“We go through a whole official court proceeding. The teens gets to be the jury, attorneys, clerk, and bailiff. After the trial is over, the jury hands down a positive punishment that is used to deter future bad behavior,” says Ginter.

Ginter isn’t the only teen court volunteer from Quincy University. Clairice Hetzler, Adams County Teen Court Administrator and QU Criminal Justice, Human Services and Sociology professor as well as, Jamie O’Neal, administrative assistant and senior QU student volunteer their time.

Hetzler and O’Neal supervise the teen juries, advise teen attorneys, and meet with the defendants and their families to schedule court and complete the program by fulfilling their sentences.

“Teen Court does not determine guilt or innocence, but rather holds their peers accountable for their actions. We have our teen volunteers focus on three questions: How can you hold the offender accountable for his or her offense? How can you help the offender repair the harm to all the victims? What does the offender need to become a more productive member of the community?” O’Neal stated.

This program allows teens to develop critical thinking skills, receive court training, help restore offenders to the community, and impose community based sentences.

“This really educates everyone involved on building positive relationships with peers and adults rather than just punishing a crime,” O’Neal adds.

Juveniles will be given a teen court date and the peer jury will choose a restorative justice remedy after hearing the case. The remedy must be completed within 90 days of the hearing. If the youth offender successfully completes the remedy assigned, no charge is filed. Failure to complete the remedy within the assigned time may lead to possible prosecution.

The Teen Court has had only one court appearance, due to weather cancelations, but Ginster is ready to get back into the court room as the acting defense attorney.

“I just want to be able to make the world a better place in some way,” says Ginster.

Teen Court will be held in the Quincy University John ‘Pete’ Brown Mock Trial Room on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Adams County Teen Court is still in need of more teen volunteers to be jurors. Be sure to like their Facebook Page for updated information.

If interested contact Administrative Assistant, Jamie O’Neal at onealja@quincy.edu or at 217-440-6686.

Quincy University’s new Cyber Security major means more than just the Internet for one QU student

Wendell Bias Jr., a Junior Criminal Justice Major and Quincy native, has always dreamed of becoming a Quincy Police Officer and fighting crime in his hometown.

Crime means a lot more than it used to when Bias Jr. was envisioning catching the ‘bad guys’ as a young child. “Crime doesn’t only happen on the streets, it happens online too”, says Bias Jr.

“Technology is always changing and becoming better, so who knows what well be looking at in 10 years”, states Bias Jr.

Quincy University received a $2.25 million Title III grant from U.S. Department of Education, focusing on expanding student access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Meaning, that over the next five years, the grant will allow QU to introduce two new majors: Cybersecurity and Business Analytics.

The admissions department is excited and ready to help current and new students, as well as their families and educators get ready for these upcoming options.

“We want to make sure that we arm those people with the right materials, let them know we’re here and that we have great programs as well”, says Director of Admissions, Brittany Ellerman.

Cybersecurity and Business Analytic centered careers are experiencing strong demand for well-trained employees right now, meaning, that this grant came right on time.

Dr. Dana Walker, Assistant Professor of Business, agrees that the grant will truly benefit QU and employers in the Gem City, “It’s very timely, these are the jobs that need to be filled”, says Walker.

Post graduation employment at QU is 92%, because of instructors like Walker, who state upfront that students will have many job opportunities with this major. “Logistics Coordinator, Pricing and Operations Manager will be the some of the job titles students will be taking,” says Walker.

New students interested in Business Analytics, starting 2019 will graduate with a Business Analytics degree in 2023. QU will begin offering courses like Risk Analytics, Marketing Analysis and Advanced Predictive Analysis Modeling, to juniors starting in the Fall of 2021.

In the mean time, students at QU can plan on seeing Cybersecurity construction begin now in FH 246 and courses beginning Fall 2019, since this career focus in computer science has such a strong demand that is predicted to grow rapidly as time progresses.

Flyer posted on Francis Hall 246 door, declaring the new construction site for QU Cybersecurity Program

Students enrolled in Cybersecurity will be looking at courses such as Fundamentals of Network Security, Codes and Ciphers, Applied Networks and Security and many more. “Cybersecurity is wonderful. It’s becoming one of the most popular majors ever. It’s nice to say that we off that”, adds Ellerman.

“It’s great that QU is getting these new majors, it’ll bring a lot of new students and jobs to Quincy,” says Bias Jr.

While he prepares for graduation next spring, Bias Jr., is excited for the opportunity that students will be given, “When it comes to adding these two majors to QU’s course catalog, it’s going to benefit everyone. These students will have first access to topics that are becoming so important in our world”, says Bias Jr.

Quincy University will continue to update information through newsletters, the website and social media. Follow QU on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more information.