Some people like to wait until finals week is over to reflect on their semesters. If you are among them, make an exception. Put down the study guide, close the Khan Academy video and reminisce with us on all that has happened from August to present.
Here are some of the main things that we think defined fall 2014 at ASU:
ASU Football: Still recovering from a brutal defeat at the hands (paws) of Wilbur, ASU fans may not know exactly how to feel about this season. It had some amazing highs and some soul-crushing lows. In our view, it was a season in which to take pride, and we know ASU football is in a good place.
ASU Hockey: In mid-November, ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson announced Sun Devil hockey’s move to Division I. Some details are still up in the air — where the team will play, for example — but students should be excited to watch the high-achieving squad play against top competition starting next fall.
ASU is addressing campus sexual assault: ASU President Michael Crow approved a list of recommendations presented by ASU’s sexual violence task force. One of its recommendations was “including mandatory training for all ASU students on sexual violence awareness, prevention, intervention and support.” The online consent education course required for all ASU students seems to be a good step toward meeting that goal.
Law school relocation: After years of discussion and planning, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law’s new location in downtown Phoenix has a date for opening: fall 2016. The new school will be focused on an innovative approach in teaching law and will build a strong connection with the judicial prowess of Phoenix.
New restaurants: The IHOP on Apache Boulevard is no more. You may feel sad about that, but we did have a new addition to the ASU ‘burbs in the Normal Diner. Another newcomer to the Tempe area is Postino Annex located on College Avenue.
College Avenue Commons: Of course, the most significant new resident of College Avenue is College Avenue Commons. The building is composed of the Del E. Webb School of Construction, Sun Devil Marketplace, the Student Welcome Center, Pitchforks and Corks and classrooms. There are aspects of the commons of which we aren’t too fond.
Mill Avenue: Gentrification is beginning to tarnish the Tempe we know and love. Rebranding efforts have attempted to present a new era of “Downtown Tempe,” but for ASU students, Mill Avenue District will remain.
Tempe USG: The impeachment of Isabelle Murray, former Senator in Tempe Undergraduate Student Government has left Tempe USG mired in controversy since October. The impeachment was due to Murray’s alleged violation of federal privacy laws, as well as her alleged violation of USG’s media guidelines. We find the media guidelines to be outrageous and unfair.
Blackface bill: In response to a student wearing blackface to the blackout football game against UCLA, the administration has advised against wearing facepaint to football games. The ASU Black and African Coalition has voiced its outrage, and it remains to be seen whether a ban will be implemented or not.
LGBT Recognition: Although Coming Out Week was not held to a high standard, other awareness efforts like Trans Awareness Week did their part to make all students welcome.
The fall semester’s race is close to being run, and we hope you’re all finishing strong.
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