Bad news for all those in denial — the “freshman fifteen” is not just a college myth. Several studies have found that fifteen is the average number of pounds students gain during their first year of college – but sometimes it is even more.

Dr. Sandra Vasquez, director of the Student Health Center, said the freshman fifteen is in fact a common phenomenon and their are many reasons behind the bulging waistlines.

“Students with limited time tend to make hasty choices when visiting the cafeteria,” Vasquez said. “Also, students gather socially around food and the longer they hang out at eateries, the more they eat.”

Vasquez also said alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in weight gain.

Incoming freshman will soon learn that college can and will be stressful at times, however, there is no need to rely on food to keep nerves at bay.

“There are other ways to manage stress that don’t require putting food in our mouths,” Vasquez said, “these would include exercising, deep breathing or meditating to name a few.” continue reading

Home to the Reinbolt Hall basement, the Drama Department has been cooking up some fresh and thrilling ideas behind the curtain for the students, fac­ulty and staff this school year.With more than just play productions under its sleeve, the department has designed a year of stimulating work­shops, exhilarating productions and an all-theater trip to London.

With early planning already in the works, the Dra­ma Department foresees an eight-day excursion at the end of the spring semester that will involve visits to theater museums, meet-and-greets with actors and English workshops, just to name a few.

Moving to the beat of their own drum, the depart­ment actively encourages the campus community to participate. Opportunities to get involved are always available to anyone and there is no commitment to act in a play or change a major. continue reading