Eamon Roach
Sophomore, Philosophy and Natural Sciences Majors
Q: What are the campus issues people are talking about?
Much of the conversation about campus issues seems to revolve around the new construction. Many of my fellow students have expressed excitement over the new changes, particularly the campus expansion, but we’re slightly disappointed over not being able to see it firsthand — chances are we’ll graduate before it’s finished. A few are irritated, or even saddened, by the demolition of houses near campus. To some, these houses seemed perfectly fine, and some believe the houses could have been utilized rather than destroyed.
Q: What are the best and worst parts about your campus?
To me, the best part of Xavier is the community feeling on campus. There have been very few moments when I haven’t recognized a handful of faces and had nice conversations just walking to the library or to class. Because of it, the apprehension I felt at starting my first year in college was gone by the time I came back for my sophomore year. Although I was leaving behind my hometown, I knew I was moving into a place where I could still feel at home.
Although I’d like to believe Xavier is a perfect place, it does have some faults. The biggest one, to me, is the lack of access to organic products, such as foods, clothes, packaging, etc. Many college campuses nationwide have programs and even classes dedicated to expanding the greenness of campuses. Some of these colleges even set aside small plots of land to grow small quantities of organic vegetables, which are then used in food production. It might be a stretch and not the most cost effective move, but I believe it would do some good.
Q: Is your campus political?
I can happily say that the political scene on campus is pretty good. Many of my personal friends and fellow classmates are decently well informed in terms of politics and are capable of intelligently debating.
Kelley Boldt
Senior, Political Science Major
Q: Is diversity respected on your campus?
Generally, yes, diversity is respected. I always see the Office of Multicultural Affairs putting on programs directed toward educating people on campus about issues that affect students of color. Other clubs — the African Student Association, BSA and an organization for Latinos — are also pretty active on campus. The Women’s Center was fully established on campus last year and has quickly become a vibrant, welcoming and active place that seeks to provide a place for dialogue about women’s and gender issues that have not been discussed at this level on campus since I’ve been at Xavier. Over the past three years, I think that the Xavier Alliance, which deals with GLBT issues, has become more active in urging students to think outside the box and learn to respect all peoples.
Q: Are safe sex, GLBT issues and date rape discussed on campus?
I would say that Xavier is semi-progressive about these issues. GLBT issues are discussed on campus, and the Xavier Alliance has been at the forefront of trying to educate the campus about them. Since we’re a Jesuit school, however, I think that many issues regarding safe sex and date rape are sort of hush-hush issues as a whole. That’s not to say that there aren’t people and groups out there such as the Xavier Advocate program and the Women’s Center that are trying to change this. The Advocate program is a resource for people who have felt they’ve been abused in any way so that exists, even though I’m not sure how effective it is. The Health and Counseling Center seems to be open to helping students, but I’ve never seen them active in helping students obtain birth control or condoms for safe sex.
Brigid Cafferty
Junior, Political Science and Spanish Majors
Q: Where are the best places to unwind around campus?
A new favorite of mine is Sitwell’s Cafe in Clifton, and after seeing that the Speckled Bird (in Norwood) has free WiFi I want to go there now, too. Not being 21, I don’t have a lot of experience with Cincinnati bars, but I hear Dana Gardens is big. If you’re open to a new experience, the drag shows at The Dock can be hilarious. As far as party houses, Cleaney (Avenue) and Hudson (Avenue) are always fun, especially being an upper classmen and actually knowing the people who live there.
