Campus Life

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Sending smiles to children in need

This holiday season, malls will be crowded with people running around buying gifts for friends, family and significant others.

Invisible Children visits UB

Last spring, the world joined together because of one movement: KONY 2012. Millions watched a 30-minute video that soon became one of the most viral videos on the Internet. Many Americans, especially the younger generations, rose for a cause and used the power they have to make a change - all because of one man: Joseph Kony. On Wednesday night, UB Girl Effect did its part in reviving Invisible Children's mission by screening the organization's latest video, Move, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the aftermath of KONY 2012 and its creator, Jason Russell.

College dating 101

With the new age of technology and advancement of the online community, everything can be done on the Internet.

The woman behind the wheel

At 9 years old, Grace Armbruster faced one of the most challenging obstacles in her life. After struggling with reading in her classes for years, she finally found out why she always felt left behind and wasn't learning things as fast as the rest of her classmates. She is dyslexic. According to research done by Headstrong Nation, one in seven Americans is diagnosed with learning disabilities.

Casual sex

His bold British accent can be heard through the crowd. With his briefcase in hand, Tim Dean stands tall and poised amongst his students.

The band kid

With her backpack in hand, hair tied in a bun, and a navy blue fraternity shirt, she walks through the UB's halls with confidence. Chelsea Monroe is an assistant drum major for The Thunder of The East Marching Band. Monroe, a fifth-year senior communication and French major, is the leader of UB's band.

A Shameful Low in Higher Education

If there was a fire in the University at Buffalo's disability testing center, freshman Mark Shaw would not be able to get out. Sophomore Raymond Matuszak can't fit into a regular classroom desk, so he often has to stand or sit in a chair without a desk during class. Junior Alec Frazier often gets shuffled into back rooms and offices to take exams because he needs voice-automated software to help him. Senior Catherine Scharf, who is visually impaired, clings to the walls of UB's staircases, because the signs and staircases are hazardous for those with limited vision. UB is responsible for much of these students' struggles. Eight years ago, the University at Buffalo agreed to make this campus accessible to the roughly 500 disabled students who attend every year.

UB Hosts Housing Info Sessions

It's relatively easy for UB to set standards on campus, especially when it comes to housing. Taming the beast of off-campus renting, however, is often far more complicated. To provide information and general guidelines, Off-Campus Student Services is conducting meetings this week to raise awareness about some of the issues students may face while renting off campus in Buffalo. "These sessions are important for students who are considering renting an apartment," said Dan Ryan, director of off-campus student services, in an e-mail.

Race to Nowhere Film to Play Monday

The most exclusively shown film in the Student Association's Film Series this February may also be its most noteworthy. Race to Nowhere, a documentary that examines America's school system, will be shown just one time on one day in the Student Union Theater next week. On Monday, students will have an opportunity to watch a film that critically examines our country's schools.

Pay it Forward

Volunteerism, service and community engagement may not be words typically associated with a college student's idea of a "spring break." However, for those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, the Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement (CSLCE) is giving students the chance to make a difference this spring break. According to Tim Leonard, a graduate assistant for community involvement, the CSLCE is offering interested students the opportunity to volunteer locally in the Buffalo area or in post-Katrina New Orleans. For those interested in staying in Buffalo, "Alternative Spring Break: Give Where You Live" allows 20 students the chance to explore the Western New York area while serving the local community. "We think it's a unique opportunity for students to get to know the town that they live in," Leonard said.

Winter Solstice Soiree

It's almost time to put away the pens and pencils and step into the holiday season, full of excessive eating, competitive shopping and elegant parties. UB's Student Association is holding its annual Winter Gala at the Buffalo Convention Center on Saturday from 6 p.m.

Dancing For A Cause

Students were dancing until dawn to raise funds for the Pennies for Peace organization on Friday night in the Student Union. Free prizes, raffles, cotton candy, popcorn, a kick-line, and dancing occupied the SU lobby on Friday night as students crowded for the fourth annual Stay-Up UB fundraiser. "It is an opportunity for students to give back [to the community] and participate in a philanthropic event, while building UB pride and a new tradition," said Terri Budek, the community engagement coordinator for the Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement. The dance-marathon fundraiser displayed the heart of UB pride.

UB ID Required on Campus Transportation

Violence Drives Students Out of University Heights

A problem to solve a problem

More Food Options Come to Campus

Campus cuisine for cravers and calorie counters

Between adjusting to a cram-packed academic schedule, living away from home for the first time and the constant lure of fried food on campus, developing healthy eating habits often comes as a challenge for college students.While some students pack on the calories with daily doses of burgers and fries, others completely avoid the temptation.

"Go to class, stay for dinner. "

Food, second maybe to sex, is one of the most important things that enters a student's mind on a daily basis.

The blue and white gets down and dirty

Combine 200,000 gallons of water from Lake LaSalle, a dirt-filled field and 128 teams of volleyball players, and the muddy mayhem of Oozfest is created.

Chabad houses help students feel at home

A lot of college students find themselves far away from their homes, families and religions, and many of our peers long for the homey feel of celebrating ancient traditions with loved ones. Luckily for Jewish students, there are two Chabad houses here at UB that provide a comforting atmosphere where those who are interested can explore their religious identity. The Chabad house is a center that serves the needs of the Jewish population. Such houses are located all over the country and can be found in over 150 colleges and universities across the world. Conveniently located on both North and South campus, the Chabad houses, run by rabbis Moshe Gurary and Avrohom Gurary, provide just what college students are looking for after a long week of classes: peace, a homey feel and a hot meal. "The Chabad house's motto is that this is a home away from home where Jewish students who are away from home can still feel that homey environment," Moshe said. "It gives them an opportunity to celebrate their Jewish identity and culture through a very informal experience." The Gurary brothers do not expect every Jewish student to celebrate his or her faith as formally as they do, but instead want to provide a safe haven where Jews of all secular backgrounds can feel at home. And students such as Aleksandra Zak, a junior biological sciences major, love the welcoming environment provided each time they walk into the Chabad house. "The Chabad house is a very warm environment, very accepting and it feels a bit like home away from home," Zak said. "It's just nice to go somewhere out of the stressful school environment and be able to enjoy the presence of friends … [The rabbis] always have a way of making each person feel welcome. They're extremely hospitable and are always trying to please everyone, whether it be cooking meals every Friday for 50 people or helping out in other things, such as dedicating time to every person at Chabad house." The Friday meals that Zak is referring to are the Shabbat dinners that are held weekly at each Chabad house. A typical Shabbat evening consists of a brief religious service, followed by a full-course meal where friends can relax and reflect on their week. Zak isn't the only one who appreciates the services provided by the Chabad house. Rachel Koenig, a freshman speech and hearing sciences major, discovered the Chabad house in September and loves attending Shabbat every week. "The environment at the Chabad House is probably the most warm, inviting, and comfortable of anywhere else I've been on campus. Everybody warned me that the Chabad house was only for the most observant Jews, but everyone [at the Chabad house] could not be less judgmental; instead of differences being scrutinized, similarities are embraced," Koenig said. "The rabbi and his wife are so sweet and hospitable, and their children are adorable. There is also always good food and no one is ever turned away from the Chabad house." Although most people think being Jewish is a requirement of visiting the Chabad house, this is actually not the case. "It is not an exclusive thing and it is not geared towards a certain affiliation of Jewish people," Moshe said. "Some people believe this is made for religious people, but this is not the case at all. Most students who attend are from various secular backgrounds and many have no affiliation to the religion whatsoever." Moshe has been involved with the Chabad house since 1999, but the original house opened up in 1971. "We started off on South Campus on Main Street right across from the campus, and when North Campus was built, we added another location on North Forest Road, right next to the Ellicott foot bridge," Moshe said. There is no cost to visit the Chabad house, however, the rabbis appreciate donations from alumni and students' parents. Many people don't realize that providing the student population with a Jewish haven is the Gurary brothers' full time occupation. They are always on call to solve crises, they advise students, answer questions, offer a variety of educational courses and help celebrate holidays as well. One of the more celebrated holidays, Passover, begins tonight. To celebrate, the Chabad house on North Campus, located at 2450 North Forest Rd., will be hosting two Seders, one tonight and a second tomorrow night. They are scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. and are expected to last a little over two hours. There will be a brief service, followed by a full-course meal with all of the traditional food associated with Passover. The Chabad house has a Web site, chabad.buffalo.edu, and there is also a listserv and Facebook group that prospective visitors can sign up for to receive notifications. Although the Chabad house does not charge money to visitors, for the Seders, the rabbis suggest a $14 donation. "[Passover] is one of the most celebrated holidays across the world by Jews. This year, Passover is in the middle of the week, so most students cannot afford to go home or have classes during that they can't miss, so we're hosting two public Seders," Moshe said. "We're trying to step into the shoes of these students' families and provide a home away from home." E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com