Zoe Hall

After closing campuses, several universities have been forced to move their freshman orientations to online platforms.  According to Jenny Bell, director of student life at UM, the early freshman orientation that was supposed to occur this month has been moved online.   For the early orientation, resources have been put online for students to access.   “Advisors are conducting advising via phone, email and Zoom,” said Bell. “Orientation Leaders are interacting with students and answering questions via GroupMe and OL meetings will take place on Zoom.”  Freshman musical theatre major and COMS major Delaney Eaves provided some insight to her role as an Orientation Leader.  “I feel like doing it digitally will work just fine,” said Eaves. “I just wish we actually got to show them around campus and to things more in depth.”  Incoming honors students are also having to collaborate with Dr. Cathlena Martin, director of the UM Honors Program.  “I have personally been replying to each student individually with suggestions and feedback for their schedule,” said Martin. “Additionally, I asked all of the peer mentors to email them so that they had a student connection.”  Parent sessions are also being offered via Zoom.   While some places like the University of Alabama has already moved their orientations for the summer online, UM has not made a...

As COVID-19 and social distancing continues, some of us, especially us college students now living at home, may be feeling a little stir crazy with not being able to go wherever and do things we’re used to.   A couple of weeks into social distancing, you may already be bored with binge-watching a streaming service or being cooped up with your siblings. Here are some podcast recommendations for you in your time in quarantine.  NPR’s “Up First” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, online)  With the virus, it’s especially important to stay updated on what’s going on. “Up First” is a perfect short and digestible dose of current event and news. It’s a great listen while you drink coffee or if you need a break from Zoom classes.  “Anna Faris is Unqualified” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, online)  Celebrity podcasts are not a new concept, but Anna Faris brings on a new twist. In “Unqualified,” she brings on fellow celebrities and they give advice and address people’s questions about relationships, and other things. Guests range from actors to athletes to content creators. These Hollywood types are hysterical as they discuss in-law issues, wedding showdowns and a fear of snakes.   “Burnt Toast” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, online)  Hosted by Michael Harlan Turkell, this food inspired podcast has incredible wit in a bite sized package. In just thirty minutes, “Burnt Toast” offers stories about the origins of...