Opinion

The surprising art of Pearson Hall

"The line between science and the humanities might be thinner than people think. There’s an inherent beauty to microbiology and chemistry, one that students sit in front of without knowing how it came to be or how it might relate to their studies. The intersection isn’t obvious, and Miami is aware of this, letting the artworks fade into the background and exist with practicality."

Giving myself, and Miami, a second chance

"This past summer, I resolved to make my second year something to look forward to. I started researching on and off-campus activities I knew I’d love and started a little note in my phone detailing how I’d avoid the sophomore slump."

How the silence of the media killed justice

"Major media outlets have regurgitated official press releases instead of probing contradictions. The heart of journalism: investigation, skepticism and the courage to question power seems to have been forgotten."

Innocent until proven guilty: Trump’s new guidelines

"Behind the vague wording, the true intentions are to provide more protection for the accused person in cases of sexual violence. It rules that schools can only investigate a case if it involves 'severe and pervasive sexual violence.'"

Pro-Palestine advocates face unequal pressure from Trump administration

"Throughout the years, Miami’s chapter of Students For Justice in Palestine (SJP) has hosted numerous fundraisers for humanitarian aid in Gaza, protests and encampments. Advocacy has been difficult, however, as many students – especially those who have recently immigrated to the U.S. – hesitate to show their support for Palestine in the wake of governmental opposition."

The structural changes that could elevate Miami’s dining experience

"No, it’s not what we’re used to at home, but these establishments feed thousands of people per day, and that in itself is a gargantuan task. That being said, there are some structural changes Miami could adopt to make eating at school a little less painful."

Inquiry to apathy: Artificial intelligence earned my degree

"Most people can identify the familiar pattern of our higher education training: study, memorize, spit out, rinse and repeat. But somewhere along the way, what was meant to be the foundation became the forum, and what was meant to be the means became the method. Much like a search engine and its results, we have become information generators, automating and bending to what is prompted of us."

Iryna Zarutska and the age of indifference

The Oxford Police Department doesn’t suck, you do

"Objectively, the OPD officers do a great job of keeping Oxford a safe community for both students and townies with minimal amounts of large-scale crime, like assaults and robberies. Most of the crimes that occur here end in misdemeanor or traffic charges."

Divestment from the humanities

"Universities are meant to be places of learning, where students become more adaptable to the ever-changing world. Now, it feels as though universities are viewed as job factories, where students enter for the sole purpose of employment. While the acquisition of a job after graduation is a huge factor for attending college, oftentimes it can cloud passion. "

Repetitive efforts to a beautiful synthesis

"In my years on campus, I’ve had concepts taught and drilled into my head. I could do a mass balance on a system in my sleep now, just with how much practice I’ve had with them. Junior year and senior year, understand that you know these concepts, and they challenge you to bring them all together as one."

If you don’t talk in class, you deserve to be cold-called

"It makes me uncomfortable, which leads me to raise my hand, which leads me to answer my fifth question in a row, which leads the class (and possibly the professor) to think I’m some unbearable brown-noser who loves the sound of her own voice."

Unnecessary movements: Miami’s costly construction project

"Years of loud sounds and trouble concentrating can eventually affect Miami’s esteemed national ranking if students begin to receive lower grades due to impaired focus. All of these “what ifs” and “maybes” could be avoided if Miami leaves Millett Hall in its current location."

The Miami Hub needs a revamp

"In order for first years at Miami to have a more seamless transition to college life, The Hub needs to be reorganized. The website needs a better browsing experience that is automatically listed in the way the clubs are sorted during the Mega Fair."

How my experiences challenge Miami’s stereotypes

"Despite many of the stereotypes that circulate about Miami and its students, my experience has been the opposite of what I feared. I’ve found acceptance, respect, joy and even the ability to express my political opinions, which is something I didn’t feel exactly safe doing in my hometown."

Principle over convenience

"There are moments in college, especially in Greek life, when the gap between who you thought you were and who you actually are gets exposed. For me, that moment came when I was forced to decide whether to protect my own comfort or to stand for something larger than myself."

From Miami Middletown to Oxford: How I’ve learned to navigate college as a first year with an associate’s degree

"I don’t have the background of a typical junior, but I’m still expected to graduate in two or three years regardless, entering the workforce a bit out of my wits. It makes me think: is it worth making connections or new friendships, knowing that it won’t be long until I graduate again? Do I have enough time?"

The silent assassin of conversation

"The first semester on campus is supposed to be the time of making friends and finding your place. However, cell phones and AI have reduced our ability to make creative efforts at conversation."

Why we should be worried about the end of DEI

"When paired with a series of ultranationalist executive orders, Trump's war against DEI becomes more than just an attempt to “reform” higher education – it’s a targeted attack on minority groups all across the United States."

Miami students react to Ohio State’s encouraged use of AI in the classroom

"This past week, I had the opportunity to interview four Miami students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain a deeper understanding of how real-world students perceive AI in their respective fields, and its potential implementation at the college level."