
🕌 Ohio University ensures Muslim students can thrive during Ramadan. The university offers pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) for students observing the holy month of fasting, which runs from February 28 to March 29 this year. Dining halls provide clearly labeled Halal food options and allow students to request special meals in advance. Muslim student employees are given time and space to pray during their shifts if needed. International student Isatou Secka praised these accommodations, noting that OU creates an exceptionally welcoming environment where Muslim students feel comfortable practicing their faith.
Read more
🍎 Healthy vending machines arrive at Ohio University campus. Thirteen "Microstores" offering fresh meals and snacks have been installed at key locations including Ping Recreation Center and the university airport. Students can access these FoodSpot units with their cards, selecting items that are tracked by RFID technology and priced similarly to campus markets. The machines aim to solve food accessibility issues during off-hours, with prices ranging from $2 for water to $6.75 for sandwiches. If successful, the university plans to expand these Microstores to additional campus locations based on student demand.
Read more
🎓 Athens erupts in celebration and controversy during Mill Fest weekend. Hundreds of students flooded Mill Street for the kickoff of Ohio University's Fest Season, balancing partying with philanthropy as sororities held fundraisers amid the festivities. The Southeast Ohio Hope Center partnered with the Collegiate Recovery Community to offer harm reduction resources including Narcan and fentanyl test strips for those who needed support. While many students emphasized the welcoming community atmosphere, others pointed out troubling incidents of hate speech that marred the celebration. For upperclassmen, the annual tradition also provided a nostalgic opportunity to reflect on memories from previous fests.
Read more