The Bank of Kentucky Center

This NKU facility opened in 2008 and can withhold 9,400 people is home to a various amount of sport events, concerts, etc. Some local high schools hold their graduation in this building as well. basketball games get pretty wild here at NKU to cheer on the team as they fight through Division I teams the best they can. Coming up at The Bank of Kentucky Center is Bill Gathers and his Christmas Tour along with a MMA competition, so as you can see the different events that come through this facility are a wide variety. If you haven't been to any events at NKU I would definitely recommend attending one, majority of the events you can also get student discounted tickets as well.

-Caleb Crawford

NKU Athletics Facilities   

THE BANK OF KENTUCKY CENTER
Men's and Women's Basketball, Athletics Administration, Strength & Conditioning, Academic Services

Home to Norse Basketball, The Bank of Kentucky Center sits at the front entrance of Northern Kentucky University’s Highland Heights, Ky., campus.  Opened in 2008, the $60 million complex has laid a great foundation for NKU’s future.

The Bank of Kentucky Center holds 9,400 seats and serves as a multipurpose arena for not only NKU but the surrounding community as well. The facility serves the Norse athletic teams with excellent workout facilities, training areas, meeting rooms and beyond.

In addition to NKU basketball, the facility hosts several concerts, conventions and sporting events annually, including fall and spring commencement ceremonies.  In 2012, NKU hosted the NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight basketball tournament, which saw Western Washington win its first ever national championship, defeating Montevallo (Ala.) in the championship game, which was televised nationally on CBS.

The Bank of Kentucky Center is also home to the Thomas J. Kearns Student-Athlete Academic Center, a dedicated area for study and tutoring for NKU's student-athletes.  NKU's senior athletic administrators and strength and conditioning staff also keep their offices in the facility.

TOP FIVE CROWDS AT THE BANK OF KENTUCKY CENTER (NCAA BASKETBALL ONLY)
1. 8,408 - NKU men vs. Louisville (exhibition) - Nov. 8, 2008
2. 8,111 - NKU women vs. Louisville (exhibition) - Nov. 8, 2008
3. 6,719 - NKU men vs. Jacksonville - March 2, 2013
4. 5,319 - NKU men vs. Bellarmine - Jan. 23, 2010
5. 5,249 - NKU men vs. Bellarmine - Feb. 23, 2012

Where's the football?

NKU, being one of the top Kentucky universities, would think to have one of the most popular sports in the United States, football. Although NKU has great sports such as baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball, and basketball it would be very enjoyable to get pumped up at a college football game. NKU does have intermural sports that football is a part of however this doesn't compare to what other major universities have. This is an article from NKU's newspaper, " The Northerner", that speaks about this issue from 2003 the most recent found.

With college football season moving into full swing, the question must be asked: why doesn’t Northern Kentucky University have a football team? Students here should be able to look forward to Saturday afternoon football games on campus. … Shouldn’t they?

According to NKU Athletic Director Jane Meier, the administration at NKU has not ignored the thought of someday gaining a football team. According to Meier, in January 1997, the Board of Regents supported the idea of adding football with the understanding it had to be fiscally viable for the university.

  “We weren’t going to add a program just to add a program,” said Meier. “We were going to make sure if it was going to happen it was going to be done right. It would have to benefit the community as well as the university.”

 In July 1997, then-new University President James Votruba hired outside consultants to look into whether or not the university could take on the fiscal responsibility of adding a football team. The consultants came back with results showing that the way the university was planning on funding the new program wouldn’t work within the university’s budget. This caused the board to shelve the idea of adding a football program, and this is where we currently stand.

  “Basically, the idea of having a football team at NKU didn’t work out because of financial reasons,” Meier said. The university in 1997 started a new fee in student tuition, which took $20 per semester from every student’s total fees and put it towards the athletic department. “With the fees set in place, that would bring in approximately $350,000 to put toward starting a football team,” Meier said.

 “The average Division II non-scholarship football program costs around $650,000 to $700,000, (so) we still wouldn’t have enough money. It just wouldn’t be a viable option for the university.” NKU also lacks the proper facilities to house a team. Upgraded locker rooms, training rooms and Title IX also would be a huge factor in the creation of a university football team. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools, in both academics and athletics. To add a football team with 50-plus male athletes, the university would be required to add the same number of female athletes for a comparable sport. Some of that $20 per-semester student fee went toward a women’s soccer program, and construction of a new on-campus softball field helped bring gender equity to the university. The athletic department is now focused on securing funds to build a regional special events center on the Highland Heights campus. Meier said that while the possibility of adding a football team is not good for now, nothing should be ruled out. So, as other schools plan homecomings and tailgate parties during the fall football season, NKU’s students will be sitting around watching those teams play on Saturdays, wishing they could be a part of the action.

-Caleb Crawford

$Prices for books$

It's not like high school anymore, the professors do not pass out your books to you the first week of classes. When joining college you have some more responsibility to take care of. To ensure you make good grades and maintain a high GPA it is highly recommended that you get the materials required for class. Textbooks are really expensive and take a lot from those students who may not have received much financial aid so it can be difficult at times to get those required books, however you can find cheaper books from different resources.

You can order your textbooks online from sites such as:

•  www.chegg.com
•  http://nku.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BNCBHomePage?storeId=65199&catalogId=10001&langId=-1  
• www.Bigwords.com

There is also an off campus bookstore near NKU that will let you rent or buy used/new textbooks that is a lot cheaper depending on the type of book you need. Coming from a personal experience using the off campus bookstore is more convenient than online resources due to being able to acquire the book right away instead of having to wait for it in the mail. Although most professors will say, "YOU NEED TO HAVE THE TEXTBOOK TO PASS THIS CLASS." That is false, some classes you can get buy without the textbook as long as you attend class regularly and take good notes. Now this isn't recommended but if you don't have the funds to buy the textbooks then you can wait it off a little.

Living Learning Communities

Northern Kentucky University provides multiple living learning communities for students to join. These living learning communities are beneficial to students in numerous ways. Being in a living learning community, a student is able to form relationships with other students who have the similar majors and interests in life. It also allows students to be accessible to one another for help since the living learning community all lives in one general area. Multiple living learning communities are available differing in majors, greek life, intercultural living,  and first year residents.

There are a total of 7 living learning communities available for students.
1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)- This community is open to students with a major in the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics and Geology.   This experience will enhance a student’s social and intellectual growth by providing opportunities to learn and interact with each other and with members of the STEM community through academic and social events.

2. Honors Residential Community- The Honors Community is open to full-time undergraduate students who have been invited into the Honors Program or are the recipient of an academic scholarship.  This community of creative and academically motivated scholars wishes to develop a success network by creating lifelong, supportive relationships through proactive and interactive programming designed specifically for their needs.

3. The Fraternity and Sorority Community- This community is open to full-time undergraduate students who have been extended full membership into a Greek organization. These floors provide a sense of community that respects the Greek values and ideals of service, leadership, and academics. Together, these floors will collaborate to develop in them a sense of inter-fraternal bonding that in turn aims to re-imagine the collegiate experience.

4. Intercultural Living Community- This community offers American and international students the unique opportunity to live together within an intentional community. Programs and activities will be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community and to enrich the student’s cultural experience at NKU.

5. First Year Communities- The communities in these apartments provide students of Norse and Woodcrest with the opportunity to connect with other new first year students while still living in apartment style housing. Intentional programming and community building activities are designed around small group and individual community needs.

6. The Norse Experience- This community will provide a comprehensive introduction to life as a Norse  for first-year freshmen. Through shared academic, social, cultural and service activities, students will engage in the Northern Kentucky University community. Norse Experience will focus on providing resources for a successful transition from high school to college while building networks amongst peers, faculty, staff, and alumni.

7. College of Health Professions- This community will provide a close-knit community of students. It will focus on helping students to succeed in their chosen major within the College of Health Professions and build relationships amongst other College of Health Professions students. Students must be enrolled in the within the College of Health Professions (Pre-Nursing, Nursing, Radiological Technology, Respiratory Care) to be considered for this community.

-Jonathan Hoey

Staying Awake!

Do you have early classes? Do you stay up late often? Ever find yourself trapped in a boring class dossing off? I am almost positive that every student at NKU has experienced some type of fatigue during class. As hard working college students, many of us stay up late completing assignments and homework. Staying up late and not getting enough sleep can effect your learning ability within the classrooms. This post will describe different tips for you to stay awake during class.

1. Drink Water- Taking frequent sips of cold water can help wake you up and feel more refreshed. It keeps you more attentive and it never hurts to drink too much! Because if you do drink too much, it would only make you go to the bathroom more, forcing you out of your seat and walk towards the restrooms.

2. Eat an Apple- Eating an apple is not only a great boost of energy but it keeps you moving to keep you awake. Eating an apple can also help a student keep their mind off of how tired they are.

3. Ask to go to the Bathroom- If given the chance to use the restroom, it gives you an opportunity get up out of your seat and walk around a bit. Walking around circulates your blood more easily than sitting in your seat. Keeps you from remaining in that sleepy sitting posture everyone can doze off in.

4. Take Notes- It never hurts to take notes! Taking notes not only helps you understand and remember the material but also helps you keep attentive during class. It is a great way to keep you focused and keeps you from day dreaming.

5. Sit in the Front- Sitting in the front of class allows you to hear the instructor more clearly. Also keeps you from not falling asleep in front of the teacher! Being towards the front of the class allows you to focus and keeps you from thinking about your tiredness.

6. Skip the Sugar- Eating a healthy breakfast before class helps you stay awake and allows your brain to function at its full potential. Eat a balanced breakfast to maintain energy throughout the day. Eating mass amounts of sugar will lead to a sugar crash during your classes.

7. Ask Questions- By asking questions you are clarifying what you don't understand and you maximize what you are getting from the lecture. It also proves to your instructor that you are attentive and involved with the lecture.

-Jonathan Hoey

Dorm Life

New student here at NKU? Considering living in the dorms? Confused which dorm to live in next year? Why should students live on campus compared to living off? Sarah Howard, Sophomore Resident Adviser, says,

"Living on campus allows a student to develop meaningful relationships with other students who have similar interests and goals."

I am a resident too living on campus and Sarah describes it perfectly. I have been living on campus for two years and could not have asked for anything better. Here I have met countless friends and formed relationships that have helped me succeed in my classes. Living on campus has its pros and cons but the main reason I love living on campus is the fact that I am so close to my classes! Everything is close and within walking distance! No need to hop in a car and take the time driving to classes. I am able to walk to my farthest class in 10 minutes!
 
Each resident hall varies in price and provides different utilities. Living spaces also vary depending on the resident hall. This link describes the living conditions for each resident hall and what they consist of:

http://housing.nku.edu/residence-halls.html

Here is a break down of the possible living options at NKU with the "Goods and Bads" of each residential hall.

There are a total of 6 residential halls at NKU:
1. Callahan Hall
Good: Across the street from multiple places to eat. Across the street from Kroger.
Bad: Smells throughout the halls. Not on campus. Students with no car need to take the TANK (bus that travels around campus).

2. Commonwealth / Kentucky
Good: Build stronger relationships with students in your hall due to community living.
Bad: No privacy. Share a bathroom with students from your hall. Small living space.

3. Norse Hall
Good: Closest to Norse Commons and campus.
Bad: You have a stove top but no oven.

4. Northern Terrace
Good: Brand new renovations.
Bad: No privacy. Not on campus. Students with no car need to take the TANK (bus that travels around campus).

5. University Suites
Good: Closest to the IM fields and basketball courts. Nice facilities. Computer room. Laundry room.
Bad: It is difficult to get a good RA. Some staff are unfriendly.

6. Woodcrest Apartments
Good: Apartment setting. Full kitchen with stove and oven. Large fridge.
Bad: In the very back of the Residential Village.

-Jonathan Hoey

Eating at Commons

On August 1st, 2014 NKU opened the renovated Norse Commons. The new layout and building  looks absolutely beautiful. It is an all-you-can-eat dining option that contains 6 food stations. It was a $2 million project that made NKU students thrilled to start this new year. However, IS NORSE COMMONS TRULY THAT GREAT?

I asked Adrian Motyka his thoughts on Norse Commons. He stated,

"I have been living on campus for two years now. I was happy to see the change from the old Norse Commons to the new Norse Commons. The new building is beautiful and I am grateful for the new setting. However there are still multiple things that still bother me, such as the slow service!"

For one week, my friend Adrian and I would compile a list of things. We would eat at Norse Commons at least twice a day. We were determined to point out all the things the new Norse Commons lacked or needed improvement on. Here were some our findings:

1. The service is ridiculously slow!
During the one week I counted a total of 4 times I had to wait for a server to come to the station and serve me. I found myself waiting at the food station for someone to serve me. I remember an incident where I waited so long that I decided I would go back behind the counter and serve myself. Often I found myself waiting and would see a group of employees in the back talking to each other not acknowledging the hungry students waiting in line for their food.

2. No forks, knives, and spoons!
Occasionally we would find ourselves utensil-less. Different meals would call for the use of different utensils. What good does a tender prime rib do without a knife? I found myself getting frustrated having to walk to different utensil holders, just to find nothing in any of them! Why have all this delicious food when you cannot use anything to eat it with? Unfortunately, when there are utensils available, the utensils are never fully cleaned! Adrian often found the forks and knives he picked up still had food remnants on it.

3. Employees are rude!
Yes, everyone LOVES Mary Pat! However, one employee cannot carry the kindness for the whole team! As you walk into Norse commons you are usually greeted by Mary Pat. Mary Pat is a wonderful women who cares and greets students at the door. She always has a smile on and loves conversation. However, we noticed all the other employees have an attitude. Simple comments such as please and thank you, yes ma'am and no ma'am, or hello and goodbye are never acknowledged by the servers. I feel I only am allowed to talk to them when I need a specific food or specific amount of food.


Come on NKU! Make these changes and the New Norse Commons will live up to its potential!

-Jonathan Hoey