CHESSAC

Trinity

My name is Trinity and I’m excited to be the President of CHESSAC this year! I’m an honors student pursuing a double major in economics and actuarial science. In my free time I enjoy drawing, playing the upright bass, and lifting weights. I also run the Math and Actuarial Science Club (MASC). I’m excited to be part of what CHESSAC has in store this semester, including renovations to the Blog, an archive scavenger hunt for Halloween, and Grad School A-Z! I hope to see you at some of our events and wish a successful academic semester to everyone.

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Priscila

Hello, my name is Priscila Gonzalez, and I am honored to be CHESSAC’s Vice President. I am a senior majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Journalism and Media Studies. I transferred to Roosevelt University from a community college and have enjoyed all the opportunities RU has to offer. I started with CHESSAC as the Membership Director and gained great experience with the organization. I got to learn about our community and what it was like to run a club, build communication skills, and work as part of a great team. I love being a part of CHESSAC because it gives a voice to the student body. We are planning a lot of events every semester and hope you can join us!

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Alex

Hi, I’m Alex. I’m a graduate student in Roosevelt’s Conflict and Mediation MA program, and I serve as CHESSAC’s current SGA Senator. I serve as a representative and a liaison between CHESSAC and SGA. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at Roosevelt this summer and hope to become an ombudsman or professional mediator, or to work in human resources after earning my Master’s degree. In my free time, I enjoy video games and trying to draw.

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Payton

Hi, I’m Payton. I’m a senior at Roosevelt and the current Social Media Chair for CHESSAC. I’m currently studying English and to be an educator. I enjoy editing, writing, and playing video games in my free time—and I love making content for CHESSAC and pushing out info about the incredible events this organization hosts! I’m excited to be involved with such an awesome group and can’t wait to share what else we have in store this semester.

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Sade

Hello, my name is Sade! I am CHESSAC’s Membership Director, and my responsibilities include tracking everyone’s attendance and participation within the organization. I am seeking a degree in Political Science and Paralegal Studies. I plan to become a lawyer or work for a nonprofit after I graduate. I transferred to Roosevelt in Spring 2025, and I’ve had an amazing time on campus. In my free time, I love spending time with my best friends and my three cats. I also really enjoy listening to music and am a big foodie. You might see me represent a different organization from time to time because I am also a member of the Roosevelt United Nations Association (RUNA), where I am the communications director. I look forward to meeting new incoming members of CHEESAC, and I know we will all have a great time this year!

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Jailene

Hi! I’m Jailene and I’m excited to serve as CHESSAC’s Communication Director this year. I’m currently a senior majoring in Economics. In addition to CHESSAC, I’m also involved on campus as a general member of the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC) and volunteer at the Laker Union Pantry. This is my second year with this organization and I’ve truly enjoyed how being part of it has helped me feel connected to the school community. It’s given me the opportunity to learn more about student life and contribute to initiatives that improve it. I’m looking forward to organizing and creating more events that benefit students and further builds that sense of community.

Being the Student Government vice president for the 2022-2023 school year, I was excited to see the inner workings of Roosevelt and how we discuss, analyze, and engage with students. Having a new change in exec positions, it was exciting to get a new team to work with that all wanted to focus on the rebuilding of such a prominent organization at our university. This year, we have hosted various Town Halls where senators and laker had the opportunity to join a discussion focusing on what can be implemented at the university to create a better environment for students. This year has already had many changes and we are excited to begin a fresh season as we continue to grow the strength of the organization.

This past semester, SGA has worked on implementing more accessible mental health services, better dining food options, as well as resources that can help a student beyond just education. In April, the university held a Food Expo where new dining options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free] options were available for testing. This has taken direct action in having greater availability for not only campus life students but clubs/organizations that cater food for various events. It’s exciting to see how students’ voices are being heard, and change through SGA can become effective!

The Student Government executive board members work closely in discussing many concerns that the Town Hall voices. Various meetings have been held not only with our Dean of Students Corey Williams but Student Provost Andrae Marak as well! Many student concerns, critiques, as well as opinions are voiced to higher powers that can truly make effective change. Along with these meetings, concerns are also voiced in Student Advisory meetings, as well as Board of Trustees meetings with higher levels of the University.

Roosevelt Univeristy’s SGA is on a very opportunistic road looking into the future. Much has been implemented, as well as students’ voices are being heard to fulfill their expectations. Overall, Roosevelt is progressing in a better direction. SGA, SAFAC, and SPEED all are working together to create a more exciting time at Roosevelt University. The upcoming years look promising for some much-needed change!

As the semester comes to a close, students everywhere are gearing up for their final exams and term papers. This can be a stressful time for many, but with the right mindset and approach, it can also be a productive and rewarding experience. In this blog, we’ll explore some tips for studying for finals and writing term papers.

Plan ahead: One of the biggest mistakes students make when it comes to studying and writing papers is waiting until the last minute. This can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, and can also result in a subpar performance. Start planning ahead early on and create a schedule or timeline to follow. Set aside specific times for studying and writing, and stick to your plan as much as possible.

Prioritize: With so much to do, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. For example, if you have a final exam coming up, make that your top priority and allocate more time towards studying for it.

Break it down: Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break your studying and writing down into manageable chunks. For studying, focus on one subject or topic at a time, and for writing, break your paper down into sections and work on them individually.

Eliminate distractions: It can be difficult to focus with so many distractions around us, such as social media, notifications, and other people. Find a quiet, distraction-free space to study and write, and turn off your phone or put it on silent.

Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout. Take short breaks every hour or so, and longer breaks every few hours. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or take a quick walk.

Use resources: Don’t be afraid to use resources available to you, such as study guides, online resources, and academic support services. These can be incredibly helpful in guiding your studying and writing.

Get enough sleep: It’s tempting to pull all-nighters and cram, but this can actually be counterproductive. Get enough sleep and make sure you’re well-rested, as this will improve your focus and memory retention.

Stay positive: Finally, stay positive and believe in yourself. It’s easy to get discouraged during this time, but remember that you’ve made it this far and you’re capable of succeeding.

Reward yourself: Most importantly, don’t forget to reward yourself for a semester completion. Go grab your pleasure food (mines is a double cheese burger!), buy something, or celebrate with friends.

Studying for finals and writing term papers can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. By planning ahead, prioritizing, breaking tasks down, eliminating distractions, taking breaks, using resources, getting enough sleep, and staying positive, you can approach this time with confidence and achieve your goals. Good luck!

As the end of the semester approaches, it can be easy to fall into the trap of procrastination. With final exams, projects, and papers looming, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and want to avoid tackling these tasks. However, procrastination only makes the situation worse, leading to increased stress and potentially lower grades. Here are some tips to help you avoid procrastination and finish the semester strong:

Make a schedule: Take some time to map out all the assignments and exams you have left for the semester. Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks and assign specific deadlines for each. By having a clear schedule, you’ll be able to see the big picture and feel more in control of your workload.

Eliminate distractions: It’s easy to get sidetracked by social media, Netflix, or other forms of entertainment. Try to minimize these distractions by setting aside specific times to check your phone or watch TV, and make sure to keep your workspace free of anything that might tempt you away from your work.

Take breaks: It’s important to give your brain a rest and recharge every once in a while. Take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, go for a walk, or do something that makes you happy. Just make sure you set a timer so you don’t lose track of time!

Find a study group: Studying with others can help keep you accountable and motivated. It can also be helpful to get different perspectives and insights on a topic. Reach out to classmates or form a study group with friends to stay on track together.

Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial during stressful times. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and taking time to do things you enjoy. When you feel good physically and mentally, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your schoolwork.

Remember, procrastination only adds to the stress of the end of the semester. By taking proactive steps to manage your workload and prioritize your well-being, you’ll be able to finish strong and set yourself up for success in the future.

WHAT TO DO IN THE CHI: Summer 2022

Staying in the city this summer? Check out some of these hidden Gems

Sip & Savor

Sip & Savor is a Black-owned coffee shop with multiple locations throughout the city. Try their 47th street location for local events and pop-up shops!

Address: 78 E 47th St., Chicago, IL 60653

Back to the Yards Coffeehouse

This is a Latinx, women-owned coffee shop with a comforting, authentic coffee selection. It’s perfect for grabbing a coffee on the go, or to read a nice book in their “backyard” patio!

Address: 2059 W 47th St., Chicago, IL 60609

https://www.restaurantji.com/il/chicago/back-of-the-yards-coffeehouse-/

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

If you enjoy live music, try a nice, candlelit dinner at the Green Mill. Chicago has a long history of composing some of the finest jazz tunes, and this is a great place to get a taste of it.

Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Visit Millennium Park, and have a movie night with friends! The Summer Film Festival begins July 12th-August 30th, and will take place every Tuesday.

No ticket purchase necessary. Just Bring your blanket and snacks!

Woman Made Gallery

Chicago’s museums are home to many masterpieces, so add this one to your bucket list! Woman Made Gallery is a nonprofit gallery that showcases art to elevate women and non-binary artists.

Follow them @womanmadegallery to see their next upcoming exhibition!

Address: 2150 S Canalport Avenue #4A-3, Chicago, IL 60608.

Semicolon Chi

Nothing feels better than finishing a book. Visit this Black, women-owned bookstore for the next stock up on your summer reads!

Address: 1714 Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

 

 

Hi I’m Maddy Holmes, the Vice President of CASSAC. Like many other students, I am staying in Chicago over the summer. Summer in Chicago is fast approaching and the city is full of fun things to do! Whether you are staying in the city or are even just thinking about visiting during summer break, here is a list of some of the fun things to look forward to for summertime in Chicago!

1. Lollapalooza

The iconic festival is on again for this summer! The festival is set to run July 28 to July 31, with Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole, Green Day, Doja Cat, and more set to headline. Four day passes are out for sale currently and the day-by-day passes will be released for purchase as well. See the Lollapalooza website for the full line up. Stop by Roosevelt while you’re at the festival since our Chicago campus is right across from Grant Park!

2. Millennium Park Summer Workouts

During the summer, the city of Chicago offers free workouts in Millenium Park. The program starts on May 28 and runs until September 3 every Saturday. There are four different types of workouts to choose from, the first one starting at 8 AM and the last at 11 AM. The schedule runs as following every Saturday in the Great Lawn:

8 AM: Tai Chi

9 AM: Yoga

10 AM: Pilates

11 AM: Zumba

Check out the city of Chicago’s website for more information!

3. Take A Boat Cruise

Take advantage of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! There are lots of different boat tours that you can take to soak in the city views. Some of my favorite tours are the Architecture Tour which takes you around the Chicago River and the Seadog Cruise, which is a high-speed boat that sails in Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for something fancy, there are even dinner cruises you can take and dine while watching the sunset in the city!

4. Check Out A Rooftop Restaurant

Chicago has plenty of rooftops around the city to soak up the summertime views and enjoy some delicious food and drinks. Some of these rooftops look over the entire city or the Bean. Here is a list of some of the best rooftop restaurants in the city for summertime:

Cerise Rooftop (203 N Wabash Ave)

London House Rooftop (85 E Wacker Dr)

Plymouth Bar (327 S Plymouth Ct)

Cindy’s Rooftop (12 S Michigan Ave)

5. Head To Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a classic destination for anyone visiting Chicago. Check out the iconic ferris wheel and shops at the tourist destination. There are also a lot of boat cruises that dock from Navy Pier as well! The location also has many delicious restaurants, where you can dine with the view of Lake Michigan. Make sure to check out Navy Pier’s fireworks every weekend too which are set to begin May 28!

At present, I am a Junior at Roosevelt University, thrilled and anxious to start my senior year in the Fall. At Roosevelt, I am currently majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Economics. My ongoing aspiration is to have a career in Marketing Communications or Public Relations.

I am an international student from Nigeria just enjoying her time in Chicago. I am delighted to be in the city. I would say my favorite hobby is reading. Friends and family have labeled me a bookworm. I always have a book on standby, plus I am filled with perfect recommendations. My favorite book is constantly changing, but at the moment I would say it is “The Heart of a Woman” by Maya Angelou – trust me when I say everyone should check it out!

Also recently, I have been obsessed with baking cookies and just trying out new baking recipes. I have gotten raving reviews so far but I am still building my craft. I would say my sugar cookies are undefeated. It is a great stress-reliever and pastime.

I am on my way into entering the workforce hoping I find the right fit.

By Samantha Justine-Nyah

Picking a university is seen as the starting point of adult life. It is the first major decision that sets up an individual’s future. The College application process is grueling and forces young adults to identify their interests and plan for success in a different field. Personally, the process of picking a university was engaging. It took an evaluation internally to discern the characteristics of a university I believed would aid my overall growth. I had to find a fit for my interest and principles.

When it came to Roosevelt University, two highlighting factors that stuck out were the Social Justice Program and the opportunity to have Chicago as my campus. As someone involved in community projects, I believed finding a university with a social justice program would support and encourage my pursuit. When I found out Roosevelt University offered Economic courses linked with Social Justice courses, it fit my first requirement.

As an international student, I didn’t originally live in the U.S, but after traveling during summer to visit family when I was younger, I immediately knew that eventually for a while I would want to live in Chicago. Chicago is a city that offers adventure and opportunity. I was enthusiastic, eager, and terrified all at once before my relocation.

Roosevelt is a unique university experience, and all these factors make me proud to be a Laker!

Kyla Eaton, President of CASSAC in Spring 2022, kindly shares her suggestions for a personal statement and her sample for law school applications:

Law School Personal Statement Blog Post by Kyla Eaton

NAME:

Robert Belcher

EMAIL:

rbelcher@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2022

HOMETOWN:

Worth, Illinois

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:  

I knew that I wanted to get a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice at a university in the Chicagoland area after I finished my Associate of Arts in criminal justice at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.  I applied to Roosevelt in my second-to-last semester during my time at Moraine.  Shortly after, I was accepted in no time, and everything went from there. 

MAJOR/MINOR:

My major is criminal justice.  I am minoring in philosophy, too.

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I chose to major in criminal justice as I have always had an interest in learning more about crime, criminality,  criminology, law, social justice, etc.  It also made sense for me to minor in philosophy, since I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out what is the actual truth, what constitutes true knowledge, and how to uncover reality.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

As of right now, I am considering some sort of career in probation.  I want to reduce recidivism and help people take the right steps to get on the right path.  However, I am open to working in other federal and state jobs as well, especially the post office, or airport.  In either job, it would be great to just work close with the community.

FAVORITE SPOT-ON CAMPUS:  

I always go to the Murray-Green Library whenever I am on campus. 

EXTRACURRICULARS:

I am on CASSAC.  I serve as a general member.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”- Dolly Parton

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

Chicago White Sox

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED: 

The Dark Knight. I’m a big superhero fan if you couldn’t tell. 

FUN FACT ABOUT ME:

I love to travel! Disney World is my absolute favorite place to go to. 

“Community Gives Us Strength”: A Discussion with the Director of the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation

The application deadline for the second annual Mansfield Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement is right around the corner. Professor Heather Dalmage is ready to put the new student fellows to work.

“We do work in the community, the juvenile justice system, and over the years we’ve done things like building restorative justice in the community, creating an office in probation for children who are being processed through the criminal justice system and juvenile justice systems, and more” says Dalmage, Director of the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation.

The Mansfield family started the Mansfield Institute and its lecture series in 1999 to ensure future generations of the family would remain invested in the world and in social justice. Over time, the institute blossomed into a collection of events centered on those ideals.

In 2021, the Mansfield family provided the funds for the Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement to build community between RU and Chicago, and to bring students together.

Dalmage wants this program to encourage students to get to know each other, support each other, and learn from each other. She emphasizes her hope the fellows will develop their ideas about how to transform the world and will cherish the new social networks that make change possible.

“I think a lot of students in the past have an idea that they want to do social good with their degrees, but they’re not quite sure how to do that” Dalmage admits. “My hope is that when all the fellows go through this process, they’re going to be clearer about the path they’re going to engage in going forward, that they’re going to have a greater awareness and understanding of the path they’re on, and whether or not they want to stay on that path or maybe pursue a different one.”

The Mansfield F.A.C.E. program welcomes students from all disciplines who are looking to do social good. The program entails coursework, which brings students three credits closer to graduation, a paid internship, and an evaluation process. The directors select fifteen out of the pool of applicants.

Do you want to be a part of this program? Look out for an email from your professors at the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester. From there, you can access the application and fill it out. Application requires an essay, a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a completion of between 45 and 72 credit hours. The program is for rising juniors.

“We know that at that point, college students have a couple years behind them. But there’s also a point where students really start to think about their future and they need to develop the pathways to those futures,” Dalmage says.

The Mansfield Fellowship is an incomparable experience. The program enhances student resumes with a significant honor and with work experience. Fellows create connections in the Chicago community and in the cohort that can lead to future letters of recommendation, or even a job.

Aside from the academic and career benefits of becoming a fellow, Mansfield F.A.C.E. is character enriching. The program follows Nelson Mandela’s philosophy: “I am because we are.”

As Dalmage puts it, “Community always gives us strength. It’s like one finger trying to lift something versus hands trying to lift something.”

Hi, we are Sophia Peters (psychology and statistics) and Maddy Holmes (psychology and history), two sophomores living on campus this year! We are suitemates and, more often than not, we get home from a long day of classes, work, and meetings and just want something good to eat. The dining hall is perfect when we want our fix of a comforting grilled cheese or a filling stir-fry, but sometimes we just want to go out and get something. We are going to share our personal favorite restaurants around Roosevelt and in the city lately!

Maddy’s Favorites

Hero Coffee Bar

Hero is one of my favorite coffee places in the Loop. My friend and I have Hero Fridays as a tradition. The Jackson and Wabash location is two blocks from school, but they have other locations throughout the city. Favorite thing to order: iced caramel latte with oat milk and the New Manhattan bagel breakfast sandwich.

Address: 22 E Jackson Blvd

Website: https://www.herocoffeebars.com/

Brightwok Kitchen

This restaurant is a chain throughout the city, and it’s like a Chipotle for stir-fry. They have options of their signature bowls or a create-your-own bowl. You can choose from sauces like teriyaki and spicy cashew. I have never had a bad bowl from them. There’s a location on Adams, between Wabash and State, right by campus! Favorite thing to order: create your own bowl with tofu, rice noodles, and teriyaki.

Address: 21 E Adams St

Website: https://brightwok.com/

Chicago Bagel Authority

Bagels are one of my favorite foods and this spot in Lincoln Park has been one of my go-to spots for years. They prepare your bagel as you wait and they have variations of different breakfast and lunch sandwiches on bagels! You can get a simple sausage, egg, and cheese or even get a BLT on a fresh bagel! They also have some pretty cool merch. Favorite thing to order: The Sausage Fest breakfast bagel.

Address: 953 W Armitage Ave

Website: https://eatcba.com/

Coco Pazzo Cafe

I’ve been coming to Chicago yearly since I was young. This Italian restaurant is one of my family’s favorites. We would end every trip by going here. They relocated to Ohio St. in River North a couple of years ago, but the food is still so, so good. I have had some of the best mac n’ cheese I have ever had here. Favorite thing to order: Buffalo mozzarella and rigatoni buttera.

Address: 212 E Ohio St

Website: https://www.cocopazzocafe.com/

Thai Spoon and Sushi

This Thai restaurant is literally a block from school and has some of the best affordable food I have had in the Loop. The main dishes are $12 and under, and you WILL have leftovers. It’s also really fun to go and sit there. They have a giant fish and pretty good bubble tea. Favorite thing to order: crab rangoon and pad Thai with tofu.

Address: 601 S Wabash Ave

Website: https://thaispoonsushichi.com/

Sophia’s Favorites

Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social is great if you’re going out for dinner with friends and need something exciting. It’s located right in the West Loop and it’s only a train ride away. Not only does Punch Bowl Social have a collection of American-style dishes (with a twist), but it has an arcade, bowling alley, karaoke, and fun photo ops all around the restaurant. Favorite items on the menu: sweet and spicy wings, social nacho, buffalo fries, and birria tacos.

Address: 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/chicago?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk3L7caEx3rilYPpmkE-J3rM0cmzgIqeE1rlh4EoY9rXR6N6p97WXhoaAj7rEALw_wcB

Friends Sushi on North State Street

This is the all time favorite sushi spot for my boyfriend and me. The ambience of the restaurant is cozy and intimate. If I had a sushi craving on a rainy night, this is the place I’d be at, slurping my spicy miso soup! Not to mention, all the staff members are so friendly. They, as in almost every employee in the restaurant, will greet you when you walk into the restaurant and say good-bye when you’re on your way out. Favorite items on the menu: spicy miso soup, maguro nigiri, and spicy hamachi maki topping.

Address: 804 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

https://www.friendssushi.com/state/home

Artopolis Bakery

Artopolis Bakery has a special place in my heart. As I child, I’d go here with my family for some delicious Greek pastries, small dishes, and perfectly made Greek coffee. Growing up Greek, I usually came home to my yiayia (grandma) cooking traditional food, which filled the house with a mouthwatering aroma, or having coffee with my theia (aunt) Panagiota. I always crave the coffee and delicious foods she used to make for me, so I make it a point to take the train to Greektown for an occasional pick-me-up. Favorite items on the menu: Frappe with cream and sugar, galaktoboureko, amygdalota, and a horiatiki.

Address: 306 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

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