Tackling Finals Without Stressing Out

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Finals are finally upon us unfortunately. Whether you’re a freshman or a super senior, finals are probably the most stressful time of the semester. Don’t freak out! There are some simple ways to calm yourself down and plan out your studying in a manageable way. If you’re tearing your hair out and biting your nails down to the beds you’ll need some of these tips.

Start out with a plan. Write out each of the classes that you need to study for. Give them a ranking based on the difficulty of each class. Use stars like Netflix: the more stars the better the movie/the harder the course. You know those movies on Netflix with 1 ½ stars? You might watch them but not right now? You’ll study for those classes but just not right this second.

Once you’ve gotten your courses written down, split them up by what you know you need to study. If it’s a comprehensive exam (*GASP*) then break it up by the chapters or the units you covered in the class. If you have a study guide, even better! Use that to break up what you learned into sections.

Breaking things up into smaller sections makes it seem a little more doable. So take each of those units and give them a designated day that you’ll dedicate to studying the crap out of them!

Find your quiet place. When it comes time to study, you might want to avoid the library. Everyone will be at the library and your chances of running into someone you know is elevated. And you know you’re going to run into that one guy in your class who’s totally ready for finals and wants to chat you up for 30 minutes while you’re clearly trying to study.

Instead, try to go somewhere off the beaten path. Panera Bread and Starbucks are good options but they might be a little too close to campus. They could end up being just as crowded as the library. Try My Chocolate Coffee. They’re a little away from campus so you might be able to find more peace and quiet there.

Take it easy. If finals are getting the best of you don’t hesitate to take a step back and take some time to yourself. A hot cup of soothing tea is never a bad idea for calming nerves. If tea isn’t for you try exercise. Getting your frustrations out with a little sweat isn’t just good for your mind, it’s good for your body obviously! Emory University has a wide range of fitness classes to fit your schedule. Want something heavy? Try Cardio Kickboxing or Cycling. Need something to mellow you out and ease your mind? Try Pilates or any of the numerous yoga classes offered. There’s something to fit everyone’s needs and schedules.

Don’t let finals stress you out too badly! Sure they’re important, but so is your mental health. If you plan your studying out and keep yourself relaxed, you’ll be able to handle your finals with no problems!

What are your best studying tips? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

Friendsgiving

Not every college student has the opportunity to go home to their families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Some live too far away and don’t have enough time and money to make it back home. Others just choose to stay in their college town. Maybe they have a job and want to make the big bucks working Black Friday. We can’t blame you! Instead of struggling to get home with your family, why not gather a group of friends together for a Friendsgiving dinner? Much more laid back than a family Thanksgiving and with fewer people asking what you want to do with your life and when you’re going to get married. Enjoy a much less stressful evening with your friends!

Image courtesy of Pixabay

If you’re going to have it at your apartment, plan ahead. Nothing is worse than scrambling last minute to the grocery store to find something that you need for the dinner. Make a list the week before and go to the grocery store to get everything you need early. If you get everything down on paper, it not only makes it easier to make sure you get everything but it makes your trip less frantic.

To alleviate a little of the pressure off of the host, have a potluck. Everyone cooks their own dish and brings it together for a big feast. Make it even more interesting by having everyone creating their favorite dish rather than a traditional Thanksgiving dish. You get to enjoy favorites from all of your closest friends while spending time together.

You don’t have to cram 20 friends in your apartment. It can be much easier to get a group together and go out to dinner instead. It takes the pressure off of the host and those cooking the meal. Put the burden on someone else! Mediterranean Grill on N Decatur Road is an awesome and interesting restaurant for a different spin on a Thanksgiving meal. They aren’t offering specific Thanksgiving fare for the holiday but their regular menu is already spectacular. Try the gyro plate (pronounced ‘yee-ro’) or a shish kabob plate for a great alternative to your typical Thanksgiving dinners. Friendsgiving calls for new traditions!

After dinner, bring everyone back to the clubhouse. Watch a flick borrowed from our DVD library and throw it up on the plasma screen. It’s a great way to unwind before the stress of the holidays kicks in.

Going home to spend Thanksgiving with your family is great but it’s more fun to enjoy a dinner with all of your friends that you made with your own hands (or ordered from a restaurant). Do you and your friends have a Friendsgiving tradition?

7 Tips for Picking a Roommate

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Freshman year is like a roulette wheel: you never know what kind of roommate you’ll end up with! Once you’re able to get your own apartment later in your college career, you probably won’t be able to afford an apartment on your own, but you do get the freedom to choose your own roommate. Living situations are very important so you need to make sure you make a good choice. Luckily, Life Edited gives us some great tips for choosing a roommate. Check out these 7 tips and then go to Life Edited to get the full list.



1. Think ahead. If there’s one factor that leads to more horrible living situations than any other, it’s haste. You find yourself needing a place to live yesterday, and suddenly you are rationalizing living with the guy who can’t stop talking about his pet boa constrictor. And while many good people find themselves on their ass needing a place to live ASAP, as a rule, people who plan ahead, seeking out their roommates a month or two in advance, are also the kind of people who pay their bills on time and are considerate to the people they live with.

2. Get habituated. Find out how your prospective roommate(s) live. Do they watch a lot of TV? Stay home all the time? Never home? Like hanging out? Like being alone? Work all of the time? Like loud music? Hates loud music? Vegan? Partiers? And so on. Get as much information as possible before you move in together. No one will be a perfect match, but honestly ask yourself if, on balance, these habits are things you can live with.

3. Pay attention to the details. Looking for a potential roommate is like dating–only more intimate. Don’t dismiss the red flags. Look and listen for tip-offs for how the other party lives. If you’re at their place, are there dirty dishes in the sink? Excessive beer cans in the trash? More than one game counsel attached to the TV? Did the prospective roommate bring up his/her jealous ex more than three times during your interview? Maybe these things are coincidences, but probably not. If you notice more than a couple red flags, chances are these things will get worse with time and exposure.

4. Come clean. Few things can be as contentious as cleaning habits, as everyone has a different idea of what constitutes clean. Do you expect your house to be spotless and tidy all of the time? Are you okay with a little clutter? Are you a slob? There is no right way of living, but it’s important people’s habits are similar. If you’re trying to assess how clean someone is in an interview, ask about his/her cleaning habits. If she says “it’s not a big deal,” she is probably pretty messy. If he suggests a regular cleaning schedule or splitting the cost of a housecleaner (a very good idea), he is probably a neatnik. People can have different politics and tastes and live felicitously together, but if you have mismatched cleaning habits, forget about it.

5. Money talks. Besides dirty dishes, money matters can strain an otherwise happy roommate situation. Get with your prospective roommate about every bill, the portion expected to pay and estimated monthly amounts. Get reasonable assurance that all parties have the ability to pay for said bills (employed roommates tend to be preferred). This is a good time to bring up food costs. Some roommates are okay with sharing food and food costs, but many are not. Get clear how you want to handle that.

6. Friends are good…sometimes. Just because your good friend needs someone to live with, it doesn’t mean it should be you. Many friendships have been destroyed after living together. Treat your friend as you would anyone else–honestly evaluating whether he/she would be compatible with your lifestyle.

7. Do a background check. This might seem a bit cold, but the fact is unless you’ve known someone for a while, their history can be quite iffy. Running a credit report or criminal background check can help ensure you’re not moving in with an unsavory character. If someone objects, particularly to a credit check, you might ask yourself why.

8 Ways to Eat Healthier in College

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Eating healthy in college can get overwhelming. Everywhere you look is pizza and other unhealthy foods calling your name in the dining hall. Though you want to overcome the temptations of unhealthy food, you’re not quite sure how to go about it. Buzzfeed gives us these 8 ways to eat healthier in college. For more tips, visit Buzzfeed.



1. Eating healthfully does not have to mean dieting.


“My biggest advice is to not start dieting when you get to college,” Ryan Andrews, R.D., Coach at Precision Nutrition in Toronto, Canada, told BuzzFeed Life. At least, not on your own. That’s because without the proper supervision of a nutritionist you may end up adopting unhealthy eating habits, body image issues, or other health problems.

However, if you are interested in losing weight, gaining weight, or changing your body composition, make sure to check in with a doctor and nutritionist first so that they can help you set realistic goals and offer support and guidance along the way.

2. Focus on adding whole nutritious foods instead of restricting the “bad” ones.

Instead of thinking about what you shouldn’t eat, think about what you should eat. “It’s best to take a whole food approach and focus on adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and good fats,” says Andrews. “You should still eat as little processed foods as possible, but with a whole food approach you don’t have to worry as much about calories and extra bad stuff because you’re hitting all the nutritious food groups and getting the vitamins and minerals you need.”

3. And choose healthy foods that you actually love to eat. (They exist.)
“You should enjoy your food and go into it thinking ‘what do I like and how can I build healthy meals from that?’ and it’s so much easier,” says Andrews.

Plus, certain foods affect people differently, Andrews says, so it’s also important to pay attention to how different foods affect your body and energy levels. Just because a food seems healthy, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you and your digestive system. “Before you worry about cutting fat and sugar, learn the basics of which nutritious foods make your taste buds and body happy.”

4. Don’t let your class schedule dictate your meals.

Ideally you would be hungry when you get up, break for lunch, and sit down to dinner — but sometimes your six-hour clump of classes isn’t conducive to that. So try to plan your meals around your schedule to the best of your ability and stick to it, Rachel Paul, M.S., R.D., founder of The College Nutritionist, told BuzzFeed Life. Then don’t forget to pay attention to body cues and eat when you’re hungry — even if that means packing a lunch and some snacks for your five-minute breaks.

5. Stock your dorm with all of the snacks that aren’t junk food.

“The two years I lived in dorms I would stock up on apples, baby carrots, cans of vegetable soup, oatmeal packets, things like that and just keep them by my desk.” — Emily Anne Hart, Facebook

6. Always keep an emergency granola bar in your backpack for when you’re hangry.

“Hanger is the ultimate downfall of healthy eating. When I wait to eat until I’m starving, I end up grabbing any quick foods I can, including candy, chips, or other junk foods! Always have an emergency snack in your purse or backpack, such as a Lara Bar, so you never get to that ‘hangry’ point! — Ellie Jane Holcomb, Facebook

Some granola bars are better than others, so Paul recommends bars with whole ingredients, about 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and no added sugar.

7. Sneak protein into every meal or snack to stay fuller longer.

8. Beans and rice are a perfectly acceptable, cheap, and nutritious meal.
“Beans and whole grains are often forgotten but they’re super important because they’re full of fiber, protein, and they’re satisfying,” Andrews says. “You can do Mexican beans and rice, lentil soups, chickpeas from the salad bar — even tofu and tempeh because they’re soybean-based.”

National Cookie Month

Image From Pixabay

We love cookies almost as much as cookie monster. This is why October is one of our favorite times of year. This month you can enjoy Halloween, fall and National Cookie Month. We have found a great cookie recipe from The Kitchn to help celebrate one of our favorite times of the year. Comment on our Facebook page with your favorite cookie recipe!

Chunky Monkey Cookies

Makes about 36 cookies

3/4 cup walnuts

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon banana extract, optional for stronger banana flavor

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or 1 6.5-ounce chocolate bar, roughly chopped)

3/4 cup banana chips, roughly chopped (see Recipe Note)

Heat the oven to 375°F. Scatter the walnuts over a baking sheet and toast in the warming oven until fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Roughly chop the walnuts while they're still warm and set aside.

Combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined and no lumps of brown sugar remain. Add the softened butter to the bowl and work it into the sugar until you form a gritty, sugary paste. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until no more egg whites remain. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour in a small bowl. Add this to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, and stir gently until you've formed a thick dough and you see no more dry flour. Add the chocolate chunks, banana chips, and chopped walnuts, and use a folding motion to incorporate them into the dough. It's OK if some of the chunky pieces fall out.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion ping pong ball-sized gobs of dough (roughly 2 tablespoons) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced an inch or so apart. If any chunky pieces fell out while you were making the dough, press them gently into the tops of the cookies (or just use some extra leftover pieces if you'd like a chunkier appearance!). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies look puffed and the edges are turning a darker shade of toasty brown.

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. As they cool, the cookies will collapse into craggy, cracked, chunky cookies. Continue baking the cookies in batches until all the dough has been used.

These cookies are best the day they are made, but will keep in an airtight container for about a week.

Recipe Notes

Finding banana chips: Look for banana chips in the bulk bin section of grocery stores, or along with the dried fruits. (I found the banana chips for this recipe at Trader Joe's.)

Freezing cookie dough: To freeze unbaked cookie dough, portion the cookies out onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. See here for more details: How To Freeze Cookie Dough.

College Care Package

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Whether you are sending a care package to a family friend or a college student, they are always appreciated. Food was always a good choice when choosing what to put in a care package. Apartment Therapy has some great recipes for you to remember when planning you next shipment.



It's been a while since I was in college, but when it comes to care packages, I'm quite sure things haven't changed very much.

A few favorite store-bought things are always nice, but the very best things will always be freshly made snacks and treats. They're a nice reminder of home and help fuel late-night study sessions and tough exams.

1. Smoked Almond Snack Bars

This recipe for nutty, KIND-inspired snack bars is for those of you who prefer savory over sweet when the afternoon doldrums have you yawning.

2. Muesli Snacking Cookies

These baked gems are a play on classic oatmeal cookies. A few fun ingredient swaps make them healthier and even more delicious.

3. Birthday Cake Popcorn

You don't need a birthday to celebrate with this festive treat! It's sweet, salty, and covered with sprinkles — you can't go wrong!

4. Sweet and Savory Roasted Cashews

Take your pick: sweet or salty. Neither recipe takes more than a few minutes to bring together, and they're both perfect study snacks.

5. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Energy Bars

These bars slip into that magical niche of snacks that seem — and taste — like candy but are still, at least ostensibly, healthy. They are made without refined sugar, require zero cooking, and can last in a backpack all day.

6. Banana Bread

Whether your favorite college student eats this as breakfast or an afternoon snack, one thing is certain: it's gonna go fast.

7. Cherry Pistachio Granola Clusters

This right here is "snacking granola." We're talking about big, chunky clusters of lightly sweet granola studded with pistachios and dried cherries.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch

Classic chocolate chip cookies are timeless — and they just might be the very best thing you could find when you open a care package.

9. Hazelnut & Cherry Whole-Grain Crackers

These homemade hazelnut and cherry crackers are such a great on-the-go snack. Plus, they're easy to make and stay fresh for weeks.

10. Pumpkin-Spiced Caramel Corn

If you just can't resist the pumpkin spice craze, this lightly spiced caramel corn will be right up your alley.

College Apartment Cleaning in 15 Tips

Living at school and going to classes is time consuming, especially if you have a job on top of all of that. It can be hard to muster the motivation to clean your apartment. So when you're feeling lazy and you need to get some cleaning done, try these life hacks from Buzzfeed to make it easy on yourself. Head to Buzzfeed to check out more tips.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

1. Spray a no-wipe cleaner on your shower walls every time you bathe.

You don’t even have to touch those grimy tiles!!! This blogger swears by this stuff.

2. Or, keep a handled sponge filled with half Dawn dishwashing liquid and half white vinegar and do a little scrubbing while you’re waiting for the conditioner to set in your hair.

3. Use body wash or liquid shower gel, not soap. You’ll get much less soap scum buildup in your tub.

4. Pee sitting down.

While you may consider this emasculating, your toilet will be MUCH cleaner.

5. Make a conscious effort to put something away every time you get up to go to a different part of your home.

On your way to the kitchen to reheat some leftover pizza? Grab that pair of scissors that actually belongs in the junk drawer that you never bothered to put back.

6. Buy anti-microbial doormats.

Or better yet, enforce a no-shoes policy. Tell your guests you have an Asian grandmother.

7. If you have carpet, keep Stomp ‘N Go pads for emergency stain removal.

They supposedly get out wine spills, coffee, pet messes, food, blood, and more. No scrubbing required.

8. Multitask during idle time.

While you’re cooking, do some dishes. Wipe down the sink every time you wash your hands. While you’re waiting for the hot water before a shower, tidy up the bathroom.

9. Avoid dusting by walking around your house in “Swiffer Socks.”

AKA those weird chenille socks that you always seem to get like three pairs of every Christmas. You just dusted a narrow pathway in your apartment just by schlepping to the kitchen to make nachos.

10. Use Press ‘N Seal wrap to line the surfaces in your fridge.

Cleaning the fridge is one of those things you just never get around to doing. Just replace the liners and your fridge will feel good as new again.

11. Cleaning your microwave is (almost) as simple as turning it on.

Pour 2 cups of water and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in for about 3 minutes on full power. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the bowl carefully and wipe clean.

12. While you’re cooking, keep a plastic grocery bag on the counter.

You can quickly throw away any peels or packaging, saving you a few trips to the trash can.

13. Line your George Foreman grill with foil before cooking anything in it.

Those things are the hugest pains to clean.

14. Eat food out of a tortilla to avoid having to wash your bowls.

Works fairly well as long as you’re not an aggressive fork-stabber.

15. Eat Chinese take-out without dirtying up a dish.

Remove the metal handle and unfold the box into a plate you can eat out of.

9 Apps Every College Student Needs

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Those of us going through college in this day and age have a very serious advantage over those who have gone in the past. We have so many tools and resources at our fingertips. One of the greatest tools of this generation are our phones: always right at our sides and connected to a vast world of information. Being in college is difficult but it can get a little easier with some of these apps to keep track of things so you don't have to! For the full list of useful apps head to The Kardia Blog.

If I was to list a single skill I wish I already had mastered, it’d be productivity. Being a full-time student has taught me so much about prioritizing and not procrastinating. But of course, it’s not always easy. I’m always looking for more ways to productive. And living in the smartphone generation, apps are one of those ways.

Social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest definitely get the most use on my phone, but those don’t allow me to be very productive. That got me thinking about the apps that come in handy the most when I am in school. Which ones help me stay on top of everything? So the following apps and resources are ones that I personally use and recommend to any busy person looking to maximize the time they have and stay organized.

RefME (Free / Website)

I’ve been using RefME for all my papers this semester, and I don’t know why I didn’t use it before! It’s such an amazing resource! Nobody likes figuring out how to cite a source. RefME does all the hard stuff and lets you collect sources fast and keep them organized in groups. You can either search for the reference title, author, url, etc., or simply fill in the boxes with the appropriate information, select what citation style you need, and voilá! A perfect bibliography/works cited is born! Some other great features are that it allows you to export your bibliography directly into a Word document and shows you the correct inline citation to use. With their app, you can even scan book/journal barcodes to get citations. How easy it that?

Sunrise (Free / iPhone, Android, Mac)

While the default calendar app is fine for appointments and schedules, I find the Sunrise app even better. Upon opening the app, you can see your schedule for the next few days with little icons beside each event letting you know if it’s a class, meeting, work, etc. I love how simple and straightforward it is!

MyWater (Free / iPhone)

I’m super bad at drinking enough water :( I use this app to keep track of how many water bottles I drink in a day. You can set your daily goal, what size bottle you’re using, and have reminders go off at different times during the day. It’s easy to use too, just swipe up when you drink a glass of water!

Sleep Cycle ($0.99 / iPhone, Android)

I hate that feeling of waking up all groggy and tired for an early morning class. Sleep Cycle analyzes your sleep and wakes you up when you’re in the lightest sleep phase. Graphs provide you with information about your sleep quality, what times you went to sleep in the past 3 months, the average time you spend in bed, and your sleep quality on certain days of the week. Definitely worth the $0.99!

Shopkick (Free / iPhone, Android)

Free gift cards? Yes, please! Use shopkick to get points for walking into stores like Target, American Eagle, and Best Buy. Then, redeem your points for gift cards. Shopkick also has coupons and deals for tons of stores that you already go to on a regular basis.

Pocket (Free / iPhone, Android, Mac)

Don’t lose track of the all the interesting things you find by letting tabs pile up in your browser. Pocket allows you to easily save articles, videos, and more for later. Everything goes to one place, so you can view it anytime, on any device, even without internet. Perfect for when you want to read an article or watch a video but don’t have time at the moment.

Mint (Free / iPhone, Android)

This is the perfect app for creating a budget and keeping track of where you spend your money. Set up financial goals such as saving up for spring break, paying off your school loans, or buying a car and get advice on how you should budget and distribute your paychecks in your checking and savings accounts.

She Reads Truth (Free / iPhone, Website)

She Reads Truth is an online community of women who read the Bible and encourage one another. Devotional reading plans can be read on their website for free, emailed to you, or read through the iPhone app (for a small fee depending on how recent the plan is). The app also includes beautiful lock screens with scripture on them!

Duolingo (Free / iPhone, Android, Website)

I have to take a language class for my Bachelor of Arts degree, so I’m getting ahead of the game by learning spanish for free on Duolingo. This app can help you learn Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, or Italian using easy exercises to help you spell and pronounce the new words! You can set how long you want to learn each day (5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) making it easy to do in between other tasks.

Chipotle Answers Every College Student's Prayers

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Chipotle has taken over the world recently with their delicious Mexican cuisine. You can't go anywhere without hearing about how much someone loves the restaurant. Well, great news for college students: they now deliver to a small number of universities and will be expanding to more later this fall! Through a partnership with Tapingo, students can place their order through the app or website and their food gets to them within 25-30 minutes. You can see Chipotle's full menu here and check out more information on Tapingo here.

As college students make their way back to school for another year, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is making it easier for students to find the food they love, allowing more time for study and less to search for burritos. Through a new partnership with Tapingo, a leading mobile commerce app that saves college students time by providing food pickup and delivery, Chipotle will be available for delivery through Tapingo at 40 college campuses nationwide this fall, and at more than 100 campuses by spring 2016.

“Chipotle has been popular with students going back to our very first restaurant near the University of Denver, and we are always looking for ways to better engage with them,” said Mark Crumpacker, chief creative and development officer at Chipotle. “Tapingo, which has been well received by students where its services are available, knows how to connect with these younger customers. That shared acceptance among younger customers made them a great choice for us to expand delivery aimed specifically at students.”The partnership with Tapingo expands Chipotle’s existing delivery program. The company also has nationwide delivery partnerships with Postmates, a delivery service that operates in several key Chipotle markets, and with OrderUp, which provides delivery service in several smaller Chipotle markets.

Tapingo has a rapidly growing user base, the large majority of whom are Millennials and Gen Zs. Chipotle resonates well with a similar audience. A recent survey by investment firm William Blair called Chipotle the “most favored restaurant” by younger consumers. Morgan Stanley notes that Millennials are more likely to dine out on a weekly basis than older consumers and states that “taste, value, and quality” drive their restaurant decision-making. “On those metrics, Chipotle wins,” the firm says.

“Tapingo has become the buy button for students and we are excited to expand into surrounding areas,” said Daniel Almog, chief executive officer at Tapingo. “Our network of students is hungry for Chipotle, and we’re excited to deliver it quickly and at a very reasonable delivery cost.”

Since its founding in 2012, Tapingo has leveraged mobile technology to create a more convenient and enjoyable experience for students to purchase a variety of products or services. With the average student transacting daily, using Tapingo has become habitual for college students. Users can order with a tap and then have their order delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Using the Club Tapingo feature, the average user pays $2.99, with no additional service fee. Tapingo also provides timely delivery, with an average of only 25 minutes between order placement and receipt.

Chipotle delivery is currently available through Tapingo at the following campuses:

• Arizona State University
• California State University Chico
• Louisiana State University
• University of Arizona
• University of Southern California
• Northern Arizona University

Delivery will expand to include the following campuses later this fall.

• California State University - Fullerton
• California State University Northridge
• Carnegie Melon University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cleveland State University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Columbia University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Emory University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola Marymount University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Michigan State University
• New York University
• North Carolina State University
• Ohio State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Rutgers University
• San Jose State University
• Santa Clara University
• Towson University
• Trinity College
• University of Arkansas
• University of California Los Angeles
• University of Georgia
• University of Louisville
• University of Maryland
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon Eugene
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of the Pacific
• University of Utah

Plans for additional rollouts or availability can be found on Tapingo.com/Chipotle.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that — where possible — are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land and the farmers who produce the food. In order to achieve this vision, we focus on building a special people culture that is centered on creating teams of top performers empowered to achieve high standards. This people culture not only leads to a better dining experience for our customers, it also allows us to develop future leaders from within. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993 and operates more than 1,850 restaurants, including 17 Chipotle restaurants outside the U.S. and 11 ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants, and is an investor in an entity that owns and operates three Pizzeria Locale restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

ABOUT TAPINGO

Since its founding in 2012, Tapingo has leveraged mobile technology to solve a key problem for students: lack of time. Whether confronted with long lines while racing between classes, needing a midnight boost during late-night study sessions, or faced with a lack of options when living off campus, students are increasingly in need of a new solution to meet their needs. With just a few taps, users can browse menus, order and pay, then schedule pickup or have their order delivered. Tapingo provides a streamlined buying process that benefits both the students and the campuses, while driving habitual purchase and eliminating operational inefficiencies. Today, Tapingo processes tens of thousands of transactions per day, and the average user utilizes the service more than five times per week. Serving 46 markets from Alaska to Miami, Tapingo is the ideal commerce solution for the on-the-go on-demand generation. Stop waiting at www.Tapingo.com.

15 Meals for the Broke College Student

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Just because you're in college doesn't mean you have to eat like a college student. Even with limited resources and a low it's still possible to make great meals! Some of these might seem strange but they're definitely delicious. Check out the rest of the list on Brit + Co.


You may think living in a college dorm means the end of good cooking and a constant diet of bad cafeteria food and Pop Tarts, but if you’ve got a waffle maker, a microwave and a mug, you can turn into a pretty incredible home cook with the right recipes — and we have 25 of ‘em for you! Most of these dishes are ready within 10 minutes, making them perfect for whipping up in between classes or for late-night study breaks. From ramen hacks to meals in a mug, you’ll be blown away by the gourmet meals you can make right from your dorm room.

1. Ramen Stir Fry: Skip the flavor packet this time around and turn your attention to that super cheap, pre-measured serving of quick-cooking noodles that you can do anything with! The twirly ramen noodles are fun to eat, and you can throw all kinds of veggies and spices into them. (viaSoup Addict)

2. Mac in a Mug: It doesn’t come out of a box or use mysterious cheese powder, but it does taste amazing! Bonus: It makes only one serving, so the eating-all-five-servings temptation is eliminated. (via The Better Martha)

3. Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Granola bars are an absolute lifesaver when you’re in a rush, but why are those little bars so expensive? For the college student on a budget, try these super delicious bars that are healthy for you and made in the microwave! (via Bakerita)

4. Cocoa Mocha: If you don’t have a coffee maker, but you do have a microwave, then you can make this frothy, delicious coffee with instant coffee and hot chocolate. Naturally we topped our beverage with marshmallows. (viaBrit + Co)

5. Waffle Maker Hash Browns: We had no idea there were so many uses for the waffle iron! Making hash browns in a waffle maker gives them the perfect amount of brown crispy goodness. (via Macheesmo)

6. Chocolate Muffin: If it’s called a muffin, we can eat it for breakfast, right? Right? (via Dessert With Benefits)

7. Eggs in a Nest: This healthy breakfast can literally be made in 30 seconds! You’ll be getting protein and some fiber if you use whole wheat bread, making this breakfast better than most of the greasy things available in the cafeteria. (via Brit + Co)

8. Mexican Corn in a Cup: Mexican corn is a fabulous combo of corn, a dash of cream, some cayenne pepper and lots of salty queso fresca. You could eat this on its own or nuke some quesadillas for a mini Mexicanfiesta! (via Little Inspiration)

9. Microwave Salmon: Don’t hate it until you’ve tried it! We think you’ll be amazed by how good this salmon dinner turns out even in a microwave. (via Savory Sweet Life)

10. Waffle Pizza: Don’t order in again. Pull out that waffle iron and try making a pizza crust! You could even have a mini pizza party with the roommates where everyone gets to pick a topping. (via Waffleizer)

11. Cinnamon Apple and Banana Oatmeal: Add fresh (easy) or frozen fruit (EASIER!) to your oatmeal to give it an extra boost. Plus, nothing is more warming than cinnamon oatmeal when that walk across the quad start to get chillier. (via Brit + Co)

12. Taco in a Bag: You can only eat at Taco Bell so many times before you start craving some homemade Mexican food. Try this easy “taco” that won’t even get any dishes dirty, making clean up a breeze. (via Betty Crocker)

13. Ramen Pad Thai: Get crazy with some Asian fusion and make pad Thai out of those old ramen noodles. Just add fish sauce, fresh lime and a handful of peanuts to the spice packet, and you’ve done some impressive ramen hacking. (via Serious Eats)

14. Falafel Waffles: These falafel-filled pita wedges are made in the waffle iron and make a great grab-and-go lunch for long days of classes. You can fill them with falafel and Greek yogurt and not worry about them dripping on your cute outfit like a traditional falafel wrap. (via Serious Eats)

15. 10 Minute Risotto Cups: Forget standing over a stove for an hour, these delicious dinners are made in the microwave in less time than it takes to agree on what to watch on Netflix tonight. We tried a couple different flavor combos like butternut squash + sage and bacon + kale. (via Brit + Co)

Packing Efficiently For School

Image courtesy of HighwaysEngland - Flickr

Students are moving in! When it comes to moving from one home to another it can be difficult to decide what to bring with you. It may seem tempting to just bring all of your clothes; You never know what you'll need! For some it's easy to drive home and just pick something up if you leave it at home but for others that's not a possibility. Be smart with your packing and follow these tips from Apartment Therapy to help you back efficiently and make the most of your space.


That time is upon us! Back-to-school, off-to-college time. Which means that all across the country, a whole bunch of soon-to-be-freshman are staring at their wardrobe and wondering what on earth should I pack? Here are a few helpful tips for navigating the college closet quandary!

Make a list of what you'll need. Make a list of the clothes you'll need for going to class, going out, lounging around, sleeping, and going to the gym. Going to class clothes should be easily put together mix-and-match outfits with easy-to-walk-in shoes (you'll be walking a lot). Think: versatile skirt/pants plus a bunch of tops you love, plus a decent-sized bag you can carry books in. Lounging around clothes should be comfy but not old and gross. Going out clothes can be whatever you like!

Enlist the help of a trustworthy friend. Sometimes decisions about clothes are a whole lot easier when you have a second opinion. Call over your most stylish friend whom you can trust to be completely honest.

Go through every item in your wardrobe, assessing them careful. Marie Kondo thinks the best question to ask is "does this bring me joy?" and I'm inclined to agree. Try each piece of clothing on if you can't decide. Do you feel happy, comfortable, gorgeous wearing this? Are you excited to wear this? Don't pack anything that is ill-fitting, drab, worn, or too old. Especially don't pack clothes you "hope" will fit. Do pack pieces that look great on you but that you were too shy to wear before. This is college- your chance to reinvent yourself if you want!

Expect to go on a shopping trip when you arrive in your new town. The biggest mistake I made in packing to go to school in New England was buying a "winter" coat in... Australia. The coat was nowhere near warm enough. Stores in warm climates don't stock the kinds of clothes needed for cool climates, and the same is true the other way. If you need seasonal clothes, plan to go shopping when you arrive in your collage town. There you'll pick up gloves that are thick enough, tights that are warm enough, or tank tops and skirts that are cool enough.

Remember, it's okay to not bring everything. This is your moment to cut your closet free of all the junk you've been storing for the last 3 years and pare it down to its stylish, fab core. Just because Mom or Grandma bought it for you, don't feel pressured to bring it. Just because they're the only pair of jeans you have, don't feel pressured to pack them. Don't pack tops just so you'll have enough. Keep your selection pared down to what you absolutely love. This way you'll carry into college your most fashionable you.

Make Move In Easy

Image courtesy of Nazareth College - Flickr

Whether you’re moving back into the Clairmont Reserve apartments, moving in for the first time or you’re a freshman moving into your new dorm room, moving is hard! There are a lot of things that you’ll need that you might not think of if you’re used to living at home with your parents. We want to help make your move in as smooth as possible! So we found some tips to help ease your move in blues! For more information, head to Mostly Morgan.

Do you have any secret moving tricks that have helped you in the past? Let us know on the Facebook page!

Summer is here, and while I am looking forward to three months of relaxation (and blogging, and nannying) I know that that there is an entire new class of college freshman to be looking into move in day. I still remember the excitement and anticipation. I was worried about over-packing, and heartbroken about leaving my family, friends, and boyfriend, but I don’t think that I could possibly have been more excited to start my life at the University of Illinois.

I just finished my sophomore year, and it was my second (and last!) year living in the dorms – and I have learned a thing or two about move in day. This past year I was also an I-Guide which meant I spent countless grueling hours going back and forth moving freshman after freshman into their new home. I saw the over-packers, the kids who brought nearly nothing, and everyone in between. What I’m trying to say is that I’m an authority on college move in if there ever was one.

Pack Smart.

A successful college move in day all begins with packing wisely. I have an entire post that you can check out here, but I’ll give you some extra pointers, too.


Don’t pack more than you need – if you’re going home for Thanksgiving (or before!) it won’t be necessary to bring all of your winter gear. You will want a few pieces in case of an emergency, but chances are you won’t have room to store your entire wardrobe in your tiny dorm room.


Don’t over do it – this year (I kid you not) a kid brought a love seat to her dorm room. Not a futon or a small bench, but a love seat bigger than the one in my living room. It easily took up a quarter of her room and probably put her at odds with her roommate from day one. Unless you’re living in a luxury dorm, you aren’t going to want to bring any extra furniture.


Be clever – packing the car is truly an art. To up the odds of you fitting everything, stuff any hollow object you are packing with other things. Fill your fridge with shoes, stuff your undergarments in your shower caddy, just make use of every empty space you can!
Do your research.

At the University of Illinois move in day procedure involves a complicated maze of rerouted roads and restricted access to certain areas, and in a perfect world this would make everything go smoothly. Unfortunately, every year people ignore the hundreds of emails, letters, and alerts making us aware of how to work this system to get straight to your dorm and avoid any traffic.

Move in day comes with a ton of stress – don’t create extra stress by coming unprepared. If you go to a small school you might have nothing to worry about, but most larger schools will have a system like this.

So students and parents alike – look up your respective school to see if there is a move in day protocol that you should be aware of. You don’t want to be the ones screwing everything up!
Ship things to school.

Are you in charge of bringing the fridge? Consider shipping it to school rather than buying one and moving it in with you. You can also take a trip to your local Walmart on move in day, too. If you wait to buy larger items like fridges, microwaves, and carpets the car will be less packed.

If you do decide to ship the microwave to school – just make sure that it doesn’t beat you there or it might be sent back depending on your school’s policy!
Communicate with your roommate moving in.

Not just to establish who is bringing what, but to also coordinate when you will be arriving. It is going to be a lot to easier to move in if you aren’t trying to do so at the same time. If your roommate says she is arriving at 2:00 consider getting there at noon.
Be ready to clean.

Be prepared to inherit a layer of dust and grime – even if they are supposed to be clean when you move in, they often are going to be a bit gross. There are a few things you are going to want to bring:


Lysol Wipes – these are a college kids best friend! These are a quick fix for spills and dust, and they are great for sanitizing if your roommate is sick!


Tide to Go – if you have carpet, chances are you are going to spill take out on it at least once. In my experience a tide to go stick cleans that right up, and no one will ever be the wiser. Plus you want one for your purse or backpack in case you ever spill.


Hand Sanitizer – In the dorms, illness spreads like wildfire so you want to be equipped! During flu season hand sanitizer will be your best friend!
Be ready to forget things.

Chances are there will be something you forget. But you can have your parents mail it to you, shop online (considering checking out Student Rate for some great discounts!), or bus to the nearest Walmart. Everyone forgets something important on move in day and it’s not the end of the world – you can borrow until you get your item!
Meet the people on your floor!

Once mom and dad head out take a break from unpacking and organizing and go out and socialize! The first week or two are crucial in making connections – knock on doors and introduce yourself! Try to gather a group to go to dinner together – you want to start off on the right foot!
Breathe.

Moving in can be stressful and emotions will be running high. Whether you are thrilled or terrified or somewhere in between it’s all going to be alright. College is largely what you make it so go in with a good attitude and try to make move in a positive experience.

Did I forget anything? Let me know your best college move in trick in the comments below!

20 Things I Wish I Had Known Freshman Year

Image courtesy of Siena College - Flickr

New students will be moving in soon! Being away from home on your own for the first time can be scary and overwhelming. There is a lot of advice that we wish some people had told us before our first year of school! We found some advice from SR Trends. They’ll tell you what they wish they had been told freshman year so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Here is a list of 20 things I wish I knew freshman year:

1. Try a few different study spots and figure out what works best for you. It could be in your dorm, in the library, outside or in a coffee shop, as long as you get your work done, campus is your oyster!

2. Keep a healthy lifestyle. There’s nothing wrong with partying and bonding with new people but know your limits, exercise every other day and make sure you’re not tired or sick for classes and exams.

3. Build a relationship with a professor or an adviser. Think of any faculty member as a resource and don’t be afraid to ask for help, it can make a big difference in grades and it will make it a lot simpler to ask for letters of recommendation when you’re applying for jobs and internships.

4. Carry a phone charger with you. We all know the plight of smartphone batteries and you don’t want to turn your phone back on and see 23 missed calls from your mom, that can’t end well.

5. Take a random class. You have plenty of time to complete majors and minors, make sure you take advantage of the unique classes that every university offers and learn about something completely different. Tell me “The Game of Thrones” at Virginia or “Japanese Swordsmanship” at George Washington don’t sound fun, I dare you.

6. Don’t buy textbooks before the first week of class. You might not need it or there could be a free version online. Save your money for snacks, you might be able to study without a text book, but you’ll never be able to study without snacks. If it turns out that the textbook is required, consider renting it (Barnes & Noble has a great deal through Studentrate where you can get 6% cash back on rentals)

7. Get along with your roommate. No need to be best friends and get matching tattoos, but a year can seem like ages if you’re constantly arguing. Keep your stuff clean and say what’s on your mind, a five-minute argument is better than a dramatic fight later on.

8. Try to go to as many sporting events as possible. Grab a couple of friends and share in
the awesomeness and excitement that is college sports.

9. Keep a box of Emergen-C in your dorm. There is such thing as the freshmen plague and
it will take you out if you are not eating your fruits, vegetables and grains!

10. Listen to upperclassmen. If you’re reading this, then you’re taking this advice, good job! Students who have taken classes you’re interested in can be helpful for study tips, how to complete any given major or minor, or how to deal with problems that every college student faces at one point.

11. Always use student discounts when shopping online. Studentrate has hundreds of discounts at Forever21, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Lenovo, and many more so it would be silly to pay full price for anything.

12. If you’re going to skip your 8AM class because it is too early, pick a later class. Start off the year doing stuff right! I know what you’re thinking, “I took morning classes in high school and I was fine”. It’s not the same, try to avoid these classes.

13. Go home once in a while: sometimes, we need a change of scenery to regain our grounding and have some mental detox, and where else to do it, but in your house?

14. Keep in touch with your family. A simple text to your parents can make their day which makes life easier for you. And don’t let your annoying younger brother forget who’s boss. Also, love is the key to care packages.

15. Free food is everywhere if you look hard enough – enough said.

16. Make your dorm room yours. You have to share a small room all year, but there are ways to make it a nice and cozy spot. Decorate your side of the wall, invest in comfortable bedding, it’s a game-changer in the long run. And how are people going to know that you “Keep calm and carry on” unless you have a poster that says so?

17. Get an on-campus job. Working a few hours week during the academic year is a nice financial help and looks great on your resume. For a lot of positions like the library or the welcome desk at the gym, you’ll have a chance to do some homework or talk with your friends. Sounds like something you’d do for free, might as well get paid to refresh twitter faster than it has time to update.

18. Use the writing center!! Most colleges and universities these days have a writing center which is made up of either individuals solely working at the center or upperclassmen who have been trained to help you with your writing. Having trouble coming up with a thesis for your Religion & Science class? Drop by the Writing Center to throw ideas around with an expert!

19. Don’t underestimate your workload. There are so much opportunities for fun at college, procrastination becomes a sport. If you break your workload down in pieces, do a couple of hours a day, it will be more than manageable and you’ll have free time to go see your friends’ ridiculous acapella show or watch people play ultimate Frisbee like they’re in the SuperBowl.

20. Lastly, remember, college is only four years long: take risks, try new things, explore your passions, meet new people and smile! Remember, if it’s not going so well at first, you have three years to find something on campus you like and if you are enjoying yourself, be sure to spend your time wisely as four years go by quicker than you could ever expect!!

Slide the City Could Be Sliding Into the City Again Soon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

If you are one of the 3,600 ticket holders who didn't get the opportunity to take their slide through the city last weekend, you could be in luck. The city is in talks with Slide the City to reschedule for a later date. The event was shut down early due to  a water main leak on Henderson Mill/Evans. To read more you can head to Decaturish.

DeKalb County’s water pressure problems over the weekend has put the city of Decatur and the city’s Business Association in an awkward spot.

The city had to shut down the slide early, at 1 p.m. on July 25, due to DeKalb’s inability to resolve a water main leak at Henderson Mill and Evans roads. While some ticket holders were able to ride the 1,000 foot water slide down West Ponce de Leon, many of the other 3,600 ticket holders were left in limbo. The event was supposed to serve as a fundraiser for the Decatur Business Association.

Businesses in Decatur suffered as a result of the water pressure and quality issues, which began on July 23 and weren’t resolved until July 27 when a boil water advisory was finally lifted. Some businesses had to close early and limit their menus because of the inability to guarantee clean water for consumption and washing dishes. The exact losses suffered by local businesses aren’t known at this time.

It’s also unknown whether the city will get a chance at a do-over for the Slide the City event or whether ticket holders will be offered refunds.

“We are in discussions with Slide the City trying to determine if there is a future date that could work to bring it back to Decatur,” spokesperson Casie Yoder said. “An announcement will be made once there is a decision.”

Shoe Storage for Small Apartments

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Some people have coin collections, some have stamp collections, others have shoe collections. When you’re living in an apartment it can be difficult to come up with appropriate places to store your shoes in a practical yet still aesthetically pleasing way. Apartment Therapy can solve your problem. They’ve come up with some creative ways to store and show off your shoes. To view examples of each storage option and other design tips for your home head to Apartment Therapy.


I love shoes. Sadly for my wallet, the shoes I find myself the most drawn to aren't necessarily the most practical ones. The shoes I love most are the beautiful ones, the powder-blue suede pumps that you might wear only twice a year but that will look just as good (or possibly better) sitting around your house as on your feet. And really, when you own something that beautiful, what's the point of keeping it stuffed in the closet? There's no rule that you can only enjoy your shoes when you're wearing them. Here are 10 ways you can display your favorite shoes around the house — and ease the burden on your closet while you're at it.

Above: you may not have any china, but a vintage china cabinet also makes a beautiful display for shoes (as in this Edinburgh home from Design*Sponge).

I love the versatility of wall mounted shelves. Anywhere you have a little extra wall space, you can hang some shelves and proudly display your favorite shoes — without taking up any floor space at all.

These images are from Rita Hazan's NYC apartment, designed by Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus.

A piece of crown molding, mounted to the wall, is perfect for shoe storage (and display). While this will only work for high-heeled shoes, those are probably the ones you really want to look at, anyway.

This is the same idea, using a modern towel rod for a clean, minimal look. Home of Nina Holst, of Stylizimo.

Here's another idea that will work even for those of you who aren't allowed to make holes in the wall (or just for non-handy types who aren't so keen on hanging lots of things). Arrange some especially pretty pairs on a bookcase, along with books and other treasured items. (Spotted in the home of Taylor Sterling, the founder of Glitter Guide.)

Or, if you're dealing with a serious overflow problem, why not make a larger bookcase (like the trusty IKEA Expedit shown here) do double duty as room divider and shoe storage?

Shoes on a staircase make for a pretty display (provided you're not prone to tripping). Mi Casa via Design Elements.

Here's a twist on the wall mounted shelves idea: lining shoes up along the wall at the bottom of a wall of shelves. Visually the shoes become a part of the shelving grouping, so they look intentional, and tucking them under the bottom shelf means they won't be in the way of foot traffic.

The IKEA Raskog cart is a perfect place to stow shoes... they'll pretty up your house and always be in easy reach. Image from Livet Hemma.

After I saw this picture in Lonny, I became so obsessed with these shoes that I went out and bought a pair (they were an old style — it was a lucky find on eBay). Then my cat destroyed them — I guess she thought they were a bird. I glued all the feathers back on and now they look (almost) as good as new. And I've learned to hide the feather shoes. If only I had a cloche.

Emory University Ranked Among Top 10 Greenest Universities

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Congratulations are in order for Emory University which was recently ranked among the top 10 Greenest Universities in the United States of this year. Out of 200 schools, Emory was ranked 8th on the list! It seems that Emory is continuing to strive for success and progress. Read more at Emory University’s website.


Emory ranks among the top 10 "greenest universities" in the country for 2015, according to BestColleges.com. Emory placed eighth on a list of the top 39 schools, drawn from evaluations of more than 200 colleges and universities.

"Our goal with this list is to spotlight the schools that have launched the most impactful initiatives to reduce on-campus waste and energy consumption, promote alternative transportation, provide funding to student and faculty-led green proposals, and take other measures to benefit the environment," the website notes.

BestColleges.com based its list of greenest universities on results from a tracking, rating and assessment system created by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Categories considered in the ratings include academic curriculum and research; campus and community engagement; operations; and planning and administration.

"We are honored and delighted that Emory has been ranked the 8th 'greenest university' in the country," says Ciannat Howett, Emory's director of sustainability initiatives, adding that the ranking "validates the hard work of a large network of faculty, staff and students — most volunteering their time — who have helped create a more sustainable campus and community over the past decade."

"It is a source of pride to everyone at Emory that sustainability is held as a fundamental principle of the university," Howett says. "It feels good to work for an institution that walks the talk of ethical behavior and positive transformation in the world."

Explaining Emory's No. 8 ranking, BestColleges.com lists a variety of factors, from the university's 700 acres of green space and construction of LEED-certified buildings to "robust offerings in the way of academics in the study of environmental science."

"I'm particularly pleased that our efforts to incorporate sustainability into Emory's academic mission were recognized," Howett says. "By preparing our students to be leaders of a more sustainable future, Emory's commitment to sustainability extends beyond our campus gates, across generations and around the world."
Achievements in sustainability

Emory's long-held commitment to sustainability marked a significant milestone in late 2014, when the university met — ahead of schedule — its 10-year goal to reduce energy use by 25 percent per square foot by 2015 from 2005 levels.

Emory also recently celebrated the grand opening of the WaterHub, an innovative ecological water re-use system that will provide nearly 40 percent of the campus' overall water demand. The first and only WaterHub in the country, the facility uses plants and colonies of microorganisms to recycle up to 400,000 gallons per day.

"Emory's sustainability initiatives is celebrating a decade of positive change at the end of 2015, and we will be inviting our campus community to engage in framing a new vision for the next decade to launch in 2016," Howett says.

Sustainability Initiatives will circulate a "community conversation kit" during the fall semester to seek input on a new Sustainability Vision to span 2016-2026.

"Our goals will include Emory's current commitment through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge to reduce energy and water use by 20 percent by 2020 from 2009 levels and to reduce our carbon emissions by 20 percent (35 percent per square foot) by 2020 from 2005 levels," she notes.

In 2014, Emory was recognized among the top performers in the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge. More than 6.5 million square feet of Emory University and Emory Healthcare buildings are included in the challenge, making Emory the largest ABBC participant.