Campus news you may have missed over the summer

After a four-month-long summer vacation, thousands of Oklahoma Christian University students have returned to campus ready to start a new semester.

While most Oklahoma Christian news happens during the school year, some developments occurred over the summer. The Talon has compiled the top campus news you may have missed over the break.

Changes come to Ethos system

Returning full-time students will see their Ethos requirement drop this semester.

In an email sent to students last Monday, Aug. 19, Spiritual Life announced the standard Ethos goal will decline from 65 to 60 kudos per semester, averaging to four Ethos events per week.

Daily chapel meeting locations will also shift. Big chapel in Baugh Auditorium will meet Monday through Wednesday, while alternative chapels will convene on Thursdays and Fridays, according to the email.

There are two exceptions—the week of Sept. 2-6 and Homecoming week—when chapel is scheduled to meet in Baugh Auditorium Monday through Friday.

Those who do not meet their Ethos goal must pay a fine of $20 per missed kudo, with a maximum fine of $350, in order to avoid being placed on disciplinary probation.

In a Talon article published last semester, some students expressed opposition to this policy, which was instituted at the beginning of the fall 2017 semester.

Alfredo’s Express closing

After five semesters of operation, Alfredo’s Express will close this semester.

The space adjacent to Chick-fil-A will reopen as a different Mexican restaurant called Aguila Grill, according to a sign posted in the student center.

Alfredo’s Express opened in January 2017 as a quick service offshoot of Alfredo’s Mexican Cafe, a local sit-down restaurant chain with a location near campus at Broadway and 33rd Street.

OnCue Grill opens

Students can now exchange their Eagle Bucks for made-to-order cuisine at the recently opened OnCue Grill.

Located inside of the OnCue Express at Memorial and Eastern, the OnCue Grill began serving up pizza, burgers and fried chicken in late July. Regular hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The quick service restaurant features three touchscreens where patrons can customize and place their orders.

OnCue operates seven grill locations at stores across the Oklahoma City metro area, according to their website.

Cafeteria construction continues on schedule

The new cafeteria remains on track to open at the start of the spring 2020 semester, according to university officials.

Construction on most of the exterior of the building, located directly west of the student center, is complete.

The new space will feature upgraded seating, lighting and seven made-to-order food stations.

The former cafeteria dining area will be used as a banquet hall for special events, while U Dining’s catering service will continue to use the kitchen area.

More details on the cafeteria project are available in a Talon article published last April.

Macie Jackson Memorial Garden unveiled

A memorial garden honoring late Oklahoma Christian employee Macie Jackson was unveiled on the north side of the Forum in late June.

Jackson served in a variety of roles at Oklahoma Christian, including landscape designer, event hostess and study abroad coordinator, for 30 years before retiring in 2015. She passed away in August 2017 at the age of 92.