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| Monday: | 9am-5pm |
| Tuesday: | 9am-7pm |
| Wednesday: | 9am-7pm |
| Thursday: | 9am-5pm |
| Friday: | 9am-2pm |
Contact information
414-229-5385
www.FYC.uwm.edu
e-mail: fyc@uwm.edu
First Year Center Brochure
Blogs for November 2009:
Safety Tips Matthew Nett (mwnett@uwm.edu)
College, it can be a fun, new, and exciting experience. That half scared and thrilling feeling of watching your parents drive away knowing you’re not going home with them. Living life by yourself is like one major party, right? Well, it may look like it is as an incoming freshman but, looks can be deceiving. Life will definitely be different living on your own and with it comes the responsibility of taking care of yourself. Mom and dad won’t always be able to come to your immediate rescue. That’s why it is important to know some simple safety tips about how to save yourself from getting into trouble. Dangerous situations can arise quickly without warning; this is why it’s important to use the buddy system. Always let a roommate, best friend, or someone you trust know where you’re going. Travel in groups or a pair as much as possible, especially when traveling at night. Traveling in a group will help decrease your chances of being a target for a mugger. If you find yourself in a situation such as being mugged, try to stay calm and collected. Only you can decide whether to fight or flight, comply when necessary and try to get through the situation as smooth as possible. When you get away get to the nearest safest place and call 911. If you are on campus, find the nearest campus Safe phone.
If you are going out at night and walking alone make sure you are familiar with your campus and community. Always lock your doors when you leave. Take notice of public places of business that are open when you’re out, these are your safe havens if someone is ever following you. Always try to walk in well lit areas. Walk with confidence and let people know that you are aware of what is happening. Try to carry a whistle or an alarm of some sort these can be use to draw attention to yourself if need be, scream if nothing else. Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you. If possible keep a second smaller wallet with your important cards separate from your money in a concealed coat pocket. When arriving at parties pay attention to what is going on around you. If you have a bad feeling about a party or wherever you are leave as soon as you can. Trust in your gut feeling. Remember, putting yourself at greater risk for social acceptance is never worth it. If you follow these few simple guide lines you will have greatly increase your personal safety.
Campus Police Numbers
Emergency 414-229-9911 (from cell phone)
9911 (from campus phone)
Non-emergency 414-229-4627
Tips for Commuters at UWM Andrew Hansen (ahansen@uwm.edu)
Ultimately, your commuter blues can be put to an end with a few simple, viable options. Transitioning into the college life, or commuter life, can be a difficult one so use these helpful tips to ease your mind and potentially put extra weight in your wallet.
Driving a car can be fairly easy and straight forward if you know your way around the city. If not, may I suggest a simple city map that you can either look at online, order over the web or perhaps you could look at Mapquest or Google Maps. The trouble with driving is that you must inevitably park your behemoth hand me down Minivan somewhere. Often times that’s hard to do. Around campus public streets are there for you to park on but are also subject to parking restrictions posted on parking signs on every street. If parking on the street isn’t your thing the most central parking garage to most everything on campus is underneath the Union. Enter on Kenwood Boulevard and pay $1.25 per hour in cash only. If you are a resident of the fabulous Sandburg Hall and drive a car you’re in luck! For $500 a semester you can park your Buick Grand Avenue in a safe, close and element free environment.
If your clunker is on its last legs (or wheels) then may I suggest… The Bus! The Milwaukee County Transit System may not be the famed Chicago EL or the London Underground but it is a reliable and relatively speedy means to get around the city. Bus fare is $2.00. Fortunately you can get a UPASS from the University! Your tuition also pays for a semester of fun filled bus riding so it’d be pretty illogical for you to not pick up your UPASS from the ground floor of the Union. Some popular routes that run from the Union fairly periodically are 15, 21, 22, 30 and 62. I can’t tell you exactly where all of these routes go but lucky for you I have a friend who runs this really cool website, www.ridemcts.com, who can tell you all about every route imaginable. If you want to combine driving and riding the bus, there are several U-PARK options available to those of you who wish to put the gas bill on the county. Check that out at www.ridemcts.com also.
Last but not least… the most important mode of transportation that everybody should commit fully to is the BICYCLE! The bike is a very old invention that still serves as a completely street legal, healthy and fun option of transportation. I have three bicycles that I ride every week back and forth from school to home to the grocery store to work and back. Any bike will do, but if you think that yours is too small, needs a new chain, needs new tires or just needs an overall magical tune up you can always bring it, via Bus, to a bike shop. My personal favorite bike shops are Ben’s Cycle & Fitness (www.benscycle.net) and The Bikesmiths (www.thebikesmiths.com) the latter of which is practically right on campus at Locust & Murray. Both of these shops will provide you with righteously good service. If you don’t have a bicycle of your own, our very own UWM Union Adventure Center (http://www.aux.uwm.edu/Union/events/outing/bikeprog.html) would be glad to help you out and actually let you use one of their bikes for the semester! How awesome is that? If you get really, really good at riding your bicycle and you want to show off your chops, come to Bike Polo and hang out with me on Thursdays! www.mkebikepolo.com. Hopefully this will help you resolve your commuter blues and you can spend the rest of the semester studying hard and not worrying about anything else but the fun you’re having at school!
Figuring Out the Bus System April Rammer (aerammer@uwm.edu)
The Milwaukee County Transit System is my premium favorite thing about Milwaukee -- I’m not even kidding! My first year at UWM, my posse and I went on slick bus adventures to spice up our free time, and with our seemingly free U-Passes, it was one of the most inexpensive ways to spend a weekend. There are all sort of exciting bus routes to embark on that will take you to fabulous, new places all around the city. Public transportation is also a superb way to meet all sorts of colorful folks. Every week, try taking a different combination of buses and see where you end up. The first weekend of my freshman year, a group of us took the 62 quite a ways west. We wanted to get off at Dineen Park around dusk, but the bus driver simply would not allow it. The lesson to be learned from this experience is that you should always listen to the bus drivers because they know best when it comes to your travel safety and needs on the MCTS. Similarly, I have gotten nearly stranded a Mayfair more than once. However, unlike me, you must use common sense with this approach (e.g. have maps and schedules of the bus routes you will be exploring so you can get back to your starting point and don’t go by yourself or at night).
Hopefully, by now, everyone knows where the Parking and Transit Office is and has picked up their U-Pass by presenting their valid UWM Student ID, so as not to be left out of the fun of public transportation! Just in case you have somehow avoided the Parking and Transit Office thus far, it is located on the ground floor of the Union, just east of the Terrace Café, between the Terrace and the 8th Note Coffeehouse. The friendly employees there would be happy to answer any of your parking or transit related questions. Additionally, near that office, there are maps posted that show you where all the bus routes lead as well as pamphlets for individual bus routes. These pamphlets include schedules and maps of that specific route, which you can stash in your purse or backpack so you are never left without proper transportation knowledge.
Now, it is time to get down to the serious business, so here are the facts. There are six bus routes that stop right here on campus: Route 15 Oakland-Kinnickinnic, Route 21 North Avenue, Route 22 Center Street, Route 30 Sherman-Wisconsin (my personal favorite), Route 60 Burleigh Street, and Route 62 Capitol Drive. Furthermore, there are three express bus routes that go directly to the University: 40U College Ave Freeway Flyer, 44U Whitnall-State Fair Park Freeway Flyer, and 49U Brown Deer Rd Freeway Flyer. Your U-Pass is accepted on all MCTS bus routes including local, freeway flyers, and special routes (e.g. festival shuttles or Brewers/Bucks routes). To be eligible for a U-Pass you must be enrolled in at least one class for credit taken on campus (not online). The cost is included in your tuition as a part of your student segregated fee; therefore, a lost U-Pass will be replaced once at your expense. For more information visit the Parking and Transit website at <http://www4.uwm.edu/trans/> or the MCTS website at <http://www.ridemcts.com/>.
Roommates (Friend or Foe) Rebecca Pruitt (rlpruitt@uwm.edu)
As you can see in this blog, I will be talking about college roommates. Most freshmen coming into college do not choose their roommate, therefore no one really knows if they’re going to get along with said roommate. This can be pretty daunting considering you will be living with them for around nine months out of the year. As silly as it is to say it now, my biggest fear about moving to Milwaukee and going to school at UWM, was that I wasn’t going to get along with my roommate at all. Lucky for me that was not the case.
I want to give those who are having roommate conflicts some advice. The first thing I would tell you to do, well actually not do is, is complain about your roommate to your suitemates, since it will most likely get back to your roommate, and drama will then take over your entire life. Second, before you get anyone else involved, talk to your roommate. If he/she is doing something to annoy you, tell them, because they most likely don’t even know they are annoying you in the first place. After you have this conversation, hopefully some compromising will be in order. For example if you are an early bird and your roommate a night owl, you need to figure out a schedule that works for both of you. This can be as simple as, when your roommate is trying to study and you’re trying to sleep, they go out into the lounge to study. However, there has to be compromise on both parts, so when you’re getting up bright and early you need to make sure you’re quiet so you don’t wake up your roommate.
After you have spoken to your roommate, and tried to compromise and you are still having issues, it’s time to involve a non-partial third party. This would be your RA. Set up a time when both of you can meet with your RA to talk to him about the problems you two are having living together. If he/she cannot come up with a solution that pleases you both, it might be time to start thinking about switching rooms. Nonetheless, you need to realize that you have suitemates, if you don’t want to hang with your roommate 24/7, that’s fine hang out with your suitemates, or go out and join a club to make friends and hang out with them. Your roommate does not have to be your friend, but it sure makes life easier if you can get along. So try to communicate as much as possible, or hang out away from school doing something you both enjoy, like going to a movie or shopping. Just remember the two C’s, communication and compromise and you should be just fine. We’re all adults here right?
Resident Halls Brittini Raygo (baraygo@uwm.edu)
Living in the UWM Residence Halls is a truly exciting experience. You are provided with a huge support network within the Residence Halls. Resident Assistants work tirelessly to provide educational and social event to make the transition to college easier for new students. I don’t know what I would have done without the help of my RA my first year at school. I was put into a suite with all sophomores, and they were super sweet girls but I didn’t really connect with my roommate very well. We ended up having some huge issues which we weren’t able to work through, and I don’t know what I would have done if my RA wouldn’t have helped us as much as she did. She supported me throughout the whole ordeal, and was always happy to come to my suite and talk.
If you live in the Residence Halls there are some rules you have to adhere to, but I personally never found the rules to be unfair and the majority are very easy to abide by. University Housing want to keep residents safe, and I feel all of the policies they have are to make sure residents can get the most out of their college experience. If you ever have problems, questions, or concerns with the policies, your RA is more than happy to help out. And, since it is your home, residents have the right to request changes in policies they think are unreasonable or unfair. University Housing listens to the resident voice, and all the staff members are truly there to help improve life for you.
I would highly recommend becoming an RA while at UWM. It is something I hope to do one day, and it is an experience worth having. You will become close with so many people; you will learn so many lessons about yourself, and how to deal with different situations. The position requires a lot of dedication and passion, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs you could have on campus. You get to work closely with residents to help make sure they succeed during their years here at UWM.
Preparing for Midterms/Finals Semra Schneider (semra@uwm.edu)
Just about the time that you got your classes all figured out and you know exactly how to do the homework or the weekly quizzes for your classes, your teacher reminds you of the time and day of your final! Before you freak out, breathe! Finals can be really scary but if prepared for correctly they could possibly boost your grade in the class. First and foremost find out what the exam is going to be like. Go talk to your professor about the layout of the test and major themes it’s going to cover. Is it cumulative, or just on the last chapters? I know that some of these questions may have come up in class, but discussing them in person with your professor can get you added bonus points for your extra effort.
Second, after you’ve figured out what’s going to be on the test, start studying! I know that exam might not be for a month or so, but reviewing and organizing the material can give you time to go back to your professor and ask questions. From personal experience I can tell you that professors don’t really like being asked questions about an entire section of the test a minute before the test starts.
You may be asking, “How do I study?” That depends on you. Do you work best talking it out with other people? If so start a study group. Do you have to rewrite your notes? Then sharpen your pencils. Do you work best making up a song to memorize vocabulary? If so, break out the guitar. Studying early, even if it’s just a couple of days or week before the exam gives your mind time to retain and fully understand the material.However, when it comes right down to it, there are times where it’s the night before your exam and you still don’t feel prepared. I know I’ve been there before, and by that time I just felt like I wasn’t going to get it. In this instance learn what your stress reliever is. Possibly learn a couple meditation or relaxation techniques. Perhaps you work best after you’ve ran or worked out. All in all when you feel like you’ve hit a wall take a half hour to calm down. Don’t start playing Halo, and realize three hours later that you haven’t studied yet, because that’s definitely not going to make you feel better.
When you get back to the studying, now that you’re not feeling like you’re going to yell or cry, there are a couple things not to do. Avoid candy, coffee, or energy drinks. I know you’ve heard this before, but the stimulation from these things can cause a larger crash after then you felt before. In particular, it is not a good thing to eat or drink these kinds of things right before going into a final. While taking your test you want to be calm and awake, not wired and jumpy.
The day of your final there’s a couple things you can do to help you feel ready for your test. Arrive twenty or so minutes early. You will not be the only person there I promise. Finding your exam room and being early are tricks people have learned probably from walking in late to an exam once themselves. Do a couple of relaxation techniques, sharpen your pencils, or find a seat that’s completely comfortable. Oh and lastly, set at least two alarms on exam day.
Building a Positive Relationship with Your Advisor Megan Glass (glassm@uwm.edu)
As you enter your freshman year of college, it seems as though you don’t know what to do or where to go. One of the biggest concerns a lot of students have is picking the correct classes for your major. The best thing to do is meet with your academic advisor. Your academic advisor knows exactly what classes you need and in which order you should be taking them. Having a good relationship with my advisor is one of the best things I’ve done while attending UWM. She has helped me plan out what courses I need to take and when I need to take them in order to successfully complete my program in four years. Some of you may want to spread your courses out over 4 ½ or 5 years. Others may want to have a minor or get a certificate. Your academic advisor is the best person to discuss these things with. Even though you may not need to meet with them regularly as you progress into your program, it’s still very beneficial to you to touch base with them, just so you know you’re on the right track. Meet with your advisor regularly and be sure to express any concerns you’re having as well as things that are going well. It really is to your benefit to build a positive relationship with your advisor; it’s your education so make the most of it!!
This is a list of all of the Schools and Colleges on campus, the location of their advising offices, and their phone numbers.
College of Health Sciences
Merrill 115, 414-229-2758
Helen Bader School of Social Welfare
Enderis 1110, 414-229-4851
School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Arch & Urban Planning 225, 414-229-4015
College of Engineering & Applied Science
Engineering & Math Science E386, 414-229-4667
Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business
Lubar Hall N297, 414-229-5271
African American Student Academic Services
Bolton 170, 414-229-6657
School of Education
Enderis 209, 414-229-4721
American Indian Student Services
Bolton 195, 414-229-5880
Peck School of the Arts
Theatre 120, 414-229-4763
Roberto Hernandez Center
Bolton 183, 414-229-6156
College of Letters & Science
Holton 142, 414-229-4654
Southeast Asian Student Academic Services
Bolton 160, 414-229-5282
School of Information Studies
Bolton 510, 414-229-4707
College of Nursing
Cunningham 135,414-229-5047
Affordable Entertainment Candace Sake (cmsake@uwm.edu)
It’s true what they say. The city never sleeps. And in college-neither do you. With classes, finals, friends and student organizations, it can be hard to find time to relax. Lucky for us, we live in the city that reinvented relaxing. Eclectic, artistic and culturally diverse, there’s so much to be experienced in Milwaukee.
Now everyone starts their adventures differently, but I’ll share with you my system for entertainment exploring. Start with low price and low travel. Get familiar with your own backyard first. UW-Milwaukee hosts more events than you can fit in an online calendar, so we’ll organize by location. Let’s start from the bottom of the Union and work our way up shall we?
The basement of the Union houses some of the hottest entertainment spots on campus. The Union Recreation Center offers billiards, bowling, ping pong and a ridiculously nice arcade complete with Xbox 360 and Wii. Monday through Friday they’re open 9am-11:45pm. Saturdays they’re open from 12pm-11:45pm and Sundays are from 12pm-9:45pm. Prices are CHEAP, even for those of us working with less-than-stellar college incomes. The student rate for an hour of pool is $3, ping pong is $2.50 and bowling is $2 per game. Those sexy bowling shoes are a steal at .75 cents a rental. And, like any good college hangout, the Rec Center has deals. Tuesdays are half-price pool from 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays are half-priced bowling from 5pm-7pm. Fridays get super cheap with $1 COSMIC bowling. That one George Washington gets you a set of shoes and 3 games of twilight bowling. Party starts at 9pm. The best deal at the Rec Center though is without a doubt the First Year Center FREE bowling nights. The first Wednesday of every month come down and meet up with everybody from 9pm-11:45pm. For more information on the Union Recreation Center call the front desk at 414-229-4430 or check them out online at reccenter.uwm.edu.
Also calling the Union home is the irreplaceable, ‘goodtimes’ Gasthaus. Sports bar, concert venue and on-campus escape, the student-staffed Gasthaus has a full menu of comfort food. The restaurant itself is lined with huge projection screens showing your favorite channels and sporting events daily. Check out Panther pep rallies and come get rowdy for UWM games. I’ve had some of my best times down there fo sure. A couple of my friends have worked there since freshman year and it’s cool to be able to come in between classes and say what’s up to everybody. One of my top 5 spots in the Union for sure. Not only do I appreciate the fantastic service, but I also love the Thursday Entertainment Series. PLEASE check this out. For me. Every Thursday, usually starting at 9pm, The Gasthaus hosts an event. They’ve got sick local and non-local bands, comedians-AND, new this year, TEAM TRIVIA! Trivia is a way underrated good time. You can win some pretty sweet prizes too. I’m also super stoked about the concert lineup! Playing this semester is Fat Maw Rooney and Milwaukee’s own Maritime and Kid Millions. Youtube it! And while you’re on the internet check out the entire entertainment series lineup at: www.aux.uwm.edu/Union/events/concerts/gasthaus.html.
Blogs for December 2009:
Going Back HomeSamuel Pacetti (spacetti@uwm.edu)
Going home is one of the things most, if not all, students want to do. But the question remains, how does one approach it? Home life is now different, thanks to the fact that most of a college student’s life is based on living someplace else. To the student, the home life is now the “other life”, one they left behind to go to college. So, how to they return to the life they left behind? For some, it’s just second nature—the switching between modes of living. Others find it necessary to maintain sanity. College life is an overburden, one to take breaks from. Even more others see it as unnecessary, only going back home once in a long while. And the remainder can’t, even if they wanted to, possibly because their homes are so far away.
It should be emphasized that, again, it has all to do with the personalities of the student and the student’s family back at home. All of those factors combine to determine whether a student should go home or not. As I described above, the student’s personality is the key factor, but whether the family wants the student is another matter. This can produce conflict when the student wants to go back, but the family resists. This case is something that has to be dealt with by the student. Perhaps by staying at a friend’s in their hometown. Or getting a ride home when the family isn’t willing to provide transportation.
Another case is where the family misses the student and wants the student back, despite the student not wanting to. In my opinion, sometimes sacrifices should be made for family, but this is still something to be dealt with by the student in the student’s own way. Perhaps satiate their desire by going out to dinner or lunch. Or go to an event, such as a movie, together. This would probably satisfy their need to see their child, and, at the same time, maintain independence for the student. Another suggestion would be to at least attend family holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Hanukah.
Now, once the student’s at home, what do they do? For me, I refamiliarize myself with my family, and I catch up on current events in my hometown. Other students hang out with their hometown friends, doing what they were doing before college. Of course, both things inevitably involve endlessly repeating how college was. But I shouldn’t impose my own dislike into other students—maybe they enjoy it. Really, the student going back to the student’s hometown is just introducing the student’s self back into the fold, and with that comes the need to explain just what the student’s been up to while off at college.
In the end, there are positives and negatives for going back home, and those have to be determined by the perspective of the student.
Online ClassesKatie Woods (krwoods@uwm.edu)
Taking online classes has some pros and cons, which I will explain.
Why can taking online classes be a good thing for the students? As Milwaukee Wisconsin: Journal Sentinel mentioned, “Students registering for fall classes this summer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will see a 30% increase in the number of online classes…” That is good news for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee because it is a part of a plan to promote enrollment. Yes, it is expensive but can be flexible for the students who are working full-time or have families. It also provides students a chance to get a class if they can’t find a class section on campus that fits their schedule. This gives the opportunity for the students to get to their degree quicker.
On the other hand, online classes have a negative side: it may be too pricey. Taking an online class costs $275 in addition to the regular tuition. So, where does the income go? Milwaukee Wisconsin: Journal Sentinel said, “Generally, the revenue from online courses is reinvested into online programs, including training for faculty and technical support.” It also states, “While the total number of all classes has declined 3% since fall 2008, the number of online classes has grown, making them a larger share of the courses offered.” University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has a total of 366 online courses. In additionally, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recently added 90 more online classes this approaching semester.
The resource centers at UWM have decided to take advantage of the Internet so they can meet the students’ needs for their online classes. The Writing Center provides online meetings and tutoring for the students to interact easier. My experience includes some online courses from last year. I took an English online class last spring semester because it couldn’t fit into my schedule, which was already full with discussions and a lab. I believe that class was good for me and I felt comfortable doing this online since I knew how to do it. There is a D2L (“Desire 2 Learn”) site which provides the connection to the classes. The site could provide quizzes, information from the class, and news from the professor. As the summer was approaching, I decided to take another English class to complete my GER (General Education Requirements) for English in summer. However, with my full-time job in the summer, I wanted the online course so that way it would be a bit more flexible with my schedule. Turned out, I’m glad it was worth it to take the online course in summer because it helped me to focus on the school, but I was able to work too. I will be taking the online course for Art History this semester. This online course was the only session that was available in the fall semester but I did not mind because I got used to doing this online. Basically, from my experience, I think taking online classes are not that bad of an idea for students to take, only if the students need it to fit into their schedule, if they have full-time job, or if have families to take care of.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside… Katie Kowbel, (kmkowbel@uwm.edu)
The thermometer is in the single digits, some of which have a minus sign before it. No matter how many blankets you put on your bed, you still wake up with cold toes. Every morning, you feel like putting on a little more clothing than you did the day before, in the desperate hope it will make that walk to class a little bit warmer. Well I have some advice for you….quit your crying and embrace what UW-Milwaukee and the city have to offer you in the winter time.
It is safe to say that Milwaukee is an epicenter for activites, festivals and things to do in the summertime. The reason why Milwaukee is such an amazing city is because it offers just as much to do in the winter time as it does during the summer.
- Head downtown to Red Arrow park. It’s a slice of ice in the middle of the city, with the Marcus Center as your backdrop. It’s free if you have your own equipment. Don’t have your own….$6 gets you a pair of skates and all the fun you can have on two blades and frozen water.
- Go sledding on Water Tower Hill. Also known as St. Mary’s Hill, grab a sled, head to the hill and hang on tight. What is waiting for you at the bottom? Alterra Coffee down the road. Best part? IT’S FREE!
- Polar Bear Plunge. Come on…be brave. It’s really not that cold…..I mean, how cold can Lake Michigan be on January 1st? Okay, all sarcasm aside, I myself have never been brave enough to tackle one of the Great Lakes in the middle of winter, however from what I can tell, people have a blast. So come on, strip down to your suits (Swimming not Birthday) and take the plunge!
- Check out UWM’s Union. The great thing about UWM’s Union, not only is it a small city on it’s own, but it has a free theatre to catch a film, a Arts and Crafts Studio with space to let out your inner Picasso and the Union Rec Center, with a bowling alley, foosball, ping pong and billard tables, plus more. So take some time and explore!
- A Christmas Carol at the Pabst. So for those of you that aren’t from around here, every year, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the Pabst Theatre comes alive with Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale. Frankly it is a Milwaukee holiday staple. Not only has the production been running every Christmas season for over thirty years, it also offers great and affordable prices so that anyone is able to see it.
- Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. Every year the streets of downtown dazzle and come to life with oppulant and extravagant light displays. So grab a coffee, take a walk and enjoy! Don’t feel like walking, shuttles depart from the downtown Hilton and for a mere $1, hop on a heated motorcoach and enjoy from the comfort of a cushioned seat.
So beat those winter blues, put on your coat, mittens and scarf and enjoy all the city has to offer in the winter.
Long distance relationshipsKirk McCamish (mccamish@uwm.edu)
Long distance relationships (holding a relationship with a partner who lives some distance away) are a common situation on college campuses across the country. When considering undertaking a long distance relationship there are some things that you have to consider.
- Ask the important questions at the onset, to make sure you are both clear on the parameters of the relationship. Setting parameters such as naming your relationship (dating, seeing each other, boyfriend/girlfriend, engaged) as well as defining if its exclusive (limited to one person) or non exclusive. These can be difficult and awkward questions to ask, but will save you great heartache and misunderstanding down the line.
- Do things together. Defy the distance. As a long distance couple, it's important to do other things together besides the usual phone call. In a long distance relationship, interaction over the phone can become dull in the long run.
- Communicate in some way every day, more than once if possible. Since you won't be seeing each other, it's important to establish and maintain an emotional connection.
- Take advantage of the benefits a long distance relationship offers: more time with friends and/or family, no arguments over toothpaste caps, the pleasure of seeing your sweetheart again after a long absence, time to mull your options (rather than snapping at your partner impulsively) before you respond to that email s/he wrote that seemed so rude the first time you read it, etc. Most important, being far apart gives you a chance to maintain your individuality.
- Pursue common interests, even if it means pursuing them apart. If there's a movie you're both interested in seeing, watch it individually and then call each other afterward and talk about it.
- Avoid the temptation to be controlling. People have free will and no one can or should control another person. As long as you are both interested in being in the relationship, you will stick with it and distance will not make a difference.
- Talk about your future together. Assuming that ultimately you'd want to live together, discussing how you're going to get to that point will help you prove to each other that the relationship is going somewhere and that your efforts and frustrations are not in vain.
- Remember: things will get better with time, and even the relationship will become better. Have hope.
- Visit often Try to make the time to visit each other as often as possible or as often as your budget permits you to. A relationship cannot thrive if the only thing you have is the phone calls. You need to see each other up close and personal.
- Long distance dating is all about a balanced relationship between partners; a relationship built on strong foundations of trust, understanding and determination to make it work. The two partners should be reasonable about their expectations and willing to cooperate so that this relationship can lead to a happy ending.
List compiled from: www.waiit.com, www.longdistancerelationships.com, www.coupledtogether.com, www.wikihow.com.
Being in a long distance relationship myself, I found this list of “rules” very helpful. If a long distance relationship is something that you are truly serious about committing to, I suggest talking with your partner and make sure that you are both on the same page.
Campus resources include the LGBT Center and the First Year Center.
Essay Writing Liz Treutel (etreutel@uwm.edu)
Essays help you learn!
In college, aside from being a part of your overall grade in a class, essays can help you in many other ways. Essays can help you locate and retrieve relevant information; interpret, analyze, and evaluate facts, and opinions; and construct a clean and logical argument.
Writing papers is a huge aspect of most college courses. There are many things you can do to help your essay writing skills. When an instructor is assigning a grade to your essay, they are taking many things into account. Some things he or she will be interested in are whether you have demonstrated a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues raised by the topic. However, more importantly, they will be interested in whether you have shown that you have acquired the research, thinking, and communication skills that are necessary for good academic writing.
Tips on good essay writing:
- Show evidence of your research that goes beyond the lectures and text
- Develop and sustain a solid position on the subject or issue
- Is clearly and logically structured
- Uses or integrates a wide range of detailed evidence to support their position
- Accurately references all sources of reference
Here at UW Milwaukee, the Writing Center is a great resource that can help you develop better essays and essay writing skills.
“The Writing Center is open to all writers on campus, freshman through graduate students and even faculty, to meet one-on-one with a highly qualified and well-trained tutor to discuss any kind of writing project at any stage of the project. All majors, subjects and skill levels are welcome.
Our trained peer tutors will work with you to generate topics, organize ideas, develop thesis statements and revise drafts. Although we will not correct spelling and grammar errors for you, we will help you spot and correct them yourself.”
The UWM Writing Center is located in Curtain Hall 382 and has a satellite location in the Library East Wing. Students can call (414) 229-4339 for more information. Students can also visit the Writing Center website at http://www4.uwm.edu/writingcenter/.
In my personal experience, visiting the writing center has helped me immensely in my essay writing skills. My first college essay assignment was for a communications class during my first semester at UWM. We were assigned to analyze a conflict in our life, and use what we had learned to develop a position on how the conflict could have been resolved in a different or better way. After receiving a C- on the essay, I knew I needed help! I lucked out and the professor allowed us one rewrite, due to the fact that so many people did poorly. I visited the writing center and they helped me revise my work, and really create a stronger position on my topic. I would strongly encourage anyone who is having trouble writing any paper to visit the writing center, they will really help!
Essay writing information courtesy of http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/sld/Study-Guides-and-Resources/Essay-Writing.html
Places that Deliver Aaron Simon (alsimon@uwm.edu)
Arguably the biggest service offered to students on a college campus is food services. I’m going to go more in depth into ordering delivery. Ordering delivery is nice because it is convenient. There are those evenings when you are studying and getting hungry. Instead of making a 30 minute stop to the cafeteria and throwing yourself out of your rhythm you can take 5 minutes to place your order and get back to work. Also when you deliver you get exactly what you want no matter what you are in the mood for and that is why pizza is the number one food ordered by college students. You can get what you want it, how you want it, and at the price you want to pay.
Many restaurants make it even easier for you to order. Rather than cracking open the yellow pages and hoping to call the right place many places allow you to order your food online. I found that once I order from a place I programmed the number in my phone so I could just call rather than hunt down the number on the website I can just go into my contacts and call the restaurant and make my order on speaker while I’m typing.
All the major pizza places deliver to campus area. The 2 biggest pizza places are Pizza Shuttle and Topper’s, however pizza is not the only place that delivers to the area there is also Jimmy John’s and when you are trying to feed yourself for a one meal scenario that is a nice cheap option. If you are looking for menus of places that deliver they put the menu in places like the resident halls or in the student union. This all just scratches the surface; these are just the places I usually order from when I order. There are so many restaurants within a 2-mile radius of campus your head would spin.
When it comes to delivery especially with all the options around campus I recommend keeping an open mind and like all good thing keep it in moderation.
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Changing Majors Tim Oestreich, tco@uwm.edu
Changing Majors really isn’t as detrimental as you may think. I have, like many, switched my major. I started off as a Journalism and Mass Communications Major. I was told in high school that I would be an excellent broadcaster because of my voice. (My voice is very low and kind of loud) I guess I bought into it and I started believing I could really do it without really knowing what it takes to be a broadcaster or getting a degree in journalism. I quickly found out that journalism wasn’t for me.
I went to my advisor and told her what had happened because I was worried about the implications about switching majors. What would I do? Will I ever graduate? Will I ever have a job? Those are really important questions, but I had time. I was still in my first year and my credits would still all count for something. I decided that it would be a good Idea to sit in on a class that I might have interest in. I sat in on a Political Science class, World Politics. I really liked it. I ended up taking two Political Science courses the next semester and I have been a Poli Sci major ever since. All those Journalism courses still count towards my degree and many cases that how it will work out.
Here is a list of Academic Advising Offices, their locations and phone numbers to help you in your major search:
College of Health Sciences
Merrill 115, 414-229-2758
Helen Bader School of Social Welfare
Enderis 1110, 414-229-4851
School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Arch & Urban Planning 225, 414-229-4015
College of Engineering & Applied Science
Engineering & Math Science E386, 414-229-4667
Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business
Lubar Hall N297, 414-229-5271
African American Student Academic Services
Bolton 170, 414-229-6657
School of Education
Enderis 209, 414-229-4721
American Indian Student Services
Bolton 195, 414-229-5880
Peck School of the Arts
Theatre 120, 414-229-4763
Roberto Hernandez Center
Bolton 183, 414-229-6156
College of Letters & Science
Holton 142, 414-229-4654
Southeast Asian Student Academic Services
Bolton 160, 414-229-5282
School of Information Studies
Bolton 510, 414-229-4707
College of Nursing
Cunningham 135, 414-229-5047
Getting a job Justine Kaempfer, kaempfe2@uwm.edu
UWM makes finding on-campus jobs quite easy. Available jobs range from food services and custodial work to student worker positions. The best resource for finding on-campus jobs and work study positions is uwm.erecruiting.com/er/security/login.jsp .
This website provides current students and alumni listings of local and national employers.
On-campus jobs are great for many reasons. One reason that many students prefer on-campus jobs is because the employers understand that school work comes first. Another reason students find on-campus jobs convenient is that they are already on campus for class and don’t have far to go for work. On-campus jobs usually pay relatively well and most do not have hours in the evenings or on the weekends.
For one on one help with finding jobs the Career Development Center is a great place to go. It is conveniently located in Mellencamp hall room 128. They also offer assistance with career and major planning, resume writing and internship searches. The Career Development Center’s website is www.cdc.uwm.edu.
Studying Abroad! Kim Mua, kkmua@uwm.edu
Imagine if you were sitting in a classroom and as you look out the window you see the Great Wall of China or maybe even the Eiffel Tower. You tune back to your instructor and you realize that they’re speaking in Italian. Is this a dream you wonder? Reality check, that is indeed the Great Wall and you’re not dreaming. You’re actually studying abroad!
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, just ask anyone. Don’t be afraid to take risks. How else can you vacation in another country while earning credit towards your college degree? But how do you know if it’s right for you?
If you’re currently taking a foreign language and wondering why you aren’t fluent yet, one reason could be that you haven’t immersed yourself into the language. Your brain needs to first get used to the pace of a native speaker speaking fluently. This is the most effective way to learn the language.
Not only will you learn a new language but you’ll take on a whole new culture. You learn about new values and beliefs with cultural differences. Sure you may experience culture shock but this shouldn’t stop you. Not only will you learn about a new culture but you will also learn about yourself. You may find your own identity and return home with a new perspective of your own life.
Thanks to Vista Wide in 2004 there were about 191,000 students studying abroad from the United States. Also, if you’re too afraid to study in a different language other than English you can study in the two most popular destinations: The UK and Australia. It’s never too late to study either; Vista Wide also shows statistics that about 40% of students study abroad during their junior year. You can study for a semester or a whole year. The amazing thing about UWM is that you can study for just the winter or the summer also.
I studied abroad my freshman year in Laos. I had the opportunity to go abroad with a small group of students during the Winterim break of 2009. I had an amazing experience. My parents are from Laos and came to the US in the late 1970’s. I was the first to go back and visit their mother country. I had only heard stories about their childhood and their living environments. I visited the Hmong in the mountains of Laos and spent a night with the villagers. I boiled my own water and bathed in the grass during the night. This was an exhilarating adventure for me. I used my natural bargaining skills while interacting with venders and morning markets. It was a friendly game of cat and mouse, vendors asking for high prices because we were foreigners but showing them that we wouldn’t give in until we offered the final price.
UWM offers many study abroad programs through the Center for International Education. The Study Abroad office is located in Pearse 166. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 am – 4:30 pm. You can also visit them online at: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CIE/studyabroad/. They have friendly staff that is always ready to help answer any questions and prepare you for a life-changing experience.
Undergraduate Research Epiphany Outlaw, eoutlaw@uwm.edu
For most undergraduates across the country, the idea of being a part of a research team is only applicable for their graduate studies; this is not the case for the undergrads at UW-Milwaukee. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is UW-Milwaukee's way of showing that students need to get experience as early as possible to help with deciding career choices. With nearly one hundred opportunities for students that the Undergraduate Research Office at UWM offers, there are many choices and there is something for everyone.
I had the opportunity to experience being in a research team led by Dr. Jonathan Kanter. Besides Dr. Kanter, the team consisted of graduate students and a handful of other undergrads (there were also a few other doctorate-looking people who stopped in every once in a while, but I usually had no idea who they were). Our team project: depression. The main gist of the lab was depression of minorities (specifically Blacks and Latinos); we often worked with UWM students who wanted help with their depression.
Though the Undergraduate Research programs are fairly new, it's surprising that more students do not partake in them. Being in a research team is such a great opportunity that many undergraduates do not have (it also looks great on a resume); to not apply would be illogical. The first thing that might pop into a student's mind when the word “research” is mentioned might be Peter Parker in a lab coat refilling his web-shooters or a bunch of scientists high-fiving each other because they just found the cure to consumption (at least those were what I imagined). While thinking like that may suit a chemistry major, it could possibly dissuade a student majoring in film studies from participating in research. The research teams range from all colleges and departments; these opportunities range from Archeology, to Metalsmithing, to Zebrafish. The entire list is shown here: https://www4.uwm.edu/our/research/index.cfm?a1=browse&view_all=1. The opportunities are open to all students, regardless of the intended major. For instance, an English major could participate in a study that revolves around Economics.
The idea of researching in any field might seem too heavy for an undergraduate. It's a good thing that the research professors all were once undergraduates and can understand. The “research” that the undergraduates do is beneficial for undergraduate level, but still not up there with graduate and doctorate research. The undergraduates' labor consists of work that isn’t too intense. In my experience, I did whatever the grad students and Dr. Kanter asked me to do to assist the projects. These things included – but were not limited to - making phone calls to potential study participants, making copies, renting books from the Golda Meir Library, stapling surveys for students, being a practice participant, and recruiting students to participate in depression studies in front of lecture halls. That last one quickly made me get rid of my fear of public speaking.
OK, so now you're psyched to get on a research team. Now what? Head over to https://www4.uwm.edu/our/for_students/ and start an application. After you've completed your application and sent it in, Tamara Long (talong@uwm.edu) or Kyla Moore (kylam@uwm.edu) will contact you to set up an interview. They are really palatial and down-to-earth, so don't be too nervous about the interview. Also, feel free to shoot them an e-mail if you have any questions about the OUR.
Spiritual and Religious Clubs/Orgs/Churches Jenni Groot, jcgroot@uwm.edu
There are quite a number of student groups and clubs to choose from on the UWM campus. Just about every school within the university has at least one group/org/club full of students with something in common. Joining smaller groups is an easy way to make friends and make a large campus feel a bit cozier. Aside from academics, sports, or hobby groups there are a number of opportunities within UWM and the greater Milwaukee area to connect you with a particular religious or spiritual group.
Upon coming to UWM, I found it fairly easy to find the group that suited my beliefs and personality. There is likely a group for just about every belief. Here’s a list of some of those listed and recognized by UWM:
Asian-American Christian Ministry, aacm.milwaukee@gmail.com
Catholic Students Newman Association, newmanofficers@gmail.com, http://www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg/CSNA/
Diamond Way Buddhist Group, milwaukee@diamondway.org
Eastbrook International Student Ministry, culbert6@uwm.edu, olesya@uwm.edu
Epikos at UWM, aschwaab@uwm.edu
Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, eay@uwm.edu
Latter-Day Saint Student Association at UWM, mlmorris@uwm.edu
Milwaukee Christians on Campus, cocweb@uwm.edu , http://www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg/COC/
…and the list continues. To save you from an exhaustive list (if this were not already), these and others can be searched for at: www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg
From there you can search by category – select religious and it will guide you to the most recent update of these and other religious groups recognized by UWM. Also, there is more information regarding the beliefs, goals, activities, and possibly associated churches/places of worship on the website. And if you’re still not sure where to start, try the Student Activities Office (http://www4.uwm.edu/sao/)! Many of these groups have churches/places of worship associated closely with them. Many of them are located very near campus, either by walking or a short bus ride. If you’re looking for a Christian-based church, I came across a really cool website called USAChurch.com in the process of forming a preliminary list of nearby churches. Here’s a link right to the Milwaukee, WI ‘homepage’: http://www.usachurch.com/wisconsin/milwaukee/home.htm. There are verses, updates, and helpful search engines with many options from which to locate the appropriate church near you!
All in all, I feel confident that you’ll find the community meant for you. I hope these resources were helpful! This blog could go on for days with all the different options and specifics for each individual, so in that respect, I hope that I have provided a sufficient starting point!
Building a Positive Relationship with Faculty Tiff Heller, tlheller@uwm.edu
There are many ways to build a relationship with faculty. It is proven that if a professor knows who you are they have a harder time giving you a lesser grade than if they just know you as a name on a roster they get at the beginning of a semester.
One really key way of building that relationship is being punctual to class. A positive way of getting recognition is being there before the class starts. Having a professor know you because you interrupt the lecture habitually is not a great thing to do. When you do come to class make sure to sit where a professor can see you. The lecture may have over a hundred students in class and your class may be just one out of say five classes that professors teach that semester (give or take on the subject) that is a lot of people to see and remember. But if you always sit close and in the same seat it will be noticed.
Another great way of building a relationship with a professor is seeking help from him or her during their office hours. They have them set up to help students and like to see students during that time. It also shows initiative when grading time comes. The professor will remember that you may have been one of the only students that came to see them during office time and got some help.
Stay in contact with the professors. Email is a great way of doing so. If you can’t make a class, email your professor with the reason why and try to do so in advance, the professor will appreciate it. Always ask about missing work and if you are able to make it up in any way shape or form.
Some other great ways of building relationships with the faculty is doing the work asked of you. This is college and they are not going to hound you for your homework. It is your responsibility to do what is required for the class. If you are having difficulty there are a lot of different resources to go to on campus to help you. Seek out tutoring, talk to your mentor, and if you do become ill or stressed seek out the professional help of Norris.
UWM is not set up for anyone to fail. The entire faculty is here to help you with an education and want you to do well and most will go out of their way to help you with this. All of your mentors are here for you at the First Year Center to help guide you on your way. Utilize all the resources and make sure to at least introduce yourself to all your professors; in the long run it will help you out. Always remember they are people as well who do care about education and you. Take Care and have a wonderful First Year!
Blogs for March 2010:
Kayla Sweeney, sweeney4@uwm.edu
A dream of luxurious beaches, warm oceans, daring adventures, and sunshine lies on the minds of all college students as Spring Break sparkles on the horizon. Ranging from day trips to overnight jaunts, students sticking close to home can still have a memorable Spring Break experience without breaking the bank. Whether you choose a spontaneous road trip or a week in Cancun or something in between, careful planning for whatever trip you may want to take is vital for the budget conscious college student.
Those looking at flying to their destination of choice will find that by spending about an hour or so comparing prices of flights and hotel packages will pay off in the long run. When investigating flights, using kayak.com, a search engine that compares fare from a wide variety of discount search engines including Orbitz and Priceline, is a great way to find the lowest fare. Calling individual airlines and talking to an actual human being, as opposed to using search engines, can also help you find the lowest fares available to your dream destination. Finally, don’t forget to check out sta.com or Student Universe for student discounts and packaging ideas. With the economy in its current state, many popular vacation spots are offering dirt cheap packages, especially if you book way in advance or last minute. Last summer my group of friends spent a little over $300 on round trip airfare and 4 nights in a suite at the Monte Carlo resort in Las Vegas.
While investigating options for accommodations, you may benefit from looking into hotel reviews written by previous guests at sites like tripadvisor.com to ensure that you do not end up staying somewhere dirty or dangerous. It is important to check the State Department's website if you are traveling abroad to be updated about travel warnings.
If you do not have a lot of time or money, you can still experience many nearby getaways for a few hours or a couple of days. Check out Weird Wisconsin or Weird Illinois, books that highlight the quirkier and spookier sides of the Midwest. If staying overnight on the road and trying to spend as little as possible, try driving about a mile off of a bigger exit on the interstate to find non-chain hotels and motels. Although rather bare bones compared to major hotel chains you’ll find, these places can offer rooms for as little as $30 a night as opposed to $70 or $100.
Finally, do not get too stressed in organizing a trip, start early and plan ahead. Leave extra time for you to unwind and relax while on vacation and when coming home (you will regret taking the red eye and arriving at the airport at two in the morning when you have a nine o'clock class the next day). By leaving extra space you also have a margin of error in case something does not go as planned, and it will be easier to deal with any issues if you do not have so many time constraints.
Hopefully these steps will help you plan a smart but super fun Spring Break that you can brag about to all your jealous peers when you arrive home with your bronzed skin and regale them with tales of your adventures during your week free from school.
PS Don't forget to get all your work done BEFORE you leave for your trip because no matter what you say or think, you will not do any of your Sociology reading on the airplane, and like I mentioned before, you'll need a day of rest before classes. Plus, leaving the books home gives you more room for souvenirs and clothes! :)
Using Facebook Positively Kelsey Anderson, ander382@uwm.edu
Facebook can be a great tool for communicating with friends and family while in college. It’s an easy and convenient way to get a message to a lot of people, like saying happy birthday to friends or creating an event to help get the word out about something you’re hosting. With all this power also comes a great deal of responsibility. Information that you do want on Facebook is easy to put up. Likewise, information that you may want to keep private can also be fairly easily put on Facebook without your permission.
It is also important to adjust your privacy settings. If you want universal access to your page, that is your choice. Remember that most of the time; a quick search of your name on any search engine will most likely lead them to your page. If you want to keep your information to family and friends only, make sure your privacy settings reflect that. The settings allow you to do many things besides blocking the outside world to see your profile. You can adjust things including who can tag photos of you as well as whether friends can post on your wall.
It is important you understand who you are adding. It is easy to meet someone once and accept a friend request without actually knowing who they are. Adding someone you don’t really know can put all of the information that you’ve worked to protect out in the open. Sometimes checking out friends you have in common can help. If you feel unsure about someone, don’t accept them. If you meet them again and change your mind, you can still add them.
There is nothing wrong with using Facebook as an aid to your social life. Don’t let it take the place of other activities, though. It’s easy to let verbal and face to face communication skills slip when your only human contact is through wall posts and Facebook instant messages.
Again, while Facebook is an amazing tool it can also be the world’s biggest distraction. Procrastination is a college student’s worst enemy, and as soon as you click “Log On,” it’s easy to become lost in a world of meaningless clicks. Facebook has become the best tool in your own personal six degrees of separation, and between who you know and who your friends know there is a ton of information to look at. Suddenly, that paper you were going to start in “5 minutes” gets put off. Instead of spending the past two hours trying to track down your long lost bff from elementary school, your paper could have been typed. It can help to set a time limit if a little facebooking is unavoidable, but make sure you stick to it.
Basically, like most things in life, Facebook should be used in moderation. Use it as an aid in getting in touch with family and friends, but remember that nothing beats some face time or a good old fashioned phone call.
Food Options on Campus Jon Mosier, jmmosier@uwm.edu
One of the most important things we do as people is eating. So in adjusting to life on campus or in its nearby community, it’s good to know what you have to choose from. Some of my favorite options are Taco Bell or food in the Terrace, since they are both relatively cheap and convenient. Sometimes during the middle of the day (between 11 and 1), the union is so packed with students on their lunch break, it’s better to walk around campus and go somewhere close within the community. Quizno’s, Domino’s, Jimmy Johns, Qdoba, Noodles, George Webb’s, and Oakland Gyros are some of the choices around the school. My personal favorite places outside of the union food court are Domino’s when I feel like eating pizza, the Gasthaus, Oakland Gyros and Quizno’s. Oakland Gyro’s is a small Greek restaurant, and like most Greek restaurants, serves classic Greek food and more Americanized items, like burgers, fries, etc. I like their food because it is made when you order, it’s a good size, and there are a lot of options to choose from. The Gasthaus is located in the basement of the union, and has more of a sports bar feel to it. They have projectors showing sporting events and TV programs (news, MTV, BET, etc.). There is lots of room to sit, and is a good place to hang out with friends.
Your on-campus food options are located in the union and the dorms mostly, plus there’s a Grind coffee shop located in the Engineering and Mathematical Sciences building. The union restaurants are the Grind, the 8th Note Coffeehouse, Taco Bell, Pacific Wraps, The Flour Shop, Burger King, City Subs, Pizza Presto, the Terrace, and the Gasthaus. Options in Sandburg are the cafeterias located on the 1st and 3rd floors, the store on the 1st floor, and the Grind, also on the 1st floor. 8th Note Coffeehouse is a pretty cool place to go, as they have live music there sometimes, as does the Gasthaus. Pacific Wraps is a healthier alternative to some of the other options around campus. They offer wraps with fresh ingredients, and they are made right in front of you just how you want it to be made, sort of like Subway. They have many types of wrap to choose from, a wrap of the day, or you can make your own custom wrap. The Flour Shop offers baked goods, beverages and coffee, and pre-made subs and Pacific Wraps. It’s a good place to go if you are in a rush and need to eat something quick. The Terrace offers convenience store food (frozen foods, chips, candy, drink), has a soup and salad bar, and offers hot food, either pre-made or made in front of you, in the back of the store. They serve hash browns and cinnamon rolls during morning and anything from quesadillas to wings to sandwiches during lunch time. Also, if you are looking to get a snack, they sell snack food and drinks in the UWM Union bookstore as well.
Student orgs/clubs/teams Jeremy Rattle, jdrattle@uwm.edu
One of the best ways to get involved with UWM’s campus life is by joining a student organization. It is an easy way to not only get involved but a way to put yourself ahead of others when it comes time for applying for a job. Especially since most companies not only look at your academic records but also at your involvement on campus. Some other benefits for joining a student org are making new friends, having professional experiences, and to make college some of the best times of your life. There is every kind of student organization that you could think of here at UWM. There are academic, political, religious, service, cultural, recreational, and many others. The Student Association gives more than $500,000 each year for student organizations, which is meant to help you the student so you might as well check out a few of them.
If you wanted to have a quick glance at all the student orgs, you can go to http://www.uwm.edu/UWM/Student/Org/. This list also has a brief explanation of all of them and a contact person. It only takes a few minutes to either send an email or call to get involved. If you are really feeling ready to get involved, you can also go to the Student Activities Office (SAO) in the Union room 350, and there you can talk one-on-one with someone who will be able to point you in the right direction. They also have a paper copy of the Student Activities guide which will list student organizations and other events.
Some of the unique organizations that you never would have thought existed are badminton club, billiard club, black cat ultimate Frisbee, Brazilian cultural club, guitar organization, hip hop scholars, sailing club, strategic game club, and many more which can all be found at the website listed above.
There really is no commitment to these organizations if you are feeling nervous about joining. You can just show up to a meeting or two and see what they are all about. If after that first meeting you find it is not for you, than check out another one until you are able to find one. Or you can take a friend with you so you do not have to do it alone. This will help with that first impression. There are so many organizations out there; you would really have to try hard not to be able to find one that you would enjoy.
Is Your Major Undecided? Mario Love, mdlove@uwm.edu
Engineering, Info Studies, Architecture, Dancing. There are many different majors to choose from here at UWM. Some are fun, some are business oriented, and some just fit with the person. But what if you’re unsure about what you want to do? Are you not finding anything that peaks your interest? Are you scared that your friends are off studying their majors while you’re still thinking about yours. Is your major undecided? Well worry no more. This blog will help you with the necessary steps to figure out what field you want to pursue during college.
College is one of those times in your life where you can choose what you want to do with your life as far as a career. Many students come here, and they know exactly what they want to do. They sign up for their classes and they’re on their way. But for others, it’s not that easy. They’re still on that search mission. But for those still looking remember, it’s perfectly all right being undecided. A lot of students come to uwm like that, so you’re not alone. And then there are those who have decided on a major, but they find out that major is not for them. So they change their major to undecided. During their college career, a student may change their major at least 2 or 3 times. In very rare cases, that number is a little higher. But it’s better to change it now than to figure out along the road that it wasn’t anything you to go into in the first place
Let’s just say you don’t have a major and you want to do something about that. Well, worry no more, because there is a place you can go to. On the first floor of Mellencamp Hall, which is between Mitchell and the Student Union, lies a place called the Career Development Center or CDC for short. This is a place where you can go to figure out what you want to do as far as a major. They have advisors ready to help you in any way and to answer any questions you may have about choosing majors or anything else. They also offer a course, Ed Psych 101: Finding a Major and Career. They have pamphlets, literature, and other things that can help you decide what may interest you to major in. Besides choosing a major, the CDC also offers a few more services. The most popular one is trying to find a job on campus. Also finding internships, and helping you to create and develop your resumes. The staff and advisors are trained in their fields to help you out.
As far as personal experiences, I have never been undecided. However, I know many people who have been and they use certain ides to help them find out what they want to go into. Some work and some didn’t. But the bottom line is, they utilized their resources and they figured out what they wanted to do. It takes time to decide what major to go into. You got to think about the classes, the time it takes to graduate, and if this is really something for you. It’s a lot of things to consider. And once you figure it out, you’ll be on your way taking your classes and to get that degree in whatever major of your choosing. Then the problem of having the major undecided is nonexistent.
Things to do in Milwaukee Amanda Balistreri, balistr8@uwm.edu
I have lived in the fine city of Milwaukee my entire life, but it was not until I started college that I truly got a sense of all the amazing things it had to offer. Probably one of my favorite places to go, especially with friends, is the Milwaukee Public museum. It is free on Mondays for Milwaukee residents and there is always a student discount price. One of the most memorial times at the museum is when I went with six of my closest friends. The thing I should tell you in regards to when my friends and I go to the museum is that it becomes a photo shoot. I am an Anthropology major so I naturally get excited when I see all of the culture around me and I guess it kind of rubs off onto my friends. The really amazing thing about this particular day was that we were going to see the Titanic exhibit. We each got a card before we entered the exhibit that gave us information on a person who was really on the titanic. I was a forty seven year old Irish woman in third class.
After going through all of the different rooms where they showed things like the setup of first, second, and third class rooms as well some of the original dinnerware and menus from the ships kitchen we started to get kind of cold. As we entered the next room we were confronted with a giant block of ice…presumably the ice berg that was the Titanic’s demise. We all put our hands on the ice and quickly took them off. Following pictures of rescued passengers there was a wall of names of everyone that was on the Titanic and whether they died or had survived. Three of my friends survived and the other two and I died. Even though I did not make it I had so much fun walking through the exhibit. After the museum we all went to get some lunch at Panera which is just on the edge of downtown. Yum!
This is only one of the many adventures that I have had in the amazing city of Milwaukee. Some other things to do are; take a walk/play volleyball by the lake, climb on the rocks (be careful not to slip), use the Milwaukee public transit system to get to 4+ malls including Mayfair, try one of the many culinary opportunities on North avenue, Water street, or Brady street, and don’t forget to go to the zoo for free on family day – with your UWM family. Milwaukee is a dynamic city with always something going on; go to onmilwaukee.com for a schedule of events. Go on your own Titanic adventure with a group of friends...or maybe just for a walk.
Blogs for April 2010
Computer Labs, Printing and Computer Help Jonah Reason, jjreason@uwm.edu
Need to get out of your room and get some homework done? Well, UWM has tons of options for you. We have 5 computer labs for any student to use. We also have a 24 hour computer lab in the dorms AND in the new Library Learning Commons. The Learning Commons is very nice and very new. It is in the West Wing of the Library. It is my new favorite spot on Campus. Whether you need to study, or just need to relax and drink a coffee, this is your place. It has one of UWM’s Grind Coffee shops, iMacs and Dells galore. Go check it out; it’s a very nice addition to our wonderful campus.
Need to print? We have printers too. From where I am sitting I see three printers, a print card distribution kiosk, and a print card replenisher. To get a print card all you need is one dollar bill, and well, that’s it. Stick the dollar bill in the print card dispenser and it gives you a print card with one dollar on it. Need a new computer? Head to Bolton 225 and check out the new Tech Store in Bolton 225. Need computer help? Head to Bolton 225 again for walk in help regarding your Epanther ID and password, virus issues not letting you get onto prowlnet, and the infamous “clickers” that some professors use for attendance purposes. Bolton has the UITS help desk, which is NOT walk in, but it does accept your calls for help 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Their number is 414-229-4040. I work there. We are very helpful and very knowledgeable and will not let your problem go unsolved.
Parks, Beaches, Bike Trails Daniel Kelley, dckelley@uwm.edu
One of the great things about UWM is its location near several parks, a bike trail, and a series of beaches. One of the most popular during fall, spring and summer is Bradford beach. The beach provides a great place to swim, play volleyball, football, go for picnics, or just relax in the sun. Parks extend to the north of Bradford beach and to the south all the way to the art museum, including the marina. At the Marina and Veterans park, you can rent ski jets, paddle boats, dingies, and other recreational equipment; the fee for some of this equipment is as low as ten dollars a day. One of the great bike trails of Milwaukee county is the Oak Leaf trail; it passes along the lake near Altera (which is by the marina) all the way north to the Urban Ecology Center (a great spot to stop, rest, and visit) to parks as north as Estabrook park and beyond. It totals over ninety miles and completely circles Milwaukee. Near campus, there are also many parks that are great for recreational use, including Riverside Park which is right off of Oakland and Locust a few blocks south of campus, Gordon Park across the river from Riverside, and Lake Park, which can be reached by taking Kenwood east from campus. All of these parks are great for anything from a game of frisbee with friends to a peaceful walk in nature or a fun spot for a picnic with your significant other. Also if you need a place that is quiet away from the dorms and campus, the nearby parks provide a great place of solitude for reading, studying, or just relaxing to clear your head.
If you ever are feeling adventurous, I highly recommend biking the Oak Leaf trail. Start by the lake access to the trail (where Brady Street would be if it ran into the lake), then head north to a predetermined park where you can get off of the trail (I recommend the Urban Ecology Center/ Riverside Park for a short ride, or Estabrook Park for a longer ride). You can find maps online at <http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/maps4460.htm>. And remember always be safe and wear a helmet!
Finding an Internship Ashley Murrell, amurrell@uwm.edu
Internships are usually temporary positions that provide students with the opportunity to get on-the-job training in their chosen field of study. Internships can be part-time or full-time depending on the circumstances, and can be paid or unpaid positions. Internships may also qualify for college credit. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee suggests that students are generally qualified for internship opportunities after completing one or more courses in their major field of study. Internships are invaluable experiences for students for a number of reasons. One, by taking an internship position one may be able to decide whether or not a career is right for them. Two, students can find out what a typical day in a field would be like. Three, internships provide a resume-building experience that will help students find jobs after graduation. One may wonder, however, how the current economic situation will affect internship opportunities.
In a Chronicle of Philanthropy article, Michelle Gienow, director of the Institute for Nonprofits at North Carolina State University says that because of tightened budgets and slimmer staffs, many organizations will rely more heavily than ever on the energy and extra hands of interns. Thus, internships present students with a win-win opportunity. As it is becoming more and more difficult for college graduates to find jobs, any additional experience may give students an edge over other candidates. An internship experience can provide this edge, and companies are depending on interns to help them through these hard times.
As an accounting major, I completed an internship during my senior year of college. I found my internship by going to my Career Services center and signing up for PantherJOBS, an online job search engine. I did on-campus interviews and was offered a full-time internship with a public accounting firm. My internship counted for three undergraduate credits as well. My internship took place during tax season, from January until mid-April.
The firm I interned with provided me with two weeks of out-of-town training during January. The training was a great experience because I learned to use software that is used in many accounting firms and that I had not learned how to use in classes. Not only that, but I learned what it was like to go away on business, and the challenges and rewards that these trips present. After training, I returned to the office as a full-time accounting intern. I was paired with a senior accountant who served as a mentor to help me along the way. I was treated as part of the staff. I prepared tax returns and went on audit engagements. It was an excellent experience because I found out what it was really like to work in the accounting field.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides resources for finding internships. Students should stop by the Career Services Center and the staff will help them prepare the material necessary to begin searching for an internship.
Finding Cultural Activities in Milwaukee Carly Weckwerth, carlyaw2@uwm.edu
Milwaukee happens to be a great place to experience different cultures. Whether you’re looking for diverse music, good places to grub, artwork, and so much more – there is always something to satisfy your cultural curiosity. Milwaukee is actually known for its celebration of various ethnic groups with its festivals at the Summerfest grounds. Since we are nearing the end of summer, I will list some other cultural events taking place this fall.
A great source to go to for any events happening in Milwaukee is OnMilwaukee.com. They will list everything and anything from great places to eat, music, and community activities to take part in. It lists every event by category (bar, community, restaurants, etc.) and will list the event by date, time and place. Other great sources (besides postings at UWM of course!) would be the local newspaper, The Shepherd Express. After checking out their website – this may be your best source to meaningful, cultural activities to be apart of in our great city. They have everything from eco-friendly picnics to jazz in the park. They really have something for everyone – no matter what your background or interests may be.
Our very own Discovery World, located on Lake Drive, has spiced up our Friday nights with a fun-filled evening and concept with Fish Fry and a Movie. This has truly been a great addition to some weekend action. These upcoming films are: September 11, 2009: Caddyshack. September 18, 2009: Night of the Living Dead in 3-D. Food is served at 6pm and movies begin at dusk. This is a great activity to get your friends and blankets together for a good ol’ fashioned outdoor event.
If you are interested in traditional African Drums, Ryan Costello hosts an outdoor drum circle located in Veterans Park which is near the kite shop on Lake Drive. No worries if the weather turns cold (we are in Wisconsin!) the group will be moving indoors to the Quaker meeting hall on Sundays and Tuesdays. If you need more information please contact Ryan at: darwinevolve@yahoo.com
Don’t forget about all the amazing events and cultural resources here at UWM. The UWM LGBT film festival begins October 15-25. Experience diversity through film and enjoy meeting some new people while you’re at it.
If you speak any other languages or are in the process of improving your second language, why not have a conversation partner from another country?! Located in Curtin Hall on campus, you can sign up to have a conversation partner. You do not even have to speak that language – you can help someone else improve their English. It is a great way to improve your skills while helping someone else with theirs.
Every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in the Union Ballroom there are distinctive lectures with the Institute of World Affairs. The Institute of World Affairs is dedicated to keeping the people of Wisconsin informed about and engaged with the critical global issues of our time. So even if you do not have time to turn on CNN or study abroad, this is a great way to be apart of a global community right here in Milwaukee.
Cultural activities are happening all over the city. Make sure you explore other cultures outside of your comfort zone and you will be amazed at how far you can travel right here in the diverse city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Blogs for May 2010
Moving Off Campus Blog Katheryn Kuczmarski, kuczmar3@uwm.edu
Trying to find a house/apartment can be a stressful time. Many of us don’t know where to start looking. Here are some helpful tips and information.
The NUMBER ONE place to go for help, when wanting to move off campus is the neighborhood housing office, located in room WG85 in the Union. OR. You can go in the neighborhood housing website www.Neighborhood.uwm.edu.
Important Resources
UWM
Neighborhood Housing 229-6999
COAST Leaders 229-6999
University Legal Clinic 229-4140
Neighborhood Liaison 229-4035
City Of Milwaukee
Department of Neighborhood Services 286-2268
Night Parking Permission (8pm-1am) 286-8300
City Hall 286-2150
Health Department 286-3521
Emergency Crisis Hotline 257-7222
Real Life Stories: Moving Off Campus
When I lived in the dorms I had a lot of friends, who were afraid they wouldn’t get a house or apartment. Therefore, they would sign leases too soon, like in February. They soon realized that wasn’t a good idea because in March and April the rent of most places got cheaper. When I found that out, I waited until May to sign my lease and everything worked about really well.
Another experience that occurs when living off-campus, is you see less people, then when you did in the dorms because there aren’t as many. When you come home, you come home to only your roommates. Some people find this hard not being able to hang out with many different people every night like they did in the dorms. I see less of my friends now then I’m living in the apartment. This was hard at first seeing the same people all the time. This is a good character building experience. Also, this lets you become creative and helps you to get more involved when wanting to meet new people.
Off-Campus Living Dane Styczynski, styczyn2@uwm.edu
I have been living off-campus for a little over a year now. When I first started looking for a place, I went to the Neighborhood Housing Office to get more information. They provided several useful resources, including a list of things to ask prospective landlords. They also have a listing of some of the landlords in the area with ratings, so you can get an idea of which landlords are good, and which ones you will want to avoid.
I lived with a couple of friends. I didn’t know them well, but we got along. Be careful when picking your roommates. You don’t have to be best friends or friends at all. However, make sure that you don’t have conflicting personalities. It is also important to communicate with each other. Before moving into my new place, my roommates and I sat down to discuss what we were expecting with living off-campus, who already owned what furniture and dishes, etc. After we moved in, we sat down again and talked about who was going to wash dishes, take out the trash, house rules, etc. By talking about this stuff ahead of time, we hope to avoid any roommate conflicts in the future.
Living off-campus can bring a lot of freedom. It also brings a lot of new responsibilities. Paying rent, paying bills, taking out trash, cleaning the house, and more. Although I didn’t understand everything I was getting myself into when moving off-campus, I quickly learned to adjust. I started getting more organized, using my planner to remind myself when to pay rent as well as designating a folder for “Apt Stuff.”
I have been lucky to live only a couple blocks from campus. However, transportation can be quickly overlooked. I have a friend who is living 8 blocks away from campus. He plans to ride the bus in winter, but in the meantime he is using a bike to get back and forth between his apartment and campus. You may also choose to have a car, but then you need to pay attention to Milwaukee’s parking rules as well as the availability of parking on and around campus.
I wish that I would have taken the time to talk to students who had already been living off-campus. I’ve learned so much in one year, and I can’t imagine how much smoother the year could have been had I learned from others’ experience.
One of the best parts of living off-campus is having a place of my own. It is a great place to just kick up my feet after a long day of classes. And now that I have my own kitchen too, I can make whatever food I want whenever I want. But as glamorous as it is, it does take a bit of work. I highly encourage anyone that is interested in living off-campus to stop by the Neighborhood Housing Office and ask the staff there to help you get started.
Welcome To Milwaukee! Matt Hageny, mghageny@uwm.edu
Milwaukee is an amazing city that is full of all sorts of great things to do, no matter what the season, no matter what your interests! Whether you have lived in the Milwaukee area before, or this is your first time here, if you look around a little bit I guarantee you can find something to do in Milwaukee that excites you! Here is just a brief look at some of what Milwaukee has to offer.
Festival: Milwaukee is home to a plethora of festivals that take place annually in the spring, summer, and fall! The biggest Milwaukee festival is the annual SUMMERFEST, which is an 11 day music festival held from late June to early July at Maier Festival Park on the lakefront! In recent years SUMMERFEST has attracted such acts as Stevie Wonder, KISS, and Bon Jovi, as well as a number of local and up and coming performers. The Maier Festival Park grounds are also home to a number of ethnic and cultural festivals annually including: African World Festival, Arab World Fest, Asian Moon Festival, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Indian Summer, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Polish Fest, Pridefest, and UWM’s very own PANTHERFEST!
Milwaukee is also home to a number of street festivals throughout the summer months! Locust Street Days in June, and Brady Street Days in July are both exciting street festivals in which merchants, residents and visitors gather to participate in a number of events including great food, music, and other entertainment in a uniquely Milwaukee environment!
Jazz in the Park is Milwaukee's best summer outdoor concert series. Concerts take place in Cathedral Square Park from 6:30pm to 9pm on Thursday evenings from June through September. Jazz in the Park features diverse entertainment with acts originating from the Milwaukee area, the region, and across the nation. The series showcases everything from straight-a-head Jazz to Latin jazz and everything in between, and also attracts a number of local venders selling their fine food and merchandise.
Museums: Milwaukee is home to a number of premier Museums showcasing a wide variety of exhibits! Milwaukee is known worldwide for the amazing architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum. The Milwaukee Art Museum is home to a number of traveling exhibits as well as a respectable collection of various types of art. Museum admission is also reduced to ten dollars with your student ID, you can’t beat that! If art isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the Milwaukee Public Museum! The Public Museum has a large variety of cultural and scientific exhibits, my personal favorite is “The Streets of Old Milwaukee” and also attracts world class traveling exhibits, which recently have included “Bodyworlds” and a Titanic exhibit. With your student ID, admission is only ten dollars, but admission is FREE on Mondays with proof of Milwaukee Residency! Also be sure to check out some of Milwaukee’s unique Museums including the Harley Davidson Museum, Discovery World, and the Haggerty Museum of Art!
Other Attractions: While you are in Milwaukee, there are several attractions other than Museums and Festivals that you should strongly consider checking out! The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, affectionately know as “The Domes” Gives you a unique opportunity to experience environments that we don’t have here in Wisconsin. If shopping is your thing, be sure to check out Bayshore Town Center which is an open air mall, and Mayfair mall two of Milwaukee’s premier shopping outlets! Lastly, when winter rolls around, be sure to take a trip downtown to Red Arrow Park to go Ice Skating!
Hopefully reading this has broadened your mind to the various things you can do in Milwaukee!
Now Get Out There!
Improving Time Management Skills Peter Koester, pkoester@uwm.edu
Time management is an acquired skill that requires the formation and adherence to a daily routine that will allow you to maintain good grades and still have time to socialize. Of course, college is not just about studying, so you must plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to relax, spend time with friends, and enjoy life in Milwaukee. I can guarantee that without regular contact with friends, family, or schoolmates in general, your academics will likely suffer with the decline of your social life. However, it is important to keep in mind that the main reason you are in school is to learn, achieve good grades and class standing, and prepare yourself for your future career; none of this can be done if you get too caught up partying, wasting time outside of class or between classes, and procrastinating. In order to earn those A’s, you must work hard, be diligent, and get into a good habit of studying EVERY NIGHT. Unless you are a part of that 1% of the population that can look at a notebook and memorize it on first sight (and the majority of you, including myself, certainly are not), it will simply not do to put off work that can be done when you have time. SEIZE THE DAY/HOURS/MINUTES that you have! Below are some helpful suggestions that, when internalized, will make you feel much better in the end about your college experience:
- Don’t Procrastinate! Never leave homework, projects, or studying to the last minute! I have had the unfortunate experience of studying for an exam only hours before it began- believe me, cramming does not work. Be prepared for exams: begin studying the FIRST week of school, and give yourself time every night or at least every weekend to review material and continually quiz. You will achieve results only with your own effort and time!
- Schedule! Make a daily routine for yourself, and know when you have free time between and after class to get your work done. If you have time to do homework at school, get it done! Don’t wait until you get home or until it’s too late at night when you know you will not be able to concentrate. It’s important to make a working weekly schedule for yourself, and then stick to it! Also, put important dates on your calendar at home: exams, project due dates, academic appointments, etc.
- Weekends! I love weekends – here is when you’ll have more time to yourself! You should make time to go down to the lake, take a bike ride, socialize with friends, watch movies, explore Milwaukee, and live life to its fullest when you aren’t in class. Do your homework in advance! I know Fridays are not “cool” days to do your work, but believe me, you will enjoy your Saturdays and Sundays more when you have all that work and stress over with! Also, as we get closer to exam times, remember that weekends should be reserved for studying.
- Don’t forget your friends! I know I’ve sufficiently pounded the importance of studying into your head by now, but it’s equally important to have friends and to socialize even though you’re busy with schoolwork. Socializing is necessary to avoid academic freak-outs and melt-downs, but it can also be a good way to procrastinate, so be conscious of the time you have and spend it wisely.
- Set goals! Sometimes we all lack motivation to do well. You need to define for yourself some clear-cut goals – to get a 4.0 this semester, to make more friends, to read more about a certain subject you’re interested in, or to travel abroad! Without goals, you may lose direction and become detached and disinterested in your studies, which will in turn lose you precious time.
Blogs for October 2009:
Places to Study on Campus by Mai Vang Yang (yang253@uwm.edu)
Did you ever think of where would you find the best place on campus to study? Well I’m sure you and many other students have thought about places to study on campus, especially me. As it was my first year here at the University last year, I always wondered what places I could go on campus to study for a quiz, test, or just to read for one of my classes. The first place that always comes in my head is the library; which is one of my favorite places to study and do some reading on campus.
Other than the library, there are many other places to study on campus, such as the union, where most students spend most of their day studying and meeting up with friends or just grabbing something to eat. Pretty much in every building, you can always find a quiet place to study and do some reading on campus. I sometimes head to EMS or Lubar Hall and do some studying there and you’re probably wondering how. Well, if the room isn’t used by other professors, I usually end up staying in the room until a class is starting. There are usually a couple rooms that are open for students who needs to do some studying and most of the time the professors and students don’t mind if you’re in there when they get there. If you like to be in a comfy and warm place, there is also the fireside lounge located on Union first floor, where it is a very comfortable place to relax yourself and do some reading. Most of the time, the Union Ballroom on first floor is usually open and not used for events, and so many students end up going in there to do some catching up on their class assignments.
Other than just studying on campus, you can also study in your dorms if you are living in one. There are disadvantages to that since you have so many distractions, such as your bed, telephone, television, video games, and your roommates to distract you from getting what you need to get done efficiently. Find a place to study where you have fewer distractions to bother you and a low noise level.
I’ve tried many different places on campus to study to see one suit me best. I’ve been to the fireside lounge, the library, empty classrooms, and just random places around campus to see how well I can focus at each place. I found out that I could also study at Mitchell Hall, which was great because my first year classes where all around Mitchell. I stayed in the SSS (student support services) room where I was able to study in a quiet place and use the computer. It was a small and comfy place, which had free coffee, tea, or hot cocoa available to all SSS students. Staying in the SSS room my first semester of college, really helped bring my grades up because if gave me the feeling of wanting to studying more.
More than 70 percent of the students attending the University would rather study in a quiet place at school than studying in there dorms. Try many different studying places to see which one best suits you and which one you enjoy most. I found my best place to study and do some work and I know by trying which places suits you best, you will enjoy spending your time there more often.
Getting your First “F” (or lower than expected grade)by Sally Gold (stgold@uwm.edu)
So you got your first “F”, you’re panicking and are probably thinking that it’s the end of the world. Well for starters it is not the end of the world, but it’s not a walk in the park either. You may even be wondering how you got yourself in such a predicament. To truly get answers to that question you have to be honest with yourself. There were nights when you partied instead of studying or when you underestimated a class, thinking, “Oh this is easy,” and instead decided to watch a marathon of Law and Order: SUV (which happens to be one of my favorite shows).
You could be how I was in my freshman year: I was very shy, quiet and kept to myself. This prevented me from connecting with other people and asking for help when I needed it in my classes. Nursing classes usually have 150 to 200 students in one class, so I was very intimidated by that and never I mean Never raised my hand in class even if I didn’t understand things, which I later realized was one of the stupidest things I could have done. Then to make matters worse I was not aware of all the campus resources that could help in my dire need, like the academic tutoring center (it’s now called PASS: Panther Academic Support Services), where you can get help in a group or on a one on one basis with tutors that have taken the classes that you are in and passed with flying colors, or the writing center where you can get your papers proofed and get tips on writing for just about any class, or even the first year center where you can meet people who are possibly in the same major as you and are there to see you succeed. Those are just some of the many resources that the campus has to offer.
For me, these were the essential ones that I was missing. These were thoughts that were going through my head, “Where did I go wrong? “Why did I wind up here?” and “My parents are going to kill me.” I was there and I was able to turn it all around for the better and you can too. In fact I don’t want you to turn it around; I want you to not let it happen. I may sound like your parents for this part but it’s true that you don’t have to make the same mistakes as I did. So I encourage you to get involved in a student organization that can be a support system, take full advantage of what the campus provides as tools to help you succeed, and if I could leave you with any other piece of advice it would be DON’T BE AFRAID. We are all paying big bucks to go to this school and there is no need to waste it by spending extra time in school because you were afraid to seek help when you really needed it the most.
How to Take Notes!by Harinder Kaur (kaurh@uwm.edu)
It has been proven that people can only recall 50% of what they hear, and out of that, only 20 to 30 percent is correct (www.dartmouth.edu). With this said, it’s obvious that if you don’t have a well developed technique on how to take notes, you will most likely miss out on a lot of important information in college.
First off, always come to class ready to learn, not ready to sleep, text, or any other useless activities that will distract you from doing your work. Give the TA or the professor your undivided attention. Being able to listen and write is a skill that you have to acquire through a lot of practice, a practice that I hope you are successful at by the end of your freshmen year. Try to get to class early and sit up front. It helps you focus more on what you need to do. Start your notes with a heading, a title that explains what you are about to learn. Indent and write the main points, leaving some space in between each point. Under the main points jot down any other details that you feel are important and relevant to your main point. Always leave more space to add more information and for questions you would like to ask. To make life easier, learn how to abbreviate and paraphrase so you’re not franticly trying to write down exactly what the professor said. Define any words that you didn’t understand in lecture or in the text, trust me; you will understand the lecture better. Pay attention to the teacher’s facial expression or tones because they are clues to what topic is more important. If information repeats more than once, be more aware of it and expect it to show up on the exam. Also, put a bigger emphasis on that information when studying. More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s likely that someone else in the class wants to ask the same things. On the margins make more notes on where else you can find the information, page numbers, books, articles, or any other resources the teacher gives, cite your information! For math classes, make sure you have a big notebook to write down examples and try out some of the problems after class so you know how the teacher got the answers.
It is pointless to write down information that you can’t read so write legibly and work on your penmanship if you need to. If by any chance your penmanship is not that great, review your notes after class. It will help you retain the information better and help you make out the sentences you can’t read better than if you did it later. Have a partner to review with because they will probably have some information that you didn’t write down. Compare notes and write things you missed out on. If you’re a visual learner, make your notes into chart or graph form. Looking at the big picture, personally, helps me understand the topic better. If your professor makes notes online, print them out and write on the margins any additional notes that you thought were important. If you’re taking notes from a textbook, highlight what you think is important and write more notes on the margins. Split your reading into paragraphs and make at least one important point after each paragraph. To organize your notes, try color coding them or use sticky notes to keep reminders of what topic can be found where. Put the date at the top of the page as well to help keep you organized. Lastly, find the right environment to take notes, it makes all the difference. On campus, we have what is called the 4.0 program, it not only helps you create a schedule that will guarantee a 4.0 GPA, but it also gives you helpful tips on how to take notes, check out our UWM website for more information. Your mentors are another useful resource; they can tell you from their own experiences what worked for them and what didn’t. I hope all of these tips help you out!
Tips to Do Well in Classby Chelsea Stachowiak (stacho23@uwm.edu)
Being a successful student relies on a combination of several good habits. By keeping a planner, completing homework, attending and being attentive in classes, and building a good relationship with your instructor, you greatly raise your chances to do well in class.
I have kept a planner throughout my college career. In it I put important dates, such as the last day to drop classes and when my rent is due, project due dates, exam times, and homework assignments, as well as social events. By keeping organized you know you will not forget or miss things and by staying on top of your responsibilities you will find it is easier to get everything done. I remember having a professor that handed out a syllabus the first day of class and never told us when we had midterms nor when papers were due. If I had not written down those dates in my planner when I got the syllabus I may not have passed the course.
Completing your homework is an easy way to study and if assignments are graded it is a way to almost guarantee boosting your scores in a course. Doing your homework daily, rather than holding off until the end of the semester, will also help you get higher test scores. If you never studied for an exam but you kept on top of your homework the entire semester you are more likely to do better in a class than someone who waits until the night before to try to learn everything.
The next tip to do well is attending class. It is true that once you skip one class, it is very easy to skip more. It is easy to make it to class, but once you are there you must stay attentive. I can’t bring my laptop to class because I know I would facebook the entire time! I hate it when the people sitting in front of me are watching movies or surfing the web because it is hard to focus on the content of the course. It is easier to learn if you sit towards the front of the class. It feels more engaging and makes the lecture halls feel smaller.
Also, by sitting in the front of a class you will build a relationship with your instructor. Professors notice who sits towards the front, who aren’t on their computer the duration of the class, and who attend office hours when extra help is needed. It is important to keep in mind that your teachers not only control your grade but they can also be a great resource in the future for research opportunities as well as letters of recommendation. It is true that some professors do not care if you do well in their class, but they do take notice of those who try to do well and you could greatly benefit from being in the latter group.
If you follow these easy steps you will do well in classes and have a great first year.
Important Dates to Remember by Claire Hunt (cdhunt@uwm.edu)
Remembering dates is not only important for classes but also important for your knowledge. You don’t have to be able to spit out dates and times of things like you did in High school. You’re in college now. There is a secret to remember the dates of important events around campus…or just in general.
It’s called a planner, also known as an organizer. At least half of the students at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee own a planner. I have two, but that’s not the point. Planners have become more useful to everyone including the faculty, over the years. The planners are an important part in being a college, although the reasons are the same as High school, but more important. There are things you need to remember like that study day before the final, or that gigantic project that you’re supposed to meet up with your partners to discuss or even the last day you’re able to drop/add a class. Those are definite things to remember, otherwise you’re going to be in some serious trouble, but if you have a planner and use it you’ll be all set and no worries!
First thing first, you should put all the events that are going to happen in the current month and the next month, if you do that you won’t have to worry about events for two months because you’ve already put them in. Second thing is to make sure you actually use it, find reasons to put things in your planner that you need to do. The most reasonable thing to do is to write down all your assignments in there, along with appointments, things you need to do after finishing class and so on. It’ll get you to use it.
In a special case, UWM has free planners located in the First Year Center that has all the important dates on campus already written in there for you. It’s not only free but most of the work is already done for you, you just need to keep using it! You’re going to be pretty much stress free on remembering important dates!
For a list of Important Dates/Deadlines on Campus please visit: http://www4.uwm.edu/current_students/register_course_info/important_dates.cfm
Getting Around Milwaukee by Rob Wagaman (rwagaman@uwm.edu)
In my opinion getting around Milwaukee is one of the easiest things to do. There are so many options when it comes to transportation. For example, there is the Milwaukee county bus system, BOSS, cabs and friends’ cars. Even though Milwaukee may seem large and spread out, there is at least one mode of transportation to get wherever you may need to go in the city. The first and probably most popular is the bus system.
Buses are probably one of the easiest modes of transportation for freshman to use. It may seem confusing when you are about to take the bus for the first time but they have a great website that explains all their routes and what buses to take to get somewhere. www.ridemcts.com is the city’s website for the bus system. On their main page is a list of all the routes including the times and locations where the buses will pick you up. The two most popular routes for UW-Milwaukee students are the 15 and 30. If you want to go downtown the 30 bus is probably your best bet. It will pick you up right in front of Sandburg dorms and takes you all the way down to Water Street and Wisconsin Ave, which is where a lot of popular restaurants and shops are. If you want to go to Bayshore mall the 15 route is what you want to take to get there. The first thing you want to do when you plan to take the bus is get your U-Pass which can be obtained from the parking and transit office located in the union. This office also has brochures of most routes so you can obtain a hard copy instead of always looking online. Also, if you have any questions about which bus to take this is a great place to go because the workers here are very knowledgeable and can help you with your questions.
The second way to get around Milwaukee is to take BOSS. BOSS stands for Be On the Safe Side. It is a free van (taxicab) service for students that runs every night of the week and will take you anywhere within a two mile radius of campus. All you need to do is call their number at 414-229-6503 and tell them where you are and where you’re going. Just be warned though once it gets later at night the wait for boss can increase due to lots of people requesting rides. So make sure you call early enough to get where you’re going on time.
The third option is to take a cab or drive yourself. These are ok options but if you can find some other way to get where you’re going I would take that. Cabs in Milwaukee are nice because they are so reliable. They will pick you up anywhere and drop you off anywhere at any time of the day. But they can be pretty costly, aka not free. Driving yourself is another option if you have a car but just like trying to park on campus, parking in the city can be a pain. Be careful of parking regulations and lot hours and not to mention most places you will find parking, charge by the hour. So if you’re going to be gone all day this can add up quickly. Most students at UWM do not have cars, so they use the buses, BOSS, cabs, and bicycles.