Volume 15 Issue 1 February, 2013 Upcoming Event to Help Your Student Find a Job or Internship Homecoming 2013 “Soaring Through the Decades” Count What Matters Counseling Center FAQ’s Where Will Your Student Live Fall 2013? Discover Your Off-Campus Housing Options Greek Life Upcoming Events to Help Your Student Find a Job or Internship Sarah Crockett, Career Development Counselor Encourage your student to let the Career Center help him or her prepare for that all important job or internship search! We have a variety of activities and services this semester to get your student ready for a job or internship search. Resume Coach Get a game plan for your resume and cover letters and gain tips on format and content! There is no appointment necessary for this drop-in clinic being held 1 week before the Spring Career Fair. Wed, February 13; 10am – 3pm; Randall Library Lobby Career Fair 2013 50+ employers. All Majors. One Day. This is your time! Will you dare to soar? Check SeaWork for list of employers so you’re ready to learn about different job and internship opportunities available! Professional attire required. Wed, February 20; 12noon – 3pm; Burney Center Menu for Success: Professional Etiquette in the Workplace A full course workshop and business meal. Pre-registration required. Tickets are $25 through SeaWork under Career Events (www.myseawork.com). Ticket deadline: Wed, February 20th. Professional attire. • Reception and Delicious Professional Meal • Tips on Dining, Attire, Social Media, Employer Culture, Workplace Etiquette, etc. • Extensive Professional Etiquette handout Mon, Feb 25; 5:30pm; Burney Center Career Center Hours and Services Students can call and make an appointment year-round to discuss any stage of their own personal career development process (from deciding on a major to the type of career or graduate program to pursue post-graduation). Likewise, if your student has a quick question or would like a resume checkup they can stop by the Career Center without an appointment during Career Express Lane. The Express Lane is on a first-come first served basis and available on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. as well as Monday-Friday afternoons from 2:00-4:00p.m. UNCW CAREER CENTER – www.uncw.edu/career – 910-962-3174 Brought to you by the Office of Transition Programs In this issue: ACE presents 2013 Homecoming “Soaring Through the Decades,” Kelley Hensley, Graduate Assistant for the Association for Campus Entertainment Dear Mom and Dad, There’s this girl in my World Civ. class, and she is amazing. She’s smart and beautiful and she seems really into me. I know she’s quality, but the idea of being with her, scares the crap out of me. Am I stupid to explore other options? Love, Your little Seahawk … said no email home, ever. College is full of pressure, questioning, and that other time-consuming detail known as an education. Parents know it is hard, but often do not know how to approach being a resource for their kids. Author Harlan Cohen has worked to create a safe community for college students with advice columns, blogs, and books like The Naked Roomate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College. Cohen’s matter- of-fact tone calls the issue what it is, but also gives write-ins the confidence to take ownership of their own confidence, character, and opportunities. Sounds like just what your Seahawk needs? The Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) is happy to present Harlan Cohen as part of this year’s incredible Homecoming line-up. Do not let your son or daughter miss this incredibly entertaining and FREE event on February 14th at 7:00 pm in the Burney Center. In fact, Seahawks will have a chance to beat the cold winter blues starting February 9th with a week of Homecoming events sure to please any taste. This year’s theme “Teal as Old as Time: Soaring Through the Decades,” takes students back with a blast from each decade. No Seahawk can resist an 80’s themed Blacklight Party (Feb. 12th) announcing ACE’s annual Spring Concert or laughing it up with comedian Paul Varghese (Feb. 11th). Not to mention, the unforgettable Homecoming traditions of a shadow cast production of Moulin Rouge, the Late Night Breakfast, the 7th Annual Dub Idol, the 15th Annual Port City Step Show, and of course the Homecoming Parade and Game are back with flare. For a complete list of events, locations, and all the details of what is available to your student in the Seahawk community visit www.uncw.edu/ace or follow our event pages on www.facebook.com/UNCWACE Count What Matters! Alexandria Langlois- Health Promotion Peer Educator Each year at the University of North Carolina Wilmington the Health Promotion team recognizes National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This year it will be taking place the week of February 24- March 2, 2013. Health Promotion’s theme for the week is “Count What Matters,” focusing on positive body image and self-esteem. Students will be encouraged to “Count What Really Matters,” rather than the number on a scale or the size of their clothing. Not only does Health Promotion want to raise awareness for the community, but they also want to educate students about eating disorders and body image issues. Throughout the week the Health Promotion Peer Educators will be across campus distributing pamphlets, awareness bracelets and information on where students can access help if needed. The peers will also be hosting and presenting a variety of programs. On Tuesday, February 26, we will be hosting a program addressing the influence social media can have on one’s self esteem and body image. On Wednesday, February 27, we will be presenting “Healthy is the New Skinny.” This program focuses on how to form and maintain healthy habits throughout college that will hopefully last a lifetime. Lastly, on Thursday, February 28, we will be hosting one of our most popular programs of the week, the Body Image Luncheon with the campus dietitian, Courtney Simmons, and other local resources. Throughout the lunch, students will discuss topics ranging from body images in the media to eating disorders. Participants will be able to share experiences that they see on campus as well as in the media and its effects on body image. Health Promotion, along with Campus Recreation, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Counseling Center hope that our campaign “Count What Matters,” will educate and encourage students to reach out for help if needed. Encourage your Seahawk to come out and support National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Count What Matters! Visit our website for times and locations of our upcoming events! www.uncw.edu/healthpromo Counseling Center FAQ’s By Jim Dolan Ph.D., Associate Director Counselors aren’t the only ones who ask questions. Following are some answers to some questions parents frequently ask about the Counseling Center and our services. What is counseling? Counseling is a collaborative process between counselor and client that seeks to explore client concerns and improve their situation. Creating a therapeutic relationship involves; Providing a caring, respectful environment Developing rapport Mutually agreeing upon goals for counseling Providing insight and answering questions about the counseling process Who is eligible for counseling services and how much does it cost? Enrolled students are eligible for services. Counseling services are free to enrolled students. What services does the Counseling Center provide? The Counseling Center offers students a safe and confidential place to address concerns hindering their personal academic success. These services including individual counseling, group counseling, and offcampus referral services as well as psychoeducational outreach programs and consultation. Why can’t you tell me if my student is receiving services? The identity of those using our services is held in strict confidence in accordance with ethical standards and state and federal laws. Confidential information cannot be shared with anyone outside of the Counseling Center without written consent except under certain circumstances such as imminent danger to self or others, child or elder abuse, or a court order. Can you help my student find a provider in the community? Yes. We are familiar with community providers and will work with students to connect them to a provider best suited to meet their service needs. Our Clinical Resources Coordinator follows-up with students to make sure they are connected or to provide additional resources as needed. If you have a concern about your student’s emotional or mental well-being, encourage them to seek help at the Counseling Center. More information about our services can be found on our website, www.uncw.edu/counseling. Where Will Your Student Live in Fall 2013? Lesia Heltzel, Housing and Residence Life Assignment Coordinator It’s the time of year for you and your student to be thinking about 2013–14 housing plans. In order to be eligible for on-campus housing, students must complete a housing contract and pay a $105 non-refundable housing contract fee five business days prior to their expected sign up or pull in time. Please be aware that housing contracts will only be accepted from returning students as space permits; in order to be guaranteed housing for the 2013-14 academic year, your student should complete a housing contract as soon as possible. How your student contract: 1. Go to MySeaport 2. Choose the “Student Services” tab at top of page. 3. Scroll down on left side of page. 4. Click “Contract and Payment” link, select term “Fall 2013.” 5. Student should read contract thoroughly. 6. Complete process. *If your student is unable to complete the housing contract online, please have him or her visit the Office of Housing and Residence Life, to fill out a contract, and make the payment in person. Room selection timeframes are based on where your student chooses to live and his or her class standing. The entire returning student sign-up process can be found at the following housing website: http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/housing/students/room-signup.html Most room selection timeframes will be available for 2 days. Students are able to choose their spaces through MySeaport between 10:00am and 4:30pm on their designated sign-up dates. If your student needs help completing the process, please have him or her come to the Housing Office for assistance. Discover Your Off-Campus Housing Options Lauren Auton, Perch Specialist The decision for your student to move off-campus during their college career is tough, requiring maturity, accountability, and planning. At UNCW, we understand that shopping for apartments can be a hassle, not only when considering the time spent scanning the internet, driving to properties, and comparing prices; but also the psychological burden that stress can create for you and your student. To help get you organized, UNCW and the PERCH would like to invite you to our biannual Housing Fair on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in the Warwick Center at UNCW from 11:00am-2:00pm. The Housing Fair rallies local apartment complexes, rental agencies, and home services so that students have a one-stop opportunity to learn about several off-campus living options and services. This event is FREE, and provides the perfect opportunity for you and your student to explore off-campus living choices in a fun, stress-free environment. There will also be free pizza and giveaways! We hope to see you there! The PERCH also has Off Campus Coffee Breaks planned each week to help your son or daughter learn more about their off campus living options. Representatives will be present from an off campus apartment complex and they can answer any questions that your son or daughter may have. A different apartment complex will be represented each week. Encourage your student to bring questions with them about pricing, floor plans, leases, roommates, pets, and more. There will be FREE coffee, juice, and breakfast biscuits or pastries available also. Coffee Breaks take place on most Wednesdays and many Thursdays throughout the semester and last from 10:30am-11:30am. They will be located in Fisher Student Center across from the Bookstore Entrance. For exact Coffee Break dates, please check the PERCH website at www.uncw.edu/PERCH. Your student can also stay up to date on PERCH events and other happenings on and off campus by: Liking the PERCH on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ThePERCHUNCW) Following the PERCH on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ThePERCH_UNCW) Fraternity and Sorority Members Strive for Success Ali Van Duzor, Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life had a very successful fall semester academically. We maintained our trend of exceeding the average undergraduate GPA (of 3.02) with an average GPA of 3.03 for all initiated members. Our overall Panhellenic GPA for fall semester was 3.29, with Sigma Sigma Sigma as our top ranked sorority with an average GPA of 3.39. IFC had an overall GPA of 2.82 for fall semester, and the top ranked fraternity from this semester was Lambda Chi Alpha with a GPA of 3.04. National PanHellenic Council (NPHC) had an average GPA of 3.13 after this semester, and the NPHC group with the highest GPA after fall semester was Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. with an overall GPA of 3.59. Congratulations to all of our high academic achievers! Our fraternities and sororities are busily preparing for this spring’s Greek Week which will take place March 11th - 17th. Greek Week is a friendly competition between the chapters from Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council (IFC), and NPHC. Greek Week highlights the 4 pillars of Greek life, which are: scholarship, service, leadership, and friendship. Chapters are paired up into teams in which they will come up with a team name corresponding to the theme of Greek Week. The teams will participate in events like Greek Games, attending a Speaking Greek presenter, and the much anticipated talent show. We look forward to sharing news from Greek Week with you all! Transition Programs Division of Student Affairs Creating Experiences for Life 601 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403-5997 Phone: 910-962-3089 Fax: 910-962-4265 E-mail: transitions@uncw.edu www.uncw.edu/transitions The Office of Transition Programs provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to meet the unique needs of undergraduate students and parents from orientation through graduation. Programs generate an intentional connection for the students through engaging interactions with other students, faculty and staff. Ultimately, through this community participation each student is provided the opportunity to improve critical thinking, problem solving, academic achievement, interpersonal and intrapersonal growth and civic responsibility.