Volume 13, Issue 1
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Winter 2011
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Bike Safety at UNCW
On-Campus Housing Reclaim Process
Off-campus Housing Fair
Healthy Living: Staying Cold and Flu Free
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Healthy Living: How Do I Talk to My Student?
Traditions: Intercultural Week
Student’s Perspective: Graduate School Process
We’ve Heard Your Voice: Campus Recreation
Spring 2011 Calendar
Keeping your student safe
By: Jessica Thummel, Seahawk Perch
At UNCW, students are encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation, such as biking and
skateboarding, because it is environmentally friendly and promotes physical well-being. Many students
use bikes to travel around campus, but do not know bike safety protocols. Here are some tips for biking
that will keep your student safe. Please remind them, when they are biking, to:
1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Always WALK a bike through a crosswalk. People give up their rights as a pedestrian when they
ride their bike through a crosswalk.
3. Use hand signals when turning when turning left. The hand signal alerts cars to slow down and
prepare for a turning bike.
4. Use a rear-view mirror on bikes.
5. Do not listen to music or talk on a cell phone while biking.
6. Install a headlight for biking at night.
7. Ride as if you are invisible. Most motorists are not aware of cyclists, which increases the likelihood
of collision. Always ride defensively.
On-Campus Housing Reclaim Process
By: Brendan Cook, Housing and Residence Life
It is the time of year students need to think about their 2011–2012 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.
How to contract:
1. Go to mySeaport beginning on January 26, 2011.
2. Click “Contract and Payment” link.
3. Complete the process.
*Students unable to complete the housing contract online, should go to the Office of Housing and Residence
Life to complete a contract and make the payment in person.
Academic Year Housing
This housing option is based on UNCW’s academic year, and offers the student the option of living on
campus during the spring and fall semesters, while going home during all school break periods. Academic
year housing is the only option available for those who choose to live in the traditional residence halls
(Belk, Cornerstone, Galloway, Graham, Hewlett, Honors and International House), as well as those who
choose to live in Seahawk Crossing Buildings 1 & 3.
Lease-based Housing
This housing option provides students the opportunity to live on campus year-round, with leases beginning in
August and running through the following July. Students may remain in their selected space without
relocation if they have contracted for the following year, paid their non-refundable housing fee, selected
the same bed space and are available during the Transition period in July and August.
For more detailed information about specific housing options, please see the Guide for On-Campus
Brought to you by the Office of Transition Programs
In this issue:
Living, available online at www.uncw.edu/housing. For the most up-to-date information, friend us on
Facebook (www.facebook.com/uncw.hrl) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/UNCWHRL).
Off-campus Housing Fair
By: Jessica Thummel, Seahawk Perch
The decision for students to move off-campus during their college career is tough, requiring
maturity, accountability, and planning. Shopping for apartments can be stressful and time consuming. To
assist students and families in the process, UNCW and the Seahawk Perch sponsors a biannual Housing
Fair.
Seahawk Perch Housing Fair
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Location: Burney Center
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Housing Fair rallies local apartment complexes, rental agencies, and home services to give
students a one-stop opportunity to learn about several off-campus living options and services. This FREE
event provides the perfect opportunity for you and your student to explore off-campus living choices in a
fun, stress-free environment.
How to Stay Cold and Flu Free
By: Emily Gerstner, Health Promotion Peer Educator
It is that time of the year again! Spring semester is starting up, and with it comes the cold and flu
season. The average cold lasts between 7 and 14 days, which means up to two weeks that your student
could be suffering academically because they are feeling under the weather. Contrary to popular belief,
you cannot catch a cold from going to sleep with wet hair, being exposed to a draft, or experiencing a
sudden change in external temperatures. Instead, encourage your students to stay healthy this season by
remembering these healthy tips that help prevent the cold:
Wash your hands!
Soap them up with warm water long enough to sing the ABC’s to kill cold causing germs. Use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
No Touching!
Cold viruses find ways to enter the human body like it is their job. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth,
and ears to keep germs out.
Clean it up!
Use a disinfectant to sanitize shared surfaces in dorms like keyboards, television remotes, and door
handles.
Eat healthy!
Maintaining a healthy diet that is full of omega-3, protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables
will keep an immune system strong. Avoid sugary foods that lower resistance to infection.
Stay hydrated!
Dehydration causes the immune system to weaken. The average adult should be aiming for 64 ounces of
water per day. Drinking fluids also washes out viruses that harbor in the throat and stomach.
Work it out!
Although studies have shown that regular exercisers still catch colds, their symptoms are usually less severe
and they are feeling better faster that non-exercisers.
Remember, there is no way to cure a cold. So remind your student to take precautions and stay
healthy this semester!
Healthy Living: How Do I Talk to my Student?
By Jim Dolan PhD, Counseling Center
Often parents call the Counseling Center seeking advice on how to handle concerns about their
student. While the Counseling Center does not provide counseling services to a student’s family members
or family counseling, we will consult with parents seeking support for their student. The other day I
received a call from a mother who expressed both concern and frustration about her son’s situation. She
related that her son, a first year student, had failed some of his first semester classes because he was
spending too much time hanging out with friends and not enough time studying. She had two questions: is
this normal and how to avoid an argument about grades.
While I cannot say it is “normal” for students to fail classes in their first semester of college, based
on my experience I can say it is not uncommon for students to struggle their first semester with the demands
of college classes. Sometimes that struggle results in lower-than-expected or even failing grades. This is
frustrating and disappointing to both parents and students who likely envisioned a different outcome.
Strong feelings can make it difficult to promote positive change.
Oftentimes students misperceive parental concern as an infringement on their newfound autonomy
and can react defensively. Using what is called an “I” statement to express your feelings related to a
behavior can lessen the chance of a defensive response. The traditional format for an “I” statement is “I’
"feel (name the feeling) when you (name the behavior in non-judgmental terms) because (name the effects
of the behavior). This language may sound somewhat stilted, but it is a way of reframing a situation that
allows for the expression of feelings and responsibility for actions without promoting blame. Using “I”
statements in confronting students with problem behavior can provide clarity about the feelings involved
and the situations that provoke those feelings. Asking your student to use the same type of language helps
them to take responsibility for their own feelings and their own actions.
In the above-mentioned situation, one suggestion is to say to the student “I feel disappointed with
your study habits because I want you to succeed academically.” This names the feeling, the behavior of
concern, and the effect of the behavior. It states that you are disappointed in the behavior not the student,
which makes it more likely you can have a productive conversation about finding ways to change a
behavior without making the student feel like they are being attacked. Likely, they are struggling with
their own feelings of disappointment and uncertainty.
Using “I” statements can feel uncomfortable at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Over time,
you will learn to adapt the statements so that they feel more natural and incorporate all the necessary
elements. “I” statements are a proven form of conflict management because they allow for some space
between an action and a reaction. They allow individuals to get in touch with their feelings and formulate
an appropriate response instead of just reacting.
Traditions: Intercultural Week
By: Meaghan Kacsmar, International Programs
Intercultural Week is dedicated to showcasing the diversity of our area. Events feature different
cultures within the student body and community. The Office of International Programs is hosting the 18th
Annual Intercultural Week, Feb. 7-12. This year nearly twenty exciting events on campus will celebrate the
theme Shifting Perspectives in the Global Village. Among the events is the Annual Intercultural Festival &
Bazaar, 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Saturday Feb. 12. This event includes food, dance, music, performances, and
exhibits which represent cultures all around the world. The Lunar New Year Celebration will take place
dinnertime on Feb. 8 in the Wagoner Dining Hall and will include face painting, chopstick races, and an
opportunity to learn about study abroad opportunities in Asia. Films, lectures and panel discussions round
out the week’s activities. The full list of Intercultural Week’s events and details can be found online at
www.uncw.edu/intprogs/IWeek.htm.
A Student’s Perspective: Graduate School Application Process
By: Elizabeth Manuel, Senior majoring in Marketing
As the graduation approaches, I am faced with the question “What do I do next?” In the fall, I
made the decision to apply to graduate school and continue with my education after I leave UNCW.
During my time at UNCW, I had the opportunity to be involved in organizations and gain experiences in
the Division of Student Affairs. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in Student Affairs by
earning a Master’s degree.
In the fall, I practically picked up a full time job working on graduate school applications. Each
school and program had their own forms, requirements, and expectations. Additionally, I prepared to take
the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). I did not anticipate how much work and time go into writing
essays, studying for the GRE, and keeping track of the requirements for each application. I spent the fall
semester working on my graduate school applications, personal statements, editing resumes, and requesting
transcripts. I met with the Career Center to get help with my resume. I stayed on campus late for GRE
study groups through the Learning Center, and talked to faculty and staff about everything relating to the
application process.
Throughout my fall semester, the importance of meeting deadlines and staying organized was my
motto. If I was not in class, working, or at my internship, my time was spent becoming best friends with my
applications. After taking the GRE twice, collecting transcripts and letters of references, finishing my
personal statements, and paying many application fees, my applications were successfully submitted.
With the completion of my application came the most dreaded part of the process: waiting. The
wait seemed endless. I would reread everything that I had submitted and check the websites repeatedly
for any application updates. Some schools posted information regularly, others I called. Everything was
successfully submitted. My anticipation built; there was nothing I could do but wait. Then one acceptance
letter came. Over the winter break, getting the news that I had been accepted into a program left me
relieved. I was able to take a breath and know that I am doing something after I graduate. I had a plan.
The good news was awesome, but I knew that there would be a next step in the process.
I will soon be traveling for interviews for other programs and assistantships. As nervous as I am, I
also feel prepared for what is to come. I have met with different Student Affairs staff and arranged mock
interviews. I understand how visitation weekends will run and have arranged to travel to each school. I
look forward to the next part of the graduate school process. I feel comforted knowing there are
resources and supportive faculty and staff to assist me through the process.
“We’ve Heard Your Voice” in Campus Recreation
By: Nathan Lindsay, Jonathan Peterson, and Bryan Messina, Student Life Assessment
At a university with over 12,000 students, some students and families might worry that an
individual’s voice could get lost in the crowd. Here at UNCW, we are working to ensure that we hear and
respond to students’ feedback on how to improve activities, services, and programs in student affairs.
Related to this effort, the Office of Student Life Assessment (SLA) has started the “We’ve Heard Your
Voice” initiative to share with students, families, and staff the ways in which their feedback has been used
to make improvements at UNCW. SLA believes that by listening to students we can adapt our campus to
become more welcoming, supportive, and engaging to everyone.
As the ninth article in this series, this article highlights the Department of Campus Recreation. As
many already know, the Department of Campus Recreation strives to give students access to space,
equipment, and knowledge to keep fit and enhance overall wellness of the university community. The
department is in charge of providing educational workshops, training, fitness programs, intramural
activities, sports clubs, special events, and the discover outdoor program. The variety of programs that
they offer is designed to have something of interest for everyone at UNCW.
The Department of Campus Recreation is currently in the construction phase of expanding the
Student Recreation Center to double its size. Before beginning the building process, Campus Recreation
conducted a student survey asking how the new building could be better designed to serve students.
Students expressed strong views about what should be included in the expansion, and these
recommendations have been followed. The additional amenities include a pool, more fitness space, more
court space, racquetball courts and additional group fitness space.
The Department of Campus Recreation also conducted a survey of the needs and learning outcomes
of its student employees. The survey found that students felt that they were developing many leadership
skills that will be useful to them throughout their lives. In addition, student employees expressed a desire to
meet students across work areas within Campus Recreation. As a result, students were placed in groups
outside their work area during fall training in order to share information, student employees organized
informal get-togethers outside of Campus Recreation, and staff members have been going around to
different work areas to meet and greet as well as share program information.
As illustrated by these and other similar initiatives, the Division of Student Affairs is committed to
hearing every student’s voice, and to continually improving the UNCW community to address students’
needs. If you would like to contact Student Life Assessment or learn about other assessment efforts within
student affairs, please visit our website at http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/assessment/Index.htm. We look
forward to more opportunities to “hear your voice”!
Spring 2011 Calendar
March 1, Tuesday
March 12, Saturday
March 12-20, Saturday-Sunday
March 20, Sunday
March 21, Monday
April 6, Wednesday
April 14, Thursday
April 15, Friday
April 21, Thursday
April 22, Friday
April 25, Monday
May 2, Monday
May 3, Tuesday
May 4-7, Wednesday-Saturday
May 9-10, Monday-Tuesday
May 10, Tuesday
May 13-14, Friday-Saturday
May 14, Saturday
May 15, Sunday
Last day to withdraw with W—undergraduate students
On-campus housing closes 10 a.m.
No classes
On-campus housing opens 10 a.m.
Classes resume 8 a.m.
Last day to withdraw with W—graduate students
Faculty Meeting
Graduation application deadline—Summer 2011 and Fall 2011—
undergraduate and graduate students
No classes
Good Friday State holiday; No classes
Classes resume 8 a.m.
Last day of classes
Reading day
Final Examinations
Final Examinations
Spring semester ends
Commencement
Academic year ends
On-campus housing closes 10 a.m.
Office of Transition Programs
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5997
Phone: 910-962-3089
Fax: 910-962-7151
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.