B Y: R E B E CC A F. W O LFE S E PT E M B ER 1 0 , 20 1 2 MESSAGE 1 BUILDING ROOMMATE RELATIONSHIPS Living with a roommate can be a challenging adjustment as you transition to college. You may or may not have known your roommate upon your arrival at WCU, but hopefully you have been able to establish some ground rules and work together on any issues that have come about thus far. Below are some tips for establishing a healthy roomie relationship. Establish boundaries! It’s always a good idea to openly discuss class schedules, noise level preferences (TV, music, etc), and visitors/overnight guests in your room. You’ve had several weeks to figure out your routine, so it may be helpful to put your preferences in writing so both of you are aware of each other’s expectations and individual needs this school year. Be honest! Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy. If you are experiencing any issues with your roomie, it is best to speak up immediately. Chances are, your roommate will be open to listening to the issues you present and working out a compromise in order to improve the quality of living within your close quarters. Use your RA as a resource! Your RA has lived in a dorm before and will serve as a great peer mentor for you throughout the year-for issues and questions both inside and outside the residence hall. If you feel uncomfortable approaching your roommate, consult your RA first. He or she will be able to help you start the conversation with your roommate, offer suggestions, and even be a part of the conversation, if desired. Remember, effective communication is key, and following the Golden Rule will serve you well! For more information, check out The Department of Residential Living’s Living With a Roommate page. Best, Rebecca F. Wolfe FYE Graduate Assistant STAY CONNECTED to the RESIDENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION MESSAGE 2 . 10 Become an active Resident Student . Association member! Be the voice of Res Life and contribute to changes to better your residential campus community! Did up know you are a part of PEAKS? ! Meet Your Residential Living staff! Love living on campus? Thinking about becoming an RA next year? Check out Employment Opportunities with Residential Living! Questions? Comments? Concerns? Call 828.227.7303 E-mail housingquestions@wcu.edu Stop by 1st West Scott Hall Cullowhee, NC 28723 MESSAGE 3 FYE Bookmark Journey – 2012 WHAT’S THE POINT? ---- LEARNING GOALS This journey should help you 1. Discover the physical location of the 15 resource sites. 2. Identify the primary purpose and function of each resource. 3. Understand how this resource is relevant to your college experience. 4. Integrate knowledge or skills learned from the resource into mapping a successful college experience. DOCUMENT the JOURNEY: At each resource site you will find a box identified with the bookmark postcard. Inside the box you will find clue cards. Take one and follow the directions on both sides. On side one, write your name and follow the clue to answer WHO: Name of resource WHERE: Location (building) WHAT is the function or service of the resource? WHEN are they open to serve your needs? WHY is this resource important to you? On side two, complete the second clue, and share your discoveries with your transition course instructor per class instructions. Return your signed clue cards to your instructor – this is the only way you can win! HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK? Complete side 1 for all 15 locations and your name will be in a prize drawing. Complete side 1 and side 2 for all 15 locations and your name will be in a drawing for an even better prize! The class with the most completers will be in a drawing for a class ice-cream social. Resources Sites Group 1 WaLC : Writing & Learning Commons International Programs CRC: Campus Recreation Center Group 2 Class TIPS: Technology Commons Leadership Office MHC: Mountain Heritage Center Group 3 Hunter Ask a Librarian Intercultural Affairs One Stop Group 4 ACE: Arts & Cultural Entertainment Service Learning Center Health Center Group 5 Career Services FAM Fine Art Museum Red Zone Central First Year Experience at WCU ---- Your goals for this year: Discover College Adapt to new environments and responsibilities - discover and use the resources available to you! Be Involved Identify and act upon your role and responsibility as an engaged citizen - be an active participant in your learning experiences! Connect the Dots Connect your personal interests and abilities, academics, and co-curricular activities as you make sense of the world. Think First Identify complex issues or problems – evaluate your options to make an informed decision - reflect on the implications of your choice. Exchange Ideas Communicate appropriately and respectfully in a variety of formats and contexts. Calibrate Your Compass Examine your values and goals - take responsibility for your own learning and development - act with integrity. As you journey through the year, Reflect on these FYE goals; Celebrate the Student Community Creed; Share your success stories in EYE on FYE Check out the above link to see what your predecessors had to say Please read the full FYE Journal to learn more about what to expect in your first year at WCU. Visit this link!