November 28, 2011
by: Glenda Hensley
CALENDARS
CoursEval: Please remind your students to complete CoursEval - for all their classes. It will close
December 10 at 8am.
Holidays at the UC : November 30 and December 1 – 6-9 pm
Student Life Calendar: For a complete listing of what's going on for students from intramurals, to concerts and lectures, to organizations, arts and culture, and so much more....
Events Calendar : For detailed information on the arts and culture scene at WCU - plays, concerts, art exhibits, films , and more...
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EVENTS
Kwanzaa Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 – 7-8:30 pm - U.C. Theater
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with a focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It is a week-long celebration celebrated from December 26-January 1. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, it is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture.
Sponsored by the Department of Intercultural Affairs - contact Yolany Gonell: ygonell@email.wcu.edu
OPPORTUNITIES
THE WCU POVERTY PROJECT ----- So many wonderful opportunities to engage…. Press on.
Many ideas are sparking - many of w h ich are posted on the WCU Poverty Project website.
Please see the list of courses that will integrate these themes into course work this spring --- maybe we should add your class!

EYE on FYE: Celebrate the Creed
Just in case you are searching for an idea for or to compliment your final exam …. Or just in case you are searching for a creative way to explore particular curricular goals and learning outcomes in your spring courses….
This year’s EYE on FYE contest may be your answer!
There are a multitude of ways for your students to creatively express themselves as they contemplate the WCU Community Creed As one of six goals for all first year students, you may find out more about the Creed at the link above. The FYE Student Council has worked hard to design the plan – now they need your students to join the Celebration! If you are interested to discuss ideas about how to integrate this into your course now or in the spring, please feel free to contact Glenda. For example… if you take a look at the next story about Dance Marathon – think of the possibilities for students to document this wonderful event as an example of how they celebrate the creed through service and creativity! So many possibilities! See the website for more details.
SERVICE LEARNING – ENGAGEMENT –CELEBRATION: Are you looking for a way to help students connect the dots? Here is a terrific idea…courtesy of Lori Davis, Assistant Director for Campus Activities
Dance Marathon at WCU will take place on March 10 th
for 12 hours, our theme is Dance With Me Under The Sea (we are still determining the time.) Here’s a little information about Dance Marathon: Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement, involving college and high school students at over
150 schools across the country who raise money for the Children’s Miracle
Network hospital in their community. WCU is raising money for the Greenville Children’s Hospital in
Greenville, SC. The event culminates with as a 12 hour long event where the students stay on their feet through dancing, games, and entertainment in order to celebrate the total amount raised that year.
Why stay on your feet for that long? To quote the first Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon’s mission statement: “We dance for those who can’t.” It is this solidarity to and connection with the cause that makes Dance Marathon an event unlike any other.
I think it would be a great idea to get a group of your students (possibly representing your departments) to be dancers for the 12 hours. The group will have to raise money for the event (I believe each student would need to raise $100.) It is awesome community service and a great way for the students to get involved. If you have students who wish to get involved, please send them the attached registration or have them email Paul Thiemann who is the Dancer Relations Chair. I hope to see them out there dancing! For more information contact Lori Davis, University Center - ledavis@email.wcu.edu - 828-
227-3622 - ace.wcu.edu

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TRANSITION PATHWAYS: The Blackboard Commons: If you are teaching a transition course, you will see it on your Blackboard menu under organizations. Take a few minutes to review how it is organized to assist you with teaching your transition course. And please consider sharing your best practice tips and strategies to be posted for your colleagues in FYE! Questions: contact Glenda Hensley at ghensley@wcu.edu
The Transitions Commons : Are you interested to connect a learning project with another course or perhaps to share a guest lecture, being mindful that our experts are in high demand with over 50 freshman transition classes. Click this link to see which classes with whom you share time.
Blackboard -- reference and participate in the Transition Pathways Course site....
CFC on the Web --- help with teaching, technology, and more--- helping you do what you do better!
FYE on the Web --- many resources and network links to help you along the way …..
QEP on the Web --- discover the possibilities - find the resources you need - find your path.....
The next regular publication date is December 5, 2011 --- please let me know if you want to share updates about programs, events, or other opportunities for teaching and learning in FYE!
Glenda Hensley, FYE Director