B Y: G L EN D A HE N S L E Y NO V EM B E R 5 , 2 0 1 2 Special Report Perspectives: When students communicate and take action – the voices that matter I invite you to take a look at the wonderful energy on our campus right now that is inspired, motivated, and driven by the voices of those we are here to serve. This year our campus has embraced Citizenship and Civility as our interdisciplinary theme. The energy that comes from a collective exploration has empowered many wonderful new ideas to take form; the initiative has also been driven to some degree by ideas and passions that have been percolating long before the theme was announced. This is a tremendous testament to the excellence lived by WCU students and a testament to the work each of you do to lead, mentor, teach, and explore all that is possible along the creative journey. Front Line---Say No to Bullying Say No to Bullying is a prime example of what happens when students inspire and lead with their passion. An initiative that was born of one student’s passion, this campus-wide campaign took flight this year. You may learn more about the student behind the movement in the article on page 5 of the FYE Journal. Show your support and encourage your students to attend one or more events this week! The Anti-Bullying Campaign aims to bring awareness and educate students on the behaviors, as well as consequences, of bullying by providing students with resources and support. The university strives to uphold morals and standards of character so students can excel in their academic studies. National Bullying Awareness Week--- November 12-17 1 in 10 of us are bullied everyday.....are you part of the PROBLEM or part of the SOLUTION? Monday: Expose the winning logo & motto for the Campaign! Displayed on a banner from the UC. Tuesday: “TEAL” Tuesday. Wear the color teal in support of anti-bullying. This ribbon signifies support and the memories of victims. Ribbons will be passed out in the downstairs courtyard dining! Wednesday: Come out & watch “The Bully” in the UC Theatre @ 9pm Popcorn & drinks will be provided! Thursday: Rally & Vigil outside of the Bell Tower @ 7pm Remember victims to bullying and bullycide. Support the cause to end bullying! Special Event in collaboration with NBAW: Saturday: Reid 10am-3pm Whee Protect: Rape Defense Workshop Lunch is catered! Contact Nick Stamp at wheeprotect@gmail.com Perspectives FYE Message Board provides a venue for reviews by FY students in WRCS Message Board is an E-publication with contributions by first-year students in the Writing, Rhetoric, and Composition Studies (WRCS) program. Message Board aims to help students stay current and to foster a successful transition to college. In addition, each weekly publication features reviews for local restaurants, shops, and places to go written by students in English 101. What a wonderful way to introduce students to our local area and engage them in critical thinking and writing! You may also see their work in the course Wiki, Get Local; http://roma.wcu.edu/groups/getlocal/ FYE Message Board is published each Monday. Toolbox EYE on FYE— Fall Final idea As you look toward the end of the semester and considering what way to address a ‘final’ assignment, you may want to consider EYE on FYE. This will be the third year of the contest and celebration for first-year students. It presents a wonderful opportunity to address all five goals of the QEP, especially “Communicate effectively and expressively,” as well as encourage students to truly embrace WCU’s Student Community Creed. You could even use EYE on FYE as their Education Briefcase assignment – to post a creative artifact! In this year of “Citizenship and Civility” --- EYE on FYE gives you a triple- hit homerun with an assignment geared to challenge students to express themselves creatively and expressively, while also connecting the dots to understand the aims of the QEP. Please take a look at the website to learn more about the contest rules and details and also to see examples of previous year’s entries. The contest opened officially on November 1, and will close March 22 – but course entries are especially encouraged this fall. The CORE Election Happenings *Updates brought to you by the Citizenship and Civility initiative 11/6- SHUTTLE VOTING – Catran shuttle to Jackson County Polls running from 9:00 a–6:00 p departing from behind the UC (look for the “marked Catran” can’t miss it) – no excuses, vote like a champ 11/6- 7:00p Election Watch Party –Food, drinks, games, and fun -- Starts at 7:00 pm, location TBD 11/6-7- Why did you vote? –All day Nov. 6-7 at the Catafount! Student Leadership A full list of all clubs and organizations recognized through the Student Government Association and Office of Leadership and Student Involvement can be found on OrgSync at: https://orgsync.com/browse_orgs/138. We encourage all students and Faculty/Staff Advisors to join OrgSync so that they can browse RSO’s and become familiar with opportunities on campus. Register at www.OrgSync.com. This Week & Next th CAREER SERVICES HEALTH SCIENCES CAREER FAIR -- Tuesday, November 6 -- 4-6pm, UC Grand Room: http://wcu.experience.com/stu/cf_registered_employers?fhnd=5829 Please click on this link to access the list of participating companies/institutions. Contact Career Services OXFAM HUNGER BANQUET --- Monday, November 12 at 6:00 pm in the Blue Ridge Multipurpose Room. Banquet participants will randomly draw tickets that assign them to different income levels, based on the latest statistics about the number of people living in poverty worldwide. Depending on where they sit, some will receive a filling dinner, while others will eat a simple meal or share sparse portions of rice and water. The event offers participants a chance to gain a new perspective on the root causes of hunger and poverty. There is no cost to attend, but donations of money or nonperishable food items are encouraged. All donations will benefit the Community Table. Space is limited and we are asking all students and student groups to register online by 5pm on Friday, November 9, at this link: https://orgsync.com/54768/forms/60808. Contact Derald “Banjo” Dryman if you have any questions -- servicelearning.wcu.edu LOVE YOUR BODY WEEK-- November 11-17 – Celebrate the Unique YOU! Love Your Body Week aims to promote body-positivity and healthy habits. Programs and events will address important issues such as nutrition, fitness, and body image to promote wellness for students, faculty, and staff at Western Carolina University, as well as members of the surrounding community. Highlighted events include the Amazing Catamount Challenge, a clothes swap, a free belly-dancing workshop, nutrition assessments, and more. We hope that you will share these events with your students as well as those who might be interested. THE AMAZING CATAMOUNT CHALLENGE --- November 13, 2012 (a Love Your Body Week event) Participants will race across campus to complete activities based on different ways to love your body (physical activity, nutrition, and stereotypes of beauty, etc.). Teams of 2-4 are welcome to register. Prizes will be awarded to the top 2 teams! The race will begin at 4:30pm in the UC Central Plaza; check-in will begin at 3:45pm. To register, please stop by our table in the Courtyard Dining Hall during the Week of November 5-9 from 11:00am2:00pm or contact Sarah Carter at sacarter@wcu.edu or in University Center 331 by November 11, 2012. SPRING BREAK JAMAICA 2013! Info Sessions for all WCU students Students may attend one of these info sessions if interested in participating in the 2nd annual alternative spring break trip to Jamaica: Thursday Nov 8 5:00-6:00 pm Killian 116 Monday, Nov 12 5:00-6:00 pm Killian 107 For more information, Contact: Dr. Victoria Faircloth, Killian 123 victoria@email.wcu.edu November 20th -- 1:00pm-2:00pm Introduction to Em-Wave Biofeedback INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP and CIVILITY --- November 12-16 International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. If you or your department is interested in a presentation, contact Chris Pedo. CEO Reminders CALENDARS 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: Information on arts and culture at WCU - plays, concerts, art exhibits, films, and more... Service Learning: Current Events ACE: Arts and Cultural Events Calendar IT Training & Workshops: Calendar - For upcoming training and events, including Black Board, eBriefcase, and more and make sure to note Blackboard day on September 6th Potty Times: PEAKS communication with FY students. For more information, contact Laura Ansley. EVENTS Join the Bag It movement and decide for yourself how plastic your life will be. November 13th at 7:30pm in the University Center Theatre. Q&A after film with actor, Jeb Berrier and free refreshments to follow. Part of the 2012-2013 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Bag It has been garnering awards at film festivals across the nation. What started as a documentary about plastic bags evolved into a wholesale investigation into plastics and their effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our bodies. Information at ACE.wcu.edu and bagitmovie.com . th The Striver’s Row Poets --- November 14 at 7:30pm Bardo Arts Center Theatre - ace.wcu.edu Featuring: Carvens Lissaint Jasmine Mans Zora Howard OPPORTUNITIES TH 4 ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE EXPO Resource File Blackboard --- reference and participate in the Transition Pathways Course site.... Education Briefcase – resources and information for students and for faculty and staff looking to use eB in your course. First-Year Seminar: Liberal Studies – resource guide for faculty teaching the first-year seminar … Transition Pathways: An instructor resource - resource guide for FYE transition course instructors … 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..... OrgSync -- https://orgsync.com/login/western-carolina-university --- the place for student clubs and organizations and other co-curricular opportunities .. FYE Message Board – A weekly e-journal for students with content provided by WRCS students. The intent is to engage students in the conversation of learning and experience – with each other! TRANSITION PATHWAYS: The Blackboard Commons: If you teach an FYE Transition course, you will see it on your Blackboard menu under organizations. Questions: contact Glenda Hensley at ghensley@wcu.edu The Education Briefcase (eB) is now open to ALL undergraduate students! For information please contact Nory Prochaska, Chair of the eBriefcase Implementation Team. For general information about eB, visit the website. The next regular publication date is November 26, 2012 --- 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