B Y: G L EN D A HE N S L E Y
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Special Report:
New Student Convocation: Welcome to the Family First-year Students!
Wes Moore, Keynote Speaker and Author of the 2015 One Book
At the 2015 Convocation, new students heard from special guest: author
of the 2015 One Book, The Other Wes Moore. After an emotional and
inspiring speech that touched upon family, hope, and the courses of life,
Wes Moore joined faculty, staff, and students for a reception to answer
questions and continue the conversation. The evening culminated with the
signing of books, the swapping of stories and the exchange of warm smiles
and hugs, as guests enjoyed refreshments and snacks. True to his generous
nature and warm heart, Wes expressed his deep appreciation for the
opportunity to visit with us at WCU and commented that “Western has
truly remarkable people.” Story by: Lauren Bergnes
Nice job Catamounts!
One Book 2015
The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
A New York Times Bestseller by: Wes Moore
Visit the Events page to learn more about these conversations, as
well as those planned for October!
onebook.wcu.edu
Tool Box
Ten Ways to Write a Professional Email: Advice for College Students
Too often, professors say that they see things like, “Lol”, “Ttyl”, “hee hee” and professors have no idea what
those even mean! This skills that are used when you are in college will be used in the workplace. Whether you
are a student, or a professional, here are 10 rules to writing a professional email.
http://www.inboxdetox.com/blog/10-ways-write-professional-email-advice-college-students-neltje-maynez
Perspectives
Advise For Students From Those Who Know (Older Students)
Faculty & Instructors: Trust me ---you will want to share with your class!
Shared by: Amy Murphy-Nugen
New supplies, new clothes, new start. Freshman year is a chance to redefine yourself, to challenge assumptions,
to lay the foundation for the rest of your life. Gee whiz, you say, I’m just 18! So we asked for help, from those
who have been there, done that. In the link below are words of wisdom from 25 upperclassmen and recent
grads.
Click Here!
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/education/edlife/advice-for-new-students-from-those-who-know-old-students.html?_r=2
The CORE
FYE Tips for Success: Workshops in September!
Taking Charge Series: Get Involved!
Org Sync with Karen Farmer: UC Multipurpose Room. 5-6 pm
Real World Life Hacks! Series: Choosing a Major for Your Career
Theresa Paul from Career Services: Blue Ridge B 6:30-7:30
One Book Event Reader Round Table
UC Grand Room 7:00 pm -- ICA
One Book Event Reader Roundtable
5pm: Blue Ridge Hall Conf. Rm
One Book Event: Panel Discussion: Social & Cultural Capital
UC Catamount Room 12:30-1:30
Taking Charge Series: Financial Literacy
UC Multipurpose Room. 5-6 pm
Family Table
First Steps to Success: A Pathway for First Generation Students
First-Gen students make up just over 31.4 % of the incoming class of freshmen. These students are
blazing a new pathway not only for themselves, but also for their family.
First Steps to Success is a program designed to provide a supportive community to assist first-generation college
students with both the academic and social transition to college life. Students enrolled in the fall program will
have opportunities to connect the dots via their USI class; with the guidance of the Peer Academic Leaders
(PAL’s); and out of classroom experiences, including a special retreat hosted by Student Affairs. For more
information about First Steps to Success!
To learn more about First Generation College Student Initiatives at WCU, visit
firstgen.wcu.edu
CEO Reminders---Calendars – Events – Opportunities
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...
Coulter Faculty Commons Calendar
EVENTS
An Evening with Samaritan’s Feet CEO and the Author of Sole Purpose, Manny Ohonome
Wednesday, September 2, 2015, 5:00-7:00 pm in the UC Theatre
After being given his first pair of tennis shoes at the age of nine, Manny Ohonme began to compete in sports
activities in Africa. Come learn how this young boy from Nigeria earned a full athletic scholarship to the US,
became a technology executive, & built an international organization from the ground up – Samaritan’s Feet.
For the 2015-16 Campus Theme - Africa: More than a Continent – leaders from across WCU have
formed a collaboration with the non-profit, Samaritan’s Feet. To learn more, contact Lane Perry.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
September 9, Bardo Arts Center – 7:30 pm
$5.00 --students & $10.00 --general admission
9th Annual Study Abroad Fair
Tuesday | September 15 | 11am-2:30pm at the University Center Grandroom
Discover over 30 tables of information; hundreds of study programs; internships; service learning; WCU facultyled trips overseas for WCU credit; International study grants and scholarships; International work opportunities
OPPORTUNITIES
Mindfulness and Meditation Weekly Practice
Thursdays @ 4pm: 224 Bird building
Mindfulness is a universal human capacity- a way of paying attention that can be
cultivated, sustained, and integrated into our everyday life.
To find more info, please visit: caps.wcu.edu
Finish in Four Please visit the “Finish In Four” website -- designed to introduce
students to Fostering Undergraduate Student Success and increase four-year
graduation rates and to help you familiarize yourself with the new policies.
Resource File
Blackboard --- reference and participate in the Transition Pathways Course site....
Education Briefcase – resources and information for students and for faculty……….
CFC on the Web --- help with teaching, technology, and more--- helping you do what you do better!
OrgSync --- the place for student clubs and organizations and other co-curricular opportunities.
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 …
FYE on the Web --- many resources and network links to help you along the way …..
The next regular publication will be October 1, 2015 --- 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