Newsletter for January 26, 2011
Photo by Ansel Adams
“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.”
~ Victor Hugo
Welcome back, students! We hope you had a restful break, and we are
excited to start spring semester with you.
Announcement
Student Parent Study Groups
Interested in forming a study group for a difficult subject? Physics, Language, Biology,
Psychology, you name it and we will gather e-mails and names of other student parents
interested so you can form a study group. Please e-mail Gwen at hell0238@umn.edu if you are
interested. In the e-mail, please name the subject, that you are ok with your name and e-mail
being released to other student parents interested in the same subject, and title the e-mail
“Student Parent Study Group.” The next newsletter will ask for more people to join certain study
groups depending on the areas of interest you all come up with. If needed, SPHC staff can also
help with setting up a Google calendar for each group member in order to share access between
calendars and find open times for the groups to meet.
Save the date
February 25: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA JOB AND INTERNSHIP FAIR
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center, downtown Minneapolis.
Cost: $10 if you pre-register online by February 22, or $25 at the door on the day of the fair.
www.umjobfair.org
February 26: Tech Fest
An event sponsored by The Works, is an all day event that has hands on activities and shows for
kids to learn about engineering. The event is free and open to the public. For more information
go to http://www.theworks.org/fb/visit/special_events.html
Share with each other
SPHC Facebook Group
The SPHC is on Facebook! Search for "Student Parent HELP Center" to join the SPHC group, or
for a larger group of student parents that includes graduate students and others not registered
with the SPHC, search for "University of Minnesota Student Parents". Being a part of the
“Student Parent HELP Center” group is another great way to stay connected with the SPHC and
other student parents as well as to share tips and resources, ask questions of SPHC staff and
other parents, and stay updated on SPHC events!
Student Parent Success Stories and Announcements
We would like to continue featuring personal success stories and announcements in our biweekly newsletter. If you will be graduating this fall, having a baby, buying a home, getting
married, or are experiencing a related event, please let us know. You can send the
announcements or stories to the SPHC e-mail address (sphc@umn.edu). We are proud of all of
your accomplishments and upcoming events, and would love to share them with others.
Student Parent Pictures
Have any great family photos that you want to share with others? If so, please send them to us
so that we can feature them in the newsletter. Please send us any pictures you want included
in a newsletter to sphc@umn.edu as an e-mail attachment.
PASS Group (Parents as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center PASS Group meets
weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in
Room 24, Appleby Hall.
The group provides the opportunity to connect with other
student parents, discuss the challenges and joys
surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a
FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.
The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your
willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we
hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and
remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your
schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!).
UPCOMING GROUP TOPICS:
Wednesday, 1/26/11 from 12-2PM
This week will be the first group for spring semester and will include introductions, and an open
discussion on goal setting. We will be welcoming Gwen Dezelske, our Graduate intern, as the
spring co-facilitator! Corn Chowder will be served for lunch.
Wednesday, 2/2/11 from 12-2PM
This week we will be focusing on wellness and living green. Lunch will be ordered in from Camdi
today!
Wednesday, 2/9/2011
Have some financial questions? Deb Wilkin, from Financial Aid, will join group for a discussion
on financial aid and more. Crockpot Enchiladas will be served for lunch!
Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in
order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered a student
parent’s priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are
unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide
information to you afterwards.
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Melanie Soland or Kara Fahey at
sphc@umn.edu.
Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. for all
other resource use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 p.m. and we will re-open
the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the
group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.
What Student Parents say about group:
“I feel like I do better because I feel like I am not the only person with these stresses. I
feel it makes my life a little bit better.”
“Group keeps me positive and feel like I’m a part of the U, even though I’m different
because of my parenthood status.”
“A place I can come where other people understand the stress and challenges that come
with being a student parent.”
“I’ve gained confidence as a parent and have friends that are in similar situations.”
“Just a place you can relax—be with other people who can relate to you because they have
to balance school and kids, too.”
“It’s like being able to go home in between classes.”
Scholarships
The CLA Continuing Student Scholarships
Application Deadline: 2/1/2011
The deadline to submit your 2011-2012 CLA Continuing Student Scholarship Application form is
fast approaching. There are nearly 20 types of scholarships being offered through CLA with over
100 scholarships to be awarded. Scholarships range from $400 to $5,000 for the 2011-2012
academic year. Information about all CLA Continuing Student Scholarships can be found at
http://scholarships.cla.umn.edu/continuing_students/ . Applications and supporting materials
must be submitted to the Undergraduate Programs office in 115 Johnston Hall no later than 4
p.m. on February 1, 2011.
Eligibility:
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Current CLA students with freshman through junior status (at least 15 credits completed
by the end of Fall 2010),
Intend to declare (or who have declared) a major in CLA and plan
to pursue a CLA degree.
Applicants are expected to study full-time (complete 30 credits) during the academic
year in which they are awarded the scholarship.
Students nearing 120 credits at the time of application are not likely candidates for
these scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of need, determined by FASFA,
and/or merit, indicated by a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you have questions or need assistance with the application process,
please contact our Scholarship Coordinator Pajxyeem Xiong by email at
claschol@umn.edu or by phone at 612-626-3140.
McNair Scholars Program
Application Deadline: 2/14/2011
Program at-a-glance:
The goal of McNair Scholars is to give undergraduate students intensive, faculty-driven research
experiences and prepare students for entry into and success in graduate school.
McNair Scholars program is a 10 week summer research program where students will:
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Receive a $3,000 stipend throughout the summer
Be paired up with a professor to work on their research
Learn how to develop a quality research paper
Receive help with the application process (i.e. identify graduate programs, write a
personal statement, and create a curriculum vita)
Present their research at poster sessions held here at the U of M
Most importantly, develop a great relationship with a professor that is invaluable in terms
of getting admitted into graduate school
Qualifications:
First generation college student and low income, or from an underrepresented group, and a GPA
of 2.75 and above. You must be a full-time sophomore or junior and a U.S. citizen or a
permanent resident.
How to get a McNair application:
Applications can be picked up in 40 Education Sciences Building from 8:30-4:30, M-F.
For more information: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/trio/mcnair
Featured Resources:
MN Parent Magazine
Pick-up a free copy of MN Parent Magazine outside of the SPHC! The magazine is published
monthly, so if you would like to hear more parent stories, learn about parenting tips and
resources or if you are interested in family friendly events in Minnesota grab a copy.
Access Passport Membership to Minnesota Children’s Museum
Get a free year membership to the Minnesota Children’s Museum if your income is below the
designated guidelines. Then, visit the Museum as much as you would like for free!
Guidelines: 2 people= income of less than 18,941, 3 people= income of less than 23,803, 4
people= income of less than 28,665 etc.
For more information, pick up an application in the SPHC or visit http://www.mcm.org/museummembership/membership-types/needs-based-membership/.
MCAE Tutoring
Are you already overloaded with assignments and would like some help? You are not alone!
MCAE provides free drop-in tutoring, conveniently located in Appleby Hall, for students in
specific academic areas. A schedule can be found on the SPHC door or at
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/mcae/mcae/instructional-center.html. Smart Learning Commons also
provides free tutoring in the library. For more information go to: https://wiki.umn.edu/SMART.
Campus & Community Events and Activities
Free Family Flicks
Every Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Mall of America Theaters. Admission is on a first
come first served basis, so arrive early for seats. Now playing: 1/29 Nanny McPhee and 2/5
Nanny McPhee Returns. For more information and directions go to:
www.theatresmoa.com/events.htm
Live Animal Show 1/29, 10a.m.-11a.m.
Location: Maplewood Nature Center (2659 East 7th Street, Maplewood)Touch and feel the
nature center’s resident snake, toad and salamanders. Watch the salamander slurp up an
earthworm treat. Free, call to register at 651-249-2170.
Saint Paul City Ballet, SPCB Kids 2/6, 1 p.m.
Location: F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, Landmark Center; FREE
Share the wonder of dance with your entire family with a special program designed to introduce
young audiences to the magic and beauty of ballet
Green Job Revolution, Tuesday February 15, 2011, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union
Panel and Q and A of professionals from business; design, art, and building; agriculture, nutrition
and food; and policy, law and economics. Student group information tables and food! Go to
www.careerhelp.umn.edu/gjr for more details.
Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes
Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 25 minutes
4 servings
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon flour
3 1/2 cups half and half
8 ounces of dry macaroni (about 3 cups) -- you can also use fusilli or penne pasta
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (do not use the pre-bagged kind because it contains
cornstarch)
Directions
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for 5
minutes, stirring occasionally until onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the oregano, salt
and flour and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add the half and half and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer
for 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
3. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Serve immediately.
Tortellini and Peas
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Ingredients: serves 4
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Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds frozen cheese tortellini
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
Directions
1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini about 2 minutes less than package
instructions. Add peas; cook until pasta is al dente and peas are tender, 2 minutes more.
Reserving 1 cup pasta water, drain. Set aside pasta and peas.
2. Melt butter in pasta pot over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1
minute. Discard garlic.
3. To pasta pot, add pasta and peas, Parmesan, and 3/4 cup reserved pasta water; season
with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Add more pasta water, if necessary, to thin sauce.
Serve, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.
The SPHC staff welcomes you!
Here’s who’s who at the center:
Susan Warfield, LICSW
HELP Center Program Director
Brief background:
I began my professional career working in group homes with abused, neglected and later
autistic children and adolescents. Upon completing my MSW I worked for 7 years in the Denver
Public Schools, serving inner city schools with highly diverse populations. Prior to entering
higher education I owned my own private practice as a clinical therapist, also in Denver,
Colorado. It was the work I did with college students as a therapist that led me to do a national
search for higher education positions, a search that led me first to North Carolina and eventually
to my position with the SPHC at the U.
Melanie Soland, MSW, LGSW
Student Parent Counselor
Brief background
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Augsburg College and my master’s degree in
social work from the University of Minnesota. My professional career began with an internship
with the Campus Kitchens Project at Augsburg College, a program that utilized donated food to
create nutritious meals which volunteers delivered and shared with members of the community.
I’ve also worked with isolated elders through Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly, as an MFIP
job counselor in Ramsey County, and at a K-8 school in North Minneapolis. I was fortunate
enough to join the SPHC team during the 2008-2009 academic year as the graduate social work
intern/graduate teaching assistant, which is when I discovered my love of working with student
parents and working in a higher education setting. I am thrilled to be rejoining the SPHC team!
Sindhu Carlson
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Brief Background
I am beginning my junior year here at UMN, majoring in psychology. After earning my
bachelor’s degree, I will be pursuing my Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have always
had a passion for psychology and helping other people in any way possible. In the future, I hope
to be a Family Psychologist, specializing in those with young or teenage parents. I have been
itching to get some exposure to the field and am so thankful for the opportunity to work with
such a wonderful staff and group of students. As a student parent as well, I look forward to
learning from and contributing to the Student Parent HELP Center.
Kara Fahey
Graduate Social Work Intern
Brief Background
I earned my BA in Religious Studies from Lewis and Clark College. I recently completed a year
of service with AmeriCorps VISTA, where I was a Homework Center Coordinator for the Saint
Paul Public Library. I have worked with a broad range of students, K-Community College,
assisting them with their educational goals, in order to reduce the educational achievement
gap. Currently, I am pursuing an MSW here at the University of Minnesota. My interests are in
working with children and families in educational settings. I am excited to be working with
student-parents to learn more about pertinent issues, resources, and experiences they have
throughout their educational career.
Gwen Dezelske
Graduate Social Work Intern
Brief Background
I earned my Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota
Duluth. Following graduation I worked as a Direct Support Professional in an in-home foster care
program in Duluth. There I worked with adults with severe mental illness. My work experience
previous to that is in research psychology focused on gerontology. Currently I am pursuing a
Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Minnesota and am interested in gerontology
and hospice social work. I am excited to work with a new age group, learn about how to be a
support and resource for families in the SPHC, and consider myself very fortunate to be here
getting to know all the brave student parents who are also excited to learn and pursue a higher
education.