Volume 007 Issue 001 September 2015
U of M Receives Grant to Support Student Veterans We are pleased to announce that the University of Memphis received the Veterans Reconnect Grant, which will support veterans in higher education and help with retention and graduation rates. The University received $93,345 to create a Student Veteran Support Team (SVST) that will consist of representatives from the offices of Veterans Educational Benefits and Certification, Disability Resources for Students, Prior Learning Assessment, Psychological Counseling, Financial Aid and other campus departments.
Driven by Doing Designed, written and edited by: Ericka Smith
Joy Stout, Director of Adult and Commuter Student Services and the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), will co-chair the support team with Dr. William Akey, Associate Dean of the University College. The SVST will serve as an advisory committee for the Veterans Resource Center.
U of M President, M. David Rudd
The Veterans Reconnect Grant will help improve the New Student Veteran Orientation model, create a sustainability plan for the VRC, and it will strengthen the data evaluation system to provide concise information to departments serving veterans. The grant will also provide internships for student veterans, enhance the university’s educational marketing campaign, and train faculty and staff on how to successfully meet student veterans’ needs.
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Welcome! Welcome!! Welcome!!! I hope your summer vacation was filled with fun times and relaxation. Our first week of activities included our annual “Start Your Day With Us” event, in which we gave out free grab and go breakfast. We also provided more information about the Adult and Commuter Student Services office and the Veterans Resource Center. We encourage you to attend our Ice Cream Social in the Adult and Commuter Student Lounge (UC 243) this Friday, August 28th at 11:30 AM. I want you all to be successful and stay on top of your coursework. Success comes from preparation, hard work and resilience. In this edition of the newsletter, we have “6 College Success Tips” that will serve as the perfect guide on how to reach your educational goals. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about our upcoming events and seminars.
Go Tigers and have a great semester!
Joy R. Stout, Director of Adult and Commuter Student Services and the Veterans Resource Center. Office: 901-678-2644 jstout@memphis.edu
Healthy Lunch on the Go! Little Italy Chicken Pitas
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
1 tablespoon chopped drained sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 3/4 pound)
1 cup chopped tomato (about 1 medium)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Asiago cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
6 (6-inch) pitas, cut in half 3 cups mixed baby greens
Photo Credit: Lee Harrelson Recipe: Cooking Light
Ryan Van Dusen, Associate Dean of Student Conduct Adult and Commuter Student Services spoke with Dr. Ryan Van Dusen, Associate Dean of the Office of Student Conduct. Mr. Van Dusen shared his mission for this year, his best advice for students and much more. ACSS: What is the role of the Office of Student Conduct? Van Dusen: Our office investigates and discusses the Code of Conduct with students. If there is a potential violation, we will bring a student in and have Ryan Van Dusen, Associate a conversation with Dean of Student Conduct him or her about enforcing a safe campus environment. We want to make sure every student is safe and every student learns from his or her mistakes. ACSS: How do you make students feel safe when they know they have done wrong? Van Dusen: I try to make sure the student knows that we are here for them to learn. When I have a conversation with a student, unless it’s to the point where they are getting suspended, I’m going to tell them they’re not getting kicked out of school. But if there’s a potential suspension, I’m going to be honest with them as well. Just like in the classroom, it’s a time to learn about good citizenship. It’s okay for you to fail, but it’s how you recover from those mistakes.
ACSS: If a student witnesses misconduct, what should he or she do? Van Dusen: They should report it to someone, whether it’s our office, housing or the police. Especially if it’s something they know shouldn’t be going on, because if people ignore things, they will build up. If you see someone stealing or cheating on a test, let someone know. We can also do it anonymously. ACSS: What is your mission this year? Van Dusen: The mission is to look at our system as a whole and make sure it’s mutually beneficial for the university and the students. I work for the university, but I’m here for the students. I want to make sure our system is as fair as possible. It’s good right now, but there’s always room for improvement. This is a ridiculously safe campus and we want to make sure we maintain this high standard. ACSS: What’s the best piece of advice you have for students this semester? Van Dusen: Just do the right thing! The code is written so if it’s against the law, it’s against the Code, especially academic integrity. Ask someone how to cite, ask someone what are the proper resources to use—whether it’s a professor or the writing center. Citations are one of the hardest things you have to deal with academically, and that’s where our students make the most mistakes.
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ACSS: What are your Hopes for this Semester?
Kersea Warren Graduate Student Major: Journalism This semester I hope to learn how to build websites in JOUR 6500. I am also looking forward to working on my blog and being one semester from graduation!
Melissa Maher
Junior (Student Veteran) Major: Psychology I’m hoping to learn more about psychology, so I can study PTSD more in depth.
Joseph White Freshman Major: Marketing My goal for freshman year is to be known for contributing to the productive growth and success of our very own Memphis, TN. My plans are to broaden Truzik Entertainment, and showcase Memphis talent through One Sound Studio.
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Justus Tate
My goal is to make the next generation video blogging website, or the next generation social networking site.
2015 New Student Convocation The University of Memphis welcomed new freshmen and transfer students at 2015 New Student Convocation on Monday, August 24th, 2015. Hundreds of students filled the Michael D. Rose Theatre to learn more about the university’s traditions, internships and organizations.
ren Weddle-West, who encouraged students to stay focus on their end goal: graduation.
“This tassel is given to you today, your first day as an official University of Memphis student, to remind you that the long term goal is to graduate,” said Weddle-West, referring to U of M 2015 New Student Convocation the tassels the university gifted stuPresident M. David Rudd spoke to Adult and Commuter Student Serdents. students about the importance of vices would like to congratulate the getting involved on campus, and the She continued, “You will wear [this new freshmen and transfers, and many services the university offers tassel] with your cap and gown when encourage them to be Driven by to meet students’ needs. you receive a much deserving diplo- Doing. Also in attendance was Provost Ka- ma from the University of Memphis.”
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Visit Memphis.edu/ plugin for important dates and events!
8/24/2015
New Student 2:30 PM Convocation
Rose Theatre
8/24/2015
Student Involvement Fair
Alumni Mall
8/24/2015
NPHC Stroll 7:00 PM
Rose Theatre
8/26/2015
Multicultural 6:00 PM Mixer
Rose Theatre
8/26/2015
SAC 90’s Karaoke
7:00 PM
River Room
8/28/2015
Commuter Ice Cream Social
11:30 AM
UC 243
9/17/2015
Staying Safe 9:40 AM On and Off Campus
3:00 PM
UC 338
Important Dates at a Glance! Last Day to Add or Change Sessions
FULL - August 27, 2015 1ST - August 25, 2015
Drop Period: No grade(s) assigned; course(s) will not appear on your transcript.
FULL - August 24 - September 6, 2015 1ST - August 24 - September 6, 2015
Withdrawal Period: "W" grade(s) assigned; course(s) will appear on your transcript.:
FULL - September 7 - October 16, 2015 1ST - September 7-16, 2015
Labor Day (All University Offices CLOSED): September 7, 2015
$100 in Free Food with a Commuter Meal Plan Get a $100 coupon book with free offers at dining locations all across campus when you sign up for a commuter meal plan! Meal Plans offer variety, flexibility and help you save your cash for better things! For more information, visit www.tigerdining.com
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Get to Know Your Professor! Go to class as scheduled and visit your professors during office hours! This will be beneficial when you need extra help with your studies. Also, take advantage of the University’s Educational Support Program (ESP) to help you in specific courses.
Visit Your Advisor! Let your advisors know your educational and career goals, so they can make sure you’re on the right track. Try to schedule at least two meetings with your advisor each semester.
Stay Organized! Read your syllabus. Write down all your important test dates and quizzes in your planner to help with time management.
Stay Focused! Begin with the end in mind! Visualize your future and make the necessary steps to ensure your goals are met.
Get Involved! The U of M has over 200 organizations! Find one that meets your needs. We encourage you to join the Commuter Student Association (CSA) or the Adult Student Association (ASA). We also have the Student Veteran Organization (SVO) for students who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces.
Visit ACCS in UC Room 243! We would love for you to stop by and use our resources! We have a computer lab, a television, microwave and refrigerator. We are truly a home away from home, and we’re happy to help you in any way possible.
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“Photograph from September 11” by: Wisława Szymborska
They jumped from the burning floorsone, two, a few more, higher, lower. The photograph halted them in life, and now keeps them above the earth toward the earth. Each is still complete, with a particular face and blood well hidden. There's enough time for hair to come loose, for keys and coins to fall from pockets. They're still within the air's reach, within the compass of places that have just now opened. I can do only two things for themdescribe this flight and not add a last line. They jumped from the burning floorsone, two, a few more, higher, lower. The photograph halted them in life, and now keeps them above the earth toward the earth.