Deep South College Guide 2015

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College 101 University Universal Truths Profiles in Higher Education B-METRO.COM

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College 101

Your guide to surviving—and thriving—as a college freshman.

Written by Lindsey Osborne

Every year, as September dawns, a new generation of nervous faces file onto campuses all across the country with clean backpacks, sharp pencils (or at least mechanical pencils full of lead), new shoes, and an uncertain excitement for what’s to come. They’re the college freshmen of the world, out to conquer a brave new world—and a new world it is.

For many freshmen, it’s the first time to be on their own, and they’re often in cities far away from Mom and Dad. In the pages that follow, we discuss practical ways freshmen can be successful, from learning to live with roommates to learning how to balance their academic lives with their social ones. Read on for all of B-Metro’s advice—and freshmen, remember, when you’re sophomores, pass it along.

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“I’ve never lived with roommates before!”

No matter whether you’re moving into a dorm on campus or an apartment close by, it’s likely you’ll be sharing space with nonrelatives for the first time.

Even if you’re bunking with friends you already know, you’re expanding into new territory—and if you’re going to be living with what’s called “potluck roommates” (people you don’t know), it can be even more difficult to keep your living situation stress-free while you navigate college.

Make It Work Having been there and done that (I’ve done it both ways), I’ll let you

in on the secret to roommate success, something I like to call the “double C’s”: communication and compromise.

There’s nothing that will prepare you for “real life” like having to patiently work out issues with roommates (and the key word there is patiently.) When you have an issue—and you will have an issue— be sure to speak up right away instead of letting your frustration fester.

For example, if you have a roommate who never does the dishes—ever—but that drives you crazy, you’ll find yourself angry at her without her knowing why. It’s important to sit down with her and gently but firmly express your frustration—tell her something like, “Lisa, I really need to

talk to you. Lately, you’ve been leaving your dishes in the sink for me to clean.

I don’t mind every now and then, but it seems to be a habit, and I wanted to talk to you about it because it’s making me angry.” By talking to her ahead of time, you’ll be able to express your anger before it builds up and makes things even worse.

The other c—compromise—comes in here, as well. Chances are high that Lisa isn’t leaving the dishes on purpose; it’s not her strong point, or perhaps it’s not something that bothers her. You may need to meet her halfway. Instead of demanding that she do the dishes every single evening, you might ask her to take B-METRO.COM

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over three nights a week. That way, the dishes are done every day—the way you like it—but she gets some leniency, too.

Most universities have resources available to help you navigate the sometimes-tumultuous waters of roommate living; many have residential advisers (RAs) who can serve as guides and mediators as you figure things out.

Don’t hesitate to contact your RA if you feel like you and your roommate(s) need a bit of help.

“Ew. I’m supposed to share a bathroom?”

Along with college living comes the infamous communal bathrooms. Many dormitories are doing away with these 148

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in favor of suites that have a bathroom for each pair of roommates (some even have a bathroom for every student!)

Nonetheless, it’s a learning experience having to share a bathroom with anyone new.

Make It Work Establish “rules” early on. You certainly don’t want the bathroom, of all things, falling in between the cracks (After all, what would Mom think?) At the beginning of the semester, work out a plan for cleaning the toilet and buying toilet paper. And this goes without saying, but when it’s your turn, do it! You’ll also need to talk about whether you want to share things like shampoo and body wash

or if everyone will provide her own. Some roommates save money by switching up who buys the Pantene and some really like to keep their things divided. It doesn’t matter how you do it—the important thing is that all parties involved are clear on how it will go.

Should you luck out and get placed in a building that boasts those communal bathrooms, fear not. Many college students who have gone before you have braved them and survived. Remember to purchase an easy-to-carry shower caddy to schlep all of your bathroom goods in, as well as a fluffy robe (that covers you up nicely) and some shower shoes.

A communal bathroom has a way of bringing girls together, too, so don’t be

afraid to strike up conversation and get to know each other if you want.

“What am I supposed to eat? Send help, Mom!” If you’ve heard anything about college, you’ve probably heard about the Freshman 15. It’s true that it’s easy to gain weight once you hit campus—late night pizza is more accessible than ever and the dining hall always offers up dessert. But it’s not inevitable. Even if you’re lacking a kitchen, you can prepare healthful meals and tasty snacks to nourish you through your first year.

Make It Work The details on this one will depend on your university’s rules for dining and cooking in dormitories and whether or not you’ll have access to a kitchen. For example, some universities allow mini refrigerators in dorm rooms, but many don’t. Also, it’s important to note that in most colleges, hot plates and countertop grills are also off limits. So first things first, check your university’s rules for what you can’t bring.

Next, you should think about what you can bring. A small blender can easily be stored away and brought out for making smoothies as healthy breakfasts on the go (a much better option than strawberry Pop-Tarts!) A toaster can help construct delicious, warm sandwiches.

And, of course, a microwave can be a lifesaver—just stay away from frozen, sodium-laden meals and instead opt for low-sodium soup or frozen vegetables (which are often just as healthy as fresh) at the grocery store. Other ideas: wholewheat tortillas and cheddar cheese for quesadillas; microwaveable rice mixed with black beans and salsa for a great protein-rich meal; or eggs cooked in the microwave with a bit of spinach.

“Class? Who has time for class?”

As Mom would say—You do, Buster! There is something to be said for managing both your academic schedule and your social calendar with grace, but it does take some work to figure out said balance.

Make It Work Repeat after me: “I need a planner.”

OK, you don’t have to have a planner, but you do have to have a plan. You need some way to keep up with your assignments, which are often doled out at the beginning of the semester—and you’re expected to know when you have tests or papers without further reminder. And you’ll also need to write down Stephanie’s birthday party, too. Whether you choose a paper datebook, Google calendar, or an app (Canary and Sunrise are great choices), you need to stay on top of things to be

successful.

However, it does take a while to get the hang of living on your own, going to school, and doing your own laundry.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you have resources— if you’re having a hard time, do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

Every university has advising, tutoring, and counseling services that are free to all students. If you’re not sure where to go to talk things out, you can always ask a professor to point you in the right direction.

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UNIVERSITY UNIVERSAL TRUTHS Here are a few things students and parents should take to heart.

Written by Joe O’Donnell I got lost on the way to the cashier’s office. Figures, right? A man with a pen and a check and no place to make the deposit.

It had been a dozen years since I had been on this campus for a similar purpose.

A dozen years between my first child going to college and now my last child enrolling in the same college.

That’s a long time. Certainly long enough for buildings to be built, offices to move (I found the new cashier’s office, by the way), and a host of other things to change. But it is not long enough for some of the universal truths of college life to have changed at all. In fact, those things may never change.

As hard as you try, you can’t really tell a child what college will be like because, face it, you don’t really know what it will be like. Perhaps you vaguely remember your own university years (perhaps you don’t). Maybe you remember the experiences your older children had, but 150

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if you were anything like me, you were really more of an interested bystander hustled along by the authorities.

So how do you impart knowledge when everything changes with each child, each institution, each major, and each crisis? Fortunately there are some universal truths that stand the test of time.

Do Your Work It is the only way to get out of college alive, intact, and poised for a bright future.

You have to do the work assigned and do it like you mean it. If you don’t, you are wasting time and money, and worse, you are leaving yourself less than prepared for the real assignments that await you. You know the ones upon which your paycheck will depend.

Work The System It is there for a reason, the system that is.

Every institution of higher learning has a system, a schedule, a process, a way of

going about things successfully that if you learn and execute properly will lead to your own success. Seriously work within the system.

Be Yourself You may grow and develop a whole set of new ideas, friends, beliefs, and responsibilities. Let’s hope so, anyway.

But at your core, you are still you... the child grown up, the investment of thousands of days in a family, the sum of your early hopes and fears. So be yourself; there is nothing else authentic that you can be.

Understand People Learn what makes people tick, recognize subsets, standards of behavior. People are only different on the surface—underneath there is a whole lot of similar. Once you master reading people, you’ll be ready for the world and the rest of your life.

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NOW’S THE TIME TO EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE. RISE WITH THE TIDE.

ONLINE LEARNING

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You have a job, a family and many obligations. But whatever life has thrown at you, you’ve risen to the occasion.

Now it’s time to earn your college degree. Don’t you deserve a degree that means more than just a piece of paper?

You deserve a degree that says you’ve met a higher standard, that you’ve achieved more, that you’re part of a community of people who lead. Earn your degree online through The University of Alabama. And rise with the tide.

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Birmingham- Southern College

BSC: Preparing the professionals of tomorrow You can go anywhere for a college degree.

At Birmingham-Southern College, we’re committed to offering you the hands-on experiences you’ll need to succeed—no matter what field you choose. Our unique January term gives you four weeks of flexibility to pursue your dreams, and our top-notch academic programs will give you the skills to succeed. At BSC, you’ll: Explore the world and discover your own passions. You’ll find your own path, all while developing the tools today’s

employers want, such as communications skills, critical thinking, data analysis, and the ability to connect ideas.

Excel before graduation and beyond. Our students are among the very best, and our alumni exceed all expectations.

Experience learning in a new way. Tackle challenges you never imagined, then take what you learn beyond the classroom.

Whatever you choose—an internship, research with a professor, a one-on-one mentorship, a service project, or your own invention—you’ll get the tools you need to succeed in the working world.

With more than 50 areas of study, we have countless routes to your future. Come see why the book “Colleges That Change Lives” lists BSC among just 40 schools honored, calling it “what college ought to be.”

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE / 205.226.4696 154

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/ www.bsc.edu

Are you ready?

explore experience

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At BSC, we prepare the professionals of tomorrow by giving our students every opportunity to apply what they learn to the real world.

Whether it’s an internship, study abroad, research partnership, or service, you’ll find your passion and learn from the very best.

That’s the pathway to success.

are you ready?

BSC

Birmingham-Southern College

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Jacksonville State University

Getting You Ready for Where You’re Going Located in picturesque Calhoun County midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, truly Jacksonville State University is a gem of the hills. In this lush natural environment that inspires and invigorates the mind, body and spirit, approximately 9,000 students enjoy the best of both worlds-- a quality, small town college experience within easy driving distance of major cities. This unique, learningcentered atmosphere has fueled JSU’s focus for more than 130 years -- getting you ready for where you are going.

As a JSU student, choose from more than 150 courses of study, 35 online programs, 30 graduate majors and eight graduate degrees. Earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree, your graduate certificate,

or even your Doctor of Science in Emergency Management. (A complete list of degree programs can be found at www.jsu.edu/admissions.) Whether you study in a traditional classroom, via distance education or a blend of both, whatever your major, you can be assured that you are getting quality instruction.

JSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges, and leads Alabama regional universities with the highest percentage of individually accredited programs. The Princeton Review has even ranked JSU’s College of Commerce and Business Administration as one of the nation’s top business schools.

Beyond exposure to great programs, as

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/ www.jsu.edu

a JSU student you can expect individual classroom attention. Our student-tofaculty ratio is 18:1, the right fit for academic success!

JSU wants college to be all about you. With more than 100 clubs and organizations including 19 Greek fraternities and sororities, 16 NCAA Division I sports teams and one internationally recognized marching band, it’s easy to find your place in the Gamecock community!

If you want a university that makes your future a priority, JSU is where you’re going!

Visit us on the web at www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-JAX1 or email jaxfacts@jsu. edu.

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info@jsu.edu (800) 231-5291 700 Pelham Road North Jacksonville, AL 36265

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One can’t look at Samford university student kaleigh warwick’s big brown eyes and tiny figure and not think of Audrey hepburn. Like her style icon counterpart, kaleigh has a philanthropic drive, hoping to put her dual degree in Marketing and Studio fine Arts to use at a Christian, non-profit organization. This industry is not stuffy—and neither is kaleigh—so she proves that one doesn’t have to wear a suit to look professional in her dress and cardigan from LOfT Outlet, a great destination for her ladylike look and petite proportions. but don’t let her size fool you, this four scholarship recipient and extremely talented graphic designer and artist has a bold point of view.

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FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER JAINIShA CRuTChER | AgE 23 | MILES COLLEgE business Management major Jainisha Crutcher aspires to secure a position in a field such as human Resources, perhaps at a solid birmingham company like Alabama Power, her dream location. when heading to an interview, always be aware of the organization’s dress requirements. In the case of Alabama Power, their employees adhere to a professional dress code, thus Jainisha knows a conservative suit is in order should she land an interview. banana Republic factory Store is a consistently reliable resource for stylish, office attire. There, Jainisha found a navy pant suit that fits her perfectly—key for achieving a polished image—and a vibrant green shell to keep it from looking boring, since Jainisha is anything but. her favorite addition is the gold cap-toe flats, which appeal to her love of comfort but also ups the dressiness quotient of the ensemble.

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The W: Mississippi University for Women

Personal, Affordable, Quality Education Our students say there’s something special about The W. You might think they’re talking about our beautiful historic campus, our small class sizes, or the fact that we’ve been consistently ranked

by U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly Magazine, and Online College Database.

Sure those are important. But what students say gives their education that extra something is our community, which is down to earth, welcoming, and intellectually curious. It’s what makes them feel at home.

The W is known for its intimate setting; history and traditions; and “like family” attitude.

Physical Environment Unique in the marketplace, The W provides a walkable, open campus; a large number of buildings on The National Register of Historic Places; and a geographic location in easy distance of its host community, Columbus, Mississippi.

Social/Psychological Environment A campus known for its Southern hospitality, The W has a commitment to each student that closely aligns with its mission; a strong sense of service; a familiar tradition; and a closeness with

faculty that allows building relationships that last.

Quality of Instruction and Academic Excellence Our university has an experienced faculty; an institutional reputation for strong academics and program offerings; strong peer interaction; and a favorable 14:1 student faculty ratio.

The W was founded in 1884 on a pretty daring idea: women should have the chance for higher education. Today, the university attracts both female and male students from around the region and around the world.

It has established one of the premier nursing programs in the state, offering degrees from the associate’s through the doctor of nursing practice; and has developed a nationally recognized program in culinary arts.

The W’s four colleges include Arts and Sciences; Business and Professional Studies; Education and Human Sciences; and Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology.

We know college is not just about academics. It’s hard not to find a fit in one of more than 75 student organizations. Help plan a concert, compete in intramurals, serve in student government, join a social club, sorority, or fraternity. Or start your own organization.

We’re all about you!

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Looking for a great education that gives you a great value?

The W is for you.

We have the most affordable tuition at a public university in Mississippi.

Residents of Alabama also qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers.

The W offers a private-college feel, with a student body of 3,200 and a studentfaculty ratio of 14 to 1. Your classes will be taught by professors who know you and mentor you.

We’ve been consistently ranked one of the top public regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly Magazine.

Dare. Dream. Achieve at a place where you matter—The W. For more information, visit

www.muw.edu/admissions

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Samford University

Samford University is Alabama’s top nationally ranked private university and provides academic programs rooted in its historic Christian mission. Founded in 1841 and located in suburban Birmingham, Samford is the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It enrolls 4,933 students from 44 states, the District of Columbia and 25 countries in 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health.

In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Samford 3rd among regional universities in the South and 3rd in the South for best undergraduate teaching. Samford also has been nationally ranked for academic programs, value and affordability by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction, among others.

Samford offers 32 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with 155 undergraduate majors, minors and

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concentrations. Graduate and professional degrees are offered in business, divinity, education, health professions, environmental management, law, music, nursing, pharmacy and public health.

The College of Health Sciences brings many new undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, and no classes are taught by teaching assistants. Among Samford’s 47,000-plus alumni are more than 60 U.S. congressmen, seven state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy Award–winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes.

The university fields 17 varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference.

3 IN THE SOUTH FOR REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES

#

—U.S. News & World Report

WWW.SAMFORD.EDU

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AT SHELTON STATE you’ll find what you need to move forward and make the most of your career potential. Through progressive partnerships with local businesses, innovative instructors with practical experience, and state-of-the art facilities, our academic and technical programs place you on the leading edge in your chosen profession. It’s your education, your way— working for you.

EDUCATION THAT WORKS Enroll Today

sheltonstate.edu

205.391.2211

It is the official policy of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, including all postsecondary institutions under the control of the Alabama Community College Board of Trustees, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

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Troy University

Troy University: Home of the Warrior Spirit Whether you are attending college for the first time, returning to complete your education, or pursuing a specialized degree, Troy University offers incredible opportunities and the personal approach to teaching that can help students achieve more than they thought possible. TROY calls it the “warrior spirit,” and it’s at the heart of everything we do.

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, as well as locations around the world and online.

Founded in 1887, TROY offers degrees in fields like business, education, nursing, computer science, psychology, and criminal justice – some of the world’s most in-demand career fields.

At TROY, students benefit from quality academic opportunities in an atmosphere that combines the large-college experience with personalized attention, whether that be on campus, in class or online. TROY has been recognized by the Princeton Review as “one of the best in the Southeast,” by U.S. News & World Report as “one of the top universities in the South,” and by Military Times as “a top university for troops.”

No doubt, the warrior spirit is alive and well at Troy University. To find out more about on-campus, in-class, and online degree programs at TROY, visit troy.edu/spirit or call 1-800–586–9771.

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Jordan K., Graduate Student Accounting. Greek.

D I S COV E R

YO U R I N N E R WAR R I OR. Becoming a TROY Trojan is about more than identifying with a symbol or mascot.

It’s about adopting a mental attitude that will lead you to success. We call it the “warrior spirit.” Everything about our public university embodies it, from the way our professors engage with their students to the intensity our athletes bring to the game. Do what you love, and be great at it. That’s the warrior spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

Feel it at troy.edu/spirit or call 1-800-586-9771.

Bring images with this icon to life with the Layar app. troy.edu/scan © 2015 Troy University

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The University of Alabama

The Capstone of higher education in Alabama Founded in 1831 as Alabama’s first public college, The University of Alabama is a student-centered university, dedicated to excellence in academics, research and service – the Capstone of higher education in our state. If you or your child is thinking about college, you owe it to yourself to see all that we have to offer. Students from around the country and around the world have chosen to study here, because they realize the wealth of opportunities available, right here in Tuscaloosa.

For more than a decade, UA has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one the top 50 public universities in the nation. We also lead the country in the number of Goldwater Scholars, with a total of 25. Harvard University is second with 23.

Among UA’s alumni also are numerous Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, Hollings Scholars and Fulbright Award recipients.

Last fall, UA enrolled its largest freshman class ever, with

6,856 students. More than 2,100 students in the freshman class had an ACT score of 30 or above. Included in the class were 135 National Merit Scholars and 20 National Achievement Scholars.

UA offers more than 200 majors and minors in 12 different colleges and schools. If none of those is quite right, New College allows students to customize their own course of study. Abundant opportunities exist for students to study abroad and participate in undergraduate research. And, with more than 450 registered student organizations on campus, students find endless ways to learn, grow, explore and excel.

Being the Capstone of higher education in Alabama means we are committed, everyday, to providing our students with a world-class educational experience, right down the road from Birmingham.

To learn more, visit gobama.ua.edu.

THE W: MISSISSIPPI FOR WOMEN / 1.877.462.8439 THE UNIVERSITY OFUNIVERSITY ALABAMA / www. gobama.ua,edu 168

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YOU’VE ALWAYS LOVED THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA.

FIRST WORDS? ROLL TIDE.

NOW, YOU’RE COLLEGE BOUND, AND IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHOICE.

START YOUR JOURNEY AT UA.

YOU ARE UA.

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham

MAKING A HABIT OF CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO Your world will never be the same. education shouldn’t just convey facts—it should be a source of Broad horizons. At UAB, nearly 18,500 voices from knowledge. UAB’s degrees include courses of study that can’t be across the nation and 87 countries come together on a campus found anywhere else in the state or even in the Southeast. Placing consistently ranked among the top most diverse campuses in unique curricula in real-life context can lead to a life-changing the nation. Students share cultures, ideas, interests, and unique personalities for an enriched education that surpasses the standard education.

Undergraduate Research. Waiting until graduate school to curriculum. Bringing the world to UAB offers students a world’s begin research in earnest means waiting worth of experiences during college, to learn and waiting for a chance to preparing them to create experiences of POINTS OF PRIDE their own after graduation. make world-changing discoveries.

Only Alabama university classified by the UAB students don’t wait—every year, Deep roots. UAB and the Carnegie Foundation for both “very high more than 3,500 undergraduates work Birmingham area offer opportunities research activity” and “community engagement” independently and side-by-side with to learn from—and work with—some State-of-the-art student center and residence some of the nation’s top researchers and of the world’s top scholars, performers, hall both opening in fall 2015 scholars, making breakthroughs in the and experts. Programs from the In walking distance to Regions Park, Railroad lab, in the classroom, in the studio, in sciences and engineering to the arts and Park, art galleries, music venues, and some of the community, and within their own humanities, and exclusive internship the country’s best restaurants lives. and co-op opportunities throughout Consistently ranked among the most diverse How can our knowledge change the city, give students the benefit of campuses nationally in the Princeton Review your world? Learn more at uab.edu. expert instruction, exciting academic More Rhodes Scholars named since the year challenges, and experiences that will 2000 than at any other university in Alabama prepare them for a future in the job Partnership with the Birmingham Business market, the lab, or the classroom.

Alliance to provide internship opportunities with Vital knowledge. A college over 1,000 Birmingham employers uab.edu/apply

205.934.8221

THE W: MISSISSIPPI WOMEN / 1.877 .462.8439 THE UNIVERSITY OFUNIVERSITY ALABAMA ATFOR BIRMINGHAM / www. uab.edu/apply / 205-934-8221 170

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WHEN YOUR COLLEGE TOWN IS A CITY,

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The University Of Alabama at Huntsville GO. It goes without saying that you want a good education. But you also want financial peace of mind. The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) can give you both. We top the list among every other university in the state when it comes to return on investment, with our graduates going on to earn a greater average starting salary than many of their peers. That makes choosing to go here more than just a great investment in your education.

It’s also a great investment in your future.

LEARN. Learning at UAH starts with our academic programs, which are concentrated in some of the fastest-growing job fields. But it doesn’t end there. In our research centers and labs, you’ll have the opportunity to present and publish your work long before graduation. And through our internship and co-op programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience while forming strong professional relationships. It all adds up to the kind of wellrounded education that employers value most.

BE Any university can offer you a degree. At UAH, we can offer you the tools you need to secure a successful and financially stable future in today’s global workplace. And there’s no better place to launch your career than in high-tech Huntsville! The Rocket City is home to such notable federal, nonprofit, and private sector employers as Redstone Arsenal, NASA, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the nation.

#1 in Alabama when it comes to the economic outcomes of its graduates, according to the Brookings Institution #1 on PayScale’s list of all colleges and universities in the state with the best return on investment Among 73 public institutions classified as “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education Among America’s 100 Best College Buys according to Institutional Research & Evaluation Inc. Named by Affordable Schools as the state’s #1 most affordable college with the best return

2016–2017 MERIT TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS

HIGH SCHOOL GPA

TEST SCORES

Percentages represent tuition amount awarded for first time freshmen – same percentage whether in-state or out-of-state.

You are AUTOMATICALLY considered for Merit Tuition Scholarships when you apply for admission!

ACT

25 – 27

28 – 29

30 – 33

34 – 36

SAT (CR+M)

1130 – 1240

1250 – 1320

1330 – 1480

1490 – 1600

4.0+

50%

67%

100%

100%*

3.50 – 3.99

40%

45%

100%

100%

3.00 – 3.49

35%

35%

45%

50%

* Covers on-campus housing in addition to tuition

To find out more about The University of Alabama in Huntsville, please visit www.uah.edu or call 256.824.2773.

THE W: MISSISSIPPI WOMEN / /1.877 THE UNIVERSITY OFUNIVERSITY ALABAMA ATFOR HUNTSVILLE www..462.8439 uah.edu / 256.824.2773 172

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GO. LEARN. BE. “A Top Public Research University” – The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Ranked #1 Return On Investment Among Alabama Colleges by The College Database

www.uah.edu

College Guide

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The University of Montevallo Founded in 1896, the University of Montevallo is located in the heart of Alabama, approximately 35 miles south of Birmingham.

Designed by the people behind New York’s Central Park and the grounds around North Carolina’s Biltmore House, our campus looks like what you dream a liberal arts college campus should look like: white columns, expansive lawns, brick walkways, and huge stately oaks.

The University of Montevallo has the charm of a small liberal arts experience but provides the value of a state supported institution. With a total enrollment of 2,800, students create strong relationships with faculty and fellow classmates.

Here, students from virtually every county in Alabama, as well as from other states and 17 countries, learn in an educational environment that boasts a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 21.

Our four colleges don’t merely inspire – they teach our students how to harness inspiration and give it back. Through our accreditations, scholarships, and faculty resources, we’ve cultivated a reputation for producing bright minds. Montevallo offers academic programs in four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Fine Arts. Students choose from more than 30 degree programs and approximately 75 majors and concentrations.

They have unprecedented opportunities for conducting undergraduate research under fulltime faculty mentors; more than 95 percent of whom have earned either the doctorate or another terminal degree.

UM fields 17 NCAA Division II athletic teams that compete in the Peach Belt Conference. men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field; men’s baseball; women’s softball, tennis, volleyball; and competitive cheer. There is ample opportunity to don the purple and gold. An 18th team —women’s lacrosse — will be added to the line-up in spring 2016.

Unique to Montevallo is its homecoming tradition, College Night, which is known as the only homecoming tradition of its kind in the nation. Since 1919, Montevallo students from across all disciplines have come together on this one night of the year for a spirited competition like no other. College Night was selected as a “Local Legacy” for the Library of Congress’s bicentennial

celebration in 2000. We invite you to come tour our grounds and see for yourself all the exciting things that Montevallo has to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UM: Visit www.montevallo.edu Call 205.665.6030 or 1.800.292.4349 (toll-free) Send an e-mail to admissions@montevallo.edu Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/goMontevallo

THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO / www.montevallo.edu 174

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/ 1.800.292.4349

THERE’S A PLACE WHERE YOU FIND YOUR WAY WITHOUT BEING LOST IN THE CROWD. When it comes to the college experience we all want the same thing for our children: we just want them to be the best they can be. At the University of Montevallo, we believe you reach that goal best in an environment that is intimate, safe, and challenging. With a student teacher ratio of 17 to 1, and a campus of about 2,700 undergrads a year, the University of Montevallo provides the small liberal arts college experience without the cost of a private liberal arts college.

#1 Public Master’s-Level University in Alabama

Michael E. Stephens College of Business accredited by AACSB*

100 Most Affordable Colleges in America.

– USNews & World Report

*Most prestigious accreditation in business

– BestValueSchools.com

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Alabama A & M Alabama A&M University is a dynamic and progressive, 140-year-old land-grant institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence. The picturesque campus is situated on what many alumni and friends fondly refer to as “The Hill,” only a few miles from downtown Huntsville.

AAMU offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including four doctoral (Ph.D.) degree programs in Food Science, Physics, Plant and Soil Science, and Reading/Literacy.

Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as other specialty, regional and national accrediting bodies, AAMU’s quality programs have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and the Washington Monthly, to name a few.

Each year, the campus welcomes a Nobel Laureate to serve as guest lecturer to its students, faculty and the community. Moreover, the institution continues to serve as the host site for numerous professional associations and organizations. Its students, faculty and

staff compete on the regional and national levels in a wide range of scholarly endeavors. In athletics, the AAMU Bulldogs compete in over a dozen Division I NCAA sports and are a vibrant team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Among an extensive list of distinguished alumni are: John Stallworth, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Pro Football Hall of Famer, former head of Madison Research Corporation in Huntsville, Ala.; William E. Cox, president, Cox Mathews & Associates (publisher of the nationally distributed DIVERSE magazine; Ruben Studdard, former “American Idol”; and many others.

Today’s campus proper is comprised of 70 buildings on over 1,000 acres of land. A large agricultural research farm is situated about 10 miles off-campus in Hazel Green, Alabama, and the University’s Agribition Center is also located about one mile east of the main campus. Affiliated offices, such as the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence and the AAMU Community Development Corporation, are also located a few miles from the main campus.

ALABAMA A & M / www.aamu.edu

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY LEARN

more about what AAMU offers ...

EXPLORE the possibilities of a bright future ...

EXPERIENCE

Good Chemistry

For more about the many exciting fields of study offered in our quality undergraduate and graduate programs, just visit our website.

Start HERE - Go ANYWHERE! www.aamu.edu

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the education of a lifetime ...

Office of Admissions For more information, go to www.aamu.edu or call (256) 372-5245

College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences College of Business and Public Affairs College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences School of Graduate Studies

Auburn University at Montgomery World-class education with a hometown heart That’s what students have come to know and love about Auburn University at Montgomery.

AUM is ranked among 2015’s best colleges in the region

by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, and our College of Business is ranked in the top 1% of business schools worldwide. So, no matter which of our 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees you choose, you’ll learn in a hands-on environment with unique opportunities to start your careerbuilding network while you learn.

Our five colleges — Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Public Policy and Justice — are academically challenging, providing a level of rigor and quality that you would expect in a private college. And AUM is constantly developing paths to new and exciting careers and advancement through unique programs, such as Geographic Information Systems, Hospitality and Tourism, Homeland Security, and Cybersystems and Information Security.

While our Warhawks grow academically and build their

professional networks, they also enjoy a collegiate setting with strong social and cultural networking opportunities. There are dozens of ways to make lifelong friends and connections at AUM, including Greek organizations, academic and special interest clubs, study abroad, championship-winning sports teams, and energizing school spirit.

And our students know that AUM administration and faculty — many of them distinguished academics and practitioners in their fields — take a genuine interest in their success. You can expect them to recognize you and call you by name when you pass each other on the Quad.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY / 334-244-3615 / aum.edu

.edu

SURROUNDED

BY FACES SURROUNDED

BY FRIENDS WHERE LEARNING MATTERS MOST

APPLY NOW 334-244-3615

College Guide

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Mississippi College A strong academic heritage can make any university “great,” but what makes a university truly stand apart is the people – people who genuinely care about the students and strive to support them in every facet of their lives. Mississippi College has been educating and supporting students for nearly two centuries– since 1826.

As the oldest university and the largest private university in the state, MC offers an array of academic programs for its students, including over 80 areas of undergraduate study, over 50 areas of graduate study, a law school, and the state’s only Physician’s Assistant program. What enriches these programs is the personal attention students receive inside the classroom with our low 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

On campus, students can immerse themselves in a wide variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities.

From intramural sports to honor societies to clubs & tribes (MC’s unique version of Greek life), there is never a shortage of opportunities to get involved, to lead, and to have fun!

Moreover, MC consistently appears as one of “America’s

Best Colleges” and a “Best Value” by U.S. News & World Report. With a cost approximately $10,000 less than the average private university, MC is a viable college option for many students.

For our students, higher education means more than getting a degree. It means finding a family away from home, having their Christian values reinforced in all areas of their lives, and obtaining an education that will serve them well throughout their careers.

To learn more about the many reasons why MC may be the perfect fit for you, visit www.mc.edu/whyMC.

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE / www. mc.edu/whyMC

FA I T H  FA M I L Y  F U T U R E

FIND POSSIBILITY

Our thriving campus life keeps students busy, challenging academics keep students sharp, and our solid Christian foundation keeps them grounded. MC is a world of possibilities for you with over 80 majors to choose from, over 50 graduate degree programs, a PA School and our Law School in downtown Jackson. Our smaller size gives students big opportunities to excel in the classroom, build life-long friendships, and grow personally and spiritually!

FIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE POSSIBILITIES AT MC!

www.mc.edu/whyMC

$10,000 5100 LESS THAN THE AVERAGE PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

UNIQUE STUDENTS

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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

admissions@mc.edu | 800/738-1236 | Clinton, MS

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How to Be Successful Real-life advice from a businessman on top.

Written by Carlo Joseph

M

y wife is fond of saying that I live in an alternate universe and also that I am not human. She also claims that I am deaf—I hear everyone else—just not her. But we’ll save that for another time. I do admit to being an off-the-chart type A personality.

A little background. I am a salesman.

I was in the “Top Forty Under Forty.”

Millionaire at 39—yada, yada, yada—big deal. The house I live in I told my dad I would buy at age 10. Got to have goals. I carried the top 10 things (I laugh at them now) I wanted to achieve by 40. Did them all.

What do I sell? What do you need to complete your project or make your life better or take care of your family? I sell

What are our hours?

When do you want it? I am writing this at 4:15 a.m., the usual time I get to the office (same time for 20 years). We are therefore open. If you had needed something at 3:30 a.m., we would have be open then as well. Last week I stood in front of my local cellphone provider, watching people inside do nothing until they opened five minutes late. Shoot me!

I live by the code that drives my very existence: to provide a level of customer service unmatched in our industry or any industry. To do this, there are simple rules to live by, not just talk about. By the way, I hate meetings. Never have them or employee reviews. I don’t sit in a private office. I sit in the inside sales area of my office and for 12 hours a day, you get all of the meetings and reviews you can imagine.

I live by the code that drives my very existence: to provide a level of customer service unmatched in our industry or any industry. To do this, there are simple rules to live by, not just talk about. that. My primary products are plumbing supplies, but please don’t limit me to that!

Of course, sinks and toilets will be a dot com away, but do you really want to wait for Amazon to get you a toilet or provide hot water when you don’t have it? I’m just a person that can get things.

Just say the wrong thing to a customer or have a bad attitude or give less than a 100 percent effort. But back to the code.

1. You have got to care about everything and everyone. Show me a person with good relationships with their parents and

family and that’s a start. You have to care more about others than you do yourself.

When you get an order, thank them, then handle as if nothing is as important. Don’t you hate ordering from some place or somebody who doesn’t care if they get it right or not?

2. When at work, work. As I say, if you’re in the game, be in the game. Limit distractions: Facebook, e-Bay, etc.

3. Make yourself indispensible. Learn about everything from the copier to the coffeemaker.

4. Know everything about your customers, their families, what makes them tick. Same for fellow employees and supervisors.

5. “Whatever it takes” is something we say around the office, but failure from not trying is not an option.

6. Value your service and knowledge— have a healthy self-worth, but acknowledge we all have a lot to learn.

7. Always do more than is expected, not the bare minimum.

8. Know the difference between injury and illness. I didn’t miss a day of work until I was 48 and had hernia surgery. Even then a customer came to my house for lunch and gave me an order.

9. Never give up on an order, customer, or an employee. Anything can happen and anything is possible.

10. Get a life! Be able to talk about something other than yourself or work.

They say we work to live, not live to work.

Follow these simple rules and success after college will be yours.

Carlo Joseph is vice president/partner at V & W Supply Co. in Birmingham.

Thank you, Birmingham, for partnering with us in improving health and preparing health care professionals.

IES

CARIN G

NIT

O C M R MU O F

samford.edu/nursing

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MISSION: Hands-On Learning

Advent Episcopal leads the way in STEM-based schooling.

Written by Rosalind Fournier

At the end of May, Advent Episcopal School Headmaster Palmer Kennedy did something almost unheard of. He asked the faculty to come back for a special training activity just days after the school year had ended.

Kennedy knew it was a gamble— they’d barely had a chance to decompress and begin enjoying the summer break.

But the school was launching a major new initiative, the STEM program (an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which is designed to incorporate a new element of problem-solving, exploratory and student-led learning into the Advent’s curriculum. Kennedy was eager for the teachers to try it out for themselves, and he didn’t want to wait until fall to gauge their reaction.

So Kennedy was watching closely as the teachers formed small teams and went to work with straw rocket launchers—instruments that resemble basic protractors with barrels sticking out. He watched closely as the teachers tweaked and experimented with the launchers’ angle and weight settings 182

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until they were able to hit their target.

“The energy that I saw in this place that day was the kind of energy typically seen on the first day of school,” Kennedy says, “because they were excited about what our kids are going to be able to do.”

Their enthusiasm more than anything else convinced Kennedy that building and purchasing equipment for the STEM labs was well worth the notinconsiderable investment it represented for this independent school, which was established in 1950 and serves prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Advent, which is located downtown but draws students from all over the region—45 different zip codes in total— has long enjoyed a strong academic reputation. So adding the STEM labs, Kennedy emphasizes, is not about improving scores or making up for any perceived weakness. It’s more a way to shake things up a little, with an eye on never letting the school settle into complacency or rest on its laurels.

“This is the next, best opportunity to help us, even as strong as we are, get a little bit stronger,” Kennedy explains.

“That’s our motivation for adopting this as opposed to settling where we were.”

In the STEM labs, students will engage in team-centered projects that take academic concepts from the classroom and turn them into reallife, hands-on challenges. Jennifer Dunn, who teaches in the classroom but will also be actively involved in the labs along with another dedicated STEM teacher, explains that lessons are broken into “missions” that cover several subjects based on what students are studying at the time. Some will be involve robotics-like missions (though the school also has a separate robotics program), such as building vehicles out of Legos and programming them to perform specific functions. Another mission involves building bridges out of available materials that have to be able to support a certain number of coins. Even lessons from literature are incorporated: A mission designed for younger grades has kids building structures that reflect key concepts borrowed from English class.

“They read a story, and then they have

to build a Lego person and a Lego setting based on different parts of the story,” Dunn explains. “What did Cinderella look like before the fairy godmother came, and what would her setting be like? So one child builds Cinderella before the arrival of the fairy godmother, other depicts Cinderella during the fairy godmother stage, and then finally the happily-ever-after Cinderella.

“What gets them excited,” Dunn continues, “is they know that they are taking ownership of what they are about to do. And overall, the goal is to develop their critical-thinking skills which in turn will definitely set them up for any type of success later.”

Kennedy adds that while teamwork among students is nothing new, the STEM labs take it to a different level.

“That’s a leap for most schools—giving up some control where the teacher becomes more of a coach rather than just a disseminator of information,” he says. “When you have a roomful of kids who are extremely bright, to not let them

cut loose once in a while to be creative and imaginative, it limits them. Creating a new setting for that imagination and creativity to transpire is probably the most powerful component. It’s difficult to put your hand on, but it’s real.”

STEM is not a new concept but has only recently begun to gain ground in the lower grades (8th and below). In fact, Kennedy says that before now, the use of STEM-based tools and lessons was primarily at the university level.

Advent, along with a small but growing number of independent pre-K through 8 schools—including the independent Highlands School in Mountain Brook— is on the cutting edge in this respect.

“For us, it seemed like a natural step to adopt this type of program, partly because of our urban setting with the adjacent University of Alabama at Birmingham being such a dynamic center for research,” Kennedy notes.

“We also have a pretty progressive parent body, just by the nature of why they send their children to Advent.”

Meanwhile, though the STEM labs may be getting a lot of the attention at Advent for the moment—there was even a special STEM camp for parents in late summer, so they could try out a few missions themselves—Kennedy points to other changes he’s excited about for the 2015-16 school year. A major one is a remodeling project that put the libraries literally in the middle of the school.

“We’ve put a quarter million dollars into innovation and integration this summer,” he notes. “Part of that is morphing the role of our library resources a little bit to make sure they aren’t fringe elements out there—they’re the center of our school. Through the STEM labs, the libraries and other investments in technology, parents have been extremely supportive. They believe it’s going to help this school and help their children, and I think they’re right—because our teachers are phenomenal, and we’re just giving them additional tools so even better things continue to happen.”

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Carlos Izcaray’s 1st EBSCO Masterworks performance as Music Director September 18 & 19 at 8PM at the Alys Stephens Center.

Don’t miss it. Buy your tickets today.

Visit AlabamaSymphony.org or call 205.975.2787.

thru Thurs. 4 - 6pm HAppY Mon. Drink Specials and HOUR Appetizers Available

Lunch and Dinner MONDAY-SATURDAY 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm

521 Montgomery Hwy Suite 113 Vestavia Hills / 205.823.1505

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