Real Life 101 - April 2009 by Kris Olafson

Real Life 101 April 2009 | Volume 10

Prepare to Graduate

Intent to Graduate Form Framing Your Degree Real Life 101 Handbooks

JOBS! P. 10-15

Sleep 101

by Susan Rosenblum Counselling Services

Photo by Andrew Smith

Real Life 101 April 2009 | Volume 10

Calendar April 2009 | 3

Feature Sleep 101 | 8

Jobs Facilitator for Student Leadership Workshops | 10 Warrior Weekends DIrector | 12 Warrior Weekends Administrative Coordinator | 14

2008 Jan | Mar | May | July | Sept | Nov 2009 Jan | FEB | Mar

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April 2009

calendar

April 2009

Games from Faraway Places Exhibit @ 11am (until Sunday, May 10 @ 4pm); B.C. Matthew’s Hall 1016

Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) Seminar Series @ 121:15pm; EV1 221

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orchestra@waterloo Concert Featuring Students, Staff, Faculty and Alumni @ 8-10pm; Humanities Theatre

Winter Term classes end Lunchtime Travel Slideshows @ 12:15-12:45pm; EV1 221 “Ethics, Schmethics, What’s the Buzz?” Ethical Decision-Making in Community Healthcare @ 4:30-6pm; Chapel Lounge, Renison University College Drop, Penalty 2 Period ends; last day to drop a course without a petition English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE) in the PAC. Visit http://elpp. uwaterloo.ca/ for details

Distance Education examination day

Friends of the Library Lecture ‘09 @ 12-1pm; Theatre of the Arts, ML Parallels of Power, Organizations and Their Clients @ 4:30-6pm; Chapel Lounge, Renison University College

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Live & Learn Library Lecture: “Saying Uncle: Speaking under Torture or Coercion” @ 7-9pm; James J. Brown Auditorium, Waterloo Public Library

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On campus exams begin (April 8-24) http://www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/ exams/schedule.pdf University holiday: Good Friday, University closed

Easter weekend, University closed; no examinations scheduled

April 2009

Free Public Event: “Vietnam: If Kennedy Had Lived.” Meet authors James G. Blight, Janet M. Lang and David A. Welch @ 4-6pm; Seagram Room, Centre for International Governance Innovation

Live & Learn Library lecture: “Necromedia” @ 7-9pm; James J. Brown Auditorium, Waterloo Public Library Hallman Lecture: “Pressure Zone or Pleasure Zone? How Family Life Impacts Work-life Balance” @ 4:305:30pm; Lyle S. Hallman Institute, Room 1621, Sun Life Financial Auditorium St. Jerome’s Lectures in Catholic Experience @ 7-9pm; St. Mary’s Hospital, Heasley Hall, Kitchener

Public Forum on the Middle East @ 7:30-9pm; Conrad Grebel Great Hall

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On-Campus examinations end

Beginning this date, registered students can view their unofficial term grades in Quest (this means not all grades may appear)

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Headlines

UW Alumni and Student Connections

here are many different ways that UW alumni (graduates) give back to UW students. UW alumni often: • Return as guest speakers • Participate in career panels to share the secrets of their success, and the challenges they faced along the way • mentor students • Hire co-op students or new grads

A group of UW alumni have expressed interest in finding more meaningful opportunities to enhance the student experience. They want to help students get the best experience they can at UW. In response to this, Alumni Affairs is working with alumni, students, the Federation of Students and the Student Life Office to enhance the connections between alumni, students and the university.

university in Canada by 2017. As we move ahead in the process, we need your help. Did a UW alumnus make an impact in your life? Do you have suggestions for ways that UW alumni could add value to the student experience?

Our vision is to have the strongest relationships between students and alumni of any

Chris Duffy cduffy@uwaterloo.ca Alumni Affairs

Intent to Graduate Reminder A

s you approach the final stages of your academic career at the University of Waterloo there are many things that have to be done. Your intent to graduate form is among the most important of these things. For Undergraduate Students who want attend Spring Convocation and are taking classes this winter your deadline is March 1. For Undergraduate Students taking classes in the summer 4 | ReaL life 101

that want to attend the Fall Convocation the due date for your intent to graduate form is August 1. After this is done you can check quest to find out when you intent to graduate has been accepted, if you have any outstanding fees and to ensure that all you contact information is up-to-date. If you need any more information visit http:// www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/ convocation/students.html.

Please email me your stories and suggestions. Your ideas will help shape the way alumni and students connect at UW.

Framing Your Degree

raduated? Anticipating receiving a very expensive piece of paper in June? Want a stylish frame, complete with the University of Waterloo crest, to show off your achievment to the world? How about a matching photo frame for your graduation portrait (... you know your Mom will want one)? Answered yes to some of these questions? Buy degree and portrait frames from the Office of Alumni Affairs! Don’t wait in line for one at convocation, buy it online today. April 2009

Preparing for Graduation A

s you enroll in your last courses to fulfill your program requirements, it’s time to apply to graduate. The University of Waterloo has two convocations in midJune (Spring) and late October (Fall). In order to complete your program and receive your diploma, you must apply to graduate. To graduate from the University of Waterloo, you will need to complete the following steps: Consult with your faculty advisor regarding degree requirements

prior to applying for graduation. Complete and submit your Intent to Graduate by March 1 for Spring, Convocation, and August 1 for Fall Convocation. Check your name and contact information on Quest. Verify your eligibility to graduate with the Academic Calendar or Program Advisor. Pay any outstanding fees. Plan for your convocation – Check ceremony dates and times, arrival/regalia pickup times, etc. on the Registrar’s Office web site

Get Your Real Life 101 Handbook!

s an upper year student you may be questioning what lies beyond graduation. You should know that there are support services available and waiting to serve you as a UW graduate. Before your classes end, be sure to stop by the Student Life Office and pick up your copy of the Real Life 101 Handbook. We’re located in Needles Hall 1121, and we’re open from 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday-Fridays. The Real Life 101 Handbook will be a great resource that contains information on: Graduate Studies, Careers and what April 2009

http://www.registrar.uwaterloo. ca/convocation/index.html Students must apply to graduate by the deadlines specified — you may download the Intention to Graduate form from the Registrar ’s Office web site http:// www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/ convocation/forms.html. Please do not wait until you have received your grades before you apply for graduation. If you have applied on time and it turns out that you will be unable to graduate, you can defer your convocation. Looking for a Job in Information Technology? Check out this website: DiscoverIT (http://www. discoverit.org) Nearly half of the jobs in North America involve working with information technology. Here's a site designed to make you aware of the vast possibilities for IT careers.

Career Services offers you, tips on managing your finances, how to be involved as an new alumni, and much more. If you are off campus, you can also find a copy of the handbook online at www.studentlifeoffice. uwaterloo.ca/media.php.

You'll find: • Career descriptions • Career planning guides • Industry profiles • Tips on stress management All focusing on the software and information technology sectors! P.S. Don’t forget to check Jobmine for all types of jobs including summer, graduating, part-time and even volunteer opportunities. REAL life 101 | 5

Headlines

UW Students Win TD Canada Trust Urban Sustainability Challenge by JOHNNY TRINH Student Life Coordinator

n Monday, March 23, 2009, Bianca Sayan, Faculty of Environment and Megan Chan, Faculty of Arts: School of Accountancy, were the recipients of $25, 000.00 from the TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation. These students represented the university in the Urban Sustainability Challenge presented by TD Friends of the Environment. Over 52 schools competed, consisting of 469 students in 182 teams. The winners included the University 6 | REAL life 101

of Waterloo, University of New Brunswick, University of Manitoba, and Lakehead University. The competition required teams to submit an proposal with ideas that if implemented would have a positive environmental impact. Bianca Sayan and Megan Chan’s winning submission, “My Green Neighbour: Residential Energy Efficiency Loans for Canadian Investors” suggested ways Canadians could assist each other to improve energy efficiency, decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions, while seeking positive returns on

their investments. Dr. Steven Young from the Faculty of the Environment, was the sponsor for the University of Waterloo team. Yvette Scrivener, Manager of Community Relations and Friends of the Environment Foundation presented the award to Bianca Sayan and Megan Chan in the Student Life Centre. Associate Dean of Environment, Dr. Mark Seasons and Dr. Paul Parker, Faculty of Environment were present to share in this momentous occasion. Congratulations to Bianca Sayan and Megan Chan. April 2009

Above left: Yvette Scrivener, TD Canada Trust Manager of Community Relations, talks to Rogers Television about the award. Above right: Associate Dean of Environment, Dr. Mark Seasons, and Professor, Dr. Paul Parker, have their picture taken with the winning students.

Faculty of Environment students Megan Chan and Bianca Sayan were awarded $25,000 by TD Canada Trust’s Friends of the Environment Foundation for their project “My Green Neighbour: Residential Energy Efficiency Loans for Canadian Investors.” Photo by Johnny Trinh. April 2009

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Feature

Sleep 101

by Susan Rosenblum Counselling Services

sleep before 11 p.m., and crave more sleep in the morning hours. This is because melatonin, a sleep-related hormone that changes the circadian rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle, is secreted at a different time for youth, compared with young children and adults. Furthermore, sleep may be the first thing to go when people are under a lot of pressure to complete tasks. For example, as a student, you may feel compelled to get everything finished at the end of term, and may stay up at night to cram for exams and projects. But you may be putting yourself

leep – It seems like something you shouldn’t have to think about, right? Many people are sleep deprived due to stress, too much work, or poor sleep habits. Adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). However, in a recent NSF survey (2005), adults reported sleeping a nightly average of 6.8 hours on weekdays and 7.4 hours on weekends. Many people, especially students, are sleeping

the immune system, leaving one more prone to illnesses. Further, it can affect moods, and leave people feeling more irritable, which makes it is easier to get iTnto confrontations. Sleepdeprivation can even effect normal conversation, which could have an impact on giving an oral presentation. Moreover, being tired might make you feel more hungry, causing you to over-eat. This is due partly to an increase in the levels of stress hormones, which increases the desire for high-fat and high-sugar foods. Unfortunately, since the body’s

“Many people, especially students, are sleeping far less than they need, and this can have negative effects on mental and physical health.” far less than they need, and this can have negative effects on mental and physical health. Our bodies are diurnal, meaning the body is supposed to sleep when it is dark and be awake when it is light. The optimal times to go to sleep are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which is when the body is designed to rest. Sleeping allows the brain to regenerate and process information (NSF, 2005). According to the NSF (2005), getting enough sleep may be a problem for many young people. This is because many youth feel most alert after 3 p.m., have difficulty going to 8 | REAL life 101

at a disadvantage by not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your concentration, alertness, coordination and memory (“Sleep on It”, 2005). Further, being tired can reduce your ability to think clearly, and it is harder to stay organized and focused. While many people drink coffee or cola to stay awake, these stimulants help minimally. Thus, while they will keep you wakeful, your performance may not be up to your usual standard. In fact, lack of sleep can even lower your I.Q. score (“Sleep on It”, 2005). Other outcomes of sleep deficits are that it can suppress

metabolism slows down at night time, so the body burns fewer calories. Another concern about being too tired is that more motor vehicle accidents occur when people are less alert. Fatigue has been identified as a main cause in thousands of policereported traffic crashes each year, killing or injuring many people. Regrettably, young drivers 25 years or less are involved in more than one-half of fall-asleep crashes. If you see that you are affected by lack of sleep, some suggestions for getting a better rest are listed on the next page. April 2009

8 Tips for Good Sleep Habits From the National Sleep Foundation

in stimulating activities or 1. Sleep is good for the brain. 3. Learn how much sleep you classes that are interactive. need to function at your best. Get enough of it, and get it You should wake up feeling when you need it. Even mild rested. 6. In the afternoon, avoid coffee, sleepiness can hurt your colas, alcohol and nicotine. performance -- from taking school exams to playing 4. Expose yourself to the light as soon as possible in the 7. Relax before going to bed. sports or video games. Lack Try to avoid heavy reading, morning, as this helps to of sleep can make you look studying, and computer signal to the brain when it tired and feel depressed, games within one hour of should wake up. irritable, and angry. going to bed. Plan time to unwind before going to 2. Be consistent. Establish 5. Understand your circadian sleep. rhythm. Then, you can a regular bedtime and try to plan your schedule waketime schedule, and throughout the day according 8. Staying up late can disrupt try to maintain it during to your internal clock. For your sleep patterns and your weekends and vacations. If ability to be alert the next example, compensate for you take a nap, take it early sleepy times by participating day. in the afternoon.

Appendix of Sleep Organizations American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

National Sleep Foundation (NSF)

National Centre on Sleep Disorders Research

Association of Polysomnographic Technologists (APT) American Sleep Apnea Assocication (ASAA) Restless Legs Foundation (RLSF) Sleep Research Society World Federation of Sleep Research Societies (WFSRS) National Institute of Health National Centre on Research Resources National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute on Mental Health

April 2009

Sleep Research Online National Library of Medicine New Abstracts and Papers in Sleep (NAPS) Bibliosleep - all sleep and sleeprelated papers from 1992 to present Centrewatch Clinical Trials Website Food and Drug Administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web Page Stanford University Centre of Excellence for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders

Centre for Narcolepsy Sleep Surgery The Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology Laboratory School of Sleep Medicine The Sleep Well Stanford Primary Care Sleep Education Project UCSF/Stanford Healthcare Home Page Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ACCESS Stanford Healthlink Circadian Rhythms - Circadian Technologies Sleep Information for Patients and the General Public

REAL life 101 | 9

Jobs

UW Student Enrichment OpportunityFacilitator for Student Leadership Workshops – Fall 2009/Winter 2010 The Department of Organizational & Human Development [OHD] is seeking several creative and enthusiastic students that will assist in facilitating workshops for the departments newly developed Student Leadership Program. This enrichment opportunity is open to current UW students (undergraduate or graduate). Facilitation of The Student Leadership Program is a superb opportunity for students to work with a variety of students from across campus in addition to personally developing leadership, presentation and facilitation skills in a supported environment. A flexible time commitment will be required each term. Workshops will be scheduled based on student demand per term and would normally involve facilitation of 4-5 two hour workshops per term. All successful candidates will be “certified” as an OHD Student Leadership Facilitator following Facilitation Training on either Sept 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2009 or Dec 2nd, 3rd and 4th 2009. The above enrichment opportunity would also include mentorship from a UW staff or Faculty member facilitator commencing September 2009 or January 2010 on an ongoing partnership with OHD. If you are a current graduate student this opportunity would qualify for one GS 903 teaching observation in partial fulfillment of the Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) offered through the CTE. Graduate student involvement would require a letter of support from your supervisor. Student facilitators will be paid $35.00 per workshop (not including preparation time). To be eligible to apply, students must be on campus for either the Fall 2009 or Winter 2010 term. A description of the 12 Leadership workshops is available on line: http://www.ohd.uwaterloo.ca/students The deadline for applications is April 3rd, 2009. Background: OHD has developed a series of experiential Student Leadership Workshops for current UW students [undergraduate and graduate]. The intent of these offerings is to enhance UW student’s leadership capabilities, and to help students gain knowledge and develop skills in leadership on campus and within the community. Some topics include, “Exploring the Principles of Leadership”, “Creativity”, “Running an Effective Team Meeting”, “Building Credibility” and “Communication and Leadership Styles”.

10 | REAL life 101 http://www.ohd.uwaterloo.ca

April 2009

OHD will be offering these broad based leadership workshops on campus during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms. Each session is 2 hours in duration. Purpose of the Learning Opportunity: With the anticipated expansion of the Student Leadership Program, OHD would like to provide UW students with the opportunity to: Develop presentation and facilitation skills Develop personal leadership skills Develop relationships with UW staff and faculty on campus by co-facilitating the leadership workshops with a staff facilitator and/or Faculty member. Support Student Leadership on campus Responsibilities: Working closely with the Director of OHD, the Coordinators within OHD, and the staff/faculty facilitators, the student facilitators would be responsible for delivering and facilitating leadership workshops to small groups of students. The workshops would be co-facilitated with a staff/faculty facilitator. Ideally, the student would deliver 4-5 two hour workshops per term (in addition to preparation time). All successful candidates will be “certified” as an OHD Student Leadership Facilitator following Facilitation Training on either Sept 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2009 or Dec 2nd, 3rd and 4th 2009 Preferred qualifications include: Successful experience working with diverse student populations. Excellent interpersonal, communication, time management skills. Willingness to work a flexible schedule (evening and weekend schedule may be required). Minimum one year on campus In minimum ‘Good’ academic standing The deadline for applications is April 3rd, 2009. Applications should include (i) a resume, (ii) a one page letter stating why you would like to become a facilitator, and (iii) if you are a graduate student, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor would be required.

Contact Information: Please send all nominations and applications to Susan Grant, Organizational & Human Development, HH 161. smgrant@uwaterloo.ca

http://www.ohd.uwaterloo.ca

April 2009

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Jobs

JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Warrior Weekends Director Reporting to the Warrior Weekends Administrative Coordinator (WWAC), the Warrior Weekends Directors coordinate all aspects of the program, rotating, as a team, through four different roles each term: Lead Director; Volunteer and Promotions Director; Marketing Director; and Assistant Director. This prestigious position will give successful candidates a well rounded leadership experience, allowing individuals to develop skills in marketing, event management, volunteer management, communication, time management and organization. Brief introduction to Warrior Weekends: The mission of Warrior Weekends is: Warrior Weekends, through coordinated departmental efforts, offers opportunities for social interactions by providing a variety of accessible programs that enhance student life, develop student leadership, and build UW community. Warrior Weekends is a joint initiative of the Student Life Office, the Federation of Students, the Department of Athletics and Recreation, the Student Life Centre and the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Job Requirements o Experience as a WW volunteer is strongly recommended. o Excellent knowledge of previous WW events. o Excellent understanding of the goals of WW. o Proven event planning experience, communication skills and leadership experience are an asset. o Strong writing skills, interpersonal skills and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks is essential. o Ability to work independently and within a group is also an asset. o Successful candidates must be full-time registered undergraduate or graduate students (including co-op) in good academic standing. Remuneration At the end of each term WW Directors will each receive an honorarium of $400. Time Commitment The amount of time required of the WW Directors varies throughout the term. The greatest commitment each month occurs in the week preceding a programmed event. On average WW Directors commitment approximately 10 hours per week. All WW Directors are expected to attend all Warrior Weekend event, weekly directors meetings and weekly volunteer meetings. 12 | REAL life 101

April 2009

Start Date: For Spring term May 5th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 30th For Fall term September 8th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 1st Confirmed commitment dates - others may be confirmed at a later date For Spring Term Directorship Training: To Be Announced (either in April or early May) May 29th and 30th June 26th and 27th July 10th and 11th For Fall Term Directorship Training: To Be Announced (either in August or early September) September 25th and 26th October 23rd and 24th November 13th and 14th November 27th and 28th Applicants are asked to submit their resume to cedupuis@uwaterloo.ca by Wednesday April 3 2009 As there are two different terms, BE SURE TO INDICATE WHICH TERM(S) you are applying for. Thank you for your cooperation.

Do you want your artwork or photographs featured in Student Life 101? E-mail your submission(s) to Johnny Trinh: jdtrinh@uwaterloo.ca! April 2009

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Jobs

JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Warrior Weekends Administrative Coordinator (WWAC) Department: The Student Life Office Warrior weekends were created, through coordinator departmental efforts, to offer opportunities for social interactions by providing a variety of accessible programs that enhance student life, develop student leadership, and build UW community. The Advisory Committee for Warrior Weekends consists of representatives from the four on-campus partners for the program, including the Student Life Office, the Federation of Students, Housing and Residences, and Athletics. The Warrior Weekends Administrative Coordinator will assist the Warrior Weekends Directors and volunteers in planning and implementing Warrior Weekend events, while seeking guidance from the Advisory Committee. This position will report to the Student Life Coordinator: FirstYear Experience and he/she will work out of the Warrior Weekends Office in the Student Life Centre. This position will attend the Warrior Weekend directors meetings and assist the Directors with some elements of the event. This position will also be responsible for attending termly advisory committee meetings, volunteer meetings and meet with the Student Life Coordinator: First-Year Experience as needed. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Excellent knowledge of the previous Warrior Weekends events and an understanding of the goals of Warrior Weekends. Experience as either a Warrior Weekend Director or a Warrior Weekends volunteer is preferred. Proven event planning experience. Proven communication skills. Proven experience leading committees and managing teams. Strong writing skills and interpersonal skills. Strong budgeting skills. Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks. Ability to work independently and within a group. This position will preferably be filled by a full-time student during their academic term. Note: Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and résumé via email to cedupuis@uwaterloo.ca by Wednesday March 11th 2009. Confirmed commitment dates - others may be confirmed at a later date Start Date: Part-time for Spring term May 5th – July 30th Part time for Fall term September 14th – December 1st Hours per week: An average10 hours per week for an approximate total of 120hours for the term. Must be flexible with hours as this position does require evenings and weekends.

For Spring Term Training: To Be Announced (either in April or early May) May 29th and 30th June 26th and 27th 14 | REAL life 101

April 2009

July 10th and 11th For Fall Term Training: To Be Announced (either in August or early September) September 25th and 26th October 23rd and 24th November 13th and 14th November 27th and 28th Applicants are asked to submit their resume to cedupuis@uwaterloo.ca by Wednesday April 3rd 2009. As there are two different terms, BE SURE TO INDICATE WHICH TERM(S) you are applying for. Thank you for your cooperation.

April 2009

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