August 2016

& Office of Student Life Present August 11, 2016

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CONTENTS

ENGAGEMENT 8

Hannah Tadey

P: 20 - 30 Guide to your first eight weeks on campus!

NEWS

FEATURE

Letter from the Editor.............................................. 3

Choosing a College Major........................................ 32

Letter from Damon................................................... 4

Must Have Apps for Students................................. 34

Construction Update................................................. 5

Career Success Center............................................... 36

Campus Maps..............................................................6

FAFSA Update........................................................... 37

ORGANIZATION

Places to Munch Around J-Town............................ 38

Why you Need a Planner...........................................8

USF ID Discounts..................................................... 41

Classroom Hacks........................................................ 9

Campus Area Shenanigans....................................... 42

Optimizing Your Dorm.............................................10 Multitasking like a Pro............................................... 12 Best Study Places on Campus...................................13

HEALTH Health is Wealth..........................................................14 Avoiding the Freshman 15........................................15 How to Handle a College Diet.................................16 Handling a Relationship in College..........................17 Keeping up with your Faith.......................................18 Advice to my Freshman Self.....................................19

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Editorial Board

August 11, 2016

Editor-in-Chief hannahtadey@stfrancis.edu Sarah Schoenrock

Chief Layout Designer sarahschoenrock@stfrancis.edu Katie Nork

Senior Assistant Editor - Print katherinenork@stfrancis.edu Kylie Mason

Senior Assistant Editor - Online kyliemason@stfrancis.edu Ashley Montgomery

Junior Assistant Editor ashleymontgomery@stfrancis.edu Dr. Scott Marshall

Advisor smarshall@stfrancis.edu

How to Make Money in College.............................. 40

Staff Writers Andrew Finein Andrew McDilda Ashley Montgomery Brandon Newberry Bruce Foote Clarice Swanson Ivan Flores Julie Kitzer Joe Wysocki Johnathan Marquardt Katie Nork Kylie Mason Liz Venerable Maribeth Hearn Noah Mussay Patti Raspolich

Freshmen, transfer and returning students, welcome to (or welcome back to) St. Francis! I am so excited to announce that, for this school year, I have the pleasure of being the Editor-in-Chief of the Encounter. I have so much in store to share with you, including this first-annual edition of a collaboration between the Encounter and Student Life!

NEWS

Letter From the Editors In this issue you’ll find tips and tricks on handling campus, the classroom and community during your remaining years here. From “How to Pick Your Major” to a full list of events on campus for the first eight weeks of this semester, we have you covered!

Aside from this issue, we have three Encounters coming your way this semester. If you’re interested in writing for print or interested in writing for online (usfencounter.stfrancis.edu), give us a shout! We have sign-ups for the print issue in the Uno Lounge on August 30 from 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m., August 31 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., October 4 from 12:30 - 12:30 p.m., October 5 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., November 8 from 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. and November 9 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Email me at HannahTadey@stfrancis.edu if you’re interested in writing for online; spots are unlimited! You can write movie reviews, opinion pieces or even go on a rant about something happening in current culture.

So without further ado, I present you with the First-Annual USF Survival Guide!

Hello,

Hannah Tadey

Welcome home!! We are so excited to have you be a part of the USF Family. This is going to be a great year! There are many great activities and learning opportunities planned for you. I just have one request, JUMP IN!! It is unlikely that there will be another time in your life where opportunities will be planned for you, that new experiences will be right around the corner waiting for you to grab hold. That services and professional staff members will be excited for you to be a part of what they have to offer. Whether it be joining a club, starting a new club, volunteering in the community or getting a part-time job in a campus office, DO IT!! Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. I know I can speak for the campus community when I say we want you to be a part of these offerings and the best way to do that is open this book, pick five or ten things you are interested in and put them on your calendar now. The way to make this a great year is by taking part and not looking back and wishing you had branched out and tried new things. If you have any questions, idea or things you want to see, come visit us in Student Life, Motherhouse 150. We cannot wait to meet you.

Mollie Rockafellow Director of Student Life

From the top: Hannah Tadey (Editor-in-Chief), Sarah Schoenrock (Layout Artist), Damon Sloan (Dean of Students), Molly Rockafellow (Director of Student Life), and Andrew Finein (Student Worker).

Photos originally published by the Editors on their Facebook pages.

All rights reserved.

Policies The Encounter is published by the students of the University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60435. The newspaper office is located in room S413C of Tower Hall. The Encounter phone number is 815.740.3816.

As a member of USF Campus Media, the Encounter strives to produce a publication that stresses quality writing and design.

By reporting on issues that may be sensitive in nature, the Encounter aims to educate, inform and persuade students on topics that affect their lives on and off campus.

Editorial pages provide Encounter staff with opportunities to express thoughtful views on controversial topics.

Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author and are not necessarily opinions of the Encounter Staff.

Publications of letters to the editor are subject to space availability and management discretion. Letters are also subject to editing.

Letters to the editor or any other submissions may be dropped off at the Encounter office or emailed to usfencounter@gmail.com.

The Encounter is printed by RICOH Services on the campus of the University of St. Francis.

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Letter From Damon

Dean of Students

Dear Students, Welcome back to USF and welcome to the second edition of our Engagement booklet!

Various departments and clubs have been working all summer to plan activities and events during the all-important first half of the fall semester. We know that (especially if you are a new student) if you get engaged on campus early through joining clubs and attending events, you are more likely to succeed here (higher GPAs and higher graduation rates).

This is an easy-to-follow guide for getting involved on campus up until Fall Break. I challenge each student to participate in at least one event per week. It’s easy to do. Attend a meeting of a club.

Attend an athletic event. Join me for trivia in Bernie’s Pub. Enjoy the many talented acts that are brought to you by our Student Activities Board.

We’re all connected through technology. Social media is everywhere. Even I struggle when I’m away from my mobile device for more than a few hours. I get it. Let’s make a deal though. Let’s put

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down the phones once in a while and have some good conversations. Get to know your fellow students and get to know your campus.

If you are a new student, I can’t encourage you enough to start making connections. If you are a returning student, it’s time to become familiar with this campus again. A number of offices have moved, our Leach College of Nursing is now at the newly renovated St. Clare campus (with shuttle service!), and ground has broken on our new science building. Put simply, it’s never been a better time to be a Saint!

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me personally at dsloan@stfrancis.edu, by my direct line at 815-740-5055, or through Twitter @DamonSloan. My team and I look forward to serving you in the upcoming year.

Best regards, Damon M. Sloan Dean of Students

Update

NEWS

Construction

by: Clarice Swanson

The new school year is bringing many changes, including construction to the University of St. Francis. At the start of the school year, we have the opening of the new St. Clare Campus for nursing students at the refurbished Guardian Angel Home down Plainfield Road. This exciting opening will move our Leach College of Nursing to its own campus and will cause the shift of multiple other departments on the main campus.

This summer has also brought the start of construction for the new Laverne and Dorothy Brown Science Building which will be built in the previous location of Lot A. As new parking lots are being developed, the university will also put temporary parking for the main campus out on the quad. The volleyball court in the quad will be changed from facing North/South to facing East/West. Along with these major developments, minor repairs are also being done to Tower Hall, Motherhouse and Marian Hall to keep the buildings in tip-top shape.

All the students and faculty at USF are looking forward to the positive impact these developments will have on our campus!

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University of St. Francis

Campus Maps

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NEWS

Shuttle Schedule: 7:00 a.m.

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* Last shuttle run at 6:40 p.m. on Fridays only.

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r e n n a l P A d e e N u o Y y h W mery Montgo or y le h s by: A Edit ssistant Junior A

As

the saying goes, “time is of the essence,” and this is especially true when it comes to your four years in college. In contrast to high school, college classes only meet a few times a week, freeing up more hours in the day.

College gives you the opportunity to experience nearly anything your heart desires, from studying abroad to simply trying new restaurants down the street. However, if you don’t know how to manage your time efficiently, you can quickly become overwhelmed and your college experience can turn into a nightmare.

look at what time you have left over for friends and anything else you might want to do that week. Seeing each item and event for the week on paper gives a visual on how you are utilizing your time. There are so many different ways to keep track of your agenda, but here are our top picks to help you get started:

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Free College Schedule Maker $

Get it at freecollegeschedulemaker.com This website is totally free and allows you to plan out your day on your own laptop.

After classes, homework and studying, work, time for friends, working out and sprinkling in meetings and clubs on top of that, those “free” hours tend to fill up Δ pretty fast. So what’s the best way to keep track of evGet it at Target erything?

Lots of styles to choose from with an interesting layout!

My suggestion? Use a planner! It may sound “old- Around $20 each.

Day Designer $$

school,” but planning out your time and learning to prioritize will make you a more successful student.

Planners tend to have clear goals with a formulated plan of action to reach them. Using a planner will improve time management, increase productivity and lead to less stress. Looking at least one week in advance is much more helpful than creating a long to-do list, as the countless bullet points on the page can make you feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

Planning is simple. First, write out the important stuff – your class times, work and any meetings. Then, divide up your homework throughout the week so you aren’t pushing deadlines or pulling all-nighters. Now you can

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Erin Condren $$$

Get it at ErinCondren.com These are a bit pricey, but worth it! Completely customizable – from coil to cover, with three different layouts to choose from! Around $60 each.

••• Photo courtesy of honeygirlsworld.com

by: Kylie Mason Senior Assistant Editor - Online

In high school, teachers always lecture that college will be way harder than we realize and we won’t get away with as much “late homework” or “not studying for tests.” Here’s the thing about all these horror stories that our high school teachers drilled into our head: college isn’t necessarily “hard” if you strive for success, take notes properly and study for tests. Here are some classroom hacks that can help make your first year of college a breeze:

Make friends with your professor

We all know that one person who is considered a “brown-noser” and consistently sucks up to the professor; however, just because you become comfortable or friends with a professor does not make you that person. Being able to feel comfortable enough to talk to a professor when you need help or have questions makes for a great semester. Every professor I have I know I can knock on his or her door during office hours to ask life questions, classroom questions or just vent about what is going on in my life.

Write your notes in a way that you can understand

I personally take notes in class and then organize them later in the day. I put the notes in order of importance and write the date of when we learned that lesson in class. Also, putting page numbers in your notes to reference back to your text is one of the best ways to shorten your notes but still have all of your information in one place!

Note taking techniques

Find your niche and go with it! Whether it’s outlining your notes, writing everything out word-for-word or drawing diagrams and pictures to help you understand, there are numerous ways to study. Obviously outlines or drawing diagrams doesn’t work for every individual, so do what makes sense to you!

ORGANIZATION

Classroom Hacks

Listen in class

I am just as guilty as everyone else when it comes to playing on my laptop during class or talking to friends on Facebook when I should be listening. It’s a habit I quickly dropped once I realized that I didn’t know we had a quiz the following class due to my “important” conversations that could have more than likely waited until after class. So for the love of St. Francis, please listen to your professors when they are talking. Not only will it help you to understand the lessons being taught, it is also disrespectful to the professor when they catch you texting during their lectures.

Take notes

It is hard to know exactly what to take notes on when there is so much information being shoved into your brain all at once.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to write everything down.

You should write down what you don’t know already, what is relevant to the lesson and anything that the professor blatantly states “will be on a test in the future.”

Photos courtesy of wikimedia.org

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Optimizing Your Dorm by: Clarice Swanson

Moving into a dorm room can be tough, especially when trying to make the space your own. Here are ten helpful must-have items and ten helpful how-to ideas to make your room everything you want it to be this year: Must Have’s Command Strips and Sticky Tack: Both command strips and sticky tack are great tools for putting up decorations, calendars, etc. that will last all year, and are easy to remove for when you want a change.

2-Way Fan: Getting a 2-way fan is an easy and non expensive fix to a heat problem in non air-conditioned rooms, since the fan both sucks the hot air out and brings cool air in.

Laundry Detergent Pods: Detergent pods are worth getting since there’s less chance of a spill, and they will take up less space, making them a beneficial replacement for regular detergent.

Wall Art: A bare room could drive anyone crazy. So find your favorite posters, decorations, pictures and more and hang them up to make your room everything you want it to be.

Paper, Envelopes, Stamps: Keeping items for letters around is really useful if your feeling homesick, so you can just pop a letter in the mail and let those close to you know you’re thinking about them.

Needle and Thread: When you need a quick fix, especially on your favorite clothing item, it’s good to have a needle and thread around.

Plus, it will teach you the great life skill of sewing if you’re ever in a jam!

Plain White Board: From organization to to-do lists to writing positive notes to yourself, a white board will be one of the most used items in your room.

Off-the-Floor Storage Space: Extra drawer, bins you can keep on shelf and even off the floor shoe racks can save you so much space that could be used otherwise. Find what storage method works best for you and utilize it.

Childhood Coloring Books and/or Games: Keeping your favorite games and activities around from your childhood will be helpful for those moments when you need to get your mind off adult level stress.

Power Strips: Use power strips to keep all the items you need powered and running, for all the busy things you do.

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Photos courtesy of pinterest.com

Whether it’s lofting your bed or keeping large pieces of furniture pressed to the wall, arrange larger pieces of furniture so you give yourself ample space to function.

Sort your drawers in a way that will make sense to you and continue to use that system of organization all year long, as it will make your life far easier on stressful days.

Use your wall space not just for decorations but as organization space for papers, pencils and more. The more space you use, including the walls, the less cluttered your room will feel.

Never let your organization slip away, because it could cause major problems during busy school days.

Whether living by yourself or with a roommate, store your extra cleaning and school supplies in large bins and put them away, so extras don’t clutter up your space.

ORGANIZATION

How To’s When laying out your room, arrange your furniture wisely, especially along the walls, and get as much stuff off the floor as you can to have space for all your larger furniture.

Keep your non-perishable food items in boxes and on shelves off the floor, but visible, so you never buy what you already have.

Plugging in air fresheners and putting dryer sheets in drawers are just two of the many great ways to keep you room smelling clean.

Limiting the amount of clothes and extra school supplies you have around will make sure you use everything you have.

Nobody wants a plain white room, so use your organizational style, decorations, and even your furniture to make your room completely personal.

As you move in, keep these tips and tricks in mind, so your room can stay organized and be everything you want it to be in the upcoming year!

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How to multitask like a

PRO

(Some Tips for Time Management) by: Julie Kitzer Multitasking is key to balancing all of the responsibilities that come with the college-student territory. With a full course load, an internship, a part-time job and whatever social life you can mange to fit in, it can be a lot to handle. The key to multitasking efficiently is by mastering your time management skills. Fortunately, I have some tips for better multitasking that can make you a pro in no time.

First and foremost, prioritize your tasks!

Each day, create a list with the things you need to complete. Arrange all tasks by deadlines and necessity. This gives a clear idea of how much time you need to allot to each task.

Keep it organized Write down all of your tasks and appointments in a calendar or use a planner. This makes it easier to visualize the importance of each task.

Keeping organized also allows you to see which tasks on your list can be completed together. For example, if you have sections of a textbook required to read for a class but you also have an appointment, bring the textbook with and read it in the waiting room.

Stay focused It can be difficult to remain focused on what’s important given all the technology we have access to.

things at once, but that can be counterproductive. Instead, it’s best to switch between two tasks.

Finish what you start Always finishing the tasks you’re on is a great tip for better multitasking. Never leave for tomorrow what you can finish today. If you’re consistently in the middle of several tasks, they can decrease productivity and they remain on your ever-growing “to-do” list.

Delegate and don’t be afraid to ask for help Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s much easier to grin and bear it when managing a stressful schedule. If you reach out to those around you (especially at USF!) you’ll find that there are many people who are understanding and are happy to help you out when things get tough.

If you’re working on group projects make sure that an equal amount of work is delegated to each member of the pro-ject.

Don’t be afraid to be honest with your group members about the progress you have made on the project. Let them know if you need someone to help you out.

I hope you found some of these tips helpful. Remember: work smarter, not harder!

A good way to limit the distractions is to find a quiet place to work on things like a library or a coffee shop. They often times have free Wi-Fi and less distractions than at home.

Use the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone. You can set it for a certain time period that you know you need to be focused on studying or working. This setting will stop all notifications from displaying on your phone during that time period.

Set “time completion goals” for each task. Knowing that your work should be completed in the time frame you set for yourself will keep you from straying on tasks.

Limit your multitasking When you think of multitasking, some may think of doing many

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Photos courtesy of digitalmofo.com and totalcomputerusa.com

by: Patti Raspolich As a new school year begins and our calendars are packed with backto-school events, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all that is going on, especially when it comes to our studies. Throughout my years at St. Francis I have come to know all the best locations to study.

Whether you need a quiet place to study in peace or you are looking for a group study session, there is somewhere on campus for you. Below is a list of places that I found to be the most effective to study while at school: LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Library – The most obvious choice that comes to mind is our university library. The library offers computers, desks, tables, couches and endless amounts of study material.

The library is usually quiet for the most part, except when students are getting out of class. However, there are designated quiet areas away from the classrooms so you won’t be too distracted.

ORGANIZATION

Best Places to Study on Campus

Academic Resource Center (ARC) – Another clear choice is the Academic Resource Center, as the name speaks for itself. The ARC, located in the library, offers tutoring, test prep, study aids, workshops on note-taking and time-management as well as other learning skills.

Something pretty cool about the ARC is that students like you and I are tutors; sometimes it’s easier to grasp a concept when a fellow student is explaining it.

Fireside Lounge – Located in the Motherhouse, the Fireside Lounge includes tables to study at, computers, couches near the electric fireplace and Three Oaks Bistro is just a few steps away to keep you energized.

Marian Hall – Whether you are looking to study with a group of people or hoping for a more quiet environment, Marian Hall has both options available on every floor. Each floor has a social lounge as well as a computer study room.

Tower Hall – If you are just looking for a quick place to study in between classes, Tower Hall may be the place for you. There is a small computer lab located in the Career Service Center on the second floor.

In addition, there are numerous couches and chairs on each floor to get that last-minute review session in. This is also a great place to study once day classes end and the commotion quickly turns quiet.

When it comes to finding a place to study, find what works best for you. There are numerous options available throughout campus; it’s up to you to use them!

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#HealthIs

Wealth:

Staying Healthy These Next Few Months/Years If you’re a college student trying to navigate the world of employment and accountability, chances are you feel the pressure. It can be difficult balancing daily responsibilities to others and ourselves.

whelmed and unable to perform any responsibilities well.

Here’s a list of tips to help you stay mentally, emotionally and physically healthy throughout the year:

1. Sleep regularly: According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need seven to eight hours of sleep.

Without adequate sleep, a person may be setting themself up to face critical health risks such as hallucinations, impaired thinking or depression. So make sure to catch some Z’s so you’re ready for anything!

Mental and Emotional Health Tips 1. Organize your responsibilities: Workplace stress is on the rise according to The American Institute of Stress. The cause: increasing responsibility. Your workload can seem daunting if you don’t even know where to begin, so go buy a planner and begin mapping out your day-to-day tasks.

Remember: Schedule time for fun, too!

2. Know when you need to take a break: It is counterproductive to continue working if no progress is being made. If that’s the case, step away for an hour and take time to relax and reflect. Remember though, there’s a difference between being stuck and being lazy.

3. Know when to ask for help: The people closest to you are willing to help if you let them. Isolating yourself and internalizing your feelings can only be a detriment to your psyche. In fact, the Public Library of Science concluded in 2010 that feelings of self-isolation and loneliness increase mortality risks by half.

4. Know when to say “no:” We all want people to think well of us so we may feel obligated to take on more responsibilities— professionally or socially—than we’re able.

However, taking on too much responsibility may cause a person to become over-

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by: Noah Mussay

Physical Health Tips

2. Watch what you eat: As the old saying goes, “everything in moderation.” It’s fine to have the occasional ice cream but don’t make a habit of it. For daily meals trade in a burger for a healthier alternative.

3. Exercise frequently: Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult but getting exercise can be as simple as going for a run or lifting weights. For maximum benefit, Shawn Arent, an exercise scientist at Rutgers University, suggests that adults should exercise for one hour a day, three to four days per week. You could even engage in physical activity while taking a break from work!

4. Schedule regular doctor check-ups: The only way to ensure you’re staying healthy is to follow-up with your doctors. If you’re experiencing changes in your physical and mental health, call the professionals. Your health should not get in the way of enjoying your life.

Health—physical and mental—should always be your #1 priority. It’s cliché to say but you need to be able to help yourself before you can help others. Hopefully these tips will get you started!

Avoiding the “Freshman 15” by: Kylie Mason Senior Assistant Editor - Online You’ve probably all heard the horror stories by now about the dreaded “freshman 15.” If you haven’t, the “freshman 15” refers to the excessive weight gain college students get typically during their first year or two of college. While this weight gain is primarily known for appearing in women, men can’t be counted out for the possibility of gaining a few extra pounds as well.

This weight gain typically happens due to increased stress, a major change in schedule, partying and the freedom to eat and drink whatever us students want without our parents dictating our eating habits.

While there is nothing wrong with gaining a few pounds, sometimes there are healthier choices that can help students evade the “freshman 15.”

Here is what I learned during my time at the University of St. Francis on how to steer clear of this monster:

of time (21+ only). Let’s put this into perspective, though. One can of Budweiser contains 145 calories. If you drink five Budweiser cans, that equals out to 725 calories in alcohol alone, not to mention the greasy foods people tend to eat while under the influence as well. Please have fun while in college, as these are the best years of your life! However, having fun doesn’t have to mean empty calories galore!

HEALTH

HOT TIP:

4. Watch What You Eat If you’re on campus often, we have plenty of food choices to eat! There’s Bernie’s Pub, the Snack Shop, the Bistro, the cafeteria and another food choice (which will serve Starbucks) coming this fall to the St. Clare Campus. You can eat greasy foods or quick snacks, but everything should be eaten in moderation. While the mac and cheese bites from the Snack Shop are to die for, maybe don’t eat them every single day.

1. Take the Stairs There are stairs everywhere in our buildings at the USF. Although the stairs can look intimidating (especially when you have a backpack full of over-sized textbooks and a laptop), they will make a big difference in your overall health throughout college. Yes, the elevator looks nice, but why not take the stairs and work up a small sweat to add a little exercise to your daily routine?

2. Manage Your Stress Personally, I binge-eat when I stress. It just happens. Bad grade on a test? Oh! Let’s fix that bad mood with pizza. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that pizza doesn’t solve every problem.

Managing your stress can reduce stress eating.

Buy yourself a planner and plan out everything.

When I say everything I even mean when you’re going to have lunch with mom and dad or when you have extra credit or a bill due. I promise it helps keep your life together and reduces stress levels.

3. Have Fun – But with Less Alcohol There is so much fun to be had sober, but unfortunately college students tend to engage in drinking and often consider it to be the best use

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Hack Your Mac:

How to Handle a College Diet by: Liz Venerable Have you taken the pledge? Well, if not repeat after me. “Peel off the lid. Pour boiling water into the cup. Let sit for three minutes. Stir well and serve.”

The pledge to the college diet might seem fun and exciting at the start of the semester, but trust me: by midterms you will not want to see another package of Ramen noodles or mac & cheese. So, here are some simple hacks and tips for those days when you’re hungry AF. TIPS: - Coming in clutch is fruit. It is a simple and healthy snack for in-between classes (and you can take fruit from the cafeteria after you use your meal swipe).

- Don’t use up all your dining dollars. Pace yourself: you are going to need all the Dining Dollars you can get when finals roll around.

- Follow the directions on the food you are cooking! Do not be the person who sets off the fire alarm because they did not add milk to their Easy Mac. - Easy Mac may be “easy,” but it is more expensive to make because you need to have milk and butter. If you want to save money or if you do not have a mini fridge then you should buy mac & cheese that comes with the cheese sauce.

- Cup Ramen noodles are convent, but the packaged Ramen noodles give you more options. From a Ramen burger to spaghetti, a simple Google search can give you a variety of recipes for Ramen noodles.

Two of my favorite Ramen hacks are parmesan Ramen and spicy peanut butter Ramen. I guess I’ll be nice and share those recipes with you: Spicy Peanut Butter Ramen

Parmesan Ramen

Ingredients: – Ramen noodles – One soy sauce packet – Chunky or smooth peanut butter – Hot sauce (I use Sriracha) – Ramen noodles flavoring package* (Optional)

Ingredients: – Ramen noodles – 1⁄2 cup frozen peas* (Optional. I like to add veggies) – 1 tablespoon butter – 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

Directions: 1. Boil a package of Ramen noodles (Add Ramen noodles flavoring package while you’re boiling the noodles if you decide to use it) 2. Drain the water 3. Add soy sauce to taste (I recommend a tablespoon or less because it can get too salty) 4. Add peanut butter (In my opinion, it tastes better with chunky peanut butter) 5. Add hot sauce to taste 6. Toss the noodles

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August 11, 2016

Directions: 1. Boil water 2. Add veggies to boiling water 3. Cook Ramen as directed on package, but do not add the seasoning (HINT: You can save the seasoning to make chicken flavored rice) 4. Drain noodles 5. Stir in one tablespoon of butter until melted 6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and mix I found these recipes on spoonuniversity.com. According to the website, Spoon University is a food website for our generation that’s powered by chapters at colleges and universities around the world. As of right now there is no chapter at USF, hopefully that will change by October 2016 so stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of imgix.net

HEALTH

Handling a Relationship

in College

by: Andrew McDilda So you’re a freshman in college and you might be telling yourself that you have the perfect relationship. You and your significant other do everything together. You eat together, you watch movies together and you play Pokémon Go together… College isn’t going to change that (but it probably will). Time management is a skill that we all develop as we get older, perhaps the quickest during ones first year in college. On top of studying, working and finding time to do the things you love, it sounds as though high school has probably prepared you for college life.

Whether or not you are comfortable thinking you’re all set for your first year at the wonderful University of St. Francis, take a step back from someone who has learned something from his time here. How does someone balance a relationship with college obligations? All right, I’ll break it down for you. One, you don’t (the person you are with most likely isn’t the one who you are going to marry so drop them and save yourself the four years of misery and trouble), or two, make it work (I’ll explain in a minute).

Option One: Leave ‘em!

You’re about to embark on your first semester of (hopefully) some of the best four years of your life. Do you find yourself arguing with your significant other a lot? Do you make up excuses to not hang out so that you can stay at home by yourself doing the stuff YOU want to do? Or do you just hate the sound of their voice?

Maybe all of the above? This may come as a shocker to some, but college is not the time to gamble on whether or not someone may or may not eventually kind of turn out to be a good partner in life (I may have learned that the hard way…). Your college years should be spent one of two ways depending on what kind of person you are and how much trouble you like to get yourself into. The first, have Photo courtesy of theblaze.com

lots of fun! Tylenol was discovered for a reason! The second way of course would be to stay on the lookout for the one you’re going to marry, then trick them into marrying you because you most likely don’t deserve someone as perfect as them.

Option Two: It shouldn’t be a “balancing act” So you love the one you’re with, and that’s great. I’m sure Bill loved Hillary, but it doesn’t mean that you have to stay with someone who makes it hard for you to function. A relationship is supposed to be give and take, not take YOUR time, YOUR energy, YOUR will to live. If you find yourself having to put someone else before your education or even work because they say you have to, you need to refer to option one. If you are in a strong and healthy relationship you will find that “making time” for your partner isn’t hard, it will come naturaly. Sure, there will be late nights and some crying involved during finals week, but those are always spent best with the one you love. Instead of trying to balance a relationship with someone who doesn’t deserve you, find someone who makes your days better, not worse. If you do that, “balancing school and a relationship” suddenly turns into “figure out the best way to get all of my stuff done so I can spend all my time with ___”.

Again, I am speaking from personal experience of course. If you want to spend the next year or two balancing school with your high school boyfriend or girlfriend have fun. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be fun, but what is meant to be will be! If you would like more relationship advice you can always visit me at our bi-weekly USF TV-Club meetings outside of the Television Studio on the fourth floor of Tower Hall.

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 17

Keeping Up with Your Faith in College by: Joe Wysocki Director of University Ministry College is a time for new adventures: new school, new friends, new challenges and the new ideas and perspectives all those changes bring. Your college years are an important transition point as you go from having your life managed by your parents and family to making those decisions more and more on your own. Your relationship to your parents or family doesn’t go away, of course, it just changes. You still need mom and dad or your siblings or grandparents just like you did in high school, but you need them in a different way in college. You don’t abandon your family just because you’re in college!

The same is true of your faith. Sometimes we don’t recognize that our relationship to our faith is just as important as our relationship to our family. In the midst of transitions and new beginnings, we can be tempted to ignore some of the important relationships that will sustain us, like our relationship to our faith. Whether you are a Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jew, Sikh or any other religion, college isn’t a time to abandon your faith but a time to deepen it. The faith you grew up with doesn’t go away but your relationship to it changes. College is a time to make your faith new again. It isn’t just about keeping your faith in college; it’s about transitioning into an adult believer. Below are a few ideas about how to make your faith new in college: Find a community. Come to Mass on Sundays and stay for the social afterwards. Join a bible study or participate in a service project. Find a group of people who are interested in knowing more about their faith.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your faith with others. You’ll be surprised how many other people want to talk about it, too.

Ask questions. Don’t just ignore your faith: explore it. Make friends with people who practice a different religion than you and ask respectful questions to learn more. Find out why your church teaches what it does.

Become informed about your faith and the faith of others.

Make time for faith. You wouldn’t go a month without talking to your family (or at least you shouldn’t), so don’t go a month without praying.

Make it a priority. Set a specific time each day or each week to practice your faith. Read the scriptures, pray or just marvel at God in creation on the quad. Whatever you do, make the time.

Become involved in University Ministry. There are all kinds of opportunities to explore your faith with University Ministry. Mission trips to New Orleans, the Philippines and Bolivia, retreats away from campus, peer ministry programs, Mass and much more provide opportunities to deepen your faith.

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HEALTH

Advice to my

Freshman Self Let me first start by saying, welcome freshmen! Get ready for some of the best years of your life. You’ll make new friends, you’ll change, you’ll grow and you’ll probably figure out who you are. I’m here to give you some advice I wish somebody told me to make this change a little easier on you.

• • • • • • •

• • • • •

Save the phone number to Campus Security in your phone.

(Seriously do it now…815-740-3200.)

If you’re in a rush, don’t take the elevators; they are reallllllllyyyy slow.

You can only use three meal swipes during each meal period.

There’s a quiet room in the basement of the library with vending machines and a microwave.

Smoothies from the Snack Shop are fantastic (so are broccoli bites).

Parking stinks: get here early enough to drive around the lots a few (hundred) times.

If you park on the street make sure that you aren’t in a no-parking zone (I may have been guilty of this once) AND beware of snow; if there is two or more inches, you can’t park on the street.

Look out for free stuff in the lounges around campus. You can get a quick snack between classes for free.

Don’t do laundry at school on the weekends because all of the washers will be taken; do your laundry early in the day.

You can get a security escort to your car or from the parking lot at any time.

Learn the schedule of bathroom cleanings to get cleaned up in freshly cleaned showers.

Check the employment section on the website for student Photo courtesy of ukrd.com

• • • • • • • • • • • •

by: Katie Nork Senior Assistant Editor - Print

worker positions so you can have a job right on campus.

Check your school email daily: professors send emails when they cancel class.

There is a calendar of school events in your online portal.

There are two 4th floors in Tower… Most people don’t even know there’s one…

We have our own radio station: 88.7 WCSF. We have our own TV show: Exploring Joliet.

Take advantage of the shuttle that takes you to Downtown Joliet, Walmart and Inwood.

Inwood is an athletic club that all USF students get a membership to. It has free weights, machines, fitness classes, a pool and more.

There’s a lot of great restaurants in Downtown Joliet (Blue Taco, Chicago St. Pub, Juliet’s, Chicken N Spice).

We have our own nurse located in Tower; it’s free.

Buy the air freshener that sticks to the wall so you can put it under your bed or in the hamper.

It’s tempting to skip class, but missing just one class can put you way behind.

Keurigs are great: you can make coffee, hot cocoa, tea and lots of other things to bring to class if you’re running late.

There’s a heck of a lot more advice I could give you but it would take up this whole magazine. I would make friends with an upperclassman so he or she can help show you the ropes. There are a lot of great students here that would be more than willing to help you out if you’re confused about something.

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 19

Office of Student Life presents

Engagement 8

Fall 2016 First 8 Weeks Activities Schedule 20

August 11, 2016

Welcome Week August 22

ENGAGEMENT 8

Bernie’s

Ice Cream Bars 11:00 - 1:00 p.m Uno Lounge, Tower Hall

August 23

Mike Super 9:00 p.m.

Auditoriam, Tower Hall

August 24

Bernie’s BBQ 4:30 p.m.

Quad

August 25

Make Your Own Cactus 9:15 a.m.

Uno Lounge, Tower Hall

August 26

Bowling 9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Joliet Town & Country Lanes

Photos courtesy of USF Flickr

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 21

Engagement 8

Week 1 August 22

• University Convocation, 2:30pm, Cathedral of St. Raymond Free Food!

Join faculty, staff and students in beginning the new school year at the University Convocation at the Cathedral of St. Raymond. The Convocation is followed by a picnic on the Quad.

August 24

August 25

• SNA Heartland Blood Drive, 2-6pm, Turk Theater Do your part and help save a life. Blood Drive Open to the public as well. Sponsored by Student Nurses Association • Women’s Soccer vs. Taylor University, 7pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

August 26

• Men’s Soccer vs. Silver Lake College, 7pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street • First Daybreak Volunteer Breakfast of the year 4:45am-7:00am, Meet outside Rec Start your morning bright and early by joining the Peer Ministers in serving breakfast at the Daybreak homeless shelter. This is a great chance to serve your local commuMTRF: St. Joseph Chapel, 12:00pm nity. Peer Ministers serve breakfast every Friday morning W: St. Clare Campus, 12:00pm when school is in session. Contact one of them to find out how to get involved.

Fr. Terry’s Weekly Mass Schedule

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August 11, 2016

August 29

Hours of Operation Terrace Cafe

Monday-Thursday: 7am-10am; 11am-1pm; 5pm-6:30pm Friday: 7am-10am; 11am-1pm; 5pm-6pm Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am-12:30pm; 5pm6pm

Bernie’s Pub

Monday-Thursday: 5:30pm-11pm Friday: 2:30pm-11pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: 7pm-11pm

ENGAGEMENT 8

Week 2

• FIRST SNA Meeting, 12:15pm, Location TBA Come out to meet nursing peers, hear from professionals in the field, and have a chance to win prizes.

• Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting, 8pm, Sexton Auditorium

August 30

• Radio Club Meeting, 4:30pm, S411 Free Food!

We will be holding our first radio club meeting where we will introduce everyone and plan some fun events for the rest of the semester. We will also plan to get more students involved in our student-ran radio station.

August 31

Saints Snack Shop

• University Ministry Service Fair, 9:00am-12:30pm, Turk Theatre Come learn about exciting opportunities for service in the local Joliet community. Representatives from over a dozen local agencies will be available to tell you about different opportunities. This event is mandatory for all Foundations 1 students

Three Oaks Bistro

• Bingo, 9:00, Abbey Lounge

Monday-Friday: 11:30am-5pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Monday- Thursday: 7:30am-5pm Friday: 7:30am-2pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Photos courtesy of USF Flickr

September 1

• Design your Semester, 2:30-3:30pm, L214 (ARC) Free Stuff ! Passport Event.

Design a Calendar for your room and get tips for managing your time. Bring your syllabi, game schedules, and work schedules with you.

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Engagement 8

Week 3

September 6

• Spectrum Meeting, 7pm, N315 Free Food!

Join Spectrum for their first meeting of the semester.

Cupcakes will be provided.

• African Arts Festival, 9am, Chicago Augustus Tolton Honor Society will be hosting an outing to the African Arts Festival in Washington Park.

• Mission Improvable, 9:00pm, Abbey Lounge • Radio Club Meeting, 4:30pm, S411

September 9

• Volleyball vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph, 7pm, • Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) Applications Rec Center Calling all students! This is an opportunity for you to partner with an alumnus/a whose education and career closely matches yours in order for you to gain direction and possible career connections! Sign up today at stfran• Jello Olympics, Pavilion on the Quad, 9pm cis.edu/sam! Applications are due Friday, Sept. 9.

Join us Jello, candy, and friendly competition! There will have various activities including Jello flinging, Jello toss, • Hot Mess Writing, 12:30-1:20, L214 (ARC) Jello eating competition, and many more! Sponsored by Passport Event.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

If you’ve ever struggled with organizing your essays or

September 7

• Student Organization Fair, 11am-1pm, Quad (rain location: Presidents Room) Learn about all the student clubs and organization on campus that you can get involved with.

• Commas Save Lives, 12:30-1:20 pm, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Review some basic punctuation rules to help with that next essay.

• Avoid Email Fiascos, 2:50-3:40, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Learn the unwritten expectations for emailing professors and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

September 8

• Bishop Imesch Lecture, 7:00pm, San Damiano Hall Passport Event.

The annual Bishop Imesch Lecture celebrates the role of women in the Church. Robert Ellsberg will offer a presentation on the life of Dorothy Day- a social activist and founder of the Catholic Worker whose cause for sainthood is currently has been recommended to the Vatican.

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August 11, 2016

find yourself often on a tangent (and unsure of how you got there), this workshop is for you! Learn some techniques for structuring your writing.

• Bernie-Palooza, 7-11pm. Quad

September 12

• Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting, 8pm, San Damiano

September 13

• Trivia with the Dean, 7:00pm, Bernie’s Pub

September 14

• Learning Fair, 10am-1pm, Uno Lounge Free Stuff !

Passport Event.

Discover some neat things about learning, meet the tutors and SI Leaders, and have some fun doing it.

• Party Time!, 12-1pm, C316 Do you know how much alcohol to consume before it becomes toxic or fatal? This presentation is all about awareness not preachy. We have a tool that will tell you exactly how many drinks (based on body weight) is estimated percentage of blood alcohol in one hour. Sponsored by Counseling and Wellness Center

USF Bookstore Sales

Aug. 15th - 19th: All t-shirts are Buy One, Get One 50% Off. Aug. 22nd - 26th: All Champion clothing is 25% Off. Sept. 13th - 15th: All Hats are Buy One, Get One 50% Off. Sept. 27th - 29th: All Women’s clothing is Buy One, Get One 50% Off. Oct. 11th -13th: Entire stock of Fleece is 25% Off.

ENGAGEMENT 8

Week 4

Bookstore Hours:

Mon. - Thursday: 8:30 am - 6 pm Friday: 8:30 am - 4 pm Sat. & Sunday: Closed

September 15

• Our Lady of Sorrows Mass for Victims of Abuse, 12pm, St. Joseph Chapel The bishop of the Diocese of Joliet has asked every parish and chapel to offer Mass on September 15th for those who have suffered abuse. Please join us during this Year of Mercy in praying for healing of all those who suffer, especially those who have suffered abuse within the Church.

September 16

• Chicago Fire, 7:00pm, Toyota Park

September 17

• Women’s Soccer vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph, 4pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

Photos courtesy of USF Flickr

• Men’s Soccer vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph, 6:30pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 25

Engagement 8

Week 5 September 20

• Volleyball vs. Purdue University Northwest, 7pm, Rec Center

September 21

September 22

• Introductions are Treacherous, 1:50-2:40, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Learn some new techniques for starting an essay and leaving a lasting (and positive) impression.

• Avoid Confusion: Catch your Mistakes, 12:30-1:20, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Master some new techniques of revision and proofread- • Women’s Soccer vs. Robert Morris University, ing.

11pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street • Volleyball vs. Olivet Nazarene University, 7pm, Rec Center • Men’s Soccer vs. Robert Morris University, 7pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

September 24

Homecoming Events September 19

• Wire Writing, 10:45pm, UNO Lounge

September 20

• Eric O’Shea, 9:00pm, Abbey Lounge

September 21

• Homecoming Hunt, 11:00-1:00pm, Cafeteria

September 22

• Mac & Music, 12:00pm, President’s Room

September 23

• Homecoming Dance, 8:00pm, Rec Center

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August 11, 2016

September 24

• HC Tailgate, 11:00-3:00pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street • Football vs. Robert Morris University, 3pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

September 26

• Mini HURST Review with Denise Barten at SNA Meeting, 12:15pm Mini HURST review with prizes. Open to all nursing students.

• Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting, 8pm, San Damiano

September 27

September 30

• Bowling, 9:30-12:00am, Joliet Town & Country Lanes

October 1

• Football vs. Concordia University, 1pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street • Women’s Soccer vs Trinity International University, 5pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

ENGAGEMENT 8

Week 6

• Thesis Statements are like Bacon!, 2:20-3:10, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Learn what makes a thesis statement work and why • Men’s Soccer vs Trinity International University, choosing your words carefully is so important.

7:30pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

September 28

• Fuel for your Tests, 2:30-3:40, L214 (ARC) Free Food! Passport Event.

Make some trail mix and learn some strategies for that next exam.

• Major Fair, 7:50-9am, Rec Center This required event for all freshmen will allow students to explore majors and career options.

September 29

• Bystander Awareness, 12-1pm, C316 Are you or do you have a friend or know of someone who is struggling emotionally? Have you/they considered suicide? Attend this presentation to obtain information on how to aid someone who is struggling with depression, isolation, and depression.

• Volleyball vs. Indiana University-South Bend, 7pm, Rec Center

Photos courtesy of USF Flickr

Rec Center

Mon-Thurs: 8am-10pm Friday: 8am-8pm Saturday: 12pm-5pm Sunday: 12pm-10pm

Fitness Center:

Monday-Thursday: 8am-9pm Friday: 8am-8pm Saturday: 1pm-3pm Sunday: 3pm-5pm

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 27

Engagement 8

Week 7 October 2-8: St. Francis and Clare Week

Activities planned all week to celebrate our patrons Francis and Clare. Keep an eye out for more information and a calendar of the week’s events.

October 3

• 2017-2018 FAFSA Filing Workshop, 3:00pm – 6:00pm, St Albert Hall, Room A102&A112 Do you need money for college? Need assistance in completing the FAFSA? Attend a FAFSA Completion Workshop at the University of St. Francis and fill out the free FAFSA application for federal student aid with the help of USF’s Financial Aid Services staff. Workshops are free and open to the public. Please bring with you the parent and student FSA ID, and all 2015 tax documents (parent/student 1040’s. W2 forms, ect.) Call 815-740-3403 or email finaid@stfrancis.edu for more information.

October 5

• Jeffrey Jay, 9:00pm, Abbey Lounge

October 6

• Faculty Recital, 7:30pm, Sexton Auditorium Featuring Casey McGrath, violin and Jiafeng Yan, piano.

October 7

• Blessing of the Creatures, 12:30pm, Pavilion Free Food!

Bring your pets to campus to be blessed by Fr. Terry. Can’t bring your pet to campus? Bring your plants, stuffed animals, friend or just yourself for a blessing! Refreshments for dogs, cats and people will be provided.

• Choose your words like a Boss, 12:30-1:20, L214 (ARC) Passport Event.

Master word choice and wow your professors.

• Day of Giving, All day, Online Last year, USF’s Day of Giving raised almost $60,000 in just 24 hours, opening doors and touching many lives in • Feast of St. Francis, all day, 3rd Floor Motherhosue our USF community. Encourage your family and friends Free Food! to make a donation of any amount to USF on this day Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with Mass at noon. to create endless opportunities that will shape our future There will be free popcorn and snacks on the 3rd floor for years to come! Give at www.stfrancis.edu/dayofgiving of Motherhouse outside of the Ministry offices all day!

Stop by and join the celebration.

October 4

• Radio club meeting, 4:30pm, S411

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August 11, 2016

October 8

• Women’s Soccer vs. Cleary University, 2pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

October 9

ENGAGEMENT 8

Week 7

• Five Minute Massages, 11:00-1:00pm, Fireside and • Football vs. St. Ambrose University, 4pm, Joliet Uno Lounges Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

October 10

• Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting, 8pm, San Damiano

October 11

October 13

• Volleyball vs. Trinity Christian College, 7pm, Rec Center

• Are you in a healthy relationship?, 12-1pm, C316 Are you or do you have a friend or know of someone who is struggling in their relationship? Is it really love or control? Attend this presentation to obtain information on what is a healthy relationship and when is it considered dating violence or domestic violence. Sponsored by the Counseling and Wellness Center • Men’s Soccer vs. Judson University, 7pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street

October 12

• 2017-2018 FAFSA Filing Workshop, 3:00pm – 6:00pm, St Albert Hall, Room A102&A112 Do you need money for college? Need assistance in completing the FAFSA? Attend a FAFSA Completion Workshop at the University of St. Francis and fill out the free FAFSA application for federal student aid with the help of USF’s Financial Aid Services staff. Workshops are free and open to the public. Please bring with you the parent and student FSA ID, and all 2015 tax documents (parent/student 1040’s. W2 forms, ect.) Call 815-740-3403 or email finaid@stfrancis.edu for more information.

• Football vs. Davenport University, 1pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street • Women’s Soccer vs. Judson University, 7pm, Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 West Jefferson Street Photos courtesy of USF Flickr

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 29

Engagement 8

Clubs to Join at USF Acceleration Club for Entrepreneurs (ACE) Aftermath Black Student Association (BSA) Brother to Brother (B2B) Council for Environmental & Scientific Awareness (CEA) Criminal Justice & Pre-Law Society The Encounter Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) F.R.E.E. Healthy Saints International Club Justice League of USF Late Night Programming Mock Trial National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Spectrum Pro-Life Group Psychology Club Recreation Club Residence Hall Association (RHA) Sister 2 Sister (S2S) Social Work Club Student Activities Board Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Student Business Association (SBA) Student Nurses Association (SNA).

Unidos Vamos a Alcanzar (UVA) (United We Will Achieve) History Club Paintball Club Radio Club Spikeball Club USF-TV Club Commuter Assistants Student Government Association (SGA)

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August 11, 2016

Sexual Assault is Sex or Gender-Based Discrimination Know Your IX Molly Knapczyk is USF’s Title IX Coordinator Molly Knapczyk Title IX Coordinator Location St. Clare Campus Phone 815-740-5076 Email mknapczyk@stfrancis.edu

What’s your IX?

What does that mean?

Laws protecting you from sex or genderbased discrimination in: • Academics • Activities • Admissions • Athletics • Employment • Financial Assistance • Housing • Recruitment

Title IX violations include: • Sexual harassment • Sex or gender-based discrimination • Sexual violence including sexual assault Title IX covers everyone!

What’s the law?

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Confidentiality All reports are acted upon promptly.

While every effort is made by the University to preserve the privacy of reports, only a small group of officials who need to know will be told.

What can you do?

The University of St. Francis is committed to full adherence to the Title IX law.

We are here to support and protect you.

If you feel that your Title IX rights have been violated, or if you are unsure, connect with Molly.

Title IX information & resources stfrancis.edu/titleIX usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 31

Guide to Choosing a College Major

by: Ivan Flores Ever since we were children, we were continuously asked what we would like to be when we grow up. The answer may have changed throughout our lifetime, but don’t worry, it’s common to change our interests during our college years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80% of students change their major in college and students will change their major an average of three times. Whether you are an incoming freshman or are an upperclassman thinking of switching majors, here are some tips in order to make a smooth transition toward success.

There are a few questions to ask yourself before choosing a major: 1. What are your strengths?

2. What are you passionate about?

3. What kind of work do you see yourself doing?

4. How would you like to lead your life?

To get an idea of what college students commonly choose when deciding a major, here are, according to The Princeton Review, the Top Ten Popular College Majors based on research covering job prospects, salaries and popularity: 1. Computer Science 2. Communications 3. Government/Political Science 4. Business 5. Economics 6. English Language and Literature 7. Psychology 8. Nursing 9. Chemical Engineering 10. Biology

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August 11, 2016

Photos courtesy of collegedegreesearch.net and wallup.net

There are many myths out there that have some students worried of what would be best to do if they are undecided or plan on switching majors. It is time to put some of them to rest.

• Checking the degree requirements. Research the prerequisites that you’ve taken to see if they can be considered for your new major and make a plan of when you expect to graduate.

1. Myth: When entering college or the university, students already have declared their academic majors.

Reality: Not true. Many freshmen are not sure of what they would like to major in. According to the University of La Verne, at least 50% of entering college students are undecided about their majors. The first years of college are required courses, which give students the time to think of which major is right for them.

• Talking to an advisor from the major you consider switching to. Advisors can give students information and answer questions related to the major in order to help you set up for a better future. They also help students with connecting with others that have studied in that major and can land an internship.

It is normal to be undecided on which major to decide pursuing. If you are undecided on which major works for you, consider: • Finding out what majors are available in the university of your choice. Pick a few that truly intrigue you and research online more about those majors based on how many credits are needed to graduate, expected annual salary, and • Taking a variety of courses in different areas. Working towards a degree, students are required to take general education and elective classes. This gives students the chance to get a feel of that major and being able to explore new areas.

• Talking to people who are happy in their careers and ask them what major they studied when they attended college. Ask what made them decide on the major they chose in the first place and how it helped them in the long-run throughout their careers.

FEATURE

Switching majors is common while attending college. Sometimes it’s not an easy task but with the right help, it is possible.

When switching majors, consider:

2. Myth: A personality/career assessment can tell students what to major in.

Reality: The assessment is designed for students to clarify their strengths, weaknesses and interests in order to make a more confident decision. This assessment does not set anything in stone so you may choose something else than the results given.

3. Myth: Declaring a major will limit my career options.

Reality: Not true. Many people find jobs after graduating college that are not even related to their majors. It is what students do on their job that will dictate their career path.

4. Myth: I will know what to do when deciding my major when the time is right.

Reality: It takes effort when deciding on a major and career path. It will not just “come to you.” As a student, we must identify our interests, skills and values, research those options and finally decide.

The key thing to remember when deciding on choosing a major is to make your own decision. You are not alone because there are many people and resources to assist you into working through this process. Don’t consider the “safe bet” if your interests are not there. Take the time to research your interests and what you feel will be the best decision in order to enjoy having a bright future.

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 33

8

Must-Have

Apps for College

Students

by: Hannah Tadey

Editor-in-Chief

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August 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of pngimg.com

Calendars (by Readdle)

Confession time: I absolutely hate Apple’s Calendar. It’s decent on Mac but doesn’t do the job when it comes to mobile. Calendars (by Readdle) is a fantastic app to help you plan out your day, week or even month. Rather than simply showing the monthly calendar with a dot to resemble you have an event that day – which, we’re in college, we have events EVERY day – Calendars (by Readdle) shows you color-coded layouts in your choice of day, week or month. I personally have a different color for work, class, internship, club meetings, appointments and special events. An added bonus is that is does sync with Apple Calendar in case you’re like me and don’t mind using it on Mac.

Duolingo

Named the best language-learning app by the Wall Street Journal and “the secret to the future of education” by TIME, Duolingo makes learning a new language a breeze. It’s free (!!!) and, unlike your class schedule, you have total control over when you want to do it. Learning a language from the comfort of your own home (or dorm) is also an added bonus. This app is a must-have for anybody looking to study abroad, travel during breaks or just become more culturally-aware.

Mint

Mint, your personal money manager, is brought to you by Intuit – the makers of TurboTax – so you know it’s the real deal. Spend smarter and save money all at the same time. By having access to your accounts, cards and investments, Mint reviews your dayto-day spending and suggests personalized ways to save or spend less. Mint is free, for the makers do not believe a money manager should cost money. Hey, I’m all for free.

SelfControl

SelfControl is an iOS and Mac OS app that disables you from using certain apps or websites while trying to be productive. This app is great because I personally have put off a paper by mindlessly scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed for 45 minutes…

Who hasn’t? Sometimes we need help getting back on track, so download SelfControl to disable yourself from Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or even Netflix (…never Netflix).

Sworkit

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Let’s face it: us millennials are pretty much always on our smart phones. But what exactly are we doing? To be frank, we aren’t really doing anything productive. Heck, most of us have all of those “productive” iPhone pre-loaded apps in a folder hidden on our last home screen since we can’t delete them and have yet to ever use them. Personally, most of my phone usage is spent scrolling mindlessly on social media. But college is about being productive and utilizing your time and your resources. Being that we’re all smart phone-savvy, here are eight apps you should download to your phone pronto.

Time to be real: it’s difficult to find time to workout in college.

Between your full time course load, full time homework load, working and whatever else you’re doing, it seems that the “Freshmen 15” is inevitable (and, no, the “Freshmen 15” doesn’t magically go away after freshmen year). Sworkit is a free workout app that allows you to workout without having to leave your living room or dorm room. Pick from strength, cardio, yoga or stretching then select the amount of time you have to workout.

Whether you have five minutes (really!) or a full hour, Sworkit will work your body.

Venmo

For real, download Venmo now. Unlike an ATM or other similar apps, Venmo (an app by Paypal, Inc.) allows you to send and receive money between you and your friends for free. Each transaction requires a memo, so you’ll always have a receipt for your transactions. You can also charge your friends if they owe you money…but nobody wants to be that guy. (Advice from a senior: be that guy. Those coffees every morning add up.)

Ventra

Being that we’re just a five-minute shuttle drive to the Rock Island District Metra Rail, it’s nice to have an app that not only shows you the train schedule but allows you to purchase tickets in the app. Long gone are the days of wondering Chicago and constantly checking your pocket/purse to make sure you didn’t lose your return ticket home. Simply open the app, show the train conductor your ticket and relax. Enjoy your one-to-two hour commute!

What are you waiting for? Get downloading!

RefME

Gone are the days of being docked 10 points on a paper because you referenced your sources incorrectly. RefME is the world’s leading and, most importantly, most accurate tool for creating automatic citations. RefME has over 7,500 citation styles, so you should be covered. To create a citation, simply scan the book or journal’s barcode and select the citation style! No barcode? No problem! RefME can also automatically create citations with a manual search of the work’s title, author or ISBN or can create a citation from a web URL. #TheNewBae.

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The Career Success Center: An Office You Should Frequent

by: Maribeth Hearn Director of Career Success Center

Internships are a critical key to launching a successful career. In our Career Success Center we start working with students on their career path starting their Freshman year.

We administer the Strong Interest Inventory to all freshmen and this assessment helps students see they types of interests they have and how they like to work. From that insight they attend the “Major Fair” as part of the Foundations Class. At this fair they can explore majors, meet with faculty, talk to alumni and discover career paths for those majors.

We are starting a new program this year called Career Connections.

This is a collaboration between Advising, Career Success Center and Alumni & Family Relations. The program will enable students to be matched with an alum for an informational interview. By making connections in the field early-on, our students will have a competitive advantage for internship and job placement later.

Once a student reaches 60 credit hours they are eligible to intern.

There are four types of internships: Paid, UnPaid, Credit and Non-Credit. A list of our available internships and jobs is located on the job boards found at stfrancis.edu/careers. Once there, click

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Services Available and then look for the Job Boards. These boards are FREE for students and alumni. If a student does not see an internship that they would like, they can come to the Career Success Center and we will teach them a system for locating opportunities.

Our role is not to get a student a job or internship, it is to teach the student how to find and use resources. Let’s face it: the average person changes jobs four to seven times over their lifespan, so skills like networking and job searching never go out of style. The Career Success Center offers resume reviews, cover letter writing assistance, job search, career counseling, mock interviews, internship paperwork and much more. Come see us. It’s all about who you know- so let’s get connected: Tower Hall N204 Preferred appointments but Walk-ins welcome Maribeth Hearn- Director Betty Kohl- Employer & Internship Support Specialist Sue Errek- Career Counselor

Photo courtesy of myprofession.gov.ge

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FAFSA Update You’ve likely gotten through the financial aid application process for 2016-2017 by know, so congratulations! All students should be aware that you must apply for financial assistance every year – it’s not a one-time process. As you’re also aware for 2016-2017, you had to begin applying for financial assistance by completing the FAFSA some time after January 1, 2016.

by: Bruce Foote Executive Director of Financial Aid Another huge consideration for filing the 2017-2018 FAFSA

by November 1, 2016 will be the deadline for the ISAC Monetary Award Program (a.k.a. MAP Grant). When FAFSA filing for 2017-2018 begins on October 1, 2016 we can expect that the MAP deadline will also move back accordingly. The words of wisdom – if you are applying for financial assistance for Fall 2017, file your FAFSA no later than November 1, 2016.

Thanks to the federal government, this is changing...

For the 2017-2018 academic year, the U.S. Department of Education will be introducing a new concept in federal need analysis called Early FAFSA. The 2017-2018 FAFSA will become available to students on October 1, 2016 for attendance beginning in Fall 2017. The 2017-2018 FAFSA will be collecting 2015 IRS data again, thus the term Early FAFSA (using IRS data which is essentially two years old). The Department of Education feels that this will let students and parents apply much earlier and give them a better idea of the assistance available to them much sooner.

More information about Early FAFSA for 2017-2018 and beyond will become available later this year.

•••

Unlike in the past when students completed the FAFSA prior to having filed taxes, the IRS data from 2015 will be ready available

by October 1, 2016. When completing the 2017-2018 FAFSA, students and parents can allow the IRS to transfer their actual 2015 income directly to the FAFSA, both expediting the process and eliminating errors at the same time.

Photo courtesy of galined.com

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Places to Munch by: Johnathan Marquardt

Moody’s Fried favorite Moody’s is literally at the edge of the parking lot on campus. It’s incredibly hard to go wrong with fried chicken or fried catfish, and while that is Moody’s specialty, there are plenty of sandwiches to pick from there. Out-of-staters may also experience their first Chicago-style hot dog at Moody’s.

The Big Chill Another great spot right at the edge of campus is The Big Chill. They have food there, sure, but what I know The Big Chill for is their ice cream. The basic soft serve cone is an obvious choice, but investigating the more precarious picks like the peanut butter shake or the lemon Italian ice may be more satisfying.

Golden Dragon The one thing I really love about Golden Dragon is their lunch special.

You can pick from over 20 different classic Chinese flavors served with rice and an eggroll for a few dollars at lunchtime. Aside from lunch, their menu is just as satisfying at dinnertime. If you struggle to choose, it’s hard to go wrong with a large order of fried rice and an eggroll.

Mama’s Restaurant Mama’s Restaurant is a good-old-days diner located not too far off campus. As tradition dictates, the breakfast is what brings people in.

Mama’s is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, so if you need a pick-me-up before your first class, this is a place to consider.

Thayer Brothers Thayer Brothers is an interesting little place. It’s a quaint and quiet Deli located at the busiest intersection in town. Being a deli-style restaurant, the sandwiches are going to be strong, but the soups are worth mentioning. They’re made fresh every day, and each day has a different flavor.

Home Cut Donuts Home Cut Donuts is a big hit here on campus. Like the name says, it’s a donut shop, but don’t assume it’s a morning and daytime-only operation. It’s literally 24/7 donuts! On the inside, the place isn’t too bad. There’s a bar seating area as well as booths, giving the place a retro diner motif. The coffee isn’t bad, so the spot is pretty attractive for those looking to unwind. One last little quirk about Home Cut is that if you want to go cheap, you can get a full box of yesterday’s donuts for a dollar, which is honest to goodness an amazing deal.

Babe’s Jumbo Hot Dogs Babe’s Jumbo Hot Dogs is a classic spot for Joliet. As we know, Joliet isn’t too far off from Chicago, both in distance and in personality, and Chicago is known for their specific style of hot dog. On Tuesday evenings, you can go to Babe’s for a fully dressed Chicago style jumbo dog for less than a dollar. The interior is a classic fast food layout, with racing décor and local memorabilia on the walls.

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Atotonilco Hispanic culture is central to Joliet’s east side, with the neighborhood surrounding Cass and Collins resembling closely Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village. Heading east on Cass, you’ll find plenty of taquerias and supermercados, but Atotonilco has made itself at home in my heart (and not in the arteries!). My personal favorite thing about the place is the menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made of beef and hominy.

Another really great thing about Atotonilco is their hours. They’re open after midnight, and sometimes you just really need that hearty, greasy, spicy stuff that late at night. If you aren’t already sold, they also have shakes!

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Around J-Town

Heroes West Heroes West is the Joliet response to the sports bar and grill. Local student athletes know and love the place as a celebratory venue after a big victory, but anyone can feel at home at Heroes. Most seating has a good angle on a TV, so you can catch the game over dinner.

The appetizers are pretty liberal in their serving size, so the place is definitely friendly to groups. Heroes certainly can be compared to something like Buffalo Wild Wings, but they bring more to the table than just their wings, with a strong burger and sandwich menu in their repertoire. Aside from the eats and the sports, patrons can also come to Heroes to see some live music performances from local artists, adding to the relaxed and lively atmosphere.

McBride’s Another piece of Chicagoland culture mirrored in Joliet’s food scene is the Irish pub. McBride’s on 52 rises to the title, with home-style dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. The interior has a nice, stony architecture, making it prone to relaxation. There is a bar with some goodsized TV for football season as well as an outdoor patio area for the warmer months. Topping off the atmosphere, McBride’s hosts live music performances, as well as some DJs. La Mex While we have Atotonilco on the east side, we have La Mex on the west side. La Mex is an authentic Mexican restaurant that is second to none in Joliet. The menu has its typical selections, but also brings some more obscure tastes to the table with some signature platters.

Of course, food alone isn’t enough for a complete dining experience.

La Mex’s interior features some simply beautiful tapestries and sculptures, as well as an in-house mariachi band on some evenings.

Aurelio’s Like the hot dog, Chicago is also quite specific about their pizza. Local mainstay Aurelio’s has you covered in that department, with pizza being central to their menu. Pizza is so intimate to Aurelio’s that their sign actually reads “Aurelio’s is pizza.” Joliet has many pizza places that all make a great pie, but the one thing about Aurelio’s that makes it special is their weekday lunch special. For a few dollars, you can have all you can eat of a selection of pizzas, pastas, as well as chicken and fish.

Photos courtesy of yelp.com, heroeswest.org and wordpress.com

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How to Make Money in College by: Brandon Newberry

College is expensive (and I’m not just talking about the tuition cost). When you’re in college, you’re going to make a lot of friends and you’re going to want to experience as much as you can in your four years! Combine those two things together and it’s easy to see that you’re going to need some extra money to help maximize your college experience! Luckily for you, the following are a few helpful tips for how to make money during college:

Get an Off-Campus Job

Obviously getting a job in college is going to be one of the best ways to make money, so go out in town and find a job that will work with the time you have available! Off campus jobs are nice because they typically offer you more hours (if you can handle them with your schedule) and often times, the pay will be higher.

Plus, if you live on campus, it’ll be nice to have a reason to leave every once and a while.

Get an On-Campus Job

If you don’t want to work off campus, then maybe you should look for an on campus job. There are plenty of departments on campus that look specifically for student workers to help in their office. While the pay is most likely going to be minimum wage, on campus jobs are really nice because they’ll work with you and your busy class schedule. Because being a student comes first, most departments will understand if you suddenly have a busy week or a big test.

Freelance

Do you like to write? Draw? Edit? Balance budgets? If you have any skill similar to those, you should consider freelancing in college. There are plenty of websites that will connect you with companies looking to hire freelancers for projects they need completed such as UpWork.com. You’re learning the skills in college; might as well build your resume and make some extra money!

Sell Some Stuff

Let’s be honest, you don’t need all of the stuff you have. Selling off some of your extra stuff is a great way to make some fast money for college. Whether it’s clothes, electronics or other stuff you have laying around, there are plenty of places for you to go and sell your stuff. If you choose to sell your clothing or other items to a resale shop like Plato’s Closet, you probably won’t get as much money as you would by selling them yourself, so keep that in mind when you decide how you’re going to sell your extra stuff.

College is most likely going to be the best four years of your life.

Speaking from experience, you want to take advantage of every single opportunity presented to you. While you’re going to have to say no to some things due to other reasons, don’t let money be the reason you miss out on the experience of a lifetime. Make sure you follow these helpful tips to start making some extra money throughout college.

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Photo. courtesy of magnet25money.com

Discounts and Freebies Your USF ID Gets You by: Liz Venerable

As an undergrad student, finding $5 is like winning the lottery and at this point in my college career if it’s free, I will take it. One time I won a surfboard but I live in Chicago, so I sold the surfboard on craigslist for $25 #TheComeUp. I know I’m not the only college student who makes being broke an art form. If you have a #ComeUp story be sure to post on our Facebook page, USF Encounter.

To help you with your #ComeUp, I’ve created a list of discounts and freebies you can get with your student ID:

Food

- Keep your money and meal swipes by going to on-campus events where meals or snacks will be served.

- The University Lunch Box app connects students at dozens of colleges with events that feature free food.

- Most fast food restaurants offer discounts, although it varies depending on the policies of franchise owners. Chick-Fil-A, Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Domino’s, McDonald’s, and yes, Chipotle, all offer discounts. (Be sure to check with your location, however, as exact discount and participation are subject to change.)

Clothes

- J. Crew and Banana Republic offer 15% off to college students (and teachers!) with valid ID in-store.

- CharlotteRusse offers 10% off a student purchase with ID.

Places/Events/Activities

- Most museums offer student discounts, but some go one-step further and offer free admission to those with a college ID. - On Thursdays, AMC movie theatres offer discounted student tickets.

Photos courtesy of buisnessinsider.com, wikimedia.org,, macworld.com and wou.edu

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Major Key:

Memberships

- Many professional associations offer free memberships to college students who are preparing for a career in a related field. You can usually get access to job boards, networking opportunities, mentoring programs and professional publications.

- You can get a discounted membership and a $15 gift card at Sam’s Club. (You can buy Ramen in BULK.)

Technology

- Apple offers $300 off of a MacBook, and up to $30 off on iPads.

- Adobe offers up to 80% off software (shout-out to those Communication and Art majors).

- Microsoft offers 10% off.

Other

- Take advantage of what you’ve already paid for. Since you were charged a student health fee at the beginning of the semester, head to the clinic where you may be able to get things like free flu shots.

- Join StudentRate.com #Bae. StudentRate is an online service that brings students and vendors who give discounts to them together.

- Another website is CollegeBudget.com. CollegeBudget is like StudentRate but more Groupon-ish.

- Get 20-30% off shipping with FedEx (if you need to ship back schoolbooks).

These are only a few discounts and freebies you can get with your student ID. You may not even know a place offers a discounts or freebies until you ask them. So use that little piece of plastic: it is your most useful ally for saving money. Think of it as a different form of financial aid.

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Campus Area Shenanigans by: Hannah Tadey Editor-in-Chief

It’s no surprise that, unlike other colleges, St. Francis isn’t in the middle of a roaring downtown area. However, that doesn’t mean there’s “nothing to do” as some might believe. Joliet and the surrounding areas have so many local hangouts and things to do that, for this issue, we had to condense and pick from the best of the best. So when you’re bored, pull out this little guide on places the locals hang.

You’re welcome in advance.

Live Music/Performances: The Joliet Bakery a.k.a. The Drunken Donut 821 Plainfield Road, Joliet From stand-up comedians, open mic to even professional musicians, the Joliet Bakery has an atmosphere like no other. All ages are welcome to partake in karaoke or any of the other live entertainment.

What’s best is that The Joliet Bakery is in walking distance from campus.

The Tree of Joliet 22 W. Cass Street, Joliet The Tree of Joliet Performing Arts Center is your home for all things art and music, local and national. Including indie, rock, country, metal, urban, open mic, comedy, film and gaming (jeez, that’s a mouthful), The Tree is the newest local hangout for all ages. It’s also wellknown to some nationally famous artists like Aaron Carter. Want some candy? *Some shows are 18+ or 21+.

The Rialto Square Theatre 15 E. Van Buren Street, Joliet From “Reels at the Rialto” to live concerts and shows, the Rialto is Joliet’s own theatric gem (yes, it’s just as, if not more, beautiful as the Chicago theatres). The Rialto is a stop in a handful of celebrities’ Midwest tours. It’s a beautiful theatre that you should make your way to at least once during your USF career.

Attractions: Chicago Street Pinball Arcade 215 N. Chicago Street, Joliet A well-kept secret in Joliet, the Chicago Street Pinball Arcade is only open Thursdays through Sundays. Play endless pinball and other arcade games for a flat rate of $12. The arcade is open until 11 p.m.

Thursdays through Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays.

Haunted Trails 1423 N. Broadway (Rt. 53), Joliet Take a day to relax and let a load off at Haunted Trails. The family amusement park offers a wide variety of attractions for college students, including go-karts, laser tag and mini golf. If you want to physically reminisce in the good ol’ days of being ten-years-old, head over to the game room and rack up some tickets. And, of course, there’s a restaurant for you to load your stomach with pizza, wings or anything else.

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Town & Country Lanes 2231 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet Bowling is always a good idea, so grab some friends, rent some shoes and get a lane for an hour or two! Town & Country Lanes also has a delicious sports bar and grill inside, so even if you’re not good at sports, at least you can be #1 at stuffing your face with a whole pizza.

Joliet Slammers at Silver Cross Field 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet If you’re unfamiliar with the area, the Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team that play in the Frontier League. Enjoy a baseball game without paying a fortune. Tickets are only $2 on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

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Nature Trails/Hikes:

Starved Rock State Park 2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby Though it’s not in Joliet, we are only a short drive away from a beautiful state park that was recently voted the #1 attraction in Illinois. Hike the trails and waterfalls alone or on a guided tour.

Take a water cruise for only $40. Stay the night in a beautiful, rustic lodge. It’s up to you.

Rock Run Preserve (Black Road Access) West of the Essington Road & Black Road intersection, Joliet Hike, bike, run, skate, fish, picnic and even geocache right here in Joliet. The Rock Run Greenway Trail (in Joliet) connects with the I&M Canal State Trail to create a 16-mile loop throughout the surrounding area. It’s picture perfect.

Local Eateries & Bars

(must be 21

to drink): La Mex 3157 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet Best known for festive, authentic Mexican cuisine and frozen margaritas.

McBride’s on 52 2727 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet Eat, drink and play Bingo until 1 a.m.

Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grill 905 Theodore Street, Crest Hill Enjoy College Night Wednesdays and unlimited bowling.

Jitter’s Coffee House 178 N. Chicago Street, Joliet A small, intimate coffee house in the heart of our downtown campus.

Sushi Ya 2721 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet All-you-can-eat sushi for $15 at lunch and $20 at dinner.

Joe’s Hot Dogs 810 Plainfield Road, Joliet Literally just walk there right now. (Bring cash.)

Photos courtesy of rialtosquare.com, hauntedtrailsfun.com, foodspotting.com and staticflickr.com

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