Newsletter – January 18 | Rockland

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University College

Rockland

Newsletter – January 18

File Your Next FAFSA ASAP

It is time to file your next FAFSA which will fund courses for next summer, fall and spring 2014. The earlier you apply, the more aid you may get. Don’t wait until your tax returns is filed. Estimate your numbers and file now. For help, visit with our new MEOC rep, Sally Daniels, on Mondays at URock. More info and Sally’s dates at URock listed here.

Graduate Intern Offers Counseling Support at URock

[log in to unmask]">Laura French is a graduate intern in USM’s Masters in Clinical Counseling Program. She will be doing her practicum experience this semester at URock and offering free, individualized counseling sessions to URock students. Laura can provide support, problem solving skills and coping strategies as you address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict and life transitions. To set up an individualized appointment, contact Laura directly at 701-1499.

Worried about Math?  Math Boot Camp Starting Up

For students who tested into developmental math courses and who are now trying to retest into a higher level course, we are starting a Math Boot Camp on Fridays from 9 – 12:00 noon at URock beginning February 1. Instructor Heidi Nolan is on loan to us from the 5-Town CSD Adult Ed. Program. If you have been putting off taking the placement test, or worried about college math, this may be the best place to start. Ask Dagmar or Deb about enrolling. It’s free.

Spring RaP Colloquia

Following the successful Fall Colloquia, we have scheduled a spring series. Come and hear what faculty are excited about studying. Here’s the lineup:

On 1/31/2012 @ Noon Philip Gerard, Adjunct Professor, University College Rockland, will present Science Denial, a Threatening Social Phenomenon: Reality and Response – (Watch a great trailer video here.) Recent years have seen an increase in an anti-science mentality, in some cases a full-fledged rejection of science as one of the ways of knowing about the world. This rejection crosses classes and social strata on issues ranging from public health (childhood vaccination, nutrition, health care), to educational policy (intelligent design), to critical environmental issues (climate change, species loss).

Drawing on more than two decades of experience as an educator and conservation biologist,Gerard will share his understanding of and perspective on the roots of this change.  Professor Gerard’s presentation is relevant to any members of the community impacted by science and its applications in society.

On 2/4/2012 @ Noon, Elyse Apantaku, Pine Tree Legal Foundation will discuss Housing Discrimination and Fair Housing Tests in Maine. Under Maine and federal law, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, and a housing seller cannot treat you differently, because of your race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, welfare status or minor children.  But regardless of the law, housing discrimination continues.  Elyse Apantaku of Pine Tree Legal Assistance presents a colloquium in which she describes the historical context of fair housing law and current efforts to measure whether, when and why housing discrimination occurs.  A presentation of results from prior housing audits will lead to discussion regarding the practicalities of carrying out a fair housing test and how a university community can support this effort.

On 3/7/2012 @ Noon Charlie Grunder, Professor of Psychology, University of Maine at Augusta will present  Optimism, Pessimism and Locus of Control: How Do They Affect Your Academics? Psychologists study optimism versus pessimism and internal versus external locus of control to predict how individuals respond to stressful events.  How can this framework help predict who succeeds in school?  Professor of Psychology Charles Grunder explores this question in regard to student performance and concludes that prior GPA matters less than attributional style in predicting good grades, the precursor to graduation and career success.

Please join us for these free and informative sessions!

Writing Tutoring Center

Need help creating a thesis, citing a source, or punctuating a sentence? The UMA Writing Center offers these and other tutoring services to distance learners at UC by phone, email, and videochat. Work on campus or from home. Call (207) 621-3199 to access tutors Monday – Thursday, 9-4. Email [log in to unmask] with an attached essay for feedback within 48 hours. Join a Google Hangout session with Writing Center Coordinator Michelle Lisi, available by appointment every Friday this semester. Not sure which method will work best for you? Get in touch, and we’ll set something up!

Technology Support Group

On Thursdays from noon – 1:30PM in the computer lab, drop in for help with any sort of technology issue. This past week we supported a student in need of help with a WORD document, another with Blackboard support and another with a complicated Panopto issue. No matter what your question, please stop by and we will work it through! During other times of the week, seek help from URock staff and Student Helpers.

Honors Program Update

The Honors Program under the direction of VP [log in to unmask]">Richard Fortuna will be hosting a Friday Documentary Series. Watch an outstanding doc for an hour and then stay for some good discussion and a light dinner. The first one will be the movie HAPPY, a film that takes its viewers on a quest through 5 continents in search of the key ingredients to live a happier life. Instructor Cynthia Seefahrt will facilitate the discussion time. This is free and open to URock students, their friends and family on Friday, February 1st at 5:30PM.

Expressions Night – Mark Your Calendar for Friday, March 29th for and inventory your talents!

What Is Delayed Viewing?

Most ITV courses allow something called “delayed viewing”. This means the faculty member does not require your attendance at the time of the live broadcast. After the broadcast, log in to your Blackboard site, click on the course link, then click on Class Capture and view the broadcast anytime from anywhere. Remember to check faculty exam policies carefully.

Another Workshop from Women, Work & Community

Women, Work and Community will offer a workshop on how to prepare yourself for the upcoming tax season with Tax Prep for the Self-Employed on Wednesday, February 13 from 10AM til noon. Record keeping, small business tax obligations and IRS tax forms required for sole proprietors will be covered. For more info contact Jenn Dobransky at 596-2616.

What About Snow Cancellations?

If URock is cancelling classes due to weather conditions, we will post that information in the following places: on the URock website; on Village Soup; and, on TV channels 6, 8 & 13. In addition, a voice message will be posted on the URock phone line. Class cancellations are (ideally!) made at least 2 hours before the class is due to meet. Sometimes faculty cancel individual classes and, in that case, we call all students. Please check your phones and be sure Maine Street has the best phone number for us to reach you!

URock To Offer UMA’s AS CIS Program Live Fall 2013

Starting in the fall of 2013 students will be able to take all of the required courses for UMA’s Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems at URock. Join one of the most dynamic and growing professional fields in Knox County.  As your advisor for more info.

Get Involved at URock

Research shows that students do academically better, enjoy college more and take away a broader experience when they get involved in school outside of the classroom. There are some good student organizations that could use your help. The Student Association is the local group that sponsors activities using your student activity fees. They invite you to be a member of their board. Contact [log in to unmask]">Brent Adams for more info. In addition the URock Honors Program sponsors other types of activities like Expressions Night and community service projects. For more info on that one contact [log in to unmask]">Richard Fortuna. URock is always looking for its next set of student leaders!

Photocopy Charges

If you expect to be making a lot of photocopies in the spring term, you may want to add money to your copy card.  Check out the instructions here.

 New URock Apparel Just Arrived!

We have just received a shipment of new URock sweatshirts, sweatpants and new URock portfolios! There’s lots of new colors and designs. Get the school spirit.

View Our Latest Videos on You Tube

Check out some new videos on the URock YouTube Channel.

Visit URock on Facebook!

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