Student Leader Spotlight

Brianna DeMoss

Sophomore from Johnston, Iowa

Studying Family Services and Communication Studies

Involved in UNI Singers, The River, Zumba, and the Noehren Hall PAIR

"The couches in the Mezzanine at Gallagher, the flowers outside of Gilchrist, and wraps from Piazza are my favorites."

"Remember not to sing too loud in the shower after quiet hours."

"UNI because it offers the 'big university' feel but at the same time your professors know your name and you can actively be a leader in all your activities."

Being an Active Listener

It may seem elementary, listening skills, but when we are so engaged in our phones/technology we sometimes lose touch with our basic skills of active listening and what goes into having a conversation face-to-face.

Active Listening Involves...
eye contact
appropriate posture
patience
listening

Active listening means thinking…
about what the speaker is saying
the message and purpose of what is being said
of questions to ask to learn more

Active Listening does not involve...
talking while someone else is
ignoring the speaker
interrupting the speaker
fidgeting
looking distracted

Student Leader Spotlight

Derek Potthoff

Junior from Wall Lake, IA

 

Involved in UNI Singers, Chi Alpha, Hall Senate, and the Hagemann PAIR

 

"When I became a PAIR, I realized that I wanted to help people. This led to me majoring in Family Services and I'm planning on getting a master's degree in Student  Affairs."

 

"Maucker Union is an amazing place to work on homework or hang out with friends!"

 

"Plan out your daily schedule the night before and make sure you schedule some leisure time for yourself so the day doesn't seem so long. This is a great way to make sure you get your work done and have an amazing college experience!"

Countdown to Majors in Minutes

We are less than a week away from Majors in Minutes! Next week, October 27th at 7pm in the Union Ballrooms. Be there! If you still need some help in preparing for the event contact Academic Advising to get set up with someone to talk to.

Here is a video from our YouTube Channel to give you an idea of what is about to happen:

Tackling Test Anxiety

Laugh Try to spend some time with a few friends – and laugh! Laughter boosts your endorphins and even curbs stress hormones, making it a great way to keep stress at bay when you need a break.

Don’t Abuse Caffeine Drinking too much caffeine can lead to headaches, upset stomach, and increased anxiety – not what you want during exam time! Instead of abusing your favorite caffeinated drinks to stay up late or focus, try for just one pick-me-up caffeinated drink throughout the day as a reward or incentive for hard work.

Slow Down to Speed Up Anxiety levels are high among everyone at the start of a test. Rather than jumping into the questions as soon as it’s handed out, look at the test and wait for the room to settle before picking up a pen.

Relax As simple as it sounds, concentrating on your breathing can make a big impact when working to overcome test anxiety. The body cannot give you a stress response and a relaxation response at the same time; it can only give one or the other. You can make your body relax by concentrating on your breathing and giving yourself positive affirmations.

Keep Perspective If you start to feel like it’s all too much, try to adjust your perspective. This is just a few hours or days of your life. Sure, exams are important – but they aren’t the most important thing you’ll ever do! This, too, shall pass.

Quote of the Day

Social Media Dos and Don'ts

DOs

Show Your Personality  Employers hire people they like and want to spend time with. In an interview, it is possible that an employer will ask about hobbies and personal interests to get to know the candidate on a human level. Take advantage before the interview and use Facebook to showcase personal experiences. Post photos of a big trip or community involvement to share a more personal side.

Go Back in Time  Facebook never forgets. Be aware that recruiters and potential employers will not only look at Facebook profiles, they will go back in time to the earlier posts. No one, not even the most careful candidate, wants recruiters to see photos or posts of them from their teenage years. Monitor content now, and go back in time to delete content from the early days.

Network  Facebook’s networking abilities should not be overlooked. Job seekers can use this pool of connections in two ways. First, to secure an interview by reaching out to the whole network of friends, which significantly increases potential job opportunities. Second, once an interview is secured, look for friends and friends of friends to see if there is an existing connection to the organization. During this process, make sure to treat each connection as a possible client, colleague, or manager.

  
DON'Ts

Post Illegal Activities A lot of experimenting goes on in high school and college. But when evidence is involved you become exposed to repercussions from your education institution and public authorities; where these consequences can leave an impact on the rest of your life. Privacy settings cannot always be trusted either- anyone can save incriminating videos or pictures for use against you later.

Trash Your Professionals Bullying doesn't just apply to student-to-student interactions. Students who speak poorly of their instructors run a huge risk, too. After all, each instructor could hold the key to a crucial grade, reference, or internship for you. As well as your professors have a right to privacy and respect. The same goes for institutions or persons of authority in general, not just educators.

Post Confidential Information This piece of advice goes for every social media user, not just students. Posting that your apartment will be empty for all of spring break invites to play while you’re away. Or when taking a picture of next semester class schedule to send and compare with friends- make sure your classes are all that you’re sharing and not your ID number at the top of the page. When you share one bit of information, think about what other pieces of privacy are linked to it- like your safety.

Post Emotionally
 We've all said and done things we regret. However, whenever possible, take a moment to imagine how your social media posts affect the feelings, safety and well-being of those around you — even your least favorites. Posting an angry tweet in the heat of the moment may feel liberating, but the momentary pleasure you get from writing it isn't worth the potential harm it could create. Pause before you post.

 

 

Can't Be Measured

Student Leader Spotlight

 

Kinsey Doerr

Junior from Dubuque, Iowa

Studying Electronic Media: Production/Performance, Journalism and Public Relations

Involved in CAB, Hall Senate, Dance Marathon, and the Bender PAIR

"'Wow, that's a nice pair of crocs,' said no one ever." Is her position on crocs.

"Never take an 8am. I know you think you can, but you can't. Especially math."

"UNI because it is the perfect campus with perfect sized classes...and also the same colors as the Vikings <3"

Good --> Better --> Best

"The mission of the Academic Learning Center is to inspire, challenge, and empower students to achieve academic success."

At the Academic Learning Center
Students can receive feedback for class papers or work on improving your writing skills.
Students can work with tutors in Liberal Arts Core math and science courses
Students can learn time management and subject-specific study skills
Students can develop effective college reading and study plans

To learn more visit www.uni.edu/unialc