UMW Commuter

Student Newsletter April 2016

Volume 2, Issue 8

February Commuter Events

Commuter Coffee Hours

4/7 | Thursday | 9-10am

4/11 | Monday | 7:30-8:30am

4/20 | Wednesday | 1-2pm

4/25-4/29 | Mon-Fri| 8am-10pm

Commuter Lounge (UC 114A)

Grab a cup between classes or stick

around and chat!

CSA & CSS Commuter Lunch

4/13 | Wednesday | 11am-1pm

Magnolia Room, 4th floor UC

Free lunch for commuter students!

Sandwiches, chips, cookies, and drinks

will be provided. Feel free to bring

friends!

CSA Volleyball at the Sand Court

4/15 | Friday | 4:00-6:00pm

Sand court near parking deck

No athletic skills required! Come and

enjoy the spring weather and a fun

pick-up game with us in the sand!

Keeping You

Connected!

Tips for Exam Week and

Wrapping up the Year

Happy Spring from CSS!

The weather might have turned cold again, but at least the flowers are coming out! The Office of Commuter Student Services is celebrating April with free lunch for commuter students on Wednesday, April 13th in the Magnolia Room (4th floor UC) and a pick up volleyball game on Friday, April 15th at the sand court next to the parking deck. During exam week we will have the coffee pot going all day in the commuter lounge, so feel free to drop by and study or just to grab some much-needed caffeine before your exam. Also keep your eye out for Stress Free Zone during exam week in the UC for free snacks, massages, coloring, puppies, and more! We only have a couple more weeks before the end of the semester, so check out the tips below on how to end the year strong.

1. Prioritize.

Three papers, two presentations, and four finals? That’s a lot to juggle at once. Instead of panicking or avoiding work via Netflix binge, sit down and decide when you will accomplish which tasks. Plan to knock out the most important assignments first so you’ll feel less stressed.

2. Talk to professors.

Don’t be afraid to ask your professors about unclear material. They won’t know you don’t understand unless you tell them! Ask about the format of the test so there are no surprises. If you’re worried about your grade, set up an appointment and talk one-on-one with your professor to see what you can do in order to excel on your finals.

They’ll probably be more than happy to help you in any way possible.

3. Sleep.

Everyone loves to sleep, but when finals roll around, it becomes our mortal enemy. Sleep takes precious time away from studying, right? Wrong. While pulling an all-nighter may seem like a good idea, you’ll actually be more productive and alert if you get an adequate amount of sleep at night. Remember, the focus and the concentration (not

necessarily the time) you spend while studying is more important.

4. Follow the 50-10 Rule.

Study 50 minutes of every hour, and keep the last 10 minutes to clear your mind. The idea is that you should focus 100% during those 50 minutes and use the remaining to relax yourself. Create an alarm notification on your phone so it rings whenever those 50 minutes are over, and stick to that alarm.

Congratulations to Allison Sellers, this month’s featured commuter! Allison is a sophomore majoring in Sociology. She is also in the 5th year Master’s of Education program for Elementary Ed. She was nominated by Pat Canciglia, Buyer Specialist in Procurement Services who said: “Allison is a sophomore transfer student from CNU preparing to enter the world of education. She recently passed her PRAXIS Examination and is on the UMW cheerleading squad. Allison’s friendly disposition and love of life

coupled with her desire to change the world through elementary education make her a great candidate for the Outstanding Commuter Award.”

Check out what Allison had to tell us about her commuter experience:

Hometown? Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania

Campus Involvements? I am a member of UMW competition and sideline cheerleading squad! We cheer at the men and women's basketball games and are competing on weekends. I am also running for captain for next season. Favorite thing about UMW? My favorite thing about UMW is that it is home and it would feel that way even if I didn't grow up here. I love the campus environment and how everyone is so friendly. I'm always happy to be on campus. Favorite thing about being a commuter? My favorite thing about being a commuter is getting the best of both worlds. I get the college environment and home cooked meals, plus I'm saving a lot of money while doing it. Advice to other commuters? My advice to future commuters is to get involved in campus in some way shape of form outside of classes. It will make your experience as a commuter the best possible and there's so many ways to get plugged in. Other facts you’d like to share? I would just like to share how great transferring to UMW has been for me. I had a hard time my freshman year with some health issues and ever since I transferred things have been awesome! I love Mary Wash and am proud to be an Eagle!

Thanks for being our Featured Commuter this month, Allison! You demonstrate the dedication and involvement that we hope all of our students to cultivate.

Feature a Commuter: Allison Sellers

We know that UMW’s police department is there for us in an emergency, but did you know they provide other services as well? Check out the list below and see how UMW PD can support you.

1) Jumper Packs. Did you know our police department has jumper packs available to check-out in the event that your car does not start? Simply stop by their office in Brent House (near the Bell Tower) and request one. If you have any other vehicle problem (flat tire, keys locked in car) they will also be happy to send an officer to stay with you as you wait for the service person to arrive. You can reach them at 540-654-1025.

2) Eagle Escorts. If you ever feel uncomfortable walking to your car at night, simply call the PD and they will send you an escort to accompany you to your destination.

3) Cell Phone Donations. Do you have a cell phone that you no longer use? Give that phone a second life by bringing it to the lobby of Brent House. Phones and chargers are donated to victims of domestic violence and the elderly. Of course, please remember to erase all pictures and contact information first.

4) Laptop and Bike Registration. This free program allows students to document their laptop or bike information and keep it on file at the police department. In the case that your laptop or bike is lost or stolen, the information stored at the police department makes the completion of a police report much more efficient and increases the chances of locating the item. Several items have been recovered due to this service.

5) Item Engraving. This is a free service for engraving larger-sized valuable items (i.e. laptops, cameras, DVD players) with an owner assigned number, which helps with identification in cases of loss or theft. Contact PD to set up an appointment or to obtain additional information.

6) Emergency Services. Of course, PD’s main responsibility will always be supporting the community in the case of an emergency. If at any time you do not feel safe on campus of while traveling to or from campus, PD is available to help. If you feel harassed, threatened, or unsafe, or if you observe any situation that is a safety concern, simply call the emergency line at 540-654-4444 or by using one of the emergency blue light phones around campus, and an officer will be there immediately to assist you.

Resource Spotlight: UMW PD