On-line Classes; Is It a Good or Bad Decision?

Picture Courtesy of

With the internet being our greatest and up most coming source of technology more and more colleges have begun to offer classes on-line. The typical college student is not use to this since we mostly deal with live interactions and frequent classes daily. With classrooms now on-line it allows students to exit the traditional classroom and go to class on their own schedule.

Before making a rash decision about how taking on-line classes would better your college life, you need to compare and contrast all the pros and cons. First start off on how you learn personally. Do you learn better by taking notes during a lecture? If so on-line classes wouldn’t be the best idea, although some classes offer virtual lectures.

Paula DiMonte, a senior at Hunter College in Manhattan said, “I once took on-line classes, it wasn’t for me at all. I took Statistics and I’m not good at math to begin with, it was a mistake. I always procrastinated the homework till last minute and when it came time to do it, I had no idea what I was doing.”

Do you tend to slack off or procrastinate when deadlines are left more in your hands? With not having to actually go to classes and participate some students might find it hard to keep up with lessons weekly. Many students also can not handle large reading assignments or having to self teach themselves, hence the importance of a professor, so if that sounds like you it might be a better idea to skip these classes.

Although for the over achieving student on-line classes might be a better idea to loosen up their schedules and put in more time at work. If you can handle the responsibility then more power to you. But remember before signing up for those on-line summer classes, think it through and decide what the best way you learn is.

.

FINALS, FINALS, FINALS

Ways to prepare for finals, different techniques. 
“To students from students.” Who would know better?

Picture Courtesy of 

Mike Marino, a senior from Old Westbury College, NY , said, “I prepare for my finals by organizing all of my notes/hand-outs from the entire semester for each class and I highlight in pink highlighter notes that are important that the professor has told us are important.”

“I study for about 2 days prior to the exam in my room where it is quiet and nobody is around because library quiet is awkward.”

“It is important to highlight notes and study subjects/themes that the professor has noted in class.”

“I recommend getting enough sleep prior to an exam.”

Justin Smith, a senior from Adelphi University says, “I make note cards to look over a few days in advance.”

“I study in the library in the stacks where it’s quiet.”

“I look over questions in the end of the chapters to see what I need to review more.”

“I study for 5-6 hours for each test.”

Ana Barbu, a senior at Adelphi University and international student from Romania said, “I study the most in my room, at my desk, not a good idea to study in bed I study for a day or two for each final.”

“I study either in my room, the living room or the honors college lounge. Never the library -it's too crowded and noisy during finals' week you can hear freaked out typing all around.”

“I take notes in class, type them up fervidly (the exam material) a week or so before finals and then glance over it and underline it with markers the night before the exam.”

Jackie Waite, a senior at Nassau Community College, said, “I listen to light music or instrumental music to help me relax and calm my nerves.”

“98% of the time I study in my bedroom and the other 2% at college or on my way to college on the bus.”

“I study anywhere from an hour to three hours.”

“Flash cards or making my own notes from the text book helps me study.”

Robb Normandeau, a senior from Towson College in Maryland, said, “I would suggest never studying all the semesters work the day before the final.”

“I study in my living room apartment floor and spend about 1 hour studying each subject then switch to the next, then will go back to the other.”

“I would advise other students to sit down and just do it. Don’t procrastinate and get enough sleep because it is proven to help you remember what you know.”

How to Keep Organized

When the semester comes to an end, finals, holidays, papers and interviews are consuming your mind. How do you manage to stay organized? With these easy steps, I’ll tell you how to keep a positive mind and put yourself in order for an easy finish semester.

Julie Feldington, a freshman at New Paltz College, learned the hard way during her first semester at college. “It is very important to be organized. Procrastination is something hard to keep away from and a calendar will keep you on track because no one else is going to,” said Feldington.

Feldington recommended, don’t wait to study till the last minute and try studying a week before to know the material and you won’t forget it as easily. “Different notebooks for every class, a whiteboard to write for a to do list, agenda and a folders for every class for handouts has helped me keep everything in line,” said Feldington.

Make Lists. Having a To Do list is something that will help you not forget certain important assignments. Holiday shopping lists, assignment lists, and things you need to get done will not be forgotten if you put your list in a good place you might see daily.

Planner: With so many finals or interviews coming up it’s hard to keep everything in track. Make sure to use a planner so you will not forget these important dates. Remember to be prepared for finals by writing down days to start studying for these finals.

Folders: By the end of the semester most students are bombarded with unbelievable amounts of paper work, many papers you will be lost without and many papers just cluttering your busy mind. Sort through them and make sure to have important papers ready and non-important papers out of your way.

Start Assignments early: Every student knows how to under estimate their time when it comes to finals week. Make sure you start research papers early, start going over your notes at least every night for five minutes the week before an exam, and do not wait till last minute.

Good Nights Rest: Without a rested and peaceful mind you will never be able to keep it together. In a world of students who never get sleep try your best to separate yourself from that and get eight hours of rest nightly. 

Picture Courtesy of

Looking Towards The Future

Every student, especially seniors, must be able to look ahead in their future and map it out. You will graduate at this time, intern at this publication and eventually work for. Yet with the economy and job market these days students are forced to make sure they have a solid resume and a couple of internships under their belt to succeed. Without many varied skills, and experience you might be forced to work in a field you did not plan to. So what can we, as students, do now to prepare ourselves for the future? 

Courtesy of SuperStock

Leslie Fazin, a senior at Adelphi University, a published writer and intern advises, “Get involved as soon as possible - internships, clubs, leadership positions, and community service. Experience will help you learn about yourself and your field, and will ultimately help you grow as a person. The more you have, the more favorable you will look in the eyes of employers.”

Fazin has interned at two NY based magazines and enjoyed her experience thoroughly. She likes to have put her knowledge from school to use and is excited to have learned new skills in a real-world environment.

Internships are something that will get your foot in the door for various reasons. It looks good as far as experience on your resume and it really gives you a point of view into a field. “Internships are important because it gives you an idea of what your career will be like. You might not like your particular field of work after your internship - you really don't know until you're completely immersed in it. Internships are obviously great ways to network and improve upon your skills and talents as well,” says Fazin. 

“I went to Adelphi's career center and they helped me format my resume. I then looked up internships that were available and started sending out my resume,” says Fazin. You should always get proof readings by professors and go to career help centers to make sure you resume is efficient. 

Picture Courtesy of

Taking a Glance at Next Semester

As the holidays approach and the semester winds down many students use the break to mellow out or get more hours in at work to pay off their hefty college loans. But students should take this free time to prepare themselves for the upcoming semester.

Start off by getting to know the classes you registered for in the beginning of November. Read the evaluation and get to know more what the class is about. Email your professors to ask what the class will entail and what books you will definitely need for next semester.

Return or sell your old books from last semester and get ahead start on getting your new books. Ordering books online can cut the price in half rather than buying them at the University book store. Websites such as EBay or AddAll.com are good sources for cheap books.

Picture Courtesy of

Get organized. Get the new tools you need to keep yourself in order, whether it is a daily planner, new notebooks or labeled folders. Melissa Antra, a sophomore at Nassau Community College said, “freshman year was a wake-up call because I was not prepared for the semesters but I’ve learned to start planning at least a month earlier now.”

Antra, like many students today, buy their books on-line to save their money. “You have to get a head start on ordering books. You don’t know how long they will take to be shipped to you,” says Antra. Make sure you have all your finances worked out dealing with student loans or with rearranging your schedule at work.

The longer you wait to get organized and ready, the more hectic it will become. Give yourself time so you are not rushed and make sure to make a list of everything. A list of what you need, what you already did and what you have to do.

How to Write an Effective Resume

When senior year rolls around students are stressed to find good internships or jobs in order to further their careers and get a foot in the door. They are constantly told that first impressions stick with their employers and they need an outstanding resume to be able to make that impression last. What is it that makes a resume effective?

Allison Clough, an assistant director at the Career Development center said, “The resume should be a brief but informative summary of your education, employment or volunteer experience, and any specialized skills.  The layout should be attractive and easy to read.  It should generate the kinds of questions you want to answer during an interview.”

Certain things you must know for resume writing is what to include and what to leave out. Be aware that since you do not have much experience your resume should not be longer than a page. Also organization is key to a simple read resume so it is not cluttered with too many fonts or having things out of order. “Most recent graduates should confine their resumes to one page. Those with extensive professional experience, especially in education, nursing or social work, may need to use a second page,” says Clough.

To start off you may find it easiest to go to Adelphi to help you out. First off on Adelphi’s homepage they have resume sample formats you can follow. (Click here to see the different resume formats.)  Adelphi also has a Career Development Center in which you can schedule an appointment with a counselor to go over your resume. Also events such as Resume Workshop at the Career Development Center this Thursday at 1 p.m. or an Interview Workshop for all majors this Thursday at 2 p.m. are important events to check out. 

Once you have picked out a resume format whether it is chronological or reverse order remember to stick to one, easy to read font such as Times New Roman. Then include your name and contact information the employer may reach you at, if it is a cell phone remember to have a professional sounding voicemail. Then follow with your education, certifications, courses, awards, research, experience and skills. The more skills you have today the better you are to employers since people come as a package now. They must be able to write a story, record the story and then editing the story.

When describing past experiences make sure to use action verbs to emphasize your skills. Make sure you have your resume proofread and spell checked properly. Relevant and unique experience is very important. One little mistake and there goes your resume straight to the trash. Clough says a successful resume is what lands you the interview.

“Within this competitive job market, some candidates’ resumes are easily discarded based on one typo or error, or simply because it's too long or straining to read. Putting your best foot forward, following universal resume writing guidelines can improve your chances,” says Clough.

Also taking the time to write a cover letter that explains yourself, your situation and goals will show the employer you have personally addressed the letter to their job posting Clough explains. This well written cover letter is also an example of your writing skills and interest.

Check out these resume preparation guides to help you further 

Event Information:

  

Learn How To Write A Professional Resume

Resume Workshop

Thursday, December 10, 2009

1 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

Learn How To Put Your Best Foot Foward At An Interview

Interview Workshop 

Thursday, December 10,2009

2 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

SAMPLE RESUME BELOW:

Jennifer Junior

9 Meadow Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 [631] 665-6655 j_junior@hotmail.com

Adelphi University Eddy Hall Room 333 Garden City, New York 11530 [516] 877-6999

EDUCATION		Adelphi University, Garden City, New York B.A. 2002. Major: Political Science
International		University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, Spring 2001 Curriculum included: Swedish political system, film, language and culture, as well as travel in Scandinavia and Western Europe.
EXPERIENCE
Business		Management Intern, Summer 2000 J.C. Penney, Bay Shore, New York Analyzed and selected merchandise for promotional display Checked in daily receipts in cash room Identified fast and slow selling merchandise and recommended corrective action
Communications		Personnel Analyst, Summer 1999 Proudfoot Reports, Inc., Glen Cove, New York Verified employment applications Contacted professional and personal references and developed additional references Wrote personnel reports on all assigned cases Class Agent, Senior Class Gift Campaign, Fall 2000 Solicited pledges from class members Publicity Chair, Volunteer Adelphi, Fall 1998 Wrote newsletters, produced advertising for local and campus media Sports Writer, Delphian (Adelphi Student News), Fall 1998 – Spring 2000
Organizational		Program Chair, Political Science Club, Fall 2001 – Spring 2002 Invited guest speakers and arranged facilities
Volunteer		Big Sister to child in Hempstead, New York community Tutor at Roosevelt Elementary School Office Assistant in local political campaigns
SKILLS and INTERESTS
		Moderate knowledge of Spanish and Swedish Experienced in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Netscape, Power Point, and Excel Extensive travel throughout Europe and United States

Closer Look At The University's Parking Situation

Sexual Harassment. Can You Regonize It?

Picture courtesy of life123.com 

It was 1983 when a young newlywed, Laura Cardillo from the Bronx, was working at her dead-end, 9-to-5 job saving up for a new house with her hubby. Her manager called her into his office and told her to sit. She thought this was strange but waited to see what he had to talk to her about. He quickly closed the door behind her and scrambled behind his desk. He then pulled out a Playboy magazine from his top right draw and told Cardillo to “check this out.” In disgust
Cardillo quickly ran out of her manager’s office and they never spoke a word about it after.

Cardillo didn’t realize it at the time, but she was the victim of sexual harassment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment includes touching, making crude comments, suggestive remarks, teasing or taunting of a sexual nature, unwelcome physical conduct or sexual advances, continual use of offensive language, sexual bantering, bragging about sexual prowess, office or locker room pin-ups, and compliments with sexual overtones.

Women aren’t the only victims dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. Gays/lesbians, Racism, Man to man, or customer and client complaints are now on the rise as well.

Sexual harassment is something that is not clearly understood by many and the problem is exacerbated because women are afraid to report it because their harassers are usually their bosses, and in some cases women who are bosses sometimes receive harassment for their high status. Being afraid or unaware lets many sexual harassment problems escalate and continue.

Mauricio Velasquez, President and CEO of The Diversity Training Group, which is a sexual harassment prevention center in Herndon Virginia, says Women typically do not report harassment because of, “fear of retribution. Fear of being blamed. Fear no one will listen. Fear of blaming the victim.”

A recent poll including 782 U.S. workers conducted by Louis Harris, shows that 31 percent of female workers reported harassment in the workplace when only 7 percent of men reported any sexual harassment complaints; 62 percent of these cases weren’t reported. In all cases the women were harassed by men; 59 percent of men’s harassers were women while 41 percent of the men said their harasser was a man.

Like most women, Cardillo kept quiet about it and never said a word to her superiors or her new husband. “I thought it was disgusting but I didn’t think there was anything anyone would do about it. He would deny it,” Cardillo recalled. “I was shocked but too embarrassed to tell my husband about it, so I let it go.”

Emily Pennachio, a sophomore at Iona University in New York, says, “As a female college student I’m always on guard when someone I don’t know starts to make remarks or makes me feel uncomfortable. I usually ignore the person and return to doing what I was doing in the first place,” says Pennachio. Velasquez says this is the wrong approach and,“Ignoring the conduct or treatment does not mean it goes away but often festers or escalates and it might embolden harasser.”

This situation is typically not dealt with properly for reasons of fear. Also, Velasquez says lawsuits, role of the media are factors as well. More training and education is making headway in making organizations more serious about these emerging issues. Velasquez says what you should do, if you can, is to tell the harasser to stop. “If you can’t, and most can’t because of the situation or person has power of you, document and go to your next higher manager and human resources immediately,” he says. Velasquez advices sexual harassment is something most businesses will take seriously and address properly. Otherwise, “sexual harassment affects morale, performance, relationship and ultimately the bottom line and lawsuits, bad press and an unforgiving public,” says Velasquez.

“It is better to be educated and informed than in denial,” he adds. “These issues don't take a nap during a challenging economic period. Lawsuits roll on. Be aware, anticipate, get out in front of the issues and when situations arise, investigate and act swiftly.”

Where Does The Stress Come from and How to Control It.

Once so often you hear that these are the most stressful years of your life, but why? We know what we have to do and how to get it done but it still seems that all college are having a tough time keeping their stress levels at a minimum.

MaryAnn Colucci, a psychology professor at Adelphi says, “The college years are stressful because the students are trying to learn so much in a short amount of time.” Also Colucci says that college kids may not be certain about what they would like to pursue as a major and this can create pressure from their parents to make the student decide so as not to waste money in changing majors and prolonging the college tuition bills. There is also a social pressure that exists on campuses, especially for those that dorm on campus.

There are many triggers that erupt these stressful emotions during these years. Colucci believes that the transition from high school to college is particularly hard. “They may have been in the top 10% of their class in high school, but now their surrounded by other high achieving students, it can be overwhelming,” says Colucci. Being on your own for the first time as well is a shock to most students. They are now responsible for their academics, activities of daily living such as eating correctly, sleeping adequately and keeping up with their laundry.

In hopes of keeping student’s stress levels at a minimum Colucci advises that being organized, keeping up with assignments, knowing people in your classes, and having a study technique that works is helpful. Keeping focused on your schoolwork is a good way to “stop the stress from creeping up on you.”

Picture courtesy

Sleep is another factor of stress that wears down college students quickly simply because they do not get enough of it. According to the American College Health Association, 46% of polled college students said they had slept enough on 3-5 days, 29% felt well rested on 1-2 days and 12% said they didn’t get an adequate amount of sleep once in the past week. Only 13% of college students were able to respond that they had gotten enough sleep to feel well rested in the morning. This poll surveyed nearly 17,000 college students in 2005.

“I always think that people feel better when things are in order, so at the end of the day, if the student can look at their “To Do list” and check off 90% of what they set out to do, they feel like they’ve accomplished something significant and that allows them to sleep easier and get the rest they need,” says Colucci.

However it’s important to remember not to become too relaxed, “there is a certain amount of stress that is necessary to motive students to perform,” says Colucci. Students must be able to balance school, work and responsibilities and it is important to make sure everything is in order. Even though it is essential to get out once and awhile it is not a good idea to go out on the night before a test. “It’s more about not knowing how to balance relaxing, studying and learning,” says Colucci.

TOP FIVE ON-CAMPUS JOBS AT ADELPHI

When dealing with tons of exams, papers and stressful semesters Adelphi students find it convent to work on campus rather than dealing with the Long Island traffic. In fact these jobs actually help them with their careers after graduation. Some jobs include, The Center for Career Development, The Writing Center, The Learning Center or the Library.

“Depending on your major, working for different departments will certainly build good resumes, people skills, relationships with mentors and a good work ethic,” said Thomas Ward, director of The Center for Career Development.

Once you have built these up you then have an advantage to where you would like to start with your career and also have many contacts you didn’t have before. You get a foot in the door before you step into the world of your new career.

These on campus jobs give you advantages of flexible hours that fit class schedules; a chance to meet friends, faculty at Adelphi and it also helps you develop a network of people to help you with your career. These mentors guide you to the right path in which you need to be on. “Work at the career center, you have access to a lot of information,” said Ward.

Natalie Andrad, an Adelphi sophomore, works the front desk at the Career Center and loves her access to building resumes and information. Students who work there know first hand opening jobs, internships, and receive much help with resumes.

Anyone working at the Career Center starts off at $10 an hour. The Career Center is located in Post Hall and is open Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. making The Career Center our number one job on campus.

The Writing Center at Adelphi earns the number two spot on our top five campus jobs. “When the students come in it can be a range of things. When the student is in the writing process we help with grammar or ideas,” said Carol Ann Martinez an English Major and senior at Adelphi. Martinez says her job has helped her in many ways being convenient, meeting new people and constantly learning.

At the Writing Center you start off at $9.50 and receive a 50-cent raise every year. It is located in the lower level of Earle Hall and is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 5 pm.

At the Learning Center the professors teaching the courses usually recommend tutors. Excellent communication skills, devotion, and personal charisma are among the qualifications required for employment. These tutors are able to learn new skills and help build a good resume. It is located also in the lower level Earle Hall and is open Monday- Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.- 5pm.

American Reads/America Counts is another tutoring job in which students may help their resume by helping young students to improve literacy and math skills. This program helps any education major or any student in the step program. This job helps you with your teaching skills and dealing with children. Only the selected are hired, must meet certain GPA standards. Inquire within the Center for Career Development for details.

The library assistant position comes in as our 5th top campus job, it offers flexible hours to fit any students schedule and it is a great chance to meet new people. Perfect environment to study or to check out books when needed. You also gain knowledge to help you with your own research. You will be familiar with all of Adelphi’s online databases and know where to find certain things.

The library is open Monday- Thursday 8 a.m.- 12midnight, Friday and Saturday 8a.m.-8p.m. and Sunday 10a.m.- 12 midnight. This position starts out at $10 an hour.

The Center for Career Development

The Writing Center

The Learning Center

How to Unstress At The End of The Day

Whether it’s working that 9-5 or dealing with grueling classes all day, everyone needs a positive way to release their stress and just relax. With these easy steps you will clear your mind and be on the fast track to renewing and rejuvenating yourself for tomorrow.

Casey Simos, a senior at Adelphi University, said “I lay in bed and watch something funny like family guy” when asked what she did to relieve stress at the end of the day, “I don’t have to think about anything and I just relax”. Simos like most college students goes to school full time and works part time. With schedules like these it’s no wonder people forget how to relax. When it comes to the end of a stressful day most people need a positive way to release their stress and prepare themselves for the next day.

Get comfortable and change out of your uncomfortable clothes then wait twenty minutes before starting homework, chores, errands or making dinner. Let your mind clear and relax.Experience a quiet moment without a lot going on around you and no responsibilities.

Exercise and yoga will make you feel better mentally and physically. Lauren Zummo, a yoga instructor, says “We teach them how to breathe, people don’t realize everything starts with a breathe and ends with a breath. It’s all about breathing and de-cluttering your mind”. Zummo recommends yoga for people who deal with high levels of stress because it doesn’t take long to see the results and it is very easy to release stress. “You leave feeling like you got an eternal massage”, says Zummo.

You can entertain yourself with movies or music. Even relax with a nice hot bath and relaxing scents such as lavendar. A power nap and recharge your batteries for the next day as well.

For the toughest years in your life you need to remember how to control stress and relax.Helpful relaxing tips are important for all college students.