Find it @ the Library Scavenger Hunt

Celebrate National Library Week with the Find it @ the Library Scavenger Hunt! You will have fun finding the answers, and as you do you will also become familiar with library, places, resources and services so you will know about them when you need them in the future.

1. What does the wall in front of the library patio say?

2. When you enter the library, between the doorway and the elevator there are some sofas. What color are they?

3. Right across from the sofa is a glass display case?  What is featured in it? (PS student groups can  reserve these display cases put  up educational displays)

4. There are many printers in the library that print both color and black and white printouts? How much does it cost to make a black and white print from the library computers? (Hint: Check under Library FAQs to find the answer http://www.iup.edu/page.aspx?id=103149 .)

5. How many books can an undergrad check out at one time, how many books can be checked out at a time, and what do you need to check them out? (Check out the library circulation page to find the answer http://www.iup.edu/page.aspx?id=101300  )

6. Is there a place in the library for silent study?

7. What is the library's web site address?

8. Facebook page?

9. Twitter handle?

10. Go on Twitter and tweet a photo of you or your friend doing something fun at the library to @IUPLibraries and use the hashtag #itsatIUPLibraries.   What message do you get back when you do?

11. The Library has a number of desks where services are offered. Find each of the following and ask the person working there to put their initials next to the name of the desk.

Circulation/Reserve:____________

Media Equipment: ___________

Reference: ___________

12. Look up a book on the online catalog. How do you text the call number to yourself?

Finished? Bring your answers to an ASM during office hours!

Goal Setting 101

Goal Setting 101 

Are you looking at your calendar and beginning to get overwhelmed? Are you looking at what you want to do in the future, but not sure how to get there? Try setting goals, to help you achieve these things.

Why set goals?

Setting goals help you organize your time and resources. By setting goals you can take pride in your achievements. Goal setting can also raise your self-confidence because you are able to see what you are working towards, and the progress you are making. Setting goals for yourself is also a great way to increase your motivation.

Tips for Goal Setting:

If you have multiple goals, prioritize what is most important. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, and can also help you focus on what is most important. Also remember to write down your goals! This helps you remember them, and provides motivation if you see them daily.

How to write S.M.A.R.T goals:

Your goal should be…

Specific: be precise and knowledgeable of how to advance

Measurable: How will you measure your goal?

Achievable: Is your goal possible?

Rewardable: Is it rewarding?

Time-Frame: When should your goal be achieved?

	S Specific Goal	M How is the goal Measured?	A Is it Achievable?	R Is it Realistic?	T What is the Time-frame for this goal?
Short term goal
Long term goal

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you’re looking to fill free time, or trying to make your resume stronger, volunteering around the community is a great experience that you should take advantage of! Here’s a list of current opportunities available, and if you’d like more, check out IUP’s volunteer services webpage at:

http://www.iup.edu/page.aspx?id=26169

Alice Paul House
The Alice Paul House offers services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or any other violent crime. In order to volunteer here, a free training course is mandatory. This course will prepare you to offer support, accompany victims through medical and legal processes, interact with the residents, assist with child care, and most of all, empower the victims. If interested,  contact Melodee Gett, education specialist/volunteer coordinator, at 724-349-444 or melodee@alicepaulhouse.org.

Ark of Learning
Ark of Learning is a tutor program held at the Salvation Army on Water Street. There are a bunch of students who need tutoring from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In the past there has been a wait list for tutors because of the lack of volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping out, contact Denice Conner (program coordinator) at arc.of.learning@gmail.com or 724-465-2530.

Beacon Ridge
Beacon Ridge is a non-profit nursing and rehabilitation facility that’s looking for help with activities. Volunteers must be friendly and outgoing. If interested, visit the office at 1515 Wayne Avenue, or call  Debbie Fenner at 724-349-5300 for more information.

Center for Family Life
The Center for Family Life is looking for people to greet families as the enter, and care for children while parents are in classes and support groups. Volunteers are also needed for manual labor and clerical work. If you are interested please call Kristina Taylor-Porter at 724-463-8595, or e-mail cflandcac@gmail.com to apply.

Indiana County Humane Society
Located at 65 Haven Drive in Indiana, they are looking for volunteers to care for animals. If interested, please contact Marie Twal or Lisa Grosch at 724-465-7387.

IUP Special Needs Activity Program
IUP Snap is located in Zink Hall for children and adults with special needs. Spring 2013 days include Saturdays from 9-11am, and April 6, 13, and 20. Interested volunteers with positive attitudes are encouraged to e-mail Dr. Lorenzi at David.Lorenzi@iup.edu to apply.
 

If you have any questions about these or anything else on campus, come visit your ASMs!

Mobile Apps to Help You Succeed

Your smartphone or tablet can be used for so much more than tweeting and playing Ruzzle. If you are looking for a way to study on-the-go, try out some mobile apps available for education and studying purposes. Check out our list of some of the must-have apps for college students.

There are so many more apps than can be listed on a blog—do a search on your app store or the internet to find more.



IUP Mobile

Get access to information about IUP quickly with this new app. You have the ability to look up contact information and read about news and upcoming events. Log in with your Banner ID to check grades, see your class schedule, and contact your advisor.

Reading 

Apps like Kindle allow you to download your textbooks on the go. Instead of carrying your textbook around to the library, you can buy the eBook version to save money and weight in your book bag.

Flashcards

Apps like StudyBlue allow you to memorize key terms for a test by making flashcards online. Share you flashcards with others in the class or find sets from people in class before you. Set a reminder through the app to maintain your study schedule.

 

Dictionary 

Dictionary apps like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary app allow you to look up definitions and find synonyms. This can be helpful when writing papers and taking spelling or vocabulary tests.

 

Storage

Apps like Dropbox allow you to store documents in the cloud or online. You can access your files on your laptop, IUP computer, or smartphone. Never have to worry about losing your flash drive and files or having your computer crash.

Citing Sources 

EasyBib and other citation generators allow you to build and manage your cited works for APA, MLA, and Chicago style. You can scan the barcode of a book to create a citation and then email a list of your works cited to yourself.

Note Taking

Evernote allows you to record voice memos, create to-do lists, and take notes. Access your information and class notes on the go.

What other apps do you use for studying? Comment below!

Spring Break TO-DO List

Spring Break is finally here! You have been working like a crazy person all semester and now you finally have a chance to breathe! Don’t have any big plans to go on vacation? Then make the most out of your spring break. Here is your TO-DO list for a RELAXING and PRODUCTIVE spring break!

SLEEP: You’ve been working hard all semester this is your time to relax. Sleep in or take a nap, just don’t spend the entire week sleeping.

PAMPER YOURSELF: Take a bubble bath, get a mani/pedi, or a massage.

SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY: Let’s face it, no matter how much they drive you crazy you missed them while you were gone

MAKE SOME MONEY: Contact your boss from your summer job and tell them your home. Chances are someone wants the day off.

GET AHEAD: You know what assignments you have coming up. Bring some work with you and get ahead so the rest of the semester is a breeze.

PALN AHEAD: Get your resume together and look for a summer job. Maybe something related to your major…

MAKE VACATION PLANS: You couldn’t get away for spring break, so now is the perfect time to make plans for this summer.

READ A BOOK: With everything you have going on at school you rarely get the chance to read a book for fun. Take this opportunity to read one of the books that sound great but you never got around to.

TAKE A DAY TRIP: There are so many places that you can go for the day! Look it up and go with an old friend.

 EXERCISE: You always say you’re going to go to the gym, now is your chance to actually go.

CATCH UP WITH OLD FRIENDS: With everything you have going on at school it is easy to lose touch with your friends from high school. You’re all at home for the week with nothing to do, now is the perfect time to catch up!

Registration Fall 2013

Registration for the Fall 2013 semester starts the first week of April (3 weeks!) Here is some information on how to register for classes.

First, check your registation status. Log on to URSA, Select student services, registration, and check your registration status. 

Next, meet with your advisor! Many advisors will have a schedule posted outside their office for students to sign up. If your advisor doesn’t, send them an e-mail asking to set up a meeting. DON’T MISS THIS APPOINTMENT!

If you don’t know who your advisor is, log on to URSA, click on students services, academic records, and view your advisor.

When you meet with your advisor they will tell you what classes to take, when you register, and your pin number.

On the day you register for classes, log into URSA and follow the steps listed below:

1.        Select “Student Services"

2.        Select “Registration.”

3.        Select “Look-up Classes to Add” and select the term for which you want to register; then select the gray box “Submit.”

4.        Click advanced search.

5.         Select a subject and select the INDIANA campus.

6.         The remaining items can be used to narrow your search.

7.         Scroll down the page and select “Class Search.”

8.        To register for a class, check the box in front of the CRN and select “Register” at the bottom of the classes that are listed.

9.         Enter your pin number (given to you by your advisor).

10.    Repeat the process for each class.

If you have any questions feel free to stop by the ASM office!

Have a great week!

Preparing for Midterms

We’re already entering the month of March, and on the sixth week of classes! This means that midterms will soon be creeping up on us, so we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful ways to prepare for them.

1.       Find a peaceful study space. Your room is full of distractions, so try something new. Both Ruddock and Maple East have study lounges that could be very useful for this. The second and third floors of the library are also designated as quiet areas, so the distractions are very limited.

2.       Be healthy. Sitting for hours, studying your life away, is not recommended to get great grades. You need to move around every once in a while and grab a bite to eat. By exercising, your nerves will be calmed and your attention span will grow. Nothing crazy is necessary, but just a few simple yoga poses, or some sit ups will do. Brain food is also very encouraged while studying. Choose healthy options, like fruit or tea, rather than cookies and coffee. The healthier options will still boost your energy level and make you more alert.

3.       Create a playlist. Although some students need complete silence while studying, others may benefit from soft music in the background. Instead of the radio’s top 40, create your own playlist of calm and peaceful music. This may help avoid distractions caused by music that’s more familiar to you.

4.       Take advantage of your campus’s resources! The Writing Center is an amazing resource that our campus provides, with tutors available to discuss writing assignments. Their information is listed below. The library also is full of areas to help you study. Not only do they have quiet areas, but also sections designated for group study. They provide computers and printers, and there’s also a coffee shop on the first floor.

Helpful resources:

The Writing Center
Eicher Hall
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm, 6pm-9pm
Friday: 9am-3pm

The Library
Sunday: 1pm-12:45am
Monday-Thursday: 7:45am-12:45am
Friday: 7:45am-7pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm

If you have any questions at all about resources, studying, or just college in general, feel free to visit your ASM’s! We look forward to meeting you!