Class of 2016 E-Lert, Issue IV
welcome back!
Orientation is now complete and we just said farewell to our 2012 Orientation Advisors. What a whirlwind! Did you know there are only 35 days until move-in day?!
The Orientation team had such a great summer meeting all of you! See you in the fall!
Reflections of a Gold Mentor
Melissa Graham, class of 2013
It is fair to say that most students waste an hour of their day
on a computer, napping, or just sitting around in an attempt to
avoid writing a paper or studying. Geneseo offers a way to use
that wasted hour in a way that will benefit students in the
long-run. Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD)
is a program that I have been able to take advantage of during my
time here and know that I am better off because of it. The program
is made up of one-hour workshops that cover a wide range of topics
that are intended to prepare students for leadership roles in the
college and global community. Whether it be the skills I picked up
in the “Time Management” workshop which has helped me balance
being a student, an athlete, and being involved in other campus
activities, or the “Being An Uber-Efficient Researcher” workshop
which has changed the way I find information for papers and has
simplified the entire process of writing a research paper, every
workshop has something different to offer and that hour of time is
never wasted.
Looking back on my freshman year, I wish I would
have taken more of these workshops early on – especially “Time
Management” and “SMART Goals” – because these workshops provide
tips that help the make the transition to college easier and GOLD
is a great way to meet new people. There really is a workshop for
everyone and it is easy to register for workshops after creating a
GOLD account at gold.geneseo.edu/register/new/. Once you have an
account, you can browse the workshops offered last year to get an
idea of the topics that were covered.
At the end of July, the new
workshops (many of which will be similar to last year’s workshops,
along with a bunch of new workshops) will be posted and you can
begin to register. My recommendation for any student who is
thinking about the program is to sign up for one or two workshops
that sound interesting and try them out. If you think of all the
ways you could waste an hour, you really have nothing to lose by
attending a workshop.
Get Geared: What to bring to campus
Have you begun thinking about what you'll need to make your residence hall room more like a home? The following lists might help:
"Must-have" items
- XL twin bedding
- pillows
- clothes hangers
- laundry detergent and dryer sheets
- hamper
- shower caddy
- towels and washcloths
- ethernet cord for computer, to plug into the wired Geneseo network
- surge protectors (extension cords are not allowed)
"Maybe" items which you might consider bringing
- desk lamp
- 3M adhesive hooks and mounting putty, for wall decorations
- mini-fridge (specifications: less than 2.0 amps at 120 volts AC/3.6 cubic feet)
- coffeemaker with automatic shut-off
- silverware, plates, bowls, and cups
- mattress pad
- television and cable cord
- alarm clock
- First Aid kit
- cleaning supplies (e.g., Clorox wipes, etc.)
"Leave it at home" -- prohibited items
- halogen or multi-headed lamps (i.e., medusa lamps)
- pop-up toasters
- microwaves and toaster ovens
- pets (only fish are allowed)
- candles and incense
- air conditioners
- extension cords and multi-plug adaptors
- stringed holiday lights
- George Foreman-type grills
- metal-tipped darts/dart board
For a complete list visit the Residence Life website.
In The MacVittie COllege Union...
Submitted by Carey Backman, Associate Director, College Union and Activities
It's all about the love. No really. We like to think of ourselves as the heart of the campus and our passion is the improvement of the human condition through the expansion of a caring community. We know it's warm and fuzzy but we mean it. So, how do we do it? Two ways. We provide a safe and inviting place where the college community can gather to engage and flourish and opportunities to learn, interact, reflect, program, question, and have fun.
If you want to get in with this circle of caring, you've got to know what's going on and the best way to do that is to be our fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We have over 1000 fans so by liking us, you're in good company and how else are you going to stay-up-to-date on important holidays like Ice Cream for Breakfast day or Bubble Wrap Appreciation day? Seriously, though. It's one of the best ways to know what's going on in the MCU and around campus. Don't wait for the fall semester, find us on Facebook and follow us now (@GeneseoMCU) so you start off the year already in the know!
Check out our Weeks of Welcome schedule!
Navigating myGeneseo
The last newsletter gave you a preview of myGeneseo. The following guide will give you a tour of the site and some of the most popular features!
Brush up on your EtiQuette
LOL, BTW, and "HEY" might be great way to communicate in a text to a friend and via Facebook, but as we move into a world where more and more communication is electronic, and communication trends seem to be becoming more and more lax, proper etiquette can fall to the wayside. As you arrive at Geneseo, you will quickly find yourself communicating with professors via email for many different reasons. Being aware of email etiquette can help you put your best foot forward with your faculty members and save you from some embarassing situations.
Two of the most common mistakes: starting an email in an informal way and not concluding with your full name. Although appropriate to start an email to a friend with "Hey," addressing your professor with their appropriate title is key. It is a a sign of respect that goes a long way. Also, be sure to end your email with your full name. Signing off with just a first name might be fine in a smaller class or towards the end of the semester once you know your professor well, but don't forget that a professor may have several sections of a class or there may be someone with your same name. The easier you make it for the faculy member to identify you, the faster their response and they are better able to help you. And finally a tip for sucess: everything you do is a reflection on you, make sure you are making the impression that is most closely representative of who you are.
Office Highlight: CIT
Computing and Information Technology is located in South and Newton Halls. CIT's mission is "to provide outstanding leadership and support to the college community in computing, voice and data communications and instructional technologies." Made up of 32 dedicated and highly qualified staff members, CIT is open 8am-4pm and can assist with most computing needs. WIth self-help guides and quick links to popular campus sites, the CIT website is a hub of useful information.
Have a virus or need to have your computer serviced? The
CIT HelpDesk is the place to visit. Other services also include password changes, printer
accounting questions, and campus technology questions. The HelpDesk also assists with connecting to the
Geneseo campus network.
CIT also publishes a newletter called NewsBytes that is an electronic publication distributed to faculty, staff and students via email. CIT uses NewsBytes to inform the campus community about technology related news. If you are using technology in a way that would interest others, let their office know and you could be may featured in a NewsBytes article.
For more information about CIT, check out their website and for help with your computer call the HelpDesk at (585) 245-5588 or stop by South 225A.
CIT HelpDesk will be open and staffed during move-in weekend.
Thanks for reading
If you have any questions about Orientation & First-Year Programs, please contact us at orientation@geneseo.edu or by calling 585-245-5852. Watch for the next issue on August 3, 2012.
This e-lert is a collaborative effort between the Office of Orientation & First-Year Programs and the Office of the Dean of the College.