End of Semester Stuff

Preparing to move home

-While some of this advice may seem like common sense, it is surprising how many people forget to do it!

1. Make sure to cancel your utilities/phone/internet/etc. before you move.

2. Make sure your house is clean and any damages are repaired so that your damage deposit, if you have one, can be refunded to you. Also, make sure your landlord, or whoever you rent from, has sufficient notice of when you will be leaving.

3. Remember to change your billing/forwarding address for recieving important mail, and you will also need to change this with the University incase they mail you anything. You can do this at the Registrar's Office in SU140, or phone them at 403-320-5700 .

Getting organized for your next semester

1. Get a program check - this will ensure that you are on the right track with the classes you're taking. For students entering their last year of University, it is especially important to have a program check done, to ensure all requirements are met before applying for graduation. If you don't have much time to schedule an appointment for a program check, you can always drop off your program planning guide in your advising office and they will get in touch with you when they have checked over it.

- Program planning guides are available at your department's advising office, or online at:

http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ppgs/ppg.html

2. See an advisor - You should see an advisor to get your program checked, but also if you have any other questions about what classes you should be taking, or other academic concerns.

3. Look for a job - Finding a job early, if you don't already have one, saves you
valuable time and money that would be otherwise wasted being unemployed and stressed out trying to find work.

4. Buy school supplies/books early - Get all of your supplies BEFORE the semester starts, and if you know that you are going to stay in the classes you are registered in, then buy your textbooks early. The bookstore recieves textbooks for classes approximetly two weeks before they begin, so get them early to avoid line-ups or the book you need being sold out. To see your required textbooks list, you can go to:

http://www.uleth.ca/bookstore/textfinder/index.cfm

To view a list of used/new textbooks for sale by your peers, go to:

http://www.peer-books.com

-NOTE: Add-drop runs from April 16th - September 11th, so be persistent in trying to get into your desired classes if you haven't already.

Academic Probation

-If you are on academic probation here are some tips:

1. Talk to an advisor: They can best instruct you on how to continue; how many and which particular classes to take, etc. Seeing an advisor regularly would be beneficial until you are no longer on academic probation.

2. Repeat courses to boost your GPA: If you did poorly in a class, it can be repeated ONCE, and the second attempt will count towards your GPA instead of the first. Summer classes are an especially good way to boost your GPA, as they are shorter and usually less stressful.

3. Refer to page 65 in the 2007/2008 Calendar for academic regulations concerning probation.

Scholarship Info & Student Loan Info

Paying for university can be overwhelming, here are some links that will hopefully be useful!



1.http://www.uleth.ca/ross/student_finance/contact.htmltudent_finance/contact.html

• This link will take you to the Scholarships and Student Finance website. Here they can help you finance your education and apply for scholarships.

2. http://www.uleth.ca/ross/student_finance/moneymgt.html

• This link will give you access to all the major banks and their websites dealing with student loans

3. https://www.uleth.ca/bridge/twgkwbis.P_WWWLogin

• You can apply for scholarships easily on line. All you have to do is log on to the bridge and follow the appropriate steps.

Remember: The best thing to do is contact the Scholarships and Student Finance Office!
Phone: 403-329-2585
SU068
Email: fin.aid@uleth.ca

FOIP

What is FOIP?
FOIP is Alberta's "Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act".

"The purpose of the Act is to make public bodies, including the University, open and accountable to the public in the way they acquire, use and dispose of information."
-University of Lethbridge

What does this mean for you? FOIP is there to protect your privacy. It means that your personal information such as your personal records, including address, phone number, and grades are protected. FOIP ensures you are the only person who has the right to view such information. Not even your personal guardians are able to access your grades without your consent.

The Five Key Principles of the Act are:


1) Right of Access
This means that institutiosn must make infromation accessable. For example you have the right to inquire about your own grades and there is a system in place to ensure you can obtain them. The University of Lethbridge allows access to this infromation through the Registar's Office.

2) Personal Privacy is Protected
This means that your information must be kept in secrecy. No one else but yourself has access to it.

3) Right to See Personal Information
This means that you have the right to view any information that the University has collected on you. The University does not have the authority to withhold this information from you.


4) Right to Request Correction
This means that you have the right to change any information that might have incorrectly recorded. This may not be a big deal if it is simply an address or phone number, but if it is your grades or a situation such as academic probation, you have the right to ensure the information is accurate.


5) Independent Review
This means that if you feel that violations have been made to the FOIP policy an outside party will be responsible for reviewing your case and carry out corrections as necessary.



Got Questions?

- Visit the Registar's Office on Level One of the Students' Union Building (SU140) or email: inquiries@uleth.ca

- Visit the Alberta Government FOIP website. http://foip.gov.ab.ca/

Considering a major change? How to choose the right major for you.

Think about it: Do you really want to change majors? How far along in your degree are you? If you are in the second semester of your fourth year and are about to graduate it probably isn’t the best time for a major change. If you are sure you want to change your major you should ask yourself, why? What are you hoping to get out of a major change? Maybe you are changing your major so you can get a specific type of job after graduation or maybe you just want to change to a major you enjoy more.

Take some classes: Make sure you take at least a couple of courses offered by the major you are considering changing to.

Ask an advisor: Before making any decision about changing majors you should consult with an academic advisor and see if a major change is the best option for you. The advisor may suggest a combined degree or doing a double major instead. Explain why you want to change majors and any specific career goals that you may have. Below is information about the different faculty advising offices.

Faculty of Arts and Science
SU060; 403-329-5106, artsci.advising@uleth.ca
Lynn Ambedian, Brenda Bell, Carla Buziak-Prus, Shawn Johnsrude, Sue Kovach, Lesley Rode, Barb Wolstoncroft

Faculty of Education
B820; 403-329-2254, edu.sps@uleth.ca
Trevor Humphrey, Judy Lavorato

Faculty of Fine Arts
W660; 403-329-2691; make an appointment online
James Dobbie, j.dobbie@uleth.ca; Valerie Richardson, richardson@uleth.ca

School of Health Sciences
AH166; 403-329-2699, health.sciences@uleth.ca
Jennifer McArthur, Tom Samuel

Faculty of Management
Lethbridge Campus
E480; 403-329-2153, undergrad.management@uleth.ca
Joan Kendall, Shyanne Shannon, Kathleen Willms

Talk with friends: If you have friends who are already majoring in the subject you are considering switching to ask them about their experiences and what they like and dislike about the major. Ask about professors and the workload involved in most courses.

Registration and Wait Lists

Registration for the Summer 2007 and Fall 2007 semesters begin Friday, March 16, 2007. The timetables can now be viewed at: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/timetable.html

Continuing students:

To access your registration dates log onto the Bridge and click on Registration. To register, log onto the Bridge, click on the Registrar’s Office and Student Services link, then Registration, and then the Add/Drop Classes link. After your classes have been successfully added you may print off your class schedule by clicking on Student Schedule by Day and Time, and printing. For more information on registration visit: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/timetable.html

Note: All outstanding fees must be paid in full before you will be granted permission to register for the Summer 2007 and Fall 2007 semesters. You can check the status of your fees by logging onto the Bridge, clicking on the Registrar’s Office & Student Services, clicking on Student Records, and then on View Holds. If any holds exist they will appear on the screen and if you have none it will say so.

Tips for registering:

ּ Register as early as you can on the first date assigned to you. This will give you a better chance of gaining access to your desired classes. Lots of registration times begin at 5:00 in the morning, and the people that get up that early will have a better chance of getting their classes then people that wait until later.

ּ If you are planning on taking five classes and can’t decide on which to choose, remember you can add a sixth course on the first day of classes. This way you can go to all of them, and then drop whichever one you don’t want BEFORE the add/drop period ends (September 11, 2007).

ּ If you are taking classes with labs/tutorials make sure that you enter their course registration numbers AND ALSO the registration numbers for the lecture when registering.

ּ If you can’t get into a class right away, keep trying; persistency is key for accessing your courses.

ּ Pay attention to room numbers when registering in courses, if you have a course at 10:00 in E690, and then one at 11:00 in PE275, you may want to choose a different time. I have done this many times and I find it stressful to have to run up and down the hill to get to class on time!

ּ When you are taking a full course load, remember that it is a big responsibility, and you are not going to want to work too many hours a week. If you find that you are too stressed out with school, you may want to give away some shifts or cut down on your hours.

Wait List Information

If you are not able to able to access a course that is a requirement for your major you have the option to be put on a wait list. To do this you will have to see an academic advisor in your faculty (Arts & Science, Management, Education, or Fine Arts). Each faculty will set aside certain times in which you can drop in and see an advisor to be put on a wait list. The wait listing period usually consists of five days, and finding out when these are is crucial, as this is your only opportunity to be placed on a wait list. These times will be available in the paper copy of the Summer/Fall 2007 timetable, as well as on the notice board and also in your faculty’s office. Each faculty has different criteria, which they use to assess your need to be put on a wait list, so check with your faculty as to what these criteria are.

In most cases, you will NOT be put on a wait list if:
ּ You missed your initial registration window, (the specific times assigned to you that could be viewed on the Bridge)
ּ You want to take courses which are in excess of the minimum required to complete the major (if you are required to have twenty Psychology classes as a requirement for your major, and you want to take your twenty-first course, you will not be wait-listed, as you can only have twenty).
ּThe course you want is an elective (not required for your major)
ּThe course you want is for your minor (If your major is Education with a minor in Social Studies, you will not be wait listed for a Sociology course).
ּ The course you want is a senior-level requirement outside of your major
ּ You want to take a course to fulfill the General Liberal Education Requirement (GLER).
ּ You have a course or section preference. This means that if a course is available which would fulfill your requirement, you should register in it. If you want to take the same course at a different time, however, you won’t be put on a wait list if there is still room in the other class.

**** Remember: keep trying to access your courses on your own, even if you are on a wait list!!****

Summer Courses

Pros: Taking summer classes allows you to catch up in your credits if you are behind, or want to get ahead. I find summer classes are much more interesting and sometimes easier than fall or spring classes. I find them easier because not as much material is usually covered in summer as compared to taking the course in the Fall or Spring semesters.
ּAlso, if you need to repeat a course summer is a good time to do it, if it is being offered.
Summer semesters are close to a month and a half long, and there is one semester in the middle that is three weeks long. The time flies by, and going to school twice a week for three hours (for one class) with breaks is not bad at all.

Cons: Cons, what cons??? Well, if anything the obvious downfall of summer classes is that you are missing out on your summer vacation. Taking classes interferes with your break from school or maybe even your summer job.
ּTaking classes in the third summer semester (July-August), and then going straight into the fall semester, and then spring semester can be hard without a break.

ּAlso, if you want to go home for the summer, or travel, summer courses will probably not work for you.

Are You Falling Behind in Your Courses?

• Falling behind in your courses? Here are some tips to help you catch up!
  
  
  

1. Mark down due dates
Mark them down in a calendar that you routinely look at. This way you can see the entire month, so nothing can sneak up on you.

2. Use a journal to organize homework for that week
Plan your week, but only focus on current readings. Keeping up-to-date will help you stay current in your classes.

3. Make a list of what you are behind on
Write down what chapters or assignments you are behind in. Then you’ll need to prioritize them. Plan to finish any assignments that are due first, then go back and finish whatever readings you are behind in. Make sure that these readings don’t take precedence to current readings, plan to only spend half an hour to an hour each day on your catch-up readings.

4. Mark tip 3 in your journal
Fill up any gaps in your journal that may be left to add assignments and catch-up-readings. Make sure that you account for your work schedule in your journal. Also plan your journal realistically. If you know that you can only focus for three hours don’t schedule yourself longer than that.

5. Follow your schedule
This is going to be the hardest tip to follow. You’re going to have to clamp down on yourself for this tip. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Get your work done before you do anything else that day, and reward yourself once you’ve finished the journal entries for that day.

***Don't forget that the Students Union gives out free handbooks!***

Here are some websites that you may find useful

http://www.law.ttu.edu/lawWeb/oasp/tips/OverwhelmedBehindSleepDeprived.shtm
http://www.econcordia.com/courses/study_skills/lesson2/100.aspx

If you have any catch-up tips add them in the comments section!

ACADEMIC HONESTY

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY
The University of Lethbridge follows a definitive procedure in the course of a student committing an “Academic Offense” Such offences include: Plagiarism, cheating, duplication, confidential materials, and misrepresentations. The following is a summary of the offenses and penalization protocol cited directly from Part 4 – Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements of the 2007/2008 U of L Academic Calendar.

Academic Offences
Plagiarism
A student is not allowed to copy/ represent another person's work as his or his own.

Cheating
Students are not allowed exchanging information during tests, obtaining information from unauthorized sources, or representing another student.

Duplication
No student is allowed to submit an assignment, report, etc more than once (whether or not it is in the same course) in order to gain double the credit for a single body of work.

Confidential Materials
Students are not allowed to receive or give out awaiting tests or share laboratory handbooks.

Misrepresentation
A student is not allowed to purposely misrepresent facts; this includes citing non-existent/false sources.


Discipline Procedures
Penalties assigned by the Instructor
An Instructor could assert a grade reduction or failing of the assignment, grade reduction in the course, a grade of ‘F’ in the course or have the student do additional work in the course.

Suspension
A student suspended from the University of Lethbridge must be completely removed from the campus for a fixed amount of time (maximum time is three years). Upon returning to the University, the student must enroll in the course/courses she or he was suspended from.

Expulsion
A student expelled from the University of Lethbridge will be completely removed from the institution for an indefinite period of time. If the student so chooses to return to the University, he/she must receive written approval from the Academic Vice-President and the Dean of the program the student was expelled, and must do so after at least three years of removal from the campus.


TIPS FOR MAINTAINING ACADEMIC HONESTY

KNOW THE RULES: Read instructions before writing examinations.

MANAGE TIME WISELY: Schedule your time wisely as to not feel desperate enough to cheat.

DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES: Talk to your professor if you are unsure about how to properly cite work or if you are having difficulties with the assignment.

NEVER COPY: When working in groups, only exchange ideas and opinions. Write down the main ideas. Then write up the final copy independently.

REMEMBER: Cheating is never worth the risks. If you overwhelmed and are stuck in a rut, get in touch with a counselor, academic advisor, or talk to your professor.

What you need to do NOW if you are completing your degree at the end of the semester.

Are you completing your degree at the end of the semester? If you are, this is what you need to do now!

1.) Perform a program check and make sure that you are actually going to graduate! You can do this on your own or you can meet with an Academic Advisor. You will need to contact the advising office for your faculty to arrange an appointment for a program check.

To perform the check yourself you will need a program planning guide and a copy of your transcript. You can pick up program planning guides from the Arts and Science Advising Office (SU060) or you can get one online at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ppgs/index.html. You can get a copy of your transcript from the Registrars Office (SU 140) or you can access it through your U of L Bridge account. To do so simply log into your account, click the link for the Registrars Office and Student Services, then Student Records, then Working Copy Transcript.

2.) Apply to Graduate. That’s right; you have to apply to graduate! In order to attend convocation in the spring you must complete an Application for Graduation. These can be picked up at the Registrars Office (SU140) and at the Arts & Science Student Advising Office (SU064). If you are completing your degree at the end of this semester your convocation will be in spring. You must submit your application for graduation by March 1, 2007.

3.) Get a Job This is it… you are about to graduate and will soon have to face the ‘real world’ – time to get a haircut and get a real job! If you don’t know where to begin your job search check out the Career and Employment Services Office (B625) which will continue to assist you with your job search for up to two years after you graduate! If you have any job related questions you are encouraged to phone Career and Employment Services at 403-329-2187, or check out there website at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/index.html.

4.) Grad Studies If you are interested in furthering your education then grad studies might be for you. There are plenty of opportunities for graduate studies here on campus and you can find out more about these by visiting the U of L School of Graduate Studies website, http://www.uleth.ca/sgs/. If you know you would like to perform your grad studies with a specific professor begin discussing possible research opportunities and building your relationship with him/her now.

5.) Travel There are plenty of ways to travel. If you would like to help to make the world a better place while doing it maybe you should volunteer overseas. If you are interested I recommend checking out this site http://www.globalcitizensforchange.com/. Spend some time navigating the pages and you can find links to all the information you will need. If you would prefer to earn money while traveling perhaps teaching English is a good fit. There are plenty of organizations that can help you with this and you can find out more by searching the Internet.

6.) Do nothing and move back in with your parents. If you have absolutely no ambition or motivation I would recommend moving back in with your parents, where you can spend your time playing video games, watching t.v., and eating your parents food, all from the comfort of a couch. If you are like me you never left your parents’ house, which will make the transition from student to loafer very easy.

Health and Well-Being Strategies

University can be a very stressful time for most students and keeping motivated can be a real challenge. Here are some tips for coping with the everyday stress of school:

▪ Simplify. Keep your workspace organized so you know where everything is. While some people work efficiently in clutter and chaos it is helpful when you know where things are. Keeping your living space neat and clean is also helpful as a mess can distract you when you are trying to work.

▪ Use a calendar. A great way to keep track of your appointments/exam dates/assignment due dates is to write them down on a calendar. Post the calendar in a familiar place, like on your fridge, where it can act as a reminder.

▪ Be responsible. If you find yourself being late for class every day or too rushed in the morning, then get up 15 minutes earlier each day. This will allow you some extra time to get ready and get to your destination on time.

▪ Be efficient. One of the most common problems university students face is procrastinating. This bad habit can cause so much stress and anxiety, all of which can be avoided by a little planning ahead and some time management skills. If you know you have an exam coming up then make sure you give yourself enough time to study in advance, that way you can just review your notes a day or two before you write it and not struggle to grasp concepts that are too complex for a cram session.

▪ Talk to someone. If you are feeling stressed the best way to deal is to talk with someone you trust. A good friend or relationship partner would be ideal, or someone you know who is a good listener. The University has a variety of counselling services, including academic and personal, and they can help you with anxiety management. For more information visit http://www.uleth.ca/ross/counselling/index.html


▪ Exercise. One of the best ways to eliminate built up stress is to exercise, exercise, exercise! Exercise not only relieves stress but it can make you feel very energized and motivated, so you can take on all of the tasks that you have been putting off! The University has its own fitness centre as well as a variety of other activities such as yoga, kickboxing, etc. For more information about the facility and its activities visit http://www.uleth.ca/sportrec or http://www.uleth.ca/hwc/


▪ Get enough sleep. Try to sleep at least 7 or 8 hours a night, and keep a consistent schedule so that your sleep cycle can stay regular. If you have trouble falling asleep because you have so many things on your mind, try to write them down so that you can deal with them in the morning.

▪ Learn to say NO. In order to focus on your studies you must learn to say NO. Say NO to friends who want you to go out and party every night. You must also learn to say NO to extra projects and social activities that you do not have the time or energy to commit to.

Relaxation Tips

1. If you experience physical pain as a result of stress then it might be a good idea to see a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physiotherapist. The Health Centre, located in SU020, can answer any questions you may have about these services, and you can e-mail them at health.centre@uleth.ca, or visit http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/index.html
If you can afford it, treating yourself to a massage every once in a while can be a very soothing and satisfying experience.

2. Listening to music can be very relaxing, particularly slow music. At home, in the car, or even listening to your ipod between classes can give you a break and make you feel better.

3. As girly as it may sound, there is nothing better than a hot bath and some aromatherapy to make you feel ten times better. Lighting your favourite incense or scented candles can help you relax and feel more content, and soaking in some bubble bath will make you feel rejuvenated after a long day.

Diet Advice

Eat breakfast!! This is the most important meal of the day, it gives you your energy for the morning and kick starts your metabolism. Also, snacking on fruits and vegetables throughout the day will help you avoid unhealthy carbohydrate cravings. Drink lots of water… obviously, and avoid consuming too much caffeine, as it can make you more tired than awake after too much.

As everybody knows Reading Week is the week of the 19th-23rd of February. The most practical advice I can give you is to catch up on all of your readings and studying during this week, while also taking some time to relax. Hang out with friends and have fun for part of the break, but manage your time efficiently and if you have any overdue projects to complete then focus on those as well.

Kraft Dinner is not enough

It may be pretty obvious but Kraft Dinner really is not enough. While it may be cheap and quick eating it everyday gets pretty boring. Eating out is also easy, but on a tight budget it can get expensive really fast. However if this is the first time that you are out on your own the idea of cooking edible meals may seem intimidating. Fortunately there are many websites and cookbooks that are designed to help you.

Websites

• The Food TV channel has it's own website. Here you can get recipes from your favorite TV show, and search the site to find a recipe for any taste. You can also save the recipes to your file and the website will provide you with a shopping guide for every meal that you've decided to prepare.
  www.foodtv.ca
  
• If you're worried that you won't be able to pick out a healthy recipe try www.healthyalberta.com/he_home.asp
  This site has a list of recipes that are guaranteed to be healthy.

Recommended Cookbooks

• any cookbook in the Betty Crocker line will have easy to follow recipes
• The Absolute Beginner's Cookbook: Or, How Long Do I Cook A 3-minute Egg?
• The Complete Vegan Cookbook: Over 200 Tantalizing Recipes Plus Plenty Of Kitchen Wisdom For Beginners And Experienced Cooks

Whatever cookbook or recipe you pick make sure that it's something that you can have fun with. Take turns cooking with your friends and roommates so the pressure isn't always on you.

Recipes

Chili may not sound that exotic, but it's easy to make and stores well so that you will have leftovers for those nights you don't feel like cooking.

Chili - Serves 8

Ingredients
· 12 mushrooms
· 1 tsp of olive oil
· 4 slices of bacon (optional)
· 1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
· 1 medium onion
· 1 cup of carrots
· 2 cloves of garlic
· 1 cup chopped celery
· 1 bay leaf
· 28 oz (800 ml) of red kidney beans
· 28 oz (800 ml) of diced/whole canned tomatoes
· 2 tbsp of tomato paste
· 2 tsp chili powder
· 2 tsp cumin (adjust to taste)
· ½ tsp coriander

Directions
1. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil, remove and set aside.
2. Chop bacon and fry until crisp, drain the bacon.
3. Brown hamburger in bacon drippings and remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, soften onions, crush the garlic and add to the pan, sauté for 30 sec. Add carrots and celery; sauté until soft, then add the bay leaf.
5. Return hamburger, bacon, and mushrooms to the pan, add kidney beans, tomatoes and tomato paste; bring to a boil.
6. Add the chili powder, cumin, and coriander.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
8. Taste and adjust spices.
9. Serve in bowls with your choice of bread, and a side green salad.

If you'd like to submit your own favorite recipe add it in the comments section!