Spring ReOrientation for 2017’ers — week of Feb. 3 — Win an iPad!

You, Booze, and the Board

February 3rd |12:00 PM | Usdan 110

This session will offer answers to students’ most frequently asked questions about addressing severe intoxication: What does alcohol poisoning look like? How do I know whether a friend needs medical assistance or not? What will PSafe do if I call them? If my friends go to the hospital, what happens next? Do they get in trouble? Are their parents called? What sanctions could they get? Conversation facilitated by Associate Dean of Students, Scott Backer.

Lunch will be provided.

Getting Good Advice, Giving Good Information, and Other Essential Nuggets of Wisdom

February 4th | 12:15 PM | Usdan 108

Returning to college for your second semester is a very different experience from heading off to college for the first time.  You bring with you all of the things that you learned in the fall – your accomplishments, as well as the challenges you may have experienced.  You have a wealth of “college knowledge.” The start of the spring semester is another new beginning and a time for you to reflect on your experiences in the fall and develop a plan for academic success.

What worked well for you and what did not?  What strategies did you use in the fall that proved to be successful?  What resources did you seek out?  Did you have balance in your semester and follow the Rule of 7? At this workshop, we will talk about the organizational and study strategies that worked best, hear from peers about strategies and resources they found helpful, and set goals for the spring. Conversation facilitated by Dean for Academic Advancement and Dean for the Class of 2017, Louise Brown, Associate Dean of Student Academic Resources, Laura Patey, and the Peer Advisors.

Lunch will be provided.

Financing Study Abroad

February 5th | 4:15 PM | Usdan 110

Join Assistant Director of International Studies, Gail Winter, and Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Jacqueline Outlaw, for a discussion of the financial aspects of study abroad. Topics to be discussed will include financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting, as well as general information regarding study abroad. Come with questions!

Wellness at Wesleyan

February 6th | 12:00 PM | Usdan 110

The transition to college is stressful, both physically and mentally. Learn about what resources are available for your well-being during this unique transition as well as during the rest of your time at Wesleyan. Learn about the extensive resources Wesleyan offers to make sure you stay physically and mentally healthy during your time at Wes, as well as ways you can get involved. Facilitated by Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Jennifer D’Andrea.

Lunch will be provided.

Desire and Relationship:  What’s Love Got To Do With It?

February 8th | 12:00-3:00PM | Albritton 311

Participate in this no faith/multi-faith/interfaith conversation about Love and its many understandings and facets. All are welcome.

 Catered Japanese lunch will be provided.

Bystander Intervention Training

February 9th | 10:00 AM-2:00PM | Usdan 110

WE Speak, WE Stand aims to create a community that is actively engaged in the prevention of sexual assault, relationship violence and advocates for the responsible use of alcohol. The goal of the program is to empower bystanders to intervene in high risk situations involving alcohol use, sexual assault and relationship violence. Empowered bystanders make the campus community safer by standing up and speaking out when they witness situations that could potentially harm the health and safety of others. Intervening with peers can be challenging for a number of reasons and training will provide you with the skills to move from inaction to action and intervene safely and effectively.

The first training features two distinct and separate tracks: sexual assault prevention and alcohol use intervention.  For more information email Tanya Purdy at tpurdy@wesleyan.edu. Facilitated by Director of Health Education, Tanya Purdy and Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator and Therapist, Alysha Warren.

Lunch will be provided.

THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Sponsored by  the Office of New Student Orientation

wesleyan.edu/orientation

____________________________________________________

Attend 7 programs and record your attendance.

Turn in your completed passport to the Office of New Student Orientation

(Usdan, Rooms 122, 124 & 126)

to be entered in a drawing for an iPad

by February 12, 2014!

____________________________________________________

For more information about these and other programs,

check out the New Student Orientation Website,

or visit www.wesleyan.edu/orientation.

Take advantage of all the great things going on at Wesleyan!

Bystander Intervention Training on Feb. 9; Register by Feb. 6

we speak we stand flyer_spring 2014 

WE Speak, WE Stand, Wesleyan’s Community of Care program, aims to create a campus that is actively engaged in the prevention of sexual assault and advocates for the responsible use of alcohol. The goal of the program is to empower bystanders to intervene in high risk situations involving alcohol use, sexual assault and relationship violence. The training features two distinct and separate tracks: sexual violence prevention and alcohol use intervention.

Register here by Thursday, February 6th. Contact Tanya or Alysha with questions.

Peer Advisor Post: Your Social Game Plan: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Connected This Semester

Your Social Game Plan: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Connected Next Semester    

Dec. 29, 2013 by Carolyn Lipp ’14 — New Year’s Resolutions

The long stretch of winter break is a great time to reflect on the past semester. Some of you, especially first-year students, may feel like you still haven’t found your “niche” or social support group of close friends. Or, you may feel that you are too close to a certain group of people and want to branch out more. When I plan out my new year’s resolutions, I always write something socially-related and vague like, “make new friends” or “be friendly.” However, years of trying to fulfill these resolutions have taught me that changing social behavior can be difficult without consciously incorporating different techniques. So, I present to you five suggestions, collected from the Peer Advisors, of easy ways to make connections next semester.

1. Leave your door open (when you can)

This sounds like the simplest thing but it will make a huge difference in how approachable you are to your hallmates. For those times when you’re just hanging out in your room or shooting the breeze with your roommate, prop the door open with a chair or door stop and other people walking by are far more likely to stop by your room and chat with you. You’re also doing a service to the other people on your hall who want to be social but wouldn’t want to just go around knocking on closed doors. Who knows- you might even change the culture of your hall by starting a new trend!

2. Join a new student group or get involved in a new activity

This is the traditional nugget of wisdom that your parents are always telling you, but it’s also important to keep in mind that not all student groups are necessarily social opportunities. Some activities are better for making friends than others, and this is something you could easily find out by asking someone who’s in the group. For example, one activity highly recommended by Peer Advisor Cynthia Tong is the Terpsichore dance show, or “terp,” which is held once a semester. This is a great opportunity for people of all dance levels because everyone who tries out is placed into one of the dances. Plus, what’s better bonding than repeatedly dancing closely and sweatily to expertly coordinated moves? If you’re thinking of joining something new, you should check out the student groups fair that will be held next semester (date still pending).

3. Take advantage of new classes as an opportunity to make new friends

The first week of classes is the perfect opportunity to meet new people. Chat with whoever you’re sitting next to, ask for their numbers, and then—when the time is right—invite them to hang out. This can be as simple as inviting them to go with you to events that are related to the class or something else they might be interested in. This may seem daring, but just go for it. Chances are, they’ll be thrilled that someone is being so friendly and will be equally excited to hang out with someone new. If you’re feeling particularly bold, you can extend this attitude more generally and ask for people’s numbers anywhere you have a good conversation, like on a long Usdan line or at a party.

4. Ask a professor (and new class friend) out to lunch

Take advantage of the Daniel Family Commons Free Lunch Program to take your professor and your new class friend(s) out to lunch! These vouchers cover the cost of lunch for a faculty member and up to three students, or you can just go with your professor on a lunch date. Since asking a professor out to lunch on your own can be intimidating, inviting a friend from class can ease the awkwardness and give you something to bond over (“I can’t believe we just had lunch with professor x!!!”) It’s also a great way to connect with a professor you like and to get to know them in a smaller, cozier setting. To pick up a voucher, visit Dean Mike Whaley’s office at 220 North College. Did I mention it’s free food?

5. Do the crossword in public

This unusual suggestion comes from old-timer Peer Advisor Faisal Kirdar. He’s found that doing the crossword in a public place, like Usdan or Pi, is a great way to meet new people. Since so many of us college folk are into crosswords, you’re likely to find someone eager to collaborate. Although I’m not into crosswords myself, I have witnessed many interactions occur through the magic of the crossword puzzle. Hope you’ve found some of these suggestions helpful, and feel free to post your own tips in the comments. Happy New Year!!!

Preventing Gun Violence Conference — Sat., Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Preventing Gun Violence:  On Saturday, Sept 28, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Wesleyan Association of Christian Thinkers (WACT), and CT Against Gun Violence are hosting a conference in Exley from 8:30am-2:00pm to discuss ways we can help reduce gun violence.  Governor Malloy, Middletown’s mayor, Senator Blumenthal, U.S. Representative Himes, and others are scheduled attend.  The event is free for students, but registration is required.  Sponsors include Wesleyan Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, Wesleyan Center for Community Partnerships, Wesleyan College of Social Studies, DKE, Psi U, Womanist House, Wes Democrats, Buddhist House, Turath House, 200 Church, Wellness House, and various departments from Trinity College.  Click here to register:  https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5610/c/1493/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=67969.

Middletown Potluck Supper — Sunday, Sept. 29, 5:30-8 p.m.

This Sunday,  Middletown Potluck  (a Wesleyan student group) is facilitating a communal meal and conversation between the Wesleyan community and greater Middletown. We would love your participation and support!

 MiddletownPotluck (2)Please join us at Green Street Art Center
(51 Green St, Middletown) 

 This Sunday from 5:30 until 8:00 

We have invited Middletown residents, a Wesleyan professor, and a Wesleyan student to share stories relating to Middletown.  We will be providing delicious food!   Bring a dish to share if you like. 🙂

 

 

First-Year Dinner with President Roth for Butterfield Residents — 9/17, 6 p.m.

President Michael Roth and

Dean Mike Whaley (Vice President for Student Affairs)

together with Louise Brown (your class dean)

and Rick Culliton (Dean of Students)

cordially invite you to a buffet dinner for

the Residents at the Butterfields

 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center

 Join us for some great food and a chance to meet and visit with your classmates, President Roth and the Student Affairs Staff

 The dinner is limited to the first 100 students who sign up at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/a/wesleyan.edu/forms/d/1TYarcDD-FRLPMVZQbj1rmBbSFChjjkxBKWXYF2l2dMU/viewform

 We hope to see you there!