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How to WU: Class of 2023Next Steps for First-Year StudentsTable of ContentsLetter from Writers/Contributors…………………………………………....3New Student Checklist……………….……………………………………...4How to Buy Textbooks…………………………………….……………...5-6 Getting a Job in College…………………………………………………...6-7Transportation……….…………………………………………………….7-8 How am I going to get back home? How am I going to get around Portland? How am I going to get around campus?Moving to Oregon………………………………………………………..9-10Academic Expectations for Your First Semester…………..……………10-16Academic Resources………………………………………………….....16-18Technology on Campus……………………………………………….....18-21Food, on and off campus………………………..……………………….21-22Managing Your Money………………………………………………….22-23Final Notes/MessagesDear First-Year Bearcat, Welcome to Willamette University! We’re excited to have you as part of our community.Now that you’re officially a Bearcat in the Class of 2023, we offer this resource to guide your “Next Steps.” You know our motto, right? “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.” Well, in typical Willamette fashion, “Not alone was this guide written”, as it is the product of several authors. The original version was created for students from Hawaii by Matt Tom WU ‘15. The next version was created for Native American students by Faith Kebekol WU ‘15 and Gabby Klein WU ‘15 under the guidance of Liz Bahe, Director of Native American Programs (sage, guide, and mentor). A third iteration was updated and intended for first-generation WU students by Mat Barreiro, former Director of Academic Support in tandem with the Multicultural Affairs Committee. We are indebted to them for their ideas and the foundational content. This version was updated by Asalia Arauz ’19 and Michelle Hicks ’19 assisted by the new Director of Academic Support, Kelvin Clark. We’ve modified their guides, but claim any errors as our own. In this version we’ve broaden the scope of the audience, addressing those of you who - for any reason - may be unfamiliar with what to expect from a small, private, liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwest. You may be the first in your family to go to a four-year college (1st-generation), from a working-class background, Indigenous or Native American, a student of color, a nontraditional student (over the age of 24 years old), a student with learning differences, and/or just plainly unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest. We recognize and value that students come to Willamette from a wide variety of backgrounds, and with this guide we hopefully anticipate most of your concerns and earnestly try to address them. Feel free to use the information that applies to you. We hope your questions are answered before you even know what to ask! And if they aren’t, contact us at academicsupport@willamette.edu 503-370-6505. Sincerely,Asalia Arauz ’19 Michelle Hicks ’19 Office of Academic SupportFirst-Year ExperienceMulticultural Affairs Committee New Student Checklist: July and AugustWelcome, you’re in the Class of 2023! You have Important Dates coming up this summer. Here is your “To Do” list so that by mid-August you’re ready for your first semester at Willamette. July 2019 (Unofficial Check List)You will probably hear from your Colloquium professor, and you might have a summer assignment. (Another reason to check your WU email.) Every first-year student will also have two OD Leaders. Expect to hear from them this summer as well.How do you find the books you need for your classes? Look on to find the textbooks you need for your classes. Comparison shop for best prices on Bookbyte, BigWords, and other sites. (Make sure you have the right ISBN and edition of the book required).If you are a 1st Gen student (meaning neither of your parents has completed a Bachelor’s degree at a four-year college) with financial need, you can apply to receive a free textbook or two through the 1st Gen Book Exchange. If you’ve indicated on your admissions application that you are a 1st Gen student, you should receive an email about this in early August. If you’ll be looking for a job, look at the Handshake (a job board for Willamette students)Jump Start program registration deadline is July 19 and registration opens June 12 August (Unofficial Check List)It’s time to pack! Use the Checklist of What to Bring to Live on Campus. Especially if you’re from a warmer or drier climate, read our students’ suggestions on page 10.Every first-year student will have a Colloquium Associate (CA). The CA is a more advanced student who will help you navigate WU. Expect to hear from your CA in August. Feel free to ask them just about any random question!Continue to check your Willamette email, WISE, and the Portal for updates and announcements.Who’s your roommate? You should hear in early August. How to Buy TextbooksThe most common way for students buy textbooks is at the Willamette Bookstore; however, oftentimes textbooks are not the cheapest there. Here are other ways to find the textbooks you need for your classes.How do I find the books I need for a class? Step 1. Go to . As an example, we will mock look for a textbook for ECON 132 – 02.Step 2. At “Select Your Department” enter the department your class is listed under. For example, “ECON.” Step 3. Upon doing so, the “Select Your Course” option will appear underneath it. Insert the class number, for example, “132.” So by now these two options should list that you are looking for “ECON 132.”Step 4. Next click on your class section (ECON 132 – 02). This number can be found in your class schedule. Most of the time it will be listed as 01, 02, or 03. This is because many times there will be more than one section of the same course (different days, times, rooms, professors, etc.). This number indicates which section you belong to.Step 5. After inserting all the information listed above you are now ready to click SUBMIT!Step 5. The list of required books should pop up with their ISBN code and price.Buy Elsewhere. Write down or save this list and use the ISBN listed to buy books where you can at cheaper rates. Sometimes the ISBN won’t lead you straight to the book you need, so also write down the Title, Author, and the edition of the book (if it is listed.) Also email your professor to ask if it is crucial to get that specific edition. Some older editions are found at cheaper prices.Other Places to Get BooksWebsites online. There are some websites that sell textbooks and are considered to price them at affordable rates. Search by ISBN number to ensure you are purchasing the correct edition.. Make an Amazon account and search for your books there. They can come pretty cheap on this website. Also Amazon Prime offers a free 6 month trial is free for students and includes free two-day shipping, exclusive deals and promotions, and unlimited photo storage. Google Books. Google has previews of books that you might need.. This site compares book prices to other sites.. This place sells textbooks at decent prices.The Internet. Your books could be available digitally online and for free. Just be careful of copyright infringement or downloading a virus on accident. Be sure to type in your books entire title for more accuracy. Also try finding the inte rnational version of the book you need. The order of the chapters may be switched, but overall it still has the same content and they generally tend to be a lot less.First-generation or low-income students can request free texts through the 1st Gen Book Exchange run by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. If you identified as a 1st Gen student on your Admissions application, you are eligible to apply to use a book or two. The contact in the Office of Multicultural Affairs is Manuel Marcos Gutierrez (email: mmarcos@willamette.edu).BookBin. This is a store within walking distance of campus downtown.Library. You can check out some textbooks from the Willamette library. You can rent them for a long period of time and renew the book, if someone else isn’t requesting it after you. However, the faculty can request you to return a book if they need it for their class purposes. Willamette’s Library is also connected to libraries at other universities. At Willamette, we can request books at other libraries via two systems called Summit and Interlibrary Loan. Have a look at these two systems on the library webpage to see if the books you need are there. You can also try to find them at the Salem Public Library.From other students. Ask other students (like your OD Leaders, RA, or Colloquium Associate) if they have taken the class you are in. If they did, they might just let you borrow the book for free.Some academic departments have small scholarships that help provide texts for their classes. Ask your professor if their department has that option.FB Groups. If you have a Facebook, post in Willamette-centered FB groups and ask around for your books. Students are willing to share! There is a Willamette Textbook Exchange Facebook group, the Free and For Sale page, as well as a Willamette Students Group. .Staff Members might have books they can lend you.Getting a Job in College Check out the Career Center!Handshake is the Willamette online database that lists jobs on and off campus for students. The Career Center has resources to help you with your resume, practice your job interview skills, attend life planning retreats, go to career workshops, and networking events. They also offer career counseling. Use this office starting your first year but definitely before the end of your senior year and you’ll get more out of it!Work on your resumeGood resumes will look good to employers. You can contact the Career Center for help with this. Professors and advisors can be helpful in this area too.ReferencesJobs will ask you for people they can contact who can speak about your ability to do the job well. A good way to start is by talking with professors and advisors about your goals and asking if they can help to either serve as a reference or to connect you with someone who can help. Always ask your references if they’re willing to serve in that capacity for you before you list them. TransportationHow am I going to get back home?Willamette University does not provide airplane tickets, train tickets, gas, or long-distance accommodations. Early in the semester, you may want to start thinking about how you will be getting home during breaks, as tickets are cheaper the further in advance you buy them. If you need a plane ticket to get back home by winter break, start looking for tickets -- by the latest -- after midterms (October/Halloween). Travelling Tips:Willamette provides $10 shuttles to PDX airport during Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break.Be sure to do the shuttle surveys that will appear in your email to make sure WU knows when the best times work for you! Shuttle times are determined by these surveys.Convenience! The Amtrak and Greyhound train station is right next to school (in between Kaneko and the soccer fields, just cross the street without taking the skybridge). The train can take you up and down the West coast, and is a great way to get to Portland for the day without needing a car. It’s cheap! Ex: Round trip ticket to Seattle can be purchased for $95 or less. To get to PDX from the Amtrak or Greyhound stop in PortlandExit the train station and walk to the Yellow or Green Line (rightoutside greyhound station) then transfer to Red line and take all the way to PDXUber/Lyft will be more expensive about $70-100. Always double check with your driver that they are the person in the bubble and that they are there to pick you up.How am I going to get around Portland?If you take the Amtrak or the Greyhound bus/train up to Portland, you could take a myriad of public transportation to navigate the city! Trimet is the company that owns the Max, the Bus, and the Commuter rail, which are the most common ways to navigate Portland. The Max, the Light Rail, and the Bus are the most reliable ways to get around Portland. A ride is $2.50 for 2 ? hours or $5 for a day pass for adults and it goes to major attractions such as Voodoo Donuts, the Portland Airport, the Lan Su garden, and many more!Portland is an incredibly bike friendly city and once you leave the train/bus stop, you can bike virtually anywhere in the city.If you choose to drive up, you can also get anywhere in Portland but be careful of $7-$20 parking fees. How am I going to get around campus?WU is a small campus, and you can easily walk where you need to go. If that’s not your style, WU is a skateboard, roller blade, scooter, bike, trike, unicycle friendly campus!Bikes can be rented from the WU Bike Shop (on a limited basis--72 hours max). Semester-long rentals are also available, but it is first-come, first-served, so inquire early.The Willamette Bike Shop will help you fix your bike for free! Best bike shops to purchase your own:Northwest hub, Ask a friend, The Bike Peddler, Scott’s Fitness, Walmart, Target, CostcoBe sure to purchase fenders for both front and rear wheels to avoid splashing mud/water on your back while riding in the rain.Also purchase a U-Lock, helmet, and lights.U-Locks’ are available for free at Campus Safety. You can also register your bike with Campus Safety in case it is stolen. Bike theft. Bikes get stolen almost everyday on campus, so be sure to lock your bike! Some buildings even have inside storage.Salem has the Cherriots bus system that runs throughout the city and beyond.WARNING! Buses don’t run on weekends :(Use BoltBus. It’s like Greyhound, but safer. Go to: Make friends with those who have cars!Zipcar--cheap and efficient. Go to: willamette Uber or LyftGo to mail center to pick up bus schedules or look it up onlineWillamette Valley Yellow Cab has a system with WU called Saferide. All you need to do is tell your cabbie on the phone or in person that you will be using Saferide and they will guide you through the process. The amount will be charged to your student account.Amanda’s Taxi is also a very safe taxi company with student discounts. Moving to Oregon…Salem…WillametteOregon Weather: Adapt and Survive (You can do this!) Oregon is a Pacific Northwest state with four distinct seasons. You’ll be here for the latter half of summer, all of fall, winter, and most of spring. When you arrive for Opening Days it’ll be late summer and probably hot. The first few weeks of school will be hot/warm (temps in the upper 70s, 80s, and low 90s) during the day and cool (60s and 50s) at night. A change will occur around mid-October. Fall is usually still warm. You’ll start to see rain. I recommend not wearing any Toms or canvas shoes (Vans, Converse, etc.) because they’ll soak through to your socks, and wet feet are sad feet. Consider investing in a rain jacket and waterproof shoes/boots.And then the rain will come. Oregon has tons of evergreen trees and all sorts of greenery. That requires a steady source of water, most of it coming from the sky. Sometimes it will snow. I recommend strong, firm steps when walking on snowy/icy paths (don’t drag your feet people, that’s how butts get busted). Once the rain begins, temps will begin to drop from lower 60s to 50s and then into the 40s, 30s, and occasionally even 20s! There can also be incredible fog, especially in the morning.The rain will be with you until about spring break. Embrace the rain. You won’t melt, I promise. Sometimes Mother Nature will try and trick you. Oregon is notorious for being able to demonstrate all four seasons in one day. In the morning it may be frigid and cold with temperatures rising in the afternoon and ending the day with rain. Sometimes, she’ll make it sunny outside but it will still be cold. Enjoy these days, because during winter and spring there can be many clouds, and it is important to get the happy vibes from the sun whenever you can. You can also go to the Equity and Empowerment Center and Bishop Wellness Center to get some vitamin D from artificial sun lamps (very warm, very happy).Seasonal depression is a thing. For students coming from regularly sunny parts of the US, seasonal depression can occur more often. It is nothing to be ashamed of and is actually pretty common. Just like I said, Bishop Wellness Center and the Chaplains Office have artificial sun lamps that provide the same happy vibes that you’d normally get from the sun. Also consider taking Vitamin D supplements (D3 recommended). Vitamin D is an ingredient in the happy vibes that come from the sun. While you’re there, enjoy some other relaxing things at Bishop including epic massage chairs!WU campus reflects the moods of the seasons. From the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows of autumn, the dramatic greys and blues of winter, to the bright rainbow colors of spring and summer. The stark deadness and quiet of winter is balanced by the dynamism of life and rebirth during spring.January: High- 46 Low-33 Precipitation- 6.5’’April: High- 60 Low- 38 Precipitation- 2.4’’July: High- 82 Low- 51 Precipitation- .5’’October: High- 64 Low- 41 Precipitation- 3.3’’What the heck do I wear?It’s a common question here in Oregon. The weather can change dramatically in a day, often including both rain and sun. As a homegrown PNWesterner, here are some style tips I have to pass on to you:● Lumberjacks know what’s up. Layering your clothes is a must. Underwear, T-shirt, sweatshirt/sweater, jacket that includes a hood. Add or subtract to fit your comfort level.● Accessorize! With gloves, mittens, ear warmers, hats and scarves!● Cotton kills. It does not dry very well, and will not keep you warm. Wool, spandex, rayon (sports clothing), on the other hand, will keep you both warm and will dry faster. Plus, wool socks are so comfy! And won’t give you that wet, dank foot stank that cotton socks do.● Boots. It’s all about the boots in the PNW. And I’m not talking about Uuuugggggs. (You will ruin your Uggs if you wear them in the rain.) Stop into Rite Aid, WalMart, Target or any other drug store/shoe store to find waterproofing spray to help protect your current shoes/boots or better fortify new ones.● Rain jacket. Look to make sure it is not just rain resistant but rainproof. You’ll notice the difference pretty quickly.● Backpack. A fun and functional way to carry all of your stuff. Look to see if your backpack has any sort of protection for the weather, if no, it is helpful to either spray your backpack with waterproofing spray or cover your valuables (e.g. Laptop, irreplaceable notes, etc.) in a plastic bag to protect it from the rain.**Just in case you need a waterproof backpack and bike seat covers:Easyhon 35L-80L Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover Rucksack Water Resist Cover for Hiking Camping Traveling (Blue,X-Large) Black Waterproof Bike Seat Rain Cover, Protective Water and Dust Resistant Bicycle Saddle Cover (2 Pack) Expectations for Your First SemesterYou are about to enter the arena of academe and here, professors are paramount. Therefore, understanding how to communicate with them, in a variety methods, is key. This section contains advice from students about professors, classes, academic services, accessibility, and helpful study tips.How to address professors?At Willamette you call teachers your “professors.” Generally you say “Professor” and then their last name. Depending on the professor, they may prefer to go by a different name. When in doubt, check the syllabus, listen to how they introduce themselves at the start of the class, and/or ask how they want to be addressed. Example: “Professor Aguilar, how do you prefer to be addressed?”Why should I get to know my professors?There are so many reasons to get to know your professors, some that improve your “in class” experience, some that increase your “beyond class” opportunities. For the “in class” component, Willamette classes often expect active engagement. Talking with your professor helps you get the most that you can from a class, contribute to the class meaningfully, and better understand how to participate appropriately in a class or lab. You can ask and clarify questions you may have regarding the class, subject, and/or major. Talking with a professor can also help you improve how you study, discuss, and write for their subject and their class. For example, if you feel like you aren’t talking enough in class, you can tell them that. (And if you feel like you’re talking too much, you can tell them that too.) You can talk about how the interpersonal dynamic in a class feels to you. Even if you don’t have specific questions, visit them and say that you’d “appreciate any guidance” they might have for you. For “beyond class” reasons, professors can become inspiring mentors to you. Faculty expect that students will want a lot of individual attention, and they want to get to know students, so it is not an imposition to go and talk to them about either class topics or your interests in general. If you’ve taken the time to talk with them and have expressed your thoughts to them, they can offer timely guidance and advice. (The “timely” part means don’t wait until your senior year!) Often a faculty member can tell you who else on the faculty shares your interest or has expertise in that area, and can help you pursue that interest or answer that question. (This is also a good way to begin to learn how to network.) Faculty members usually have an active research program, and know other faculty who do, too. If they know you are interested in something, they may be able to point you to opportunities to work with them or with someone else on campus as a research assistant or intern. (Sometimes these opportunities are volunteer, and sometimes they are paid.) They can also support you in conducting your own research by sponsoring and mentoring you through the variety of student grants that are available to you in your first year such as the Colloquium Grant or the Liberal Arts Research Community Grant.Finally, you will eventually need references for jobs, summer grants, internships, fellowships, and postgraduate programs. Opportunities can occur in your first year, so start getting to know your professors immediately! Professors who know you will be able to write more effective and positive letters. Knowing a variety of professors fairly well will also give you choices about which references are most appropriate for a given opportunity.Talk to your professorsThey are friendly and want to help you. In addition to participating in class discussions, professors encourage students to attend their office hours and schedule appointments. Getting to know your professor helps you better understand the class material, show your professor that you are engaged and interested in the class, and clarify any questions you may have regarding the class, subject, and/or major.How should I email my professors? Write professional emails. While professors may be friendly and familiar with you, you should still communicate with them in a professional, formal manner. Start your email, “Dear Professor ______,” and sign with something like “Sincerely” or “Best” with both your first and last name. The response time is likely to be within two working days. Using proper English and refraining from the use of slang or texting language shows that you are being respectful and sincere in your message.Professors as a personal resourceYour professors are a friendly professional resource. While it is good to maintain a respectful attitude when talking to professors, they can also be friendly professional mentors for you. They are here not only to teach you, but also to guide you and offer advice on opportunities beyond the classroom. Contacting professorsProfessors will make it clear to you the best and most appropriate ways to contact and communicate with them. Each has their own preferences. While some professors might provide alternative modes of communication (i.e. WISE group chat, calling, etc), wait for them to make this clear to you. Check your syllabus for more information regarding how to best reach each professor. Even though one professor may be lenient in regards to communication methods, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay for everyone. Unless directly instructed, assume that emails are the best form of communication.How do I schedule a meeting with a professor?Professors encourage students to attend their office hours, which are listed on the syllabus and/or posted by their office door. If you have a conflict with their office hours, you can usually schedule appointments with them. (Many professors use Google calendar for scheduling. Get familiar with it this summer if you can.) Professors will make it clear to you the best and most appropriate ways to contact and communicate with them. Each has their own preferences. While some professors might provide alternative modes of communication (i.e. WISE group chat, calling, etc.), wait for them to make this clear to you. Check your syllabus for more information regarding how to best reach each professor. Even though one professor may be lenient in regards to communication methods (like giving out their cell number), that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to approach all professors that way. Unless directly instructed, assume that emails are the best form of communication.How do I talk with a professor about grades?You are encouraged to talk with your professor about how you can improve your learning and your work in a class, which will also likely improve your grades. It’s appropriate to seek the professor’s input so that you can do better on the next assignment or exam. It may be hard to hear what a professor has to say, especially since you’ve all been good students in high school, but stay open and listen to them. They will give you sound advice to improve for next time. This is part of learning! ClassesHow big will my classes be?Willamette has small classes. There are no classes with 100+ people in them. (In fact, not too many rooms even hold 100 people). The largest classes usually have about 35 students and the smallest have about 7. Your Colloquium will have about 14 students.How do I pronounce “Colloquium,” and what is it?Here you go: “kuh-loh-kwee-uh m”College Colloquium is the first-semester class that introduces you to the intellectual culture of Willamette. You’ll learn how to navigate the classroom environment, participate in group discussions, and collaborate with other students and your professors. In the Colloquium you will be introduced to the writing that is expected at Willamette. This is most often based on your analysis of readings and discussions. Colloquia classes also have a Colloquium Associate who will take the class alongside you and offer academic support. 3. How many classes do I have to take?To be a full-time student at Willamette, you have to carry at least 3 credits per semester. More importantly, however, to stay on pace for graduation in four years (eight semesters), you should carry 4 credits per semester. Can I use my laptop in class?Unless there are accommodations given by the Office of Accessible Education Services, it is best to check the class syllabus or contact your professor at the beginning of the course regarding their technology policies. Some professors may allow you to use your computer to take notes in class while others may have a strict no technology rule. These are small classes: your professor will notice if you are using your computer and aren’t engaged with the class. If certain technology is required for the class and you do not have access to it, contact your professor so that they can help find alternative arrangements to provide you with appropriate resources. Can I check my phone during class?Unless instructed otherwise, cell phone use is not permitted in classes. Make sure that all notifications/sound alerts are silenced before the start of class. If an emergency occurs where you need to use your phone, politely excuse yourself so that you aren’t distracting the class. If you need to text in class, for example to get in contact with your parent/guardian, let your professor know ahead of time if possible.What if I’m running late? Should I still go to class?Punctuality is important in college. You are on the professor’s time when the class starts. Showing up late is disrespectful towards your professor and your classmates. Your professors will notice if you show up consistently late. That being said, it’s usually better to show up, even if you’re late. What if I’m not comfortable talking in class?Depending on the structure of the class, participation may be an important part of the class. A Willamette mantra for participating in class is, “Step up. Step Back.” If you aren’t participating in class, then it’s time to speak up and share your thoughts on the assigned reading. If you’re talking all the time in class, then it’s probably time to hear someone else’s opinion. Try to prepare to contribute at least two or three comments in every class session.If you typically don’t participate in class discussion here are some tips that can help you hone your discussion skills. Study with one or two other students (in a small study group) so that you get used to talking about the material. This makes it less daunting to speak in class because you are used to discussing your ideas with others.Meet with your professor (during office hours) to explain why you seldom contribute to group discussion. Professors can be understanding and provide additional advice or participation opportunities to help students step out of their comfort zone. For instance, if a talkative student always answers the questions (making it difficult for others to contribute to the conversation) the professor might adjust their methods so that the discussion isn’t monopolized by a select few. Or the professor might suggest a strategy to cue you when you can jump into the discussion.Prepare comments on the readings for class. When reading the material, take notes on what you have questions on so that you can ask them in class (instead of having to think of questions on the spot). There are a variety of comments that can benefit class discussions: questions on specific themes or terms, reflecting on how the material made you feel, comparing two of the readings, recognizing the assumptions of the author, etc. All are ways to engage with the text and be prepared for class.Consider participating in the discussion as soon as it starts. Dive in! If you speak up early by posing a question about the material, then you can ‘sit back’ while others respond to what you said and generate answers to what you stated. It is okay to not have the entire solution! Group discussion strives to emphasize the benefits of multiple perspectives on a given topic. Is there an attendance policy?Check with your professor regarding their attendance policy. Depending on the class structure, attendance and class participation can make up a significant percentage of your overall grade. Given the smaller class sizes, your professor will know if you are present in class and will likely make note of absences. Even if you didn’t do the work, you should still go to class. Being there is better than not being there. If you know you will be late, or cannot be in class, contact your professor beforehand. If you are sick and/or going through an emergency situation (medical, social and/or mental), notifying your professors allows them to provide help and shows them your commitment to class.What if I need to leave during class?You do not need to ask your professor to leave, for instance, to use the restroom. Polite classroom etiquette is to quietly leave the room and then return to your seat without disrupting the flow of the class. Try not to make it a habit, like every time you arrive at one particular class you have to get up within the first five minutes. Be respectful of in-class time. Professors will understand if you’re so sick that you need to leave the room. Being in Class:Behaviors and PoliciesTechnology PolicyCheck the class syllabus or contact your professor at the beginning of the course regarding their technology policies. If certain types of technology are required for the class and you do not have access to it, contact your professor so that they can find alternative arrangements to provide you with appropriate resources. Some professors may allow you to use your computer to take notes in class while others may have a strict no technology rule. These are small classes: your professor will notice if you are using your computer and aren’t engaged with the class.Cell phonesUnless instructed otherwise, cell phone use is not permitted in any classroom during class. Make sure that all notifications/sound alerts are silenced before the start of class. If an emergency occurs where you need to use your phone, politely excuse yourself so that you aren’t distracting from the class. If you need to text in class, for example to get in contact with your parent/guardian, let your professor know ahead of time.TardinessPunctuality is important in college. You are on the professor’s time when the class starts. Showing up late is disrespectful towards your professor and your classmates. Your professors will notice if you’re consistently late.Review materials before classBe sure to read all of your required readings for each class section and take notes on it before class. Then review your notes so they are fresh in your mind. Reviewing and revising your class notes is a good study strategy that helps your brain recall course material in multiple municating about gradesYou are encouraged to talk with your professor about how you can improve your performance, which will also improve your grades. You may get a grade lower than you expected, especially on your writing. If this happens, it’s totally okay to seek the professor’s input so that you can do better on the next assignment or paper. It may be hard to hear what a professor has to say, especially since we’ve all been good students in high school, but remain open and listen to them. They will give you sound advice to improve for next time. This is part of learning! No one is perfect, nor does anyone expect you to be, except yourself. Academic ResourcesAcademic advisor(s)Your colloquium professor is your academic advisor, until you declare a major. As you’re taking classes in your major of interest, keep in mind which professor(s) would best suit you once you declare a major. Academic advisors act as a support/guidance resource for students. They will counsel you on selecting courses, opportunities for engagement, major exploration, internships, and more. For example, your academic advisor(s) are great resources to help you calculate your grade point average (GPA) which will be computed differently than your high school GPA. Each grade will be weighted with different points, as follows:A = 4.00,A- = 3.70B+ = 3.30B = 3.0B- = 2.7C+ = 2.3C = 2.0C- = 1.7D+ = 1.3D = 1.0F = 0.0The credit you get from each class matters too, since a 1-credit class carries more weight in your GPA than a .50 credit class. You will have a GPA for each semester, and you will have an overall (“cumulative”) GPA for all semesters. Checking your degree audit on SAGE is the best way to keep track of your both your overall GPA and the GPA within your major. To graduate from Willamette you need a minimum GPA of 2.00 both overall and in your major. The following link will take you to a GPA calculator. Get comfortable with calculating your GPA. In fact, try to predict your first semester GPA. Office of Accessible Education Services (AES): Willamette University is committed to the full access and inclusion of all students with disabilities in its programs. Our office facilitates reasonable accommodations for students with a qualifying disability or temporary medical condition while maintaining institutional standards. Our office facilitates reasonable accommodations for students with a qualifying disability or temporary medical condition while maintaining institutional standards. AES honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity, and seeks to foster diversity and social justice disability models. accessible-info@willamette.edu. AES is located in Matthews Hall, Room103.AES office will:Assist students in obtaining appropriate documentation of a disabilityDevelop an accommodation plan for students to ensure necessary and appropriate classroom accommodationsFacilitate non-classroom accommodationsSupport skill development in self-advocacy and independenceAssist with problem-solving and facilitating connections with appropriate resourcesOffice of Academic Support: As learners, every student is at a different point in their educational journey, and on their journey, they have acquired a set of various strengths and techniques. Therefore, as students begin their transition into Willamette’s academic community, changes might have to be made as some of their strengths and techniques might not be applicable to the demands of their new environment. As a result, stress levels may rise and confusion may abound. This is where the office of Academic Support can be useful. Through one-on-one conversations with the director or peer academic coaches, students can begin receiving assistance with goal setting, time management, study strategies, tutoring, and academic coaching. To schedule an appointment email?academicsupport@willamette.edu. Located in Ford Hall, 107 B.The Center for Quantitative Understanding, Analysis, and Design (“QUAD”) is an initiative at Willamette University, supporting students and faculty in the College of Liberal Arts in their efforts to develop and apply quantitative reasoning or “QR” skills. The Center is designed to: Assist people not just with data collection and analysis but also with their efforts to interpret, critically evaluate, and incorporate quantitative information into papers and other projects or assignments. Quantitative information properly collected and interpreted is often a central component of well-constructed arguments.The World Languages Studio: A hub that connects and supports language learners by providing social and academic learning opportunities in order to create a multilingual and multicultural global community. The “studio” serves as:A?vessel?to experience foreign languages and cultures?for campus as well as a central resource for international students and people preparing to go abroad.A?creative outlet?for any and all language related projects to be explored and supported with technology and/or physical space.The?area?of campus?dedicated to language exposure and cultural experience, with a multitude of language enhancement options.A space?for our international?Language Assistants?to tutor and host language and cultural events with a vibrant learning and social environment that increases the exposure of students to the international community. A place equipped with?trained student staff?for walk-in help with equipment and physical resources.The Writing Center: The Writing Center is a place where members of the Willamette community can discuss and work on their writing in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere. Experienced writing consultants from a variety of disciplines are eager to discuss your papers at any stage, from blank page to almost finished draft. We look forward to making your writing process a positive and rewarding experience.? The Writing Center exists to foster a writing culture on campus through the following activities:Consulting with writers on all kinds of writing and at all phases of composition;Studying the processes of writing and response to writing in order to increase our ability to work effectively with writers;Generating material on the processes of writing and on the structure, style, and mechanics of written texts, and providing this information to the campus;Encouraging expression in all written forms including analytic, artistic, expressive, and informative;Providing support for literary and writing-oriented organizations, clubs, and departments;Providing an informal link among students, faculty, administrators, and other campus resources on issues related to writing.Studying Abroad and Off Campus StudyOff Campus Study includes both domestic and international opportunities that can happen in summer, during fall or spring semester, or for a full academic year. There is an advising period, application period, and a pre-departure period so it is important to start looking into this early. Summer programs can be attended as soon as the semester after your first year at WU. ?Most students study abroad for a semester or year during their third year at WU which requires an application in your second year. The application cycle happens in fall semester only, so plan ahead! Look for Study Abroad 101 and First Step sessions offered by the Office of International Education (OIE, ) to get the best start. Review the WU Study Abroad website () to get an overview of cost, program offerings, and a general understanding of how this experience works in your academic plan. Talk to your professors and seek advising from the Office of International Education. Technology on CampusWillamette is equipped with multiple sources of technology available for students. Both floors of the Hatfield Library (including the Fishbowl) have multiple computers that are accessible with your Willamette student login. Study rooms equipped with technology for presentation practice are available across campus (i.e. Ford 124, Hatfield Library, etc). Professors are able to connect you with additional campus resources (i.e. reserving classrooms as study areas). Additional computer labs can be found in Ford, Collins, Smullin, and Olin and can be accessed through their respective departments (Math, Quad Center, and Chemistry). Willamette Integrated Technology Services (WITS)WITS provides all the technological support for Willamette. Their office is on the first floor of Smullin. You can go to them for any technology or internet questions or support. For instance, if you have questions regarding on-campus printing, how to connect to the internet, what computer labs are available, laptops available for check out, and/or how to fix a broken computer the WITS staff are available to help. Willamette’s InternetIt is free and unlimited on campus! WU’s internet has no limits as long as you are connected to it on campus. WU has policies on what is acceptable use; make sure to read up on that!How to get on the Internet. Turn on your computer/device. In your Wireless Network Management software, select the name of the WiFi you want to access (BlitzNet, ResNet, etc.,). Enter the security key for the WiFi. This key is emailed to students in the beginning of the semester by WITS. Open a web browser. You should see a page asking you to register on the Willamette network. Additional instructions are located on the WITS page. Disclaimer: do not sign up for the Willamette guest wireless network, if you do you will have limited access to certain things like the library website, printer options, etc. If you do this by accident, go to WITS and they will fix it right up.WiFi Networks on campus. There are different WiFi networks you can access in certain areas on campus. There are four wireless networks with four different keys to access it. These keys are emailed to students in the beginning of the semester by WITS or available here:Wifi for the general public - called “Willamette Public”Wifi for guests of Willamette - called “Willamette Guest”Wifi at the dorms - depending on the dorm they are called “Eastside ResNet, Westside ResNet, Cornerstone ResNet, Kaneko ResNet”Wifi for non residential buildings - called “BlitzNet”Equipment Check OutStudents can temporarily check out laptops, chargers (Dell, Mac, etc), cameras, microphones HDMI cords, and projectors from WITS if they demonstrate need for technology for class purposes. Note: Netflix is not a class purpose. If you do not have your own laptop and need to borrow one in order to complete your class assignments, WITS provides free laptop rentals that can be renewed depending on availability. WISE SitesWISE is the website your professors will use to post their syllabi, readings, and class announcements. Some classes will have you submit assignments online via the WISE site. Language classes may require you to use WISE for listening assignments and provide the audio tracks on WISE. You also sign up for academic advising, tutoring for foreign languages, and Writing Center appointments on WISE.SAGESAGE is the website you use to accept your financial aid awards and register for classes. If you work on campus, SAGE is also where you can see how much money you will get paid and how much is subtracted for taxes, etc. To log on, use your WU username (the one that will come with your WU email, ex: John Doe -> jdoe@willamette.edu -> jdoe would be the username) and the password you created with that account. WU Emailwumail.willamette.edu is the url that will take you to log into your email. Willamette’s email system is through Gmail. If you have not accessed your Willamette email address, you can activate it here: Check Your WU Email…Like all the time! Seriously. Willamette’s primary form of communication is email. Professors and student organizations will email you. University offices such as Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Career Services, Registrar, Colloquium and Opening Days will also send out their information mainly through email. As soon as you have a Willamette email account, know that is the only email that Willamette faculty and staff will write to.Google CalendarYour WU Mail is integrated within google mail. WU primarily uses google calendars to spread the word about upcoming events and important deadlines. USE IT. There are also calendars you can subscribe to that will show up on your Google Calendar. How to PrintWUPrint is how you get to print from the printers on campus. There are four ways to use WUPrint via uploading, web, email or driver.Upload PrintAvailable for a few common formats (MS Office and OpenOffice documents, PDFs and some image types). Nothing to install, just upload the document directly from your computer to the web and then print it to any of the listed printers. Available on- and off-campus.Web PrintNothing to install; just enter a web address and then print it to any of the listed printers. Available on-campus only.Driver PrintAllows you to connect WUPrint to your personal computer so that it shows up as a printer that can be selected from your application’s Print dialog box. Available on-campus only.Free PrintingIf you print from the printers on campus, you can print as much as you need to. (WU is all about sustainability, so please don’t waste paper.) The only time you have to pay is if you go to the Print and Design Center in Lee House. The Print and Design Center is used when you want things in color or in booklet form. Food: On and Off CampusOn Campus Kaneko has Japanese-themed bistro serving breakfast and lunch. Goudy is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During lunch, they offer a salad bar, soups, wraps made to order, sandwiches made to order, grill, “fancy food,” and desserts. Montag Den is open during breakfast, lunch and in the evening after dinner services. They offer snacks, grab and go stuff, smoothies, ice cream and a variety of drinks. (Naked juice is really popular on campus.) The Mill Stream Market offers snacks, tea, energy drinks, and a few odds and ends like deodorant, feminine products, Chapstick, etc. At all of these locations you can use compass cash, debit/credit and cash.*Disclaimer: You get a 10% discount on campus if you use compass cash. **Disclaimer: Add funds to your compass card in person with a cashier, you won’t have to pay the online fee.The Bistro. Student organized and student run, The Bistro is considered by some to be the center of campus activity. They offer a variety of snacks, sweets, coffees, teas and Italian sodas. You can use credit and debit cards here! It’s a great place to chill out, study and often features poetry and live music events in the evening. *Disclaimer: the coffee is cheaper here than Cat/Goudy/Kaneko aka Bon Appetite dining services.Do not take meal points but compass cash is okayOff CampusSafeway. This grocery store is the nearest to campus. Located on Center Street off of 12th street.Winco is off of Commercial street south of Salem. It is cheaper than Safeway but not within walking distance. The Ram. Located right across the street from campus, on the corner of Bellevue and 12th street. Burgers & fries, and all the other comfort food you could want. We recommend going during happy hour which includes a half price menu.Thai Orchid. Really good Thai food! It can be a bit pricey. Located next to the mall, across the street from JCPenney.Food on State Street. East of Northwood Hall, there is a Subway, Sassy Onion featuring delicious local food (we recommend the breakfast burrito and cinnamon rolls), Al-Aqsa (Mediterranean Food), and Adam’s Rib House. Word of Mouth is another AMAZING FOOD PLACE, it is farther up State Street at the intersection on 17th Street. We recommend ordering their food to-go because there is usually a 45 minute wait as they do not take reservations.O Sushi. Located in the opposite direction on State street. They have sushi rotating on a conveyor belt. What more could you ask for? It’s cheap too.Salem Saturday Market. Don’t wanna eat at Goudy on Saturday? You don’t have to! The market is open from April to October and has a host of local treats, food vendors, arts & crafts, and is also a great place to just chill. WARNING: you may run into your professor...Coffee Places. WU students love their books, and what goes better with books than coffee? There are coffee shops downtown that are local favorites of Willamette students. Favorite haunts include Governor’s Cup, Archive, The Beanery and Ike Box. They also make great study places, if you’re in need of a change of scenery. Another coffee shop that students with access to a car can visit is Dutch Bros. Marco’s Place. This is a cheap Mexican restaurant with great tacos and horchata. It is five blocks north of campus on High Street.And finally, yes, McDonald’s. Cheap burgers and fries! There is one across from Ford on Capitol Street.Managing Your MoneyLocal BanksIt is convenient to have an account to buy books or order things you need online. Your home bank may not have a branch in Oregon, so you might want to open a bank account here. The nearest banks are the MaPS Credit Union branch on campus in the University Center, Wells Fargo, Chase, and U.S. Bank.Student Academic Grants, and Awards There are opportunities for students to conduct research projects in the summer and during the school year with professors or on your own. Some grants even let you travel, and compensate for travel expenses! These opportunities often pay students for their work either through grant funding or your work study opportunities.What kinds of financial aid might I be awarded?The following are four different types of aid given to students in a “financial aid package” listed in their financial aid award letter. They include grants, scholarships, loans, and work study.GrantsGrants are free aid that does not need to be paid back. These are usually given by the university, state, or federal government and are based on the student’s financial need, as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).Willamette Scholarships. These are scholarships provided by the institution that students must apply for, and can be in addition to scholarships that students were awarded when they were admitted to the university.LoansLoans are funds that have to be repaid. There are four types of loan programs.Federal Subsidized Loans: These loans are awarded on need and the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half time.Federal Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are not based on financial need. The student has to pay the interest on the loan while they are in school.Federal Parent PLUS Loans: Loans parents with good credit can take out to pay for college costs for their students. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is taken.Other Private Loans: Students can take out loans outside of what the government can provide. These loans have variable interest rates and students would need another person to co-sign on the loan. The repayment options for these loans are also much less flexible than those for federal student loans.Student EmploymentFederal work study is a program where the government will provide funds to qualified students for part- time employment on campus. If you aren’t awarded federal work study, however, Willamette provides some on-campus employers with funds to pay students. If you qualify for federal work study, it will be listed on your financial aid award letter.Private ScholarshipsThese are funds given to students by an outside organization. Usually students have to complete a scholarship application to see if they will be awarded these private funds. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office of any private scholarships that they are receiving.Tribal ScholarshipsEligibility for tribal scholarships are tribal specific and based on that tribe’s criteria. Please check with your tribal education office to see about their application process.General Scholarship InformationApply, apply, apply! The more you apply the more chances you have of getting a scholarship.References. You may be asked to submit letters of recommendation for scholarships. These letters should be written by your references, people you have worked with who can speak to your strengths and abilities that make you a good fit for the scholarship.Apply each year. Scholarships are for anyone in high school or college. You have scholarships that you can apply to each year. And some are renewable throughout college! ................
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