QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child."

Frank A. Clark

 

HELP Center Announcements

New Frugal Living Resources!

Check out these great finds for frugal living and parenting websites. Find resources for quick, healthy, budget-friendly recipes, coupons, fun freebies and samples, and other tips from busy parents like you!

A Year of CrockPotting

Check out this website for a year's worth of Crock Pot recipes! CrockPotting is an easy and economical way to cook delicious, healthy meals for busy families.

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

YMCA Membership Personal Pricing Plan

Personal Pricing Plans provide a membership you can afford, whether you're a single adult or a bustling family of seven.  We take several factors - annual income, the number of adults in your home, and the number of dependents - and use them to determine your YMCA Membership fee.  The application process is easy and confidential.  Visit the website for more information:

http://www.ymcatwincities.org/fitness-health-club-scholarships

SuddenValues.com

Website offering coupons for local businesses in the NE Metro area.

http://nemetro.suddenvalues.com/sudden/campaigns/view.cfm?cid=33106&ema

Munchkin Markets

Looking for a way to sell your children's outgrown items without the hassle of a garage sale or listing them on craigslist/ebay? Disappointed that storefront consignment stores pay only 30-40% of the selling price?

Then Munchkin Markets, LLC is for you!! Join over 100 other moms (and dads) who know how easy it is to sell their children's outgrown gently used items. Registration is open for consignors for the upcoming Munchkin Markets, LLC Spring/ Summer children's consignment sales. Consignors earn 70% (up to 80% by volunteering!) of the selling price of their items and have early shopping privileges. It's easy as 1-2-3!

1. Register on-line at www.munchkinmarkets.com
2. Prepare your items by entering them on-line into our convenient inventory system and print barcoded tags right from home.
3. Schedule a drop off time on the Thursday or Friday of the sale week.

That's it! We take care of it from there and mail you a check.

Are you expecting or did you become a new mom in the last 12 months? There are still a few spots available to attend the new mom pre-sale at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Stillwater. The pre-sale for new moms at the State Fairgrounds is full, but you can still attend that pre-sale by volunteering to work during set up and drop off on Thursday or Friday. (You do NOT need to be a consignor to volunteer).

MN State Fairgrounds - St. Paul
April 17-19, 2009

Wash. County Fairgrounds - Stillwater
May 1-3, 2009

For more information check out www.munchkinmarkets.com

 

AccountAbility Minnesota Taxpayer Assistance Program

It's Tax Season Again! The Taxpayer Assistance Program was established with the belief that a taxpayer's access to tax assistance should not depend solely on his or her ability to pay for such services. TAP operates annually from February through April. Volunteers help low-income individuals complete their federal and state tax returns at sites throughout the Twin Cities area, St. Cloud and Duluth. Free tax preparation assistance is available to individuals with an annual income of $27,000 or less per year and families with an annual income of $37,000 or less.

The Taxpayer Assistance Program is accepting appointments and walk-ins beginning January 30, 2007. To schedule an appointment, obtain locations, or for more information you can contact AccountAbility Minnesota at 651-287-0187.

 

Upcoming Career Fairs

*The SPHC has a limited number of adult interview and career clothing available.  Please call the front desk line at 612-626-6015 to schedule an appointment to "shop" the in the clothing closet if you are in need of career clothing.

Idealist Non-Profit Career Fair
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Coffman Great Hall

The Idealist.org Minneapolis Nonprofit Career Fair is generously co-hosted by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, Minnesota's Private Colleges Career Consortium (MPCCC), the Minnesota College and University Career Services Association (MCUCSA), a consortium of 30 career offices from across the state of Minnesota, and the The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. This year, the Minneapolis Idealist.org Nonprofit Career Fair is joining with the Working for Change conference. This collaborative event will provide the opportunity to explore careers with a focus on social justice - with particular focus on jobs in the nonprofit sector. There will be speakers, workshops, and panels to attend throughout the day offering information about working for change.

The nonprofit career fair will consist of:

• An informal networking period for nonprofit recruiters and representatives from local colleges and university Offices of Career Services.
• The fair itself, where job seekers can distribute resumes and speak with nonprofit recruiters about current and future employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities.
• Free information sessions offering nonprofit career advice to all job seekers.

http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/CareerFair/Viewer/default?career-fair-id=210

*Check out this website for other upcoming U of M Career Events: http://www.career.umn.edu/campusevents.htm

 

Save the Dates:

Student Parent Visibility Day
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 10 am-2 pm

We need volunteers badly and any time people can commit is welcome.  Grab a volunteer form in the SPHC and sign up today.  Sponsored by the Student Parent HELP Center and the Student Parent Association.  This is our largest venue event we do all year and it is specifically designed to raise awareness of student parents in higher education and our U of M student parents specifically. We will also be hosting over 100 teen parents from across the metro area to encourage their continued educational development.  Please join us for this inspiring, parent focused event.

End of the Year Event
Monday, May 18, 2009 from 5-8 pm

Join us to celebrate another successful year! Please watch your email for an e-vite invitation in April. Those who RSVP are allowed to receive some great giveaways (gift certificates for hair cuts, family outings, Twins games, Bibelot gift cards, University of MN Bookstore gear, and more).

PASS Group (Parenting as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall.

The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.

The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!). See below for upcoming group topics.

 

April 8, 2009: We will be having a free chat on student parenting this week, so join us for fun, food, and relaxation! Lunch will consist of crock-pot enchiladas with all of the fixings.

April 15, 2009: Anne Carlson, Early Childhood Family Education teacher, will be here to present on using a framework of "teaching" as an effective way of looking at discipline for families. Anne came last spring and got rave reviews from student parents! If you have issues or concerns with disciplining your child, this is the group for you! We will be serving tortellini and homemade bread for lunch.

April 22, 2009: KIDS CLOTHING EXCHANGE! Please bring in your children's outgrown gently-used clothes or take advantage of our donations from Como Community Child Care. You are always welcome to look through the clothing even if you don’t bring anything. We will have White Bean Chili and homemade bread for lunch.

April 29, 2009: Local Blooma yoga employee (www.blooma.com) and private yoga teacher, Jennifer Colletti, will be here to offer some great relaxation tips for parents prior to finals. Lunch today will be chili with all of the fixings.

May 6, 2009: Last group of the semester! Come prepared to have fun, say goodbye to friends, and reflect on the semester. We will order in for lunch today.

 

Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings.  Academics are considered student parents' priority at the U.  If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you after the group meets.

If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner or Melanie Opay at sphc@umn.edu.

Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 for all other computer use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 PM and we will re-open the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.

We Need You…

The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their web site under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.

We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their web site to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/

 

Self Care, Stress Reduction, and Relaxation Feature

PASS Group Tips for Self-Care and Relaxation as Student Parents

• Leave my Sundays open for relaxing and doing things for me
• Buy a latte to reward myself for getting something done on time
• Try to take 10 minutes each morning to drink one cup of coffee before getting everyone ready to go. Not always happening, but it’s an effort J
• Get outside
• Read (something non-school related) or journal
• Reward yourself with one movie or TV show every Friday or Saturday night
• Drinking a hot beverage (tea, coffee, hot cocoa- very relaxing!)
• Get enough sleep
• Get some exercise during the week
• Shopping for me
• Having dinner with a friend
• Watching a good movie childless
• Going on a date
• Have some alone time
• Taking the time to do the things you enjoy
• Staying positive and keeping positive people around you
• Rest and pace yourself
• Spend time in nature
• Reading for pleasure- try to cut TV time out and read instead
• Take a long bath with some soothing music and take deep breathes- focus on relaxing, not school, kids, or work!
• Hot bubble bath (dim light, soft music)- take bath ALONE!
• Use music to impact your mood
• Express yourself through art- writing, drawing, playing music, etc.
• Take time to stretch every morning and evening

 

Things You Can Do to Building a Healthy Relationship…With Yourself!

• Take yourself to a movie
• Rent a movie
• Take a (bubble) bath
• Read a book
• Call a friend
• Light candles
• Listen to music
• Take advantage of naptime and nap while your child naps
• Go on a walk
• Work out
• Journal
• Practice your favorite hobby
• Purposely give yourself “mommy” or “daddy” time at least once a day for about 15 minutes
• Forgive yourself
• Have a guilt-free evening, where you think about nothing but the positive aspects of your life
• Indulge yourself in a guilty pleasure
• Write a poem
• Enjoy the outdoors; homework can wait for a ½ hour!
• Join a book club
• Ask a friend or family member to watch your child and take yourself on a date
• Meet up with your girlfriends or guy friends for coffee or dinner
• Practice yoga or meditation
• Cultivate your male and female friendships

 

Avoid Single Parent Burnout: 30 Self Care Strategies for Single Parents

Because Taking Care of Yourself Helps You Take Care of Those You Love

By Jennifer Wolf, About.com

When we're busy taking care of others, one of the very first things we neglect is taking care of ourselves. For many single moms and dads, this can lead to single parent burnout. To avoid this, take some time today to do something just for you. It doesn't have to require a babysitter, and it doesn't have to take up much of your time. The simple act of practicing intentional self care can help you avoid single parent burnout, help you feel stronger, restore your sense of peace, and fill you with hope for what lies ahead.

Self Care Strategies to Help You Avoid Single Parent Burnout:

• Take a long walk.
• Check out a yoga video or DVD from your local library, and make time to do it twice a week.
• Read a fiction book or short story that you can totally lose yourself in.
• Write your life story.
• Daydream.
• Try a new recipe.
• Avoid single parent burnout by getting a babysitter and go to a movie alone.
• Write a letter to a friend.
• Smile.
• Set the timer, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for five minutes.
• Read a magazine.
• Clean your house - it's a great stress reliever!
• Sit outside and breathe fresh air.
• Get up fifteen minutes early so you can linger over a cup of coffee.
• Swap play dates with a neighbor so you can each enjoy a few minutes of solitude.
• Bake a scrumptious dessert just for you.
• Re-read something that has been especially encouraging to you.
• Write in a journal.
• Go to a park and sit on the swings with your kids.
• Go to bed an hour early.
• Watch the sunset.
• Listen to soothing music.
• Grow something, such as a house plant or fresh herbs.
• Sit with a cup of hot chocolate or some hot tea.
• Surround yourself with pictures of the people you love and things you care about.
• Give yourself permission to say "No" to something you really don't have time for or are not interested in.
• Say "Yes" to something you'd really like to do!
• Express your creativity.
• Lend a hand to someone in need.
• Hug your kids!

http://singleparents.about.com/od/singleparentlife/qt/30selfcareideas.htm

 

Self-Care Tips for Working Moms

Taking Care of Yourself – Why It’s Important

By Katherine Lewis, About.com

Of all the tips for working moms, top of the list has to be taking care of yourself. Mom's needs often seem to come last. After your kids, their dad, your job, the pets, and endless errands, that is. There’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done, so your running shoes or novel or bath salts or strappy sandals just gather dust. But you can’t always stay on the back burner. Here are four reasons it’s important for working moms to take care of ourselves:

Working Moms Tip 1: If Mama Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy

When mom’s stressed or burnt out, everyone in the house suffers. Even a baby gets fussy when his mother is upset. Older children may respond to a tense mom by acting out.

If you take an hour or two to yourself, for whatever nourishes you, the rest of the day (or week) will be easier and more fun. Your family will enjoy having an energetic and refreshed mom, even if they complain about your absence. Bottom line: by paying attention to your own needs, you’ll actually be better at meeting everyone else’s.

Working Moms Tip 2: Stress and Sleep Deprivation Make You Fat

Stress and sleep deprivation release cortisol into your bloodstream, which triggers fat storage around your waist. No wonder it’s so hard to lose that pregnancy weight while getting up every three hours with a new baby!

Not only is it demoralizing to carry more weight than your ideal, it increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis, among other conditions. And we all want to live long enough to play with our grandkids, maybe even see them get married, right?

So the next time you’re tempted to stay up until midnight sorting, folding, and putting away everyone’s laundry, go to sleep instead. You can just dress the kids out of baskets of clean laundry. Similarly, taking your work lunch break to exercise can actually give you a burst of energy and make the afternoon more productive.

Working Moms Tip 3: Other People Are Capable, Too

So many working moms fall into the Superwoman trap, thinking we have to be in charge of everything because we’re the only one who will do it right. That mentality not only overloads you with work, it doesn’t give enough credit to your other family members. Even worse, it prevents them from learning skills that can lighten your load and make them feel more capable.

Try leaving the kids with their dad or grandfather for a Saturday morning while you have brunch with your girlfriends. He may not change the diapers as often as you would, or feed them perfectly balanced meals, but I bet they’ll have fun. And not only will he feel rightly proud of his caregiving ability, your children will develop independence, seeing that they’re all right without mom hovering nearby all weekend.

At work, see if there’s a junior employee looking to advance to whom you can delegate some tasks. Again, they won’t be completed the way you would, but you’ll have more free time for yourself. You’ll also be mentoring someone who could use the experience.

Working Moms Tip 4: Life Is for Living

This is your life, right now. Would you rather spend it rushing around to finish your to-do list, or actually enjoying yourself? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ll relax once you reach the bottom of the list – there will always be something more to do. Instead, ruthlessly prioritize and eliminate tasks that don’t absolutely have to get done.

If you’ve having trouble carving out time for yourself, start small. Say you always wanted to meditate: wake up five minutes early for some deep breathing and visualization. Or if you miss exercising regularly, schedule a once-a-week power walk during lunch. If it’s on your calendar, you can plan work around it.

And the next time you have some breathing space, don’t fill it with errands. Instead, just breathe.

http://workingmoms.about.com/od/worklifebalance/a/Selfcare.htm

 

Stress Management and Self-Care Techniques

• Breathe!
• Learn to Say No!
• Know When to Walk Away: Get up from your desk, take a 10 minute stroll outside, walk around the building, etc. If you are tense and cranky take a break before you take it out on someone else.
• When You Are Tired or Sick…Lay Down!! Don’t push yourself past your physical, mental, and emotional limits. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Try to Limit the Chaos in Your Life: If you are in an abusive or emotionally damaging relationship, whether it be with a friend, lover, or roommate…get out. Chaos creates more chaos and increases exponentially over time.
• Eat Right: If you don’t maintain your body, it will be very difficult to manage the stress of work and classes.
• Ask for Help If You Need It: Don’t try to be Super Woman or Super Man.
• Take Stretching Breaks At Your Desk: Stand up, bend back, touch your toes.
• Be Aware and Be In Your Body: Do regular check-ins on how you are feeling, where you carry stress, what your body feels like when it is relaxed or tense…then practice releasing this tension when it accumulates.
• Pay Attention To Your Body’s Signals To You: There is a reason why we get tension headaches, nervous stomachs, and other somatic complaints. They are clues from your body that things are out of balance. If you ignore early warning signs of stress, the symptoms can become more severe.
• Participate In Some Form of Physical Activity: Walking, yoga, and swimming are all excellent stress reduction activities. Any physical activity will help you burn off the day’s accumulated stress.
• Talk! If you are stressed out, overloaded, worried…find someone you trust to talk with about it…your supervisor, a friend, family member. If you are depressed or in other emotional pain seek professional help.
• Smile!! Research has shown that the very act of smiling actually improves not only the mood of the person who is smiled at, but also the person doing the smiling. Even in cases where the research participant was not in a good mood to begin with, putting a “fake” smile on actually improved their mood rating.
• LAUGH!!! If you cannot remember the last time you laughed, you need to assess your lifestyle and make time with friends, pets, self, etc., a top priority. Pay attention to your body the next time you are laughing or being silly with friends and feel how relaxed your muscles are at that time. Laughing releases endorphins into your system which are natural mood enhancers.
• CRY!!! Crying releases toxic chemicals from your body. If you can’t cry on your own rent a really sappy movie and have a good crying fit!!
• Think In Terms Of Balance: Assess your life on a regular basis and see if you are living in balance and harmony, or chaos and dis-ease. Go over this check list. Are you eating healthy meals? Are you getting enough physical activity? Do you have enough time for recreation, socializing? Have you had a good laugh today..this week..this month?
• Develop and Maintain a Positive Social Support Network In Your Life: Take time for friendship, love, sharing with others. Life is too short to not spend time with people you care about.
• Identify Your Stressors: Be aware enough to recognize the source of your bad mood, fatigue, anger…don’t take it out on your students..friends..self.
• Take Time to Smell the Roses: Give yourself aesthetic or sensory “treats” throughout the day. Buy yourself flowers for your room or office, stop and watch a beautiful sunset, literally stop and smell the roses. If you are tactile in your orientation ask for a back rub, go barefoot in the grass.
• Get A Massage: There are many alternative therapies available that can help you lower your stress level and increase your physical well being. Many massage schools offer reduced rates for services rendered by student learners, some clinics offer reduced fees to student clients.
• Spend Time In Nature: We are all animals and part of the natural world. Taking time to breathe in fresh air, take a walk in the park, or a hike in the country is an excellent way to return to your core and gain perspective.
• It’s Only Life..Keep It In Perspective: Very few day to day choices involve matters of life or death. If you do your best to remain conscious and self aware, things work out for the best…even when it doesn’t seem that way at the time.
• Every Day Is A New Game: If you blew a test, had a bad day at work, a fight with your friend…each new day offers us a clean slate and a chance to start over.
• Use Creative Visualization: Take imagination breaks. Visualize yourself in your favorite place…the beach…the mountains…with a loved one. This is a great technique to reduce pre-test stress and anxiety. Breathe and relax your muscles from head to toe…then visualize yourself taking the test while remaining in this relaxed state.
• Enjoy Your Life: You’ll only be an undergrad once…you’ll only be 18, 20, 24, 30…once. Don’t spend every moment just getting through finals…waiting for graduation…have fun!!!

 

101 Ways To Cope With Stress

Courtesy of the Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

• Get up 15 minutes earlier
• Prepare for the morning the night before
• Avoid tight fitting clothes
• Avoid relying on chemical aids
• Set appointments ahead
• Don’t rely on your memory…write it down!
• Practice preventative maintenance
• Make duplicate keys
• Say “no” more often
• Set priorities in your life
• Avoid negative people
• Use time wisely
• Simplify meal times
• Always make copies of important papers
• Anticipate your needs
• Repair anything that doesn’t work properly
• Ask for help with the jobs you dislike
• Break large tasks into bite size portions
• Look at problems as challenges
• Look at challenges differently
• Unclutter your life
• Smile
• Be prepared for rain
• Tickle a baby
• Pet a friendly dog/cat
• Don’t know all the answers
• Look for a silver lining
• Say something nice to someone
• Teach a kid to fly a kite
• Walk in the rain
• Schedule play time into every day
• Take a bubble bath
• Be aware of the decisions you make
• Believe in yourself
• Stop saying negative things to yourself
• Visualize yourself winning
• Develop your sense of humor
• Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better today
• Have goals for yourself
• Dance a jig
• Say “hello” to a stranger
• Ask a friend for a hug
• Look up at the stars
• Practice breathing slowly
• Learn to whistle a tune
• Read a poem
• Listen to a symphony
• Watch a ballet
• Read a story curled up in bed
• Do a brand new thing
• Stop a bad habit
• Buy yourself a flower
• Take time to smell the flowers
• Find support from others
• Ask someone to be your “vent-partner”
• Do it today
• Work at being cheerful and optimistic
• Put safety first
• Do everything in moderation
• Pay attention to your appearance
• Strive for Excellence NOT perfection
• Stretch your limits a little each day
• Look at a work of art
• Hum a jingle
• Maintain your weight
• Plant a tree
• Feed the birds
• Practice grace under pressure
• Stand up and stretch
• Always have a plan “B”
• Learn a new doodle
• Memorize a joke
• Be responsible for your feelings
• Learn to meet your own needs
• Become a better listener
• Know your limitations and let others know them, too
• Tell someone to have a good day in pig Latin
• Throw a paper airplane
• Exercise every day
• Learn the words to a new song
• Get to work early
• Clean out one closet
• Play patty cake with a toddler
• Go on a picnic
• Take a different route to work
• Leave work early (with permission)
• Put air freshener in your car
• Watch a movie and eat popcorn
• Write a note to a far away friend
• Go to a ball game and scream
• Cook a meal and eat it by candlelight
• Recognize the importance of unconditional love
• Remember that stress is an attitude
• Keep a journal
• Practice a monster smile
• Remember you always have options
• Have a support network of people, places, and things
• Quit trying to fix other people
• Get enough sleep
• Talk less and listen more
• Freely praise other people

BONUS: Relax, take each day at a time…you have the rest of your life to live!

 

Stress Management/Health and Wellness Related Websites

• www.mentalhealth.com
• www.stress-management-isma.org (Web site for the International Stress Management Association)
• www.healthcentral.com
• www.mayohealth.org (Information related to healthy weight and nutrition profiles)
• www.bhs.umn.edu/comfortzone (Boynton Health Services stress management related services)
• www.csh.umn.edu (Web site for U of M Center for Spirituality and Healing- source for workshops and educational opportunities related to alternative healing and the link between spirituality and healing)

 

Career Resources

On-Campus Career Centers

College of Education and Human Development

Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services

Our mission to prepare and support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to make well thought out and informed decisions about their present and future academic, experiential learning, and occupational choices.

http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/

College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center

CCLC connects U of M students to community involvement and service-learning opportunities and exchanges to other U.S. campuses. CCLC also offers resources and services to help undergraduate College of Liberal Arts students choose a major, get an internship or volunteer opportunity, choose a career, find a job, apply to graduate/professional school, and prepare for the world of work.
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/

CLA career services http://careerservices.class.umn.edu/

St. Paul Campus Career Center

We provide comprehensive career development assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through individual appointments, workshops, courses, as well as through online and print resources.

http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/

 

Career Search Preparation Tools

Online Career Workshops

Do you need help writing a resume or cover letter, effectively job searching and networking, or practicing your interview skills, but don’t have time to attend a workshop?  Check out these online career workshops, which are a great way to gather basic career information at a time that is convenient to you!

http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/career/workshops.html

Practice Interviews Online With InterviewStream!

What is InterviewStream?

A webcam based virtual mock interviewing tool.

Why use InterviewStream?

Because when it comes to interviewing – practice and preparation are key!

You can choose your questions and immediately view your answers online.

It’s convenient, easy to use, and free for U of M students!

How do I start?

Click on the link: http://campus.interviewstream.com/login/?schoolid=323

Create an account, set up your webcam, pick your questions, and start interviewing.

Don’t have a web cam? Students served by our office can check one out from the St. Paul Campus Career Center in 198 McNeal Hall.

What if I want feedback on my interview video from a career adviser?

We’re happy to help! Feedback sessions are appointment based, to set up a time with a career adviser call 612-624-2170

 

Employment databases and search engines

University of Minnesota

GoldPASS — University of Minnesota Internship/Job Database
Students are able to post and store their profile and up to five different résumés in GoldPASS’s database. A student can choose to make that information available to employers, who are able to search the database for candidates.

Student Employment at the University

Opportunities for working while attending the University are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are usually more job vacancies than applicants.

Minnesota

LandIt!
Students — View job and internship postings from hundreds of employers in Minnesota, research employers, and search postings by your field of interest.

ISEEK.ORG
Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information

Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center was designed for Minnesota school districts to fill open teaching positions and to assist teacher candidates locate current teaching vacancies in Minnesota.

Minnesota Council of Non-Profits

Search for job openings in non-profit and governmental agencies throughout Minnesota.

National

Academic Employment Network — If you are looking for a teaching job or other academic position, a successful national employment search is but a click away!

Job Source searches through millions of jobs from thousands of Web sites including Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs, Net-temps, Dice, and Craigslist. Find jobs from all job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages at one site.

 

Resources for Career Clothing

Ready for Success

Sponsored by Episcopal Community Services

2 locations:

1831 E Minnehaha

St. Paul, MN

651-731-6400

 

425 Oak Grove

Minneapolis, MN

612-872-1509

Martha’s Closet

500 Cedar St

St. Paul, MN

651-224-4728

Elbethel Baptist Church

3953 4th Ave S

Minneapolis, MN

612-825-6469

 

Hot Tip

Scholarships

LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program

The loss of a parent or guardian is one of life's most difficult ordeals. The emotional strain can be devastating to children and young adults. And for too many families, an untimely death also brings financial stress, making recovery all the more difficult. Recognizing the character and perseverance that so many young people show in the face of such adversity, the LIFE Foundation sponsors the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program for college students and college-bound high school seniors. Qualified entrants who submit essays or videos about how the death of a parent or guardian impacted their lives are eligible for $65,000 in scholarship money.

To Enter:
Students must submit an essay (500 words max) or a video (3 minutes max) describing how losing a parent or guardian affected them emotionally and financially. Essays should describe the impact that life insurance (or the lack thereof) had on family finances and on the ability of students to fund college costs.

For more information and to download the application form, please visit:
http://www.lifehappens.org/scholarship  Deadline: April 17, 2009

 

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation For Low-Income Women and Children

Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927-2002) served in the US Congress from 1965-1976 and again from 1990-2002, where she represented Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. The first woman of color elected to the US House of Representatives, she worked tirelessly for civil rights, women's rights, economic justice, civil liberties, peace, and the integrity of the democratic process. Established in 2003, the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation aims to carry on some of Congresswoman Mink's most ardent commitments:educational access, support, and opportunity for low-income women, especially mothers; and educational enrichment for children. In 2009, the Foundation will offer five Education Support Awards of up to $2000 each to assist low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training.

Applicant Criteria:

• must be a woman, at least 17 years of age
• must be a mother, with minor children
• must be enrolled in a skills training, ESL, or GED program; or pursuing a technical/vocational degree, an associate's degree, a first bachelor's degree, or a professional/master's/doctoral degree.
• must be enrolled in an accredited program during the 2009-2010 academic year
• must be low-income (annual family income less than $17,500 for a family of 2; $22,000 for a family of 3; $26,500 for a family of 4)

http://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/edsupport.html  Deadline: July 1, 2009

Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women

Educate a woman, and countless generations to come will benefit from the investment—That’s Linda Lael Miller’s philosophy and what inspired her to launch her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women a few years ago. Now, each year, Linda encourages women who want to improve their lot in life through education to apply for scholarships that she personally finances. Linda’s scholarships are awarded annually to women who are 25 years or older, non-traditional students who have a difficult time finding scholarships for which they qualify. As in previous years, the scholarship funds may be used not only for tuition and books, but also for childcare, transportation and other expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. A talented speaker, Linda donates all the honoraria from her engagements to her scholarship fund.

For more information and the scholarship application, please visit:

http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/cgi/jump2.cgi?ID=126  Deadline: September 1, 2009

National Hazing Prevention Week Essay Contest
This essay contest is designed to bring to light various aspects of hazing according to the current theme. This year’s theme is: “Bystander Responsibility". What is the responsibility of those of who witness or suspect hazing?” Essays will be accepted from students, parents, administrators, advisors, etc. Essays should be typed, double-spaced and not longer than 1000 words. All essays will be the property of HazingPrevention.Org once submitted and may be used in whole or in part in our materials. We will not use your name or affiliation if you do not wish us to. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three essays: 1st - $100, 2nd - $75, 3rd - $50.
For more information or to apply, please visit:
http://hazingprevention.org/page.php?form_id=937   Deadline: September 28, 2009

General Motors Minority Dealers Association Scholarship

The General Motors Minority Dealers Association Scholarship Program provides scholarships each year to help deserving ethnic minority college students pursue their educational dreams. The scholarships, which are awarded on behalf of our GMMDA members, have made a difference in the lives of over 500 ethnic minority high school seniors and college students across the country. To date, the GMMDA has provided over one million dollars in scholarships. A limited number of scholarships in the amount of $2,500 are awarded annually to ethnic minority high school seniors and college students who meet all criteria and requirements set forth by the scholarship committee. Applicants are chosen based upon their academic excellence, volunteer and work experience, career aspirations and the strength of a personal statement. Interested students can obtain applications for the scholarship program at their local GMMDA dealership. A listing of your local GMMDA dealership(s) can be found at:

http://www.gmmda.org/main.cfm?location=15   Deadline: November 14, 2009

Opportunities to Share

Student Parent Success Story
Featuring Sarah Lechowich

Sarah, a junior communications major and mother of two (Gretchen and Annika), was featured in the Minnesota Daily on Thursday, April 2nd. The story, titled Beyond the Books: Balancing School With Parenthood, follows Sarah through a typical day as a student parent. A link to the article can be found below.

http://www.mndaily.com/2009/04/01/beyond-books-balancing-school-parenthood

Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your story with the University community!!!

Student Parent Success Stories

We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.

Photo Gallery

Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.

 

Community Resources

Tubman

Please note that Tubman Family Alliance and Chrysalis, A Center for Women, have merged their operations and are now known as Tubman. The merge unites the complementary strengths of Chrysalis' chemical dependency and mental health programs with Tubman Family Alliance's domestic violence prevention work. If you are interested in more information on the programs available through Tubman, or would like to download any of their program guides, please visit their website at www.tubman.org.

Fare For All

Big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – that’s what Fare For All is all about!  As food prices continue to rise, more Minnesotans are experiencing significant difficulties affording basic expenses each month. Fare For All is open to anyone who wants to save money on their groceries. Participants have the opportunity to save 40-50% off their monthly food budgets and access fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats of all kinds, and a variety of non-perishable staple items.

For more information visit www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880 or 1-800-582-4291 (outside Metro area).

MinnesotaHelp.info

MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people. http://www.minnesotahelp.org/public/

211, First Call for Help

Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.

Energy Assistance

Whether we like it or not the cold is coming!  Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay.  The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need.  Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881374&contentid=

Are you looking for specific information for your County?                               
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:

• Hennepin
• Ramsey
• Washington
• Anoka
• Scott
• Sherburne
• Dakota

 

Parenting Information

Minnesota Parents Know

Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school. 

This website features special sections for newborns, children ages 1-2, children ages 3-5, grades K-8, and grades 9-12.  Links to other parenting resources are also available.

http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us/

Parent Zone

Welcome to the most comprehensive resource for Twin Cities parents. This site proves that the area has far more to offer families than the Mall of America! This over-flowing directory of local resources includes free things to do around town, great classes for kids, the most family-friendly of the 10,000 lakes, and more! Plus, the local events calendar features family fun on both sides of the river. It's Minnesota nice! http://twincities.parentzone.com/

MinnMoms.com

Welcome to MinnMoms.com -- a Web community designed for busy moms just like you. This new venture, from the folks at the Pioneer Press and twincities.com, was created to meet a need we kept hearing about in the community. Moms wanted local solutions to their everyday dilemmas (What's for dinner?), they wanted help making important decisions (What school should I choose?) and they wanted the latest information on issues that matter to them (bispheynol-A in kids products). They also wanted a way to connect and share with other local moms. And they wanted it all in one easy-to-use place available at a time that was convenient to them. MinnMoms.com does just that and we hope you'll enjoy MinnMoms.com. More than that, we hope you will make the site your own by participating in discussions, commenting on our Daily Juggle blog and sending your feedback. If you can't find something you need, let us know. MinnMoms.com is here for you.

http://www.minnmoms.com/

Mommy Savers

Money Saving Ideas for Frugal Moms

Welcome to Mommysavers! This is the site for all moms who want the best for their families, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get it. Here you'll find the best internet bargains, money saving ideas, arts and crafts activities, work at home resources, and support from other moms on the internet.

http://mommysavers.com/money-saving-ideas/index.shtml

Mom Talk!

Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.

Dads Today!

Welcome, Dads! Here's a place just for you to get the answers you're looking for, make new friends and be a part of an active community. Visit http://www.dadstoday.com/.  Have fun! 

University of Minnesota Extension Service

The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu

Learn to Swim

Learn to Swim focuses on providing safety and fun in and around the water. Participants learn a solid base of swimming skills and build upon them throughout the program. The classes are taught following American Red Cross Learn to Swim Guidelines.

Learn to Swim is a program through the University of Minnesota Recreational Sports and classes are offered at St. Paul and Minneapolis. Classes are offered for parents and children (6 months to 5 years old), children lessons (age 4 and older), and for adults.

Rates for University students is: $50 per participant.

For more information visit www.recsports.umn.edu, call 612-625-3794, or email lts@umn.edu

Parent Warmline 612-813-6336

The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.

 

Community Events and Activities

Family Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities!

Fifth Annual School of Public Health Film Festival
April 6-11, 2009, nightly at 5:30 pm, Mayo Memorial Auditorium

This FREE event is hosted in celebration of National Public Health Week. A new addition to the festival is a Family Fun Film Day, April 11, 10:30 a.m., which includes short films for kids, crafts, and pictures with Goldy Gopher. For more information, see SPH Film Fesitval <http://ecommunication.umn.edu/t/97800/6003823/46587/0/>.

Twin Cities Family Event Calendars

Looking for local outings for you and your family? Check out these websites for Twin Cities area event calendars. Enjoy!

http://www.minneapolis.org/page/1/events-search-results.jsp?keyword=Keyword&date=3%2F23%2F2009-4%2F7%2F2009&category=2003&x=40&y=17

http://www.twincitiesmom.com/calendar.aspx

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/region/minneapolis-st-paul-mn-usa

Dinh Thi Tham Poong
Gardens of Eden, 2004
watercolor on do paper

Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam

Presented at the Weisman Art Museum, Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam is the first major touring exhibition to feature Vietnamese women artists in the U.S. The exhibition explores the roles of women in Vietnamese society and challenges the stereotypes they face. By tracing the trajectories and life stories of ten artists working in a variety of media - painting, ink drawing, video performance, photography, and multimedia installations - Changing Identity reveals these women in their historical and social contexts as artists, as Vietnamese, and as individuals.

http://weisman.umn.edu/exhibits/ChangingIdentity/home.html

Wild Rumpus Books

Wild Rumpus Books is a great children's bookstore in south Minneapolis where they
have a bunch of live animals for the kids to pet - birds, chinchillas, lizards, even a tarantula. They also let cats & 2 chickens roam around the store freely. There are lots of comfy spots to sit & read stories to the kids & they have a great selection of used books for purchase between $0.25 & $1.00.

Wild Rumpus also offers Tale Time! Stories for the wee....every Monday at 10:30 AM...guaranteed NOT to put you to sleep! Babies through preschoolers welcome! (oh, parents too).
www.wildrumpusbooks.com

Free Third Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Check out this great museum just for kids of all ages, free on the third Sunday of every month!

Saint Paul, MN 651-225-6034 http://www.mcm.org/

Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Center
Admission is free every Thursday at the Walker Art Center.

Minneapolis, MN 612-375-7622 http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac

 Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Ten Sundays each year the MIA hosts Family Days.  These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids.  April’s event is “Land and Seas, Fields and Trees" where families will have the opportunity to step into 19th century America! Watch dances inspired by the American landscape and try your hand at creating the misty effects of landscape painting in a hands-on art studio. Plus, explore the special exhibition “Noble Dreams & Simple Pleasures: American Masterworks from Minnesota Collections" on view in the Target Gallery. This event is free and takes place on Sunday, April 19th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 5.   

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404.  Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information. 

The Bell Museum of Natural History

The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus, offers two fun family events.  Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html

Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.

Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.

 Science Museum of Minnesota

Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum.  Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:

Exhibits: $1.00

Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00

Please contact the museum with any further questions: 651.221.9444, www.smm.org

Hours:  Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY

 

Quick and Easy Recipes

Green Treasure Salad

Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup green-skinned apple
• 1 cup green seedless grapes
• ½ cup miniature marshmallows
• ½ cup lemon-flavored yogurt
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Directions

-Cut the apple into four pieces and remove the core and seeds. Cut into pieces. Mix together the apple pieces, grapes, marshmallows, yogurt, and almonds. Serve in small bowls.

 

Chicken & Vegetable Pasta with Orange-Basil Sauce

Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients

• ¾ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 6 ounces packaged dried corkscrew pasta
• 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken or turkey (optional)
• 1- 16 ounce package loose-pack frozen Italian blend (zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, lima beans, and Italian beans) or other mixed vegetables
• ¼ cup snipped fresh basil

Directions

-For sauce, in a small saucepan combine thawed concentrate, broth, and cornstarch. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 2 minutes more.

-Meanwhile, in a large saucepan cook pasta in boiling lightly salted water for 5 minutes. Add frozen vegetables; return to boiling. Cook uncovered, 5 minutes more or until pasta and vegetables are tender. Drain and return to saucepan.

-Add sauce, chicken (optional), basil, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Heat and toss until hot.

*Tip: For this quick, one dish meal, purchase a deli roasted chicken or a cooked turkey breast.

 

Enjoy these easy and healthy recipes!

 

Grants Update

The lists for both the CCAMPIS Grant and the Post Secondary Child Care Grant are closed, there is no other funding available at this time.

 

All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.

 

COOL WEB LINK:

Grossology: The Science of Really Gross Things!

Sometimes it's stinky. Sometimes it's crusty. Sometimes it's slimy. But hey, it's our body! Most of the time we don't find our own smells and scabs and oozes too disgusting. It is usually the same stuff on someone else's body that's really gross. But the reasons for the ickiness are identical whether it's us, our uncle, or the kid down the street. As beginning grossologists, kids will enjoy exploring this website where they will find out a lot of sickening things about everyone.

 

Visit http://www.grossology.org/

 

Featured Books

*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center

• Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, P.T., Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N., and Ann Keppler, R.N., M.N.
• On Becoming Baby Wise: Learn How Over 500,000 Babies Were Trained to Sleep Through the Night the Natural Way by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D.
• Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber, M.D.
• Growing Good Kids: 28 Activities to Enhance Self-Awareness, Compassion, and Leadership by Deb Delisle and Jim Delisle
• Pathways to Career Success for Women: A Resource Guide to Colleges, Financial Aid, and Work by Sherry Powley and Laurie Sabol
• It's Potty Time: For Boys a Smart Kids Book
• Goodnight Daddy by Angela Seward

 

Who’s Who at SPHC

Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW

As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center, managing our child care grants and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having in the past. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk at 612-626-6015. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Clark Wagner (once she returns), Chanee Rudolf or our Graduate Social Work Intern. I am entering my 9th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. Over the summer and beginning of fall term I have had a chance to step back into the direct service world while our Direct Service Coordinatior is on leave; and will be leading group and completing the largest share of the new student intakes for the 2008-2009 year. It has been fun to get a chance to meet and greet our new students and to hang out with our new and on-going students in group once again. Rest assured that whether acting as the stand in group facilitator, or working on grants and other administrative duties for the center, I am always right next door and will always be working hard to bring you the services and funding needed to assure that each and every SPHC student parent has what they need to succeed at the U!

Jerri Wagner, MSW, LGSW

I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!

Melanie Opay

Hi everyone!  I am the new graduate social work intern this year.  I am a first-year direct practice student in the Master’s of Social Work program and am very excited to be in the program, at the University of Minnesota, and working in the Student Parent HELP Center for the entire year.  I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Augsburg College and since then have been working in St. Paul as an MFIP job counselor.  I’m thrilled to be working with student parents in a different capacity and look forward to getting to know you and your families throughout the school year!

Chanee Rudolph

Hello!! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) here at the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my first year so like many of you I am learning a lot of new and exciting things. My job here is to assist you with anything you need as well as make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so please don't hesitate to ask me for anything if you have questions. I am in my third year here at the University and I am a family and social science major and developing a minor in Family Violence Prevention. So far, I have enjoyed myself more than any of you know and I am looking forward to many more to come!

 

Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Melanie Opay at Sphc@umn.edu.