Newsletter for October 28, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these."
George Washington Carver
HELP Center Announcements
Save the Dates:
Non-Traditional Student Week
November 3-6, 2008
November is Non-traditional Student Month on college campuses across the nation. Please join the Non-traditional Student Advisory Committee for one or more of the following events.
Monday, November 3: Student Parent Day, Information Booth, Coffman Memorial Union, Lower Level, 11AM to 2PM (we may need volunteers!)
Tuesday, November 4: First Generation College Students, Information Booth, Coffman Memorial Union, Lower Level, 11AM to 1PM
Wednesday, November 5: Older Than Average Students, Information Booth, Coffman Memorial Union, Lower Level, 11AM to 1PM
Thursday, November 6: Veterans, Information Booth, Coffman Memorial Union, Lower Level, 11AM to 1PM
Friday, November 7: Social Event, Veteran's Transition Center, 11AM to 1PM. Please join us to wrap up the week and celebrate Non-Traditional Students on campus. Free food will be provided!
Tentative Date for Student Parent Visibility Day
April 21, 2009
More information to come.
PASS Group (
Parents 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.
October 29, 2008: There will be an open discussion this week with a focus on an internal Resource Exchange. Come prepared to share your top three favorite resources and their contact information with your fellow student parents!
November 5, 2008: We will hold our annual clothing exchange of kids clothing, maternity clothes and toys. Each year the Como Community Child Care Center holds a drive to furnish the SPHC with second hand clothing for this event and students are welcome to bring their own items in to exchange as well. The exchange will be held during group, but the clothes will be available throughout the rest of that week for students who cannot make it to group. If you want to provide items for this event, you can bring them in ahead of time or the day of the exchange. Susan is also in the process of collecting interview and professional clothing for the exchange.
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 Susan Warfield
at sphc@umn.edu.
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 website 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 website to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/
Career Services Feature
Career Fair!
Monday, February 9, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center
Mark your calendars for the biggest student career fair in Minnesota! More than 250 organizations will be there recruiting for hundreds of jobs and internships. The Job and Internship Fair is free and open to all U of M undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni. This event was created just for you! Visit http://www.cclc.umn.edu/umjobfair/index.html for more information.
Check out this website for other upcoming Career Events: http://www.career.umn.edu/campusevents.htm
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.
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/
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 government 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 425 Oak Grove
St. Paul, MN Minneapolis, MN
651-731-6400 612-872-1509
Martha’s Closet
500 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN
651-224-4728
Elbethel Baptist Church
3953 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
612-825-6469
Hot Tip
Scholarships
MN State College Student Association (MSCSA) Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current students attending one of the 32 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and who demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. All applicants must submit an official transcript, a resume detailing leadership roles, and 2 letters of recommendation in addition to the official application. Check out the website for more information and to download the application.
http://www.mscsa.org/index.php?option= Deadline: November 1, 2008
Alvin Cox Memorial Scholarship: All students may apply for this scholarship regardless of their race, nationality or financial status.
Applicants are asked to write a brief essay on a topic of their choice as long as it answers three questions:
1. Your reason for deciding to attend college - were there any motivating factors that influenced your decision to pursue a college degree?
2. Your chosen college major - please discuss the major you selected and how you arrived at that decision.
3. Any reasons for why you believe you deserve the scholarship.
Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded.
http://www.alvincoxmemorial.com Deadline: November 30, 2008
Elie Wiesel Prize In Ethics Essay Contest
This scholarship contest is designed to challenge college students to analyze urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world. This award is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled full time during the fall 2008 semester at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. The suggested essay topics are available on the Web site. In addition, you must have a professor review your essay and submit a Faculty Sponsor Form. Five prizes will be awarded and amounts range from $500-$5000.
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/ Deadline: December 19, 2008
Gaia Community Scholarship
Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to the applicants who write the most inspiring answers to these three crucial questions:
1) What is your purpose? (25 words or less.) If you had to describe your calling in life, what would you say? What are you here to do? What gift is yours to give to the world?
2) What do you love, and how do (or will) your actions demonstrate this? (250 words or less.) We at Gaia believe that following your heart is the best way to help the whole planet. What do you care about, and what do you most enjoy doing?
3) Write your ideal job description. (250 words or less.) Forget about job titles like 'doctor' or 'artist' or 'lawyer.' If you could get paid just to live, how would you spend your time? What would you devote your life to? What would your days be like?
http://scholarships.gaia.com/ Deadline: December 31, 2008
"Leading the Future II" Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to elevate students' consciousness about their future and their role in helping others once they receive a college degree and become established in a community. Eligible applicants must be US residents and high school seniors or college students and planning to attend or already attending an accredited undergraduate institution. One to three scholarships will be awarded and scholarship amounts vary. Visit the website for more information and to download application materials.
http://www.scholarshipworkshop.com/future.html Deadline: March 1, 2009
Opportunities to Share
Student Parent Success Story
Featuring Beth Jones
Beth, who is one of our student parents, was recently invited to join the Golden Key International Honor Society.
The Golden Key is an academic honor society which recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence among college and university students from all academic disciplines. Only those students who rank in the top 15% of their classes academically are invited to join.
Congratulations, Beth, on your achievement!!!
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.
Parenting Information and Resources
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/
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.
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:
Community Events and Activities
Kid-Friendly Halloween Activities
Mall of America World's Largest Trick or Treat: Kids are invited to trick-or-treat on Friday, October 31st, at the mall's 200 stores -- now that's a lot of candy! There's also a costume contest at 5:30 in the rotunda. For more information, call 952-883-8800.
Zoo Boo: This event is held at the Como Zoo in St. Paul. The zoo is transformed into a non-scary world of fairy tales. Children are encouraged to come in costurme. Admission is $6. For more information, call 651-487-8229.
Anoka Halloween: Since 1920, Anoka has been hosting an extensive Halloween festival and claims to be the "Halloween capital of the world." This year's festival will be held from Octobere 12 through October 28 and features everything from pumpkin carving to a preschool costume contest to a "Spooktacular carnival." For more information, call 763-421-7130 or visit: http://www.anokahalloween.com/
Fun Fall Events
It’s officially fall again, and what could be better than taking a family trip to an apple orchard! For more information and to find an orchard in your area, check out this website: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/minnesotagrown/qlist-apples.htm
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. November’s event is “Art Masala ” and will feature the art, dance, and music of India! Participants are invited to exlore the MIA's collection of Indian sculpture, jewelry, and paintings as well as watch a live demonstration of rangoli, a traditional sand painting art . Kids will also be able to create their own Indian artwork to bring home, listen to music, watch live Indian dance performances and more! This event is free and takes place on Sunday, November 9th 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
Halloween Popcorn Pumpkins
Ingredients
- 5 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup chopped salted peanuts
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 4 drops red food coloring
- 3 drops yellow food coloring
- 4 sticks red or black licorice, cut into thirds
Directions
- Grease a muffin pan and set aside. Place popcorn, candy corn and peanuts into a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in marshmallows, red food coloring and yellow food coloring, adjusting color if needed to get a nice shade of orange. When the marshmallows are completely melted, pour over the popcorn and stir to evenly distribute the candy, nuts and marshmallow.
- Use a greased spoon to fill the muffin cups. Insert a piece of licorice to act as the stem, and mold the popcorn around it. Let stand until firm, 10 to 15 minutes, and then pull the pumpkins out by their stems and admire your pumpkin patch!
Chocolate Spiders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chocolate confectioners' coating
- 1 (8.5 ounce) package chow mein noodles
Directions
- Chop the chocolate confectioners' coating and place into a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chow mein noodles so they are evenly distributed. Spoon out to desired size onto waxed paper. Let cool completely before storing or serving.
Enjoy these yummy & fun Halloween treats!!
All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.
COOL WEB LINK:
Pumpkin Carving Patterns for Kids
Get ready for Halloween with this fun website! Puzzles, coloring pages, fun Pumpkin Patch facts, and hundreds of printable pumpkin carving patterns (and tips)!
Visit http://www.paperpumpkins.com/
Featured Books
*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center
- Talk With Your Child: How to Develop Reading and Language Skills Through Conversation at Home by Harvey S. Wiener
- Your Three-Year-Old: Friend or Enemy by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D., and Frances L. Ilg, M.D.
- Helping Kids Deal With Conflict by Gerry Sheanh, foreword by Dr. Joyce Brothers
- The Middle of Everywhere: Helping Refugees Enter the American Community by Mary Pipher
- Time to Fly Free: Meditations for Those Who Have Left an Abusive Relationship by Judith R. Smith
- My Wish for Tomorrow: Words and Pictures from Children Around the World a collaboration between Jim Henson Publishing and the United Nations
- Leo the Magnificat by Ann M. Martin and Emily Arnold McCully
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.