What next?

No class on November 25 during Thanksgiving week!

Due: week 15 (December 2 or 4)

1. Read Off to College 2008, pp. 28-29.
2. Write a one-page letter to an incoming first-year student for next year. What advice do you have for new EMU students? What do you wish you had known at the beginning of the year? What will you take with you after this semester ends?

Reaching out and Community Learning opportunities

Due: week 13 (November 18 or 20)

1. Read Off to College 2008, p. 25
2. Complete the Community Learning Activity.

Community Learning Activity
EMU educates students to serve and lead in a global context. We also know that we can think globally, and act locally. How might we learn by serving our local community? Complete the following activity to explore Harrisonburg and examine how you contribute to the local community. We recommend you go in small groups. Remember, not all organizations will be open when you visit. Write several paragraphs of reflection responding to the activities and questions listed below. Written assignments should be typed, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, one inch margins, name and date in upper left corner, and title in upper right corner.

I. Choose a local community organization or agency that catches your interest. You will visit and write about one agency.

a. You may research opportunities by visiting EMU’s Community Learning Web pages at: www.emu.edu/communitylearning. The agency directory is a helpful resource.

b. Perhaps you already volunteer for an agency. You can choose that one or explore a new one.

c. Consider taking the Community Learning downtown walking tour. Choose Walking Tour #1 for weekdays, or Walking Tour #2 for Saturday with map. Complete the tour, but write about only one organization.

d. Choose to volunteer! Contact the Community Learning Program to check out opportunities happening this week (x4649).

II. Visit the organization. Find out the location and address. What are the hours of operation? Will you take the bus to get there? Try to travel in a “green” way. How did you accomplish this?

III. What do you see at the organization? Describe the facilities. Be attentive to the people who are present, and those who are not present.

IV. How does the organization benefit the local community?

V. Why should EMU students know about this agency?

VI. Did you learn anything about yourself while completing this activity?

Reminders:

Dialogue on Race Week—November 10

Tunnel of Oppression—November 12

International Education Week—November 16-22

Check out the Academic Support Center’s “Final 4” scheduler.

Money management

Due: week 12 (November 11 or 13)

1. Read Off to College 2008, pp. 32-37
2. Complete the Personal Finance Quiz.
3. Think of an issue regarding finances that most college students experience (rather than know). Come to class prepared to share this.

Read pp. 26-27 in Off to College 2008.

Reminders: Fall Spiritual Life Week with Ted Swartz begins October 27.

The most recent information about chapel services is posted at the chapel schedule page.

Click here to access the Spiritual Growth Plan from Campus Ministries.

Exploring Christian Faith Stories

Due: week 10 (October 28 or 30)

1. Read the following passages in your Bible. The on-line version included here should not substitute for reading from your own Bible.
   • Luke 10:25-37 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2010:25-37;&version=31;
   • Luke 15:11-31 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2015:11-31;&version=31;

Both of these stories in the gospel of Luke are stories Jesus told to people seeking to understand Jesus’ mission and teaching. Jesus was a master storyteller, and we want you to imagine hearing these stories from Jesus. Find a quiet place and read the passages above and try to hear them as if you’re hearing them for the first time. Now, draw conclusions about how the stories relate to your own life.

2. For each story, write a 2-3 paragraph reflection essay responding to the questions listed below (write in essay form, rather than simply responding to each question).

-Who are the main characters and what is the tension between them?

-How do the tension and surprise in the stories relate to your own life?

-How might these ideas inform your own understanding of God? How do they inform how you see God in relationship to you, God’s relationship to people and relationships within a community?

Habits for success

The week of Fall Break (October 20), students meet individually with their Transitions instructors. Remember to bring your mid-term grades to your conference. To prepare for the personalized coaching, think about the following questions:

–How are you personally engaging with the EMU community?

–What has been helpful to you and what has been difficult in your transition to EMU?

–What courses are you “clicking” with?

Planning your studies

Due: week 8 (October 14 or 16)

1. Read Off to College 2008, pp. pp. 44-48, 65-71
2. Complete a minimum of two on-line personality and/or career interest assessments. Bring these assessment results to class. Please note that typically a licensed professional interprets the results; these on-line assessments are samples. Some possibilities are included below:

http://www.emu.edu/careers/focus.html

http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp?discover (scroll down to the bottom to begin)

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

http://my.monster.com/JobStrengthProfile/Intro.aspx

http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_work/tests/career.htm

Campus Resources

Due: week 7 (October 7 or 9)

1. Read Off to College 2008, pp. 22-23, 60-63. Review pp. 52-54.
2. Complete the Campus Resources assignment:

Campus Resources
You’ve been at EMU for one month now, contemplating who you are, how you fit in, what you contribute, and how you will achieve your goals. For this week, identify an area for growth where you might benefit by using campus resources available to you. For example, the Academic Support Center is a good place to go to improve writing, hone study skills, receive tutoring, or learn effective time management strategies. Or perhaps you have a concern related to diet, exercise, sleep, emotional distress, or spiritual formation. Where will you go for support and direction? Write a one page essay addressing each of the items below. Remember, all written assignments should be typed, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, one inch margins, name and date in upper left corner, and title in upper right corner.

I. Write about an area for growth (personal, academic, health). You may wish to draw from the Discovery Wheel or other learning activities.

II. Identify the appropriate campus resource, service, or office.

III. Research this area on the Web or by contacting someone for information.

IV. How did you find information?

V. How would the resource be helpful in a self-improvement plan? What are you learning about yourself?

VI. How might this project be helpful at other stages in your journey here at EMU?

How do I Live in Community?

Due: week 6 (September 30 or October 2)

1. Read Off to College 2008, pp. 12-15 and 30-31.

2. Read the Community Lifestyle Commitment found on p. 11 in the back of the Academic Planner and Student Handbook.

3. Complete the Values Worksheet.

International Festival, Saturday, September 27, 12-6pm, Hillandale Park. Transportation available from EMU.

ANOTHER SATURDAY EVENT: Student Leadership Conference, 10am, Martin Chapel.