Weekly E-News Archive - Winter 2010 | E-News index
entries below are in date order from newest to oldest

March 15, 2010

All of us here at TRiO want to wish you all good luck finals week!!!  Have a wonderful, relaxing spring break, you deserve it!  TLC will be closed for spring break.  The TRiO office will be open Monday-Friday. 

Here's just a few items:  

1.  TLC Finals Week Schedule: Remember to check the posted hours for tutors available and that there are no appointments.  (See Attached.)  

2.  Finishing Winter term in Good Standing? If so, congratulations! If you are concerned about how you are finishing the term, be sure to see Kate, file an appeal and get scheduled in a Back On Course class if your Financial Aid was suspended, or come to the Keys to Workshop, on Friday April 9th, from 1:00 - 2:30 in 19/241, if you ended up in a probationary status.  

3.  Not returning spring term? It's very important to let us know. Call, stop in or e-mail, please.  

4. Found items in the TLC: Please claim these. a) Black knit hat was dropped by the food table several weeks ago.  b) Black with grey bands knit scarf left within the last two weeks.  

5.  Fridge Food must be removed before Thursday when the fridge will be defrosted.  

6.  Bookstore opens for spring textbooks on Tuesday, March 23rd.    Take good care, do well on your finals, and have a WONDERFUL spring break!   Warm Regards, Mary        

Mary Parthemer, Director
TRIO and Title III
Lane Community College
Eugene, Oregon 97405
541-463-3133
parthemerm@lanecc.edu

March 15, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Week 10! Can you believe it??!!  Finals next week!  Almost spring!   News for the week:  

1. Lane Foundation Scholarship applications are due at 5:00 p.m this Friday, 3/12/09. Remember that you must make separate packets for all the scholarships you are applying for. that takes time and planning! We hope you are all applying for the TRiO scholarship!  

2. Lane Foundation Essay Help: Please make appointments to work with writing tutors, Lynn, Liz, and Nancy throughout the week. Friday the writing tutors leave at 12:00 and 1:00, so you want to be finished by then. All tutors can help with computer and upload questions, so get help uploading your transcripts and/or activity charts from OSAC before Friday. Wednesday and Thursday have quiet times, so those are good days to make appointments for any computer help.  

3.  March 15: UO application for admission priority deadline. Get info at http://admissions.uoregon.edu/apply/dline.htm#departmental   Be sure to get your letter to defer the Admissions fee from Marla.  U of O representatives will be in the Counseling Dept. Tuesday, March 9th.  See the Counseling Dept. front desk to make an appointment.  

4. Are you transferring next year? Have you submitted your application? It's time! Be sure to see Marla or Janelle to get a letter and application to defer the Application fee.  

5. Finals week hours in the TLC: The TLC will be open from 8:30 to 4:00 on Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 until 2:00 on Wednesday, and 8:30 to noon on Thursday. Friday of finals week the TLC is closed. Schedule will be posted in TLC by Wednesday 3/10/10.  

6. This week is the last week to make appointments this term. Please remember to keep your appointments and show up on time and prepared. You'll get the most from that time with a tutor. At the beginning of the term we remind you that signing up for tutoring has a couple of important rules so we can serve students better, but in this last week, here they are again. One student is not to take: 1) more than one tutoring slot of any one tutor on any one day 2) the same time slot of any one tutor more than once during any week  

7.  Remove important documents saved in Lane's NetStorage. All "My Documents" and "Student Document's" folders in NetStorage will be purged after each term ends.  Save documents stored in NetStorage to your flash drive or email them to yourself before end of term (Saturday, March 20), especially those of you with scholarship essays you will use again next year. Tutors can help you do this simple task at the end of each term.  

8. Thanks are in order to the Friday morning students using the TLC. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we conducted a study group in the TLC for the first half hour of the morning for the past four weeks with a final session this Friday. Meeting in the TLC for a study group was unfortunate, but a room was not available. Both the study group students and their tutor appreciate your tolerance.  

9. Spring study Groups: Sign up now for math and science study groups. You must be in an instructor-led course.  

10.  Community Forum - This Wednesday, 3/10/10, 11:00-12:00. Students meet in front of the ESL Office located in Building 11, Room 201, at 10:50 a.m.  Julie Fether, from the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Programs, will be giving a tour of the facilities and information about classes, admission process and much more.  

11.  Not Coming Back Spring Term?  If you know that you won't be here spring term, please let us know!  

12.  Looking for a summer job?  Check out the federal government website for temporary/summer jobs in Forestry, Wild Land Firefighting, Archeology, Engineering and more.  Go to www.usajobs.gov.  Under "what" type in "aid".   Under "where" type in "Oregon".  Indicate that you are a student when you complete your application.  Be aware that some jobs start in April or May, and would not work for Spring term.    Best wishes!   Take good of yourselves and come in to study well during this week and next. Let us know if you hare having any concerns at this time. Warm Regards,  Mary
   
March 2, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   It's the ninth week of the term, finals are around the corner, and then a week of Spring Break--YAY! Keep up your energy until finals are over.  

1. Computer Raffle.  The names of eighteen enthusiastic students were put in a hat on Monday to raffle off the free computer.  Drum roll.....the winner is Melissa McDowell!  I'm sorry that there can only be one winner!  Thanks to everyone for their interest.  Congratulations to Melissa!
 
2. It's great to see so many of you working hard in the TLC--keep up the great work.  

3. Congratulations to all who submitted the OSAC Scholarship application. How exciting. It is a huge accomplishment. The Lane Foundation application is due a week from Friday, on March 12, 2009. Be sure you are applying for Lane scholarships if you are going to be at Lane next year. Don't forget to apply for the TRiO scholarship that is in the Lane Foundation packet. Come in and work with the tutors to prepare and finalize your application. Let us know as soon as you hear anything about interviews or awards.

4. Check to be sure your Spring Schedule is intact after last week's "sweep" of students who owed the College money.

5. Peace Symposium this Friday, March 5, 6:00 - 9:30, CML 102-103, free to students. See flyer in TLC or go to http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/peacecenter/ for more information.

6. If you have concerns that you may be on financial aid probation or suspension at the end of the term, please come discuss the issue with Kate or Bree as soon as possible.
 
7. March 15: UO application for admission priority deadline. Get info at http://admissions.uoregon.edu/apply/dline.htm#departmental   Be sure to get your letter to defer the Admissions fee from Marla.  U of O representatives will be in the Counseling Dept. Tuesday, March 9th.  See the Counseling Dept. front desk to make an appointment.  

8.  Fragrance Free Zone Reminder: Some TRiO students have voiced their concerns lately as fragrances worn by other students affected their ability to work in the TLC. As students and even some of our tutors are extremely sensitive to perfumes, after shave, fragrant body oils, and other strong fragrances, please refrain from wearing any fragrances in the TLC. A list of possible offending products is always posted above the check in box.
 
9.  Study Groups Update: last two sessions are this week (9) and week 10 for Math 60 and Math 95 only.   Math 60 meets Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:50 with Damien in Bldg 1, Room 212 (by ladies restroom) Math 65  is canceled: please use tutors for drop-in and for appointments Math 95 meets Fridays from 8:00 to 8:50 with Lynn in the TLC  

10.  TLC Students "create a safe environment." Tutors in the TLC have noticed how often a student turns in a lost flash drive, piece of homework, book, or other item that belongs to a student who has left it behind. Often students get up from the food table when they are not eating to give a newcomer room to eat. Students have also brought snacks to share. Students check with tutors to make sure a logged in computer actually has a student using it who may just have gone away for a moment or if a student has forgotten to log off. Students ask permission to leave information in the TLC. More students are writing their names on the drop-in board instead of interrupting tutors with students. Most students have called in to cancel appointments they can't make, opening that time up to other students. Using "library voices" and a decrease in cell phones going off has made a difference in the TLC too.  All these thoughtful actions help "create the safe environment" mentioned on our Empowerment Zone sign. Thank you!  

11.  Recycle Reminder: paper only in the blue recycle bin, all cans and plastic and glass containers go down the hall into the recycle containers to the right of the snack bar. Please do not toss those in the TLC trash cans, but take them with you when you leave.  

12.  SPRING Study Groups: Sign-up sheets are on the INFO table. Once you have your spring classes set, sign up for study groups for spring term. Expected groups will be Math 20, Math 60, Math 65, Math 95, and Math 111. Often groups continue into the next term at the next level.

13. Tutor evaluations. Sean and Matt are two tutors who work only one day each week. If you have worked with either this term, please evaluate them using the 10-point scale at the top of the tutor evaluations. Evaluations are required by Lane Tutoring Services for all tutors at Lane. TRiO tutors need to have ten evaluations each, so, please take a moment, and fill out an evaluation for Sean and Matt.  

14. Weeks 9 and 10 are the last chances for tutoring appointments this term.  These are the last two weeks to make appointments. Only drop-in tutoring will be offered during finals week, and the TLC will have shorter hours and less tutors during finals week. So make appointments now in the yellow highlighted areas of the tutor appointment book. Such a great way to get some one-on-one uninterrupted time for help with a difficult subject before finals.  
Warm regards, Mary     Mary Parthemer, Director

February 22, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:

Week 8! Isn't it amazing how quickly the term flies by? I hope you are all taking good care of yourselves. Get enough sleep, eat well, take your vitamins. And don't let Spring Fever get you!
News for the week:
1. Some great news....we have just gotten a generous donation of a laptop computer from a part-time instructor. Yes, it is older, but it works just fine! If you do not have a laptop, and are interested in putting your name into a drawing for it, please respond to this e-mail by Friday, February 26th. All interested student's names will be included in a drawing to be chosen on Monday, March 1st. This is a great opportunity if you don't have a computer!
2. Making Wise Choices Workshop. Last available workshop is Wednesday, February 24th from 12:00-12:50 in 19/241. This workshop will provide you with sound advice to make the best decisions regarding your grading options.
3. Friday, February 26th is the last day to make schedule changes, which includes dropping or adding a class, or changing grade options. If you are considering this, or are struggling in a class, attend the Making Wise Choices Workshop, then come in and talk to us about whether it makes sense for you. Changing grade options or dropping a class may affect your financial aid. Talk to your counselor or advisor first.
4. Advance registration Advising for Spring ends on Thursday, February 25th. If you have not yet registered for Spring classes, now is the time!
5. To keep your Spring classes, check your account balances on Thursday, 2/25, and pay the balance down to $0 by midnight.
6. You have access to myLane, the new student portal that has just rolled out this morning to a select few to test it out. You should have received an e-mail this morning introducing myLane to you and instructing you with how you get in. We will be setting up a TRiO group within myLane and will be figuring out how to communicate to you through the portal. Watch for more news, and go in to explore!
7. Scholarship Deadlines are Approaching. OSAC-March 1st; Lane Foundation-March 12th! Don't put off what you know you want to do!
Scholarship Essays are time-consuming, as they require rewriting . . . more than once. TRiO's writing tutors are skilled in this process and can help you write what the scholarship folks are looking for in these short essays. It is highly recommended to make appointments with our writing tutors from the very beginning of your essay efforts and throughout the process. Appointments give you one-on-one time to examine your essays and assure you are meeting the essay requirements. As the deadline draws near, you want to be in at least your third rewrite, fine tuning what you have written. Make appointments today!
8. Early Application deadline for University of Oregon is March 15. For more information go to http://admissions.uoregon.edu/apply/dline.htm.
Be sure to get your application fee deferral form from the TRiO office.
9. GRADUATION INFORMATION: Deadline for students to apply for inclusion in the Lane 2010 Graduation Booklet is April 30, 2010. It is strongly advised to apply before this deadline. For more information go to http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/stuact/gradinfo.htm. Applications may be submitted after this date, and students may participate in the commencement ceremony, however the student's name will not be published.  Students who apply by April 30 will receive an official degree evaluation close to the end of spring term. Applications are processed in date order and students who apply early will receive their information earliest. Students who meet the deadline will be part of the priority review group for degree/certificate completion when spring grades are final.
10. TLC open late: Don't forget the TLC is open on Tuesdays until 5:30 and on Wednesdays until 5:15.
11. TLC CARDS must be filled out as soon as you come in. Please . . always do that. Several students each day have forgotten to sign out this term, so we put notes on the cards asking for that information. Please pay attention to this important responsibility; TRiO funding is dependent on documentation of use.
12.TLC use is over 3000 hours this term. Your attendance will soon pass the record of 3314 hours from winter term 2003. That's a lot of use, folks, so be proud of applying yourselves to your studies. A healthy fourteen percent of that time was spent with tutors.
13. Consideration, please. Drop-in tutor policy. Please be considerate of another student's time with a tutor, as drop-in tutoring lasts only five or ten minutes with each student. If tutors appear to be in a session, please do not interrupt them . . . put your name on the board. To be fair to all students, the TLC policy to get tutor assistance is to write your name, time, and the subject (plus the level if math), on the drop-in board. We are so busy lately, and all too often students have interrupted tutoring sessions expecting immediate help or to ask for help when the tutor becomes available. When you interrupt a tutor in the process of explaining something to another student, you break the concentration of the student being tutored to understand that information and usurp that student's time with the tutor. We make an effort to keep students from waiting more than five or ten minutes, so please be patient and use the drop-in board.
14. Study Groups: last three sessions are this week (8) and weeks 9, and 10. Don't forget to attend.
Math 20 Fridays - canceled through the rest of the term.
Math 60 meets Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:50 with Damien in Bldg 1, Room 212 (by ladies restroom)
Math 65 meets Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:30 with Damien in Bldg 19, Room 142
Math 95 meets Fridays from 8:00 to 8:50 with Lynn in the TLC.
15. "Works Cited" page giving you a pain? Confused between an anthology and a multi-author book? a journal and an article? an author and an editor? EasyBib and NoodleBib are free formatting programs. I have been researching formats for citations as citing anthologies is throwing students for a loop. We have a handout for that. The Lane library has a link under "library services" to NoodleBib; however, I Googled EasyBib and found that not only do they have a really easy and free format, but they also have a new update that allows the researcher or student to just enter the ISBN of a book. This even works for anthologies (they have a format for that), so I think you may find the entire EasyBib a boon when you are working on your next paper. They format citations according to the 7th ed. of MLA, 6th ed. of APA, and 15th ed. of Chicago (7th ed. Turabian). Writing tutors are still available to you, but they don't work nights (haha).
http://www.easybib.com/ Click on the red arrowhead for "Click here to select a source." Once your choose your source and go to that formatting page, you can choose at the top whether APA, MLA, or another. Pretty cool. Pretty easy. Samples of MLA style: http://myrin.ursinus.edu/help/resrch_guides/cit_style_mla.htm

Take good care and come in to prepare for final tests, projects and papers. Be well.

Warm Regards,
Mary

February 16, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Hope you enjoyed Valentine's Day and the three-day weekend. It's the seventh week of the term, so things will be hectic now until finals week is over. It's a particularly important time to take care. Pace yourselves. Study hard, but take breaks as well.  

1. Advance Registration for spring term ends next week on February 25th. Be sure to register early. Be sure your Account Balance is $0 on February 25th, or you will lose your spring schedule on February 26th.
 
2. Friday, February 26th is the deadline to change grade options or drop a class. Be sure to attend a Making Wise Choices workshop (see the flyer in TRiO) if you are thinking about changing your grade options or dropping a class. There are financial aid implications that we can help you think about. 
 
3. Scholarship Application Deadlines are fast approaching! OSAC application is due March 1, Lane Foundation application is due March 12. These are great opportunities to apply for multiple scholarships with one application process. And even better, the Lane application uses the same essays and Activities Chart as the OSAC application uses. Did you know there is a scholarship specifically for TRiO students in the Lane Foundation Book? That means you are only competing with about 100 other students because 80 of our students won't be back next year due to graduation and transfer. There is also a scholarship offered through Disability Resources. Be sure to apply!
 
4.  Don't miss mid-February and mid-March deadlines at the University of Oregon (and be sure to check out deadlines for other schools you might be attending next year). Check out the transfer website for all sorts of great information (http://admissions.uoregon.edu/transfer/transfer).  Get your Application Fee Deferral Form from Marla or Janelle.  

5. U of O Academic Advising is available at Lane on some Tuesdays from 1:00-5:00 in the Counseling Department.  March 9th, April 13, April 27, May 4.  Sign up in the Counseling Office. 
 
6.  Are you planning on graduating this Spring or Summer? It's time to think about applying for graduation! Participation in the spring graduation commencement requires completing all degree or certificate requirements by the end of spring term, or having nine or fewer credits remaining after the completion of spring term. The graduation application deadline is April 30th, but your application date puts you in line for getting your transcripts officially evaluated which must happen before your degree is conferred. That will inform you if there is anything missing.   Once a student applies for graduation they have two terms, including the term of application, to complete their degree or certificate.  So if you won't be finishing your credits until summer, please wait until the beginning of Spring term to apply. But, if you know you will be done by the end of spring, you can apply now. See graduation information at http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/stuact/gradinfo.htm  

7. TRiO Writing Tutors fine tune scholarship essays. Scholarship essays need a lot of reworking. Be sure to check your essays with a writing tutor.  Appointments are a good idea, as you get 30 minutes of uninterrupted time with a tutor.  All tutors can help you navigate through FAFSA and OSAC.
 
8.  Looking for a summer job?  Check out the federal government website for temporary/summer jobs in Forestry, Wild Land Firefighting, Archeology, Engineering and more.  Go to www.usajobs.gov.  Under "what" type in "aid".   Under "where" type in "Oregon".  Indicate that you are a student when you complete your application.  Be aware that some jobs start in April or May, and would not work for Spring term.    Best wishes!  

9.  Interested in Autobody and Fender Tech, Automotive Tech, Aviation Maintenance Tech, Diesel Tech, Fabrication/Welding Tech?  Community Forum with Lisa Stegall from LCC Advanced Technology will be giving a tour and information about the programs. The workshop will be from 11:00-12:00 on Wednesday, February 17th. Students will meet in front of the ESL Office located in Building 11, Room 201 at 10:50 a.m.  

10.  Tutor Evaluations: Thank you for evaluating the tutors you are working with this term. Please continue to evaluate tutors whose names on the board show they need a few more evaluations. It is important that you use the 10-point  scale at the top of the evaluation sheet.  

11.  Seating Availability in TLC:  Remember to store your gear under the tables and the computer stations. Keep the isles in the TLC clear and safe. This also leaves room available for other students to find a seat in the TLC. Remember, too, to remove your gear to the computers when you are there, so that you are not "occupying" two seats in the TLC. The tables on the wall give preference to those who need to plug in their laptops. If you are not plugging in a laptop to work, please don't take up these spaces unless there is nowhere else to sit.  Computer station #10 in the northwest corner has specific programs on it for some of our students. You may use this computer at any time, but should one of the students who requires those programs come to the TLC, you will be asked to move to another computer. While seated at the white food table, please keep voices low. Remember, the white table is the only place for students to eat any food item in the TLC, so during the rush of lunch from 11:00 to 1:00, kindly give up your place if you are not eating.  Thank you for helping make the TLC a safe and friendly and quiet place to study.  

12.  Appointments with tutors are filling up fast in the second half of the term. The writing tutors are especially busy with scholarship essays. Please make appointments with Lynn, Liz, and Nancy, who have years of experience helping students tailor their essays to satisfy the individual essay questions. Essay assistance takes more time than a drop-in tutoring allows, though don't hesitate to use the drop-in board for quick questions. Remember that CUTE.PDF has been downloaded to all but the MAC and the two computers with scanners. Ask a tutor for assistance if you have any questions regarding uploading your transcripts or entering information into the online activity chart form in the application.  

13.  Study Groups: Don't forget to attend or email Nancy in advance if you cannot attend. Math 20 Fridays has been canceled. Effort is being made to find a new time that works. Math 60 meets Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:50 with Damien in Bldg 1, Room 212 (by ladies restroom) Math 65 meets Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:30 with Damien in Bldg 19, Room 142 (changed to downstairs in 19) Math 95 meets Fridays from 8:00 to 8:50 with Lynn in the TLC.   Have a great week! Come in and use the tutors. Talk to Kate or Bree if you are stressing about classes or not sure what to do about a class. We look forward to seeing you!   Warm Regards, Mary   Mary Parthemer, Director

February 8, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Here we are on the downhill side of the term. Term 6.  Can you believe it? Hopefully you are staying current with your classes and using the tutors here in the TLC and other Tutor Centers to support you in achieving excellence!   News for the week:  
1.  Are you registered for Spring Classes? Advance registration is happening NOW.
 
2.  Make a Heart Card for Valentine's Day Workshop - Friday, February 12, 2:00 - 3:30, 1/222.  We need to know how many of you are really interested, so far there isn't very many students signed up.  Sign up in TLC!  

3. UNIVERSITY OF OREGON TOUR--NEXT WEEK ON PRESIDENT'S DAY! This is much more than a tour. You will meet with Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Learning Services (SSS),TLC (their TRiO program) as well as have a tour of the campus. Lunch is provided. This is scheduled for President's Day (February 15th) so you won't miss any classes.  If you aren't signed up, SIGN UP NOW!   The tour begins at 11:00 AM at Oregon Hall.   If you are interested in taking the bus with us, Kate Parrish will meet everyone at the LCC bus station and will take LTD Bus 81 at 10:28.   If you would like to meet us at UO, plan to meet us at the main entrance to Oregon Hall by 10:55 AM.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk briskly!   Schedule: 11:00 - 12:00 Campus tour.  Start at Oregon Hall. 12:00 - 1:00  Lunch, courtesy of UO Admissions.   Carson Hall 1:00 - 2:00  Room 51  PLC  (Prince Lucien Campbell Hall).  TRiO, Financial Aid,    Scholarships 2:00 - 3:00  EMU- Alsea River Room.  Admissions Info   To return to LCC via Bus 81, our options are 3:00 or 3:30.   Most likely we will take the 3:30 bus.  Looking forward to a wonderful and informative tour!  

4. Making Wise Choices in the 8th Week Workshop, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 12:00 - 12:50, 19/241 - This workshop will provide you with sound advice to make the best decisions regarding your grading options in the 8th week. We will review Financial Aid expectations for satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and you will learn about campus support services.  

5. New Learning Community Spring Term: Success in College and Career - This six-credit Learning Community is aimed at students who are unsure about career or academic directions and who want to discover how to succeed in college and beyond.

• CG140 Career and Life Planning, Beth Landy, T/TH, 10:00-11:20 (CRN 40727)
• CG100 College Success: On Course, Mary Parthemer, T/Th 1:00-2:20 (CRN 42538)

6. Don't miss mid-February and mid-March deadlines at the University of Oregon (and be sure to check out deadlines for other schools you might be attending next year). Check out the transfer website for all sorts of great information (http://admissions.uoregon.edu/transfer/transfer).  Get your Application Fee Deferral Form from Marla or Janelle (TRiO Office). 7. U of O Academic Advising is available at Lane on some Tuesdays from 1:00-5:00 in the Counseling Department.  February 9th, March 9th, April 13th, April 27th, and May 4th.  Sign up in the Counseling Office. 

8.  Are you planning on graduating this Spring or Summer? It's time to think about applying for graduation! Participation in the spring graduation commencement requires completing all degree or certificate requirements by the end of spring term, or having nine or fewer credits remaining after the completion of spring term. The graduation application deadline is April 30th, but your application date puts you in line for getting your transcripts officially evaluated which must happen before your degree is conferred. That will inform you if there is anything missing.   Once a student applies for graduation they have two terms, including the term of application, to complete their degree or certificate.  So if you won't be finishing your credits until summer, please wait until the beginning of Spring term to apply. But, if you know you will be done by the end of spring, you can apply now. See graduation information at http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/stuact/gradinfo.htm

9.  TLC Computers all in use?  The TLC is especially busy on Mondays and Tuesdays. There are times on both these days, and some others, when the computers are all taken when you arrive. If this occurs, we can start a waiting list on the board for students who wish to wait and work on other subjects in the interim.  Wednesday mornings are quiet and computers have been available. Mostly it is the start of the week that is monstrously busy, but check in at different times to find what works for you.

10.  Can't find your card? You need to you to sign in as soon as you enter. Please don't wait for tutors to finish processing cards; interrupt them to get your card. The TLC is very busy, so processing goes throughout the day. Follow the instructions on the card box. Your card may be clipped and ready for data entry and thus in the "return cards here" file, or being tallied. If Nancy is entering cards in her computer, please interrupt her at her desk to get your card.  Tutors can find cards for you if they are misfiled, but generally they are in process, and it is your responsibility to sign in when you enter.  

11.  Please, please, silence your cell phones before entering the TLC.   Last week we reminded you that cell phones need to be turned off or set on vibrate before entering the TLC. All week long various cell phones rang in the TLC's quiet atmosphere. It's very disturbing for students who are concentrating. So, if you missed last week's notice, do heed this second notice and silence your cell phone. All calls must be taken outside the TLC. Put your party on hold if you must answer.  

12.  Scanning Transcripts for OSAC: The two scanners in the TLC can copy your transcripts and save them as .pdf files for uploading to OSAC. The other computers have cutepdf.com, which allows you to save your transcripts and activity charts from the print mode as .pdf files. There are separate instructions for each, so be sure to follow those instructions on the typing boards and ask for tutor help if needed.  
 
13.  Study Groups: Please remember to attend, so your group will not be canceled. Math 20 Fridays has been canceled. Effort is being made to find a new time that works. Math 60 meets Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:50 with Damien in Bldg 1, Room 212 (by ladies restroom) Math 65 meets Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:30 with Damien in Bldg 19, Room 142 (changed to downstairs in 19) Math 95 meets Fridays from 8:00 to 8:50 with Lynn in the TLC.  

14.  Essays and Appointments: As the OSAC deadline nears, more and more students are requiring assistance with their essays. Please make appointments. Though skilled at assisting with the scholarship essay writing, as it takes time for the writing tutors (Liz, Lynn, Nancy) to assist you on your essays. Please cancel if you cannot attend an appointment.  

15. Mid-Term Progress Reports--Get them back this week and be sure to talk with Kate if you have any concerns about how you are doing in a class.   Have a great week and a good three-day weekend. Find time to study and get some fun time in as well.    Warm regards, Mary

January 25, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Here we are at the beginning of Week Four--Winter Term is flying!  

1. ADVANCE REGISTRATION for Spring Term begins TOMORROW, Tuesday, 1/26/2010 at 7:00 a.m.  If you need some advising for course planning for Spring, get in to see Kate, Bree or your Program Advisor or Counselor. You can look up to see if you are released for Advance Registration on ExpressLane.  

2.  TRiO Transfer Workshop.  This Friday, January 29th, 2:30-4:00, Bldg. 19/241.  If you are considering transferring to the U of O or any other four-year college here is your chance to ask questions, and hear a panel of students talk about their experiences and college personnel tell you what's important to know.  Sign up in TLC if interested. Don't miss it!   

3.  It's time to think about Mid-Term Progress Reports. Stop by the TRiO front desk or at the check-in table  in the TLC and take enough M-T Progress Report forms for all your classes. Complete the top part, turn them in to your instructors, and ask to get them back before the end of Week 5. Come talk to us if you are struggling in any of your classes.  

4.  SCHOLARSHIP TIME!! ESSAYS! Scholarship essays must address the questions just so. Please make appointments with the writing tutors to make sure you are writing what the OSAC folks want to hear. This is critical to increasing your chances for success. Lynn, Liz, and Nancy will work with you. Make appointments when you can and use drop-in time as well. Don't wait. March 1 is closer than you think.  

5. OSU Scholarship opportunity for transfer students going into STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). This is a new scholarship and there are 20 to be awarded. Need to apply to OSU Honors College by February 1. See attached information form.  

6.  Change in AAOT Requirements:  Students now have the option to use 3 PE activity courses for their Health requirement.   Students should talk with their advisors because only certain PE courses can be used.   Also, if students use the 3 credits of PE for their Health Requirement, then they are only allowed 9 credits of PE for their electives.     

7. Financial Aid Community Forum.  Wednesday, January 27th, Philos Molina is offering a workshop on Financial Aid as part of Community Forum from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in Building 11, Room 255.  

8. How to Pay for College...in One Day! This Saturday, Jan 30th, 8:30 to 3:30. Learn all about Financial Aid and Scholarships. This event is free, but you must register for this non-credit class--CRN 32142.  

9. Please make room for others to study. The TLC is crowded this term. We need your help to keep unused seating available. When sitting at a table, please don't put your pack on another chair or on top of the table; tuck it underneath,  keeping the aisles clear.  When you move to a computer station, please take your books and pack with you and leave the table space available for students who need a place to sit.  Packs should be tucked under the desks. As this is a busy term with the TLC full at various times, you may want to come when it is slower (late afternoons or early mornings) if you are not requiring a particular tutor's help.  

10. Study Groups: Study groups are a great success strategy. We've used them in the TLC for years. Check the TLC Announcement Board behind Nancy's desk to see the study groups you can join. Study groups meet once each week for 50 minutes, consist of students in instructor-led courses, and must maintain a weekly minimum attendance of three, but those not signed up may come check out a group to see if you wish to join. Room numbers will be added as we book them, and we hope to have rooms for the groups soon. Meanwhile, please meet in the TLC.   Math 20 meets Fridays from 1:30 to 2:20 with Jake in Room 224 down the hall Math 60 meets Wednesdays from 10:00 to 10:50 with Damien, meet in TLC until notified of room number Math 65 meets Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:35 with Damien in the TLC until further notice Math 95 meets Fridays from 8:00 to 8:50 in the TLC starting 1/29   11. Free On-line Math Resources: Review, Examples, Reference Sheets: For good quick reference sheets, see the Math Review Sheets notebook in the TLC or try these websites. You may need to update your home Adobe Acrobat, but the TLC has the needed version of Acrobat.

• lanecc.edu/math/reviewsheets.html
• tutorial.math.lamar.edu
• Math.com  

Take good care, and get into the TLC for studying and working with the tutors.   Warm Regards, Mary    
Mary Parthemer, Director  
TRIO and Title III
Lane Community College
Eugene, Oregon 97405
541-463-3133
parthemerm@lanecc.edu

January 19, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Can you believe that it is already Week Three? Wow, this term is going to go really fast! I know that many of you are using TRiO services because today there was no room to sit in there. Don't be discouraged from coming in...there are lots of times during the day where it is fairly quiet in there.  

News for the Week:   OSU Tour on Friday. If you are signed up for the OSU Tour this Friday, please confirm with Marla if you will be attending. If you say you are attending, we fully expect you to show up since we are paying for staff and vehicles to go.

TRiO Transfer Workshop on Friday, January 29th, 2:30 - 4:00, Building 19/241. If you are thinking about transferring to a four-year school next year, it is critical that you attend this informative workshop.  

Scholarship Time! Have you started your OSAC and Lane Foundation applications yet? OSAC forms! Essays! Activity Charts! Scholarship help is available in the TLC. Please see a tutor for handouts of active verbs, vocabulary, and how to correctly write academic degrees when writing your essays. Writing tutors familiar with OSAC are Lynn, Liz, and Nancy. They've been helping for years. So, be sure to get your essays checked, use the handout vocabulary, and remember rewriting each essay is an expectation, not an option.  

Appointment time is your Time. Know it is very okay and actually expected of you and any TRiO student to come get your tutor when your appointment time arrives. As you've noticed, we often are so busy we hop from student to student or get involved for an extended time. Your appointment will take precedence over anything else, just come tap your tutor on the shoulder or call out the name and let us know you have an appointment and we'll be right there for you. Don't let an appointment slip by because the tutor was busy at the moment.    

Study Groups that are in process of forming are Math 20, Math 60 and Math 65. If you signed up for one of these groups, keep checking your e-mails for updates. If you are interested, please sign up.  

Can't find your card? Read the note on the card box that explains the processing of cards.  Check the return file first. If your card has been tallied, it will be in the clipped group, which is alphabetized. You can easily find your card and take it to use again. If Nancy is entering them in the computer, she has them on her desk. Please ask her for your card and sign in as soon as you have it. If your card is being tallied, please ask tutors for your card. Keep your card visible to tutors wherever you work. Don't forget to sign out too and place your card in the return pile again, but never reclip it. Remind tutors to sign your card whenever they help you, even for a quick question.  

Fridge Use.  Because the fridge is small, sacks of entire lunches fill it up quickly. You are expected to only put in the fridge the part of your lunch that needs to be kept cold and please remember you need to label all food and drink put in the fridge. Food left for more than two days will be removed. We need your help to make it work. The fridge has never seen so much food in all its little days in the TLC. Thank you for making this work for all.   Take good care! Let us know how we can help you.   Warm Regards, Mary  

January 11, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:

We all made it through Week One! Hopefully, things are starting out smoothly, and you have your planner up-to-date with the new term's commitments, including regular time in the TLC. It was great that 22 of you attended the Financial Aid Workshop and got to ask all those important questions. I hope it helped you get your FAFSA submitted over the weekend.

News for Week 2:
1. Are you planning to transfer to a university in the fall?  It's not too early to start your application process!  Check out the websites of your universities of choice.  Note the application deadlines below:
University of Oregon:
February 16:    Scholarship applicants (UO general and Diversity Excellence)
March 15:        Early notification (eligible for May advising and registration)
May 15:           Regular notification

Oregon State University:
February 1:       For scholarship consideration
May 1:              No scholarship consideration

Northwest Christian University:
March 1:          Transfer Student Achievement Scholarship
Rolling admissions for no scholarship consideration. Be sure to request a Fee Deferral Form from the front desk, and sign up for the Transfer Workshop (Friday, January 29, 2:30 - 4:00) and University Tour (UO-Monday February 15th --it's a holiday at Lane and OSU-Friday, January 22 in the afternoon)!

2. University Advising available this term! If you are planning to transfer to UO or PSU, advising will be available at Lane. UO advising dates include January 19, February 2 and 9, and March 9 from 1:00 - 5:00. PSU advising date is Friday, January 29th from 9 - 1:30. Sign up in the Counseling Department.

3. It's scholarship season- check out the scholarship workshops that are offered through Career and Employment Services at 2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/ces/classwrk.htm. The next two workshops offered are Monday, 1/11/2010, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and Wednesday, 1/20/2010, 3:30pm to 5:00 pm.  Both workshops are located in Building 18, Room 102.  You must register by calling (541) 463-5164 or emailing brysonj@lanecc.edu or come in person to Counseling and Advising in Building 1. Attached is a list of all the scholarship workshops this term.  

4. Test Anxiety Workshop this Friday, January 15, 2:30 - 3:30 in 1/222. Don't miss this exceptional workshop by John Steele from the Math Department. John will teach you how to prepare for tests in a way that will reduce your anxiety, and allow you to think clearly and get to what you know. Check out the TRiO website for other Winter events and activities - http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/trio/activities.htm. Sign up in the TLC.  

5. Need Supplies? The TLC has everything you need. Ask a tutor if you don't see what you need on the table with the sign "Information and Supplies." We have hole punches, staplers, erasers, white-out, scissors, colored pencils, etc.  A Lane faculty and staff phone book and a local phone book are on the main book shelf in the TLC; math texts can be checked out for use in the TLC only (ask a tutor, writing guides and other information are all in here too. Please don't ask office staff, ask tutors first.
 
6. Be sure you log off completely. Logging off the computers is a two-step process. You are logged off when the picture disappears and the same screen you used to log in reappears on the desktop.  

7. Cell phones: Please remember to turn them off or on vibrate before you come in the TLC. Hold any conversations until you are completely out the door to keep from disturbing other students.  

8. TLC Food Etiquette: Eating is at the white table only. Please clean up your spot. Drinks with lids can be on any table but nothing of any kind or even empty containers can be on or at the computer stations. Remember to label all food and drinks you put in the fridge. We toss out food that is left for more than two days, so check to make sure you didn't forget containers.  

9. Recycle paper waste in the blue recycle bin in the TLC but take all cans and bottles down the hall to the recycle bins.  

10. Tutor help: Don't forget to sign up for drop-in tutoring all day long. Appointments start this week. Each of you can make three 30-minute appointment with tutors each week.  

11. Study Groups: Several interests in Maths 20, 60, 65, 95, and 97 but no matches yet. Be sure to sign up with all available times so we can find a time for you to meet. If you have had changes since you signed up before, please make those, so we are working with current information. Three students are required to form a group, which can then meet with a tutor for 50 minutes just like a once-a-week class. Study groups are a great success strategy.   Take good care and have a great week. It's a three-day weekend coming up. Use it wisely-- some work, a little relaxation, catch up on reading and a bit of sleep.   Warm regards, Mary Parthemer, Director

January 4, 2010

Dear TRiO Students:   Happy New Year and welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful break, got some well-deserved rest, and feel rejuvenated and ready for the new term. Remember to start strong! Get into the TLC, use the study area and tutoring right away, and sign up for study groups.   News for the Week:  

1. Winter 2010 TRiO Workshops and Events: Be sure to check out all the workshops, tours and events for this term and get signed up (see attached list). The first workshop this term is: Financial Aid Workshop, Friday, 1/8/2010, 2:00 - 3:00 in 19/241 This is your opportunity to get all questions answered so you can submit your FAFSA for 2010-11 this weekend! Be one of the first to have it submitted. That will help you get a better award package.    

2. Get your bus pass for Winter term this week. Check out the instructions at this website:  http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/facilities/transportation/lccbuspass.html

  3. It's scholarship season! If you are transferring to the University of Oregon or another university in the fall, check out their scholarship web pages THIS WEEK to decide if you will apply for university scholarships. The deadline for some UO scholarships is as early as January 15th! For most university scholarships you must submit your application to the school as well as the scholarship application. Get your waiver for application fees from Marla. The OSAC and Lane Foundation scholarship applications are available (it's the same essays and activities chart for bot applications. Get started early. Use TRiO and CES for assistance and support.   OSAC eApp Update: The 2010-2011 eApp is currently available online at www.GetCollegeFunds.org. Start your Activities Chart and four required Personal Statements early. The eApp is saved until you are ready to submit. Asks tutors for help getting started or for making changes. Be sure to work with the writing tutors on your essays.  

4.  Did you receive an e-mail from us over the break about your fall transcript? Please be sure to contact Kate or Bree to discuss the situation if you received it.  

5. Supplemental Pell Awards for TRiO students! The U.S. Department of Education provided us $20,000 this year to award as supplemental Pell grants. To be eligible, you must be a Pell recipient, have an unmet need, be enrolled full-time and completing the credits you are enrolled in, and using TRiO services at the minimum level or above (those who use services at high levels will be given stronger consideration). We will be selecting those who will receive the Supplemental Pell Award this week, and will notify you by e-mail.  

6. Attached is the TLC schedule for the first two weeks. As study groups form, we will make changes as needed. The schedule is also posted in the TLC so you can know when tutors are available to help with your various subjects. Appointments start Week 2, but take advantage of the drop-in tutoring available all day every day throughout the term.  

7. New TLC cards await you. Blue for students who attended before the 2009/2010 academic year, yellow for students who entered this fall, pink for students who enter in January 2010. Welcome to all!!!  

8. Reminders for TLC Etiquette: Please remember to . . . .

• Keep your cards visible for tutors to see and mark
• Turn your cell phone off before you enter the TLC
• Sign in and out on your card each visit to the TLC, no matter how short your visit
• Place your card in the stand up holder when you leave
• Keep clipped cards alphabetized when looking for your card and do not return card to clip
• Eat only at the white table
• Take no drinks, containers, or food to the computer stations
• Keep lids on all liquid cups
• Label food and drinks you put in the fridge
• Log on with your L # and pin number (like ExpressLane) 
• Log off the computers (no scenic picture) to log in screen
• Get tutor assistance to check out texts and calculators for use only in the TLC
• Not interrupt a tutoring appointment (note green appointment sign)
• Sign up on the drop in board for tutoring assistance
• Take advantage of tutoring appointments
• Use library voices at all times