Posts tagged as “campus life”

(Archive February 2019) A Welcome Back Message from President Vander Hooven

By editorialteam on April 3, 2025

Welcome back students!

As I sit in my office during every January, I go through several phases. The first phase is relief! It is so quiet around here and I can actually get caught up on all the work I’ve been falling behind on for many months. The second phase is excitement. I already start receiving emails about commencement planning, which seems entirely too soon but necessary nevertheless. The final phase is, “when will the students return!” I speak on behalf of the entire faculty and staff when I welcome you back to campus for the start of the spring semester. I can assure you that busy hallways, classrooms, and a Bemis Student Center filled with activity is far preferable to the peace and quiet. read more

(Archive February 2019) All-Gender Restrooms All Gone?

By editorialteam on April 3, 2025

By Sophia Schlegelmilch | Assistant Editor

The All Gender Restroom signs as they used to appear around campus (left) and one of the Faculty Restroom signs that have replaced them (right).
Photos by Thomas Hill Jr.

Students and administrators are searching for alternatives due to a conflict with plumbing codes which required the all-gender bathrooms on the Gardner campus to be reassigned as single-gender faculty bathrooms.

According to Dean of Students Jason Zelesky, the school was informed that the bathrooms were not compliant with State Plumbing Code about two weeks ago, after an inspection related to other construction efforts. The school was ordered to make the changes immediately, said Zelesky, in order to avoid penalties, which could potentially include loss of the school’s occupancy permit or closure of the building. read more

(Archive December 2018) Test Taking Aids for Breathtaking Grades

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Dylan Cernoia | Observer Contributor

With finals rapidly approaching, Henrietta Martin, a tutor, shared some advice on how to study for and take tests.

When studying for a test, Martin suggested that students always check that the notes they have been taking throughout the semester are accurate, either by talking with the professor or a fellow student. She also suggested that if a student is attempting to memorize something for a class, they use flash cards or another form of visual aid.

Martin also encouraged students to break up their studying over a few days. Students trying to cram all of the knowledge in on one day tend not to remember it all, she explained. Martin also suggested that students find a friend either inside or out of the class to quiz them on the subject. read more

(Archive December 2018) Face Your Fear: Tips on Giving a Speech

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Dylan Cernoia | Observer Contributor

Picture this: You have a massive speech to give and close to 100-125 people are there waiting for you to come out and speak. You shuffle your notes, take a few steps out up to the podium and, just as you are about to speak, you freeze.

According to The Washington Post, around 25% of Americans are fearful of such a scenario. I have been doing public speaking for about 10 years and I was involved with several different speech tournaments throughout that time. I’d like to share some tips that I have learned through my many failures and successes. read more

(Archive December 2018) #MeToo Movement: Awareness on Campus

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Briana Shelly | Observer Contributor

The #MeToo Movement has approached its one-year anniversary and is continuing to touch the lives of both men and women throughout society every day. Many people may have thought that this social movement was going to die down, however, they are sadly mistaken.

Originally brought to light in 2006 by social activist Tarana Burke, it was brought back by actress Alyssa Milano last year on Twitter when it became a trending topic.

The impact that this movement is having is affecting all of us, not just the victims and the predators. According to an article in the New York Times, 201 men have either lost their jobs or major roles due to sexual harassment or advances. There have been 124 replacements: 54 women and 70 men. read more

(Archive December 2018) ADHD Students Want Change ASAP

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Gabriela Villa | Observer Contributor

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with the kind of focus required for traditional school work.
Image by amenclinicsphotos ac on flickr

Hyperfocus, hyperactivity, the ability to think multiple thoughts at once, and spontaneity are the markers of creative genius, so why do we treat ADHD children like a problem?

Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) are challenging parents, teachers, and the entire educational system to rethink the way learning is conducted.

We currently have an educational system that forces children to focus on only what it wants them to focus on, stealing their focus away from what could make them passionate, happy, and creative. read more

(Archive December 2018) Alpha Beta Gamma: Down to Business

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Mark Revesai | Observer Contributor

See the Alpha Beta Gamma bulletin board for more info on the organization and upcoming events.
Photo by Betsabee Torres

Networking and leadership opportunities are just a couple of benefits of becoming a member of the International Business Honors Society, Alpha Beta Gamma.

The chapter raises funds that are donated to different charities throughout the year including Relay for Life, the MWCC food bank, the Red Cross and the Gardner CAC food bank. Funds are raised by holding bake sales, raffles and other fundraising efforts.

Professor Linda Bolduc, the club adviser, said students benefit immensely by becoming members. The club is a part of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, which allows members to network with the business world and it is one of the most active clubs on the campus. read more

(Archive December 2018) Child Care Center Supports Student Parents

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Gabriela Villa | Observer Contributor

A portrait of the Jim and Peggy Garrison, whose donations greatly assisted with the creation of MWCC’s childcare center, sits proudly in the window of the center itself.
Photo by Betsabee Torres

The Garrison Center provides peace of mind for students with children.

Children from low income families or family members with disabilities get first consideration for the daycare, which individualizes the curriculum according to each child’s needs.

Student parents don’t have to be full-time students in order for their children to go to the daycare center, but depending on the number of classes they are taking the cost of the daycare center can be reduced. read more

(Archive December 2018) Mark Revesai: Setbacks, Hurt Backs, and Comebacks

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Zach Pavlosky | Editor in Chief

Mark Revasi
Photo by Betsabee Torres

Mark Revesai, Accounting major at Nichols College, talked about the obstacles he’s had to overcome throughout his life and how he stayed positive despite the setbacks.

Revesai, 51, worked as an internal auditor back in his home country of Zimbabwe where he received his banking certification from the Institute of Bankers. In 2002, Revesai came to the U.S.

Revesai wanted to continue working in accounting at MWCC, saying, “Most auditors have accounting backgrounds and, therefore, it would be the best way for me to get back to the audit field.” However, they denied his credentials and he had no option but to start from scratch. read more

(Archive December 2018) David Wyman: Political Poet Shares His Passion

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Alexa Russo | Observer Contributor

Professor David Wyman
Photo by Betsabee Torres

David Wyman, English Professor, poet and father, offered advice for students who want to get published and who are looking for an audience.

Wyman said his poetry book, Proletariat Sunrise, was a “discovery” for him. He learned what his writing style was like and he said that he also gained new insights. His book contains things he thinks about, which Wyman says is not the mainstream poetry. Wyman writes political poetry, which is where he said he found his audience. read more