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Posts tagged as “campus life”

(Archive February 2019) Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

By Gabriela Villa | Observer Contributor

The MWCC Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education
Photo by Thomas Hill Jr.

The Garrison Center is a federally licensed and accredited preschool available to students and faculty with children.

According to Laura Cameron, teacher supervisor at the Garrison Center, teachers tailor the curriculum to each child’s needs, based on where they need more attention, or where they demonstrate ability or interest.

Part of the curriculum incorporates a program called “Seeds of Stem” which consists of two week-long studies, according to Cameron. The first week is called “Science Week” when children are taught concepts such as “sink or float.” The next week is called “Problem Week” where they are presented with a problem and need to use what they learned in science week to solve the problem. read more

(Archive February 2019) Two Heads are Better Than One

By Brittany Eldridge | Observer Contributor

The Tutoring Center in the LaChance Library at MWCC
Photo by Thomas Hill Jr.

Tutoring services offer to help students with homework, papers, and studying for exams.

Stephanie Marchetti, Director of Academic Support and Testing Services, said that tutors can help students become better note takers and test takers. She recommended starting with a writing tutor. 

Tutors can help students prepare for exams, edit students’ papers, and give students advice on how to study.

According to Marchetti, there are three types of tutors available to students — peer, paraprofessional and professional tutors.  read more

(Archive February 2019) Can’t Sleep, Must Tweet: Limiting Screen Time

By Brittany Eldridge | Observer Contributor

Some people find limiting screen time difficult.
Photo by Jeremy Keith from flickr

Despite studies connecting increased screen time with various health issues, college students cannot avoid technology.

In September, Apple introduced Screen Time, an IOS 12 feature, which provides Apple device users with daily and weekly reports. According to the Apple website, these reports show users  which  categories  of  apps  they  use  most  and  how  much  time  they  spend  in  each  app.  The feature lets users limit the time they spend on their device and on specific apps. read more

(Archive February 2019) Go Green: A Global Warning!

By Dylan Cernoia | Observer Contributor

Photo courtesy of MWCC

It’s an undeniable fact that climate change is a major issue facing us today and MWCC is making moves to help students learn how to better respect the environment.

MWCC has an entire club dedicated to the environment called the Green Society. President of the Green Society and MWCC student Christine Nelson talked about the club’s main goals saying “We aim to problem-solve. I love that the Mount has wind turbines and solar panels to reduce the school’s fossil fuel usage. But there is more we can do for the environment.” read more

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

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 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 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 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 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 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