You all learned how to use SiS over the summer at orientation or registration, but you may not have learned how to use Blackboard yet. Blackboard is a place for professors to get in contact with you while you’re not in class, as well as a place to post assignments and even take home quizzes and tests. As a new freshman, Blackboard was a mystery to me, but a requirement for many of my classes. Even if you have no classes this semester that use Blackboard, it is a good idea to become familiar with it because you will use it soon in at least one class. Also, after first semester many professors will assume you already know how to access Blackboard.  For those of you who are still uncomfortable with Blackboard, here’s a short step by step guide on how to access the site with ease.

Step 1. Go to uml.edu and click on the link on the top of the screen that says Blackboard.

2. You’ll see this screen when you click on the Blackboard link. If you do not have your log in info yet, click on ” Fall 2015 Students: Get your blackboard username and password.”

3. Type your Student ID number, your first name and your last name into the specified boxes and click “Find Info.”

4. It will then ask for an email. Type in your email and click next.

5. You will then have to agree with the Terms and Conditions on Blackboard, then hit next.

6. You will then see your username and password, highlighted in red, with all of your classes that use Blackboard that semester. Go back to the home screen and log in.

7.  This is your Blackboard home screen. In the middle, you will see all of classes using Blackboard. To the left you will see your messages and announcements. On the right there is info about tutoring services. And in the top right hand corner are your notifications. Click on a class to see more information.

8. Here is an example of a class page. On the left side, you’ll see links to the home page, announcements from you professor, your grades and assignments. In the center, your professor can post links, such as a course syllabus, office hours and information about the class and assignments.

9. Take time to explore the rest of the site and the information on all of your class pages.

I hope this helps!
Katy

Hi everyone,
I’m back, and here to give you some of my Exercise Physiology insight on (dun dun dun) the Freshman 15. Not sure what that is? Well, over the course of a student’s first year of college, they learn they have much more freedom, and tend to overeat, which lets to weight gain. The average weight that freshman put on is about ten to fifteen pounds, and freshman fifteen has such a nice ring to it, right? (ha ha) I know many of you have no interest in gaining the freshman 15, and that’s why I’m here. Being healthy is super important, and here is some advice on how to stay healthy and fit throughout your time at college.
Staying fit has three different components for me; food/drink, exercise, and mentality.If you’re missing one of the three, chances are you won’t see results, or at least for a long time. They are all equally important.
First and foremost, come up with your goal. Do you want to lose weight? Maintain your weight? Or just become more in shape?
Second, make a plan of action on how to achieve your goal. For example, if you want to become more in shape, one thing you can do is to start weightlifting.
Third, get started, but think of the three components. Let me explain them a little more.

Food/Drink: Eating and drinking unhealthy foods is the main reason why the freshman 15 exists. The best way to improve your diet is to slowly cut unhealthy foods out of it. For example, I cut soda out of my diet, because of the sugar and empty calories. This doesn’t mean that you can never drink soda again, but keep it in moderation. For example, having a reasonable size glass once a week (try to stick to serving sizes). Try to also eat a fruit or vegetable with every meal. Lastly, use a calorie counter to keep track of what you’re eating throughout the day. I use My Fitness Pal, which is a smart phone app. It will tell you how many calories you need to eat a day based on the information you provide. You’ll be able to see everything you eat, so you can avoid mindless snacking at late hours in the day.

Exercise: Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. This is how you can burn extra calories and build muscle and endurance.You could go for a walk, a run, or hop on the treadmill at the Rec Center, ride a bike, lift weights, dance, just get moving.

Mentality: This is the hardest part. Have a positive mindset towards your goal and progress. Remember, you won’t see results for about six weeks, because change takes time, so don’t be discouraged when it’s not instantaneous. Stay motivated by getting your friends involved. Having support from others is the best way to keep you going. Even when times get tough, remember that you’re working towards a happier, healthier you, no matter your goal. 🙂

Here’s a little motivational quote to keep you going.

Stay beautiful,
Katy

1. It’s never too late to join! Clubs are willing to accept year round.
2. Didn’t see something you liked at the club fair? Not all clubs were represented, but you can find a complete list of all of our clubs on Collegiate Link.

3. You can also find all of clubs contact information on Collegiate Link as well!
4. At our Club Fair, the best thing you can do is sign up for a lot of groups, and narrow it down once you decide what fits in your schedule as well as where you feel most comfortable.
5. If you would rather talk to someone in person, our Office of Student Affairs is located on the third floor of University Crossing.
6. And last but not least, GET INVOLVED!!

Katy