Monthly Archives: October 2016

Scheduling Struggles

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We are halfway through this semester and yet it’s already time to start thinking about the next one! By now you should have met with your advisor and have made plans for what classes to take in the spring. Here are some of the issues that can come up with enrolling and the best ways to approach them:

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“This class is full”
This is okay and it happens. The only thing you can do is have a backup plan. Have a couple of other classes in mind that fulfill requirements and try to enroll in one of those instead.

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“I don’t want to take an 8 am”
Unfortunately, you will have to take early classes at some point or another. The best thing to do is look at the bright side. You still get to sleep in a little later than you did in high school. And by taking earlier classes, your day will end sooner, giving you plenty of free time in the afternoon and at night.

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“This course is going to be boring/hard/has nothing to do with my major”
This is another case where you need to be optimistic. Look at these classes as an opportunity to learn something you normally wouldn’t get the chance to. You will become a well-rounded individual! You will also get to meet new people who may introduce you to exciting new topics you wouldn’t discuss within your major.

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The thing to keep in mind is that next semester is not ruined if you have to take an 8 am or a boring class or can’t get the exact schedule you want. These things happen to everyone. You will still have fun and you will still be one step closer to graduation. So finish this semester strong and dive into the next one!


Wait, Its almost Time to Register for Classes?

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YEP! But do not panic, I promise that it will all be okay and that as long as you are prepared ahead of time, you will go into registration, knowing exactly what you need to do! Maybe down the line you will get excited for registration, because personally, I love figuring out how my next semester is going to look like!

Advising
One of the biggest things you need to do is SPEAK TO YOUR ADVISOR. I cannot stress this enough. If you are the kind of student that already knows what they plan on taking next semester, you still need to speak to your advisor! At the end of the day, they are the most knowledgeable on your major requirements and can make sure that you stay on track to complete all the classes that you need to. Also, you should definitely try to go to your appointment with any questions in mind, that way you can ask them sooner rather than later. For example, if you are interested in getting the discussion started on a 4+1 program, mention it, and your advisor will help structure a plan with you. If you do not know who your advisor is, just log in to SiS and you can find out on there!
***Important note: if you do not go to your advisor, there will be a hold on your account and you will NOT be able to register for classes!

Choosing Classes
As of tomorrow, the list of classes that you will be able to take will be posted on SiS. What this means is that you can get a head-start on figuring out what times you want to take for all of your courses. Eventually, when your enrollment date comes and you have to actually enroll in classes, you can do it manually in SiS or you can use the new, convenient, schedule builder. You may have been introduced on how to use it at some point but in case you would like a refresher, you can view this brainshark on how to use it:
http://www.brainshark.com/uml/vu?pi=zHBzkXAUUz7hQVz0
Just remember that if you do not get into your #1 preference for the class, that is perfectly fine. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you complete the course in general!
Last notes
Remember Riverhawks, choosing classes is not as complicated as it may first seem. Just make sure that you are proactive on meeting with your advisor, and planning your courses ahead of time, and of course seek help if you need it! Also, another big thing to mention is that you should check your SiS account for any other holds you may have as those will also prevent you from registering for classes
Good luck! 
Upperclassmen Advice of the Week:
“I wish someone had told me how important it was to speak to your advisor, I didn’t go during my first semester and not only did I miss my enrollment date due to a hold, but I was going to end up taking the wrong courses! Do not make the same mistake!
– Jose R. Sophomore Criminal Justice major

Let’s Get to Know our Chancellor!

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Chancellor Jacquie Moloney began her career as a social worker for the Lowell Association for Retarded Citizens. She then became director for the Indochinese Refugees Foundation. She was even a part of the board of directors for Lowell General Hospital, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, House of Hope, Girl’s Inc. and more!
Not only is she an alumni of UML, she is referred to as a “Double River Hawk” for having received a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as her doctorate degree in education. She conducted research that led to her creation of the UML’s renowned online programs that has even received recognition internationally!
Before becoming Chancellor, she was the Dean of the Division of Online and Continuing Education and director of our Centers for Learning. She was also involved in the development of UML’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. This brought $10 million worth of funding that led to many great partnerships with organizations like Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Difference Maker Program by now. Chancellor Moloney is also credited with establishing that as well!

Eventually, Jacquie Moloney was chosen to be Executive Vice Chancellor by our previous chancellor, Marty Meehan, who is now President of the UMass system. Inaugurated as chancellor on August 3rd, 2015, she became the first female chancellor of UMass Lowell.

She plans to implement the UMass Lowell 2020 Strategic Plan that is a strategy to enhance every aspect of the campus.
With her help, UML has progressed into the university that we now know and love! Thank you Chancellor Moloney!

UPPERCLASSMAN ADVICE OF THE WEEK!
“Be resilient. School can be really tough and I didn’t know how to handle the stress as an underclassman. You just have to stay determined and believe that you’ll get through it.”
– Najja Joseph, Junior Electrical Engineering Student 

Permanently Exhausted Pigeons

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 Are you a morning bird? A night owl? Or have you turned into some kind of permanently exhausted pigeon?

 Image result for sleeping animalsCollege is busy. October of the fall semester is especially busy, as you’ll be encountering due dates of homework, group projects, and papers. Also coming soon to a classroom near you: midterms. All of that hard work and hours of studying on top of your extracurriculars can make you very tired. That’s why sleep hygiene is so important. 

What are some ways to get your best sleep?

  •  Stick to a routine. Having a bedtime routine lets your brain know it’s time to rest and that helps you fall asleep faster. 
  • Use relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to fall asleep when stress and anxiety are keeping you up. 
  • Keep your room cool and dark; studies show that a cooler temperature actually makes for better sleep. Experiment with windows, fans, and different blankets to find what is most comfortable for you. 
  • Exercise during the day, but at the latest make sure it is at least three hours before you want to go to bed.
  • Put your phone down! This is the hardest thing for most of us, but the light given off by your screen actually tricks your brain into thinking it’s daylight and time to wake up, which is the opposite of what you want.
  • And lastly, don’t watch the clock! Turn your alarm clock to face away from you during the night. This prevents you from stressing about how much sleep you’re getting.

 Have a good night!

Upperclassmen Advice:
“Don’t neglect your health trying to get everything done. Your best work will come from when you feel your best so make sure to exercise and get sleep” – Corey C., chemical engineering