Thinking Ahead to Finals? – The Final Exam Schedule

Thinking Ahead to Finals?

The last week of the semester, from Tuesday, December 8th through Saturday, December 12th is reserved for final exams and class schedules will be rearranged in order to account for final exams. Classes will not meet during their normal times and will instead meet for two-hour time blocks. This being said, you need to know when your class will meet, whether you are taking a final exam or just having a regular class meeting, since not all professors give final exams depending on the type of class you are taking. You can check when your class is scheduled to meet for the final exam in the table below.

Generally, classes that meet after 5 p.m. will follow the regular class schedule.  For example, a class that normally meets 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays will take its final on Tuesday, December 9th at 6 p.m. during its normal scheduled class time. There are a few exceptions, however, see section below.

Exceptions:

Classes that normally meet only on Monday evenings will take their finals on Friday evening, December 11th.  They will meet for regular class on Monday, December 07 and will meet for finals on Friday, December 11.

Classes that normally meet on a MW or TR evening schedule (MW 5-6:15p.m., for example) will meet as usual (both nights) during finals week.

In the case of any finals missed due to bad weather and the university is declared closed by the University, exams will be rescheduled during the weather make-up blocks on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec 12.

Thanksgiving Traditions Today

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends.

  1. Eating Turkey – Nearly 90% of Americans eat the Turkey on Thanksgiving, whether roasted, baked or deep-fried, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
  2. Watching the Macy’s Day Parade – Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. The New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in 1924 and is the largest and most famous parade, attracting some 2 to 3 million spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television audience. Enjoyed by more than 46 million people each year in person and on TV in total, it typically features marching bands, performers, elaborate floats conveying various celebrities and giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters.
  3. Cracking the Wishbone – The wishbone of a chicken or turkey is broken as a ritual for wish fulfillment. Breaking the wishbone is a traditional good-luck ritual often used after a family holiday dinner, usually on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Known as a “lucky break” the tradition of tugging on either end of a fowl’s bone, now named the “wishbone”, to win the larger piece and its accompanying “wish” dates back to the Etruscans of 322 B.C. The Romans brought the tradition with them when they conquered England and the English colonists carried the tradition on to America.
  4. Watching Football – There is nothing more American than getting together with friends and family, eating good food and watching a football game. As much as Thanksgiving is about acknowledging what one is grateful for in life, it is also about watching, or even playing, one of the nation’s most popular sports. Today, the NFL holds three Thanksgiving games each November, two of which always feature the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.
  5. Black Friday Shopping – The day after Thanksgiving most stores have amazing sales. People like up as early as 3:00AM to get in line!
  6. Giving Thanks – Last, but certainly not least, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the people and blessings of the past year. From pre-meal prayers to providing holiday meals to the homeless, the holiday is truly a celebration of praise and giving thanks to all your fortunes.

 

 

The History of Thanksgiving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday in November. Although the first Thanksgiving was in 1621, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together with family and friends for a day of feasting, football and family fun.

Watch a Short 4-Minute Video on the History of Thanksgiving: The History of Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving

In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth.

Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure and outbreaks of contagious diseases. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland America on an exploratory expedition.

Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans. In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, the Governor organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now known more commonly as American’s “first Thanksgiving”, although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time, the festival lasted for three days.

While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission (to hunt water fowl such as geese and ducks) in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.

Fun Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving break, for many college students, is an oasis in the middle of fall semester. It’s a chance to return home and recharge; a chance to take a break from midterms and papers; a chance to get some good food and spend time with friends and family. Some students go home, some stay on campus, and others head to a friend or roommate’s house to celebrate the holiday. No matter your situation, though, there are things you can do to make sure you squeeze every last drop out of the Thanksgiving Holiday break.

Many college campuses look like deserted ghost towns around Thanksgiving. The vast majority of students usually head home for some good food, rest, recreation, and family time. But for those students who can’t, or don’t want to go home, there are still some great options for how to have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.

  1. Volunteer. No matter where you live, there are always places nearby that could use volunteers on Thanksgiving Day. Check out women’s shelters, homeless shelters, places that serve veterans, hospitals, and even local foster homes. Giving back can make you feel great while providing you with some great companionship — and good food, of course! You can check out places to volunteer using the following website: https://www.volunteermatch.org/
  2. Go home with a friend. If you really want to experience some cultural immersion and you live too far away to go home, try going home with a friend or roommate. You can see an entirely new part of that person’s life, have fun, and still get that fantastic feeling that comes with being “home”, all the while getting to experience a traditional American Thanksgiving firsthand.
  3. Organize something on campus. Chances are you aren’t the only student on your campus not planning on going home for Thanksgiving. Organize an event that includes a nice dinner, volunteering, hiking and enjoying the unusually nice weather or even a movie-watching marathon. Invite your friends over and make your own Friendsgiving, whether you want to make traditional American thanksgiving food such as turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, or introducing our friends to traditional dishes from your home country! It can be a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy yourself while still feeling relaxed and like you’re on vacation. Not interested in staying on campus? Organize a small trip with a few friends and go explore a new city or enjoy the great weather and do something outdoors!
  4. Catch up on homework. Who wants to study on vacation, right? But if you’re behind on your homework, or find yourself struggling with concepts before your big exams, it might be a wise decision to utilize the quiet atmosphere away from all the distractions of campus, and hit the books. I’m not saying you should do homework and study all Thanksgiving break, of course, but it doesn’t hurt to catch up and keep up on your reading and assignments while you have free time. You will be so relieved when you’re back at school and find yourself ahead of the game, just as if you took a real vacation!
  5. Take the day for yourself. There are some of us out there who enjoy being alone from time to time, which is nearly impossible as a college student surrounded by people on a daily basis, especially in the dorms. Spend the day sleeping in, watching movies, and doing whatever it is you wish you had time for when your schedule is hectic. Just make sure to treat yourself to some good Thanksgiving food somewhere along the way before all the turkey and cranberry sauce is gone!

How to Register for Classes

HOW TO: Register for Classes

What is a TAP Number? Do I have to register for classes?

How do I choose my classes?

The time to start thinking about what classes you will be taking next semester is finally here. You may have many questions regarding the registration process and if any of this information even pertains to you. Everyone is talking about getting their TAP numbers and meeting with their advisors to discuss their class schedules, so you may start to feel a bit confused. We will attempt to clarify these and many more questions in the following article.

If you are a non-degree seeking international student this information pertains to you, please read the following instructions: http://www.millersville.edu/globaled/files/Class%20Registration%20Files/Non_degree_Registration_Information

If you are a degree-seeking international student this information pertains to you, please read the following instructions: http://www.millersville.edu/globaled/files/Class%20Registration%20Files/DegreeSeeking_Registration_Instructions.pdf

If you are only here for one semester and will be leaving Millersville at the end of this Fall Semester, you can ignore this article! However, if you are interested in transferring to Millersville and want to become a degree-seeking student, please let the Office of Global Education know.

What does it mean to register for classes? How do I choose my classes?

Students have to choose what classes they will take the next semester and “register” for them; these are not chosen for you.You can view what classes are available for the Spring 2016 semester on Millersville’s website: http://www.millersville.edu/services/registrar/scheduleandregistration/

When do I register?

Every student has a certain time, or appointment, that they can begin registering that is determined according to how many credits you have completed so far. This does not include the credits you are currently taking, however. So if you are taking 15 credits this semester and will be registering for classes in the Spring 2016, you technically have not completed those 15 credits yet and would be part of the 0-14.5 credit category.

Click here to find out when to register:http://www.millersville.edu/globaled/files/Class%20Registration%20Files/Class_Registration_Schedule2016.pdf

 

PLEASE NOTE: It is extremely important to register during or very close to your appointment time so that a class you want to take does not fill up and close due to all the seats being full.  Many students choose a few extra classes they want to take in case they cannot register for the classes they wanted originally. Have back-up courses selected just in case!

Still Confused? We hope not!

Contact the Office of Global Education if you have any questions!

Withdrawing From a Class

Are you having trouble with one of your classes?

Are you studying for hours and the information still does not make sense to you?

If this is the case and you are not happy with one of your classes or it is too difficult, you still have time to withdraw from the class.

It is very common for Millersville students to take a class only to realize later that the class is too difficult or time consuming for them. Sometimes students take a class just to try it out and see if they like a subject and later realize they do not like the professor, the information does not interest them, or it is simply too difficult for them. Instead of struggling in the class for the rest of the semester, students have the option to “Withdraw” from a class in order to avoid getting a bad grade and negatively impacting their GPA (Grade Point Average). If this is something that pertains to you, keep reading to find out more.

The deadline to withdraw from a class is Friday, October 30th. In order to be eligible to withdraw from a class you have to be currently taking 5 classes, or the equivalent of 15 credits, so you can withdraw from one 3 credit class and still meet the requirements to be a full-time student. To be considered a full-time student you have to be taking at least 4 classes, or the equivalent of 12 credits. If you are only taking this amount of credits (12 credits) you are not eligible to withdraw from a class because you would fail to be considered a full-time student.

The process for withdrawing from a class includes filling out a Course Withdrawal Card and having your professor sign the form. After the professor has signed the card you are to bring the card to the Office of Global Education so that we can process it. Once we have processed the information and determined you are eligible to withdraw from a class, we will inform you that your card is ready for pick-up. The last step in the process is to submit the card to the Registrar’s Office in Lyle Hall by Friday, October 30th.

If you have any questions regarding the process or determining if you are eligible to withdraw from a class, stop by the Office of Global Education or send us an email and we will be able to help you.

The Course Withdrawal Card can be accessed through this link: http://www.millersville.edu/registrar/files/studentforms/withdrawal-card.pdf

  1. Print this form.
  2. Fill out the top half with your information and the course information. 
  3. Your Professor needs to sign the form.
  4. The Office of Global Education needs to sign the form.
  5. The form needs to be brought to the Registrar’s Office before October 30th. 

Winter Activities

Winter Activities

Winter doesn’t officially start until the end of December, but the winter weather and winter traditions can begin much earlier! Winter in Pennsylvania will be a lot more enjoyable if you associate it with fun festive activities such as the winter traditions of going sledding, having snowball fights and making snowmen and angels in the snow, instead of harsh weather. Find things that you want to do in the winter and snow so that you have something to look forward to and get excited about.

  1. Playing in the Snow – While many people hate winter’s harsh wind and cold, the snow brings out the inner-child in all of us. Making snow-forts and going sledding in the snow are very popular ways to spend the weekend with your friends, followed by a hot cup of hot chocolate to warm your hands. Even if you don’t want to spend much time in the cold weather, take some time out to have at least one snowball fight this winter with your friends. It is tradition for Millersville to have one huge campus-wide snowball fight on the first snow of the season, so go outside and get into it!
  2. Make Paper Snowflakes – A great way to decorate for the upcoming winter season and to have fun with your friends and roommates as you watch movies on a cold winter day, is to make paper snowflakes and hang them around your rooms!
  3. Go Ice Skating – Maybe you have never been ice skating and want to try it out? Winter is the perfect time to get together with some friends and have fun learning how to ice skate! A winter activity fun for everyone, it’s a classic that you only get to do for a few months out of the year. There are two skating rinks in Lancaster that have a free skate time for the public.
    1. http://www.regencyicerink.com/public_skating.asp
    2. http://lancastericerink.org/
  4. Making Traditional Holiday Treats – Every culture has their own holiday traditions they like to do in the winter months, whether you bake holiday cookies, make traditional stews, or other foods from your country. Take some time to share your countries holiday foods and traditions with all your new friends here in Millersville. Everyone will be eager to learn about what you do to celebrate the coming of winter!

Make Plans for the Winter

The winter months can be a time when you feel you can’t do many things because of the cold weather and you may start to feel lonely or limited in what you can do. To avoid these “winter blues” as we like to call them, make plans with friends to do activities together, whether that be watching a movie or going for a 30 minute walk in the snow. Getting outside your room and involved in different winter activities may sound like the last thing you want to do but once the cold weather comes you will look for any excuse to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, even if it is cold and snowing.

Since you spend most of your time outdoors in the nicer summer and fall months, winter is a great time to visit the museums and historic sites you may have been putting off for a “rainy day” activity. A great excuse to get out of the dorms and explore more of what the U.S. has to offer. So go visit a museum in Lancaster, Philadelphia or D.C. and keep checking things off your list of things “to-do”!

 Winter can sometimes seem long and gloomy but you if you prepare accordingly you can enjoy winter as much as summer by knowing what to expect and planning fun activities to look forward to!

Have fun and stay warm!

Preparing for Cold Weather

Preparing for Cold Weather – What to Expect

With the changing of leaves in the fall comes the cool weather and a reminder that winter is just around the corner. The holiday season in the U.S. goes hand in hand with winter, and for many international students the Pennsylvania winters can seem long and overwhelming.

From now until the end of the semester the weather will get increasingly cooler. If you are not already wearing a jacket or coat, you soon will be. If you are a year-long exchange, degree-seeking, or graduate student and will be here past December, you will need to plan accordingly so that you are comfortable during the cold winter months. Winter in Pennsylvania is in full swing by December and usually lasts until March, sometimes even April if we have a particularly harsh winter. The cold temperatures usually start in late October and November is characterized by cold, dry temperatures with some rain and possible snow.

If you are not accustomed to the cold weather and do not know what to expect here in the Pennsylvania winters, here are a few tips that can help you better prepare so that you have a great winter season:

Buy Appropriate Clothes

The key to staying warm in the winter months is having appropriate clothing for walking to classes and spending those snowy weekends playing outside with your friends. Most of the heat loss from the human body occurs through the head and feet, so investing in good wool socks, winter boots and a warm hat can make a world of difference. You do not need to break the bank to buy the “best” winter gear on the market, but there are a few pieces that are key to keeping your fingers and toes toasty warm and dry in the cold temperatures.

  1. Light Jacket – Important for the variable fall and early winter weather, you do not want to wear a heavy winter jacket when the temperatures are not quite cold enough only to end up sweating when you arrive to class. Fleece jackets are perfect for layering, they can be worn over long-sleeve shirts and are thin enough to put a larger rain jacket or winter coat over when it starts to get wet and cold in January and February. This is a great and versatile staple to have in the winter.
  2. Winter Coat – If you are staying in Millersville for the year or longer, you will want to invest in a good quality winter coat. Again, you do not need to spend a lot of money with fancy designer coats; dressing for the winter does not mean it has to be expensive. It is important for a good winter coat to be a good length and well-insulated. Down feathers and materials such as synthetic down are the most common materials used in coats. Decide which material is best for you and how you want to wear and use your coat. If you will be layering your coat over a lighter fleece jacket you do not need a particularly heavy coat, you may want one that has a good outer-shell that is waterproof and includes a hood instead. Coat styles range from “puffer” coats and parkas, to ski coats and fashionable “pea” coats made of wool. This all depends on what you plan on doing in the winter.
  3. Gloves and Hats – Thin cotton gloves may be perfect for the fall, but if you plan on playing in the snow or traveling somewhere to go skiing or snowboarding you will want something a little more waterproof. The snow can get wet and heavy, which will ruin your cotton gloves and make your day in the snow miserable. Look for gloves with a “Thinsulate” liner inside, they will be your best bet for remaining dry and warm and can be found in most clothing stores for a very good price.
  4. Scarves – A scarf can help block the harsh wind during the weather transitions. A thicker scarf will provide more protection than a thin fashion scarf, and when winter arrives, you will want the added protection of a thick scarf.
  5. Warm Socks – Wool socks are the best option if you are going to be spending some time outside. Unlike cotton, wool stays warm even when wet, working to keep your own body heat inside so you are warm and comfortable. If you are wearing cotton socks, your feet will sweat and you will end up with cold, damp feet. Even if you do not have very good or waterproof boots for the winter, having good wool socks will save you. Invest in just one pair of merino-wool socks to keep on hand when you know you will be trekking through the wet snow. Make sure to check the label for the highest percentage of wool if you are buying a pair of wool-blend socks. These can be found in stores that sell winter coats and gear, as well as Amazon.
  6. Boots – UGG boots may be “popular” and “cute” but they will not only get wet and ruined in the snow, they will also give you quite the adventure walking to class before the sidewalks have been cleared of the snow. Well-insulated boots will keep your toes warm even on the worst days when the sidewalks have not been cleared and the ground is covered in ice and snow. Good boots are usually rubber on the outside and have a good rubber sole with warm liners that can be removed and dried when they get wet. Even if you decide not to purchase rubber boots, a popular choice is nice leather knee-high boots that work well in the cold weather, as long as you have some warm socks to pair them with.

What is Homecoming?

Are you excited for Homecoming? Do you even know what homecoming is at Millersville?

If not, keep reading!

By the time you are finished reading you will understand why Homecoming is such a big event here in Millersville and know all, or most, of the favorite Homecoming Traditions.

  1. Wearing all MU Insignia – This is a time for everyone to dress up in their best Millersville University clothing and colors, everyone likes to get creative and represent the university in their own special way. You will see people with painted faces and guys with painted stomachs for the Football game, as well all kinds of Homecoming t-shirts that students have made to get in the Homecoming spirit. If you want to fit in and look like a real MU student, get dressed in Black and Gold from head to toe! Have fun getting together with your friends to make custom t-shirts or planning to wear all matching clothes and look like a team, it’s up to you how you do it, but do Millersville Proud!
  2. Breakfast before the Parade – The Parade is early, much earlier than most students like to be awake on a Saturday morning. To get in the spirit and wake up many students get together with their friends before the parade to make breakfast and get ready for the day-long festivities. This is the time everyone gets ready in their best MU colors, paint their faces, and get riled up for the football game later, and what better way to wake up and get excited for Homecoming than with friends!
  3. Homecoming Parade – Come watch the Parade with the Office of Global Education! This is an event that the entire Millersville and surrounding community like to get involved with and come out to watch, not just students!
  4. Tailgating before the Football Game: After the parade students like to get together to “tailgate” before the football game, which includes grilling outside, eating food, playing games and just enjoying the outdoors with their friends before the football game starts. Students do this in a variety of places such as their apartments and often play Football, Frisbee, Kan Jam (game where you have to fly a Frisbee into a hole cut out of a black container) and many other games! The university also has tailgating events planned in the area next to the Football Stadium and the Sugar Bowl. There is an Alumni & Friends Tent Party from 11:00am – 3:00 pm where you can get free food, drinks, and just hang out with friends before the Homecoming football game at 2:00p.m.  Photo I.D. is required for beverage service (age 21 or older!). This event is open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends.
  5. Marauder Zone. This area is a student “tailgating” party before the football game that is in the Byerly Parking lot next to the Stadium and features student organizations, games, student performances and other entertainment before the big game!
  6. Millersville Marauder’s vs. Lock Haven University Football Game. The game starts at 2:00pm at the Stadium and includes a half-time show to introduce the MU Student Homecoming King and Queen. Game Admission is free as long as you have your MU I.D. So don’t go anywhere without your I.D. on Homecoming!

Last but not least, regardless of what you do for Homecoming be sure to stay safe and have fun. These are just a few of the things that MU students like to do, so have fun and make your own traditions and memories!

Hershey Park in the Dark

Sign up by October 16th! (Cost $35)

Hershey Park is an local amusement park founded by Milton S. Hershey who founded the Hershey Chocolate Company. Chocolate is a common theme at the park! The park has many different kinds of rides including roller coasters and water rides in the warmer months. Come join the staff at Global Education and travel with us to Hershey Park. Hershey Park in the Dark is a special event held in October for the Halloween festivities. Take a flashlight tour at night, watch special shows, and have fun!

 

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