Announcements, Staff Spotlight

University Housing and Conference Services Staff Spotlight: Gabby Vaxmonsky

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Millersville’s Department of University Housing and Conference Services is proud to showcase our staff and all of the incredible work they do to make the residence halls at Millersville safe and a great environment for students to live and learn in. This week’s staff spotlight pick is graduate assistant Gabby Vaxmonsky. Continue reading to learn more about Gabby, what she loves about being a graduate assistant in South Village, and her advice to students.

Q: What made you want to become a Graduate Assistant (GA)?

Gabby: I’m originally from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of PA so coming to grad school, I knew no one and I wanted a way to not only feel more connected to the University but also build stronger connections to fellow students. I felt becoming a GA would provide that opportunity and what better way than working with a team of students and professional staff members like that in Housing!

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being a GA?

Gabby: By far the most rewarding part has been building connections and friendships with my fellow team members in South Village. Especially this past year, I think we have all been able to lean on and support each other through these challenging times. Building those connections and being able to learn and grow together has been both rewarding and also something I am extremely grateful for.

Q: How have you been handling everything caused by COVID-19?

Gabby: I have been leaning on my friends and family, but also my teammates in Housing. We are working in-person within the safety guidelines of COVID-19 so having others around that know what that is like can be beneficial if you need someone to talk too. I have also been remembering to be kind to myself and give myself/others grace when it comes to certain things. I keep myself accountable but also don’t beat myself up if I don’t get to something in a day. It is important to remember that we are all just doing the best we can with what we have.

Q: Do you have any tips for succeeding academically given the various changes?

Gabby: Most important is your mental health. If you aren’t taking care of that, and your basic needs, you won’t be able to be successful academically. Reach out early if you know you are starting to struggle and communicate that with your professors. They are more likely to be able to help if they know of concerns sooner rather than later. Also, even though the University is predominately virtual, there are still a wealth of academic and mental health resources available. As a plug for our amazing RA’s, they can connect you with any number of those resources.

Q: Why should students consider working as a Resident Assistant (RA) or GA in the residence halls?

Gabby: You will gain a rewarding experience and long-lasting relationships that will follow you into your career. Coming into Housing I wasn’t sure what to expect because it’s a new experience for me. I am constantly surprised with how much I learn with my GA that transfers over to my area of study, School Psychology. Additionally, you will gain and develop valuable skills that carry over into any career path, such as leadership, flexibility, responsibility, and time-management.

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Announcements

Spring 2021 Semester Closing and Check Out Bulletin

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The residence halls will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 7, 2021. Residents are expected to move out of the residence halls and return room keys within 24 hours after their last exam.  Resident students who are graduating or are involved in graduation must speak with their Residential Area Director by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 to obtain permission to remain in the halls until Saturday, May 8, 2021.  Those given permission to stay until Saturday must check out by 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Students may move out prior to finals provided that you make arrangements with your Residential Area Director to turn in your keys.

Carefully review the following information to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct and additional charges for improperly checking out of your residence hall room.

QUIET HOURS FOR FINAL EXAMS:

Please keep your fellow students in mind as they prepare for exams.  Quiet hours will be maintained at all times, 24 hours a day, beginning at 9:00 PM Friday, April 30, 2021 and continuing through 6:00 PM Saturday, May 8, 2021.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

Prior to leaving for the summer break, all resident students MUST properly check out of their room.  ALL residents must do the following prior to the actual check-out:

  • Remove all belongings from your area of the room (open desk/dresser drawers).
  • Dispose of trash by removing it to the dumpster area of your residence hall.
  • Clean the room including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture to remove dust and sticky residue.
  • Clean the bathrooms. This would include cleaning the toilet, shower, sink and floor areas.
  • Return furniture to its original position (see schematics posted on the bulletin board of your hallway).
  • Un-bunk beds and make sure that the bed frame is at the proper height (3rd and 4th slots from the bottom).

The LAST resident to check-out of a room should also do the following:

  • Turn off the lights.
  • Set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • Close and lock the window.
  • Lower the blinds halfway but leave them open.
  • Lock your bedroom door.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT:

This is the ONLY method of check out being offered this semester to provide a contact-less and quick check out process.

  • Proceed to the main desk/lobby of your residence hall where you will find express check-out envelopes on a table.
  • Complete all information required on the front of the envelope.
  • Sign where indicated.
  • Place your room key inside the envelope (Shenks/Reighard residents should include your parking pass), and seal it with the tape provided.
  • If you have lost your key, complete the envelope, and write on the front: “No key enclosed, lost key.”
  • Drop the envelope into the lock box located near the front desk.

BICYCLES:

Remember to take your bicycle with you as you leave campus.  As of Sunday, May 9, 2021, all bicycles left in the residential areas will be donated to charity.

MAIL:

The last day for mail delivery will be Friday, May 7, 2021.  Unclaimed mail and packages will be returned to sender.  The mailroom cannot forward packages to your home address so please plan accordingly.

SUMMER SESSIONS:

Registered Summer Session residents will be assigned to live in South Village A wing.  You must move out of your spring room assignment by the deadlines published above even if residing in South A.  There is no storage available. Please remove all belongings at spring closing and checkout using the instructions above.

For information regarding summer housing, please contact the Department of Housing & Residential Programs in Lombardo at (717) 871-4200 or see “Summer Housing” on the Housing webpage.  Housing is available during Summer Sessions 1, 2, & 3 only for residents registered for summer session classes.

Best wishes for a restful and safe summer season!

Announcements

Vaccinate the ‘Ville!

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Who: Millersville University faculty, staff and students are invited.

What: College Day at Vaccinate Lancaster at the Park City Mall. There will be prizes, raffles and activities to thank our college students and staff for doing their part! The bus ride is free and the vaccination is free!

Where: Park City Mall

When: Friday, April 30

How: Millersville University will supply free transportation to the Vaccinate Lancaster site. Buses will leave the University from in front of the Student Memorial Center at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m.

Sign up for the bus here –https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lDfskvC4k03M3owqKK1G8IUuybbEh5Cu4LuY6uDTVNUMzZCVE9WUVJKSzc3NlIxMEM0UDlKN0FHMi4u

Why: To keep the ‘Ville COVID free!

Don’t forget to wear your Millersville University gear!

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Academics, Student Life

Tips for Increasing Your Productivity

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Some days, productivity can be hard to come by. It’s easier to say “I’ll do that tomorrow” than to actually do what you need to do. When tomorrow comes around, the vicious cycle starts all over again. So, how do you motivate yourself to be productive? How do you turn “I’ll do that tomorrow” into “I’ll do that today”? First, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to want to procrastinate. Sometimes it’s okay to leave things for tomorrow as long as you stick to your word. There’s no magic trick or method that will turn you into a super productive person overnight (as much as we all may want that), but there are some tips that can help you improve your productivity:

Plan your days ahead of time

When you create a schedule for yourself, you’re more likely to complete your tasks because you’ll feel encouraged to do what you said you’d do. I recommend planning out your whole week at the start of the week. First, I write down everything that I need to get done during the week I’m planning. Then I write out each day of the week and put a list of what I need to get done under the dates. Doing this helps me stay on track with due dates and exam dates. I also plan for times to relax or do something I enjoy, not just schoolwork. This helps me feel less overwhelmed by the tasks I have to do.

Dedicate a certain amount of time to assignments

When I plan out my week, I like to allot times to each activity. For example, I might plan to work on an essay from 12pm to 1pm. Sometimes I don’t use specific times and just decide that at some point during the day, I’ll spend one hour working on the essay. Doing this helps me stick to a schedule and encourages me to spend the designated amount of time on the assignment. This has been extremely helpful for me throughout college, but especially the past two semesters where I had asynchronous classes. For classes that didn’t meet virtually or in-person, I decided to concentrate on assignments for those classes during what would have been the class meeting time. This also helps me maintain a daily routine which has helped me get through quarantine.

Reward yourself

Sometimes finding the motivation to work can be hard, even if you plan out your days. To help with this, I give myself incentives to get my work done. I typically tell myself “if I do this, then I’ll get this.” For example, I’ll say “if I study for half an hour, I’ll get to go on my phone for 15 minutes.” I also like to decide on a reward that I’ll give myself after I do well on an exam or big assignment. Typically, I buy myself a food I like that I don’t usually buy for myself. College can be difficult, you deserve to reward yourself for getting things done!

Remind yourself of your goals

In the moment, it usually feels pretty good to log out of D2L and turn on Netflix. In the long run, though, procrastinating never feels good. The assignment or studying that I’m putting off will eventually need to be done, so why not get it over with rather than drag it out? One way I motivate myself to get my work done is by thinking about myself a few months from now. I imagine when final grades are released and how good it will feel to see A’s on my degree audit. I picture myself getting the email or phone call that I was hired for my dream job. I think about how those things would feel and use those feelings to encourage myself to try my best. Putting in the work now means reaping the benefits in the future. Sorry, Grey’s Anatomy.

Do you have any other helpful tips you use to increase your productivity? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Announcements

Annual Skyfactor Benchworks Residential Student Survey

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Starting on Thursday, April 22, 2021, the Department of University Housing & Conference Services will have the annual Skyfactor Benchworks survey administered. All non-staff residential students (i.e., Reighard Hall, Shenks Halls, Villages) will be invited to take the survey through Friday, May 7, 2021. Students will receive an email invitation with detailed information on how to take the survey. Two follow-up reminder emails will be sent to those who have not completed the survey.

All students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win $105 in gift cards for the University Store along with two pairs of exclusive Millersville University socks.

This assessment is crucial for the Department of University Housing & Conference Services as it helps us to understand the successes and areas of improvement of our program, and the services of various campus partners in comparison to other colleges and universities across the country. The survey assesses 21 different factors, which include the following:

Satisfaction

  • Hall Student Staff
  • Hall Programming
  • Hall Environment
  • Facilities*
  • Services Provided
  • Room Assignment
  • Room Change
  • Safety & Security
  • Roommates
  • Dining Services*
  • Community Environment

Learning

  • Personal Interactions
  • Sense of Community
  • Diverse Interactions
  • Self-Management
  • Alcohol and Drug Use
  • Sustainability
  • Living-Learning Community (LLC) Connections & Support

Overall

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Overall Learning
  • Overall Program Effectiveness

*University Housing & Conference Services does not supervise these areas, but works as a partner with the departments responsible for these services.

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Announcements

Apply Today to Work as a Summer Conference Assistant!

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Apply today to work as a Summer Conference Assistant!

Looking for a summer job and want a free room on-campus? Summer Conference Assistants (SCA’s) provide desk and operational support for University guests residing in the residence halls during the summer conferencing period. Learn more by viewing our application. The deadline to apply is May 1st, 2021. 

Visit https://www.millersville.edu/housing/student-info/student-employment.php to apply, or scan here:

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post!

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code:

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Advice, Health & Wellness, Resources

Managing Anxiety in Times of Change: An Interview With Sinclair Ceasar

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Sinclair Ceasar is a mental health speaker and educator whose mission is “to end mental stigma by helping people share their stories, explore their brokenness, and seek healing resources.” On Wednesday February 17, 2021, Sinclair spoke with the University Housing & Conference Services staff during a virtual staff development meeting about how to manage anxiety in times of change. During his presentation, he shared coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and advice on how to stay grounded.

About Sinclair: He has led content-rich workshops and programs at institutions and non-profit organizations around the country. He has years of professional experience as a higher education administrator, including within residential life, academic advising, and first year experience programming. He has been featured in the London Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, and Buzzfeed, and has partnered with global wellness brands like The Mighty and Shine Text.

The interview:

Q: Can you talk about “box breathing” and why it’s important?

Sinclair (S): Box breathing is a centering activity that can be used to manage stress and anxiety. Essentially, you inhale for three seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for five seconds – or do any variation of these numbers (1-2-3; 5-6-7; etc.). I’ve found it to be beneficial because focusing on my breath so intently takes my mind off my worries and pulls me from the panic spiral I might currently be experiencing. It’s a useful technique especially during times where the ground seems to constantly be shifting beneath us. Another helpful practice is to notice five objects in your current space whenever you’re feeling anxious. Similarly, this can help bring you to present time and feel much more relaxed.

Q: What is a “when/then habit” and how can people maintain one?

S: So this is adapted from the teachings of James Clear, who recently wrote the bestselling book, Atomic Habits. Essentially, you identify the habit you’d like to build, and you integrate it with unconscious habits you do each day. Say you pick up your phone when you wake up in the morning (unconscious habit), and you want to increase your water intake each day (habit goal). Then you’d practice drinking 10 oz. (measurable goal) of water when (time) you awake (action) in morning, then (reaction) you’re able to go on your phone (reward). To keep track of this, I recommend printing out a calendar, and crossing off each day you accomplish this goal. Try not to miss two days in a row.

Q: Why should people celebrate their small wins?

S: Because, we’re naturally inclined to focus on scarcity, deficits, failure, and danger. Taking a few minutes each week to identify how we’ve won (e.g. I woke up today; I tried my best on this test; I supported a friend even though I was exhausted) can boost our energy, pull us out of a rut, and remind us of hope.

Q: Do you have advice for people who are struggling to stay positive during difficult times?

S: Listen, it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes, just getting to the next right thing, the next breath, is the best you can do. And, you know what, that’s more than enough. You will get through this.

Learn more about Sinclair and his message:

___________________________________________________________________________

Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Announcements

Fall 2021 Room Selection

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It’s time for room selection! See below for important dates and information about the different types of room selection:

March 26th-April 11th: Roommate Selection

This is not an actual room selection. This is how you would request the people you would like to room with. After doing this, you will want to request a room during Open Room Selection.

April 6th-8th: Same Room Selection

Same Room Selection is for those students who currently live on campus and wish to live in the room they are currently in for next Fall. Remember, to participate in this room selection, you cannot request a roommate. A current suitemate group that wishes to again live together must each pick separately.

April 9th: Honors College Room Selection

This is room selection for Honors College students only.

April 12th: Shenks Room Selection

This is room selection for students who wish to live in Shenks Hall.

April 13th-30th: Open Room Selection

Open Room Selection is when you can select any room that is available. There are two types: Open Room Selection with Roommate Matching (for students who have already requested a roommate) and Open Room Selection without Roommate Matching (for students who did not request a roommate).

More information about room selection will be released in the coming days, so please continue to check your Millersville email and the Department blog (the site you’re on right now) for updates. Subscribe to our blog to receive email alerts when updates are shared so you’ll be the first to know about them!

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Lydia Shaloka is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.  When she graduates in May 2021, Lydia hopes to work for a digital marketing agency either in or near her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

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Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code:

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Announcements

UPS Delivery Changes

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On Monday, March 1st 2021, UPS will be changing their delivery pattern to the University’s central mailroom. Previously, UPS would make their main delivery to the mailroom at 8:30 AM, and the mailroom staff could deliver it to the residence halls by noon. Beginning on Monday, the University will not receive UPS deliveries until 11:00 AM. All UPS deliveries to the residence halls will be delayed until the next delivery day. Please keep in mind that any package tracking notice that you receive from UPS (or any other delivery service, such as USPS or DHL via Amazon or another merchant) may indicate that your package arrived to campus, but that simply means it was received at the University mailroom and not in the residence hall in which you reside. You will receive a notice from our QTrak mail system if and when a package is ready for you to pick up at your building’s front desk.

Announcements

COVID Testing Notice for Residence Hall Students

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Photo from: https://blogs.millersville.edu/news/2021/02/03/one-students-experience-with-covid-19-testing-on-campus/

Notice for Residence Hall Students:

Recently Millersville University has seen a dramatic spike in positive COVID cases. Because of this and for our community’s health and safety, the University will be conducting mandatory COVID testing for all students residing in the residence halls. Students should anticipate being tested every two weeks until further notice. Millersville’s testing protocol is consistent with many other campuses across Pennsylvania and the nation.

Moving forward, you will receive an email giving you specific days/times when you can sign up for the testing. Please follow the instructions in the email.

If the days/times conflict with academic classes, an internship or work, please communicate that information to reportcovid@millersville.edu. If you were tested on campus in the past seven (7) days you are exempt until the following week. You are also exempt from testing if you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.

This testing is NOT for students with symptoms or if you are in quarantine or are isolating. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or had significant contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, please contact MU Health Services at (717) 871-5250.

Please continue to view the University’s Coronavirus page for updates and check your student email account.

We appreciate your help and compliance with this process as we work to keep everyone in the residence halls healthy and safe.

717-871-4200 | housing@millersville.edu