Tag Archives: Millersville University

Academics, Health & Wellness

Time to Form a Plan

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When asked about time management a lot of people think it means to plan their day down to the last minute. This ends up stressing them out because you can’t plan out your day like that and then they end up not doing anything. This leads to even more stress and you end up rushing to finish everything. Does time management really mean this though?

Hear are a few definitions of time management:

  1. “Time management is the ability to plan and control how someone spends the hours in a day to effectively accomplish their goals.” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/time-management
  2. “Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities.” https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00.htm
  3. “The ability to use one’s time effectively or productively, especially at work.” Dictionary

Not one of these definitions say that we need to have to have our lives completely planned out. That is impossible to do because events or ideas change how our days go. What is important about time management is not procrastinating until the last minute. Then if something does occur that changes your schedule you won’t be as stressed.

Another issue people face when it comes to time management is that, some days, there are a lot of things that need to get done around the same time. I faced this problem the first week of the semester. Not only did I have classes to attend and do homework for, but I also had two booths at Org. Outbreak to run as well as prepare for the first meetings of said organizations. It caused me to feel sick from the stress.

One way to avoid this is knowing when you need to say “no”. I should have told one of the organizations I am a part of that I couldn’t run the booth instead of taking both on. I also should have asked for help when I knew it was going to be to much for me to handle. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from others.

Just remember to take care of yourself and by utilizing time management it makes it easier to do so. It is also a good idea to make a weekly plan instead of waiting till the day of to form a schedule. This will allow you to move things around if needed and will prevent you from taking too much on.

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life

No Need to Get Burned Out

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I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am already struggling with my stress. Between School,  work, and extra activities I am starting to get burnt-out already. There are so many sites out there that tell you how to lessen your stress but a lot of them are not realistic when it comes to college students. So I decided to form my own list of how to reduce stress.

Lessen your caffeine intake!

I know, this sounds impossible. I tend to drink a lot of coffee in the mornings, but it is a stimulant and will increase your stress. Now most people will say to avoid caffeine all together, but as college students who have to get up early or stay up late, it’s not always possible to do so. I have reduced my caffeine intake to one cup of coffee a day.

Try to fit physical activity into your routine!

While you may not be able to find time to go to the gym everyday, try to make it there a couple of times per week. Stressful situations increase your level of stress hormones, so, taking time to exercise is a great way to lessen your stress. If you don’t want to go to the gym go for a long walk or run.

Get More Sleep!

This is probably the hardest one for me. As a college students it is hard to get to bed at a reasonable time and depending on work / school schedules you may need to get up early. Don’t procrastinate till the night before on homework. This will allow you to get to bed at a reasonable time. Studies also show that using devices before bed isn’t a good idea. They stimulate your brain making it harder to go to sleep. Check out this link for more information:

How and Why Using Electronic Devices at Night Can Interfere With Sleep

This content was created by the National Sleep Foundation Ninety percent of people in the U.S. admit to using a technological device during the hour before turning in, and children often use electronic media to help them relax at night.

Find a relaxation technique that works for you!

Yoga could help you relax, but this isn’t true for everyone. Try out a few relaxation techniques and see what is best for you. If you need help with finding different techniques then try this website:

Six relaxation techniques to reduce stress – Harvard Health

We all face stressful situations throughout our lives, ranging from minor annoyances like traffic jams to more serious worries, such as a loved one’s grave illness. No matter what the cause, stress floods your body with hormones. Your heart pounds, y…

Talk to someone!

Millersville University offers counseling! If you don’t feel comfortable going to a someone you don’t know then try talking to a parent and / or friend.

Saying ‘No’ and managing your time!

Another habit I am guilty of is not being able to say no to people. So, instead of saying ‘no’ I end up having a million things to do! This makes it harder to manage your time. If you really can’t do something then you need to speak up. Some will understand, others will not, but you need to put yourself first.

Lastly, if you are sick, REST!

It is hard to miss class and work, but if you are sick then take some time to rest. If you feel like it is impossible to miss your class or work then don’t go to that party, club meeting, or whatever extra thing you have going. It will help you in the long run.

It is important to take care of yourself! You can’t do everything and if you try, you will definitely get burned out.

My name is Stephanie Wenger and I am the Marketing Intern for the Department of Housing and Residential Programs. I am an English BA major with a minor in History.

Events / Programs, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Lists

To Join An Organization, Or Not To?

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When you think about your classes and work schedule, it can be intimidating. You may not want to do anything else, but it is important to find people who have similar interests as you. By joining an organization you open yourself up to so many great opportunities. Here is why you should join an organization:

To Make Friends

This is one of the most commonly known reasons for joining an organization while in college. It is hard to make friends and form solid relationships while in class. By joining an organization you can meet people with similar interests as you.

To Build Your Resume

By being apart of an organization you can show future employers your skills and interest. It is even better if you can work your way up to being a leader in an organization.

To Develop Soft Skills

This one goes with building your resume. By being involved in an organization you can develop people skills. You will be working with others which looks good to employers. If you become a leader in an organization it can also showcase your leadership skills.

To Learn More About Yourself

By joining an organization you can learn more about your goals as well as your strengths and weaknesses. This could help you work on improving your weaknesses.

To Gain Networking Opportunities

It may not occur to you now, but the friend you make in an organization could help you find a job in the future. When looking for leads on jobs you typically ask around. Having people you know from an organization can be helpful because you know they have similar interests meaning at least some of the leads will be useful.

To Get A Break

College can be stressful! You need to find a way to get away from the school stuff and just have fun. By joining an organization you will be giving your brain a break from the academics and focusing on your interests.

If you are unsure of what clubs are out there, then come to Org Outbreak on January 23rd! It runs from 11:30-1:30 in the Student Memorial Center.

Org Outbreak Spring 2020 – Poster 8.5×11

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life

Welcome Back Marauders!

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Spring 2020 Semester has finally arrived! Hope everyone has gotten settled in for a brand new semester/year. This can be a difficult time of the semester for some, what with getting settled back into Residence Halls, getting back into a routine, and new classes/professors. It can be a bit overwhelming but it is not impossible.

Here are a few ways of getting back into routines and Residence Hall life:

Print out your class schedule

It is important to know your class schedule. Having a print out of your classes will definitely help you the first couple of weeks, at least until you have it memorized.

Consistency

Once classes and work start, it is important to find consistency within your schedule. This may have seemed easier in high school when you had a strict schedule everyday, but once you figure out your classes and work schedules it can be easy in college as well. Balancing your priorities will make it possible to find consistency in your college routine.

Look over your syllabus before class

This may not be possible for every class. Some professors prefer to give you a printed copy on the first day. If you can get the syllabus early, though, it would be a good idea to take a look at it before the first day.

Have a planner ready

A commonly used phrase among college students is “I will remember that later.” We all say this yet most of the time we forget. It is a good idea to get some sort of a planner for the semester. If you are in need of one then stop by the school store.

Set your alarms

After being home for a while and getting out of your routines, it is easy to forget to set an alarm in the morning. Don’t forget to set an alarm because you do not want to be late on the first day of classes!

Try to get ahead of your work

There is nothing like getting behind the first couple of weeks of school. This will not only cause you stress but can also foretell what the rest of your semester will look like. If you get ahead of your work it will make the first couple of weeks smoother and help you for the rest of the semester.

All these tips are great but don’t forget to eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. If you keep yourself healthy there is a good chance you will be better prepared for class and work.

I want to wish you all a great start to your semester! I know you will all do well this semester!

Academics, Events / Programs, Save the Date

Important Dates!

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With the start of the semester right around the corner, it is important to start planing out your semester. You don’t want to fall behind and forget anything important. So, here are some of the important dates to keep in mind when it comes to the Spring Semester:

January 2020

  • 19th – Residence Halls Open
  • 20th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day! (No Classes)
  • 21st – Classes Begin
  • 23rd – Org Outbreak

February 2020

  • 5th – Room Selection Event
  • 14th – Valentines Day

March 2020

  • 3rd – 5th – Same Room Selection
  • 6th – 9th – Matching Roommate
  • 9th – Shenks Room Selection
  • 10th – 31st – Open Room Selection
  • 16th – 22nd – Spring Break

April 2020

  • 9th – 17th – Early Undergraduate Registration for Undergraduate Registration for Fall 2020

May 2020

  • 4th – Last day of classes!

Now this list isn’t all the important dates when it comes to the semester, but for those of you who are planning on staying in the residence halls for the 2020-2021 school year this is the perfect list of dates. To find more dates of important times you can use this link:

Spring 2020 Academic Calendar

JAN 21 Classes begin Late registration online Drop/add period begins online JAN 29 W grade period begins. If course starts or ends outside of the regular Spring 2020 term (1/21-5/9), the withdrawal deadline will differ. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Don’t forget to put these and any other important dates into your planers! It will really help you plan ahead.

Announcements, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Lists

Spring 2020 Is Coming Soon!

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It is almost time for the Spring 2020 semester to start! Residence halls will open January 19th at 12 pm for those of you who live on campus and classes will start on January 21st. This may not seem like a lot, but trust me it can be overwhelming. It’s tough to get back to campus and only have one day to settle back into dorm life. However, there are a few life hacks you can try to make this time of the semester less stressful.

  1. BUY YOUR TEXTBOOKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

It is important to be prepared for your classes and most of your professors are going to want you to have them right away. If you end up not needing them it can’t hurt to return them.

2. GET YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

This goes along with number one. Some professors like to get started right away. Make sure you have your notebooks and writing utensils on hand, just in case.

3. TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR PAPERWORK:

Make sure your tuition is paid! You don’t want the added stress of finding out that you still owe money for your tuition. Also any kind of paperwork that needs to be done should be done as soon as possible. This may include, but not limited too, major or minor forms or graduation application.

4. GIVE SOME OF YOUR TIME TO YOUR TEXTBOOKS:

If you read the introduction of your textbook before you get to class you will have a better understanding of what your semester is going to look like. Similar to numbers one and two, this will help you be prepared for the first day of class.

5. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO DO NOTHING:

Before the semester starts, make sure that you give yourself a little break. The holidays can be stressful and soon after the semester starts. It is important that you have some time to not worry. Some things to get your mind off of everything are:

  • Reading a good book
  • Watching a movie or TV show
  • Spending time with a few friends or family

It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the beginning of the semester with everything you have to do. Try not to add to your stress by not being prepared for classes and procrastinating on important paperwork. By following these steps the start of the spring semester will go smoothly.

All Photos From Canva

Announcements, Events / Programs, Social Advocacy / Justice

Fall 2019 Disability Film Festival

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Every semester Dr. Thomas Neuville organizes the Disability Film Festival. This semester there are three full-length films and five short films being screened. Each screening is held in the Myers Auditorium in McComsey Hall from 5:30–8:30 PM. There will be a post-screening discussion following all screenings. All screenings are free and open to the public.

The festival kicks off on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 with a screening of Raising Faith: Stories about Dyslexia. The film documents the experiences of nine young people and their families. The primary subject, Faith, shares wisdom about the way she learns and how she negotiated her education through middle and high school, and now college.

The second screening on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 consists of five short films: “Ian,” “The Right To Be Rescued,” “The Interviewer,” “The Best and Most Beautiful Things,” and “Awake.” “Ian” documents a boy with a disability who’s determined to play on the playground despite his peers bullying him. “The Right To Be Rescued” tells the stories of people with disabilities affected by Hurricane Katrina. “The Interviewer” focuses on Thomas who gets more than he bargained for in his interview at a prestigious law firm. The film was devised with 12 people living with a disability, all of whom actively participated in the development of the film. “The Best and Most Beautiful Things” highlights the relationship between Brandon and Emily, who are, respectively, learning sign language and trying to speak. “Awake” follows Miles, who is traumatized by his father’s death and is cursed by his own subconscious. He is taught a lesson by his subconscious through repetition of dreams.

Pennhurst: They’ve waited a long time to tell their story is being screened on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Pennhurst is a documentary chronicling the stories of people whose lives were irrevocably intertwined with the history of the Pennhurst State School and Hospital. Pennhurst was a massive institutional home for the developmentally disabled and closed in 1987.

The festival concludes on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 with the screening of 2e2: Teaching the Twice Exceptional. The sequel to 2e: Twice Exceptional follows teachers of a school in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to educating highly gifted students with learning disabilities or differences.

Thank you to Dr. Neuville for organizing this educational opportunity for our faculty, staff, students, and community members! We appreciate the work you do here at the ‘Ville.

Announcements, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Lists

Explore Lancaster County This Family Weekend

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Is your family visiting this Marauder Family Weekend? Programming on campus starts in the early evening on Friday and concludes in the early evening on Saturday. Here is a schedule of the planned activities. After engaging in the exciting events on campus, pack up the car, and take a small road trip as Lancaster County has many hidden gems to explore!

Animal and duck feeding at Long’s Park or Lititz Springs Park

Long’s Park is located at the intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30 and is home to many different activities. The park has a petting zoo, a three-acre lake, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and much more. Lititz Springs Park is located in downtown Lititz. There’s a stream that runs through the center of the park and a fountain towards the main entrance, playgrounds, a volleyball court, picnic pavilions, a train car, and much more. Both parks are home to ducks, swans, and other animals.

Lancastrian history at Rock Ford Plantation or Hans Herr House Museum
Rock Ford Plantation was the home of Edward Hand, the Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolution. Hand had many different hats — one being a slave owner. Rock Ford Plantation partnered with the African American Historical Society of South-Central Pennsylvania to help explore slavery in 18th Century Pennsylvania and better tell the stories of Hand’s slaves. Hans Herr House Museum is the oldest surviving house in Lancaster County. The Museum contains three Pennsylvania German farmhouses, several barns, a blacksmith shop, smokehouse, outdoor bake oven, and farm equipment that spans three centuries. The Longhouse also teaches about the life and culture of the Native Americans who lived here before the Europeans settled in the area.

Ice cream and cows at Pine View Dairy

Pine View Dairy has been a part of the Lancaster County community since 1971. Pine View prides themselves on their fresh milk and homemade ice cream. They offer flavored milk as well as cream line, whole, low fat, and nonfat milk, and over 25 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet. Numerous sundaes, milkshakes, and “moo mixers” are also available.

Lancaster Central Market
Lancaster Central Market is the oldest, continuously running public farmers’ market in the country, founded in 1730. The market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. More than 60 vendors call Central Market home, with the three longest-running stands clocking in more than 100 years, 80 years, and 60 years with the market. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s candy and snacks, coffee and tea, farm produce, or ethnic food!

Park City Mall, The Shops @ Rockvale, or Tanger Outlets

Park City Mall has more than 150 stores, a food court, and full and quick service restaurants. The Shops @ Rockvale has over 90 stores, full and quick service restaurants, and a Comfort Inn. Tanger Outlets has over 70 stores and a few places to grab food. You won’t be disappointed, so shop until you drop!

Coffee or tea at Prince Street Cafe
Prince Street Cafe was established in 2006 and is just steps from the Fulton Theater. Breakfast is served all day, there’s a variety of vegetarian and vegan meal options, and drinks include smoothies, hot and cold drinks, and loose leaf tea. With the welcoming atmosphere, Prince Street Cafe will become your go-to cafe if you have classes at the Ware Center downtown.

Breakfast at Lyndon City Line Diner or Knight and Day Diner

Personally, I am a huge fan of diner breakfasts. Both Lyndon Diner and Knight and Day have a wide selection of breakfast including breakfast specials, eggs and omelets, pancakes, french toast, and waffles. Both diners have exceptional lunch and dinner menus as well.

Hiking at Chickies Rock Park
Chickies Rock Park is Lancaster County’s second-largest regional park. The park includes Chiques Creek, Donegal Creek, and parts of the Susquehanna River. The hike to Chickies Rock is roughly half a mile and an easy trail, aside from the steep climb at the beginning. Chickies Rock Overlook is located more than 100 feet above the Susquehanna River and railroad tracks, and because it’s located at a bend in the river, it’s possible to see for miles in every direction.

Images courtesy of Rylan Harvey and Flickr.

Academics, Lifestyle / Hall Life

Helpful Tips To Help You Prep For Finals Week

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It is that time of the year again, the dreadful finals week. All of the 15 weeks of non-stop hard work leads up to this defining moment. Finals week can be intimidating, but very manageable if you plan ahead. Taking the time to fully process finals week and everything that comes with it is very important and can make a huge difference to how things play out. Here are some tips to help you prep for finals week.

 

 

  1. Write down each of your final times in your planner

The finals week schedule comes out early each semester so you can plan ahead and know when your test time is for each class. If you write down the date and time, you can plan out how many days in advance you want to start studying and what time you should get up each day during finals. This is also helpful so you do not forget the time you are supposed to be at a certain exam.

2. Start studying ahead of time

Studying ahead of time can help you learn the topics better and alleviate some stress during finals week. Each student most likely has an exam in each class which can total out to about 5 exams, so making time to study for each one can be tricky. If we utilize the week before finals week to study, we can take extra time to make sure our studying is not rushed and that we have adequate time to study for each exam we have.

3. Plan out time to relax

Finals week is very stressful, so it is also a great idea to take time for yourself and give your brain a rest. If you need a break from studying try taking a walk outside, watching a movie or going to the gym to get your mind off of your exams or projects!

4. Pack up some of your items in your room a week before you move out

Finals week also signifies the end of the semester which means it is time to move out. Moving out can also be an added stress during this already stressful time. To avoid getting even more stressed, try to pack a majority of items in your room that you are not using ahead of time so you do not have to do it last minute. If you live in the residence hall you can find a schedule of the move out times and other information here.

5.  Study with friends

Studying in a group can sometimes be more effective than studying alone. This can be very beneficial because if someone knows some information better than you, they can help you piece together what you are not understanding. Also, you can use the other person for moral support to get to the library and put the appropriate time of studying in.

6. Attend office hours if you have questions or do not understand a topic

If  you are not understanding a topic or have a question, your professor is a great source. This is also a great way to show your professor you are serious about this class and you want to succeed and get a great grade on the final.

7. Stay well rested

Finals week can be very tiring, especially if you are staying up late to prepare for exams night after night. Each night you want to make sure you are getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. This is the recommended amount of sleep a person should get each night and it also gives you the right amount of energy you need  to get through the day.

8. Enjoy your last few days on campus

Whether you are graduating or returning next year, enjoy your last few days on campus! Over the summer you will not see this beautiful campus or a majority of your friends, so make sure you have some fun and make memories before you leave.

 

We hope everyone has a great finals week and may the odds be ever in your favor! Tweet us @VilleHousing if you have any finals tips to pass along.

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Lifestyle / Hall Life

Things To Do Before You Graduate From MU

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For many of us on campus, graduation is coming up very quickly, 12 days and counting to be exact. It feels just like yesterday the school year was starting. I know I am starting to get nervous for graduation and everything that comes after it, meaning  ‘adulting’. Before we leave campus and start our way into the workforce, I think there are things each student who goes to Millersville should do in order to make their time on campus complete. As we came to MU for our first year, we thought we had a lot of time, but with classes and everything in between, time went by quicker than we expected. So, I created a list of things you might want to cross off your checklist if you are graduating in May.

 

  1. Place a penny on the Marauder Statue.

We have all heard the stories of placing a penny on the statue for good luck. Many of my friends do not believe it helps or does anything, but I actually place a penny on the statue before every finals week to give me the extra luck I need to ace my finals.

  1. Watch Miller and S’ville swim around in the pond on a beautiful day.

Miller and S’ville are our campus swans who inhabit the pond located by Dilworth and Wickersham. They are very interesting and many students like to watch them make their way around the pond. Just be sure to not ruffle their feathers!

  1. Get something to eat from the Marauder Express.

Many students are passionate about the food truck and it is starting back up again just in time to grab something if you have not yet. They have the campus favorite, ‘the Ville-a-nator’, which many students love and enjoy, so make sure to give it a try!

  1. Go to a sporting event with your friends.

Cheering on our Marauders is a great way to show school spirit and display your Marauder pride in your last couple days on campus.

  1. Spend some time exploring the city of Lancaster with your friends.

Lancaster is a very interesting city and was recently named ‘one of the coolest U.S. cities to visit in 2019’ by Forbes. So make sure you visit some of the trendy cafés and local businesses before you leave the area!

  1. Buy a coffee or other drink from Saxbys.

Saxbys is our campus café that attracts many students each day with their delicious bagels and coffee drinks. Make sure to visit to grab a cold brew or to just sit in their beautifully decorated café to listen to some great playlists!

  1. Play a game of frisbee or catch on the Quad.

The quad is the area located between the residence halls and Gordinier. It is the perfect area to hang out with friends on a sunny day or start up a game of catch.  You will often see students relaxing and playing music to get away from the stress of schoolwork. It is a must if you have some free time to spare!

  1. Take a walk through campus.

As a result of  many busy schedules and having classes in only certain academic buildings, chances are you have not been inside a lot of buildings or places on campus. Taking a walk through can show you some of the hidden study places you have been missing out on.

  1. Go to the dining hall and eat like you are trying to gain the freshman 15 just one more time.

Some of us have moved off campus and do not have a dining plan anymore, so we do not eat at the Upper Deck as often as we used to. It can be nice to go there one more time to eat a bunch of the foods you used to eat all the time as a freshman. You can also try to meet up with some of your old friends you would eat dinner with every night.

10 . Hangout with your friends from freshman year.

Sometimes because of schedules and living situations, we do not see our friends we made from freshman year as often as we would like. So in your last couple weeks on campus, try to contact them to see if they would like to meet up and reminisce about your first couple days or months on campus and the best memories you shared.

11. Pull an all-nighter with your roommate(s).

Sometimes schedules are crazy and you do not get to spend enough time with your friends or roommates. So in your last couple nights, try to stay up all night with them to spend that extra time with them because in a little bit you will not be seeing them everyday.

12. Buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt with your graduation class on it  or alumni items from the University Bookstore.

Buying a t-shirt with your graduation year on it is a great keepsake to have to look back on your time at college. Also, alumni items are great to wear around to show your Marauder Pride after you graduate! You can find Class of 2019 items and alumni merchandise here.

13. Take pictures in front of famous MU landmarks.

If you are graduating, chances are you are going to want to take  pictures to remember your time on campus. So, grab your friends and take pictures in front of the most recognizable places on campus or the places you spent the most time at. For example, I know I want to take pictures near the big Millersville University sign at the front of campus, the Biemesderfer Center and of course the pond. Here are some other great places to get pictures taken!

14. Look back at the all the hard work and courses you have taken during your time here.

Sometimes it is good to look back at all the assignments and projects you had to complete to get you to where you are. These assignments can show you how much you learned and the type of things you are capable of completing.

15. Thank the people who were with you for the last four/five/six years of your life.

However long it has taken you to get to this point, you are graduating and I am sure there were people in your life who have helped you get to this point. It is important to thank your friends, parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and anyone else you may  have gotten advice or support from. This is a big moment and it is important to look back on how you got to this point and who supported you! You should be proud of yourself.