Tag Archives: Millersville University

Announcements

Residence Hall Winter Break 2021 Bulletin

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Winter break housing will start at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The residence halls will be closed during the winter break. The residence halls will reopen on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at 12:00 PM. Resident students who are continuing in the residence halls to spring 2022 may request break housing for all or portions of the winter break by completing the MyHousing registration for Winter Break Housing through your MAX account no later than Noon on Friday, December 3, 2021. This includes requests for both the December and January portions of the winter break.

While we do offer winter break housing for residential students continuing into the spring 2022 semester, we encourage you to take full advantage of the break. You must be formally approved through the application process to remain over the winter break. Various approved reasons, include the following:

  • International student status
  • Formal independent status
  • Credit-bearing academic placements
  • Student athletes scheduled for collegiate athletic competition
  • Other reasons will be considered dependent upon legitimate need

If you are requesting winter break housing and you have scheduled a room change for the spring semester, you must complete the room change before the start of the break. Please see your Residence Area Director (RAD) to make that arrangement. If you are not scheduled to live in the residence halls for the spring 2022 semester you are not eligible to request housing during the winter break. Students assigned to continue housing in the residence halls for spring 2022 are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break nor need to move out all your belongings.

COVID-19 PREPARATIONS

Those students who may become COVID positive will be required to isolate for 10-days in campus housing designated for isolation. Please be aware that those students approved to remain for winter break housing will have to make their own food purchase and delivery arrangements in the case they need to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.

SOUTH VILLAGE WATER LINE REPAIR

Special facilities notice to South Village residents requesting and approved for winter break housing:

  • South Village will undergo a water line repair from Monday, January 3rd through and including Tuesday, January 4, 2022. The South Village A wing will not have any water during this time. South Village B, C, and D wings will only have cold water; hot water will be out for the entire South Village. 
  • Resident approved winter break housing in South Village A will have to make alternate arrangements for water during this time due to this scheduled repair.

WINTER BREAK REQUEST INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Open MAX.
  2. Log into your “My Housing” account.
  3. Click on Applications and click the Winter Break application.
  4. Complete the information required.
  5. You must select a reason for requesting break housing from the drop-down menu. If you select other, you must provide a brief explanation it in the next box.
  6. Select “Continue” to submit your application.
  7. You will receive a response in three (3) business days.

GENERAL WINTER BREAK INFORMATION

  • 24-hour quiet hours go into effect at 9:00 PM on Friday, December 3, 2021, and continue through 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 11, 2021.
  • The residence halls will be closed during winter break except for returning residents who have requested and been approved for winter break housing by University Housing & Conference Services.
  • Card access for all resident students will be discontinued during the winter break. Only returning residents who have requested winter break housing will have card access privileges.
  • Guests and visitation are not permitted during the break.
  • All University Administrative Offices will be closed for the holidays from Friday, December 24, 2021, until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022. Residence hall offices will have limited hours of operation during the break. See the front desk of your residence hall for contact information.
  • See Dining Services, Health Services, and SMC websites for hours of operation.
  • For non-urgent police and campus calls during holiday closing times dial (717) 871-4357. For fire, police, and EMS emergencies, always dial 911.
  • Students assigned to continue housing in the residence halls for spring 2022 are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break nor need to move out all your belongings.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staff will be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that may require entrance to resident rooms. The University Housing & Conference Services staff may post a courtesy sign on your door indicating that the room is occupied during the winter break. This sign will ensure that workers will not enter your room without knocking. Please leave it in place for the duration of the winter break.
  • All students assigned to the residence hall for fall 2021 are assigned to continue in the residence halls for spring 2022 unless you have filed an official withdrawal from the University, filed and been approval for an official leave of absence for spring 2022, filed for leave of absence due to call to active military service for spring 2022, filed or been approved for study abroad for spring 2022, or are a current study abroad visa international student not returning for the spring 2022 semester. All these circumstances require that you are not registered for classes at Millersville University for spring 2022.

WINTER BREAK PREPARATION PROCEDURES

The residence hall staff will conduct health and safety inspections in each residence hall suite at the start of the winter break. Please carefully review the following instructions and information to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance of your residence hall suite/room.

Prior to the start of the break, all resident students MUST:

  • Dispose of all trash by removing it to the dumpster in the parking lots outside your residence hall.
  • Clean the room/suite including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, showers to the residence hall staff.
  • Remove food from your refrigerator and properly dispose of it through proper trash removal.
  • Defrost your refrigerator.
  • If you are leaving for the break, turn off the lights.
  • If you are leaving for the break, set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window (Villages).
  • If you are leaving for the break, lower the blinds halfway but leave them open.
  • If you are leaving for the break, lock your bedroom door and your suite door.
  • If you are leaving for the break please move all items from your residence hall floor, especially computer equipment and any items that can be damaged by flooding.
  • If you are leaving for the break and you have an approved animal through Learning Services in your room, you must take the animal with you. You may not leave animals in the residence hall in the care of another student or staff member.

Congratulations to our December 2021 graduates!

Happy Holidays and stay safe!

Announcements

Residence Hall Thanksgiving Break 2021 Bulletin

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The Thanksgiving break will begin at the after the last class on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. The residence halls will remain open for occupancy during the Thanksgiving break with a modified office hours schedule, but we ask resident students to register an intention to stay on campus during the Thanksgiving break (this includes those residents requesting to leave late and / or returning early) no later than 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

This registration is for Thanksgiving break only. There is no additional cost to stay over the Thanksgiving break. Please register subsequent breaks separately as the portal and instructions become available for each break period. Winter break information will come within the following weeks.

Follow these instructions:

  1. Open MAX (for best results, please use Google Chrome, or Firefox, do not use Internet Explorer).
  2. Log into your My-Housing account.
  3. Select Application from the menu in black and then choose Break Housing Thanksgiving 2021 on the drop-down menu.
  4. Complete the required information.
  5. You must select a reason for requesting break housing from the drop-down menu.  If you select other, you must explain it in the next box.
  6. Select “Continue” to submit your application.

The Residence Hall Staff may conduct Health and Safety Inspections in each residence hall suite at the start of the Thanksgiving break. Please carefully review the following instructions and information to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance of your residence hall suite/room.

Thanksgiving Break Housing Information:

  • The residence halls will be operational during Thanksgiving break.
  • All University Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25, 2021, and Friday, November 26, 2021.
  • Guests and Visitation are not permitted during the break.
  • Residence Hall Offices will have limited hours of operation during the break – see front desk for contact information.
  • See Dining Services and Health Services websites for hours of operation.
  • The SMC will be closed from 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2021 until Noon Sunday, November 28, 2021.
  • Non-urgent police and campus calls dial (717) 871-4357. Emergencies dial 911.
  • Students are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staffs may be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that require entrance to resident rooms. The Housing Staff may post a courtesy sign on your door indicating that the room is occupied. This sign will ensure that workers will not enter your room without knocking. Please leave it in place for the duration of the break.

Thanksgiving Break Preparation Procedures:

Prior to the start of the break, all resident students MUST:

  • Dispose of all trash by removing it to the dumpster in the parking lots outside your residence hall.
  • Clean your room/suite, including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, and showers to the residence hall staff.
  • Remove stale food from your refrigerator and properly dispose of it through proper trash removal.
  • If you are leaving for the break, turn off the lights.
  • If you are leaving for the break, set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window (Villages).
  • If you are leaving for the break, lower the blinds halfway, but leave them open.
  • If you are leaving for the break, lock your bedroom door and your suite door.
  • If you are leaving for the break, please move all items from your residence hall floor, especially computer equipment and any items that can be damaged by flooding.
  • If you are leaving for the break and you have a Learning Services approved animal in your room, you MUST take the animal with you. You MAY NOT leave animals in the residence hall in the care of another student or staff member.

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Announcements

Fall 2021 Housing “Movers & Shakers” Volunteers Needed

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The Department of University Housing & Conference Services (UHCS) is looking for returning students, staff, faculty, and alumni to serve as volunteer  “Movers & Shakers” for move-in help on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to also help with our transfer student move-in on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. Movers & Shakers are responsible for meeting and greeting new students, their families, and helping to move students’ belongings into their rooms in the residence halls.

Student Movers & Shakers will be required to attend a short instructional meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. in the Great Room of South Village.

Benefits of being a volunteer “Mover & Shaker” includes the following responsibilities and benefits:

1. Volunteers who live in the residence halls can move in early on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 between 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
2. A free limited edition t-shirt to identify yourself as a “Mover & Shaker” (*the t-shirt logo is illustrated above)
3. Free continental breakfast served on Thursday and Saturday
4. Free lunch served on Thursday afternoon
5. Students who help on both Thursday and Saturday will receive a special Millersville University promotional item.
6. The opportunity to be a servant leader
7. To actively demonstrate our EPPIIC Values as we welcome new students and their families to Millersville University

*** Students: Please note that if you sign up, move into the residence halls early as a Mover & Shaker, and do not participate as promised, you will be billed accordingly for the early move-in period as well as the cost of the shirt. 
If you would like to help, please visit the following page to sign-up:

This is an exciting opportunity as it brings our University community together to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year. We hope you’ll be a part of this great tradition!

Announcements, Living-Learning Communities

Join a Campus Living-Learning Community

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A living-learning community (LLC) is a group of students who live together in the same residence hall building and share similar academic or special interests. Intentionally designed cocurricular learning activities are provided for the students to foster student engagement with their peers.

Here are some of our goals with LLC’s:

  • Increase students’ peer interactions related to academics outside the classroom
  • Deepen students’ social integration into the university
  • Connect students to cocurricular opportunities that will enhance their academic experiences

Research on LLC’s illustrates the following:

  • Students in LLCs perceive a stronger intellectual dimension to their living environment and perform better academically even after controlling for pre-college achievement.
  • Students living in LLCs vs. traditional halls show a statistically higher level of academic self-confidence and scored higher in confidence in college success (i.e., math, English, writing courses, and test-taking skills).
  • LLCs can have a lasting effect on student persistence and gains in disciplinary and general knowledge.
  • Levels of academic engagement reported by LLC participants is greater than their non-participating peers

Works cited:

Inkelas, K. K., & Soldner, M. (2011). Undergraduate Living-Learning Programs and Student Outcomes. In J.C. Smart & M.B. Paulsen (Eds.), Higher education: Handbook of theory (pp. 1-55). Netherlands: Springer.

Schroeder, C.C. & Mable, P. (Eds.). (1994). Realizing the educational potential of residence halls. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Millersville’s Living Learning Communities:
Honors College

This program is designed to provide a challenging and enriching education for talented and motivated students. Throughout your journey at Millersville, the Honors College will provide academic guidance and opportunities, which will prepare you to prosper in graduate/professional schools or in the professional world.

“The Honors College LLC in South Village helps Honors students build friendships and connections with their peers. Living among other students who you attend class, clubs, community service, and other events with creates a strong sense of community. Many students utilize the various common areas in South to study together, work on group projects, or to just hang out. I’ve met so many great people by simply hanging out in the lounge while doing my homework!” says Michael Skros, an Honors College Peer Mentor.

Click HERE to apply!

Women in STEM

The Women in STEM LLC empowers young women in STEM fields to learn and grow in a supportive, collaborative, engaging environment that is designed to promote life-long confidence and camaraderie while also exploring and excelling in their courses. You will receive regular peer and faculty mentorship. Amanda McKee, a student in the Women in STEM LLC says the following about her experience living there: “The Women in STEM LLC has really helped me with my confidence within my STEM major. Being able to connect with other women who are going through a similar experience was a great way to start my college experience. This LLC is a great way to broaden your knowledge of careers after you graduate.”

You will gain skills such as leadership, confidence, networking, awareness of the interdisciplinary connections within STEM fields. Additionally, you will gain exposure to those already working in the field and develop camaraderie with other young women pursuing a career in STEM fields. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the community is filled.

Click HERE to apply!

Social Advocacy

This program empowers students to be aware of cultural and social diversity within our society. You will be surrounded by fellow students who are enthusiastic about advocacy, equality, social justice, and social inclusion. You will gain skills such as increased self-awareness, knowledge of rights, effective communication, leadership, networking, and the ability to work in diverse environments. Today’s graduates need to effectively serve the communities in which they live and work, while being good global citizens. Sarah Perales, a student living in the community, says, “Being a part of the Social Advocacy Living Learning Community has given me a unique and memorable college experience with lots of opportunities to get engaged on campus and in the local community. I have been able to make strong connections with students to make lasting friendships and make strong connections with faculty to gain support throughout my academic career.”

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the community is filled.

Click HERE to apply!

ROTC

The ROTC LLC provides students the opportunity to live in a community with other students who are interested in military service from the first day they arrive on campus. While living in the ROTC LLC, students will be exposed to resources, skill-building and current members of the Millersville ROTC program. The LLC will facilitate contact with ROTC student leaders, ROTC faculty and staff, and military professionals. Formal and informal professional development opportunities will help students learn about military service opportunities. The LLC will provide a basis for a supportive student network that will benefit students while at Millersville and after graduation.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Military Science course to live in this community and will be accepted on a space availability until it is filled.

Click HERE to apply!

LGBTQ+ & Allies

Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally? Then our LGBTQ+ & Allies affinity housing might just be for you. This immersive community is developed for first-year students interested in learning about LGBTQ+ identities, history and social advocacy. When you live here, you’ll work alongside faculty and staff in bi-monthly meetings to engage with other like-minded students who are interested in LGBTQ+ related issues or shared identities to build a community based on mutual respect, understanding, and affirmation.

We will also intentionally learn about the history of LGBTQ+ identities, social movements, culture, health and others lived experiences through guided discussions. Student living in this community will be able to participate in trips and community service opportunities with local LGBTQ+ organizations. This community will provide a brave-space for students to show up authentically, learn and grow from one another!

Click HERE to apply!

___________________________________________________________________________

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.  Graduating 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, 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.

___________________________________________________________________________

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!

___________________________________________________________________________

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:

___________________________________________________________________________

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:

Instagram: @villehousing. Instagram Nametag:

 

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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Advice, New / Prospective Students, Resources

Supporting Your Residential Student During COVID

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Parents, supporting your college student is always important, but it’s especially important now that college looks so different because of the pandemic.  Keep reading to find out how you can motivate your student to learn and support them in their journey towards a college degree during COVID.

1. Check in with them regularly: It’s important to check in with your student about their academic progress and general well being throughout the semester. Consider having your student send you their class schedule so you can check in with them before or after a class, especially on days where they have a presentation or a test. Follow different Millersville University accounts on social media to find out about events happening for both students on and off campus, and encourage your student to attend and participate.

2. Offer your student help: If your student is having trouble keeping up with their classes, ask them what is making their classes so challenging and if there is anything you can do to help. Encourage them to contact their advisor and visit the Millersville University website for helpful resources. Knowing that they have your support and that they can come to you when they are struggling is extremely important, even if there isn’t much you can do to help with their specific situation. If they’re discouraged about the fact that most classes and events are virtual, simply listen to how they’re feeling and sympathize with them. Sometimes the best help you can offer is being a good listener.

3. Make sure they have a suitable learning environment: The main way you can positively impact your students learning environment while they’re living in the residence halls is by making sure they have the proper technology to take classes and get their schoolwork done. Having the appropriate technology is important so that students can stay connected in class and can attend every class session without issues. Laptops and computers can be a bit pricey, so if your student needs a new one, we encourage you to let them know about student discounts like this one or this one. 

4. Encourage your student to overcome challenges: Having some or all of your classes online can be difficult, but it is doable. Remind your student that it is there responsibility as a student to make the most of their classes by attending each one, paying attention, participating, and completing assignments on time. If they are a first-time student, remind them that college is an adjustment and it may not be easy now, but will get better with time and hard work. Remind them that they’re not alone – every college student is experiencing challenges. Showing that you’re not giving up on them will help your student not give up on themselves.

5. Remind them they can still be involved in campus life: College students who are living both on campus may feel like they’re not connecting with other students because most classes are virtual. Fortunately, Millersville is offering lots of virtual events and activities for all students to participate in and make connections at. Students can also still join clubs and meet new people through virtual club meetings. They should also reach out to students in their classes, especially classes they may be struggling with, to get help with assignments, hold virtual study sessions, and just have someone to talk to who can relate to what they’re going through. Tell your student these things if you think they’re feeling disconnected from campus life.

6. Show enthusiasm about their success: Students willingness to do their best work  is heavily influenced by the support or lack thereof from the people in their life. As a parent, it is important that you encourage your student to have a positive attitude about college. Boost their confidence by telling them you believe in them and that you’ll be proud of them as long as they try their best. Remember that every student’s “best” looks different, so it’s important to know what your student is capable of and not push them past their limits.

Here are links to some helpful resources:

Whether you went to college or not, or whether your student is a graduate student or a freshman, there are plenty of ways you can support them during their time in college. Be there for them and tell them about the resources Millersville offers students to help them do their best and enjoy their college experience. Remember that you’re on this journey along with your student, and your support has a major impact on their success.

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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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Student Life

Spring 2021 Parking Reminder

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Residential students, please remember to only park in your assigned blue lined parking space when you are at your residence hall to avoid receiving a fine. If you have not done so already, be sure to apply for a parking permit.
Click here to visit the parking division webpage to learn more about how to apply for a parking permit and other important parking information.

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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:

Instagram: @villehousing. Instagram Nametag: