Fall Issue 2006 Dear Parents, Welcome to the first University of Mary Parent e-newsletter.  The goal of publishing this newsletter electronically is to connect parents to the University of Mary events and activities. I hope that you find the Newsletter helpful with connecting to the University and your student. Sister Gerard Wald Coordinator of First Year Experience Director of Student Volunteers Orientation and Homecoming Ease Transition to College The fall semester began with Orientation of new students. The highlight of Orientation Week was a 24-hour trip of all freshmen students to the North Dakota Badlands and the world famous western town of Medora.  The trip after checking into motels and dinner, the students enjoyed a relaxing evening at the Medora Musical followed by an outdoor dance at the Tjaden Terrace. Students are still talking about what a positive experience this trip was for them. "I still hang out with the friends a made on that trip." Hayley Buchholz The week of September 17-23 saw many Homecoming events which included the Homecoming Dinner, coronation of King Brooks Hetle and Queen Marsha Gaye-Knight. The week culminated with the Homecoming football game against  Concordia-St. Paul and a dance with the famous Johnny Holm Band. University Marauders and NCAA II The Marauders are getting used to competing in the Northern Sun Athletic conference. The fall sports: soccer, golf, cross country and volleyball are experiencing success at their new level of competition. The football team won two successive football games at Southwest Minnesota State and Bemidji State at their opponent's homecomimg games. After these wins the Marauders are feeling confident that they have the ability to compete in NCAA II competition. Freshmen Seminars Help Students Succeed Freshmen students meet in small groups during the freshmen year. The seminar covers Academic Competence strategies, The Benedictine Tradition and Career Exploration.  The seminars are lead by a faculty advisor and a peer mentor. The goal for the seminar is to help students adapt to the college environment and use the resources available for college success. Students to be recognized during Leadership Week The Annual Leadership Week will be celebrated October 23-28.  The week's activities will be kicked-off with campus-wide food drive for the Bismarck-Mandan Emergency Food Pantry. The University's satellite campuses will also particpate in a food drive for their local communities.  On Wednesday, the University community will gather for "Celebration of Service" during which student organization leaders will be recognized for the leadership and services they provide on and off campus. On Thursday, motivator Craig Zablocky will lead a convocation titled "Unleashing the Leader within you" and will meet with smaller leadership groups throughout the day. At the convocation two students  will be presented the Presidential Award for Servant Leadership. The week will conclude with recognition of the Bismarck-Mandan Emergency Food Pantry for their outstanding service to the people of the local community. Also recognized will be Sister Maryann Welder, OSB for her 22 years of service as a volunteer to the Food Pantry. Freshmen prepare for spring semester Registration for spring semester is around the corner.  Students will meet with their advisor at the end of October to select courses for their spring schedule. As a part of the spring semester offerings is the spring semester course titled Servant Leadership in the Profession.  This course will introduce students to professional development skills alond with a service learning component. Students may choose one section of this course that is most closely related to their choice of majors. As an alternative the students may choose a course for Peer Mentors, Ambassadors and/or Resident Assistants. Research shows that students who connect with student groups are more likely to persist and willmostly likely return in the fall semester. Secrets to Academic Success The first semester of a student's college career is a challenging time. Students are getting used to a new environment, new friends, new instructors and a more challenging curriculum that requires extensive reading and writing. Students are also learning how to manage their time and balance all the demands of college life. Considering all these adjustment issues, it is not uncommon for a student to experience lower grades in college than in high school. The secret to college success lies in developing good time managment and good study habits. The following are proven strategies for success: Attending class daily, preparing for class, completing assignments on getting 7-8 hours of sleep, seek help from instructors and tutors as needed. Parents can assist students in being successful by encouraging them to implement these strategies, being supportive when grades are not what what was expected, and to complement the student when the student does well. Students Helping Students The  University of Mary has a tutoring program that is available and FREE to students who are struggling with classes. It is recommended that if a student gets a grade of C or below that the student seek tutoring. Students who excel in courses are available for peer tutoring 1-2 times a week to assist students with difficult courses.  To apply for a tutor, the student may contact the Tutor Coordinator at ext. 8152. Upcoming University Events for Parents and Families October 29                            Band Concert November 3-4                        Panorama VII Anual Steel Drum Concert November 11                         Marauder Football at the Metrodome November 16-20                    Theater production: Glass Menagerie  November 23-26                    Thanksgiving Break December 2-3                        Christmas at Mary Concert December 14-January 3           Christmas Break February 24- March 4              Spring Break April 6-9                                Easter Break April 28                                 Commencement