Nontraditional Student Updates and Reminders

Monday, May 12, 2008

Greetings!
Here we are at finals week already. For some of you this week may have approached far too quickly. For others, it didn't come soon enough! I hope that your week is going well. For those of you who were new this semester, I am SO PROUD of you for completing your first semester (or first semester back for those of you who had stopped out for a bit). For those of you who are graduating on Saturday, I am SO PROUD of you and your wonderful accomplishment! It took a lot of hard work for all of you to get to where you are today. Please take time to relish in the moment-- to appreciate the accomplishment, and to take pride in achieving your goal. You and your families can be so proud! I applaud your determination and dedication and I wish you the best in your future!

Kudos to Nontrads!
To Nicole Ray, graduate student in the History department who won the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in the college of Arts and Sciences. We are proud of your accomplishments, Nicole!

To Rebecca Streit for receiving the Richard and Jane Hibbard Scholarship at the Alumni Awards luncheon last week.
Nontrads Rock!

Finals Week Stress Reliever—TODAY!
FREE Pizza – Soda – Ice Cream Sundaes
Fresh fruit & veggies
Monday, May 12
4 – 6 p.m.
Presidents Room, Davies Center
RSVP to websteck@uwec.edu

I know this is a busy time for you but, I would appreciate if you would take a couple of minutes (that's really all it will take!) to fill out a short survey evaluating your experience with the Nontraditional Student Services Office and to make certain that we are serving you as best we can. This survey is completely confidential. Information will be used to assess how we are meeting your needs and to plan activities and programs for future semesters. Just click on the link below and submit when you are finished. Please complete the survey by May 23rd.

https://www.uwec.edu/websurvey/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=30I5931M59l404

Thank you in advance for your assistance in completing the survey and thank you to those who have already submitted your responses!

McIntyre Library to offer extended hours and free coffee
McIntyre Library will be open 24 hours the week before and of finals again this semester.
The library will be open:
   • From 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 11, to 7 p.m. Friday, May 16.

Free coffee, sponsored by Sodexho and McIntyre Library, will be available to students studying in the library from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, May 11-15. For more information, contact Kati Tvaruzka, at tvaruzke@uwec.edu or 836-4522, or call the library's reference desk at 836-3858.

The library will be closed Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18.

Resources available for end-of-semester stress
A number of campus resources are available to assist UW-Eau Claire students throughout the year. However, during final exam week, students may find the following departments to be especially helpful:
    • Academic Skills Center
    • Academic Advising
    • Career Services
    • Counseling Services
    • Services for Students with Disabilities
    • Student Development and Diversity
    • Student Health Service
A complete list of campus support services is available online.

Trying to get into a Speech class? Think about taking it over the summer class!
Instructor Nicole Schultz is EAGERLY seeking students to enroll in her CJ 202 Section 004 (Fundamentals of Speech) class for the summer. CJ 202 Section 004 (July 7-August 1, Monday-Friday, 9:15am-11:40am).

2008 Commencement

UW Eau Claire Commencement will be Saturday, May 19. Listed below is important information for graduates-

Seating for guests
Doors to the arena will open at 8:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. respectively for guest seating. Tickets are required for all guests, including babies and small children. Students should visit the Activities & Programs Office to make arrangements for special needs seating. A musical prelude begins a half-hour before the ceremony.
Remote site broadcast
There will be a remote site broadcast of the ceremony in Davies Theatre. Davies Theatre is located in the W. R. Davies Center, just across the campus mall from Zorn Arena and provides a particularly comfortable space for elderly guests and those with small children. No tickets are required for the remote site broadcast. Refreshments available at this site.
Arrival of graduates
Candidates should arrive NO LATER THAN 8:40 a.m. or 1:10 p.m. respectively. Enter at the door to the arena marked "Graduates Only." Belongings may be stored in Kjer Theatre near the Information Table. Please do not leave purses, wallets, or other valuables in the theatre.
Photographs
Professional photographs will be taken of all graduates as they receive their diplomas . Proofs will be emailed approximately three weeks after the ceremony. No standing at the front for photos during the ceremony. Personal photos may be taken on the platform following the ceremony.
Diplomas
Graduates will receive only a diploma cover during the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to graduate's permanent address 4-8 weeks after commencement.

Recessional and Reception
Stay seated as the platform party and faculty exit the arena. Graduates do not march from the arena, so make arrangements for a meeting place with guests beforehand. A reception will take place immediately following the ceremony on the campus mall lawn or in the Spruce/Tamarack Room of Davies Center, depending on the weather. All graduates and guests are welcome.
For more information about Commencement contact Dr. Beverly Soll, Commencement Coordinator, at 715-836-4833.

Text Book Rental Returns

Spring 2008 text book rental materials must be returned no later than Friday, May 16, 2008. The University Bookstore will have extended hours throughout finals week. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The University Bookstore will remain be open from 7:30 a.m. -7:30 p.m. on May 18. All rental transactions require a valid student Blugold Card.

Books may be returned at any time before May 16, and may be brought back one at a time. A fine will be assessed on each book not returned by May 16 at 7:30 p.m. The late fine will be $1 per book, May 19 - May 23. On May 26, the fine will increase to $5 per book.

Rental books not returned by four weeks after the term ends will be assessed an additional handling fee of $20. At that time the borrower forfeits the right to return the overdue book, and book will no longer be accepted at the University Bookstore. All fines and fees, as well as the full purchase price of the book, then become due and payable at the University Business Office.

Students will be required to pay for any lost, damaged or misplaced rental book. Contact the University Bookstore about any lost or damaged books by May 16 to prevent late fees and additional charges.

Summer Tuition, Financial Aid & Fall Registration

Paying Tuition - Summer Session - Informational electronic bills will be emailed to all students to their University of WI-Eau Claire email address on May 7th. Payment is due in full on your first day of class or June 9, 2008, whichever comes first, to avoid a $6 per credit administrative service fee. You can also review your account or obtain a bill anytime on MyBlugold.

Financial Aid Disbursement - Summer Session - If your aid exceeds your University costs, refunds will be disbursed on or after your first day of class from 8:00a.m. through 4:00p.m. at the Cashier's Window, Schofield Hall 108. For classes beginning May 19th, refunds may be delayed approximately a week while Spring Semester academic progress is being reviewed. If you wish to have your financial aid refund check mailed to you when your class(es) begin, please complete the instruction at this web site: http://www.uwec.edu/bussvs/busoff/refundAuth.htm. For more information about billing go to http://www.uwec.edu/bussvs/busoff/index.htm

Have a great week-- I will be around all summer and available if you have any questions or needs. I am here Monday through Thursday during the summer. Bonnie

Nurturing Thought:
The future is not a gift; it is an achievement.
-unknown

Campus Events for the Week:

STUDY FOR FINALS—TAKE FINAL EXAMS!

Monday, May 12
Books for Africa Drive. The UW-Eau Claire chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society will host a Books for Africa drive. The Society will collect used textbooks through May 16. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to drop off their gently used books in the bins located in Davies Center by the Service Center and University Bookstore. More information.

Tuesday, May 13 Planetarium Program. Tonight's show, "Top Ten Celestial Objects," is recommended for adults and children 10 and older. Tickets are $2 and will be sold at the planetarium before the show. L.E. Phillips Planetarium, 7 p.m. See related item May 17. More information.

Saturday, May 17 Children's Planetarium Program. Today's show, "Mr. Genius Tours the Solar System," is a lighthearted introduction to astronomy aimed at children four and older. Tickets are $2 and will be sold at the planetarium before the show. L.E. Phillips Planetarium, 11 a.m. to noon. See related item May 13. More information.

Monday, May 19
Three-Week Summer Session Begins.

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