Studying Tips for Finals

Even for students who have mastered the art of studying, studying for finals is an anxiety-provoking process. However, if you have laid the groundwork for success by attending class, taking notes and reading the assigned materials, performing well on the final exam is a matter of using some of the same efforts and organizational skills you’ve used throughout the course of the semester.

Here are a few tips and suggestions:

• Don’t over do it. Although it is important to study, that should not be all that you do during the day. Take some time out to exercise for an hour or go out to lunch/dinner. You will learn more efficiently with breaks in between your studying and your brain will certainly feel better. However, I advise that you avoid Facebook, during your free time. We all know that a few minutes on Facebook can soon turn into an hour. You would be best to avoid Facebook altogether until you are completely done studying for the day. Make sure to take breaks, just not for Facebook.
• Create an environment conducive to studying. Stop trying to convince yourself that the corner café is a suitable study locale. Your study site must be free of distractions, well lit, comfortable (but not bed-like) and ample enough to spread out your books and notes.
• Form a study group. You must not pick your social buddies for this group; rather, choose a few conscientious students that rarely missed class. Compare notes, quiz each other and keep one another on task.
• Freshen up your notes for the final. The notes you took in class are full of extraneous information that distracts you from the essence of the material. Now that you have the benefit of hindsight, you must process the course material as one cohesive unit. Make an outline of each day’s notes to achieve this understanding.
•  Sleep! We all perform well when properly rested. Unfortunately, college students are in a constant cycle of sleep deprivation. Despite this, it is important to get a good night’s sleep before taking finals. It has been scientifically proven that humans are more productive after a good rest. Make time to sleep; you will test better if you sacrifice some of your studying for sleep. Do not underestimate the power of rest.

                             

This semester, the Bell Memorial Union (BMU) will hold extended hours beginning the Sunday before finals week for students who need a place to study and meet with group members for projects.

The AS will also provide free snacks for students on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The snacks can be found on the second floor, in the study lounge, near the door to BMU 203.

BMU 204, 211 and 210 will be available to students who want to study in a quiet room.

The schedule is:

Sunday:                12:00 – 11:00PM
Monday:              7:00AM – 1:00AM
Tuesday:              7:00AM – 1:00AM
Wednesday:       7:00AM – 1:00AM
Thursday:            7:00AM – 11:00PM
Friday:                  7:00AM – 7:00PM

If you have any questions about the BMU extended study hours, please e-mail the AS Vice President of Facilities and Services, Kate Knutsen at asvpfs@csuchico.edu or call (530) 898-5701.

Goodluck Wildcats!

The Wildcat Way!

 

                                              

So you want to be apart of our school, instead of it just being a building that provides you with classes and a lot of studying? However, you have no talent (doubtful!), or have no time or desire to join extra curricular activities due a heavy load of classes? No need for you to worry!! You can get involved with our school activities by simply attending them and showing your support.

Our Campus provides opportunities to show support:

• Wildcat Wednesdays: This is an opportunity to wear Chico State gear and by doing so, receive free giveaways, and discounts at the Wildcat Store and the AS Market Place
• Attend an athletic game
• Attend different events
• Volunteer or go to fundraisers

There are so many things you can attend that our University  hosts throughout the year. If you don’t have the time and are extremely overwhelmed with your program to make the effort to attend a party or sport game, think about volunteering with the Community Action Volunteer in Education (CAVE) or your college in an activity that pertains to your major. Maybe it’s Social Science or Criminal Justice, whatever your major may be…. think of all the benefits community work will have for you. Not only do you get the community hours that almost every employer looks for when hiring, but when you are super tired the next day, you can justify it as you working towards your dream job!

I find that school events are always better with a group of friends. Gather together your best buddies and go to the soccer, volleyball or basketball games! It’ll be a blast of a good time. It’s also always better if you dress up in Chico State gear!

Study Tips for the Semester

Here is a scenario many college undergraduates find themselves in: So, you’re sitting in your room, eating instant ramen noodles and thinking to yourself, “Hey, I’m here to learn something!” You pull your books out from underneath your bed and try to read a few chapters, only to discover that it’s not going so well.

Many of us didn’t have to spend so much time studying in high school and so now, we just don’t know how to do it. At least that was the case with me when I first got to college. Here are some tips that I have learned along the way. This is  for all of you who are new to this whole college thing, and also for those of you who might have been here for a while and are still trying to figure it out.

• Get Out of the Dorm Living: Living in the dorms is a great experience, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not a place conducive to good study habits. There are far too many distractions. People can knock on your door and ask you to go out, or you might find yourself falling asleep . You’re better off finding a quiet corner of the Meriam library, the BMU 2nd floor lounge area, or my personal favorite, pulling up a chair at a coffee shop and sipping a cup of tea as you get your work done.
• All Nighters = Bad Idea!! I’m sure this comes as no surprise to most of you, but all nighters are BAD. Not only does it mess up your sleep schedule, but when your brain is deprived of sleep it doesn’t work as well. You won’t remember most of what you studied during an all nighter, and if you’re writing a paper the quality will be far less than if you’d done it at 3 PM rather than 3 AM.
• Choose Study Groups Wisely.  Studying with others is a good idea. Turning a study group into a party group, however, is not. If you study with people you know you’re going to spend most of your time chatting with, you’re not going to get much done. You’re better off studying with a group of acquaintances that are in the same class than a group of friends you’d normally go out on the town with. If you study with people from your classes who you didn’t know prior, the one thing you’ll have in common is that you’re in the same class so you’ll find yourself talking more about that class and less about who is dating who among your group of friends.
• Turn off your computer if you don’t need it. Facebook can wait, but that ten page paper due tomorrow cannot.
• Procrastination does NOT make it happen!!

Be patient with yourself if you’re a freshman – adjusting to college coursework is tough. And if you have been here for awhile, it’s never to late to learn. You can get good grades if you put in the time and effort.

Job Opportunity: Big Cat Productions

Big Cat Productions is now recruiting for Event Programmers!

4 positions available

10 hours per week (on average)

Big Cat Productions’ mission is to provide a culture of fun, spirit and involvement on campus through entertaining and educational events and activities that are low cost or free for students. A Student Union Fee funded program, Big Cat’s offerings will support the strategic priorities of the Associated Students and the University, and will enrich and complement the academic endeavors and campus life for students.

Student Event Programmers will be responsible for researching, developing and implementing a diverse palette of events and activities in the Bell Memorial Union’s auditorium, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Trinity Commons, and other possible campus venues.

Students hired will be able to enhance and utilize their leadership skills with experiential training in all aspects of event planning, marketing & publicity, performance contract negotiations, working with diverse populations and teambuilding.

Qualifications:

·         Ability to work with minimal supervision

·         Strong leadership and organizational skills

·         Demonstrate responsibility, flexibility, good communication, and effective           follow-through

·         Must be currently enrolled in 6 units at CSU, Chico

·         Event programming/planning experience preferred

Resume and cover letter required

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt

To apply for a position, go to http://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=CSUCHICO&cws=4

Campus Involvement

It’s another Tuesday night and you’ve finished your homework and you’re stuck watching a movie that you don’t like with your roommates—and you don’t really like them either. Wasn’t college supposed to be more than this? There is still hope. One of the best ways to get the most out of your college experience is to get involved in extra-curricular activities.

 

How do you find these organizations?

 The AS Student Involvement Fair & BBQ is an exciting event to learn about the activities and programs the Associated Students has to offer. This is also an opportunity to be informed on the different student organizations and programs here at CSU, Chico. This event will be September 13th at Trinity Commons from 10 AM-1 PM. Join us for FREE FOOD, MUSIC, and GAMES

 

But why should you get involved on campus?

After all, you are taking fifteen credits and working a part-time job. You’re tired. But it’s still important to be involved. Involvement in extra-curricular activities enhances your resume. Being a part of these organizations will make you stand out against your peers. Also, it will provide you an opportunity to meet people who have similar interests and enable you to start networking now. Beyond the practical reasons it will be nice to get away from your roommates and meet new people.

These activities and organizations are something to look forward to in your busy week besides class, work, and homework. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do and finding or starting an organization catered to whatever you’re interested in. Make it happen!

What does the Associated Students have to offer?

Being a part of the Associated Students is a truly unique college experience. We are the largest student-run, non-profit corporation in Northern California. In addition, we own and operate all campus Dining Services as well as the Student Union and the AS Bookstore.

This semester we face opportunity and challenges that require multiple efforts. There are University committees that need students appointed to them.   These committees are a tremendous opportunity to work with faculty and staff.  This is an opportunity to learn how the university handles fees, classes and budget, and a great way to represent the larger student body.  There are also opportunities to sit on Councils of the Associated Students, topics range from Environmental, Diversity, Community Relations and more!

Interested in being part of a council or committee? Check out http://www.aschico.com/gac/committeesandcouncilsdescriptions for  descriptions and the application!

Welcome (Back) to CSU, Chico

For those of you that are starting college for the first time, welcome to CSU, Chico! For everyone else, welcome back!

I hope you guys are as excited and ready to start off this new school year as I am! Since I am a graduating senior this upcoming spring, this year with be a bittersweet one for me. As much as I am ready to finish my undergrad and move onto the next chapter of my life, I will definitely miss my time here at CSU, Chico, especially all the people I’ve met and all the experiences I’ve had.

Whether this is your first, second, third, fourth, or more year at CSU, Chico definitely enjoy every moment of your time here! College flies by in a blink of an eye, so go out of your comfort zone! Get involved with the Associated Students or join some crazy, interesting and/or academic clubs and be open-minded with the people you meet and the opportunities that are offered to you.

This semester the Associated Students programs offers great opportunities for volunteering,  interning, events, and activities. Make sure  you get out there and experience all that we have to offer.

Here is a list of upcoming opportunities/events in the Government Affairs office:

• Council and Committee applications are available at http://www.aschico.com/gac/committeesandcouncilsdescriptions
• Student Advocacy: Sept 6th
• Student Involvement Faire: Sept. 13th
•  Academic Fair: Oct 4th

There are a lot more opportunities to get involved in within the Associated Students. Be sure to check out http://www.aschico.com/ for more information.

For daily updates, check out our FB page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Associated-Students-CSU-Chico/30909426261,  or follow us on twitter @ASgovChico.

Here’s to a great start to a new school year! Study hard and have fun as well!

Spring Break 2011

Spring Break is approaching quickly. Soon a number of the nation’s college students will be basking in the warm sunlight and frolicking in blue-green waters of the tropics, or going back home to visit family and friends

While some of our peers already have plans, some of us are still trying to figure out what to get ourselves into. If you are looking for something fun to do over spring break, check out Adventure Outings.

Adventure Outings has three awesome trips going on this spring break. From surfing in Santa Cruz to learning all about being a raft guide.

Check Out Adventure Outings Spring Break Trips

Raft Guide School

Friday, March 11^th – Saturday, March 19^th

Upper Sac River and Trinity Rivers

Raft Guide School is an intensive, hands-on, eight-day experience where you will learn all the basics in becoming a river guide. This course covers hydrology, guiding techniques and tips, boat maneuvering, safety and self-rescue, and practice guiding Class III rapids. It’s a great way to open doors to summer employment opportunities.

Ski and Board Tahoe

Sunday, March 13^th – Wednesday, March 16^th

North Tahoe Area

This trip will be filled with four days of carving tracks in the fresh mountain snow. We will visit a variety of resorts in the north Tahoe area. Evening accommodations will be at the Cal Lodge, near Donner Summit.

Intro to Surfing

Wednesday, March 16^th – Saturday, March 19^th

Santa Cruz

If you want to spend spring break in the sand and sun, this is the perfect trip. AO instructors will teach the basic tricks and techniques of surfing. We’ll camp at along the coast and hang out around the fire.

Only a few days left to sign up for the Spring Break trips. Go by the Adventure Outings office in the BMU lobby to sign up or call 898-4011.

Before you pack your bikini and tuck your passport safely into your duffel bag, or take a road trip with friends, or maybe even go on and Adventure Outing Spring Break trip, take a minute to think about safety. Like, really think about it.

Spring Break Safety Tips: Safeguard your Stuff at Home and Away

Before leaving your apartment, make sure you secure all your valuables. While away, be sure to take care of yourselves.

• If you have an alternative location for your valuables, like your permanent address, take them there. Knowing your valuables are in a safe location will make moving the items worthwhile.
• If you’re leaving your vehicle behind, make sure there’s nothing in view that would attract a thief.
• Back up your cell phone information. With smart phones you can back up files on your computer or a flash drive in case you lose your phone. Try to limit how much personal data is on your phone when on spring break in case it gets stolen.
• Make sure you have extra copies of your credit card information in case the actual cards are lost or stolen. This way you can have the necessary information on hand when you call to cancel the cards.
• Think twice about bringing your laptop along. Lots of hotels offer business centers where you can check your e-mail, so taking a laptop isn’t always necessary.
• While some places require cash, only carry what you need. Some hotels offer safety deposit boxes so you don’t have carry around your whole vacation budget in your wallet.
• NEVER go places alone

Revenue Sharing

Each student who votes in the AS General Election has an opportunity to pledge a portion of their Activity Fee to a recognized student organization/club of their choice.

When Revenue Sharing was first created, students had the ability to pledge $8. In 2006 it increased to $10 and THIS YEAR, THE AMOUNT IS INCREASING TO $15 PER PERSON.

Students can allocate $15 to one student organization, $7.50 each to two organizations/clubs, or $5 each to three organizations/club.

In 2008 students pledge $39,950 to student organizations, in 2009 they pledged $38,250, and in 2010 they pledged and amazing $41,070!

THE KEY HERE IS GETTING STUDENTS TO VOTE FOR YOUR STUDENT ORGANIZATION/CLUB. Just think- if 50 students pledge just $5 to your organization/club, that is $250! Couldn’t your group find a use for $250?

Really? Free Money…no strings attached?

While there are no strings attached, there are a few guidelines and regulations that you must adhere to.

Since this money comes from a collected student fee, use of the money is governed by Title 5. This means there are some rules about what the money can and can’t be spent on. On the back of the Revenue Sharing Application you will be provided with a list of acceptable uses.

Last year year groups funded such things as social events, philanthropy, insurance, national dues, new member orientations and so much more!

Follow these EZ steps

1. Make sure you are a recognized student organization/club by February 28th, you do at the Student Activities Office in BMU 213
2. Complete and submit a Revenue Sharing Application by March 25th at noon
3. Get the word out to your members and to your friends about the importance of voting
4. Encourage voting on election days. Last year, around 25% of the eligible students voted. That means &5% of the student body DID NOT pledge to any organization/club.

Voting: It’s really that easy!

All regularly enrolled students are eligible to vote in the AS general Election. There are 3 easy ways to find us online:

• Click on the box that says VOTE! at www.aschico.com
• Click on the box that says VOTE! on the CSU CHICO homepage at www.csuchico.edu
• Open the link that was sent to your Wildcat Mail.

Students will be required to log in with their portal ID for enrollment verification. The entire process should take no more than 10-15 minutes!

How do we get the money?

Money pledged in April election is available beginning of July 1, 2011. The money is available via reimbursement through the Government Affairs Office in BMU 203.

Think you might have money from last year’s election? Come to BMU 203 and we can help you find out!

Revenue Sharing Time line

Feb 28^th-Mar 2^nd: Revenue Sharing Info Nights

March 1^st: Filling period opens. Applications available in BMU 203.

March 24^th: Applications due by 5 pm in BMU 203

April 19^th- 21^st: Online voting at www.aschico.com. Polls open 8 am, April 19^th and close 5 pm, April 21^st

Questions? Contact:

Ashley Westhaver

(530) 898-5701

aselections@csuchico.edu

AS Elections: Information about running for an elected position

Each April the students of CSU Chico elect 10 student representatives to sit on the AS Board of Directors (BOD) and the AS Government Affairs Committee (GAC). These students have a wide range of responsibilities – most importantly to meet the mission of shared governance at CSU, Chico.

The term for each position is from May 1st- May15th of the following year. Some positions work during the summer, and some do not. All elected positions receive a stipend and a yearly bookstore allowance.

The officers:

• Establish overall policy and direction for the Associated Students as well as oversee the management of its operations.
• Award money to student clubs and organizations for hosting events that provide additional educational benefit and entertainment value to the campus.
• Staff and support committees and councils that allocate resources, help set policy and improve communication with the community.

Am I eligible:

All students must meet the minimum qualifications for office holders at stated in the AS Bylaws. They include:

• Minimum 2.0 GPA for undergrad or 3.0 GPA for graduate students.
• Must be enrolled in 9 units/undergraduate students or 6 units/graduate students.
• Executive an Director positions must have completed a minimum of 45 units (12 at Chico) and must have been enrolled at Chico State in the semester prior to filling.
• Commissioner positions must have completed a minimum of 12 units prior to filling.
• VP of Business and Finances must have completed identified courses in the Business Core.
• No candidate may be on academic or disciplinary probation
• A candidate must be eligible to work in the United States
• The bylaws and other election governing documents can be found at www.aschico.com/about as

Do I have to spend money to campaign?

The amount of money spent on campaigning varies between candidates, but there is little correlation between the amount spent and being elected. In the past, students have been successful with as little as $25.00

Creative seems to be the most important factor!

Who gets elected?

There is no “typical” candidate. Each year a variety of students are elected to these positions. For the most part, the students who run are involved in a wide range of organizations either on campus or in the community and have a desire to make a difference at Chico State.

Election Positions
President
Executive Vice President
Vice President of Business and Finance
Vice President of Facilities and Services
Director of Legislative Affairs
Director of University Affairs
Commissioner of Community Affairs
Commissioner of Environmental Affairs
Commissioner of Multicultural Affairs
Commissioner of Student Organizations and Programs

For more information about the positions, check out the links on the elections page at aschico.com/gac/elections

Important Dates!

Information nights: Feb 22, 23 in BMU 203 at 5-6 pm

Filing opens: March 1st at 8 am

Filing closes: March 24th at noon

Candidate orientation March 24th at 6 pm

Election dates: April 19, 20, 21

For more information come by the Government Affairs Office (BMU 203) or  contact:

AS Elections Supervisor

Ashley Holton-Westhaver

aselections@csuchico.edu

Search for the Next Student Trustee

The California State University Board of Trustees is the policy-making body for the 23 campuses and the 450,000 student of the CSU system. The 25-member Board of Trustees includes two Student Trustees who serve staggered two-year terms. Each year, the California State Student Association conducts a search fro the next Student Trustee, who is ultimately appointed by the Governor.

Student Trustees Roles and Responsibilities

The California State University (CSU) system is governed by a 25-member Board of Trustees, which includes two Student Trustees.

Board of Trustees Responsibilities

• Adopts rules, regulations and policies governing the CSU
• Has authority over curricular development, use of property, development of facilities, and fiscal and human resources management
• Establishes policies on student fees, admissions criteria, remedial education, technology, financial aid, student housing and parking
• Serves as the highest policy making body for the system.
• Meets six times per year at the CSU Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, Calif.
• Meetings allow for communication among the trustees, chancellor, campus presidents, representatives of the Academic Senate CSU, representatives of the California State Student Association and officers of the CSU Alumni Council.

Student Trustee Position

• Highest and most powerful office a student can hold within the CSU.
• Opportunity to shape higher education policy for the largest public university system in the U.S.
• Student Trustee candidates recommended to the governor by the CSSA Board of Directors; governor makes final decision.
• Trustee appointments are staggered.
• Student Trustee serving his/her second year is the only one having a vote.

Student Trustee Responsibilities

• Presents the positions, issues and perspectives of CSU students.
• Acts as liaison to the CSU Board of Trustees and the state legislature regarding student needs.
• Receives guidance and information as ex-officio members of CSSA.

IF YOU ARE:

• A passionate advocate for CSU students
• Knowledgeable about CSU issues
• At least a junior by July ,2011, and will be a
• CSU student until June 30, 2013
• The holder of at least a 2.5 GPA

IF YOU CAN ATTEND:

• All Board of Trustee meetings and committee meetings
• All CSSA monthly meetings

Apply now at http://www.csustudents.org/. Applications must be recieved by Wednesday March 9th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m

For more information contact:

Nathan Brady

AS Director of Legislative Affairs

(530)898-5701