Non-Traditional Newsletter

February 2012

Hows it Going?
Many of us make both small and sweeping resolutions for the New Year: weight loss, exercise, quitting bad habits, etc. Now that the semester is quickly rolling along, we wanted to check in and see how your resolutions are going? We at the Perch are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in 2012 and beyond. Be sure to visit us to find out more about what UNCW and the Wilmington community offers for our non-traditionals. Heres just a sampling: * Struggling to lose weight, keep moving, or stay motivated? Visit the Student Recreation Center, talk with a UNCW staff nutritionist, try out a self-paced program through Seahawk Fitness, join an intramural sports group, or take advantage of a range of outdoor opportunities offered through an Adventure Recreation outing. * Feeling stressed and need to talk with someone? Make an appointment with the Counseling Center, located on the second floor of DePaolo Hall, at (910) 962-3746. * Need help with school work? Visit the University Learning Center, located on the first floor of DePaolo Hall, or contact them at (910) 962-7857. * Looking for things to do? Like the Seahawk Perch on Facebook to get the latest event updates. Join our email list or drop by to see our calendar of campus and community events. Attend one of our events scheduled throughout the semester to meet both traditional and non-traditional students on campus.
The Non-Traditional Newsletter is a monthly publication of the Seahawk Perch. For more information about the Perch and its resources, visit our web site at

Save the Date!

Be sure to put our upcoming events on your calendar! Join us on Facebook for the latest updates and information. All events are FREE. Off-Campus Coffee Breaks Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sponsored by The Reserve at Forest Hills Sponsored by Health Promotions

February 15 February 29

Cornerstone Lounge, Fisher Center Jump-Start Your Career Workshop: Resums/C.V.s & Job Search Strategies Thursday, February 16 6:00 p.m. Sunset Beach Room

Family Movie Matinee: The Lion King Saturday, February 18 3:00-5:00 p.m. Lumina Theatre Off-Campus Housing Fair Wednesday, March 7 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Warwick Center

www.uncw.edu/seahawkperch.

Overcoming Transfer Shock

By Josh Kinchen Do you know that there is an official term for adapting (or not adapting) to a new school, after transferring? It is called Transfer Shock, which can occur in the first semester or year after you transfer to a new institution. This is especially true if you have been admitted as a Junior or above, but have to learn new buildings, new professors, new policies, new parking, etc. In many cases, your GPA begins anew, which can add an undue amount of stress on top of everything else. Maybe you are in the midst of just such a challenge, so here are some tips for overcoming Transfer Shock:

Become involved!

Research at UNCW and other universities state that Transfer Students are 57% more likely to have a 3.0 or better in their first year at a new institution if they become involved in a student club, research opportunities, or study groups. Perfect examples of these include the Transfer Student Organization (Non-Trad Committee), SGA Non-Trad Senator (elections in Spring), Departmental Honors (Honors College), Directed Independent Study (Your Academic Department), and many more.

Sit in the Front of Class!

This is a simple strategy to make a stadium-style classroom of upwards of 150 students feel like just the front row and the professor.

Get to know your Professors!

This falls in line with sitting in the front of class. If the professors recognize you from asking questions in class and visiting them during office hours, they will be much more receptive of allowing you flexibility, should you ever need it.

Attend Campus-Wide events!

Going to sporting events, Homecoming events and UNCWeekend events are a great way to network and begin to feel as though UNCW is your home. Many of these events are free, just check out the UNCW website periodically to get in the know!

Utilize the Seahawk Perch!

This is your home away from home if you are a Non-Trad. They have a resource office with a microwave, a full-size refrigerator and loads of helpful information for your use. Additionally, you can find a babysitter, housing, roommates and more on the Perch website. Lastly, the Perch hosts the Commuter Coffee Break most Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., where different organization partners provide Starbucks coffee and assorted pastries. For more information, visit the web site at www.uncw.edu/seahawkperch.

Non-Traditional Senator Report

My name is Josh Kinchen and I am your 2011-2012 Non-Trad Senator for the Student Government Association. I am here to represent anyone who is: over the age of 23, married, has children, is military affiliated or any combination thereof. I am available by appointment; please email me at jdk6042@uncw.edu. My goal this year is to increase the visibility of Non-Trads on campus, vote to approve and create legislation that will increase the quality of life for Non-Trad students. Recent SGA Legislation B009.011712 Appointed Positions Bill Summary: This bill adjusted several positions with the SGA Senate, to encourage higher participation. History: Traditionally, several Senate seats were contested or empty due to the limitations of the by-laws. There was cause to revise these seats to encourage better representation of the student body.
Senator Josh Kinchen Non-Traditional Available by appointment Email: jdk6042@uncw.edu

How this benefits Non-Trads: Amongst the changes, there was the addition of a Transfer Student Senator. This will allow Transfer students, many of which are Non-Trads, to have an additional opportunity to be represented to the administration on all associated issues. Senator Kinchen voted: In Favor, along with being the bills Author. Result: PASSED by the Senate. In Favor 22, Abstain 2. Visit http://student.uncw.edu/org/sga/documents/2011-2012StatutesTitleIII.StudentSenate.pdf to review.

The Seahawk Perch presents a free

Professional Development Workshop Series

especially for UNCW Graduate Students beginning with the

Jump-Start your Career Workshop

Resums/C.V.s & Job Search Strategies
with Thom Rakes, Director of the UNCW Career Center

Thursday, February 16, 6:00 p.m.

Sunset Beach Room, Fisher Student Center
FREE! Bring your resum or C.V. for a chance to learn helpful tips.

Join local apartment complexes, rental agencies, and home services for a one-stop opportunity to learn about off-campus living options and services. Free pizza and giveaways! More than 120 students attended the Fair in Fall 2011, enjoying a variety of games, goodies, raffle prizes, and special deals from local companies. The Spring 2012 Fair will be even bigger!

Wednesday, March 7th 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Warwick Center FREE

Have questions before March 7th? Stop by the Seahawk Perch every Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or visit one of the Coffee Breaks at the Perch most Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Questions? Call (910) 962-7371 or email seahawkperch@uncw.edu.