Falcon Family Association: e-Newsletter: February 2018

CAST = Connecting Alumni, Students and Traditions.

In an effort to forge a lasting connection between alumni, students, faculty and staff, Student Alumni Association CAST was created to enhance the academic experience by providing exclusive programs and events focused on the spirit, history, and tradition of Fairmont State University. The CAST also seeks to connect students with alumni in an effort to promote networking and camaraderie amongst all of the Falcon faithful, students present and past.

Students who are part of SAA CAST are Fairmont Fund donors, which means that they are already financial supporters of this great university, specifically to the senior campaign. CAST members will also have the opportunity to partake in special events, connect with a mentor, and promote Fairmont State University. Our goal is to increase internship and job placement for our current students, which will facilitate success after graduation. The SAA CAST shall represent our university throughout their careers as a reflection of their impactful time at Fairmont State University. Students will receive a gift each academic year for renewing their CAST membership. If a student maintains their CAST membership throughout their time at Fairmont State University, a special gift will be awarded for faithful giving.

Cost: $25 Annually or Four Years, $80

Text CAST to 31996 to register

ABOUT THE FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM
As a Fairmont State University student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond Fairmont State University.
The Fairmont State University Alumni Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for you to form meaningful and lasting relationships with alumni that will extend beyond campus walls. As a program participant, you’ll have a chance to request a mentor to assist you with academic guidance, career advice and personal development. You will be paired for the academic year (February- August Year One). We encourage mentors and mentees to connect on a regular basis (i.e. once a month phone call, in person meeting, or email conversation). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you both can determine. Opportunities to interact through the program will include virtual discussions, networking events and workshops, Fairmont State University athletic events, and volunteer opportunities.

As the Spring term begins, I would like to thank you for your vital support of our students and for choosing to be part of our Fairmont State Falcon family. I encourage you to visit us often, to get to know our outstanding faculty and staff, and to enjoy the opportunities, activities, and facilities our great University has to offer. The Falcon Family Association is a great way to receive timely updates and to network with other families.

Fairmont State University is a nurturing, caring, and supportive community focused on helping your loved one succeed in and out of the classroom. Our talented faculty are not only learned scholars; they are mentors who work individually with our students to ensure they become successful citizen-leaders, and most importantly, Fairmont State graduates!  And of course, our dedicated staff provides our students with a host of services to support all their needs. These include academic counseling, financial aid, health services, emotional support, housing, leadership development, career service, and many, many more. Please encourage your family member to take full advantage of these opportunities.

There is a sense of excitement on campus this term as we work together to chart our future and implement pathways to better serve our students. We are challenging ourselves to achieve higher levels of excellence in all we do; we are on a quest for distinction. I am certain that with the support of parents, family, alumni, and every member of the Falcon community, we will soar to new heights.

We know that a college education is one of the most important investments one can ever make.  At Fairmont State University, we are devoted to educating global citizen leaders in an environment distinguished by a commitment to excellence, student success and transformational impact.  Thank you for entrusting your student’s education to us.

I’m honored and excited to be part of the Falcon family and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for the warm welcome John and I have received.  I look forward to greeting each of you on campus very soon!  #SoarFalcons!

All my very best,

Mirta M. Martin, PhD

President

Fairmont State University

Four Week Grades will be released Wednesday, Feb. 14 and students should log into FELIX (selecting Student Records and then Midterm Grades) for a status review.  It is important to note that Four Week Grades are published in the same place Midterm Grades will be, late in the week of March 12.  It is important to note that faculty were asked to submit a minimum of grades D and F at this early juncture.  In many instances, a D or F at the early point of four weeks into a term signals attendance/participation issues, as in many classes, few graded assignments/tests/quizzes have been issued by that time.  That said, any student who receives a D or F at four weeks in should take a close look at what may have prompted the warning grade.  Talking with the professor directly about challenges is always advisable.  And, it may also be worthwhile to speak with an advisor/coach/mentor/ residence hall leader.  Often, these experienced folks are best able to suggest strategies for many of the things with which college students struggle at the beginning of each new year (including but not limited to time management; resting/eating well; and resisting lazy habits that lead to missing class sessions). Encouraging them to engage now in the resources available will serve to minimize what could be significant anxiety in the coming weeks. 

Tips for Students When Speaking with their Professor:

Introduce yourself--Even if things are going well for your student, it is always smart to introduce themselves early to the professor. It goes a long way when the student may need to ask for help through out the semester.

Speaking Face to Face is best--After class and during a professor's office hours are smart times to ask for help and guidance. Professors appreciate the student taking the time to talk face to face.

Honesty is the best policy--students should be frank (as much as they feel comfortable) about their performance and effort when talking about their four-week grades. The professor may be more willing to help if the student is forthcoming with why they had missed the assignment/class meeting.

Remember professors are people too! It can be nerve-wrecking for students to speak to their professor but stepping out that comfort zone can be more helpful than they realize. Students who take the extra step to get to know their professors often end up with the best recommendation letters!

Tips for Helping Student Stay Motivated

Students often return from break with a renewed sense of motivation. Here are some tips to help students maintain that motivation all semester long.

Remember why you started. What are your goals?

Stay focused.

Set goals for yourself. Even if they are small daily goals

Reward yourself.

Focus on actually learning, not just getting good grades.

Surround yourself with positive, influencing people.

Take care of yourself mentally and physically.

Balance your school life with your social life. Set aside time to relax and have fun

Be realistic in your goals. Understand some goals take more work than others

Believe in yourself. Everyone starts somewhere

Winter in West Virginia is unpredictable—share these tips with your commuter to make sure they are ready for winter weather.

Know when it’s safe to go and when it’s not. There’s a difference between a snow apocalypse and a few inches of snow. Don’t use the weather as an excuse to skip all your classes.

Let your professor know you’re going to be late/absent. Even if it still counts as an unexcused absence for that class it looks better that you reached out to them.

Consider going late. Sometimes a few hours can make a big difference in road conditions. Once the sun comes out and the roads get plowed it should be safe to get to class. It’s better to be late than to not come at all.

Give yourself extra time to get to class. Consider how long it normally takes you to get to class and add minutes for your slower (but safer) driving pace.

Stick to the main roads. Even if it means more traffic. They are more likely to be plowed and salted as oppose to side/backroads.

Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you might need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up.

Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside it. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently.

Have emergency gear with you, including food, water, blankets and warm clothing.

Make sure your vehicle is prepared with a full tank of gas, tire chains, flashlights and other emergency items.

Want more Commuter Advice? Have your student visit the Commuter Assistant Help Desk, 1st Floor Library!

Follow them on Social Media: @FSUCommuter

Established 2013

2, 250 Members

Representing 53 Counties in WV and 21 States