UP Orientation Issue

Page 1

University press

www.upressonline.com

FAU ORIENTATION ISSUE

www.upressonline.com

Summer 2010

University press, fau’s student newspaper

vol 11 issue 28.5

First issue is free; each additional copy is 50 cents and available in the UP newsroom.


Greetings from paradise as you begin your college experience A note from Chris Hall Lynch, director of New Student & Owl Family Programs

Sloane Davis Staff Reporter

www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 2

Ah, Boca. Pristine, sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean water, and palm trees of every variety. But there is more to this sparkling city than just pretty scenery. At the heart of all the charming boutiques and eclectic eateries is a little place called Florida Atlantic University, home of the Owls. Well … with a brand-new fitness center, a green nursing building, and a football stadium on the way, I guess it’s anything but little. It’s true that FAU is just minutes away from the beach, but it has much more to offer than just that. Today, your orientation leaders are going to show you just how much. I remember when I started out here as a freshman (two whole years ago!). I didn’t know anything about the place where I was going to be literally eating, sleeping and breathing for the next four years. I came to orientation like most of you: excited, and maybe just a bit overwhelmed. That’s when I met Kristina and Alex, my orientation leaders. They showed me and about 20 other students around FAU and helped us feel more comfortable with our transition to college life. I remember they did the whole tour walking backward (I never could figure out how they did that without tripping), and they gave me lots of great ideas for organizations to join and classes

to take. I remember we got kicked out of the garden by the nursing building because we were playing a name game and “disturbing the peace of the garden.” We had a good laugh about that. The point is that orientation leaders play a big role in your transition to FAU. They are the first faces you see and the first people you talk to about your questions. It’s almost like you are really baby owls leaving the nest for the first time — or just arriving at an even bigger nest, depending on how you look at it. So, good luck to you, owl babies, on your first step. Feel free to peruse this issue for helpful info on professors, classes, famous people who have gone to FAU and info on your orientation leaders. And let me just say: They’re not going sing to you about fireflies or anything (well, maybe Jerry will … see page X to find out what I’m talking about), but they are here to welcome you to the real Owl City.

I have very high expectations for orientation leaders. I believe that we hire the best of the best (the cream of the crop) so I expect nothing less of them during this entire process. All while doing this, leaders are maintaining 2.5 GPAs. If they are not able to maintain this grade point average they find themselves without a job. I believe that a true leader (the best of the best) is able to balance all of this (school, training and personal). This is how it is for professionals in the workforce everyday so I hope we are creating an experience to prepare orientation leaders for their future after college is finished. I believe that while there are high expectations set for each leader, the members of the team have an experience that they truly enjoy and treasure forever. It is so exciting for me to see the growth of a leader from when I first meet them during color groups in October to the end of August. The amount of growth that happens in amazing and so exciting.

PHOTOS: SABRINA KORAMBLYUM

Welcome to the real Owl City

UNIVERSITY PRESS www.upressonline.com Summer 2010 PUBLISHER: FAU Student Government The opinions expressed by the UP are not necessarily those of the student body, Student Government or the university.

Special Issue Staff

Editor Sloane Davis Art director Ben Wilson Copy editor Jay Goldberg Editor-In-Chief Devin Desjarlais Managing Editor Karla Bowsher Multimedia Editor Elizabeth Whitton Art Director Lindsey Voltoline Assistant Art Director Stephanie Colaianni Copy Desk Chief Jay Goldberg News Editor Monica Ruiz Sports Editor Franco Panizo Business Manager Tyler Krome Listings Editor Diana Burgos

Copy Editors Gideon Grudo Richard Michalski Photo Editor Liz Dzuro UPTV Editor Karen “Kat” Herisse Senior Writer Brandon Ballenger Staff Reporters Briana Bramm, Alyssa Cutter, Sloane Davis, Mark Gibson, Austin Lang Staff Photographer Lindsey Croston Staff Designer Ricky Maldonado Staff Illustrator Colleen Walizer Adviser Michael Koretzky

Want to join our team? E-mail Karla: upress@fau.edu Staff meetings: Every Friday at 2 p.m. in the Student Union, Room 214 Want to place an ad? Contact Marc Litt at (732) 991-6353 Cover photo illustration by Ben Wilson


3 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com


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Is 15 credits too much to take in a semester? - Kehmay Khahaifa, marketing major 15 credits is the maximum amount of credits I suggest you take in one semester. Taking 12 credits is usually four classes and will keep you on pace to graduate if you take six credits during the summer to lighten the fall and spring semesters.

Do you have to get advised every semester? - Matthew Lefert, biology major Freshman year you are required to report to your adviser for the sake of it being your first year. After that, advising is up to you. Take full advantage of the opportunity to get advised.

A former orientation leader answers frequently asked freshman questions

What really happens when you get caught drinking alcohol? - Will Lagrosa, nursing major

Sloane Davis Staff Reporter

Orientation leaders are the first faces young Owls see when they arrive on campus, so they are the first to answer many questions. (Think of the orientation leaders as mother owls who teach their little ones everything they need to know to survive.) The UP talked to freshmen of the 2009-2010 school year and asked them what questions they wish they had asked at the beginning of the year. Former orientation leader Jahmal Fahie helped answer the most common ones:

Strangest questions While past and present orientation leaders like those pictured below are able to clear up a lot of frequently asked questions, they also have to deal with bizarre inquiries, like:

What do the dorms look like? - Michael Layne, business major The dorms look very nice in Michael Layne, Business comparison to most universities. There are suites consisting of a double-double, a super-double, or a handicap room with two single rooms and a double. Each suite has one bathroom, except in the case of Indian River Towers. They also have a living room/open space included in the suite.

Is a single or a double better? Cassandra Fabien, nursing major

Will the school inform me if my child does not attend class? (Parent)

Is it okay to go clubbing with my child? (Parent)

So, you’re an orientation leader … ?

What is it like to have braces in college? (Parent)

Why is orientation so lame? Are you happy all the time? Why are there old people invading the cafeteria?

How many police officers are employed here?

Depends on you as a person. Personally I like my own space, so a single is what I would prefer, but it secludes you from your suitemates, and the relationships formed are more special to people who share a double.

5 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com

Just ask Jamal

When you get caught drinking in the dorms, the penalty can range from community service hours and a class to just a warning based on the fact that it is the first violation.


Owls of a feather flock together Meet the office staff for New Student & Owl Family Programs Sloane Davis Staff Reporter

Jordan Chang student assistant Year: junior Major: political science/prelaw What he loves most about being in the orientation program: “I would have to say the most fulfilling thing is coming back the first week of classes in the fall semester, and all of my students approaching me, asking where the party is, or where is the free food, and even though I did not remember most of them, they were thankful that I was their orientation leader and considered me one of their first friends at the university.” www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 6

Natalia Garcia student assistant Year: junior Major: political science/ criminal justice Her advice for incoming freshmen: “Get involved! Find what you like and go ahead and join it. And if you can’t find what you like here at FAU, then create it, because your college experience is what you make of it. And the more you get out there and make friends and help our campus grow, the more fun you will see yourself have in your four years here.”

You met Chris Hall Lynch, the director of New Student & Owl Family Programs, on ***page 2?***, and now it’s time to get to know the rest of the orientation office staff. Just because they are part of the office doesn’t mean that they are pushing pencils in the glow of their computers all day long. No, these are the people that hold the office together and keep things running smoothly. In fact, assistants Jordan, Natalia and Kristina, as well as program assistant Kayleigh Kelley, were all once orientation leaders!

Kristina Hall-Michel - office assistant Year: senior Major: interdisciplinary studies Why she considers orientation a great experience: “Orientation has been a really amazing experience for me throughout my time here at FAU. It allows you to meet a lot of great people and network with professional staff members on campus.” Kayleigh Kelley - program assistant Her best experience in the orientation office: “Being a professional in the orientation office gives me the opportunity to get to know the orientation leaders. Getting that one-on-one with students and helping incoming students is great because students come to you with all kinds of questions.” Maggie Kelly - coordinator What she thinks is coolest about being a part of the orientation office: “The coolest thing for me so far is seeing our orientation team bond and become a little family. They’re really positive and supportive of one another. They are all such wonderful, talented individuals who make me proud to be an Owl. ... And the funniest thing I have seen so far is the April Fool’s joke played on Andrew … priceless!” (Be sure to ask Andrew about that April Fool’s joke when you’re on a tour with him!)


Hidden stardom

FAU finds fame Brittany Curtis Contributor

Carrot Top

American porn star Mary Carey moved from Ohio to Florida at the age of seven. She graduated from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, after which she attended FAU. Carey had taken ballet for 14 years up until college. At FAU she studied theater and joined the dance team for about a year. Then she used stripping as a way to support herself. She went into the adult entertainment industry, where she established her name as an erotic actress. She has been chosen for pictorial in a number of adult magazines like Playboy, Hustler, Busty Beauties and Celebrity Sleuth. Carey has been featured on Internet sites and in more than 80 adult films. What some may not know is that Carey has been very involved in politics. She placed 10th out of 135 candidates during the 2003 California recall election. Some of the things she promised were to legalize same-sex marriage, tax breast implants, make lap dances tax deductible and address the AIDS epidemic. In 2006 she ran for lieutenant governor of California against Arnold Schwarzenegger and was discussed as an exceptional candidate on Fox News. Unfortunately, she had decided to drop out to take care of her mother, who had jumped off a building. Carey was awarded “Bimbo of the Year” by WorldNetDaily. com, and she was featured in the VH1 shows Celebrity Rehab and Sober House.

You may know comedian Carrot Top directly from his obnoxious red curly locks of hair or even from his famous prop comedy in his standup shows. All stars have to start somewhere, and for Carrot Top that place just happened to be FAU. Carrot Top, formerly known as Scott Thompson, was a college student waiting to be discovered. He graduated with a degree in marketing, but on his way to graduating he did standup comedy at local comedy clubs and small campus talent shows. After college he had a job shucking oysters and delivering bread at Calico Jack’s Oyster Bar

Chris Carrabba The lead singer and guitarist of the band Dashboard Confessional picked up a guitar at the age of 15 and taught himself how to play. As a teen Chris Carrabba attended Boca Raton High School and was interested in punk rock and skateboarding. After his high school graduation he joined a band called The Vacant Andys, and afterward he joined a band called The Agency. Carrabba attended FAU and studied education. He put in many hours as a student volunteer teaching music at Addison Mizner Elementary School. He taught preschool and was an assistant director after school at

J.C. Mitchell Elementary School. He even took on directing an exceptional educational program in Boca. While in a band called Further Seems Forever Carrabba drew inspiration from one of their own songs, called “The Sharp Hint of New Tears,” for the name Dashboard Confessional. Then he made a move to start working on his own project and played solo shows of his own personal confessions. At a later time other band members signed on board with Dashboard. Dashboard Confessional has won an MTV2 award for their video for “Screaming Infidelities” in 2002. You may have also heard of other songs like “Vindicated,” which was recorded for Spider-Man 2. Dashboard has

in Orlando. But he used all the marketing tools he learned from his major at FAU to get where he is now. Thompson marketed himself with his stage name Carrot Top, designed all the logos on his T-shirts and designed his own advertisements. From time to time he would run into people who started to recognize him from his standup and stage name. He made his way onto the MTV network, but did not truly make his big break until he got a spot on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show and an appearance in Collect Call commercials. Standup, which started as a fun hobby that paid the bills, ended up as Thompson’s career.

also landed many performances on late-night TV talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Late Show with David Letterman. Giving back to the community is important to singer and songwriter Carrabba. On April 30, Carrabba came back to South Florida to raise money at Lynn University for scholarships in the name of the school’s victims lost in Haiti’s earthquake. A new album, Alter the Ending, was released Nov. 10, 2009. Many times he has returned to South Florida to play shows in the area, so be on the lookout for more Dashboard Confessional in our very own Boca.

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Mary Carey


Let's talk about teachers Sloane Davis Staff Reporter

FAU students review professors of freshman courses

Austin Conlon Contributor

Registering for your first semester of courses may be one of the most nerve-wracking things you do at FAU (till exam week, that is). But it can also be a very exciting time. Here at orientation, your leaders are here to help you get the right adviser and choose courses that are interesting and relevant to

what you want to do. But if your orientation leader happens to be flying around tending to questions from other baby owls, look here for some well-known professors who teach courses most freshmen need or even want to take.

Anton Oleinik History of Earth and Life GLY 2100

Why he’s so cool: “I like him because he’s very understanding and humorous. In his lectures, he’d show us comic strips of dinosaurs smoking cigarettes and getting extinct.” Clint Wilhelm sophomore geology major

Sociological Perspectives SYG 1000

PHOTOS: UP FILE PHOTO

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Gina Carreno-Luvvkasik Why she’s so cool: “Gina is the best! She has changed my life for the better by introducing me to the only thing I’ve seem to want to pursue, which is sociology. I love how open she is with her class. The bonds she forms with her students is unlike any other I’ve seen before. I still visit her every once in a while even though I haven’t had a class with her for a few semesters now. She’s just incredible.” Cassie Jeffries sophomore sociology major

Wilbur Curless Life Science BSC 1005 Why he’s so cool: “Curless is one of the most outgoing professors I’ve ever met. His fashion sense really reflects his charismatic and spontaneous personality! I really enjoyed his class.” Christele Gassant sophomore social work major

Michael Harris Introduction to Anthropology ANT 2000 Why he’s so cool: “Dr. Harris was one of those teachers who had the attitude and humor that made me want to come to class. His humorous jokes were tied in with what we were learning, so when we were talking about something complex, we could think of his simple joke and know exactly what was going on. He has been the best teacher I have had so far.” Jessica Zeran freshman biology major

James Jakubow General Psychology PSY 1012 Why he’s so cool: “He’s entertaining to watch and a very energetic man!” Ariel Zeiger freshman biology major

Leonard Liotta College Writing 2

ENC 1102 Why he’s so cool: “Liotta is the quintessential college professor, down to the sweater vest and the Grateful Dead pin. He was not your typical ENC 1102 teacher. The subject material was much more advanced, but he explained it well. Now I can talk intelligently about stuff like post-structuralism. … Register quick; it fills up fast!” Matthew Wilson sophomore English education major

Become a wiser owl before you register! These are all courses that can help fulfill your general requirements before you move on to your major courses. Some advisers may refer to these as “core classes.” The reason you are required to take so many of these classes is to give you a variety of choices to help you pick your major if you don’t know what you want it to be yet. Here are how these courses fit into those general requirements: Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology: These are three of the courses that fit into the social science requirement that most students have. Most of you will need nine credits in this category. History of Earth and Life, Life Science: These two courses are a couple of the options for science credits, but they are geared toward nonscience majors. College Writing 2: This is the second half of the English requirement. All students must take ENC 1101 and 1102. Take them early, because they are prerequisites for some of the upper-division courses, like Introduction to Philosophy.


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Sloane Davis Staff Reporter

Owl babies are required to complete orientation before attending school at FAU. You can look at it one of two ways: that you are losing two days of your life, or gaining a valuable resource and maybe even a friend. The UP chooses to look at orientation the second way. So we came up with 25 superlative categories to describe each orientation leader’s unique qualities and had them vote on each other. Look below to find out whether your orientation leader is an expert rock climber or the future president of the United States, but be sure to realize that all orientation leaders will help you make the transition to your new “nest” at FAU.

Jerry Evariste:

“Craziest Hair” Year: sophomore Major: nursing (Minor: biology) Like her hair, Rachel is vivacious and full of personality. She smiled through our entire interview and gushed about her fellow orientation leaders. And when asked what she was most excited about for the 2010-2011 school year, Rachel answered “girl power”: “We have a new female president! Yay for beautiful women!”

“Most Likely to Break into Song” Year: freshman Major: biological sciences/pre-med

Natalia Acevedo:

This songbird may serenade you with his lovely voice, but he said his real goal in becoming an orientation leader was to help students find their way around “so nobody would be as lost as I was during the first week of school.” If you do get lost on your tour, though, listen closely: You may hear Jerry leading the way with his vocal chords!

Natalia is very informed about what is going on in FAU in every aspect, from the building of new dorms in Innovation Village to the smoke-free campus policy. She likes being an orientation leader because she likes “having accurate and precise answers to all the questions that the incoming students have,” and she loves “the fact that I can be and act like my normally bubbly and excited self all the time!”

Year: freshman Major: secondary English education

Andrew Tojuola: “Funniest/Craziest ” Year: sophomore Major: business administration

Felecia Campbell: “Most Loved by FAU Parents” Year: freshman Major: communication (Minor: criminal justice) Don’t let this quiet girl fool you: She secretly loves the spotlight. During our photo shoot, she had our photographer redo her picture. But underneath that glamorous smile is an orientation leader who is adored by parents of FAU students for her responsibility. “Dedication,” she said, is the most challenging, yet rewarding, part of her job. “Being able to balance out my class, work and social schedule.”

Ryan Mahannah: “Best at Rock Climbing” Year: freshman Major: BFA performance The rock climbing wall here on campus is an important part of orientation leader training (see page X). And apparently, Ryan is quite good at it. He attributes much of his success as an orientation leader to his background in theater. “It was a lot of information,” he said of the training period, “but I have been an actor for years, and memorization comes easy to me.”

This guy cracked up the writers and photographers at the UP when he had us do a photo shoot with lots of fierce pictures of him. He was a pro; America’s Next Top Model would be jealous. Andrew just tries to have fun and keep his students entertained on long tours. He still remembers his orientation leader from his freshman year, and admits he learned a lot from her. “It was Marcelle. She’s pretty cool. Almost as cool as me … almost.”

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Orientation leaders look out for you

Rachel Ruddock:

PHOTOS: UP FILE PHOTO

Keeping watch over the nest


PHOTOS: UP FILE PHOTO

Shellian Jacquett: “Most Likely to Do Something Fun to Bring People Together” Year: sophomore Major: nursing

Affectionately known as “Shelly” among her fellow orientation leaders, Shellian is always finding ways to bring her team closer. She said she learned a lot during the training period. “The coolest thing that has happened since I’ve been working is playing my first icebreaker with my teammates.”

Brittney Soto: “Most Creative Icebreaker Activities for Students” Year: junior Major: chemistry

Tathia Mompremier:

Some of the activities orientation students can look forward to are the activities to make them feel more comfortable in front of their groups. There are name games, silly questions and lots of others. Did you know that your orientation leaders are responsible for finding fun ways to get you kiddies to have fun? Brittney seems to be an expert at this! But what does she find challenging about her job? “Probably waking up really early in the morning,” she laughed.

Tathia is known among the orientation leaders as the one who takes care of and looks out for everyone. How cute that her last name even has “mom” in it! She has an understanding for new students and wants to help them feel comfortable, like her orientation leaders did for her. “When I first came to FAU, it was a huge transition for me,” she said. “I was completely lost, and honestly, I do not know what I would have done if it was not for the 2009-2010 orientation leaders.”

Elenie Louvaris:

Christoffer Dodor:

“Most Likely to Trip While Walking Backward” Year: freshman Major: communication (Minor: photography)

“Sweetest” Year: freshman Major: biology

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Walking backward, which is required of orientation leaders, is not always easy. (You try doing it without falling!) And although Elenie might be a bit clumsy, she makes up for it with her goals for incoming Owls. “When I came to my freshman orientation I did not want to be at FAU,” she explained. “I wanted to go to USF, plus I didn’t want summer to end. At the end of orientation, I had had such a good time that I was actually excited to start school. I want incoming freshman that are skeptical about FAU to feel the same way.”

Christoffer is known among his fellow orientation leaders as the sweetest of the group. It is true that being kind is a valuable trait to have as an orientation leader, but how did Christoffer decide to become one, you might ask? “I realized that getting involved on campus would be critical to my success,” he explained. “I decided to go with being an orientation leader because it was out of my comfort zone; I wanted to experience something new and exciting. I knew I would be growing as a person.”

“The ‘Mom’ of the Orientation Leader Group” Year: freshman Major: linguistics

Enoch Claude: “Most Likely to Be President of the United States” Year: junior Major: biological sciences As you take your tour with Enoch today, picture him standing in front of an American flag and making a speech, because according to his fellow orientation leaders, he will be the head of this country someday. He explained why he wanted to become an orientation leader: “I wanted to be an orientation leader because of the chance to interact with new students and the experience in helping students and families with problems.” Spoken like a true president.

Nathanael Robinson: “Quietest” Year: freshman Major: electrical engineering During the UP interview, Nathanael was soft-spoken and respectful. He gave his name, got his picture taken, and went right back to helping his co-workers with their job duties. It seems that his quiet nature has helped him to become a well-respected orientation leader. When asked what he is most excited for this upcoming year, Nathanael answered without hesitation: “the new engineering building.” The building he speaks of will be completely Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. This means it will be completely green.

Rose Chevalier: “Best Smelling” Year: junior Major: multimedia journalism This sweet smelling Rose enjoys her job as an orientation leader because “I love to help other people, and it seems like a lot of fun.” She’s looking forward to taking advantage of FAU’s gym and new pool in the upcoming semester. The Recreation & Fitness Center Rose spoke of has been expanded and updated from its original state. It reopened this spring semester.

Joanne Gourgue-Ramirez: “Biggest Flirt” Year: sophomore Major: English Joanne is always full of cute smiles and breathy giggles, according to her coworkers. Being happy and bubbly is a part of being an orientation leader; it helps motivate new students. Joanne said that she enjoyed the training period because it was a chance to get to know everyone. “I got to go on a retreat for the first time and bond with my other orientation leaders.”


Taylor Lucas: “Loves the Beach the Most” Year: sophomore Major: public communications Alex is a laid-back guy who likes to enjoy the ocean. Being just minutes from the beach, FAU is the perfect location for a beach lover like Alex. He sees himself as a friendly person who wants “to show students how fun FAU can be.” As far as job challenges go, Alex said the biggest ones he faces are “waking up early and motivating the unmotivated.”

“Most Spirited “ Year: freshman Major: psychology Having school spirit is important for orientation leaders, and Taylor’s co-workers think that she exemplifies this trait. Taylor loves FAU, and tells the UP that the very coolest part of being an orientation leader so far is “meeting all types of different people!”

Erterlie Zuema:

Bibiana Sandoval:

“Biggest Bookworm” Year: junior Major: biological sciences

“Healthiest Eater” Year: junior Major: biology

As orientation leaders have to stay on campus all summer, they have to find ways to relax and enjoy their free time. For some, it’s the beach. For others, it’s movies. For Erterlie, it’s reading. Voted the bookworm of the orientation leader group, Erterlie is always reading. “The way that the old orientation leaders presented themselves made me interested in finding out more information about the position,” she explained. “After doing some research, I wanted to become an orientation leader.”

With all the long tours in the hot sun, it’s important for orientation leaders to eat healthy to keep their energy level up. Bibiana’s co-workers think that she is the best example of a healthy eater out of the orientation group. As of press time, Bibiana couldn’t be reached for interview. Perhaps she’s over at Whole Foods, picking up some healthy snacks?

Sandra Garcia: “Knows Everything There Is to Know About FAU” Year: sophomore` Major: biological sciences/pre-med This girl’s mind is a steel trap. Sandra’s the one in the group who knows every little detail about this school. “The trainings were fun and informative,” she said. “And the exam seems much easier now that the tour is over with.” When asked what she is most excited about for this upcoming year, Sandra got really excited: “Florida Legislature approved the establishment of FAU’s independent medical education program. Yay!”

Hannah Perkins: “Most Likely to Be Famous” Year: freshman Major: commercial music As a music major, Hannah might give “Most Likely to Break into Song” winner Jerry Evariste a run for his money. But for the time being, before she gets famous, Hannah is here at FAU as an orientation leader. The training period was difficult: “Memorizing the tour was hard,” she said, “but it made me determined to succeed.”

15 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com

Alexander Press:


PHOTOS: UP FILE PHOTO

Anita Garbett: “Most Energetic” Year: freshman Major: communication film & multimedia studies This self-proclaimed “Most Thoroughly Helpful Undergrad,” or “THUG” as she calls herself, is certainly a ball of energy! She smiled and laughed through the whole interview session with the UP and told us that she is “pumped about the grounding of Innovation Village. It is going to house a multitude of places for dining, leisure, academics and accommodations. There’s even going to be a 30,000-seat open-air stadium affixed to the building, which excites me because I am a sports buff! This is just another building block for FAU reaching its maximum potential with its ever-expanding campus.”

Becky Lewis:

Miles Amos: “Mister Orientation Leader 2010” Year: junior Major: sociology And for every queen, there must be a king! Miles loves hanging out with his co-workers, and enjoys helping new students out because he wants to teach them about FAU, even if it means answering some crazy questions. “I don’t find any question to be strange because this is a new experience for people, and they just want to be aware of what is to come.”

Shamicka Lynch:

“Prettiest Eyes” Year: sophomore Major: English education

“Miss Orientation Leader 2010” Year: junior Major: biological sciences

Becky won this category by a landslide of votes from her fellow orientation leaders. Don’t get too lost in her eyes, though, or you might miss your tour! Becky found the camaraderie and the energy of the orientation leaders more than enough of a reason to apply. She said that the hardest part of being an orientation leader is “attitude — learning when not to play.”

Get the crown and sash ready, because Shamicka is queen of the orientation leaders this year! Shamicka was an orientation leader last year, and she tells the UP that the reason she became one is that “it allows me the opportunity to utilize my skills, knowledge and past experiences to help others who are where I was three years ago.”

www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 16


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FAU CAMPUS www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 18

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Owl parents keep watch over their young FAU organization connects parents and students

Parents don’t have to hide in students’ dorm closets to keep an eye on them. FAU’s Owl Parent Association (OPA) allows parents to keep tabs on them from afar. While parents won’t get their child’s grades every semester or know which parties their child has been to, they are welcome to attend bi-annual events with their kid. “The OPA exists to keep parents involved in their student’s college career … [while staying in] the background,” said OPA Director Chris Hall Lynch. “All the parents should join.” Parent associations have existed in colleges for years, according to Lynch, but FAU’s OPA started in the fall of 2008. When it first started, it had a membership of 48 families. The year after that, the membership ballooned to 496 families. Lynch said that the goal for this school year is 1,000 families. Students do not have a say in whether or not their parents join the OPA, but for students like freshman Jessica Jetmore, that is not a problem. “At first I was kind of upset because I wanted college to be a time for me to survive on my own,” said Jessica, a business major. “But I still feel as if I am on my own. It’s just my mom [is] in the OPA and is involved with events on campus every once in a while.” Jessica’s mother, Lisa Jetmore, joined the OPA “to stay connected with FAU.” “It gave me the opportunity to visit my daughter while other parents were [visiting their children] at FAU too, said Lisa. “It has given me a network of parents that have helped me with questions about college since this my first experience as a parent sending a child away to college.” Darlene Geiger joined the OPA in 2008 and is now treasurer and secretary of the organization. Her reason for joining was, like Lisa, wanting to stay connected to her daughter. “In sharing feelings of disconnection with fellow parents the first month of my daughter’s freshman year at FAU at a general meeting of

the OPA, I realized that I wasn’t the only lonely parent in the room.” Geiger’s daughter, sophomore Vanessa Romano, agrees with Jessica that her parents’ joining the OPA is helpful for students and parents alike. “I do not feel encroached by my parents. I know that my parents are strong leaders and are really trying to make a difference in the association,” said Romano, an elementary education major. “I love that my parents are involved because it has opened up so many opportunities for me as well. I have met important people on campus that I can use as resources for so many things. My family also won FAU Family of the Year ‘09-’10. I wouldn’t have known about this wonderful opportunity if it wasn’t for the OPA administration.” According to Christine Hall Lynch, OPA has two yearly events where parents and students get together: Parent and Family Weekend in the fall and Spring Fling. Parent and Family Weekend events include tailgate parties, watching FAU sporting events and attending art exhibits. At Spring Fling, parents and students watch FAU men’s and women’s basketball games. Lynch said that this year’s Parent and Family Weekend is tentatively scheduled to be held from Sept. 26 to 28. Parents wishing to join the OPA can go to www.fau.edu/parents/OPA.php. New members must pay $40 per household upon registration.

19 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com

Chris Persaud Contributor


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"The Jewelry Mall" www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 20

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Introduction Becoming an orientation leader is a year-long process that takes a lot of time and dedication.

It’s a Thursday afternoon, and I am getting harnessed up to go rock climbing. I take a nervous breath as I look up at the daunting wall on the FAU Ropes Challenge Course and fumble with the buckles, convinced I could fall to my death if just one of them is loose. Why, you might ask, the sudden impulse to climb? No, I’m not prepping for a trip to the Colorado Rockies. I’m spending a day in the life of an orientation leader going through training. And I’m in the best of company, I realize, as I look over and see Ryan Mahannah (“Best at Rock Climbing,” page X) with a determined look in his eyes. At least one of us will make it to the top. As seen in the timeline to the right, becoming an orientation leader is quite a big deal. It takes just about a year to go through all the interviews and training activities. The group does this Ropes Challenge Course as a teambuilding activity in early May, but I got a few of them to give me a sneak peak. It’s a huge time commitment, but it’s worth it, according to Felecia Campbell, who is actually standing next to me, getting ready to climb as

There are several training activities, some of which aim to educate potential leaders about FAU. Other activities, like rock climbing, are meant to be fun and help the leaders bond as a well. “The training just made us closer as a family,” she gushes as we all check one another’s straps and buckles. See, that’s what I love about orientation leaders: They’re so nice. All afternoon, they’ve laughed and joked and taught me so much about what it truly is to be an orientation leader. Felecia even tried to teach me how to walk backward, like they do on their tours.Alexander Press is the first to take on the wall. He smiles and tells me not to worry when I point out that his pristine orientation polo and new khaki pants are going to get dirty. “The rest of the training today is just presentations,” he explains in his easygoing way. Alex gives it a good effort but can’t quite make it to the top. Ryan is next. He tries to live up to his title as “Best at Rock Climbing” as he scurries quickly up, but about halfway up his hand slips. Ryan perseveres, but this wall is really difficult. I am so nervous when it’s finally my turn. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and hope that I don’t have some sort of freak accident. The first

team. The UP caught up with a few orientation leaders as they practiced for their rock climbing experience on the FAU Ropes Challenge Course. This is what happened: part is easy. Then I get to the ledge about halfway up the wall. In order to continue, I have to let go of the big rock with my right hand and swing it up to the tiny rock that seems just out of arm’s reach. But it’s still not too bad till I look down. I freeze up when I realize how high up I am. The orientation leaders look like they might be the size of Lego people. But my heart melts when I see the smiles on their faces and hear their words of kind encouragement. Out of nowhere, the Rocky theme song starts playing in my head, and I get this surge of superhuman strength. I reach as high as I can and grip the rock. (I think to myself, “What would Ryan do?”) Before I know it, I’m at the top, looking down once again at those infectious smiles of the orientation leaders. And now I’m smiling too. Because I know that if they can get me up this wall, they can certainly give you the best tour of your life.

Timeline of training activities Because the UP could not devote a year to complete all the training (we wish we could; a lot of these seem fun!), we were only able to take part in the rock climbing. Here are some of the other activities in the orientation leader training process: · First day of fall semester classes: applications available · End of September: applications and résumés due to the office · October-November: color groups (color groups are the group interviews; each group is named a different color) · November: individual interviews (the candidate field is narrowed down after the color group interviews; those chosen are offered an individual interview) · End of November: offers are made to approximately 35 candidates for the position of orientation and welcome leader (OWL) · End of November/first of December: welcome party · First of January: retreat (team building, introductions, etc.) · Every Thursday after the retreat until end of the spring semester: training · March: Southern Regional Orientation Workshop. We get the opportunity to learn from orientation leaders from colleges and universities within the seven states in our region. · April: Tour testing begins. Each leader has only two chances to pass the test. (The tour packet of information is 25 pages.) · End of April: final exam. Each leader must pass with at least an 80 percent. The questions for the

exam are based on information they have learned throughout training. · End of April: first transfer orientation · Beginning of May: ropes course training at the FAU Ropes Challenge Course. Last-minute team bonding · Beginning of May: packet stuffing. This is the time the OWLs create all the packets (bags) we pass out for the entire year. It usually takes about a week to make 7,000 bags! · Mid-May: orientations begin · May-June: final training. Not every office presents during the semester. We deliberately leave some for the summer so the OWLs can tour the facilities, which include the Recreation and Fitness Center and the FAU Police Department. They like to see the holding cell at campus police … it’s an interesting little place. These summer trainings also include any unfinished business we need to take care of and prepare for. The orientation leaders also go through diversity training and Safe Zone training as close to the beginning of summer as possible. · Mid-August: end of the year banquet. This is quite a nice event for us. [Source: Chris Hall Lynch, director of New Student & Owl Family Programs]

21 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com

The UP tries to keep up with three of them

PHOTOS: SABRINA KORAMBLYUM

So you think you can be an orientation leader


www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 22

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23 • Summer 2010 • University Press • www.upressonline.com

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www.upressonline.com • University Press • Summer 2010 • 24


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