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GM Connection

“Maintaining the Communication with our Parents”

January 15, 2010

Message From Vice President for Student Services

Happy New Year!  I hope that that your year is off to a healthy and productive start.  Gwynedd-Mercy College is committed to assisting your son or daughter to start the year off with a healthy start.  There are several options available to your student to ensure that they maintain health physically, mentally, and spiritually.  At Gwynedd-Mercy College we promote a holistic approach to wellness.

There are several options available to the student wanting to begin or maintain an exercise regimen.  For the truly ambitious, GMC is the host site for “Dr. Drill.”   This reasonably priced program is a boot camp style exercise program that helps students gain strength and confidence, while also learning about the positive effects of exercise and its impact on academics, self-discipline and general health.  Additionally, GMC has both a Cardio Room and a Weight Room that have extended hours so that students may develop an exercise regimen.

  

Counseling Services is always available to students seeking support for a host of concerns.   The Center is staffed daily, and counselors provide several workshops that may aid students in their adjustment and personal development.  Additionally, Gwynedd-Mercy College has the R.A.I.S.E. Program (Reducing Alcohol Incidents through Student

Education). The Counselor works with students to provide information and counseling regarding alcohol and other drug concerns. 

For care of the spirit, the Campus Ministry team invites all students to explore their personal and spiritual convictions, to become involved in works of service in the Mercy tradition, and to participate in a variety of both Catholic and ecumenical religious services. Mass is held regularly on campus in the chapel, located in Campbell Hall, as well as in the Glass Lounge of a Residence Hall on Sunday evenings.   Special Masses and interfaith services are held throughout the year to celebrate significant events in the life of our community.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Finally, our dining service, Parkhurst Dining Services, offers three dining venues that feature food made from scratch using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The FarmSource Program partners with local growers and producers to ensure the freshness of food selections and to support sustainability initiatives.  Nutritional consultation by the company nutritionist is available to every student.  If your student has clinical or practicum obligations, the dining services offers  fresh “Meals-to-Go” made daily that are fully balanced meal options for students with busy schedules. 

Note:  Several meal plan options are available and meal tickets are available to commuters as well.  If you would like to purchase meal blocks for your commuting student, please have them take a check to the Campbell Solution Center where if they place a minimum of $50.00 on their account, they will receive a 10% discount on meal costs.

As always, if you have a question or would like information about anything pertaining to our College, I invite you to contact us at  215-641-5546.

All good wishes,

Cheryl Lynn Horsey, PhD
Vice President for Student Services

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Care Package Ideas for the Parent of a College Student

An unexpected package from home is always a welcome surprise for a college student.  It is also a great way for family to offer support and care from a distance. Here are some ideas you may want to use when filling that cardboard box.  Be sure to mix in some practical things as well as some fun stuff.

Healthy Snacks
Pizza, chips and cookies are too often the college student’s diet, so pack up some healthy snacks such as breakfast bars, granola and dried fruit like raisins.   Hungry college students will eat anything so the more of the good stuff the better.

Vitamins
Be sure to send some multi-vitamins in your care package and if they’re more likely to be eaten, buy chewable, fruity Flintstones.

Candy
You've got to include some candy to balance out the healthy stuff. Look for goofy things that bring them back to their childhood like Pixy Stixs, Gummy Worms, etc.

DVDs
College students frequently watch movies…it’s a welcome distraction to all the studying.  Shop for new releases so that there's almost no chance anyone has bought it.

Blank CDs
Although your son/daughter has an iPod, college students still burn CDs for each other to share their music.  Besides they can use them to back up documents.

Clothing Gift Card
Personal style often shifts for college students as they make new friends and redefine what seems cool. If financially possible, send a gift card to a cool clothing store.

Something for the roommate
In a kind gesture, try to include something small for your child’s roommate even if it is a small snack they may like. If all else fails, a $5 gift card to Wawa goes a long way.

A Card or Note
Be certain to include an expression of your sentiments in a card or a personal note.  The gifts are only secondary to knowing someone cares about them and supports them.

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Resident Life Information

Resident Life Staff

Rick LaRosa, Director
Loyola Hall 131, x585
larosa.r@gmc.edu

John Verdi, Associate Director
Loyola Hall 130, x460
verdi.j@gmc.edu

Keisha Johnson, Associate Director
Loyola Hall 140, x174
johnson.k@gmc.edu

Christina Pascucci, Resident Director
Alexandria Hall 130, x205
pascucci.c@gmc.edu

Jennifer Liberato, Resident Director
Loyola Hall 139, x173 liberato.j@gmc.edu

Marcelia Ellis, Administrative Assistant
Loyola Hall 132, x305 ellis.m@gmc.edu

Ashley Norris, Community Education Supervisor

St. Brigid Hall, norris.a@gmc.edu

Important Dates

1/13       12 noon Residence Halls re-open

1/14       First day of regular classes

1/18     Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events

1/18       End of drop/add regular Spring classes

2/1       Room Selection materials available

2/19       4 pm Request for Spring Break Housing

Housing for Fall 2010

Room selection information will be available to students on Monday, February 1.  Any student who is interested in living on campus next fall must submit an application to the Office of Resident Life and a $250 deposit through Student Billing in Campbell Hall.  Eligibility for housing will only be considered after BOTH items have been submitted. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with Student Billing, the College’s policy requires that room deposits for room selection will not be accepted or processed, nor will lottery numbers be issued for any student who has an outstanding balance on his/her account. Watch for more information on room selection in the February issue of The Buzz!

   

Did You Know?

In the most recent and nationally recognized resident study (ACUHO-I) Gwynedd-Mercy College students ranked GMC Resident Assistants 9th” out of the 269 participating colleges and universities across the nation to the question, “How satisfied are you with the student staff member on your floor regarding: Treating everyone fairly.

Phone & Internet Assistance

Is your telephone not working?  Are you having problems with your computer or connecting to the internet?  Is your internet or phone outlet not working? 

The Help Desk can assist you with these problems.  Please contact them by phone at x444 or by e-mail at helpdesk@gmc.edu for assistance.  If no one is available when you call, please leave a detailed message so someone can respond to you.

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Career Services

There are numerous exciting events and opportunities for students during the spring semester. Some of the Career Services ones include the following:

 -U.S. Census Bureau Recruiting Event: The Bureau will be looking to hire students for part-time jobs with great pay. They are coming on campus on Wednesday, January 20 from 1-4 in St. Bernard’s Hall room 24. You must first call 1-866-861-2010 to register. Call Career Services with any questions.

-Government Job Fair (SEPCHE):  A free job fair for GMC students will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 4 at Cabrini College. More information to follow in the coming weeks. Last year many GMC students and alumni had success at this job fair where federal, state and local government employers are there to recruit for positions.

-GAP/Volunteering Program: Have you thought about doing something other than working full time after graduation? This program will discuss other options. It will be held on  Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 from 1:30-2:30 (Common Hour) in Waldron Board Room—Large Side.

-DVEC Education Job Fair: Education job fair with more than 100 employers. Students must register with Career Services. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 9:00-4:00 at West Chester University

-Ace that Interview (Common Hour): Learn some strategies and tips for having a successful interview.
Date: March 24
Time: 1:30-2:30
Room: St. Bernard’s Room 18 

-Success After College Conference: These career workshops will focus on helping students' successful transition from college student to professional. It will be held on Thursday, April 8 from 4-7 in the Waldron Board Room. RSVP to Career Services before April 1.

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A Literacy Service Project

Students from Dr. McGeehan’s Reading Sequence Courses have teamed with the Delaware Valley Reading Association to provide read aloud sessions for children living at the Stenton Avenue Family Manor.  During the fall semester, students taking their reading methods courses designed interactive read aloud lessons emphasizing comprehension strategy usage and delivered them to the children living at the manor. The lessons were followed with activities, treats, conversation and book donations.

The lessons provided multiple benefits. First and most importantly, they assisted in supporting the vocabulary and comprehension development of children living in the shelter. Additionally, these lessons extended the conceptual knowledge of the children through the information presented in the texts and the follow up conversations and activities. The children observed meta -comprehension processes used by the college students through think aloud demonstrations focused on comprehension strategy usage. They also witnessed an appreciation and love of literacy. Upon their departure, each group of Gwynedd-Mercy students ended each session by donating books, coats and clothing to the children and their families. Hopefully these items will keep the residents a little warmer this winter and help them develop a love of books.

The project has benefited the pre-service teachers by providing them an opportunity to; fine tune their teachings skills, familiarize them with literacy techniques, learn the importance of flexibility, and deepen their understanding of the adversities that students coming from low socio-economic environments endure. The college students enjoyed their time at the shelter and reflected on their experiences using a course blog. Many expressed respect and admiration for the children living at the manor. They couldn’t believe how strong, loving and grateful the children were considering their circumstances. Others shared an appreciation for what they have. Finally, most of the Gwynedd students are excited about returning to the shelter in the spring. The have also decided to further support the children at the shelter by involving friends and coaches from their extra-curricular lives. For example the men’s basketball team decided to head out on Dec. 18th and the Student Government is in the process of considering an event for the spring.

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GMC Athletic Brick Program

Salute GMC Alumni and Athletes through the Brick Program

Alumni, parents and friends -- You’re invited to create a unique and everlasting tribute to GMC athletes and alumni at the College’s new outdoor Athletic Complex.  Place an order for an engraved brick to be set into the walkway surrounding the flagpole at the stadium. The new Athletic Complex features a turf field, eight lane track facility, 1,000 seat grandstand area with a press box, and field house with home and visiting lockers.

Athletes and spectators gathering to watch field hockey, track and field and men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse will view the legacy of current and former GMC athletes as they enter the stadium. The engraved brick will feature the athlete’s name, class year and sport.

To order a brick for $250, call 215-641-5550 or go to the Salute GMC Athletes Brick Program link at www.gmc.edu

Spring Sports Schedules

Click on links below for schedules

Baseball

Women's Basketball

Men's Basketball

Men's Lacrosse

Track and Field

Graduation Deadlines

May 2010 Graduation applications were to be submitted by December 18, 2009. Any students who did not yet submit their application, must contact Kris Weber x457 in the Registrar's Office.

Dates to Remember

February 27, 2010

Residence Halls Close for Spring Break

March 1 - 5, 2010

Spring Break

March 7, 2010

Residence Halls Open

April 1, 2010

Residence Halls Close for Easter Break

April 1 - 5, 2010

Easter Break

April 5, 2010

Residence Halls Open

April 7, 2010

Wellness Fair

May 3 , 2010

Last Day of Classes

May 4 - 10 , 2010

Final Exams

May 11 , 2010

Residence Halls Close

May 15 , 2010

Baccalaureate Mass and           Commencement

Hello from Campus Health!

For new and transfer students only, please note that Monday, February 11, is the deadline to waive the college health insurance.  The waiver must be completed online, and can be found under Health Services. The waiver will close by 12 midnight on the 11th, so you need to make sure you have completed the waiver and printed out your confirmation before this time. If you have any questions, please contact ferguson.d@gmc.edu.

Respiratory Care Program

Respiratory Care Students Host GMC’s Annual “Great American Smoke-Out”

On November 19, 2009, the sophomore students of the Respiratory Care program hosted GMC’s annual “Great American Smoke-Out”. The students held an open house in the state-of-the-art Respiratory Care Laboratory in the Keiss Hall Science Center and manned decorated display tables around campus. They handed out information on smoking cessation, lung health and disease, and performed specialized breathing tests. The importance of this experiential service learning activity and community service is to raise consciousness about lung health and smoking cessation. The student named theme for this year’s event was “Beauty is in the Lungs of the Beholder.” This beneficial service-learning project enhances the mission and values of Gwynedd-Mercy College and the School of Allied Health Professions.

Submitted by – Ann Cusano, Assistant Professor, Respiratory Care Program

GMC Athletes

GWYNEDD-MERCY COLLEGE ATHLETES GIVE TO TOYS FOR TOTS

December 18, 2009 – The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) of Gwynedd-Mercy College led each of their athletic teams to collect toys for Toys for Tots Philadelphia.

 Photo caption: (left to right) Tim Mumford, men’s soccer, Kayla Farrow, field hockey, Dan Geary, men’s cross country and track and field, Spenser Mills, men’s lacrosse, Alycia Tranchitella, women’s cross country and track and field, and Nicole Cassidy, softball.

 

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