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Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Newsletter
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Please enjoy our newsletter containing featured articles written by the scholars with
information on recent campus events, tips for studying, and Study Abroad!
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60 Unique Years
B
y Sean Wadsworth, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Dirt roads. Wide open space. Dusty. These are just a few words one might use to describe UNLV’s surroundings in its earliest years. Starting off as a UNR extension with no more than 28 students, few could foresee what the future held. In time the student body would grow exponentially, this shabby outpost would develop into its own sprawling institution, and from there become one of the most diverse institutions of higher education the nation over.
UNLV didn’t always have the vast resources or accolades it has today. It didn’t even have the same name; at the time of its inception it was known as Nevada Southern, an appendage to UNR. What it did have from the beginning, and has never since lost, is its sense of Rebel pride. In its early days as a subdivision of UNR, the students of then-Nevada Southern wanted to stand apart and be recognized as their own unique group. In this spirit they took the name of Rebels, a title which connoted the strong-willed, daring character of trailblazers. One can almost see in their mind a student, male or female, in their freshman year, looking out over the two-lane dirt road that was Maryland Parkway. Surveying this new home, the student determines to stand out, do great things, and be their own person.
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What has this attitude done for the university and its students? One need only look about the campus. Last week the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC) hosted an educational event for all students. Participating students were encouraged to walk around the wellness center and sample information from several booths. Each booth provided helpful information on subjects ranging from spiritual to financial health. As one walks around the state-of-the-art facility that is the SRWC, it is incredible to think that a school as small as Nevada Southern was would ever be home to a building like this.
It was the hard work, dedication, and devotion of students and faculty alike that caused the changes which would ultimately lead to this building and the many other cutting-edge facilities UNLV enjoys, treasures won by the Rebel pride of our forebears. In commemoration of all our progress, the University recently hosted its 60th birthday party at Pida Plaza. Information on this and lots of other events can be found the
60th Anniversary website
, a resource which will be updated frequently throughout the year.
In the end, history’s greatest virtue lies not in notice of past accomplishment, but in its testament to what the future holds. The greatest strength of UNLV, more than its research equipment and talented faculty, more than its prime location or amenities, is that it has not forgotten its identity. In 60 years’ time those who walk the school’s halls have not lost their Rebel pride. Even now a student is exiting the Wellness Center, or sitting in Lied Library, or preparing to conduct a lab experiment and saying, “I will work to stand out. I will do great things. I will be my own person.” With such a bright fire lighting the way, great things certainly lie on the horizon for everyone with Rebel pride.
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President's Address
By
Danika Manguiat
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
On September 14th, 2017, UNLV President Len Jessup delivered his annual address to the campus. The event was held in the Judy Bayley Theatre at 2:30 p.m. The event was open to the public and a stream was even available on the UNLV website so people could watch from the comfort of their couch. If you were unable to watch the event, fear not! President Jessup’s address is still available
online
.
The State of the University address is held in order to kickoff the new school year. During the event, President Jessup shared the history of UNLV; he acknowledged recent accomplishments of students and faculty, and shared his vision for the future. However, this year was particularly special year because UNLV is celebrating its 60th year anniversary. As such, President Jessup shared a short history of UNLV to emphasize how far the university has come. From its beginning as three different buildings, including the Grant Hall and the Barrick Museum, UNLV has come a significantly long way.
Additionally, President Jessup shared accomplishments made by the university just in the past year. For example, the Lied Library recently won 15th place in the May issue of
College and Research Libraries
in terms of productivity. The research division has grown significantly. Melissa Boweles-Terry, for example, is doing research to study the role university libraries and librarians play in terms of student success. Additionally, the UNLV School of Medicine has welcomed the inaugural class of 60 students that will be receiving full ride scholarships in order to continue their education. Student athletes as well, in the recent year, have collectively done 13,000 hours of community service.
To top it all off, UNLV is now proud to report that it is ranked number one in the nation for diversity. It has been stuck at rank two for a period of time, so this is such a huge feat for the university.
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Just in the past year, the university has seen so many grand accomplishments. After acknowledging the past and highlighting the present, President Jessup set his eyes towards the future as he shared his vision for the next 60 years. First off, I’m sure most students are familiar with the navigation signs around UNLV, the ones with the arrows and the three letter acronyms pointing towards each building. President Jessup announced that the university will be getting rid of those confusing signs and replacing them with proper signs listing the full name of each building. Changing the signs will be a huge help, especially to incoming students who are not yet accustomed to the campus.
Additionally, in the next decade, President Jessup reported his hopes to completely transform Maryland Parkway. He hopes to eventually change the area surrounding UNLV to a mixed university village of sorts, so that graduates can live near the campus while undergraduates live on it. He also hopes to start a rail line for UNLV transportation in order to make it easier for students to transit to and from campus. In the next 60 years, President Jessup hopes to expand the university. What change are you most looking forward to? Be sure to let him know! You can contact President Jessup yourself by visiting his office on the seventh floor of the Flora Dungan Humanities Building or emailing him at
[email protected]
.
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By
Joshua DeLeon
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
The Financial Aid and Scholarships office, often notorious for its extremely long wait times, is one of the few places that students most likely dread going to. However, with the new implementation of FinAidQ, the financial aid office’s new virtual line service, and its use of Skype video advising, it has remedied the recurring problem of long lines that the financial aid office has experienced for a long time.
Most students will have to visit the financial aid office at some point in their academic career, whether it’s to review the status of their FAFSA or discuss available aid options to cover the cost of tuition and fees. For the two years that I’ve attended UNLV, I've disliked going to the financial aid office because I knew I would often be in for a very long wait, especially in the beginning of the semester when students need it the most. With this recurring problem of long wait times and long lines, the financial aid office needed to find a way to fix this problem. This is where FinAidQ comes into play. FinAidQ is the new virtual line system for the financial aid office that allows students to reserve a spot in line from wherever they are. It informs students of the approximate wait time, how many people are in line ahead of you, and when a financial aid counselor is ready to see you. FinAidQ is a really helpful tool that the financial aid office states is a “better way to wait, and [it will] save you time.”
Students are now required to use FinAidQ in order to meet with a financial aid advisor and are able to join the virtual line through several methods. Students are able to text using their mobile phones, through the
financial aid website
, use the Qless mobile app or use the Kiosk log-in within the lobby of the financial aid office. Essentially, the FinAidQ system is similar to the system that the DMV uses. The system not only notifies you of your placement in line, and estimated wait time, it also allows you to leave the virtual line at any time, and request for more time if you need a few more minutes to get to the financial aid office. An interesting feature included with FinAidQ is that if a student reaches the front of the line but is not on campus and needs a little more time to get to the office, the system doesn’t push you to the end of the line if you respond to the prompt. It will actually keep you in the front of the line and only move you a few spots down. This is an amazingly useful feature because no one wants to get moved to the back of the line just because they were late to their appointment by mere seconds or minutes.
There are many benefits for students that utilize the new FinAidQ system because it gives students quick access to the financial aid office, while accounting for their busy schedules, and allowing them the flexibility and ease of access that they need.
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I am student that has a very busy schedule, and I don’t necessarily have the time to be waiting in line for a very long period of time.However, with the FinAidQ system, this solved my problem easily. I’ve personally used the FinAidQ system and I think it works really well and it has improved the efficiency of the financial aid office overall. I was able to text into the virtual line from home and be notified that my wait time would be about 30 minutes. By the time I got to school I was at the front of the line and as soon as I walked into the financial aid office, they were ready to assist me in what I needed to do right away. With the new implementation of FinAidQ, the financial aid office has become more accommodating to the busy schedules of students.
Although the FinAidQ is a new system they recently implemented, they have also utilized other forms of technology to allow students to get in touch with a financial aid counselor in different ways.The financial aid office is always looking for ways to accommodate students for any type of situation. Another way the financial aid office accommodates students is through a feature they call “Video Financial Aid Advising”. The video advising is done through the application Skype and allows students to make financial aid advising appointments on Thursdays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from the comfort of their home or wherever they have access to WiFi. This is a particularly useful for students who may be out of town and need to speak to a financial aid advisor right away. Although the time slots for the video advising are very limited, it is still a very useful feature.
With the application of the FinAidQ virtual line system along with Skype video advising, the financial aid office is going to be working more efficiently to handle and provide students with a higher level of service and accommodation.Understanding these new features and services that are being added on campus is an important component of being active in not only the university, but in your academic career. Be sure to utilize the new FinAidQ system the next time you visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.
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Being Proactive This Semester
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By
Sophia Quinton
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Welcome back to school, Rebels! With the fall semester in full swing, it is important to remember to stay on top of your school activities and obligations as well as personal care. The most important skill to have this semester is organization. By structuring your time, you can manage all your responsibilities and events. It is best to organize each of your classes using various techniques depending on your preference. Planners are helpful and can be structured for the individual. I prefer an appointment style planner where I can input my classes, work, obligations, homework assignments, and personal activities. For others, the list planners work best to input due dates. Other tools that work best for time management include a master syllabus. Assignments from all the syllabi combined come together to form a list by date that can be easily crossed out. This can be done using Microsoft Excel. Using the sorting function on dates, it can be organized into months.
To conquer any exam, study skills must be planned in advance. It is best to start studying now. By staying on top of the readings (by either reading before or after lecture), you can solidify what you learn in lecture. Doing the problems after class is important. Find the best methods of studying that fit your learning style. For some, switching subjects is beneficial, but for others, it is not. The Pomodoro Method is useful for many students, because it implements taking small study breaks. The second-best thing to studying and reviewing notes is taking advantage of office hours. When taking a difficult course, go to office hours. Come with prepared questions about what you are struggling with and prompt a conversation. Not only do you get help with the problems, but you work closely with a professor.
Finding help throughout campus is just as important as office hours. Start with forming study groups, because teaching someone else the material helps to solidify the understanding of the concepts. Locations on campus offer tutoring services on various subjects.By combining these three tools, a more proactive semester can be achieved.With all the tutoring help, sometimes it is best to meet with someone one-on-one to discuss your academic progress.
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The Academic Success Center Coaching Spot offers this one-on-one environment where you can stay up-to-date on academic progress. Follow-up appointments can be made to stay on track. Call 702-895-0975 or visit Student Services Complex A Room 254 to make an appointment today.The Coaching Spot also offers workshops during the fall semesters. They have daytime and evening workshops so anyone can fit them into their busy schedule. These programs last 45 minutes and are free to all undergraduate students. The topics include time management skills, avoiding procrastination, and exam tips. All topics help students stay ahead. The schedule can be viewed
here
.
With mid-semester coming just around the corner, it is best to start working hard now. Staying on top of assignments and readings will help make test weeks less stressful. By organizing your time, you can help prevent forgetting important due dates in the future, and finding help now will reduce stress at the end of the semester. Rebels, make this semester the best one yet.
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Tutoring locations and subjects:
Lied Library 2nd Floor
Monday-Thursday: 10AM – 8PM
Friday: 10AM – 5PM
Sunday: 2PM – 8PM
Subjects: Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Math, Physics, Languages.
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Engineering Lab TBE A 207
Monday – Thursday: 11AM – 6PM
Sunday: 2PM – 8PM
Subjects: CEE, CS, CPE, EE, MATH 120-432, ME, and PHYS.
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Math Tutoring Clinic CDC 701
Monday – Friday: 10AM – 4PM
MATH: 95, 96, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 132, 181 , 182.
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Chemistry Learning Center CHE 109
Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 1PM
Subjects: Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry
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Biology Learning Center WHI 126
Schedule varies by subject:
BIOL: 100, 189, 196, 197, 223, 224
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Physics Learning Center BPB 248/249
Monday: 4PM – 6PM
Wednesday: 3PM – 5PM
PHYS: 151, 152, 180, 181, 182
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Writing Center CDC Building 3
Helps with papers and essays. Call 702-895-3908 to make an appointment in advance.
Monday – Tuesday: 8PM – 6PM
Wednesday – Thursday: 8AM – 8PM
Friday: 8PM – 6PM
Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
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Introducing...
Cheyenne Rogers
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By
Ines Rojas
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Rebels, please join us in welcoming Cheyenne Rogers back to the
Academic Success Center (ASC).
I am very pleased to announce that she is
the Academic Transitions Coordinator in the Center.
She works at the ASC overseeing
the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program, assisting with the coordination of the Graduate Assistant Professional Development Program, and instructing First-Year Seminar courses, specifically COLA 100E.
She has previously worked
as an Academic Success Coach, so she is very familiar with students’ needs.
Her area of expertise and passion includes methods to assist with successful academic and social transitions into college and tools necessary for academic success.
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After speaking with Cheyenne, I realized she is very devoted to her students. She stated, “I am extremely passionate about serving students and helping them navigate college”. Some
initiatives she hopes to continue and grow is the August modular sections of COLA 100E, which means first year students can complete their first-year seminar before their first fall semester begins.
By continuing to offer this section, she hopes it will supply incoming students, that may have never set foot on a college campus, with important and necessary information before the start of the semester. She would also like to ensure all Hixson-Lied Success Scholars are equipped with the tools necessary for success after college. This means serving as an active and involved mentor to the scholars and providing any opportunities for growth to us.
During our meeting, I also learned about Cheyenne on a personal note. I found she is very easy going, empathetic, and dedicated. When asking her “What is your favorite part about working at UNLV?”, she replied, “I love being surrounded by a diverse group of individuals who are motivated to work with students and show their passion for UNLV.” I can see that Cheyenne is excited about working with students, and she has dedicated herself to students and enjoys her position because of that.
Finally, I learned that
Cheyenne can give great advice. I asked her, “what is the best advice you can give college students?” She responded, “
do not let any opportunity pass you by! College is full of opportunities and learning experiences. Every situation we encounter teaches us something about ourselves that could reinforce or change the path we are on.” So, p
lease don’t be shy and join me in welcoming Cheyenne Rogers back to the ASC!
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By
Martha Amaya
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
A brochure reading “The Office of International Programs” is eye-catching: a flip through the brochure displays an array of countries in every continent, while vibrant and dazzling pictures capture the eye. It’s any college student’s dream to travel the world,engage with other cultures and languages, all while earning college credit. Unfortunately,many students are put off by the belief that it’s too expensive or that adjustment will be
difficult. Luckily, the people at the Office of International Programs easily dispel that fear.
Enter Gregory Stephany, the Director of Education Abroad. He’s conversational, relaxed, and explains that he doesn’t like to lecture: just as study abroad is an interactive experience, he likes it when those he’s meeting with also share their own thoughts. He is warm, friendly, and engaging -- - this is coming from the mindset that students should feel
welcome about discussing study abroad options. In fact, he’s well aware of how intimidating the prospect of international studies is: he admitted that “what originally brought [him] into study abroad… was that [he] didn’t know opportunities like this existed.” To him, study abroad was a far-off dream that only certain parts of the population could unlock. That is, until he went to Mexico. Interestingly enough, he mentioned that while he went through invaluable experiences and learned intricate things about the Mexican culture, he “learned more about the place [he] came from” as well.
He brought about an interesting point: many of us are Americans and while we may have traveled around the U.S. or even internationally, we’ve gotten little experience to fully immerse ourselves in a culture so distinct from our own that we begin to view our culture from an outsider’s perspective.
This was intriguing and unexpected to hear: it’s refreshing to hear study abroad provides such a change in outlook. But then, Mr. Stephany went to further discuss study abroad programs.
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They range from short winter break terms (about a month long) to summer session terms (one month to three months) to semester terms to full-year terms. They’re offered in a host of different countries, including Spain, France, Costa Rica, China, and Australia. Each program is distinct from the other: some programs accept as little as ten students (meaning a cohort of ten students from American universities travel to that country together) and some, up to fifty students. However, each program ensures that each student receives a fully immersive experience, while still maintaining relations with other American students.
The best part? You don’t have to know the language. Of all the programs, only France requires you to take one year of French beforehand. In all the other programs, students of any skill level can attend. Of course, at least an introductory class is recommended, but if you’re a brave soul who likes flinging yourself into unknown situations, you may well end up in China without a Chinese word under your belt. Mr. Stephany says that the constant exposure to the language grants you a streamlined access pass to learn the language.
Worried about the cost? “You can mitigate all, if not most, of your costs,” Mr. Stephany said confidently. He discussed the varying trip costs, but many programs cost just the same as if someone were attending UNLV. Some cost a few thousand more, but there are endless scholarship opportunities available for students wanting to study abroad and the workers at study abroad are committed to helping each student stock up on all these scholarships.
Study abroad no longer seems like a hazy dream. If anything, it slides into a clearer focus. It’s accessible to everyone because UNLV, in its foundation, believes that every student deserves an equal opportunity. And if a student would like to study abroad, then they should be given the opportunity. Any interested students can visit the study abroad office, located in CBC-B 325, to learn more and schedule a Study Abroad 101 session.
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By
Paige Burns
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
UNLV always has an exciting event happening on campus, from Oozeball to football games. There are many exciting scholastic events as well as athletic events coming up this fall semester!
Scarlet Dance Line member Natalie Edran is excited for many athletic happenings this semester! Edran is looking forward to performing during the halftime show at all home football games this season. Natalie plans on competing in the annual Oozeball competition and cannot wait to get together with her team and play!
Just to highlight a few athletic events, UNLV men’s soccer takes on University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley on the 13th of October while women’s soccer competes against Colorado State on October 6th at 7pm! UNLV’s football season has been an thrilling one and should continue to be that way the rest of the season. UNLV’s football teams next home game will take place at Sam Boyd stadium on Saturday, October 7th against the San Diego State Aztecs. This is the third home game of the month, so let’s get the student section ready to cheer on the Rebels!
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It is free for all undergraduate students to attend
any
men’s or women’s athletic game. Tickets can be acquired online at
UNLV tickets
; all you need is your NSHE # and your Rebel ID. All seating is general admission and students are expected to sit in the student section, or the “Rebellion,” throughout the entire game. These tickets are available starting the week of the game at 10 am.
We always encourage UNLV students and staff to attend and participate in any school athletic activity. Sophomore Tykenzie Daniels believes having UNLV students and staff present at athletic events “encourages the athletes to play harder and creates a more exciting environment.” Daniels is a defensive back on UNLV’s football team and cannot wait to progress this season. So come out and support your rebels at UNLV Athletics events!
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Oozeball: One of
UNLV’s Longest
Traditions
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By Joel Jimenez Vargas
, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Playing volleyball with your friends in a pit full of mud, water splashing everywhere during a hot Vegas day, music, prizes, and nonstop fun. That’s what it is like to participate in the Oozeball tournament at UNLV. Oozeball is one of UNLV’s longest traditions where students, faculty and staff gather to participate in the annual Oozeball tournament. Various teams are formed and they compete against each other to fight for the glory of winning the tournament.
With origins in 1990, Oozeball has become a strong UNLV tradition that has not faded throughout the years. Students keep waiting anxiously every year to be able to participate in the famous sport. Many clubs and organizations form their own teams along with their faculty advisors. It is not surprising to see your math professor jumping into a pool of mud trying to hit a volleyball.
The participation of faculty and staff shows that Oozeball is not just a student tradition, but a community tradition where everyone within the UNLV community contributes and participates. In fact, according to Steven Kinsey, Program Coordinator for Intramural and Sport Clubs, the number one way in which students learn of Oozeball every year is by word of mouth. This once again shows that it is the students that keep pushing this tradition to keep growing and growing. Oozeball, in its 27th anniversary, is stronger than ever and it is a tradition that will prevail at UNLV for many more generations to come.
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This year’s Oozeball tournament is expected to bring a large crowd of new incoming students. The event was held on Friday, October 6th. Teams formed weeks before the tournament as they began practicing to ensure success in the sport.
It was expected to have 60 teams with 400 students participating in the event. The teams consist of at least 6 players, and because Oozeball is a co-ed tournament, half of the players are males while the other half are females.
The team must have a team captain, who is in charge of attending the informational meetings and getting everything ready for their team to compete. The tournament is only one day long so it does not take much of the students’ time. Many teams are eliminated in the first round and are not able to compete in the elimination bracket, but they can still spend the day doing one of the many activities available at the event. They can dance to the DJ’s music playing in the background, play some football with friends, grab some snacks and keep the fun going. Oozeball can be a competitive sport, but the true essence of the tradition is never lost. Having fun, socializing with the UNLV community, and making new friends is always the best part of Oozeball.
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Ms. Christina M. Hixson graduated from high school in Clarinda, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend business school. She later went to work for Mr. Ernst F. Lied , a car dealership owner in Omaha and in 1960 she joined Mr. Lied in Las Vegas, Nevada as his assistant. After Mr. Lied’s death in 1980, Ms. Hixson became the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and turned the Lied Foundation Trust into one of the largest foundations in the state of Nevada at that time. Ms. Hixson has a special understanding of young people who, like her, came from a challenging family background and are willing to work hard.
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Mr. Ernst F. Lied was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kansas for two years, where he played on the golf team. He ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1927. Mr. Lied became a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska and later his dealership was ranked third in the country for the number of cars sold. Mr. Lied established his charitable foundation in 1972, and upon his death in 1980 at age 74 nearly his entire estate funded the Lied Foundation Trust. Lied Foundation Trust has enhanced the capabilities of many schools and enriched the quality of many lives!
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*All photos used are original, can be found on unlv.edu, UNLV social media or have references indicated
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