A Greek System You Might Not Expect

Spring semester 2013 I rushed, accepted a bid, pledged, and got initiated into the Sigma Chi Rho Fraternity on campus. I have several friends in fraternities throughout the country and even though I never really thought Greek life was for me I decided to go to one of the rush events. It was not what I was expecting. The brothers were all welcoming and engaging, even in the simple setting of a video game night in the Union. And that was just the beginning.

Throughout the semester, Sigma Chi helped me grow as an individual, a team member, and a leader. Fraternities and Sororities here at UWM aren't what you might expect. We don't have the crazy parties, huge houses, and the inevitable drama that stems from what you've probably seen on TV and in the movies. The organizations here focus on the core concepts that are the foundation of Greek chapters, like leadership and volunteering, and give the members endless resources and connections that will undoubtedly help as we all get our careers and futures started.

There are also business Fraternities, such as Beta Alpha Psi that I'm looking forward to getting more involved in this coming year. A lot of majors also have a professional Greek community that offer even more experience, resources, and experience focused on your major. For me, this means accounting. This year I'll get the chance to participate in numerous volunteer events and fun activities with other members of the accounting community.


No matter what level of involvement you're looking for, UWM Greek Life has something to offer you. Keep an eye out for rush events held at the beginning of each semester to give you a glimpse into what it's like being a part of an exclusive group of students that value highly ethical morals and values that can help shape the person you grow into as you go through your college years. There is no obligation for attending rush events, and it's a great way to meet people and have fun even if you don't find the right group for you. I found mine, now it's time for you to go find your own best fit!

The Happest 5K on The Planet!

 Happy August New Panthers,

Yesterday, I was able to participate and complete my second Color Run!! This is one of my favorite 5ks since you get drenched in color dust throughout the event and each year it gets better. As you embark on the 5k, you pass through 4 different color zones. Each color zone has a different color of dust being thrown at you and the layers of colorful dust continue to pile up! By the end of the race, you are completely engulfed in color from head to toe. Each participant must wear a white tee shirt and most teams get pretty extravagant with costumes. I have seen everything from tutus to wedding dresses being worn during the run. After you complete the run, they have a giant finish line party which features hundreds of color packets being thrown in the air at the same time. They also have music playing and stations to get rid of some of that color before you depart home! This is always one of the highlights of my summer! In a couple weeks, I will also be running in the Electric Run and there is still time to sign up for it!

See you all in the near future,
Haley

E is for Emily and Elephant

Lions and Tigers and Bears…

OH MY!!   

Who doesn’t love a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo?  I went a couple of weeks ago to see the stingray exhibit.  They actually let you pet and fed the stingrays.  They feel like squishy velvet and the sharks have rough grainy skin.  Here are some photos from my trip with my cousins.  You are never too old to act like a kid again, and the Milwaukee Zoo is a great opportunity.  The stingray exhibit will be here until September 2. 

Even if you don’t get a chance to pet a stingray, you can’t still visit the peacocks and take a camel ride.  The Milwaukee County Zoo is free on November 2 and December 7 this year.  Otherwise you can look on the zoo website for pricing.

This is Emily and the Elephants saying, "Go visit the zoo!!"

Thinking Green at University Housing

My fellow outreach assistants and I on top of the garden

University Housing is determined to decrease their environmental footprint through implicating various green procedures. One of the ways housing does this is, is by creating and maintaining their own garden on top of Sandburg Residence Halls. This green roof is the largest in Wisconsin and measures to 33,000 square feet. Some of the numerous environmental benefits include reducing storm water run off and filtering pollutant out of the air and water.  Nestled on top of the third floor this garden provides residences with healthier eating choices. Tomatoes, eggplant, basil, and peppers are just some of the fresh vegetables and herbs grown right above the cafeteria! As the summer continues, these fresh edible delights get picked and served in our very own cafeterias around university housing. There is also a garden located beside East Tower that serves as a community garden and has additional spaces for the residence halls cafeterias garden. All of these garden plots help contribute to healthy, sustainable eat choices in university housing!

The video below highlights all of the on campus gardens including the Sandburg rooftop garden!

See you all in around 20 days!
Haley

Work Study 101

Why would anyone want a job where they have to study while they're still in school and have more than enough to study for already?

I think you're misunderstanding me. A work study is not a type of job, it's a type of payment for a job you have while enrolled in courses. Work study is part of Financial Aid that allows students to work for some of the money they receive from FAFSA, with a few special characteristics. Work study is available at UWM for just about every job offered to students. The process of finding the job, interviewing, the work you do, and most importantly getting paid works the same as getting a job without work study. The difference is the government pays approximately 75 cents of each dollar that work study participants receive, making work study an attractive option for employers. In addition to being attractive to employers, work study is a great option for students, financially speaking. The money earned in a work study does not count towards income earned on financial aid for future years so it won't hurt your financial aid potential.

Whether you choose to participate in a work study or not, there are plenty of option for employment around campus with more popping up all year long and they're all located in one convenient place: the auxiliary jobs website. From the aux site you can apply directly to as many jobs as you wish, get a lot of information about different jobs that are available, and get contact information to follow up the application with a phone call. Working anywhere on campus is a beneficial way to get involved in more than just the courses you're taking while you're at UWM!