Returner Self- Assignment!

As February comes to a close, the employees in the Business Administration office in University Housing get our contracts organized and our pens ready because the beginning of March always means RETURNER SELF-ASSIGNMENT.

What is Returner Self-Assignment, you ask? Well, as a fourth year resident in Sandburg Hall, I am all too familiar with this process, so let me explain. Returner Self-Assignment is for the current University Housing residents who plan on returning to the residence halls in the fall. These students can pick where they want to live next year... EXACTLY where they want to live!

**NOTE - ONLY RESIDENTS WITH SIGNED CONTRACTS FOR 2015-2016 ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE PART IN SELF-ASSIGNMENT**

Yes! That means you can choose not only your building (Sandburg Traditional, Sandburg East, Purin, Riverview or Cambridge), but you can also sign up with friends to make sure you are placed together or near each other (whoever has the best assigned time can pencil-in their roommates and suitemates names - those roommates and suitemates then have to show up at their assigned times to confirm the request). With this freedom, you can also pick the style of room (triple, double or single) and even pick a room with the view that you want!

If you want to take part in this convenient process, make sure to attend at your scheduled time, which will occur on either the Tuesday March 3 or Wednesday March 4 assignment days in the Sandburg Green Room from 5-9 p.m. Check your mailbox for your individual instructions. If you aren't able to make it, you can have a friend turn in a "proxy card" so they can pick the room for you, or you can go to the Round 2 of Returner Self-Assignment in April.

When you show up to the Green Room there might be a long line, but don't be intimidated because the line usually goes pretty quick. From there you will go up to the table that represents the building you want to live in and pick the room you want to live in next fall. Make sure you go with a few options that you are okay with living in, just in case your specific room is already taken once you get there. However, once you sign your contract, make the prepayment/deposit fee of $100, and pick your room, you are guaranteed the room you reserved come move in during August!

If you are still unsure of whether or not you will be staying in University Housing next year, feel free to reach out to our office here at uhmktg@uwm.edu or 414.229.3158 we are more than happy to answer questions, give tours, and help you weigh the pros and cons of the many options available to you as a continuing student.

It's That Time of the Semester Again

Classes have gotten underway, homework has began to pile up, quizzes and tests are on the horizon. That can only mean one thing, it's time for the Map-works spring transitional survey.

The survey is very easy to complete, you should have received an email around February 9th (at least that's when I got my email.) You can also just click this link to complete it now or go to uwm.map-works.com if you like. To complete the survey, all you have to do is log-in with your ePanther ID as a student and press the big checkmark that says: Spring Transition Take Survey.

It took me 10 minutes 52 seconds and 59 tenths of a second to complete the survey (yea, I did time it.) The information collected through this survey helps RAs do their job to help students as well as many other offices on campus. Once completed feel free to look at your report and see what areas are your strengths and which ones could need some attention. A great person to talk to about this would be your RA or your Peer Mentor.

So moral of the story (or post), when you have 10 minutes 52 seconds and 59 tenths of a second, do your RA a solid and take the survey.

Till next time my friends,

-Tyler

How to Get Involved - Mid-Year Edition

We all know the annual Fall Welcome events and rush can inspire a lot of students to get involved in our campus clubs and organizations, student government, and other communities across campus. However, not everyone was able to make it to the academic year kick-off back in September. But that does not mean it is too late to get involved!!

So whether you are a transfer student, first-time student, study abroad visitor, or even an individual who has been here for awhile but has just decided to get involved in some Panther activities, don't worry! The month of February has a lot of different fairs and events to spark your interest and give you the chance to grab an opportunity.

IN THE UNION: As the center of student life, the union is a great place to meet new friends and find out what is going on on campus.

Diversity Career Fair - February 5, 11-2 pm in the Wisconsin Room
Kickstart your professional development right on campus at this event that allows you to mingle and network with area professionals, employers and graduate schools so you can start to figure out post-graduation plans.
**If you are unable to make the career fair you can go to the Career Development Center (Mellencamp 128) for more advising or keep an eye out for their upcoming events throughout the semester.

Winter Involvement Fair - February 11, 11-2 pm in the Union Concourse
Student orgs will be gathering in the concourse to tell you all about their clubs, events, and leadership opportunities on campus and off.
**If you can't make it to this event, feel free to go to the third floor of the union and talk with the friendly staff in the Center for Student Involvement (Union 363).

Exploring Majors Fair - February 23, 10-2 pm in the Union Ballroom
This fair will give you an interactive experience where you can learn about all the different undergraduate and graduate paths UWM offers students, as well as career planning opportunities.
**If this date does not work with your schedule, call your academic advisor and set up an appointment to go in more depth about your future plan.

IN HOUSING: Creating that collegiate community in your residential community can be a great way to get involved

Panther's After Dark - Every Thursday night at 9:27pm
The kick off event this semester is with Mentalist Josh Spano in the Flicks, but other events include cooking classes, karaoke, glow zumba and more. Keep an eye out for these events because they are a great way to meet new people while having fun!


SHAC and Community Council's - Varying times every week
The Student Housing Administrative Council meets every Monday at 7:30pm for it's general body meetings and serve as a forum for all residents to talk about ideas for events and improvement in the halls as a whole. The Community Councils are more specific to your building. Both are great places to not only meet friends and share ideas, but also groups to get leadership experience!

Resident Assistant Events - Varying times throughout the semester
That awesome RA on your floor plans at least one event for you a semester so keep an eye out for posters on your doors and the doors of your friends. We've seen everything from scavenger hunts to mac and cheese days!

-Kenlei