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

Newest Outreach Assistant! Becca =)

Hi my name is Becca and this semester I decided to try out a new job as a University Housing Outreach Assistant. 

I am in my second year here at UWM and I am a Marketing major in the Lubar School of Business. With hopes of getting into wedding planning.  When I am not in the office or hitting the books I am usually on Floor 3 of Sandburg South Tower working as a Resident Assistant. I am an RA for the Business Panthers Living Learning Community. I have found it really fun to be able to work with students that are in the same position I was in last year. 

In my free time I am usually at the Klotsche Center running or playing pick up basketball games. If I am not in the gym I am catching up on my TV shows on Netflix. I may or may not have a serious addiction to constantly watching One Tree Hill.  



I am from the suburbs of Chicago, but decided to come to Wisconsin to tour most of the colleges I was looking at. UW-Milwaukee was actually the first school I saw and in my eyes nothing could compare. When I first came to school here I knew one person. As scary as it was I had no idea it would be one of the best decisions I had ever made. My first year I was blessed with a great roommate, suitemates, and an entire floor that got along. 

The city of Milwaukee has so much to offer and in a city like this it is impossible to be bored.  Some of my favorite things to do is head down to Bradford Beach for a run, watch the Brewers get a win at Miller Park, or listen to concerts at local theaters.

The fact that I can say I am starting my fourth semester here at UWM is crazy. Everyone is right when they say your four years will fly by. So far I have had a great second year and can't wait to finish the year strong. 

If you have any questions about my experiences here at UWM or about University Housing, feel free to give me a shout out at uhmktg@uwm.edu

--Becca

Move out Information

Happy May Panthers!! 

As the semester quickly comes to an end, it is time to start thinking about moving out of the residence halls and enjoying your summer vacation!! Your RA will be your guide to the move out process. I have posted some tips and tricks to make moving out an easy and breezy process for you all. 

UWM residence halls will close on May 17th, 2014 at 6pm! Residents are asked to depart 24 hours after their last final exam but no later than May 17th at 6pm. If you need to stay longer please fill out a late departure request form and turn it into the housing office.

My first trick and tip for you all is make sure you do the following three things to avoid an improper checkout charge! 

• Sign up for a checkout appointment with your RA on signup.com
• Show up on-time for your checkout appointment with your RA
• Checkout with an RA

Below are some more tips for the move out process!!

1. Pack up all items. We encourage you to start packing up prior to finals as that week can be stressful. Also, due to limited parking and supplies during move out it is often easier to move small loads home prior to move out.

2. If you have a loft, disassemble it and store it under your bed. The room should be returned to the same condition and arrangement it was in when you moved in.

3. Remove all items from your walls. Remove any tape, poster putty, etc. from walls and wash the marks off the walls. All spills/splashes must be wiped off walls, ceilings, heating units.

4. Clean and dust all furniture surfaces, including:

• Closet shelves
• Bookshelves
• Outlet covers
• Drawers in desk and dressers
• Windows: sill, panes, tracks
• Bed frame
• Under the bed
• Blinds
• Heating and A/C units
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Fridge and Freezer (top and inside)

6. Wash out waste baskets and place them on top of your desk. Clean all common areas of your suite. Empty out all kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  Clean the toilet bowl and walls in the bathroom area. Clean out fridge and freezer, and stove top. Wash out kitchen trash can and place on top of kitchen table if applicable.

7. Sweep and clean tile floors. Please do not sweep debris into hallways or stairwells. Vacuum all carpeted areas within the suite. When vacuuming, you are responsible for the 4-foot area (left and right) outside your suite.

8. Donate unopened non-perishable food items, clothing and small appliances.

9. Clean out your mailbox and update your forwarding address information on the myhousing portal prior to check out.

10. Submit any necessary work orders for all damages or repairs needed in your room or suite at www.fixit.uwm.edu

11. Close your blinds and windows. Turn off lights and lock your room and suite door. Return your keys and of course enjoy your summer! :)

Finally, I am sure a lot of you are wondering what happens to all that left over money from your meal plan at the end of the semester! 

If you do not have an outstanding balance or end of year charge, your meal plan funds will be refunded to you, minus a $10 administrative fee. Refunds are provided in the same fashion as your payment was made. Refunds typically take up to 45 days after closing. If you have charges owed on your PAWS account, your refund would first be applied to those charges.

Just a reminder that 24 hour quiet hours are in effect starting Thursday, May 8th at 10pm until Saturday, May 17th at noon!

Good luck on all your finals and we hope you all have a great summer,

Haley

Your New Best Friend

RA.  What does it stand for?  Resident Assistant, also known as your new best friend.  They are students just like you.  They go to class, do their homework, and hangout with friends.  They live next door or just down the hall from you.  A RA is available to you 24 hours a day (but don’t wake them up if you don’t have to.)  They plan events as a chance for you to have fun and meet new people.  They are also there during the not so happy times.  If you want a room switch, need a shoulder to cry on, need advice about a class, or are struggling at adjusting to living with your new roommate your RA is your go to kind of pal.  They are available to help you.  In addition, to helping you there are there to keep you safe.

Last year I was a RA in RiverView.  I had the opportunity to meet and get to know about 48 residents.  I was there through the tears and the fights, the smiles and laughter, but most importantly the memories.  I loved having the opportunity to help my residents and watch them grow.

A resident assistant wants you to succeed, learn, and grow.  Don’t be afraid to ask them the “silliest” question or to share one of your biggest fears.  They aren’t there to get you in trouble, just to help create a wonderful experience in college that you’ll never forget.