The McNair Program at Bloomfield College has started a Blog called “Everything Higher Education" where they will be posting fellowship and scholarship information. This should be a great resource for the TRiO community and students are encouraged to sign up to follow the Blog.
http://allhighered.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cyberbullies ... are they the new 21st century bully?
Recently when we updated our SSS Handbook we added a policy which addresses one of the newest legal issues created by technology, cyberbullying. The very basic and simple policy reads like this ....
Cyber-Bullying and Harassment
Threatening, harassing, and/or bullying others using electronic means to include the Internet and/or mobile technology is strictly prohibited. This could result in denial of access to the SSS computer lab/laptops and administrative disciplinary actions.
The issue of cyberbullying has been at the forefront of the news recently. Teens recently spoke out on CNN about living in a wired world and being unable to escape cyberbullying. Watch "Teens Speak Out" here One study reported that cyberbullying causes higher levels of depression than face-to-face bullying and there have been documented cases of teens committing suicide as a result of being cyberbullied.
The issue of cyberbullying has been at the forefront of the news recently. Teens recently spoke out on CNN about living in a wired world and being unable to escape cyberbullying. Watch "Teens Speak Out" here One study reported that cyberbullying causes higher levels of depression than face-to-face bullying and there have been documented cases of teens committing suicide as a result of being cyberbullied.
I am currently taking a course in School Law and our textbook is entitled CyberLaw: Maximizing Safety and Minimizing Risk in Classrooms. The author Aimee M. Bissonette, J.D. is a lawyer, teacher, and writer who practices law in Minneapolis.
Bissonette states that "cyberbullying .... relies on electronic devices, the Internet, and the anonymity the Internet provides." Cyberbullies have a multitude of tools available to them including cell phones, camera phones, e-mail, instant messaging, personal web sites, and social networking sites.
She lists several common forms of cyberbullying that we might not recognize as unlawful or unethical behaviors. As you read the list, think about whether you have ever been a bully or a victim of these actions.
Common forms of Cyberbullying:
Bissonette states that "cyberbullying .... relies on electronic devices, the Internet, and the anonymity the Internet provides." Cyberbullies have a multitude of tools available to them including cell phones, camera phones, e-mail, instant messaging, personal web sites, and social networking sites.
She lists several common forms of cyberbullying that we might not recognize as unlawful or unethical behaviors. As you read the list, think about whether you have ever been a bully or a victim of these actions.
Common forms of Cyberbullying:
Flaming - is online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language.
Harrassment – is repeatedly sending nasty, mean, and insulting messages.
Denigration – is dissing someone online, sending or posting gossip or rumors about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendships.
Impersonation – is pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to get that person in trouble or danger or damage that person’s reputation or friendships.
Outing – is sharing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information or images online.
Trickery – is tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information, then sharing it online.
Exclusion – is intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from an online group.
Cyberstalking – is repeated intense harassment and denigration that includes threats or creates significant fear.
Cyberbullies typically are females rather than males and rely on verbal, emotional, and psychological attacks. They thrive on the anonymity technology provides and are likely to act without first thinking through the consequences of their actions. The tools they use allow them instant access to their victims and a wide audience for their bullying behavior. Darby Dickerson (2005) in the article Cyberbullies on Campus stated, "Technology allows bulies to be meaner, more frequently, with more allies, before an inestimable audience."
Bissonette concludes by saying that "Cyberbullies are in our schools, and the tools available to these bullies likely will multiply over time. Left unchecked, today's student bullies will become tomorrow's bullying neighbors, coworkers, and bosses. But schools are not without recourse. Schools do not have to tolerate cyberbullying. They can adopt and enforce policies to clearly signal that bullying is not acceptable and will be punished. Just as important, schools can lead the way in educating technology users about responsible and respectful use of electronic media."
Technology is developing at a rapid pace and the law is struggling to catch up, but one thing is certain ... as cyberbullying grows, so do lawsuits. Several states have now enacted legislation that specificially address the issue of cyberbullying and hold offenders criminally liable for their actions. Employers as well as public agencies will be forced to address this issue or they may find themselves defending their actions (or lack of action) in court.
So how do you deal with a cyberbully if you are a victim? Here are some tips:
1. Ignore the person. Go on about your business. Log-off if the harrassment bothers you.
2. Block or delete the person.
3. Change your password, username, or e-mail address.
4. Contact the website to report anything created without your knowledge or to remove inappropriate language.
5. Talk to someone you trust.
6. Call the police if you are getting physical threats.
7. Never arrange to meet with someone you met online unless it is in a public place.
For more information visit http://www.cyberbully411.org/ or http://www.getnetwise.org/
Cyberbullies typically are females rather than males and rely on verbal, emotional, and psychological attacks. They thrive on the anonymity technology provides and are likely to act without first thinking through the consequences of their actions. The tools they use allow them instant access to their victims and a wide audience for their bullying behavior. Darby Dickerson (2005) in the article Cyberbullies on Campus stated, "Technology allows bulies to be meaner, more frequently, with more allies, before an inestimable audience."
Bissonette concludes by saying that "Cyberbullies are in our schools, and the tools available to these bullies likely will multiply over time. Left unchecked, today's student bullies will become tomorrow's bullying neighbors, coworkers, and bosses. But schools are not without recourse. Schools do not have to tolerate cyberbullying. They can adopt and enforce policies to clearly signal that bullying is not acceptable and will be punished. Just as important, schools can lead the way in educating technology users about responsible and respectful use of electronic media."
Technology is developing at a rapid pace and the law is struggling to catch up, but one thing is certain ... as cyberbullying grows, so do lawsuits. Several states have now enacted legislation that specificially address the issue of cyberbullying and hold offenders criminally liable for their actions. Employers as well as public agencies will be forced to address this issue or they may find themselves defending their actions (or lack of action) in court.
So how do you deal with a cyberbully if you are a victim? Here are some tips:
1. Ignore the person. Go on about your business. Log-off if the harrassment bothers you.
2. Block or delete the person.
3. Change your password, username, or e-mail address.
4. Contact the website to report anything created without your knowledge or to remove inappropriate language.
5. Talk to someone you trust.
6. Call the police if you are getting physical threats.
7. Never arrange to meet with someone you met online unless it is in a public place.
For more information visit http://www.cyberbully411.org/ or http://www.getnetwise.org/
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the Learning Revolution!
Why don't we get the best out of people? Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson argues that it's because we've been educated to become good workers, rather than creative thinkers. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
TADC Urban Scholarship Fund
This scholarship program was established by the Texas State Legislature in cooperation with AT&T, Verizon and Sprint and administered by the Texas Association of Developing Colleges (TADC).
For graduating high school seniors, first-time and/or returning undergrad college students, attending any accredited nonprofit college, university or technical school. The amounts to be awarded per school year are: $700 for community college, junior college and technical college students; $1,000 for public four-year college and university students; and $2,000 for private four-year college and students.
ELIGIBILITY: MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS United States citizen and resident of Texas Demonstrate financial need (EFC up to and not exceeding 0050) Undergraduate full-time student in good academic standing at the completion of last school year attended Graduate of a high school in one of the following 19 Texas cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Irving, Laredo, Lubbock, Mesquite, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio and Waco (NO EXCEPTIONS)
HOW TO APPLY: How to obtain an application: Visit online: www.txadc.org. complete application, print, sign and mail with required documents Contact Senior Guidance Counselor at your high school or the financial aid office at your college or university. Or send written request to: TADC, 1140 Empire Central Drive, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75247
APPLICATION DATES: Complete application including proof of high school city (diploma or transcript) and 2010/2011 SAR (NOT the Print Summary) packet will be accepted beginning MARCH 1, 2010 and must be postmarked by: JULY 6, 2010 Incomplete Applications without ALL Required Documents WILL NOT BE PROCESSED
http://www.txadc.org/
For graduating high school seniors, first-time and/or returning undergrad college students, attending any accredited nonprofit college, university or technical school. The amounts to be awarded per school year are: $700 for community college, junior college and technical college students; $1,000 for public four-year college and university students; and $2,000 for private four-year college and students.
ELIGIBILITY: MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS United States citizen and resident of Texas Demonstrate financial need (EFC up to and not exceeding 0050) Undergraduate full-time student in good academic standing at the completion of last school year attended Graduate of a high school in one of the following 19 Texas cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Irving, Laredo, Lubbock, Mesquite, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio and Waco (NO EXCEPTIONS)
HOW TO APPLY: How to obtain an application: Visit online: www.txadc.org. complete application, print, sign and mail with required documents Contact Senior Guidance Counselor at your high school or the financial aid office at your college or university. Or send written request to: TADC, 1140 Empire Central Drive, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75247
APPLICATION DATES: Complete application including proof of high school city (diploma or transcript) and 2010/2011 SAR (NOT the Print Summary) packet will be accepted beginning MARCH 1, 2010 and must be postmarked by: JULY 6, 2010 Incomplete Applications without ALL Required Documents WILL NOT BE PROCESSED
http://www.txadc.org/
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
College for All Texans Grant Program
This scholarship is a need-based, one-time-only $1,500 award to be granted to 965 Pell Grant-eligible Texas students in fall 2010. The scholarship will be applied to educational costs for any accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States.
To be eligible, Students must:
At the time of application, be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and reside in the State of Texas.
Be high school seniors or graduates (which includes GED recipients) who plan to enroll full time, or students who are already enrolled in an undergraduate course of study.
Be eligible to receive Title IV (federal financial aid) funding.
Plan to enroll in at least twelve (12) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) for the 2010 fall term.
Enroll in a Title IV-eligible accredited two- or four-year college or university in any of the United States, its possessions or territories.
Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come basis. The application is posted below for you to complete, sign and mail. No electronic submissions will be accepted for the application.
Students must complete the application and mail it to Scholarship America along with the following documents by the postmark deadline of May 25, 2010:
A completed and signed scholarship application;
If a currently enrolled undergraduate student, a cumulative transcript of grades, or if a high school senior or a student who has not previously enrolled in a postsecondary institution, a copy of your college acceptance letter. If you are enrolling in a Texas community college, a copy of your Apply Texas confirmation; and
A completed copy of the 2010-2011 SAR or ISIR. The SAR is the federal document that indicates the student's Expected Family Contribution. To be considered for an award, an applicant must have applied for financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you complete the FAFSA and it has been accepted, the Department of Education will either 1) send you your SAR via mail (if you did not provide your email address) within 14 days, or 2) send you an email with a link to your SAR on the web. You will need to provide the SAR "Print Summary" containing your name and EFC. Alternatively, your college financial aid office can provide you a copy of your most recent Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR).
NOTE: All documents must be sent in one envelope.
Awarded funds will be disbursed directly to your school of choice after your enrollment in fall 2010 classes is confirmed. This $1.5 million scholarship opportunity is provided by the U.S. Department of Education College Access Challenge Grant.
To make application go to:
http://collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objectid=95E8C88F-078A-D3A0-64484E106C85A9F9
To be eligible, Students must:
At the time of application, be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and reside in the State of Texas.
Be high school seniors or graduates (which includes GED recipients) who plan to enroll full time, or students who are already enrolled in an undergraduate course of study.
Be eligible to receive Title IV (federal financial aid) funding.
Plan to enroll in at least twelve (12) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) for the 2010 fall term.
Enroll in a Title IV-eligible accredited two- or four-year college or university in any of the United States, its possessions or territories.
Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come basis. The application is posted below for you to complete, sign and mail. No electronic submissions will be accepted for the application.
Students must complete the application and mail it to Scholarship America along with the following documents by the postmark deadline of May 25, 2010:
A completed and signed scholarship application;
If a currently enrolled undergraduate student, a cumulative transcript of grades, or if a high school senior or a student who has not previously enrolled in a postsecondary institution, a copy of your college acceptance letter. If you are enrolling in a Texas community college, a copy of your Apply Texas confirmation; and
A completed copy of the 2010-2011 SAR or ISIR. The SAR is the federal document that indicates the student's Expected Family Contribution. To be considered for an award, an applicant must have applied for financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you complete the FAFSA and it has been accepted, the Department of Education will either 1) send you your SAR via mail (if you did not provide your email address) within 14 days, or 2) send you an email with a link to your SAR on the web. You will need to provide the SAR "Print Summary" containing your name and EFC. Alternatively, your college financial aid office can provide you a copy of your most recent Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR).
NOTE: All documents must be sent in one envelope.
Awarded funds will be disbursed directly to your school of choice after your enrollment in fall 2010 classes is confirmed. This $1.5 million scholarship opportunity is provided by the U.S. Department of Education College Access Challenge Grant.
To make application go to:
http://collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objectid=95E8C88F-078A-D3A0-64484E106C85A9F9
Workforce Stats on Unemployment
While male unemployment rates have mostly been very similar to female unemployment rates since 1948 (in the 70’s and 80’s the male rate was a little below the female rates), this chart from Verifiable.com shows that this recession is different. Male rates have soared to a peak 10.6% while females rates peaked at 8%. The reason for this unprecedented difference could be because the housing crisis hit the construction industry hard — an industry that is heavily male dominated.
This second chart, from Verifiable.com shows that workers with less education suffer more unemployment than those with a more education. The difference has been even greater than ever in this recession. In 2001, the workers with no education were suffering an unemployment rate of around 9%, while for those with a bacherlor’s degree the rate was about 3 percent.
However, in this recession, that has been about a 10% difference between those with no high school diploma and those with a bachelor’s degree. The unemployment rate for those with no high school diploma peaked at 15.6%.
Source: http://setxp16.org/wp/resources/workforce-stats-unemployment-different-looks/
This second chart, from Verifiable.com shows that workers with less education suffer more unemployment than those with a more education. The difference has been even greater than ever in this recession. In 2001, the workers with no education were suffering an unemployment rate of around 9%, while for those with a bacherlor’s degree the rate was about 3 percent.
However, in this recession, that has been about a 10% difference between those with no high school diploma and those with a bachelor’s degree. The unemployment rate for those with no high school diploma peaked at 15.6%.
Source: http://setxp16.org/wp/resources/workforce-stats-unemployment-different-looks/
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Academic Lecture Series
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Music is Medicine, Music is Sanity
Violinist Robert Vijay Gupta joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of 19. He made his solo debut, at age 11, with the Israel Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. He's got a master's in music from Yale. But his undergraduate degree? Pre-med. As an undergrad, Gupta was part of several research projects in neuro- and neurodegenerative biology. He held Research Assistant positions at CUNY Hunter College in New York City, where he worked on spinal cord neuronal regeneration, and at the Harvard Institutes of Medicine Center for Neurologic Diseases, where he studied the biochemical pathology of Parkinson's disease.
Gupta is passionate about education and outreach, both as a musician and as an activist for mental health issues. He has the privilege of working with Nathaniel Ayers, the brilliant, schizophrenic musician featured in "The Soloist," as his violin teacher.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Do you have an E-Portfolio?
Very simply put, a portfolio is a collection of evidence that is gathered together to show a person’s learning journey over time and to demonstrate their abilities. Portfolios can be specific to a particular discipline, or very broadly encompass a person’s lifelong learning.
An e-portfolio can be an interactive, modern way to show off your work experience to potential employers. Don't worry if you are not entirely web design savvy. You can still create a portfolio that is simple but speaks volumes about your talent and accomplishments in your career field.
If you want to establish your brand on the Internet; showcase yourself, your talents or your academic work, e-portfolio is the digital age information system to use.
Have you considered starting an E-portfolio? Take a look at this video for some inspiration.
Also, here are a couple of links to E-portfolios for you to do some further research.
http://sampleportfolio.blogspot.com/
http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/kkramer4/eport/
SSS Career Week - March 29 - April 2
If you are looking for a summer job, NOW is the time to begin. If you are about to graduate and need help with preparing a resume or practice interviewing, here is your opportunity.
- Job Search Tips
- Interviewing Skills
- Career Exploration
- Resume Writing
- Cover Letters
- Internships
- Creating an E-Portfolio
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Black or African American? by Tremaine Smith
The following article was shared by an SSS student, Tremaine Smith, and was written for her Intercultural Communication class.
Adekanbi said she has been rejected by Black Americans and has not felt connected with that community, although she has become an American citizen. She said she has had negative experiences with Black Americans, such as being called names because she is from Africa. “The African students' community, regardless of being from West Africa or East Africa, even though we are very different, we are like brothers and sisters of one people," Adekanbi said. "But I don't think that passes over into the African-American community (The Brown and White)." Judging by this story, I do feel the same way. Back in the day all black people were united as one but for some reason something caused Black Americans to judge one another to make them feel superior to Africans, making black people and also Africans think that we are two different races instead of one race.
Adekanbi said she has been rejected by Black Americans and has not felt connected with that community, although she has become an American citizen. She said she has had negative experiences with Black Americans, such as being called names because she is from Africa. “The African students' community, regardless of being from West Africa or East Africa, even though we are very different, we are like brothers and sisters of one people," Adekanbi said. "But I don't think that passes over into the African-American community (The Brown and White)." Judging by this story, I do feel the same way. Back in the day all black people were united as one but for some reason something caused Black Americans to judge one another to make them feel superior to Africans, making black people and also Africans think that we are two different races instead of one race.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Little Known Facts about Southeast Texas
The Port of Beaumont is the second largest U.S. military port in the world. About 48 percent of military cargo shipped overseas for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq passed through the port.
The Port of Beaumont is a leader in world commerce. Figures show goods flowing through the port were exported to 37 countries in 2008. Imports came from 21 countries. Port business activity generates about $11.6 million in state and local taxes and $23.3 million in federal tax revenue.
South Africa, Venezuela, Iraq, Qatar and Italy were the top five destinations for cargo leaving the port in 2008.
Recent economic impact statistics show the Port of Beaumont produces more than 1,860 jobs. The port generates more than $129 million in personal income for Southeast Texans.
The Port of Beaumont made aviation history when a Zeppelin shipped to the port took off for California on October 17, 2008. This was the first Zeppelin flight in U.S. skies since the Hindenburg crashed in 1937.
The Ronne Expedition, the last privately sponsored U.S. research mission to Antarctica, departed from the Port of Beaumont on January 25, 1947.
Source - http://www.portofbeaumont.com/
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Name the SSS Pet !!
You found us! Welcome to the SSS blog !!! We have so much good information to share and fun things to do on our SSS blog that we wanted to make sure you knew about us and that we want you to interact with us. Let's have some fun searching for the new SSS pet found somewhere on this blog and then suggesting appropriate names for him / her. Here's a hint: Our new pet loves to interact with your "mouse" ! Write your suggested name in the comments section below and tell why you think this should be the official name of our SSS pet.
Monday, March 15, 2010
SSS students attend Leadership Conference
SSS participant Brandon Anderson writes "The SELU Leadership Conference on March 6, 2010 was the absolute best experience I have had since attending Lamar University. With this conference I had the opportunity of meeting lots of new people whom I thought I would never associate with also I became closer with people I knew already. This conference taught me how to be a leader, what i need to do as a leader, what kind of leader I am, and how I can affect people as a leader. This trip was the absolute best and I cannot wait to see what next year's conference will bring!"
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