AN OFFICE
OF
STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PUBLICATION
FOR THE
KEAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT COMMUNITY
UNITY WEEK 2004 The calendar reads March, and everyone at Kean University knows that means that Unity Week is so going to be upon us. The event, which was born at the Student Organization/Student Affairs Leadership Retreat in 1998, has become one of the marquee attractions held on campus during the spring semester. Unity Week is designed to bring campus-wide programming to Kean, with a focus on celebrating the diversity of the community. The event seeks not only to bring together all ethnic, racial, and religious groups, but also serves as an opportunity to build bridges among students, faculty, and staff. Unity Week 2004 is devoted to special forums and different cultural events to showcase Kean’s diversity. Unity Week kicks off on Monday, March 15 during college hour with a panel discussion featuring students and faculty entitled “Achieving Excellence”. Other events occurring during Unity Week are Student Leadership Day, ISA Culturefest, Take Back the Night, and the Unity Week concert featuring Kanye West. For a complete listing of all the Unity Week events, see page 5.
Students lined up early to purchase tickets for the Unity Week Concert featuring Kanye West
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS OFFERS AN ARRAY OF SERVICES The Center for Academic Success was created on July 1, 2003 by President Farahi in order to improve the level, consistency, accessibility and quality of service to Kean students. Currently located in the first floor of the Administration Building (the old One-Stop Service Center), with sites in Townsend Hall (Rooms 106 and 110) and in the East Campus Mezzanine Level. Upon completion of the New Academic Building 2 in 2005, the Center will be consolidating all of their services in one central location in the above building. Until that time, please continue to visit the Center at the Administration Building, First Floor and our other sites. The Center for Academic Success provides a wide variety of student services that can be accessed by any newly or currently enrolled Kean student. These services include: general information, referral services, new student and transfer placement testing, advisement, registration, transfer credit evaluations, General Education services (coordination of the Research and Technology course, student success monitoring, among many others), tutoring and learning support, undeclared/undecided student assistance in choosing and declaring a major, job fairs, résumé critiquing, career counseling and exploration, New Student Orientations, Family Orientations, the Peer Liaison Program and the First Year Seminar Program among others. The staff is continually exploring ways to add and improve services to help make your time at Kean as rewarding and successful as possible. Feel free to stop by with any questions you may have and the Center will help you find the answers. Make use of one or all of their services. The Center was created to help you succeed at Kean. The hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Fridays from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. You can drop in at any time for assistance, telephone (908-737-3260) or by email at: cas@kean.edu. Stop by for help or just to visit. Student service and student success are the top priorities at the CAS! The staff looks forward to seeing you soon. T o r e ce i v e t h e n e ws l e t t e r v i a e m a i l , u s e y ou r K e a n C ou g a r E m a il A cc ou n t 1
EVENTS CALENDAR
KEAN STUDENTS GO INSIDE WASHINGTON ‘04
In early January, eleven Kean University students (Hernan Castro, Quianna Green, Allison Gregory, Lenten Luncheon Speaker: Brian Hoffmann, Elijah Millar, Maria Mundaca, Father Robert Emery Sandra Puente, Nyema Reyes, Joseph Smith, Sheena UC-226 @ Noon Varughese, Michael Yakubov) along with two professors from the Political Science Department, Dr. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 Charles Kelly and Professor Merle Treusch, traveled KU Historical Society: to Washington DC to attend Inside Washington ’04, a “The Vietnam War” two week academic seminar, presented by The presentation by Professor Washington Center for Internships and Academic James Jandrowitz Seminars. The Washington Center serves to provide New Academic Building students with necessary leadership skills for futures in Room 113 @ 3:30PM Dr. Charles Kelly led a group of Kean the public, private, and nonprofit sectors of society. students “Inside Washington” Kean’s Student Organization funded the students’ parJewish Studies Lecture ticipation in the seminar, which also earned the students three academic credits. Series: Mel Gibson’s Each week, the seminar focused on a different topic. The first week was centered on the curThe Passion: A Symposium rent pursuit of the presidency. This was particularly relevant given the upcoming presidential Kean Hall @ 8PM elections. During this week the students heard from various speakers such as: Stephen Wayne, author of “The Road to the White House”; Richard Benedetto, a journalist for USA Today; FRIDAY, MARCH 5 Charlie Cook, the editor of the Cook Political Report; and Senator Chuck Hagel from Nebraska. Comedy Show with Joe The second week of the seminar focused on the media and how it works with and against Avanti - Australian Comedian politics. The director of the second week was Professor Steve Bell, a former news corresponWilkins Theater @ 8PM dent for ABC News, from Ball State University. The second week was filled with exciting speakers. These speakers included: Sam Donaldson from ABC News; Amy Weiss from the MARCH 8 - MARCH 14 Recording Industry Association of America; John Cochran, the chief Washington correspondent Spring Break for ABC News; Brian Lamb, the CEO of CSPAN; and Ann Compton, a White House correNo Classes Held spondent for ABC News. After hearing from each day’s speakers, students made daily site visits to a variety of differFRIDAY, MARCH 12 ent organizations. Kean students visited the Business Roundtable, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Diversity 2000 Speaker: the Embassy of Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the National Organization Dr. David Sadker for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), and the National League of Cities. The students Wilkins Theater @ 8AM also attended CNN’s Crossfire, where religion in politics was debated. The Inside Washington ’04 seminar gave these lucky Kean students an exciting opportunity MONDAY, MARCH 15 to gain valuable leadership skills along with earning three academic credits in the exciting city Unity Week of Washington DC. The students were able to take part in this seminar thanks to funding by Opening Ceremony & Schering-Plough and Student Organization of Kean University, Inc Panel Discussion UC Little Theater @ 3:30PM TUESDAY, MARCH 2
GRADUATING SENIORS...
Movie Night: Mona Lisa Smile UC Little Theater @ 8PM TUESDAY, MARCH 16 Student Leadership Day University Center 9AM-1PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 Take Back the Night UC Little Theater @ 5PM
The Kean University Commencement Newsletters will be mailed out shortly. Undergraduates who have filed for graduation should receive the Undergraduate Commencement Newsletter by March 8, 2004. Graduate students who have filed for graduation should receive the Graduate Commencement Newsletter by March 15. Graduates and their families are encouraged to read all the material in the newsletter, as it provides important information regarding both ceremonies. Undergraduate students wishing to purchase a commemorative “Class of 2004” t-shirt with a list of all the names of the graduates, may do so for $20, plus shipping and handling. To order your shirt, visit www.campusclothing.com or the Student Organization of Kean University, Inc. office in the University Center Room 321.
T h e G r a d u a t e C o m m e n c e m e n t C er e m o n y w i l l b e h e l d o n M a y 4 a t N J P A C i n N e w a r k , N J 2
GSGA DONATES $20,000 TOWARDS FUTURE STUDENT TECHNOLOGY LAB At it’s January 30 meeting, the Graduate Student Government Association of Kean University, Inc. approved a $20,000 donation to purchase laptop computers for a student technology lab that will be housed at the University’s East Campus. The lab is part of the University’s ambitious plans to relocate the Nathan Weiss Graduate College to the East Campus Facility located on North Avenue in Hillside. Dr. Kristie Reilly, Dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College is excited about the relocation. “Having the Graduate College at the East Campus will give graduate students more of an identity. It will also facilitate interaction of graduate students among various disciplines.” The first graduate program to be housed at the East Campus will be part of the University’s New Jersey Center for Science and Technology Education, which recently received approval to implement Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in science and technology and a Master of Arts degree
in education, leading to New Jersey teacher certification. Dean Reilly expects the Graduate Admissions and Graduate Student Services office to be moved to the East Campus during the Spring 2005 semester. GSGA President Matthew Caruso credits the work of his Vice-President, Fady Mdeway. “Fady chaired the committee that brought forth this proposal. He played an integral role in the GSGA’s desire to leave a lasting legacy to Kean.” The Student Technology Lab promises to be one of the centerpieces to the new home of the Graduate College. Equipped with laptop computers in a comfortable room filled with couches and armchairs, the lab will offer a relaxing environment for graduate students who are always on the go. “Students will be able to sit in a comfortable chair and work on assignments while eating a light meal” explained Reilly. The University is even considering placing a coffee bar within the lab. The technology lab will feature state
Dr. Kristie Reilly, Dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, and Judy April, GSGA Council Representative
of the art equipment, including a print center, scanners, and a projector so that students can practice their presentations inside the lab. Reilly reasoned that “Graduate students have larger projects and need more advanced technology.”
COLLEGE LEADERSHIP NEW JERSEY
FRESHMEN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Student Organization of Kean University, Inc. The Office of Student Life & Leadership would like to congratulate the recipients of the Development is accepting applications for College Leadership New Jersey, a multi-discipliStudent Organization Freshmen Scholarships: nary leadership development program for students currently in their junior year. Applications Sierra DeMarco are due on March 15, 2004. Participants will be Guillermo Enriquez Prescott chosen based on their application and an interMichael A. Favetta view with Student Life staff. For more informaLaura Malinowski tion or to pick up an application, stop by the Susan M. Mbithi Office of Student Life & Leadership Daneen Reed Development in the University Center Room 219 Celenia Rodriguez or call 908-737-5170. T h e S t u d en t N e w s l e t t e r W e b s i t e w i l l b e l a u n c h e d i n t h e n e x t f e w w e e k s 3
QUICK HITS Student Organization is currently accepting applications for their Funded Group Elections. Applications are being accepted for all Executive Board positions in the following groups: AIS, ALAS, AMS, CICRA, CJC, FACS, FASA, GDSL, Gospel Choir, HSA, HRSL, ISA, KDT, PASU, PTC, RSA, SMILE, UAB, Vogue, and the Yearbook. Applications are available in the University Center Room 321.
The ARC of Union County is looking for creative, energetic, and motivated individuals who are looking to make a difference in the lives of children with development disabilities. Positions available include: group leaders, senior counselors, junior counselors, sports specialists, nature specialists, music specialists, and drivers. For more information, contact Shannon O’Regan at 908-7542059. The camp runs from July 12 August 20, 2004.
The Walt Disney World College Program will be hosting an internship recruitment program on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 3:30PM in the University Center Room 226B. Interested students should attend the general presentation and be available for interviews. Applications can be completed in advance and can be found online at www.wdwcollegeprogram.com
The Kean University Peer Club is holding a recycling drive for empty laser & inkjet cartridges and old cell phones. The purpose of the drive is to earn free software and technology for the University’s Child Care Center. Items can be dropped off at the Center for Academic Success, located on the first floor of the Administration Building. The Nancy Thompson Library is The Kean Federation of Teachers is pleased to announce that the Student’s Quiet Study Room located in Room 141 is now reopened and ready for use.
Operating System Earth (formerly the World Game) will be held in Downs Hall on March 17, 2004 at 12:30PM. Students & faculty are invited to participate in the group simulation devised by Buckminster Fuller. Refreshments will be provided. Students can sign up in the Center for Academic Success or by contacting the Center for Global Studies at extension 74063 or via email at dwheeler@kean.edu.
offering the following scholarships:
> Full-time undergraduates: $1200 > Part-time undergraduates: $600 > Full-time graduate students: $1500 > Part-time graduate students: $750 It is anticipated that eight awards will be offered. Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, and evaluation of an essay. The application deadline is March 15, 2004. Applications are available at the KFT Office (J-201G), Center for Academic Success, Graduate Office (T-122), One-Stop Service Center (Kean Hall), or the University Center Information Desk.
LOOKING FOR ONCAMPUS EMPLOYMENT? The Performing Arts Office is hiring Ushers, Box Office Clerks, and Technicians. Applications are available at the Box Office in Wilkins Theater. The General Education Department is hiring Computer Lab Assistants. For more information, call the G.E. Department at extension 73481. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is now hiring Student Ambassadors. They are looking to hire dedicated students who work hard and enjoy representing Kean University. All Ambassadors must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be available to work Fridays 9:30am to 1:00pm. Interviews will start Tuesday, February 17 and run until all positions are filled. For more information, you can call 908-737-7100 or come by the office (Kean Hall, 2nd floor) to pick up an application. The Center for Academic Success is hiring students for the following positions: Peer Liaisons and Academic Tutors. Applications are available at: www.kean.edu/~fyc/jobs.html
S p r i n g B r e a k i s M a r c h 8 - 1 2 . C l a s s es R e s u m e o n M a r c h 1 5, 2 00 4 4
S t u d e n t O r g a n iz a t i o n E l e ct io n A p p l i ca t io n s a r e n ow a v a il a b l e 5
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER RAINHO Jennifer Rainho’s first experience with college clearly left her wanting more. “I went to Union County College and was not involved in anything. I knew only two other students and my time was mostly taken up by working two part-time jobs.” A co-worker at First Union Bank would always tell Jennifer about the great times she had at college and how most of those times revolved around her involvement in a sorority. It was something that would stay with Jennifer after she graduated from Union County College with an Associate’s Degree in Business. While earning that degree, Jennifer developed an affinity for science, particularly biology. A friend recommended Kean University’s Physical Therapy Program and after a tour of the campus, Jennifer decided to enroll. “Kean actually had the feel of a college campus. I didn’t want to be in the middle of a city.” Jennifer was also determined not to duplicate her county college experience. She made a commitment to get involved and her first step in that direction involved greek life. “Even though I was not sure how to go about it, I knew that I wanted to join a sorority. I asked around and found out about the Meet the Greeks event, where I had the opportunity to meet all of the greek organizations that are on campus.” Jennifer eventually decided on Theta Phi Alpha and became immediately connected to a whole world of opportunities at Kean. “My sister Adrianne told me about the Established Leaders Program and I signed up. It was great. I had the opportunity to meet leaders in the community and they fed us, you can’t beat that.”
Jennifer’s involvement did not end there. Several other sorority sisters urged her to run for elected office with the Student Organization. “Katie Brood told me ‘you have to run for Student Org’ and I ended up becoming Assistant Secretary.” Jennifer realizes that her involvement has brought about a new found confidence in what she can accomplish after she graduates from Kean University. “I feel comfortable interacting with all types of people now. I can see myself as the head of a research team studying and trying to find a cure for diseases. I did not have that confidence before I got involved in all of these activities at Kean.” Jennifer’s advice to transfer students who are contemplating getting involved, but just don’t know where to start? “Stop for a moment and look at the bulletin boards, or read the publications. There are so many ways to get involved, but you have to be willing to take that first step. I have made many valuable connections while at Kean, but it never would have happened if I didn’t take the initiative.”
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
POLISH UNIVERSITY CLUB OF NJ
NJ CHAPTER OF CPCU SOCIETY
$5000 award to an liberal $2000 award to juniors or arts degree holder interest- seniors of Polish descent, ed in pursuing graduate residing in NJ studies in Accounting Must have earned a miniMust be a US citizen mum cumulative 2.8 GPA
$1000 award Business/Law major
US AIR FORCE ROTC INCOLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
to Open to freshmen and sophomores in any major
April 30, 2004 submission Must have a minimum deadline cumulative 2.5 GPA Contact: edl@slcinsure.com to request application
April 1, 2004 submission March 21, 2004 submission deadline deadline
Must be US citizen under the age of 31 June 30, 2004 nomination deadline Contact: fetherman@adm.njit.edu
Applications available in Applications available in the Office of Scholarship the Office of Scholarship Services Services
The newsletter will soon be exclusively online. Use your Kean email account to receive it. 6
THE STATE OF HIP-HOP CULTURE Writer Kevin Powell Discusses “World’s Dominant Youth Culture” Author and “hip-hop historian” Kevin Powell delivered a stirring lecture on the state of hip-hop culture to a crowd of 125 students, staff, and faculty in the University Center Little Theater on Wednesday, February 25. Weaving a narrative that explored the roots of the music commonly referred to today as “hip-hop”, Powell enthralled the audience with his rhythmic delivery and vast knowledge base. Powell told the audience “that in order to understand hiphop culture today, you must be aware of the social conditions present in America when the music was born.” Powell explained that“hip-hop is about making something out of nothing and the creators of hip-hop lived in poverty.” Powell went on to say that during the late 1960’s, as the war in Vietnam raged on and threatened to tear the nation apart, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. foresaw the conditions of poor people that would lead to the hip-hop movement. King “understood the economic inequities and warned that if they were not addressed, we would leave many people behind. It was those people left behind that created hip-hop.” Hip-hop music and culture has evolved from the formative years of the 1970’s to become the “dominant youth culture in the world today.” Powell told the crowd about his travels across the globe and how hip-hop has permeated pop culture not only in America, but also in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. However, Powell warned that this surge in popularity is not without peril. “It seems the culture has been turned inside out,
with an emphasis on materialism and death.” Powell asked the audience “When did it become OK to sell selfhatred?” Even with it’s problems, Kevin Powell still loves the music and the culture. “Without hip-hop, I would not have the opportunity to address you After the lecture, Kevin Powell signed tonight.” Powell copies of his latest book, offered a few sage “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?” words of advice for the audience. “You have to have a long term vision for yourself. At the end of his life, Martin Luther King Jr. was speaking about the need for a ‘radical revolution of values’ and his words ring true today.” Hip-hop began with a group of people determined to take control of their world, and this should not stop today. “It is all about uplifting people and bringing something back to your community.”
A SAFE SPRING BREAK
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
During the month of March, Kean students will join their peers across the nation, looking forward to Spring Break. This year, Kean University along with BACCHUS and GAMMA are encouraging students to know that you have the power to make responsible decisions. Safe Spring Break provides students with the opportunity to prepare for Spring Break and learn how to have all the fun they want without engaging in high-risk activities such as impaired driving, excessive alcohol use, and unsafe sexual decisions. The main goal of the campaign is to get students to take the Safe Spring Break Pledge, sponsored by Intercollegiate Communications. By taking the pledge, students promise not to drink and drive, not let their friends drink and drive or ride with an impaired driver. The Office of Residence Life is sponsoring a Safe Spring Break program, “Are You Good 2 Go?” at 8PM on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 in the University Center Room 228.
Once again the Kean community will come together as part of Unity Week with the purpose of protesting, educating, and working toward eliminating the continuing occurrence of violence against women. This year’s program program is entitled “That’s No Way to Treat a Lady” presented by Nancy Hulse. With a strong presence, intensity and sense of humor, Ms. Hulse involves her audience through direct dialogue and active participation. The performance will take place on Wednesday, March 17 from 5-6PM in the Little Theatre with a reception to follow in the Greek Lounge. All members of the Community are welcome. Classes are also invited to attend. Sponsors of the program include the Counseling Center, the Division of Student Affairs, Student Organization, Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, Lambda Theta Alpha, Women’s Studies and the Human Rights Student League. For further information please call Robyn Rajs in the Counseling Center at 737-4850.
U n d e r g r a d u a t e C om m e n ce m e n t w il l b e h e ld M a y 6 a t t h e P N C B a n k A r t s C e n t e r 7
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY LAB OPEN Have you ever been on campus and needed a place to burn a CD, practice a PowerPoint presentation, scan a picture, or create a PDF file, but never knew where to go? Many students at Kean have turned to the Student Technology Lab in the Nancy Thompson Library for these services. On a drop-in basis, students have the opportunity to use the following software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Photo Shop, FrontPage, Access, WebBoard, and WebCT. Also, the technology lab allows students to copy & convert files, create PDF files, scan photographs, documents, illustrations, or objects, and to conduct online research. Eight of the thirty computers in the lab are equipped with CD burners, allowing students to save large files or copy discs. The technology lab is staffed with assistants that offer oneon-one training with Kean students seeking to improve their computer skills. Gloria Rego, the student technology lab administrator is constantly impressed with the level of expertise that the student assistants bring to the lab. “Our lab assistants are extremely knowledgeable. We provide training for them, but in some cases, they actually trained me.” Since taking over in October, Rego explained that the lab usually operates at full capacity, especially at the end of the semester when “almost everyone in the lab is practicing a PowerPoint presentation.” The technology lab is part of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, but is open to all undergraudate and graduate students with a valid Kean University ID.
The student technology lab is usually abuzz with students working on a variety of projects.
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY LAB HOURS MONDAY-THURSDAY: 8AM-10PM FRIDAY: 8AM-5PM 9AM-4PM SATURDAY: SUNDAY: 1PM-10PM
GREEKS RAISE OVER $7000
THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR
AFTER RAISING MORE THAN $7,000 FOR THE ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, MEMBERS OF THE
KEAN UNIVERSITY
“NAME THE NEWSLETTER” CONTEST IS MARCH 15. ALL KEAN UNIVERSITY THE
STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE
GREEK COMMUNITY
AND THERE IS NO LIMIT
WERE TREATED TO AN
TO THE AMOUNT OF
EVENING OF ENTER-
ENTRIES THAT YOU CAN
TAINMENT FEATURING MUSIC, A HYPNOTIST, AND GIVEAWAYS.
SUBMIT.
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO:
SLLD@COUGAR.KEAN.EDU M a r ch 1 8 i s t h e la s t d a y t o wi t h d r a w f r o m a co u r s e wi t h a “ W” g r a d e . 8