WSU CVM New Undergradaute Student Guide 2019

Welcome to WSU!

2019 CVM Undergraduate Student Guide

Primary editor: Emma Wheeler

Secondary editors: Cecilia Diaz & Sumeen Gill

Historical editor: Julianna Brutman

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 1

2019 Contents

Welcome Notes! (3) What is CVM? (4) 2019 CVM Week of Welcome Event Guide (5) WoW CVM College Event (6) WoW All Campus Picnic (7) CVM Ice Cream Social (8)

Campus Map Cheat Sheet (9) MBioS Club (11) Neuro Club (12) Finding Resources (13) Academic Resources (14) Organization Resources (15) Undergraduate Research (16) Mental Health Resources (17)

What I Wish I Knew (18) Dorm Room Survival Tips (29) The ABCs of Buying Textbooks (30) WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 2

Welcome!

Dear incoming student, Welcome to WSU! My name is Emma Wheeler. I am a senior Neuroscience and Genetics and Cell Biology major here at WSU. I am also an out-of-state student from Kansas.

One of the previous undergraduates and current graduate student Julianna Brutman created this guide a few years ago to serve as a resource for incoming undergraduate students in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), which encompasses the undergraduate degree programs in Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Neuroscience here at WSU. Don’t worry, we aren’t vets and you don’t need to be a vet either to be in CVM (although it is an option if you’d like!).

Preparing to be a student at WSU for the first time can be overwhelming, especially in these vigorous majors. Before I started here in the fall of 2016, I had only visited campus twice one of those being ALIVE! Orientation. I had no idea what college was going to be like, what to expect, or even who I could ask except for my advisor. I did what anyone would do, I googled it but did not find the type of information I was looking for I still didn’t know what WSU would actually be like.

The goal of this guide is to help lessen the burden of transitioning to WSU by (hopefully) giving you a better idea of what to expect when you arrive in August to join our programs. We want you to succeed, so take advantage of the resources provided in this guide!

All the best, Emma

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 3

What is CVM???

At WSU, the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is the “umbrella” college for The School of Molecular Biosciences (Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology, and Microbiology degree programs) and The Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience (all of the Neuroscience degree programs). Undergraduate students in CVM partake in a diverse array of organizations and activities around campus. Our students also have their own designated Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) Senator, who advocates on behalf of our students to the university’s student government. There are many ways for students to get involved in our college, such as Molecular Biosciences (MBioS) Club and Neuroscience Club, as well as serving as a CVM promoter, who work to answer the questions of incoming students.

Important CVM Contacts • SMB Undergraduate Academic Coordinator • Brooke Wolf • Email: wolfb@wsu.edu • IPN Undergraduate Academic Coordinator • Dr. Samantha Gizerian • Email: samantha.gizerian@wsu.edu

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 4

2019 CVM Week of Welcome Events CVM WoW College Event

• 8-15-19 • 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm • BLS 401

All Campus Picnic

• 8-16-19 • 11 am- 1:30 pm • Cougar Way

CVM Ice Cream Social

• 8-22-19 • 3 pm- 5 pm • BLS front lawn WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 5

CVM WoW College Event

8-15-19 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm BLS 401

Come join us at our official College of Veterinary Medicine kick-off event!

There will be a student panel to answer all your questions about your intended major, an opportunity to meet faculty members, and a tour of research labs, as well as information on how to get involved in research during your first year.

Added bonus: there will be food!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 6

WoW All Campus Picnic

8-16-19 11:00 am- 1:30 pm Cougar Way

Free lunch, a club fair, and lots of free swag (aka t-shirts and sunglasses galore), need I say more?!?

Visit Molecular Biosciences Club and Neuroscience Club at the All Campus Picnic. Learn more about the different clubs and organizations on campus and treat yourself to a fun afternoon!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 7

CVM Ice Cream Social

8-22-19 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm BLS Front Lawn

Learn more about Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences Clubs while munching on some delicious Ferdinand's Ice Cream.

Other organizations will also be in attendance. This is a great way to explore extracurricular opportunities at WSU!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 8

Campus Map Cheat Sheet Trying to find you classes and other buildings can be difficult. Here is a map to help you locate what you need.

R-12 R-11 D-2

* = CVM Advisors offices O-10

R-14 D-3

R-17

O-12

R-16

C-17

R-13

CVM Advisors O-2*

O-9 O-1*

C-10

C-14 C-2

C-13

C-3

C-19

O-11

R-10

R-9

R-17 R-15

R-13

C-4

O-5 O-4 C-5

C-8

O-3

C-24

C-20

C-6

C-9

Residence Halls Southside: C-12 C-11 R-1 = Gannon-Goldsworthy C-21 R-2 = McEachern R-7 O-6 C-22 R-3 = Olympia O-8 R-4 = Orton C-15 C-16 C-23 R-5 = Rogers C-18 R-8 R-6 = Stephenson Complex R-1 R-7 = Stimson O-7 R-8 = Waller R-3 D-1 Northside: R-2 R-9 = Global Scholar R-10 = Northside R-11 = Regents Map courtesy of R-6 R-5 R-4 R-12 = Scott-Coman http://map.wsu.edu/ R-13 = Streit-Perham For educational purposes Hillside: only.

R-14 = Community/Duncan Dunn Classroom Buildings Important Resources/Buildings O-12 = Honors (Blue) C-1 = Abelson C-13 = Johnson Hall O-1 = Biotech. Life Sci. (BLS)* R-15 = McCroskey C-2 = Avery C-14 = Kimbrough O-2 = Vet. Biosci. Research (VBR)* R-16 = Stevens C-3 = Bryan C-15 = McCoy O-3 = Lighty/French Ad. R-17 = Wilmer Davis C-4 = Clark C-16 = Neill O-4 = CUB C-5 = College C-17 = Sloan O-5 = Holland-Terrel Library Dining Options C-6 = CUE C-18 = SPARK O-6 = Owen Science Library D-1 = Southside Café/Flix C-7 = Daggy C-19 = Thompson O-7 = Health & Wellness D-2 = Northside Café C-8 = Eastlick C-20 = Todd O-8 = Math Learning Center D-3 = Hillside Café C-9 = Fine Arts (FNA) C-21 = Troy O-9 = Chinook O-4 = CUB Café Food (Blue) C-10 = Food Sci (FSHN) C-22 = Webster O-10 = WSU Transportation C-11 = Fulmer C-23 = Wegner O-11 = WSU Housing C-12 = Heald C-24 = Wilson Short O-12 = Honors College C-7

C-1

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 9

Join Neuroscience Club or Molecular Biosciences Club!

Neuro Club and MBioS Club are separate organizations, however, each club works to provide their memberships with lots of opportunities and experiences. Members in each club attend professional workshops, organize an annual biomedical youth science day at the Palouse Discovery Science Center, visit cool places such as the DaVinci Surgical Robot at Pullman Regional Hospital and Merry Cellars Winery, and most importantly, our members find a sense of belonging within a large institution.

Acquiring a strong support network early on to aide you throughout your college journey is truly invaluable, seize the opportunity!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 10

Facebook: WSU Molecular Biosciences Club @ Washington State University CougSync: WSU Molecular Biosciences Club Email: mbios.rso@wsu.edu Snapchat: MbiosWSU

Community Outreach

Professional Development Club Parties

The Washington State University Molecular Biosciences Club is a club for those majoring in Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Genetics and Cell Biology. We also love to have members from other sciences and students interested in attending medical or graduate schools. We help connect students with similar interests by organizing volunteer events with the community, hosting talks and dinners with potential professors, and going on tours of facilities to learn about the molecular aspects. Meetings are every other week!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 11

Club Parties

Professional Development

Facebook: Washington State Neuroscience Club CougSync: Washington State Neuroscience Club Email: wsuneuroclub@gmail.com

“Crimson and grey matter!”

Community Outreach

Neuroscience Club is the CVM’s premier organization for undergraduate students interested in neuroscience and the biomedical sciences. As a club, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment for our members to succeed in academics while building a strong support network. Our members have the chance to meet with healthcare professionals in the community, professional students, and faculty members. Additionally, our club organizes an annual Faculty Showcase dinner where students can learn more about the neuroscience courses offered at WSU and meet IPN faculty members. Aside from events aimed at professional networking, our club hosts a slew of fun, low-stress events throughout the semester for our members. We host movie, game, midterm/finals destress, and study buddy nights. Come join us at our meetings, and be sure to come find us during the WoW All Campus Picnic on Friday, August 16th from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm. All are welcome, and we hope to meet you soon!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 12

Finding Resources “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ―African Proverb College is a team effort, and WSU has numerous on and off campus resources to help you succeed. We’ve included a few of the most commonly utilized resources by successful student in this guide.

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 13

Finding Tutoring

Want to earn an A in your basic science classes? Seek out tutoring. In college, tutoring does not mean that you’re behind in a class--- it’s simply a resource to get ahead. At WSU, there are numerous options for free tutoring, such as the Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC).

The ASCC offers drop-in tutoring in seven different locations: Lighty, CUE, Stephenson complex, Gannon-Goldsworthy, Rogers, Regents, and Streit-Perham. Tutoring is 100% free for all students in a wide variety of subjects ranging from the humanities to STEM. All of the tutors have taken the classes before so they can help give a peer's perspective. Students can search for classes at tutoring.ascc.wsu.edu, and it will generate a list of all classes tutored as well as the times, locations, and the available tutors.

There is also tutoring through the Multicultural Center, the Athletics Department, and through individual departments, such as foreign languages in Thompson, the Math Learning Center, or Chemistry tutoring in Fulmer. All tutoring on campus is completely free, utilize it and get ahead!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 14

Finding Organizations

Interested in getting involved in Neuroscience or MBioS Clubs?

Maybe you’d like to get some community service hours done for graduate or medical school applications?

Would you like to raise a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind or handle birds in WSU’s Raptor Club?

Or are you interested in joining an intramural sports team or maybe even rowing?

If you’re interested in getting involved on campus, https://studentinvolvement.wsu.edu/ and https://orgsync.com/login/washingtonstate-university-pullman are two resources that you should check out to learn how to join student organizations!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 15

Finding Undergraduate Research

Why do research?

Undergraduate research is a BIG component of most WSU CVM undergraduate experiences. Roughly 2/3 of our students try it at some point in their undergraduate careers. Whether you’re interested in eventually pursing a career in research, need to complete an Honors Thesis, or simply would like the experience going forward, there are research opportunities for all students.

Getting involved in undergraduate research is as simple as connecting (via email) with faculty members who are actively involved in research that you are interested in. Every fall and spring, The Office of Undergraduate Research (https://undergraduateresearch.wsu.edu/) offers a Research Short Course to help better guide students into research on campus. They also offer research peer mentoring for free!

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 16

Finding Mental Health Services

College can be stressful, especially in your first year with lots of changes going on.

Mental health services are mostly free and easily accessible at WSU from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) if you are ever in need (https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/).

They offer walk-in therapy, group therapy, individual therapy, as well as a variety of services for testing accommodations.

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 17

What I Wish I Knew…

“Experience is a master teacher, even when it’s not our own.” ― Gina Greenlee

“What I Wish I Knew…” is advice curated directly from current and former WSU CVM students on everything that we wish we would have known prior to starting our journeys. While not all of this advice may apply to you, hopefully some of it will make your own journey at WSU a little bit easier.

On Dealing with Uncertainty: “Most people have no idea what they're doing either.”

Joanne Kunze 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Understanding Your Limits: "Don't overload yourself your first semester!”

Michael Bukolt Junior Neuroscience Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 18

What I Wish I Knew…

On Dealing With Stress: “Find something that allows you to relax and unwind, and make it a daily or weekly goal to do that thing.”

William Methner 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Undergraduate Research: “Don’t underestimate how much of a time commitment a lab internship can be. A misjudgment can seriously hurt your GPA.” Halle Weimar 2017 Neuroscience Graduate

On Getting Involved: “Try out a lot of clubs and always be involved SOMEWHERE, but be sure to limit yourself to what you can actually handle.”

Hannah Booth 2017 Neuroscience Graduate

On Exam Preparation: “Always ask the professor and teaching assistant (TA) to do practice problems in chemistry and physics.”

Shimin Tan 2019 Neuroscience Graduate

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 19

What I Wish I Knew…

On Skipping Classes: “The day you skip class is always the day something either very cool or very important happens in class.”

Lindsay Cannon 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Schedules: “Your calendar is your friend. Use it early, use it often, and use it well to keep track of your schedule. Don't overbook yourself!”

Julianna Brutman 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Changing Majors: “Don’t be afraid to change majors. You’re here to figure out what gets you up in the morning.”

Sarah Gold 2018 Microbiology Graduate

On Financial Aid: “Know when documents are due, because the earlier your forms are submitted, the more financial aid you may receive.”

Ashleigh Gustavson 2017 Genetics and Cell Biology Graduate

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 20

What I Wish I Knew…

On When to Get Involved: “Get involved early and take advantage of all that WSU has to offer!”

Jacob Lizarraga 2018 Microbiology Graduate

On Asking for Help: “There is always someone that can help you, whether it be a classmate to study with or an upperclassman that has already taken the class.”

Veronica Harris 2018 Microbiology & Genetics and Cell Biology Graduate

On Exploring Passions: “Try out clubs and activities and explore, and when you decide where to return, remember what excites and ignites you.”

Jacob Woodbury Senior Genetics and Cell Biology Major

On Overcoming Challenges: “No matter what life might throw at you, you just gotta buckle down and get done what you need to get done.”

Abigail Jindra Senior Neuroscience Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 21

What I Wish I Knew…

On Achieving Balance: “Try to have a good balance between UCORE classes and STEM classes. Labs can take up more time than you might expect.”

Sarah Bergman Senior Genetics and Cell Biology Major

On Being Too Confident: “Study for 100-level Chem and Bio even if you took AP/IB in high school.”

Lindsay Cannon 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Making Friends: “Don't be afraid to go up to someone and say hi, everyone on campus needs more friends.”

Hayley Masterson 2018 Microbiology Graduate

On Professors and TAs: “Don't be afraid to speak to your professors and TAs if you're falling behind or need more practice.”

Bastian Stark 2019 Genetics and Cell Biology Graduate

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 22

What I Wish I Knew…

On Self Compassion: “You're not going to be the best at everything - and that's okay!”

Joanne Kunze 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Taking Your Time: “Undergrad goes by quickly. Enjoy the ride, make memories with friends, and remember that everything will fall into place with a little bit of persistence.”

Julianna Brutman 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Saving Yourself from Stress: “Lab reports are not a do-it-last-minute assignment.

And always check due dates.”

Chris Ibarra Senior Neuroscience Major

On The Basics: “Go to class!”

Lindsay Cannon 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 23

What I Wish I Knew…

On Adjusting to College Life: “Stay calm, remain driven and everything is going to be okay. I understand exams are overwhelming and frightful, but just know you get out what you put in.”

Noah Ircink Junior Neuroscience Major

On Starting Early: "Try to build up your resume sooner, get the most of your four years here by creating a strong foundation for your future career.”

Veronica Harris 2018 Microbiology & Genetics and Cell Biology Graduate

On Living a Little: “Never skip a chance to go on adventures with friends.”

Chris Ibarra Senior Neuroscience Major

On Planning Your Years: “Make a four-year plan early in the semester. Take advantage of different tutoring options. Make sure you set aside enough time for studying and writing papers, don't procrastinate.”

Emma Wheeler Senior Neuroscience and Genetics & Cell Biology Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 24

What I Wish I Knew…

On Fears of Failure: “Keep your eye on the big picture. Don't fixate on one bad grade on a homework assignment or an exam. It's not the end of the world, and stressing about it will only make it worse. If you're dedicated, driven, and willing to put in the work you will achieve your goal, and having minor hiccups along the way is natural.”

Parker Blekkenk 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Having a Wholistic College Experience: “Just have fun and live life. Try something new, go somewhere different, because somewhere along the way you'll meet some pretty amazing people. You'll be able to look back and be glad you did that. The college years are not only your time to get a degree, but is a time to gain invaluable experiences.”

Ashley Gustafson Senior Neuroscience Minor

On Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: “Don't be scared to be outgoing. Take a chance and be social to meet new people.”

Maximiliano Madrigal Sophomore Genetics & Cell Biology Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 25

What I Wish I Knew…

On Being an Excellent Advisee: “Plan out your courses every time before meeting with your advisor.”

Danny Tran Junior Biochemistry Major

On Not Being a Night Owl: “GET A GOODNIGHT’S SLEEP. I cannot stress the importance of this both as a neuroscience major and personal experience. Set a consistent time every night that you will stop working on homework, then take an hour to do something (i.e. read a book or watch an episode of Netflix), then make yourself go to bed right after at a reasonable hour. Try to keep this schedule as consistent as possible. It may sound silly, but it will monumentally improve your attentiveness during class, retention of information, and performance on exams.”

Parker Blekkenk 2018 Neuroscience Graduate

On Growing Up: “Enjoy your college years! Try out new things (legal things).”

Shimin Tan 2019 Neuroscience Graduate

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 26

What I Wish I Knew…

On Actually Learning: “Don’t overload yourself with credits because of the fear of not graduating in four years. There is no time limit on success and being able to understand your classes and the information is much more important than trying to rush through it and just make it by.”

Anonymous Senior Microbiology Major

On Persistence: “Don't put yourself on a strict timeline, sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to. If you don't do so well in a class, don't give up on your goals, one class does not determine your future. You determine your future. And always have a back-up plan for when things don't go your way.”

Ashley Gustafson Senior Neuroscience Minor

On Dorm Living: “Live in a dorm, you will meet a lot more people and make more meaningful connections this way.”

Danny Tran Junior Biochemistry Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 27

What I Wish I Knew…

On Academic Focus: “Don’t worry about how other students are doing academically. Stay focused on yourself.”

Coleman McHenry Sophomore Neuroscience Major

On Healthy Living: “Starting forming healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating enough vegetables, and getting enough exercise early on in freshman year, because it gets more difficult to maintain healthy choices later on if the habits aren't already in place.”

Krista Geiger Junior Neuroscience Major

On Dorm Living: “Get comfortable, decorate your room.”

Justin Arthurs Sophomore Neuroscience Major

On Life: “Go out, get involved and experience life.”

Cecilia Diaz Senior Neuroscience Major

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 28

Dorm Room Survival Tips Insight from those who have experienced a year in the dorms.

Bring a box fan! Pullman is hot well into October, and during the winter months box fans are useful to help circulate heat.

Efficient packing is a must. Dorm rooms are small--- try your best to minimalize what you’re bringing.

Find totes and under bed storage units. Plastic crates are life savers– they’re easily stackable and great for sorting.

Invest in a portfolio, or magazine holders for your desk. These items save space, and they make sorting assignments much easier.

Bring a small extension cord and power strip! These items are super useful if you want to rearrange your living space midway through the year.

Bed caddies save lots of space, and they certainly make finding important things (ie your phone) in the morning a breeze. Lofting your bed will also save you lots of space!

You’ll be thankful that you brought a cheap set of Tupperware when you want to save leftovers.

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 29

The

of Buying Textbooks Read this…

Know your options…

Save money!!!

Amazon: The best place to buy and rent textbooks. Prices are much lower than the Bookie and, unlike our college bookstore, Amazon will only sell you books they actually know are available.

Borrow: Ask friends who have already taken a class whether you can borrow their copy for the semester.

Calendar: Mark on your calendar the day you must order textbooks for them to arrive in time for move in or the first day of classes. Then try to order before that date. You never know what can happen to delay your order.

Destination: When buying used books, find a seller that is as close to you as possible. It cuts down on shipping time.

Edition:

While publishers update textbooks constantly, professors don’t always change their teaching material based on current editions. Ask your professor whether an older (and therefore cheaper) edition will work for his or her class.

Facebook: Join groups on Facebook like WSU Free & For Sale or WSU Pullman Sell/Buy Textbooks. WSU students use these groups to sell their used textbooks, often at very reasonable prices.

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 30

Gift

Cards: During gift-giving holidays, ask for gift cards to your favorite textbook seller. Your wallet will thank you later.

Hunt: Check out multiple websites and sellers before buying a textbook.

Invest: Create an Amazon Prime Student account. After a six month free trial, your subscription is discounted to $59 per year.

Free, two-day shipping, including on some textbooks, is well worth the membership fee.

Justify: Always ask yourself whether you should really buy a textbook. Can you really justify paying the price of a new or used book when renting is an option?

Keep

a budget: Make a budget for what you can afford to spend on textbooks every semester. Then figure out how to come in at or below that cost.

Library:

the library has copies of textbooks on reserve that are available for students to read and use.

Make a spreadsheet: Spreadsheets allow you to track the prices of your textbooks and choose the best buying option.

Never new: Whenever possible, avoid buying a textbook new, especially if it is a recently released edition.

Online: You can find out what textbooks and materials are required for your classes through the Bookie (wsubookie.bncollege.com).

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 31

Paperback: Buy novels and academic books in paperback if that option is available. Hardbacks are usually more expensive.

Question: Ask your friends and other students what books and materials are actually required for a class.

Rent: Renting is significantly cheaper than buying and you can still highlight and write in your book!

Sell: At the end of the semester, sell your textbook. It can provide some extra cash flow and free up space.

Trade: Participate in a book swap or trade textbooks with a friend or classmate. Nothing is better than free books.

Used: If you absolutely must buy a book, try to buy it used.

Value: Your copy of a book depreciates in value through your use of it. The better you treat your book, the less value it loses.

Wait: Consider waiting until the first week of classes to buy textbooks. Your syllabus is the definitive source of what to buy.

X-out: unnecessary books: Not all course materials are necessary.

Asking other students or waiting for syllabus week may be the only way to avoid this conundrum.

You & Your Access Code: Some classes require access codes to connect you to online homework associated with your textbook.

Since homework may be assigned during the first week of class, buy access codes ahead of the first day of class.

Zero: Sometimes there is nothing you can do about a required textbook. You need to get it. All you can do is find the most affordable option and hope for better luck next semester.

WSU CVM Guide 2019, pg. 32

… that’s all for now!

We’ll see you at the CVM College Event on Thursday, August 15th from 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm in BLS 401 to answer any questions you might have with our student panel. Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer and Go Cougs!