Millikin Unviersity - Family Matters Summer 2017

M I L L I K I N

U N I V E R S I T Y

Family Matters R S U M M E

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Dear Families, University Commons, Leadership, and Performance Learning The start of the 2017-2018 academic year brings exciting changes to Millikin University. For the last two years and more we have been planning the creation of a new facility to replace the functions of the venerable but aging Richards Treat University Center (RTUC). As many on campus and off worked to conceptualize and design this project, we decided to move in an even bolder and more innovative direction.

In addition to housing most of the functions of RTUC, the new building will be a renovation of the Staley Library and house the Center for International Education and the new Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance. Thus the new building has become much more than a student center. It has become what we call the University Commons, the gathering place for people from all over campus and beyond: faculty, students and staff, alumni and community members who will come to the University Commons for conversation, enlightenment and food for the body, mind and spirit.

Traditionally the commons has been the center of the village, the place where the people of the community gather to celebrate, to hear important news, to learn of one another’s achievements, and to discuss matters of great moment and of temporary interest. The University Commons will serve all these functions and more for the Millikin Community.

The University Commons will be Millikin’s front door, our main street.

Here students, faculty, and staff will eat together, study together, and learn in new ways. The life of the University will flow in and through the University Commons, which will house the Staley Library, the Offices of Student Development, the Office of Student Support, and the Center for International Education. Here the University newspaper the Decaturian will find a new home, gaining writing and editing space it has not had before adjacent to the broadcast studio of WJMU. As is appropriate to a university, the Staley Library will remain in the center of the Commons. An array of digital resources will augment a reduced number of physical volumes, which will now be housed largely in compact shelving freeing up more space for student study and reading areas.

In addition, resources will be spread throughout the building in recognition that learning and study happen sometimes in quiet corners of a library, sometimes in the hubbub of a busy coffee shop.

Throughout the University Commons students, faculty, and staff will find places for interaction, collaboration studios where entire classes or small project groups will gather, plan, create, discuss, and do the work that is at the heart of Millikin’s model of performance learning. The University Commons will be alive with the vitality of learning at Millikin University as

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students and faculty discuss project plans in the dining hall or the coffee shop, as student leaders plan projects and events and create media and print materials workshops or collaboration space or in our new Media Arts Center which will also support class work in Arts Technology and other vital new curricular areas.

Just as the village commons is the place for communal celebration, our University Commons will ring with conversation and ideas, laughter and good fellowship on every floor rising from the Dining Hall in the ground floor to the reception area opening to the spacious dining and meeting rooms on the third floor. There is also the President’s Dining Room that will provide a more intimate space for smaller groups of students, faculty, trustees, alumni and friends of Millikin to enjoy one another’s company and plan for the betterment of Millikin and the world.

Leadership Performance and Our Best Imagination of Millikin Over the last few years I have frequently called all at Millikin to conceive and more important, to act on “our best imagination” of who we are as a University and what we can become. The University Commons is the embodiment of that best imagination and nowhere is this more the case than in the Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance.

Doug Oberhelman graduated from Millikin in 1975 and soon went to work for Caterpillar rising eventually to the head of company. Mr. Oberhelman served as Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar from 2010 to his retirement this spring, leading Caterpillar through times of great progress and sometimes adversity. During his time, as he was engaged in the all-encompassing role of leader of one of the largest industrial companies in the world, Doug Oberhelman found time to serve and lead his alma mater through three terms on the Board of Trustees and three years as Chair of the Board from 2000-2003. During that time he led the University through some difficult years and guided Millikin to take on the important work of raising important funds for the Transform MU Campaign to revitalize our campus.

Doug Oberhelman served as Honorary Chairman of that campaign, but his role was far from that of a hands-off ceremonial position. Doug and Diane Oberhelman provided the largest leadership gifts to the campaign and secured the support of Caterpillar as well. The Transform MU Campaign had as its goal to raise $85 million dollars for Millikin. At the time of its conclusion in December 2015, the campaign had raised in gifts and pledges nearly $96 million. This enormous success is a credit to the hard work and dedicated support of thousands of friends of Millikin and among the vanguard of this effort are Doug and Diane Oberhelman whose generosity and focus will benefit Millikin now and for many years to come.

Throughout his career, Doug Oberhelman has been an active leader and a student of leadership. He has been keenly aware of the potential power in creating a focus for leadership development at Millikin University. He and his wife Diane, herself a business and civic leader and head of her own large real estate and business development firm, gave their personal gifts and garnered the support of Caterpillar to fund the construction of a center for leadership at Millikin and a new home for the Center for International Education, in recognition of the global reach of his company and the global understanding that must be at the heart of education in the 21st century.

The Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance is the University’s response to the Oberhelmans’ extraordinary gift and their vision that leadership should be an intentional and rich part of a Millikin education.

Of course, as the careers of Doug Oberhelman and thousands of other alumni throughout the years have shown, Millikin has been in the business of developing leaders since its founding by James Millikin, himself one of the great leaders in the history of the region. The challenge posed by Doug and Diane Oberhelman’s landmark gift to the University is to create a center for leadership that would be true to the spirit and mission of Millikin and drive and enhance all of the leadership development going on in so many areas across the campus.

Millikin fosters leadership through our emphasis on performance learning in our academic and student development programs; in our commitment to the independent and entrepreneurial habits of mind and patterns of action we encourage in students, faculty, and staff across campus; and in daily practice in a model of education that demands doing and performance in every academic program, in student development programs, in Greek Life, and every activity from athletics to the arts.

We wanted to create a space and a vision that would drive further development of leadership performance at Millikin.

We developed a model of leadership that is more than theory and good intentions, as important as those may be, a leadership that is enacted in the here and now in the lives of our students’ lives and not put off to what we will become someday long after graduation. We needed to affirm leadership that engages all of us at the University— students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and community leaders — in taking our best imagination of Millikin and the world around us and putting that vision into

action. We are committed to a concept of leadership focused on positive goals. Our constant question is, “Leadership for what?” We seek to develop a leadership that will change, adjust, and ultimately shape visions into real performance that will enact positive change in Millikin and our many communities and the larger world.

The Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance thus encompasses a bold new step for Millikin University. Indeed, the entire University Commons marks a new confidence and an enriched understanding of who we are and the kind of community we want to become. The Staley Library will be two short staircases away from the dining hall and a short walk from the Office of Student Development. Collaboration among students will not only just happen to take place in the building; the University Commons is designed to facilitate in every aspect thinking and action across academic disciplines, across the artificial boundaries of student life and academic life, social and intellectual life, work and leisure, inside the classroom and outside the classroom life.

In our planning the University Commons has been called, as I mentioned above, the front door and the main street of our campus, the place where we will meet and work together to further the education and growth of all in the Millikin community. We have also called the University Commons the hub of campus and expect this new facility to be a beehive of activity, abuzz with conversation, a place where ideas come alive in open and easy interchange of people, personalities, and projects. The University Commons will contain rooms that we call think tanks, collaboratories, workshops, and performance spaces for the exciting engagement that a Millikin education demands.

As carefully planned as a building of this size and scope must be, the University Commons will only come alive when the entire Millikin Community makes it our own kind of space. The success of the University Commons will be measured in how we use the building to further the mission and expand the special character of a Millikin education, one dedicated to thought and action, to leadership and engagement, to creativity and deep study of craft and history, of the best that has been thought and said before us.

I am very excited to celebrate the building in a grand opening this fall.

I look forward to welcoming all of you who are families of our students to the University Commons. I hope you will use the University Commons and make it a part of your life at Millikin.

Millikin University is moving ahead with purpose, focus, and great energy, and I am happy that so many families feel deeply engaged in Millikin and our progress. As Millikin becomes a stronger and even better university, as the opportunities for your students expand and continue into their lives as alumni, I thank you for your support of Millikin and our best imagination of what we are and what we can become together. You and your family will always be a vital part of Millikin’s life now and for all the years in our future.

Patrick E. White

President

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Welcome to Millikin University F R O M

T H E

O F F I C E

O F

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LIVING ON CAMPUS IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO THE MILLIKIN EXPERIENCE

Students who live on campus are more engaged, perform better academically, and have a stronger affinity to the institution.

Millikin has a three year live on campus requirement, which means we expect that your student will live on campus within the residence halls as a freshman, and then in the Woods or fraternity/sorority housing as a sophomore, and junior. Seniors are welcome to live on campus as well, but may also choose to reside off campus.

Do you as a parent live within 45 miles of campus and does your student want to be a commuter from your home? We have commuter programs through the Office of Residence Life to assist students who do not live on campus.

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TALK TO THEIR ROOMMATE BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS

Did you know that most college freshmen have never shared a room before? Having a roommate in college comes with many joys, and sometimes a few frustrations. Remember that open and honest communication is the best way to build positive relationships between roommates and is the easiest method to avoid arguments.

Also, don’t forget that Resident Assistants (RAs) or our Professional Staff Members in Residence Life are both great resources to help you. Students will receive notification of their roommate and residence hall in June and the information of the exact room assignment is in the month of July.

R E S I D E N C E

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L I F E

MOVE IN DAYS

The Office of Residence Life will assist your student in checking into their residence hall room. Check in occurs at the assigned residence hall. Don’t forget to leave appliances with open coils at home, also no microwaves, and no pets (except fish).

EDGE: August 3 Athletes: August 8-14 Honors Students: August 14 All Remaining First Year Students: August 15 Transfer Students (Woods): August 17

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WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A RESIDENT ASSISTANT (RA)

“Remember that college is a new beginning. College is such an exciting time in your life. You have so many opportunities and experiences awaiting you. You get to explore and try new things that interest you. It can also be scary. You don’t know what lies ahead for your future. But I encourage you to take a deep breath, and dive in. Remember that you are a person, and that you can do this. This is your future and you get to pave the way towards your end goal.” Jacob Livingston Class of 2018, Senior Resident Assistant for Dolson & Weck Halls

Live 3where you learn. ive where you learn. where you learn.

We are youextremely learn. excited & anxious for your student learn.

Live where you learn. to be a resident here on campus. you learn. e where Live where you learn. learn.Live where you learn.

Live where you learn.

TALK ABOUT EXPECTATIONS REGARDING ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR ON CAMPUS

We have high expectations for our residential students set forth in our Student Handbook (www.millikin.edu/handbook). You will receive a copy of the Everything You Need to Know booklet from our office and we highly recommend sitting down with your student and reading through this information together over the summer months.

As the Fall semester draws near, here are a few reminders for your incoming Millikin student.

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“Millikin University is great because we give our students the ability and support to find their passion.

Whether it’s being a teacher, an actor on Broadway, or even a dentist, Millikin will guide you through college.

The professors are not only here to teach classes, but also to give the aid to help everyone find their purpose or calling. College is a time to study anything you want to pursue and Millikin will help to make sure that you get the best college experience and leave knowing that you are on the right path. This type of support is not offered at all universities, so it makes me feel that I am in a safe environment where I can find myself and what I want to be after college.” Katie Czajkowski Class of 2020, Resident Assistant for Dolson Hall

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Residence Life at 217.362.6410 or orl@millikin.edu.

Paul J. Lidy’ 04, M.S.

Director of Residence Life

THE OFFICE OF INCLUSION AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

WELCOMES OUR NEW STUDENTS & FAMILIES

W

elcome to Big Blue! The Office of

The first time many new students will interact with our office

Inclusion and Student Engagement is excited

is during First Week, August 15th – 20th. First Week is a week

to welcome new students to the Millikin

specifically designed for new students to help acclimate them to

community, and to engage your student in

the campus culture. First Week will help students explore important

various ways outside of the classroom.

topics like academic integrity, risk and responsibility, and what

Our office focuses on the challenge of

it means to be a successful student. Students will also start one

building a campus community that is open,

of their classes during First Week, and spend a considerable

welcoming, and supports a dialogue of

amount of time interacting with faculty who teach courses in the

difference for everyone. We are passionate

major. Evening events are planned that will help students meet

about every student finding their voice at

new people, and interact with student leaders while singing to

Millikin while also encouraging them to

the Dueling Pianos, or watching their peers get hypnotized by

maximize their academic and personal

America’s Got Talent, Chris Jones! First Week is mandatory for all

potential. Our office provides leadership

students, and is something students will not want to miss! (Learn

development, cultural programming events,

more about the First Week Schedule on the next page!)

dialogue & community building activities, and opportunities for your student to thrive on

We know that engaged students are successful students on

campus. They include but are not limited to:

campus and beyond graduation. Please come and take advantage

• Cultural Programs/Services • 70+ Student Organizations • First Week Experience & Programs • The Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program • Fraternity & Sorority Life • MU LEADS Leadership Series • Fall Family Weekend • Homecoming and much more!

of our office to learn more about how to become part of our thriving campus community!

"We look forward to seeing you on move-in day!"

Molly Berry

Director, Office of Inclusion & Student Engagement

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FIRST WEEK SCHEDULE 2017 TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

9:00am-2:00pm 8:00am-10:00am Move in for Residential Financial Aid Meeting Students (required students only)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 8:00am-10:00am Financial Aid Meeting (required students only)

Report to your assigned residence hall

3:00pm 8:30am-9:30am Math Placement Test Parent & Family Meeting Get your final questions answered (required students only) Albert Taylor Theatre

4:00pm-6:00pm Residence Hall Meetings for Residential Students Residence Halls

5:00pm-6:00pm Commuter Student Meeting University Commons, Multipurpose rooms

7:00pm-8:00pm Meet Your First Year Experience Mentor

8:00am-9:30am Music Theory Placement Test (required students only)

10:00am-3:00pm 10:00am-11:30pm Women Group A

10...Becoming Big Blue

10..Bystander Intervention 11...IT Training 11....Academic Identity & Integrity 12..Break 1....Responsibility of Risk 12...Lunch 1-3..Meet with your First Year Seminar Course Men

Group B

10..Responsibility of Risk

11...IT Training

10...Academic Identity

12...Lunch 1.....Bystander Intervention 11....Becoming Big Blue

12....Meet with your First Year Seminar Course 1......Lunch 3:00pm-4:30pm 2.....Meet with your First Year Seminar Course Alcohol Education

Breakout Sessions

Miller Quad

3:00pm-5:00pm Ethical Reasoning 8:00pm-9:00pm Workshop Welcome Assembly

4:30pm-5:30pm Financial Aid Meeting (required students only)

Kirkland Fine Arts Center

9:00pm-10:00pm Evening Social Event Kirkland Fine Arts

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8:30pm-9:30pm Evening Social Event

9:00pm-11:00pm Evening Social Event

AUGUST 15-20 FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

7:30am-12:00pm Civic Engagement Service: Day of Action

11:00am-3:00pm • Wal-Mart Runs • Downtown Decatur Trips

10:00am-11:00am Non-Denominational Worship Service Pilling chapel

1:30pm-2:30pm Exploratory Studies Majors Meeting

3:00pm-5:00pm Big Blue Bash

2:30pm-5:00pm Performance Learning with your major

8:30pm 12:30pm-1:30pm Evening Social Event Pre-Professional Workshop

Miller Quad

University Commons

11:00am-5:00pm Music Auditions **Sign up prior

Leighty-Tabor Science Center 001

8:30pm-9:30pm Understanding Your Community

1:00pm-3:00pm Dance Placement Old Gym

Kirkland Fine Arts

9:30pm Candlelight Ceremony

4:30pm-6:00pm Evaluations of First Week

Miller Quad

ADM Scovill Hall

10:00pm Evening Social Event

5:00pm -7:00pm Closing BBQ

University Commons

Miller Quad

7:30pm -8:30pm Opening Convocation Kirkland Fine Arts

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International Education CENTER FOR

WHY SHOULD MILLIKIN STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD?

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EVERY MAJOR CAN STUDY ABROAD!

There is a common misconceptions that if you have a certain major, you won’t have the opportunity to study abroad. THIS JUST ISN’T TRUE! Start planning early with the CIE and find out what your options are.

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YOU WILL GRADUATE ON TIME!

Studying abroad won’t hold you back from graduating on-time!

Millikin works closely with our partner institutions to ensure that all of your credits transfer with you.

MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

Simply having a study abroad experience on your résumé for career placeent.

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YOU CAN AFFORD TO STUDY ABROAD!

Millikin offers financial aid through International Fellowships and LongVanderburg Scholars Programs.

We can also help you apply for grants and scholarships outside of the institution.

BECOME A GLOBAL CITIZEN!

Study abroad increases self-confidence, enhances cultural tolerance and understanding, and facilitates lifelong friendships in the pursuit of becoming a global citizen.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS TO STUDYING ABROAD?

» TALK WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR » VISIT THE CIE » RESEARCH AND SELECT A PROGRAM » RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

» APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT » CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE » PLAN A BUDGET » PREPARE FOR AN ADVENTURE

Choosing a study abroad program is an exciting part of the Millikin experience. Students are urged to take advantage of the study abroad programs at a Millikin affiliated institution.

For more information about any of our programs, please contact the Center for International Education at: CIE@millikin.edu

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217.424.3758

www.millikin.edu/cie

University Commons

GLOBAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2017 In March, Millikin three students were nominated to participate in the 3rd annual Global Student Leadership Summit sponsored by Diversity Abroad:

» Gabriel Gil is a Tabor-Business student originally from Venezuela. » Kimberly Tejada is a Tabor-Business student major originally from El Salvador. » Mehrangez Rahmatova is a Tabor-Business student originally from Tajikistan.

This summit aims to support diverse alumni

In order to be chosen to participate in the Leadership

of international programs. The Global Student

Summit, students were required to have exceptional

Leadership Summit (GSLS) consisted of diverse

leadership potential, engage in the campus community,

and underrepresented students who have studied,

and contribute to sessions and discussions throughout

interned, volunteered or worked abroad to focus on

the GSLS. Congratulations to the three excellent students

the skills essential to being a successful leader in a

that were chosen to participate in this event.

diverse and global society. Students participated in hands-on student leadership sessions, engaged in critical dialogue, established and maintained relationships with like-minded student leaders, and connected with professionals from higher education, the public and private sector. Participation in GSLS will help student-leader’s development and strengthen important skills such as: self-awareness, communication, team building, embracing diversity & difference and more.

Mehrangez & Gabriel

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F

or our parents- well, it is finally time to send your

The second step is learning the safety and security

student off and let them start or continue their college

resources available to you here at Millikin. Public Safety

experience here at Millikin University! I’m sure many

has a 24/7 presence on campus and stand ready to assist

of you approach this day with varying degrees of

as needed. We can be contacted for assistance at

anxiousness and excitement. Rest assured that the

217-464-8888, we encourage all to save our number

Public Safety Department understands this and

in their phones. Public Safety offers a Safe Rides/Safe

stands ready to assist you and your student in this

Walks program from dusk to dawn each day. This program

upcoming year. For our students— welcome back to

offers a security escort to any campus owned or affiliated

campus! While this is an exciting time for many of you,

property, this includes the retail shops of University Dogs,

remember with more freedom comes more personal

Dominos, and Subway at Wood and Oakland. We also have

responsibility. As you get settled back into campus life,

11 emergency blue light phones strategically located about

Public Safety wanted to take a moment and remind

campus that can instantly connect you to Public Safety if

you of three steps you should take to maximize your

you need any assistance.

personal safety.

The third and final step is to use the personal security The first step is becoming accustomed to your

tools available to you. Please use your residential locks

new surroundings. What is the best route to take to

whenever you leave your residential room or apartment.

and from your residence to classes, library, dining,

Keep control of your Millikin ID & key at all times. If you lose

or entertainment? What other routes are there?

How many entry and exit locations are there to your residence hall? Take the time to learn the

misuse and/or install a temporary lock and key set to keep you and your possessions safe. Our primary method of

emergency your primary entry/exit point

alerting our community to a potential safety threat on

Safety office located? Many of you

L I CE

will want to explore the campus

P

immediately. We can deactivate your ID card to prevent

multiple ways out of your residence hall, in an may not be usable. Where is the Public

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either, or both, of these items—report it to Public Safety

and the surrounding area in

campus is a system we call Send Word Now. We strongly encourage all campus community members to sign up for these emergency notifications via text/call through their MyMillikin dashboard.

the evening and night time hours, please remember to be aware of your surroundings and travel in pairs or small groups.

We work with our community to provide as safe an environment as possible. A key part of this is your remaining aware and providing notification assistance to us. If you have any campus safety or security concerns do not hesitate to contact Public Safety.

Have a great year!

PUBLIC SAFETY:

MAXIMIZING YOUR SAFETY 9

Chris Ballard

Director of Public Safety /Chief of Police

Q: What is your year, major, academic accomplishments, and any other extracurricular activities that you are involved in?

A: I am a senior from Chicago, IL.

I am majoring in Chemistry. During my time at Millikin I have been a part of the Millikin Track and Field team for four years, an exec board member of the Multicultural Student Council for three years, and an exec board member of the American Chemical Society Student Chapter for one year. Along with my involvement with student organizations, I have worked for various places on campus including the athletic department, the big blue phone-athon and served as a lab assistant for freshman chemistry labs. For the past three years, I have been the student manager for the Office of Student Success.

Q: What did you do to attain your accomplishments?

A: Time management and networking.

Q&A

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

URIAH WALKER Q: What do you wish you knew before coming to Millikin?

A: There are two things I wish I knew, how to study and how to read a degree evaluation. High school was very easy for me. I didn’t have to work very hard to get good grades, therefore I had more time to be involved in sports, organizations and other things as well. When I came to college it was a little different. The courses were rigorous, the work load was heavier and the freedom was enormous. I treated it how I did in high school because I thought it was just as easy. I quickly learned, that this was not the case. The other thing I wish I knew was how to read my degree evaluation. There are certain requirements for each major and then there are university requirements. If I knew how to read it and plan my classes accordingly, I could have taken different classes that could have fulfilled more than one requirement.

It can be very difficult to be involved in organizations, work, be a good student, maintain relationships (family and friends), and keep your sanity.

Time management and prioritizing is the biggest key to keeping everything together. You can make time for any and everything you want to do, if you manage it properly. The second is networking. If people do not know your name, then they won’t think of you for positions, awards, etc. Networking and connecting with people helped to put me in the right places to obtain the achievements I have today.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to future Millikin students?

A: My advice would be don’t take anything for granted.

Q: What did you struggle with the most?

A: My biggest struggle was focusing

Q: What would you do differently if you could?

A: I would reach out for help earlier. College is a large

and perseverance. I have had many different distractions and obstacles while at Millikin including family illness, death in my family, financial problems, relationship issues, my own illnesses, and academic difficulty. There are many times where I wanted to go back home because I felt like they needed me there or college was too difficult.

Q: How did you overcome it?

A: My support system. The people

around me pushed me to continue.

Friends, family and even faculty at Millikin never gave up on me and kept believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

While one thing may come easy and natural to you, something else may not. While you may have previous knowledge or even have a good handle on something, there is always more to know and more you can find out.

If someone is offering help or instruction, take it.

building block. If you don’t catch things early enough, then it is harder to turn it around as time goes on.

Q: What are some take-aways from the college experience that you could discuss?

A: College can one of the best times of your life, but it

will test you and change you. Every aspect of your life will be tested including your friendships, your ability to manage money, your academic achievements and even the plan you have for your future. When I first came to Millikin, I was pre-med and wanted to go to medical school. I am on a completely different track now and have a different set of goals for myself. The biggest take away for me is don’t be afraid of change. College will change your thinking and open your mind to new ideas, people and experiences you never thought about before, but this is good. Change is a positive.

Q: One of your best moments and one of your worst.

A: Worst – One year in college,

I fell into a large depression.

I felt that everything in my life was going wrong. I was losing friends, getting bad grades, having a lot of financial troubles, family problems, everything.

I gave up and I stopped trying.

I stopped going to class, stopped participating in activities, I stopped everything.

I didn’t know how to come back from all of it. Lucky for me, I had a lot of people looking out for me, including my bosses at my job and my track coach at the time. They understood what I was going through and they were the main reason I was able to come back from it.

Best – After dealing with everything I have been through, I am on the other side now. My senior year has been the best year for me. I have gotten over a 3.0 GPA while still working (both on and off campus) and involved in the different organizations that I have been and support. I am on track to graduate in May and attend graduate school to get my Masters in Business Analytics.

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT Many students have a part-time job while in college, while some choose not to work.

There are some considerations to keep in mind when making the decision about whether or not having a part-time job is the right choice for your student.

PART-TIME JOBS: Are a great way to build career-readiness competencies that employers expect all college graduates to have. See the list on the next page.

Help students to explore career interests. Working in an academic or student development office can often ignite a student’s passion for that field of work.

Allow students to gain valuable experience that will give them a significant leg up when it comes to getting a job upon graduation.

Provide students with spending money, or money to apply toward tuition, and can be a tool for teaching financial responsibility.

While part-time jobs have many benefits, it is important to remember that academics come first. We recommend that students work no more than 10-15 hours per week, and fewer if they have numerous commitments in addition to school. For students who may struggle academically, it may be in his/her best interest to not work during the first semester of school or to limit work to no more than five hours a week. This is a decision that is best made through discussion with your student so that he/she understands your expectations. Don’t forget that summer jobs and working over breaks are also good options.

WHERE DO STUDENTS LOOK FOR JOBS? BIG BLUE JOBS is our online system for campus jobs, part-time jobs in the community, internships, and full-time jobs for graduates. Students should register at collegecentral.com/millikin/. This online system will allow students to fill out one application to submit to any student campus jobs that may be available, or to obtain details about applying for a variety of other jobs that may be available in the local community. Jobs for Fall 2017 should be posted no later than August 1.

Students should strongly consider applying for jobs in advance of coming to campus for First Week, though the Career Center will offer sessions for students during First Week and beyond to assist them in this process.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDENT EMPLOYMENT?

Contact the Career Center at career-center@millikin.edu or 217.424.6294.

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"Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace." NACE, 2015 CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES:

From the National Association of Colleges and Employers, updated January 2017

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.

Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.

Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers

representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.

Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve

problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills

to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences

relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth.

The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages,

genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

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GREEK LIFE RAISES OVER $2K FOR

THE NICK PROJECT

The Greek community at Millikin University raised $2,537.12 for The Nick Drive, an addition to The Nick Project: Fire Safety and Awareness. The Nick Project is a student organization started by sophomore Sophia Schwalbach. Named in memory of Nick Schwalbach, Sophia's brother and a member of Kappa Sigma who passed away in a fraternity house fire in 2000, the organization aims to promote awareness and garner resources for fire safety.

The Greek week planning committee was comprised of three students: Destiny Smith from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Miranda Brown from Pi Beta Phi, and Quinn Ngyuen from Alpha Tau Omega. All proceeds from this year’s Greek week will aid the Drive in purchasing fire escape ladders and fire extinguishers for students who are living off campus next year. Overall $4,000.00 additional dollars have been raised through individual donations to support the cause.

Are you interested in donating to The Nick Drive? Contact the Alumni and Development Office at 217-424-3506.

STALEY LIBRARY IS READY TO WELCOME THE CLASS OF 2021!

We have a variety of activities and services available that will prepare students for college level research and help quell any library anxiety they may be feeling.

Over the course of the first year, students will receive information literacy instruction directly from a librarian a minimum of four times.

Our library faculty will work closely with faculty members teaching University Seminar and Critical Writing, Reading, and Research (CWRR) I & II to ensure that all students receive a comprehensive overview of library services, as well as handson experience working with library resources.

Our information literacy instruction focuses on identifying the differences between scholarly, peer-reviewed periodicals and their popular counterparts, finding and working with scholarly literature, and the ethics of information use.

Students can access many of our resources online. We provide access to over 70 subscription databases in subjects ranging from Art History to Physics. Some multi-disciplinary favorites that are especially useful for your first-year student are Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, and Issues and Controversies. If your student confides in you that they are struggling with research, please consider referring them to one of these databases.

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Another option you can always suggest to your son or daughter, whether they are struggling with research or not, is to take advantage of research assistance at the library. We offer one-on-one help to students daily. Students can:

• Visit the Library in person – We’ll be moving into our new home in the Univeristy Commons in August!

• Chat with the librarian via the library website (millikin.edu/staley) • Text a librarian at 217.615.2777 • Email us at RefDesk@millikin.edu If your student is work-study eligible and looking for a campus job, we have positions available in the library. Have your student complete the application form online (visit the Big Blue Jobs section of the Career Center’s website).

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at 217-424-6214.

We encourage you to stay connected to Staley Library throughout the year.

You can find us on a variety of social media sites!

/staleylibrary

@staleylibrary

Dear New Student, Welcome! It is really happening. You are leaving the place you have known your whole life, and entering a new world full of promise and uncertainty. Are you excited? If not, you should be, because this new place is College. There is no way that I can possibly prepare you for all the things that college is looking to bring your way, but I can try to prepare you so you enter knowing a little bit of what’s going on.

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First off don’t pack as much as you think you should. I know you’ve been shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond and that laptop pillow thing looks really cool, and that cup that has a built in snack compartment is very enticing, but seriously you don’t need it. Your college residence hall room will soon become a shared space, so remember sharing is caring, and those 20 pairs of shoes you want to bring aren’t necessary to have.

Wherever you live on campus will become your new home. Get to know those folks on your floor, because they could very well be the same people you invite to your wedding. I know, crazy.

Get to know upperclassmen. Use them to your advantage. They are full of knowledge and have already been in your 20 pairs of shoes, so ask them questions.

Your professors CARE! If you start to skip classes, or turn in late assignments they will notice, and (here’s something shocking) they will ask you if you’re doing okay! When your tour guide says you are more than a number while at Millikin, and that you are a person, they mean it.

GET INVOLVED. If you reach the end of your freshman year and realize that your best friend has become your bed then you’re probably not involved. Millikin is a very tight knit community, and there are over 70 clubs/organizations you can join so explore your possibilities and you might find something you never knew you could love.

-McKinley Paratore

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The members of the paraprofessional staff (RA, FYEM, Peer Mentor, Edge Mentor, Greek Life Ambassador) are literally your biggest cheerleaders. They want you to succeed as badly as you do.

President White will utter these five words by the end of your freshman year, “Ah, there you are Millikin.” You’ll understand soon enough.

You will attend at least one musical theatre production, and a sporting event within your first year of being here. They sort of go hand in hand.

Performance Learning is essentially the foundation of what Millikin is best at. You will be so engaged in your major it will actually start to feel like your job. Think hands on learning, mixed with an obstacle course, and a dash of school spirit, and you get Performance Learning.

Finally, First Week is probably the most honest introduction to college. Yes there will be ice breakers, and lectures you have to attend, but no one probably mentioned that you could potentially be hypnotized, or that you have the opportunity to dance around an auditorium while pianos duel for your attention. You will meet your best friends, and become a part of a community you didn’t know existed.

Millikin is the place for you, and just as excited as you are to come here, we are twice as excited for you to get here! WELCOME TO MILLIKIN!

Student, Millikin University ‘18 · Marketing Major - Communication Minor Chapter President, Pi Beta Phi IL Eta · First Week Intern · Inclusion and Student Engagement

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A Message from the Greek Advisor

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I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the Greek community at Millikin University. As a parent or guardian of a possible future fraternity/

Nicki Rowlett is the Assistant Director in the Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and the primary staff member who oversees the Greek community here at Millikin University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, Event Management, and Leadership from Central Michigan University. She obtained her master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education and a certificate in College and University Teaching from Ball State University. Prior to coming to Millikin, she worked at Arizona State University and Emory University. In her spare time, Nicki enjoys volunteering, cooking, and catching up on her latest TV show.

Nicki believes that fraternities and sororities provide an invaluable experience to collegiate students across the country. She joined her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, in the fall of 2008 during the formal recruitment process. While in college, she was very active both her organization and the Greek community.

Her involvement sparked an interest in working with college students, which ultimately led to her landing a professional position here at Millikin University.

Nicki is currently a member of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors, and continues to give back to her international sorority as an advisor and volunteer. The Millikin University Greek community welcomes Nicki with open arms and is looking forward to her contributions to both the university and Greek life on campus.

Greek Life Stats

The Greek community consists of 11 fraternities and sororities; 5 men's fraternities and 6 women's sororities/women’s fraternities. The 11 organizations that comprise the Millikin University fraternity and sorority community hold in membership approximately 25% of the Millikin University student body. The fraternity/sorority community is focused around six pillars including diversity and inclusion, scholarship, leadership, service, brotherhood/sisterhood, and finally, personal growth and development.

Welcome Back: Theta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Greek community is excited to welcome the Theta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to our campus community in fall 2017. The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is to “develop leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.” Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha is the first AfricanAmerican, intercollegiate Greek-lettered fraternity in the country and the only National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternity at Millikin University.

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sorority member, I want you to know that joining a fraternal organization can be one of the most valuable experiences of your son/daughter’s college career.

Joining a fraternity or sorority offers students the ability to make lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and to develop their professional network. I truly believe in the power of fraternity, and am confident that you son/daughter will benefit from the experience. The numerous benefits

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Meet Your Greek Advisor

that students gain from membership in fraternities and sororities continue to drive me in my daily work, and give me hope and motivation to continue to be the best version of myself.

Questions regarding the fraternity can be directed to Nicki Rowlett, Assistant Director in the Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement at nrowlett@millikin.edu or 217-424-6335.

What do FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES do?

Fraternities and sororities exist to contribute to the quality of life of those around them. This is seen through meaningful events, impactful community service, and development experiences for their members. Here is a snapshot of highlights from this past semester for our fraternities and sororities at Millikin University.

The Tau Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sponsored the Women’s Expo to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Guest speaker Nikki Payne discussed her personal experience with domestic violence and the importance of recognizing abusive relationships. The event had over 200 attendees, and was the largest Women’s History Month event on campus!

The Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega created a social media campaign called #LoveIs. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of healthy relationships. This initiative is in conjunction with Alpha Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, domestic violence. To view the hundreds of online participants, search #LoveIs on any social media platform.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month, the Iota Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. partnered with the Millikin University Police Department to organize an educational event for the campus community. This partnership has since opened up additional opportunities to provide education to the campus community surrounding this topic.

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi volunteered at the annual Allerton Races, a 5K run raising money and awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. The fraternity serves as the primary volunteer base for this event that raised over $14,000.00 during 2017.

The Beta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon hosted their inaugural Teke’s, Talent, and Tampon’s event during the Spring 2017.

Performances from various artists drew an audience of over 60 people. The event assisted in raising over 1,000 feminine hygiene products for the Oasis Day Center in Decatur, which benefits homeless women in our local community who cannot afford necessities.

The IL Eta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi raised $1521.00 during their Green Eggs and Ham event during the Spring 2017 semester. The event consisted of food, speed-reads, and lots of fun! All proceeds were donated to the Read > Lead > Achieve Foundation through Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women.

Myisha Ross, member of the Kappa Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was named Midwest Soror of the month for March 2017. Myisha is a senior, Psychology major and served as a Vice President for the 2016-2017 academic year. She is an esteemed leader that has contributed countless hours to the sorority, Greek life, and our campus community.

The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta was awarded the “We are Tri Delta” award from their national organization.

The award commends a chapter on living the purpose of the organization through positive media portrayal of their individual and organizational values. The chapter was the only chapter, out of 139 collegiate chapters of Delta Delta Delta to receive this honor.

The Annual ATO BroCase, put on by the Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity raised over $800.00 this year.

All proceeds were donated to the Dennis Lab School Habitat for Humanity, a fund that raises money to build a house for a local family in need.

The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. co-sponsored Overcome: A Cabaret. The cabaret was directed by Wyatt Burton, senior and member of the fraternity and aimed to shed light on the struggles and successes of today’s youth.

The event raised over $200; all proceeds were split and donated to Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center, a rape crisis center in Decatur, and the Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s IL Delta Chapter hosted their inaugural 5K Run/Walk. The event raised $296.00. All proceeds went to Old King’s Orchard, a community center dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment that offers opportunities for local families to improve their quality of life.

Are you interested in learning more about the Millikin University Greek community? Feel free to visit our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages by searching “Millikin University Greek Life”.

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Top 10 Things to Consider FROM COUNSELING SERVICES

Kevin Graham Director, Counseling Services

Heading off to college can be exciting and the time a bit intimidating.

Whether your student is moving to campus or commuting, it is a big adjustment for the whole family. Here are some things to consider.

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Don’t feel ignored if your student seems to want to spend every waking minute with their friends. Attempts to spend an endless summer with friends are a natural response to eventually leaving them. This is very common.

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What are your student’s expectations of their grades?

What are your expectations?

Most students do not earn the same grade average in college that they had in High School, especially their Freshman year.

When a student’s grades are not the same, usually their biggest worry is what their parents will think and say. Have some good discussions about grades before they come to campus.

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What are your expectations about part-time jobs? Some students, in an effort to help the family financially, will work too many hours which negatively impacts their health and grades. A number of studies show that more than 15 hours a week impacts negatively on grades. Make sure you are in agreement about a maximum number of work hours per week.

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If your student expresses fears of “not making it” in college, let them know that just about everyone feels this way.

Many students are not used to “asking for help” so encourage them to talk with professors if they start struggling with classes and remind them of the resources on campus that can help them be successful.

Share that you are confident in their ability to both make it and enjoy it.

Remind them of some of their past challenges and successes.

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Have some talks about homesickness. Share that the majority of students feel homesick for a while. It is a normal part of transitioning to college. Pull out a calendar and plan when they can home and when you can come to campus to visit. Tell them they will get through it and remind them that they can get support from Resident Assistants, First Year Experience Mentors, and Counselors.

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If your student will be a commuting to Millikin University, work with them as if they are moving to campus. Give them the space to own their college experience and encourage them to get involved in campus activities.

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Your student may be unsure about their major.

If so, let them know that about 70% of all college students change his or her major at least once. It is not a failure if they find out their major is not what they were expecting.

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How is your student with handling money?

This summer is a good time to practice developing a budget and managing finances. Make an agreement about who will pay for what. Also, have a good discussion about responsible use of credit and debit cards.

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Think about and plan how you will use the time and energy you formerly devoted to parenting your student. You might be able to take a class or start that hobby you have been putting off.

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If you are struggling with this transition, seek the support of friends and family that have been through this before. This can be an exciting stage of life for you, too.

If we can be helpful, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 217.424.6360. We hope you have a wonderful summer!

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ALL SPANISH RADIO SHOW, A Bueno Experience The Department of Modern Languages is committed to provide students with many opportunities to actively participate in performance learning. One example is the wonderful experience that many Spanish majors and minors are having through the class Spanish for Radio Production.

Students have the opportunity of putting in practice everything they learn in other Spanish courses: their knowledge about poetry acquired in literature courses; their continue learning about the culture and the social situation in Latin America, Spain and the life of Latinos in the U.S., and much more. In this class students practice the four language basic skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing); and they also work in radio-dramas! And, of course, special emphasis is placed on pronunciation and in developing communication skills.

At the beginning of the semester some students wonder if they would be able to do a live show; naturally they are nervous and anxious when they are for the first time in front of a microphone. Of course, to experiment those feelings is part of being responsible!

The students who take the class Spanish for Radio Production not only experience a noticeable improvement in their Spanish language skills, but also a very positive impact at a personal level. Being more confident speaking Spanish would be just enough gain. But for someone who never did a radio show before, being able to do a show live and, in a way, having the responsibility of representing the voice of the student body to the community, takes a lot of courage. When many students tell me that having taken this class they are much better prepared for a job interview, I believe them!

Students know that by doing a radio show in Spanish, not only they are benefiting themselves but they are also contributing to the welfare of the community. And, in doing so, they are building a bridge between the institution and the community of Decatur.

Many students who took this class reported that they learn not only to be better organized but also to work in a group. They also get the inspiration to be a leader. The class is divided in several groups; each one needs to prepare a radio show that will be live on Thursdays. Every member of the group needed to work in all the areas of the show. Even though students need to keep a structure for all the shows, they have also the possibility of creating new material, including new sections.

Each group, of course, develops its own personality; and their members always decide to elect a leader. Of course, every student has the opportunity of becoming a leader.

Precisely, one of the most important aspects of creating a show is the collaborative process. In this process students help each other with the writing of comments; that includes the collaboration in fixing “grammar mistakes.” In a way, they learn grammar without focusing in it. Evidently, one of the things students learn in this class is how to work in group. Many of them report that such a skill is transferred to other classes, enhancing their effectiveness not just as a student but more importantly as a human being who is always willing to help others.

To learn about the cultures of Latin American countries and Spain is one of the more fascinating aspects of studying Spanish. But to select what characteristics and issues of those cultures will be included in a radio show could be challenging. Students need to be selective in choosing topics that will be interesting not just to them but for most people in the community. Besides the culture, students spend a considerable amount of time searching for current news, and also writing their personal comments and their reflection about those news. By being aware of what’s going on in the Spanish speaking world students become more complete global citizens. An emotional facet of the production of a show emerges when students realize that, little by little, their comments and, in general, their conversations are much more interesting for them and for others. They feel proud. And their instructor is too!

Finally, instructors always try to engage students in the learning process by using different techniques. In the class Spanish for Radio Production, all students are naturally engaged in every aspect of the creation of a radio show. That’s why they take the class: to be actively engaged!

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I

t’s exciting to be able to share with you that, this fall, our office will begin its fifth year of our cutting-edge, innovative student development advisor program, named "Milli-KINship". For those of you who may not know, students at Millikin who may need additional assistance are assigned a student development advisor to augment their relationship with their academic advisor. As I like to explain to students, this is meant to be a triangulated-relationship between your student, their academic advisor, and their student development advisor.

There are 13 professional, staff members across all areas in Student Development (the Office of the Dean of Student Development, the Office of Career Services, the Office of Residence Life, Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement, and the Office of Student Success) who serve as these secondary student development advisors. We reach out to identified students and ask that they meet with us regularly to talk about ALL areas of their Millikin experience.

Where an academic advisor might focus more squarely on academic issues, the student development advisors are interested in talking with your student about issues such as removing barriers to success, assisting students with roommate issues, referring them to appropriate services that might help them be more successful and happy, as well as always trying to help them to think ahead to the next semester. We ask questions like, “When do you plan to meet with your academic advisor…,” Have you met regularly with your instructors during their office hours…,” “Are you having any problems leading a balanced life at Millikin—i.e., are you eating, sleeping, exercising, socializing, and studying enough?” “Are you keeping in regular touch with your family and old friends?” These questions are meant to invoke a spirited conversation between the student development advisor and your student. The questions often lead to students realizing what, or if, a barrier might exist that is holding them back from being, as President White likes to say, “the best imagination of themselves.”

Our primary goal is to make sure that our students are successful and happy; and that we’re able to retain and graduate them on time. EVERY SINGLE STUDENT MATTERS AT MILLIKIN! You, too, can partner with us in making sure your student is getting a well-rounded, meaningful education at Millikin. Here are some suggestions where you might be able to help:

• • • •

Stay in regular contact with your student. They desperately need and want your support and, genuinely, want to make you proud.

Ask your son or daughter if they’re experiencing any problems at Millikin. If they are, encourage them to reach out to our office so that we can help.

Try not to be overly harsh or judgmental. Students are much more likely to be open and honest with you if they know you’re willing to listen and offer advice without negative consequences.

[Milli-KINship] Milli-KINship] -KINship] Nship][Milli-KINship] -KINship] [Milli-KINship] Nship][Milli-KINship] STUDENT [Milli-KINship] DEVELOPMENT: i-KINship][Milli-KINship] Milli-KINship][Milli-KINship] YEARS OF CUTTING-EDGE Nship][Milli-KINship] STUDENT ADVISOR -KINship][Milli-KINship] PROGRAM Milli-KINship][Milli-KINship]

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Ask questions that probe your student as to whether they’re making healthy decisions. Questions like, “Tell me about your friends…,” “So what do you do to unwind and decompress…,” “How many hours are you studying each week out of class…” (Incidentally, the key to academic success is to ensure that a student is studying AT LEAST two hours for every one hour they’re in class.) So, for example, if your student is taking 16 credit hours, they should be spending an additional 32 hours a week studying for those 16 hours they’re in class.

We hope that you will genuinely partner with us to make sure that your son or daughter has a successful and fulfilling Millikin career.

If there’s ANYTHING we can do to help, please reach out to our office at 217-424-6395.

Z Paul Reynolds, M.S. Ed.

Director of Student Development

THE [Milli-KINship] WAY Hello everyone! My name is Taron Jones and I am currently a junior Human Services major at Millikin University. I was born and raised in Chicago and I attended Chicago Hope Academy High School. During my years in high school, I never thought I would be attending college here in Illinois. I always told myself that I was going as far away as possible, but my mother had other plans. While applying to schools, I purposely didn’t apply to schools in Illinois because I was trying to be on my own and get away from my mother. And after I told her I didn’t intend to apply to Illinois schools, she immediately applied to schools all throughout Illinois— on my behalf. I still remember the day she told me that I had to choose between a list of seven or eight schools.

My eyes immediately looked at the Millikin packet. The more I considered Millikin, the more I began to like it just from seeing and reading about it.

After being admitted to Millikin, I decided to enroll just to get away from my parents. My first year was really rocky. I struggled adjusting to college life which made me want to give up. I did not want to be a part of anything; I was just, “over it!” When I initially received an email indicating that I was selected be a part of Milli-KINship—Millikin’s Student Development Advising Program—I attempted to simply ignore the emails from my newfound advisor. One day, after considerable prodding from my new advisor, I decided to reply to his request to set up a meeting. From that day, my life has completely changed—all for the better.

I would meet with my advisor monthly to see how I was doing, how I was growing as a person, and trying to understand what I was doing to better myself. The first meeting did not change me right away; rather, it was the over time that our meetings started to allow me to slowly re-invent myself and which helped me

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to speak for everybody else but, for me, this program has been an amazing help. It has given me a reason—and a means—to keep pushing forward and it keeps me motivated to become the best version of myself possible. I thank this program for being here for people like me; it has truly helped and made a huge difference in my life.

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CHALLENGE &SUPPORT–

I’m not here

to have better introspection. My advisor was my advocate—especially during my freshman year when I was incredibly shy and reserved. As a DIRECT RESULT of being a part of Milli-KINship, I’ve found success on campus. I have become the vice president of a student organization on campus, my grades have improved, and I also have several jobs. Most would say that it’s hard doing what I do—juggling all of my many responsibilities. I agree to a certain degree. Yes, it’s hard, but having a changed mindset and having a support system in place has made all of this juggling possible. I attribute my awesome support system to my being involved in Milli-KINship!

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