Saturday, December 5, 2015

Editing for Washburn Review

Editing for Washburn Review

I found this editing assignment to be both educational and challenging. My understanding of grammar is still not perfect, but reading through the articles, I saw various grammar and spelling errors, along with punctuation mistakes. To catch these errors, I had to make sure to read slowly and thoroughly.

While editing the articles, I also was able to learn more about the topics covered. I was intrigued by the article on the School of Business, what they study in business major, and what kind of job prospects are available after graduation. Although I have no strong interest in business, reading and editing the article was quite enjoyable for me.

My editing skills are not great by any means, but I hope that one day I can apply what I have learned here in my future employment.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Washburn University to host another health care career fair in spring 2016 (edit)


On October 14, Career Services at Washburn University hosted its annual health care career fair for students interested in joining the industry. The fair was open to all majors. The event was held from noon to 2:30 p.m. in Washburn A and B rooms in the Memorial Union.


I attended the fair because I currently work for St. Francis Health and previously did so at Stormont-Vail Health Care, the two largest health care systems in Topeka. I was curious to see what other companies besides those two would be present at the fair. To my surprise, there were many home health, self-owned medical groups, as well as other skilled-nursing facilities. All participating students were dressed professionally and came prepared as they spoke with representatives from their potential future employers.

The recruiters were all nice, friendly, and very helpful. Students were able to ask specific questions about the companies, current and future employment opportunities, internships, as well as non-career related topics such as care and missions of their organizations.

Washburn University will host another health care career fair in spring 2016 for all students interested in the industry. For more information, contact Career Services on campus, and keep a lookout for upcoming posters around campus.

Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative application open until January 9 (edit)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently launched the Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative under the 2016 Secretary’s Honors Program. Approximately 75 undergraduate students will complete cyber-security-focused assignments at more than 50 locations across the country for 12 to 16 weeks over the coming summer. The initiative provides students an opportunity to work with top cyber-security professionals in DHS, while learning how the unique missions of their work help protect national security.

Through hands-on experience, DHS aims to have a significant impact on the education of our nation’s next generation of talent. Selected student volunteers will learn about cyber-security missions related to digital forensics, network diagnostics, incident response and a variety of other specialties. Through the initiative, students are able to explore exciting career opportunities, including those available in public service and cyber security.

Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Currently enrolled at least part-time in a two- or four-year college or university
Must be seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other cyber-security-related studies or career interest
Grade Point Average 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Must complete a successful background check


The department has extended the application deadline to January 9, 2016, and interested students may apply via USAJobs.gov. This program is open to all eligible candidates so if you are interested please apply. For more information, email DHS at CMSI@hq.dhs.gov or contact the criminal justice department at Washburn University. 



Monday, November 30, 2015

Editing for Washburn Review #2

     My second time editing assignment from Washburn Review was also edit two articles. I was not affraid as first time, but I still not confidence in editing grammar mistake because grammar is always my weakness when I writing a article.
     This time I still read through whole articles first to know what these articles about and found out some obvious errors.In order to edit these articles well, I started read each scentences slowly.
     I spent about two hours to finished the editing and fill sense of accomplishment even I do not know how is my editing. I think editing job is not my strengths and I do not think I would have job like editing in the future.

Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative invites students to participate


The Department of Homeland Security has launched the 2016 Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative, where approximately 75 undergraduate students will complete cyber-security focused assignments at more than 50 locations across the country for 12-16 weeks, May-September 2016. The Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative provides undergraduate or graduate students an opportunity to work with the top Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cyber-security professionals, while learning how the unique cyber-security missions of their department work.

Through hands-on experiences, DHS intends to have a meaningful impact on the education of the nation’s next generation of talent. Selected student volunteers will learn about the DHS cyber-security missions related to digital forensics, network diagnostics, incident response and a variety of other specialties. As a Cyber Student Volunteer, students are able to explore exciting career opportunities, including those available in public service and cyber threats.

Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Currently enrolled at least part-time in a two or four year college or university
Must be seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other cyber-security-related studies or career interest
Grade Point Average 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Must complete a successful background check


The department has extended the application deadline to January 9, 2016, and interested students may apply via USAJobs.gov. This experience is open to all so if you are interested please apply. For more information email CMSI@hq.dhs.gov for direct responses or the criminal justice department at Washburn University. 

Washburn Transformational Experience students present Day of Transformation

Washburn Transformational Experience students gathered Friday, Nov 13th in Washburn A and B Room to present their Day of Transformation projects to faculty mentors and student peers.

The projects were to cover one or more of the WTE areas. The first area is community service; students that have a passion to help those in need create new ways to give back to the community.  Another category is International Education, students were able to present what they learned while studying abroad. Students also can do a project on Leadership if they find a way to make something better than before. Finally, the scholarly or creative area allows students to make new discoveries.

The WTE is a program the gives students the opportunity to enhance their learning through experiences outside of the classroom.  Theses experiences allow students to gain a better understanding of the world around them and how to utilize their skills to make a change.

To learn more about WTE and how to be apart of it, contact the appropriate WTE Area Director: Community Service - Dr. Rick Ellis rick.ellis@washburn.edu , International Education – Dr.Baili Zhang baili.zhang@washburn.edu , Leadership – Dr. Michael Gleason michael.gleason@washburn.edu , Scholarly or Creative – Dr. Mike Russell mike.russell@washburn.edu.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Editing for the Washburn Review #1

My first shift for editing at the Washburn Review was edited two articles. when I get the articles copy, I read through each of them to have a first impression.They are totally different topic, one of them is about some tips of choosing Christmas gifts for family and friends, another one is an interview article.
I took my AP style book with me when I start to edit. I think the interview articl is more hard for me to edit, because there are some sentances does not make sence to me so I need to read them several times.
I though I will use AP style book a lot, but actually I just use AP book for a little use of vocabulary and punctuation check.

WU works for students’ safety (Edited)


Parents and Students can feel comfort by knowing that Washburn University strives to keep safety a priority on and off campus. A big part of the process is to let students realizing that they are in charge of their own safety.

Washburn University Police Department Officers patrol around campus all the time by bikes, foot or car. They check in and check out for each buildings throughout campus and parking lots.

For those times when police officers are not in the area or in sight, Washburn Police Department. also monitor 13 “ Help Phones” placed strategically on campus along heavily traveled walkways. All of these “Help Phones” could immediately dial the WU Police Department when receiver is picked up. Also, a blue light is mounted above the phone boxes to help receivers easy to spot at night.

Washburn campus also has an emergency alert notification system, called iAlert. That is used to communicate important alerts and emergency response information. The system is for Washburn University only.

According to the Washburn website, all users will receive an email at their Washburn email address when an iAlert is sent. Users can also choose to receive iAlert via text message and telephone calls by enrolling their telephone numbers. You can visits Washburn website for more information about register and receive iAlert.

Using free transportation is another way that making students stay safe. Students can ride the Topeka Metro bus for free with their Washburn Student ID card. Besides, students can take a taxi get home after late night on the town. The only downside is that the buses would stop running at 6:10 p.m. Rather than driving drunk and putting yourself in danger, Washburn wants to make it easy to make the smart decision. When you or your friends need a safe ride, just dial 267-3777, the dispatcher will ask for your ID number and send a free taxi to take you home.

Recently, theft tends to be happened often in Topeka and Washburn campus. You can register your valuables with either the Washburn or Topeka Police to increase your chance of item recovery in the event of theft.

Fire Prevention is often overlooked when examining safety precautions each year college and university students experience fire-related emergencies. There are several specific causes for fires on campus, cooking, intentionally set fires, overloaded power strips and open flame. It is important that both off campus and on campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives. Recommendations for fire, or general safety, in all types of housing can be found by talking to a person in charge, either an RA or the landlord.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Blox is so much fun. Olivia Edits 2.0

Adam Vlach was so kind as to let me edit stories on Monday, Nov. 23. He saved some on blox in the folder with articles that needed proofing. I struggled with editing, because I don't know how much we are expected to change, and what is reasonable. I am tempted to move around sentences and phrases to give articles more flow, but those are pretty big changes to make on someone else's work. I had to get out the old stylebook a few times. It was good practice for me. Editing is a skill I need to keep working on after this class is over.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Fit Bods come to campus



    The Fit Bods is a new, fitness oriented organization that has been brought to Washburn University’s campus. The Fit Bods is an organization that solely focuses on fitness and the well-being of students’ health on campus. Malcolm Mikkelsen, sophomore and vice president of Washburn Student Government Association, is the creator of the Fit Bods. 
     The Fit Bods currently have 15 active, fee-paying members, who have paid their dues, as well as 32 members who are a part of the Facebook group Mikkelsen created. Kolin Klozenbucher was appointed as vice president of the organization in September. 
    The Fit Bods have a monthly meeting, which is the last Friday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. At each meeting, a guest speaker, whose career or life is built around fitness speaks to the members. The purpose of having a guest speaker in that field is to motivate and to answer any questions members may have in regards to advancing their personal fitness lifestyle.
    “I’ve always thought it would be awesome to have a fitness oriented group on campus. College is a hard experience, and one in which is tough to maintain a fitness schedule with. This group was designed to motivate individuals and to help them motivate one another. Holding each other accountable is something that I am really trying to implement into the core of the Fit Bods. I am looking forward to see all that the Fit Bods can do for me and my fellow Ichabods throughout our college experience," said Mikkelsen.
     The Fit Bods created a t-shirt that is available to all members. The shirt was made by Johnson Design company. The shirts will be ready for members on Dec. 10.  If you have any further questions, comments of concerns e-mail WUFitBods@gmail.com or join The Fit Bods page on Facebook.

Washburn to provide safety to all students, faculty and staff (Edit)

Parents and students can both take comfort in knowing that Washburn University strives to keep safety a priority on and off campus. A big part of the maturing process is realizing that as a student, you are now in charge of your own safety. 

Washburn University Police Department officers patrol campus at all times on bikes, foot and car. The officers check the inside of and around the outside of buildings, patrol the parking lots and continuously walk or bike around campus. There are uniformed officers who patrol all academic building in and out of session.

For those times when a police officer is not in the area or in sight, Washburn Police also monitor 13 “Help Phones,” placed strategically throughout campus along heavily traveled walkways. All of these phones immediately dial the WUPO when the button is pushed. A blue light is mounted above the phone boxes, making them easy to spot at night.

Washburn also has an emergency alert notification system, called iAlert. The system was implemented to communicate important alerts and emergency response information to students, faculty and staff. The system is also specific for Washburn University only.

When an iAlert is sent all users will receive an email at their Washburn email address,” says the Washburn website. “Users can also choose to receive the alerts via text message and telephone calls by enrolling their telephone numbers.”


You can find more info and register to receive iAlerts by visiting the Washburn website and entering “iAlert” in the search box.

Another way Washburn is making college life safer for students, is the use of the free transportation system. In addition to the Topeka Metro bus route that students can ride for free with their Washburn ID, students can use a campus-based taxi system, Safe Ride, to get home after a late night on the town. The only downside is that the buses stop running at 6:10 p.m. Rather than putting yourself and others in danger, Washburn wants to make it easy for students to make the smart decision. When you and your friends are ready to call it a night, just dial 267-3777 and ask for a Safe Ride. The dispatcher will ask for your ID number and send a free taxi to take you home.

Theft tends to be the crime of choice in Topeka as well as on Washburn's campus. You can register your valuables with either the Washburn or Topeka Police to increase your chance of item recovery in the event of theft occuring.

Fire prevention is another item that is often completely overlooked when examining safety precautions, yet each year college students experience fire-related emergencies. There are several specific causes for a fire on campus, including cooking, intentionally setting fires, overloaded power strips and an open flame. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives. Recommendations for fire, or general safety, in all types of housing can be found by talking to a person in charge, either a resident assistant or the landlord. 

For more about Washburn safety and the procedures used on campus, visit www.washburn.edu/police.

Washburn hosts Thanksgiving buffet on campus (Edit)

With the holiday season right around the corner, there are a lot of different events that will unveil as the season progresses. The first event that was held on campus was the Thanksgiving buffet. This was on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The purpose of the buffet was for everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving on campus before Thanksgiving break.
“The buffet was really worth the money, and was the best food I have ever had at Washburn,” said Logan Runnebaum, freshman nursing major.
The buffet was $10 at the door or $9 in advance. The target audience for the event was all students, faculty and staff. The food provided was the traditional style Thanksgiving feast. Some of the food included was, turkey, ham, potatoes and cream corn. For dessert, there were a variety of  different kinds of pie. The pumpkin pie was everyone's favorite portion.
The buffet was a great hit with all of the students, faculty and staff that attended. There was an abundance of people who were in attendance. It is the best buffet that Washburn offers all year; all of the seats were full from the start to the end of the buffet. 
“I always miss the buffet and really wish I could have attended it,” said David Cox, senior mass media major.
Thanksgiving break starts Wednesday, Nov. 25, and class resumes Monday, Nov. 30. With holiday cooking and black Friday shopping coming up, it is nice to be able to go eat at the buffet without actually having to make it.
With the buffet having such a great turn out, I think that it would be beneficial for Washburn to do more buffets like this in the future. I think something that would greatly benefit WU is to have a different buffet every month. It would appeal to a diverse group of students; therefore, keeping more people on campus. This venue would make students feel as though they are getting their money worth, all while being able to enjoy a nice buffet once a month. This would be a great outlet and resource for Washburn to look into having in the near future.

Session 2-Washburn Review

My second session at the Washburn Review was actually yesterday, Nov. 23. Katie Wade printed out five stories for me to edit during my session. This time I felt more confident in what I was doing and didn't have to double check all of the corrections that I made to the articles. The article that stuck out to me the most was the one written about Washburn's womens' basketball team. Some of the wording and phrases used were awkward and choppy, while other I thought ran on and on. The thing that stuck out to me the most about this article, as well as in another article that I edited, was that numbers before ten, they had put the actual numeral for. I learned that a long time ago, and it was definitely reiterated throughout the duration of this class, that numerals under ten are spelled out and anything after ten can be in the numeral form. It was interesting editing the basketball article as well as the one dealing with the Kansas Board of Regents. All of the articles that I edited, I found mistakes in and even fact errors. I was actually proud of myself to find errors in the ones that had previously been edited. This class gave me confidence in my editing skills and allowed me to be able to make corrections without second guessing myself. I honestly look forward to when I have to edit something again. Because, I'll actually have a grasp at what I'm doing.

Session 1-Washburn Review

My first shift for editing at the Washburn Review was on Oct. 26. Eric helped log me on to the online website where they edit the potential upcoming stories. There weren't many stories to edit while I was there, so he just gave me one article. I edited a story about YouTube Music and the new implementations YouTube is making to its brand. I was honestly surprised about how grammatically incorrect the article was. I'm not sure if it had been edited before I had a chance to look at it or if it was the first draft, but it was such an interesting site to see. I think there was a lot of confusion on quotes within the article and how to properly format that. Also, when I was reading each time there were quotations around a word or sentence, the would end with the punctuation outside of the quotation marks. From this class, I am completely aware that it was an editing no-no.  There were other punctuation errors here and there. Overall, it was a very informative article that took a lot of work to fix.

This was toward the middle of semester that I edited at the review for the first time. It was difficult remembering everything I had been taught, so it took me longer than I had anticipated. Other than that, I enjoyed editing and honestly, finding the mistakes. It made me feel as though the lessons I learned in this class were finally starting to click.

The final countdown to finals week


Success Week was implemented to provide students with a week geared towards preparing for finals week. At other universities, the week before finals is normally called "Dead Week." Washburn University wanted to promote positivity and to create an environment that students achieve the utmost excellence. Along with allowing students ample amount of time for studying, the week is filled with events that are created as an outlet for stress relief.

Washburn Student Government Association's student engagement committee in charge of preparation for the events that happen throughout Success Week. They start a year in advance for collaboration on these specific events. Each event has been tailored to fit the majority of students' interests. This year there is a broad range of events to accommodate for what the students want.

Monday: “Polar Express” movie night in Vogel Room- 7 p.m.
Tuesday:  Pizza and energy drink give out in Mabee- 7 p.m.
Wednesday:  “Coffee Ground Off” in Washburn A/B-  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
                         “Massages at Mabee” in Mabee- 7 p.m.
Thursday:  PJ Day on Washburn’s campus-ALL DAY
                   Late Night Breakfast in Kansas Room- 7 p.m.
Friday:  Dog Days of Finals in SRWC- 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday:  Pizza Night in Mabee- 7 p.m.

This year's Success Week is Nov. 30, through Dec. 6. This year's finals week is Dec. 7, through Dec. 11.


Monday, November 23, 2015

Theatre students to study abroad in London (EDIT)

A group of Washburn theatre students will be spending their spring break exploring the streets of London, England for a study abroad trip.
This will be the second time within the past year that Washburn has sponsored this study abroad opportunity for theatre department students. The last trip to London was in May and lasted 10 days.
Paul Prece, chair of the theatre department, travels with the group of students as the faculty mentor. Prece works with a touring agency based out of New York and spends months planning the trip.
"London is a mecca for theatre and other arts," said Prece. "The city is widely diverse in its neighborhoods and population and draws visitors internationally and year-round."
Theatre majors Abbey Geiss, senior, and Jamie Schartz, junior, were two of the students who attended the London trip in May.
"I decided to take the trip because I had never been out of the country before, and the thought of travel has always been exciting to me," said Geiss.
During the last trip to London, students attended five theatrical productions. Two of the shows included "War Horse” at the New London Theatre and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" at the National Theatre.
"I read the novel [Curious Incident] before we left and fell in love with it," said Schartz. "Everything about the show was pristine. The cast was brilliant, the set was magical and the acting was phenomenal."
In addition to the required activities, students were also given the opportunity to tour the city independently. Prece recommended that students visit the Tate Modern Museum and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
For the upcoming trip in March there will be several new students attending including Alex Laughlin, junior theatre major.
"When I was younger my family took a trip to London and I was too young to really appreciate the history and the trip itself," said Laughlin. "So I want to go back and relive the experience."
According to Prece, the upcoming spring break trip will mirror the May trip. Students will attend professional productions, experience an overnight trip to Stratford and witness the "changing of the guard" at Buckingham Palace.
"There is always much to see and do in London. This time will be no different," said Prece. "My hope is that this trip will make students realize how wide the world is and begin to understand their place and possibility."

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Prepare yourself for the most stressful time of the semester (edit)

The time has come to start preparing for finals week. Next week is Thanksgiving break already. The week following break is success week then it is time, time for finals! This time of year can be very stressful; especially this year since it seems like it all falls so close together. 

There are several things to remember when preparing for the next couple of weeks. Students need to first remember to maintain their health. Don’t sacrifice sleep for study time. Even if you cram all night and skip sleep. Most likely what will happen is your test scores will suffer from lack of sleep rather than lack of studying. On the same token, don’t forget to eat properly. Food is key in brain function as well as sleep. A great tip is to eat a balanced breakfast the day of an exam. When you are full, your brain will be more focused on the material, and not on tacos…or chicken nuggets. 

Plan a good space to study. Unlike in the past, the library will not be open 24/7 during this week. The new hours that have started this fall will continue during finals week, according to Mabee Library’s website. If you prefer to study there, take a look at the hours and schedule your study time around that. 

On the topic of scheduling, make sure to pace yourself. During this time of year students have a lot going on. That last couple weeks of school have a lot of projects due, exams are getting closer and it's just a very overwhelming time of the semester. I have found that it is good to lay out your assignments on a calendar and stick to it. For all papers and lengthy assignments, it is best to spread them out doing a little bit at a time. For example, plan to complete two pages a week which will allow you to complete an eight page paper in four weeks without extensive sessions and cramming. 


Don’t forget, take care of yourself, pace yourself and professors and advisors are here to help you. Contact them if you are overwhelmed and need help, they will help you.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Thanksgiving buffet kick starts the holidays (EDIT)

The holidays are just around the corner. With the upcoming holidays, there are a lot of different upcoming events. The first event on campus was the Thanksgiving buffet. This was on Wednesday, Nov. 18th. The buffet was for everyone to celebrate on campus before Thanksgiving break. 

“The buffet was really worth the money and was the best food I have ever had at Washburn,” said Logan Runnebaum a freshman nursing major.

The buffet was 10 dollars at the door or nine dollars in advance. It was for all students and faculty. It was a transitional Thanksgiving buffet with foods such as, turkey, ham, potatoes and cream corn. For dessert there there was pumpkin and pecan pie. 

A lot of people attended the event and everyone seemed to enjoy it. All of the seats were full from the start to the end of the buffet.  It is the best buffet that Washburn offers all year.

“I always miss the buffet and really wish I could have attended it.” Said David Cox a mass media senior.

Thanksgiving break starts Wednesday, Nov. 25th and classes resume Monday, Nov. 30th.  With holiday cooking and Black Friday shopping coming up it, is nice to be able to go and eat at a buffet without having to do any of the cooking or preparation.

If Washburn dining put on more buffets, it would keep more people on campus and generate more money. Many people feel the food is overpriced, however it is nice to be able to bring people together over a quality meal as the holidays begin. 

Buffet to kick off the holidays

Holidays are just around the corner.  With the upcoming holidays, there are a lot of different events that come about. The first event on campus was the Thanksgiving buffet. This was on Wednesday, November 18th. The buffet was for everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving on campus before Thanksgiving break.

“ The buffet was really worth the money and was the best food I have ever had at Washburn,” Said Logan Runnebaum, a freshman Nursing major.

The buffet was 10 dollars at the door or nine dollars in advance. It was for all students and faculty. The food, was all traditional Thanksgiving food. Some of he food included was, Turkey, ham potatoes and cream corn. For desert there were a few different kinds of pie. The pumpkin pie was everyone’s favorite.

The buffet was a great hit with all students who attended. There was an abundance of people who attended. All of the seats were full from the start to the end of the buffet.  It is the best buffet that Washburn offers all year.

“I always miss the buffet and really wish I could have attended it.” Said David Cox a mass media senior.

Thanksgiving break starts Wednesday, November 25th and class resume Monday November 30th.  With holiday cooking and black Friday coming up it is nice to just be able to go and eat at a buffet and not have to do any of the work.


With the buffet being such a hit I feel that they should do more buffet like this in the future. Maybe a different buffet every month would be really nice and keep more people on campus. Also it makes student feel like they get their moneys worth. There are a lot of people on campus who feel that the food is over priced.