Club for future international leaders doing good on campus (Edit)

This year is the third year of a new program at Washburn University called Presidential Ambassadors for International Students (PAIS). PAIS members are leaders in the International Office and are available to help all international students in any way they can.

“I think PAIS is fantastic. It helps to internationalize our campus and helps international students stay safe and be successful at Washburn,” said Andy Vogel, the coordinator and international student recruiter at the Washburn International House.

At the end of March, PAIS had a meeting that included all new members and some returning members. They got together and discussed the achievements over the year and what they would like to do for the next year. The meeting also discussed how to further internationalize Washburn University. The attending members came up with many ideas about how to help the international students better. Vogel said before the end of the spring semester, PAIS is going to make a short video with PAIS members sharing study tips, like homework tips and taking notes in class. For next semester, PAIS will work on a library area that provides examples of good papers, excellent notes, MLA style, APA style, good researching examples and citations pages. To enrich international students’ Washburn life, PAIS is planning to host new types of events that reach both American and international students and continue the Culture Nights—nights to experience food and music of a specific culture or country.

“We did an excellent job for international education week and hosted a few very successful and popular parties for international students, something I think we should considering expanding,” said Vogel.

The PAIS program is open to all students who meet the GPA of 3.0 or higher and are involved in at least one extracurricular activity for the duration of year.   “This program is a steppingstone for those students looking to work internationally or in the field of international studies, international business, international relations and higher education or live abroad. We welcome more students come to join us ” said Vogel. 

To become a PAIS member, the responsibilities include taking the Leadership/Orientation training courses and be available during fall and spring Orientation as guides; be available to guide and council international students throughout the year and help with international programming in the Office of International Programs. 

After the yearlong program, PAIS members can receive the Certificate of Service personally signed by Jerry Farley, Washburn University president and a recommendation letter from the Office of International Programs.

“I thought overall, the PAIS has done a great job this year. I also know of numerous times when PAIS has reached out to international students in need from their various countries and provided assistance. I have also had a lot more interest in students wanting to become a part PAIS this semester, so that is good,” said Vogel.

Students can feel safe on campus

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

Washburn University Police Department officers patrol campus at all times on bikes, foot and car. They check in and out of buildings, throughout campus and parking lots. Uniformed officers patrol all academic buildings.

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 WU Police Department when the receiver is picked up. 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, to communicate important alerts and emergency response information. The system is 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 alerts by visiting the Washburn website and entering “iAlert” in the search box.

Another way Washburn is making life in college safer for a student is the use of free transportation. In addition to the Topeka Metro bus route that students can ride for free with their WUID, students can use a taxi 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 driving drunk and putting yourself and others in danger, Washburn wants to make it easy 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 and on the 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 completely overlooked when examining safety precautions yet each year college and university students experience fire-related emergencies. There are several specific causes for fires on campus, including 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. 

Editing Round 2

The second time editing was much better than the first time as I didn't need any guidance and was able to work on my own. It was still rather intimidating, but it was fun to get to look over the articles to edit them. I also got to take some photos for the issue, something different than my normal writing role.

Editing #2

The second time I edited, it seem like my wishes were granted. I wanted to edit on paper and not on a screen. I felt like I was able to edit a lot more than I did the last time. I felt more comfortable this time. I must say that the people that work in there are all really née and helpful. If I was actually good at editing I would try to work there.

Prepare for your finals week

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 2 to 3 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, your test scores could suffer just as bad 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 about that.

On the topic of scheduling, make sure to pace yourself. During this time of year students have a lot going on. A lot of projects are due, exams to take making it an overwhelming experience. 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 a 8 page paper in 4 weeks without extensive sessions and cramming.

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

Editing for the Washburn Review 1 & 2

I had the distinct honor of spending two hours of my life copy editing for the Washburn Review. Besides the constant noise of air blowing, it was not too terrible. However, I do not know if the stories I  edited had been edited before me, but there were a substantial amount of errors. If they had been edited before me, they need to fire their copy editors and find better ones. With that being said, the people I interacted with in there were very friendly and answered any questions I had. I talked with Stephanie (I think that's who it was) and a few other students in there and they had nothing but good things to say about the Review other than printing the wrong picture for the story of the faculty member who died of cancer. That was awkward. Other than that, I did what I had to do and accomplished it.

KBI building opens its doors to the public [Edited]

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation officially opened its new forensic lab on the Southeast side of Washburn’s campus Monday, Nov. 2.

The new, three-story building is 100,000 square feet and houses state-of-the-art crime labs, which were previously located in the basement of the former Crane Junior High School. The project cost $55 million to complete, and was funded by the Topeka Public Building Commission. The project is a result of a partnership between the university, KBI and the City of Topeka.

The building houses reserved areas for KBI research in biology, DNA, toxicology, chemistry, firearm/tool mark, latent prints, trace evidence and digital forensics. More importantly, for future and current Washburn students, the building is home to an expanded forensics program. KBI forensic laboratories are located on the south side, while classrooms for students are on the north side. 

Since the plans to build the lab, WU has added courses in digital forensics, forensic anthropology and forensic investigation. One hundred students have already signed up for classes in the new programs for Spring 2016.

A few spaces will be shared between Washburn students and KBI, including a crime reconstruction space and a 100-seat auditorium. Washburn faculty and staff are excited about the opportunity to have KBI scientists as guest lecturers and experts in classes to teach students real life applications. Faculty and the scientists at the KBI building hope to retain and inspire graduating students to work for KBI in the same building after graduation.

Few university campuses across the nation have working forensic labs on their campuses. It is also the only one with shared space between the students and KBI scientists. 

The opening and dedication included Governor Sam Brownback, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, KBI Director Kirk Thompson, Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast and President Jerry Farley. 

The building welcomed guests for a public open house Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People who did not attend the open house will not have the opportunity to view the KBI side of building at a later date.